Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a city located in southern Croatia, right on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in Croatia due to its location and attractions, in fact the city received around 1.4 million visitors in 2019. Dubrovnik is most known for its iconic Old Town, which is surrounded by giant stone walls.
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: 112
- Language: Croatian
- Currency: Croatian Kuna
- Country Code: HR
- Travel Visa: None required
- Population: 28,428
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For the Emergency services just dial 112 from any phone.
Hospitals in Dubrovnik
Tourist Offices
Travelling Around
Airports
Bus Stations
Dubrovnik Safety
Where can I keep up with local news?
What are some tips for staying safe in Dubrovnik?
Be alert at all times and be aware of your surroundings. Take the usual safety precautions so you do not become a targets for pickpockets. Don’t put your wallet or mobile phone in your back pocket. Put any valuables items in a dark colour shopping bag when going out to avoid attention.
The prices differ greatly around the city. When looking for places to eat be aware that main streets that are the busiest or have the most traffic, restaurant touts will try to get you to sit and eat. Make sure you know what you are looking for as it is easy to be convinced to sit for an expensive meal.
When withdrawing cash from ATM try to go inside the bank. Beware of withdrawing cash from cash points on pedestrian walkways. Try to withdraw small sums and don’t flash your cash around even in the bank.
Are there any common city crimes?
Beware of pickpockets as they tend to operate in tourist areas, keep your belongings secure at all times and be careful if strangers try to make conversation or distract you as it could be an attempt to steal your valuables.
Credit card fraud, cloning cards can be an issue be careful where you use your cards. Also if you are withdrawing money from cash machines make sure you cover your pin and be discreet about the amount of cash you withdraw.
Local Traditions
Every culture has its customs and traditions, they have been handed down the generations and are always held in high regards by the local residents.
Annual Ceremonies
Pandispanj
Pandispanj is a sweet cake and a favourite of the people in Croatia, it is available in many cake shops and cafes around the city and well worth trying with a strong coffee.
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
Dubrovnik Events
The summer festival is held in July each year and runs though until August. The city streets are taken over by performances and parades, there is a great atmosphere celebrating the art and culture of the city. A selection of venues hold on exhibitions and shows for visitors and residents to enjoy, its a great opportunity to see the city in a different light and experience what the people are all about.
St Blaise is the patron saint of the city and the Festival of St Blaise honours the saint, there is a precession through the city streets, colourful flags and costumes are worn and waved in celebration. The old town comes alive and after the precession the whole place bursts in to life with parties, music and dancing in to the early hours. A great festival to experience taking place in February each year.
Oysters are one of specialities of the area and March is the best time of year when they are at their best. The city comes alive with food lovers who flock to the old town to experience oysters every way possible; the local restaurants create many different dishes. There are a lot of locals that believe the best way is just with a squeeze of lemon and pinch of salt.
Dubrovnik Highlights
Are there any good museums in Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik Aquarium and Maritime Museum
The Aquarium and Maritime Museum is located just outside the old town. There are a large variety of exhibits and tanks with a good variety of sea life. The museum is above giving an insight in to the coastal life of the area, the Aquarium is below and offers a underwater look of the coastal waters.
The Archaeological museum is a state of the art venue that takes visitors on an interactive experience of the city and history of its people though the ages. It is a very interesting and mind opening experience that gives the visitor a new perspective on the country and how it has evolved to become the place of beauty and culture it is today.
Museum of Croatian War of Independence
The museum is located in one wing of Fort Imperial on Mount Srd. It offers a great interactive way to see how the war came about and the conflict came to a conclusion. This is another attraction that visitors need to prepare themselves for, as there were some horrific realities that have been captured in a graphic and realistic way by the museum. It is insightful and very moving.
What are some places worth visiting?
Korcula is an island just of the coast of Dubrovnik, the island is associated with love and has a history that reflects it. In the 17th century a writer and artist Petar Kanavelic who wrote love songs, poems and dramas and was regarded as one of the greatest Croatian writers of his day, around 1673 he became the representative of the Korcula community in Venice. There is a school named after him in the town of Korcula. It’s a beautiful place that definitely inspires creativity.
Lokrum is only 600 metres from the city of Dubrovnik and is well worth a visit if you are looking for one of those picturesque places, there is a regular ferry service from the city and day trips are recommended. On the island’s highest point at 96 metres stands Fort Royal Castle, which is worth the walk as the views on a clear day are incredible.
The cathedral was built on the site that has a great history of religious buildings, today it is an amazing feet of building and craftsmanship. Inside the main altar holds a polyptych created by the great artist Titian, portraying a version of the Assumption of the Virgin. Well worth a visit just for the work, it is also famous for its series of alters witch are all impressive.
