Arrive via Dubrovnik airport shuttle (tickets sold in arrivals hall) or prebooked transfer—cars cannot enter the old town, so expect a short walk with luggage. Purchase the Dubrovnik Pass online to bundle city walls, museums, and unlimited bus rides.
City Walls + Old Town
Walk the walls at 8 a.m. or 5 p.m. to avoid midday heat. Pack water and hats; there is only one cafe mid-route. Explore Rector's Palace, Franciscan Monastery (pharmacy museum), and the cable car up Mount Srđ for panoramic views; sunset tables at Panorama Restaurant require reservations.
Swimming Spots
- Banje Beach near Ploče Gate for easy access.
- Šulić Beach under Fort Lovrijenac for cliff jumps.
- Lapad Sunset Beach accessible by bus No. 4—gentler waves and showers.
Islands + Excursions
Lokrum Island ferries depart Old Port every 30 minutes; bring cash for the ticket booth and pack reef-safe sunscreen. For the Elaphiti Islands (Koločep, Lopud, Šipan), book small-boat tours or use Jadrolinija ferries. Pelješac Peninsula makes a tasty day trip—rent a car, visit Ston walls, sample oysters in Mali Ston, and end with Dingac wine tastings.
Want to add Montenegro? Organized day tours handle border crossings; bring passports and patience for summer queues. Kotor and Perast fits into a long day but start at 6 a.m.
Practical
- Tap water is safe; refill at fountains by Onofrio's Fountain.
- Old Town streets are slippery polished stone—wear shoes with grip.
- Cruise-ship crowds peak 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; plan wall walks and cable-car rides outside those hours.