12 things you need to know before traveling to Dubrovnik

Gorgeous Dubrovnik, isolated at the southernmost point of Croatia by a small nook of Bosnia and Hercegovina, was once an independent republic. Today, it's the pulsing heart of an exciting region that calls for more than a mere stopover. The great walled city crowns a verdant coastline with fascinating villages, wears its enthralling history (both real and pop culture, via Game of Thrones locations) out in the open and, despite occasionally overwhelming popularity with tourists, preserves its laid-back atmosphere.

Don't confuse laid-back with anything goes, however. Dubrovnik is best experienced with a measure of planning and consideration. Reservations may be necessary, transportation is available by various means, and heeding some general courtesies will ease the cadence of your visit.

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Here are the travel tips you need to know about what to arrange ahead of time, what to watch out for and what things to do while you are in Dubrovnik.

Planning for your trip to Dubrovnik

1. Book accommodations and restaurants in advance

Arriving in Dubrovnik spontaneously and expecting to find a place to stay in the high season is pretty much a recipe for disaster. Small Dubrovnik gets busy and fully booked easily, especially the luxury hotels and private accommodations.

The same goes for popular restaurants: if your palate yearns for a certain place, make a reservation a few days ahead to avoid disappointment, except for the Michelin-starred 360°, which you should book a month in advance.

2. Get a Dubrovnik Pass

Many visitors find the prices of attractions around Dubrovnik to be on the higher side, but the Dubrovnik Pass grants access to the main sights, plus free bus tickets and discounts in shops and restaurants. Depending on whether you go for a one-, three- or seven-day card, it'll include entry to the city walls and museums like the Rector’s Palace and Franciscan Monastary, as well as discounts for Lokrum and Mljet Island.

3. Prepare for border crossings and understand travel restrictions

If you're driving between Dubrovnik and Split, or if you intend to visit the Ottoman gem of Mostar, you'll have to cross the border with Bosnia and Hercegovina, and getting to the stunning Kotor requires crossing the border with Montenegro. To avoid hassle and disappointment, check the entry requirements first.

For transportation to Split, consider going by a catamaran from Krilo, then island-hopping along the way.

4. Walk or take a bus – never, ever drive to Dubrovnik's old town

One single-lane road leads to the old town, and at the end of it, the scarce and expensive parking is highly unlikely to be available. So swap the drive for a stroll or a bus ride. Compact and scenic, Dubrovnik is very walkable, and the public bus network covers the city areas very well.

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5. Explore more than Dubrovnik's old town

Many visitors make the mistake of thinking there’s not much more to Dubrovnik than the walled city. But after walking this symbol of the city from end to end, spend another day or two on the grid of stone streets. Pick out the palaces, towers and churches used in Game of Thrones, then head uphill to Srđ to marvel at the carpet of terracotta roofs and the dazzling panorama that showcases Dubrovnik beyond its historic core.

At the Gruž port, you can roam the markets or travel back to the Yugoslav era at the Red History Museum. Take an afternoon dip at one of the many pebbly beaches, then soak up sunsets from the Lapad seafront. 

Ready to go further afield? Hop a ferry to Lokrum or serene Mljet Island and its forested national park. Sip bold reds in the wineries on the Pelješac Peninsula and discover folklore in the Konavle Valley, all while indulging in the easygoing local lifestyle.

Packing for your trip to Dubrovnik

1. Beachwear, slip-proof footwear and layers are essential to smart packing

The locals in Dubrovnik dress casually but stylishly. In the summer, your suitcase should contain classics: shorts or airy dresses to all things sun and beach, from swimsuits and flip-flops to hats, shades and sunblock. Don't forget a light scarf and rain jacket for breezy evenings and summer showers.

In September and October, layers that account for the wind and rain are the way to go. At all times, bring slip-proof footwear, as the shiny limestone streets are notorious for being slick at the slightest drizzle.

Etiquette in Dubrovnik

1. In the old town, keep your clothes on and mind your manners

While it may be easy to confuse all of Dubrovnik for a beach, the old town is a neighborhood with schools, churches and institutions, so remain respectful at all times.

A reenactment of Game of Thrones' walk of shame might sound like fun, but tourists are expected to remain fully clothed at all times. If visiting churches, honor the sacred spaces by covering your shoulders and taking off your hat. Refrain from using your phone, turn off the ringer and never sightsee during services.

2. Nurse your espresso and steer clear of to-go cups

Croatians take drinking coffee seriously. This is a favorite local pastime and a social ritual, so if you're invited for coffee, try not to pass. Whether you take an espresso or bijela kava (latte), sip it slowly and never take it in a to-go cup.

3. Ditch bottled water and refill at fountains

Tap water is drinkable in Dubrovnik, and in the old town, you can refill your bottle from the fountains, like the two Onofrios, which have the coolest water around.

4. Pay by card but tip in cash

Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it's generally expected and much appreciated. In restaurants the magical number is around 10%, while in bars you can round up the bill.

Aside from Amex, credit cards are widely accepted, but you'll need to carry cash for tips, as it's rarely possible to add it to the credit card bill. Don’t be surprised when asked whether you’re paying with cash or card before seeing the bill; Croatian tax authorities require input of that information before the bill is printed.

5. Be mindful when asking questions about the war

The shelling from 1991 to 1992 left Dubrovnik shattered and deeply wounded. This is not a topic to be approached lightly; you may ask questions in a respectful manner, but be aware that some people prefer not to talk about it.

Safety in Dubrovnik

1. Relax and enjoy, but exercise common sense

With a tight-knit community and generally well-lit areas, Dubrovnik remains a very safe city, both day and night. While crime rates are low, exercise common sense when in crowds, as pickpockets turn up on occasion.