Dubrovnik Cruise Port Guide: Old Town, City Walls & Game of Thrones

From its stunning medieval walls to the sparkling Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is a city that captures the imagination. If you’re arriving by cruise ship, exploring this UNESCO-listed gem independently is easier than you might think!

Discover convenient transport options, must-see sights (including some Game of Thrones magic), and tips for navigating the crowds. Let’s dive into your perfect Dubrovnik DIY shore excursion!

This is Part 1 of my Dubrovnik Port Guide series. Part 2 is on the Dubrovnik Pass and whether it’s worth it for your port day WARNING: This guide is LONG – use the Table of Contents below to navigate to sections that interest you!

Dubrovnik Cruise Port: Is a DIY Excursion Easy? 😎😎😎😎 Smooth Sailing

Dubrovnik Cruise Port is quite easy to explore on your own! On my DIY shore excursion scale, I rated it 😎😎😎😎 smooth sailing! Here’s why:

• Easy Bus Trip to Old Town: If your ship is docked at Dubrovnik Cruise Port, then the trip to Dubrovnik Old Town is quick, easy and cheap! The Dubrovnik bus station is opposite the cruise port!
• Compact Walkable Old Town: Most attractions in Old Town, including walking the city walls, are within easy walking distance. But be warned, there’s quite a few steps to see some of the attractions!
• Cable car to Mount Srd means no hiking to the summit for views, unless you want to!

Dubrovnik Cruise Port Essentials: All You Need to Know

1. Dubrovnik Cruise Port: Where Your Ship Docks

Large ships will dock in Gruz, about 3km (~2 miles) northwest from Dubrovnik Old Town 👆. For examples, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, MSC, NCL ships etc will dock at Gruz. The Dubrovnik Cruise Port address is Obala Ivana Pavla II, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia – see Dubrovnik Cruise Port in Gruz marked in my Dubrovnik Cruise Port map below.

Small ships will typically anchor in front of Old Town and you’ll be tendered into “Porat Dubrovnik” (the Old Town port)👆 – see this marked in my Dubrovnik Cruise Port map. On my latest visit, Azamara Cruises tendered in. It’s a 2-minute walk to “Fishmarket Gate“, in front of Sponza Palace.

2. Dubrovnik Cruise Port: Useful Tidbits

• Currency: Euro
  • Kuna no longer accepted: Croatia changed its currency to the euro on January 1st, 2023. The Croatian Kuna is no longer accepted as legal tender.
  • 💶 Cash or 💳 Card? Most attractions including the Dubrovnik Pass, restaurants and food outlet (available at tourism information office) will take debit/credit cards. The only item I needed cash for was for an ice cream from a small shop.
• Language: Croatian but as Dubrovnik has become Croatia’s #1 tourist destination, everyone will speak English with you!
• Official Websites: Dubrovnik’s official tourism website offers helpful downloadable brochures to guide your visit. Like many popular Mediterranean destinations, the Old Town can get crowded during summer, especially when cruise ships are in port. If you’re planning a cruise, use Dubrovnik’s “Visitors Prediction” tool to estimate crowd levels.”
• Recommended Transport App: Google Maps worked perfectly for me when I visited Dubrovnik – its public transit directions were spot on. Want a quick guide to the bus routes most useful for cruise visitors? Check out my overview below!
• eSIM for roaming in Croatia: For a great data connection without the huge roaming fees, use an eSim data pack from Airalo. I always recommend having a smartphone with a valid plan when you’re at port touring independently. Get US$3 off your first eSIM data pack from Airalo when you use ROXANN1666 when you sign up or apply it at checkout

Dubrovnik Cruise Port Map

• On Desktop | Laptop? Use buttons on bottom left to zoom in/out. Click on the upper right hand corner to see a bigger version.
• On Tablet | Mobile? Pinch your screen to zoom in/out and use two fingers to move map around. If you have Google Maps installed on your tablet/mobile, my map will open in your Google Maps app if you click on the upper right hand corner.
• If map is not loading correctly, click here to see it directly on Google Maps

Getting from Dubrovnik Cruise Port to Old Town

Dubrovnik Cruise Port is conveniently located right across from the central bus station. Some cruise lines such as Virgin Voyages will offer a complimentary shuttle to Old Town, dropping you off from just outside Pile Gate.

If your cruise line is not offering a free shuttle to Old Town, the public bus is a cheap and easy alternative. If you prefer a taxi, there’s a taxi stand at the port, and the ride to Old Town should cost €10-15, depending on traffic.

1. Finding the bus station from Dubrovnik Cruise Port

Disembarking is a breeze – you’ll walk down a ramp right from your cruise ship and the central bus station (“Autobusni kolodvor”) is just across the street! See the bus station marked on my Dubrovnik Cruise Port map above

Note: On busy days with multiple ships in port, you might need to walk a short distance along the pier before you can exit the port area and cross the street to the bus station.

2. Key Bus Routes from Dubrovnik Cruise Port to Old Town

Port Gruz, in the centre of the map, is where large cruise ships dock. Buses 1A, 1B, and 3 all go to Pile Gate, the main entrance to Old Town, and will also take you back to the cruise port. They run frequently, so you don’t need to stress about timetables.

On these three bus routes, the “Pile Gate” stop is the last stop on the route.

3. Where to Buy Bus Tickets before Boarding

It’s easiest to buy your bus tickets at the Libertas kiosk (it’s a newsagent) at the bus station. Since the bus fares are an odd amount, the kiosk tends to have change. (The odd ticket prices are because Croatia switched from kunas to euros in 2023.)

• Kiosk: The easiest way to get tickets is the Libertas kiosk at the central bus station. One-way ticket (2025 Prices) costs €1.73. A two-ride ticket is €3.19.
• Bus Driver: You can buy a single ticket directly from the driver for €2.50, but large notes won’t be accepted.
• Day Pass: If you plan to explore Dubrovnik more extensively, consider a one-day unlimited bus ticket for €5.31.

Tip: It’s easier if you buy all the bus tickets you need at the same time, or a day pass. If you follow my itinerary below, you’ll only need a return ticket. Tickets don’t expire, so remember to validate them when you board the bus!

NEW FOR 2025: If you’ve decided to purchase the Dubrovnik Pass online, you can now scan the QR code onboard a bus on your first bus trip and obtain your included 24-hour bus ticket. You need to keep this physical ticket and scan it on any subsequent bus journeys. This is much more convenient for cruisers – the old procedure was to collect a physical ticket from a ticket office! (For more details about this, read my blog post on Dubrovnik Pass – Is it Worth It for Your Cruise Ship Day Trip?)

Dubrovnik Cruise Port: Top Things to Do Within Dubrovnik’s City Walls

If it’s your first time in Dubrovnik, I would recommend that you see what’s within the City Walls first. The Old Town within Dubrovnik’s City Walls is entirely car-free, so the only mode of transport is via your own feet. You can easily walk from one end of the Stradun (the Main Street) to the other side in under 5 minutes.

1. Walk the City Walls of Dubrovnik

If there’s one experience that absolutely defines a visit to Dubrovnik, it’s walking the magnificent City Walls. Forget just seeing history; this is your chance to literally walk on top of it!

These aren’t just any old ramparts; we’re talking about one of the most complete and best-preserved medieval defensive systems in the world, proudly holding UNESCO World Heritage status. 

Stretching for nearly two kms (~ 1.2 miles) and encircling the entire Old Town, these monumental stone fortifications have protected the city for centuries, from the 12th right through to the 17th century.

What Makes Dubrovnik’s City Walls Special

What makes them truly special isn’t just their imposing height – reaching up to 25 metres (~82 feet) in places – or their impressive array of forts, bastions, and towers.

It’s the incredible, uninterrupted panoramic views they offer: a breathtaking tapestry of terracotta rooftops cascading down to the shimmering Adriatic Sea, with verdant islands dotting the horizon. 

Fans of Games of Thrones will recognise the city walls as the imposing defences of King’s Landing. When I did the walk, it was hard not to imagine dragons flying over me!

Entrances (Access Points) to Dubrovnik’s City Walls

There’s multiple entrances or access points to climb up to Dubrovnik’s City Walls. Remember that it’s a circular walk, so you can start and finish at any of these entrances.

All entrances are marked on my Dubrovnik Cruise Port map, as the smaller entrances are hard to describe exactly where it is.

• Pile Gate (Main Entrance): This is the most popular and often busiest entrance, located on the western side of the Old Town, near the Large Onofrio’s Fountain and Church of St. Saviour. It involves a steep climb of stairs (see photo above 👆) to get onto the walls. The stairs have handrails. Once you’re up on the city walls, there’s just occasional steps, though there are sections where you will be walking uphill and downhill. (If the steep climb appears daunting to you, then consider using one of the other entrances below.)
• Ploče Gate (Eastern Entrance): Located near the St. Luke Fort and the inner Ploče Gate, near the Dominican Monastery (hard to miss as there’s signs pointing to the Dominican Museum) and the Church of St Announcements (easier to miss as it’s small). This entrance is usually less crowded than Pile Gate and has fewer stairs to climb up. The entrance is just a small gate, so look out for a red sign at the entrance👇.
• St. John’s Fortress (Maritime Museum Entrance): Situated at the southeastern corner of the Old Town, by the Old Port and the Maritime Museum. This is usually the quietest entrance and is also the easiest entrance if your ship tendered you into the Old Port. The entrance is right next to the Maritime Museum.

Dubrovnik City Walls Tickets

• 2025 Prices: Tickets are €40 for adults and €15 for kids over 7.
• Opening Hours: Varies throughout the year. 9am to 6:30pm (April to May), 8am to 7:30pm (June to July), 8am to 7pm (August – 15 Sept), 9am to 6pm (16 Sept to October). Click here for winter months.
• Where to Buy: Buy Dubrovnik Pass online to get a QR code to scan, or buy a physical ticket at Pile Gate Ticket Office, next to the stairs. It’s well sign-posted. The ticket office accepts debit / credit cards.

If your group consists only of adults, then you’ll almost certainly “save money” by buying a 24-hour Dubrovnik Pass, because you’ll have access to other paid attractions. The adult price for a Dubrovnik Pass is the same as an entrance ticket to the Dubrovnik City Walls.

Read my Dubrovnik Pass: Is It Worth It for Your Cruise Ship Day Trip to find out!

Important Info About Your Visit

• Purchase Ticket First: You MUST have purchased your ticket before you reach the entrance. Staff do not sell tickets at these entrances.
• Single Entry: Once you exit the walls, you cannot re-enter with the same ticket. Even if you use the Dubrovnik Pass. There’s no stamping of hands!
• No Time Limit: There’s also no limit on how long you can spend on the City Walls (other than official opening hours, of course), so you can walk for more than one complete loop if you wish.
• Walk in Counter-Clockwise Direction: Once you’re on top of the City Walls, you’ll be asked to walk in one direction only – counter-clockwise. This is for crowd control purposes. Staff DO enforce this, so take all the photos you want before moving on, because it’s hard to backtrack.

Walking Dubrovnik’s City Walls – My Top Tips

• Start as Early as You Can: Crowds (and the heat) can get intense in summer, so make this your first stop – the earlier, the better! Walls open at 8am during summer months. Make it the first stop in your DIY itinerary.
• What to Bring: There’s virtually no shade along the walk. So during summer months, bring a hat, sunscreen and water.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: There’s some uneven stone surfaces, varying inclines and declines.
• Refreshments: There’s a few small cafes and kiosks along the walls where you can buy drinks and ice cream. Some of the cafes have WC facilities but I don’t remember coming across other WCs along the route.
• Budget for 1-2 hours: It’s technically not a long walk, a full loop is just over a mile. There’s lots to see and fantastic views to soak in.

Unfortunately this is not a step-free attraction, so you should bear this in mind.

My Experience: Is It Worth It?

At €40 entrance fee, it’s certainly on the expensive side. So did I think it was worth it?

Walking the Dubrovnik City Walls was, without a doubt, a highlight and an absolutely wonderful experience. It’s one of the best ways to truly get a feel for this incredible medieval city. (If you don’t think you’ll return to Dubrovnik any time soon, I think it’s worth not just the cost, but the physical energy and precious port time to do the walk.)

While the walk itself isn’t overly strenuous in terms of terrain, I visited on a day when the sun was blazing, making it feel terribly hot. Thank goodness I came prepared with a wide-brimmed hat and plenty of water – they were absolute lifesavers!

For me, the most challenging bit was definitely that initial steep staircase leading up to the walls from the Pile Gate entrance; after conquering that, the rest felt much more manageable, even with the heat!

2. Stroll the Stradun

Stradun is the limestone-paved main street in Dubrovnik Old Town. The Stradun stretches for about 300m (~1,000 feet) from Pile Gate in the west to Ploče Gate and the Bell Tower in the east. 

The Stradun was originally a marshy sea channel or shallow straight that separated the early Roman-Dalmatian settlement of Ragusium (built on a rocky islet called Laus) from the mainland forest settlement of Dubrava (a Slavic settlement). So the Stradun is in fact reclaimed land – a project designed to unite the two distinct settlements.

Its official name is “Placa” (from the Latin platea, meaning “street” or “square”). The Venetians, apparently mockingly called it “strada grande” (big street) or “Stradone” (a pejorative term for a large, ungraceful street), which locals then adopted and softened into “Stradun.” 

Key Landmarks on the Stradun

• Western End (near Pile Gate): You’ll find the impressive Large Onofrio’s Fountain, a 16-sided domed structure that was once a crucial part of the city’s water supply (and a great spot to refill your water bottle!). Nearby is the small but beautiful Church of St. Saviour and the entrance to the Franciscan Monastery, home to one of the world’s oldest pharmacies.
• Eastern End: The Stradun opens into Luža Square, where you’ll be surrounded by iconic sights: Orlando’s Column, the Church of St. Blaise (Dubrovnik’s patron saint), Sponza Palace (a stunning example of Gothic-Renaissance architecture that once housed the mint and customs house), and the City Bell Tower with its famous “zelenci” (bronze figures that strike the bell) – see these hig

The catastrophic earthquake of 1667 destroyed much of medieval Dubrovnik, including many buildings along the Stradun. The subsequent reconstruction efforts led to the more uniform Baroque appearance of the buildings lining the Stradun that we see today.

As you walk, peer down the narrow alleyways branching off the Stradun. These charming ulice (streets) often lead to hidden squares, local homes, small chapels, offering a contrast to the grandeur of the main thoroughfare.

3. Soak Up The Atmosphere In Luža Square

Luža Square (Trg Luža) is on the eastern end of the Stradun. For centuries, during the time of the Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik’s former name as an independent city-state), Luža Square was the main public, political, and commercial hub. Here’s what’s around Luža Square to see:

(a) Orlando’s Column (Orlandov stup)

Erected in 1418, this stone column features the medieval knight Orlando. Official proclamations and public punishments were often announced or carried out near the column.

An interesting bit of trivial is that the forearm of Orlando was used as the standard Ragusan measurement of length, the “Dubrovnik cubit” (lakat)!

(b) Church of St. Blaise (Crkva sv. Vlaha)

This beautiful Baroque church, built between 1706 and 1715, is dedicated to St. Blaise, the patron saint and protector of Dubrovnik. It stands on the site of an earlier Romanesque church that was destroyed in the 1667 earthquake and a subsequent fire.

The prized silver-gilt statue of St. Blaise on the main altar miraculously survived the fire that destroyed the church. The church is free to visit.

(c) Sponza Palace (Palača Sponza)

Almost directly opposite the church stands Sponza Palace (“Palača Sponza”), a stunning blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. This remarkable building is one of the few in the Old Town to have largely survived the devastating 1667 earthquake. Today, Sponza Palace houses the Dubrovnik State Archive. While the archive itself isn’t open to the public, you may find fascinating displays on the ground floor.

Stroll through the small archway, and you’ll emerge at the charming Old Port where you can walk alongside the magnificent city fortifications.

(d) City Bell Tower (Gradski zvonik)

The original 31-metre-high bell tower was built in 1444. But since suffering damage in the 1667 earthquake, it began to lean. So it was demolished and faithfully reconstructed in 1929. The bell itself though is historic, cast in 1506.

4. Explore The Rector’s Palace

Walk straight, with your back to Sponza Palace and you’ll see the Rector’s Palace. The Rector was the nominal head of state, elected by the city’s nobility when Dubrovnik was the Republic of Ragusa from the 14th to the early 19th century.

The Rector’s Palace housed the private chambers and offices of the Rector, the state council halls, an armoury, a courthouse, the city’s dungeons and even the mint at one point.

Today, it houses the Cultural History Museum of Dubrovnik. You can see the Great Council Hall, the Senate Hall and the Courtroom, as well as the Rector’s Private Apartments.

• Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm April to October, 9am to 4pm November to March. Closed Mondays during winter. Double-check hours here.
• Tickets: If you intend to walk the Dubrovnik City Walls, buying the Dubrovnik pass means that you’re effectively admission to the Rector’s Palace “for free”
  • Dubrovnik Pass: Admission is included
  • Standalone Ticket For Rector’s Palace only: €15 adults, €8 for kids
  • Dubrovnik Museums Ticket: €20 adults, €10 kids – if you intend to visit Rector’s Palace and another museum like the Maritime Museum, then buy this ticket, as it will also save you money.

5. Step Inside Dubrovnik’s Cathedral

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (or simply the Dubrovnik Cathedral) that we see today was built between 1673-1713 in a grand Romanesque-Baroque style, after the earthquake of 1667.

According to legend, King Richard I of England (aka Richard the Lionheart), while returning home from the Third Crusade, was shipwrecked in the nearby island of Lokrum. He vowed that if he survived, he would build a church wherever he landed safely. So the original Cathedral’s benefactor was, supposedly Richard the Lionheart!

Pop in and have a look; it’s one of the few free attractions in Dubrovnik!

6. Walk Up the Famous Jesuit Stairs

The Jesuit Stairs is a wide, stone staircase leading up to the Church of St Ignatius of Loyola, which stands at the top of the stairs. The stairs are a magnificent example of Baroque architecture.

Built in 1738, the graceful, convex and concave sweep is reminiscent of the iconic Spanish Steps in Rome – just a smaller version! The Jesuit Stairs is now most famous for being the iconic filming location for Cersei Lannister’s infamous “Walk of Shame” in Game of Thrones – see below for more Game of Thrones filming locations.

7. Visit Church of St Ignatius of Loyola

The Church of St Ignatius of Loyola is my favourite church in Dubrovnik. The interior is lavishly decorated in the High Baroque style, with rich stucco work and gilded details.

The frescoes by Gaetano Garcia on the barrel-vaulted ceiling and in the apse depicts the scenes from the life of St Ignatius of Loyola. The church is free to enter and is definitely worth taking a peek inside.

8. See the Cloisters in the Dominican Monastery

The Dominicans arrived in Dubrovnik in 1225 and was granted land near the Ploče Gate on the eastern side of the city, where the Dominican Monastery is still today.

There’s three main parts to the Dominican Monastery – the Church of St. Dominic, the Monastery Museum and the Cloister. The Church is free to enter but a paid ticket is required for the Monastery Museum and the Cloister. The Church of St. Dominic was closed when I visited, so I’ll cover the museum and the cloister below.

Dominican Museum: The museum has a rich collection of paintings by masters of the Dubrovnik School (15th – 16th centuries), as well as works by Venetian artists including Titian (and those from his workshop). There’s also exquisite examples of reliquaries, chalices, monstrances, and other liturgical objects made by local and Venetian goldsmiths, spanning several centuries.

The Cloister: Built between 1456-1483, the cloister has a blend of late Gothic and early Renaissance elements. The pointed arches and the intricate stone tracery are characteristic of the Gothic style. While the overall symmetry and the slender double columns lead towards Renaissance aesthetics. The vaulted walkways around the central garden provide shade, so this is also a wonderful place to take a break.

• Opening Hours: Daily 9am to 6pm
• Tickets: €6 adults – note that this is not included in the Dubrovnik Pass if you have bought one.

If you’re short of time, then I think this is one of the attractions which you can skip. Do the virtual tour at home instead.

9. See the Old Pharmacy in the Franciscan Monastery

The Franciscan Monastery is located just inside Pile Gate, near the large Onofrio fountain, adjacent to the Church of St. Saviour.

The Franciscans arrived in Dubrovnik around 1235, slightly later than the Dominicans. The original monastery was built outside the city walls but moved to where it is now in the early 14th century.

The Old Pharmacy

The star attraction of the Franciscan Monastery is the Old Pharmacy. Founded in 1317, it’s one of the oldest continuously operating pharmacies in Europe, and some claim, the third oldest in the world.

What you can see today are divided between the museum section and the modern pharmacy:

• Museum Section: You can see antique laboratory equipment, old grinders, measuring devices, medical books, prescription records, beautifully decorated ceramic jars (albarelli) for storing medicines, and displays explaining traditional remedies and practices.
• Still Functioning Pharmacy: A modern pharmacy operates within the monastery complex, continuing the centuries-old tradition of providing remedies. While you’ll get modern medicines here, they also sell some traditional products and natural cosmetics based on traditional centuries-old recipes, such as rosewater cream or lavender oil, which make for unique souvenirs.

Church of the Friars Minor & The Cloisters

Its south portal is original, as it miraculously survived the earthquake of 1667 – don’t miss the stunning Pietà sculpture and figures of St. Jerome and St. John the Baptist.

The Lower Cloister is the older and more renowned cloister, dating from the mid-14th century. It features elegant colonnades of slender twin hexagonal columns, each topped with a unique capital depicting human heads, animal figures, or floral motifs – no two are exactly alike – incredible medieval craftsmanship! The Upper Cloister is simpler and added later in Gothic-Renaissance style.

If you’re walking the Dubrovnik City Walls, you will have a sneak peek as you walk past the section of the wall right next to the Francesco Monastery – see photo above 👆.

• Opening Hours: Daily 9am to 6pm during summer months, 9am to 2pm during winter months
• Tickets: Entrance to the Museum, including the Old Pharmacy and the Cloisters is included in the Dubrovnik Pass. Otherwise, it’s €6 for adults. You can enter the Church of the Friars Minor for free.

10. Explore King’s Landing on Game of Thrones Tour

Dubrovnik served as the primary filming location for King’s Landing. If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, walking around Dubrovnik will feel like stepping right into Westeros!

Here are the locations used in some iconic scenes – join a Game of Thrones Tour to explore them all:

• Pile Gate was featured in many scenes as the main entrance to Westeros
• Jesuit Staircase was the site of Cersei’s confrontation with the Faith Militant and forced to walk naked through the streets of King’s Landing, starting from the Great Sept of Baelor (represented by the Church of St. Ignatius at the top of the stairs) and down these steps, as a form of penance. Want to re-live this? It’s Season 5, Episode 10 (“Mother’s Mercy”)
• St Dominic Street (“Ul. Svetog Dominika“) was used for many market scenes
• Rector’s Palace was used as the residence of the Spice King in Qarth

11. Enjoy Adriatic Views from St John’s Fortress

St. John’s Fortress (Tvrđava Sv. Ivana) is on the southeastern side of Old Town, just 2-3 minutes walk from Dubrovnik’s Old Port, where tender boats drop you off if you arrived on a small ship.

If you’ve chosen to walk the City Walls, then you’ll pass through parts of the upper levels of St John’s Fortress. Even if you decided not to walk the city walls, it’s worthwhile to walk out to St John’s Fortress at ground level / sea level – this is a free area to enter.

You’ll get excellent views over the Old Port, the Adriatic Sea and towards Lokrum Island. See below for more tips on how to enjoy Dubrovnik on a budget.

The Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum occupies the first and second floors of St John’s Fortress. There’s exhibits on the rise of the Dubrovnik Republic, a significant collection of ship models, navigational instruments as well as ornate figureheads & ship decorations that once adorned Ragusan vessels.

• Opening Hours: Closed on Wednesdays, otherwise daily 9am to 6pm during summer months, 9am to 4pm during winter months. Double-check here.
• Tickets: Included in the Dubrovnik Pass. Otherwise, it’s €10 adults, €7 kids.

Dubrovnik Cruise Port: Top Things to Do Outside Dubrovnik’s City Walls

1. Catch Cable Car Up To Mount Srd

Mount Srd offers breathtaking views of Dubrovnik’s terracotta rooftops nestled beside the sparkling Adriatic Sea – a truly unforgettable sight, especially at sunset! If you’re planning to watch the sunset, arrive early to get a good spot. At the summit, you’ll find a restaurant, a historical exhibit about the Homeland War, and trails for a scenic short hike.

Getting There via cable car: The lower cable car station is conveniently located just outside the Old Town walls, north of Ploče Gate. Look for the signs, and you’ll be whisked to the top in minutes! Return tickets cost €27 for adults and €7 for kids up to 12 (cards accepted). For something different, get there via a private electric tuk-tuk!

Hike: Feeling adventurous? The trailhead is a 20-minute walk from Pile Gate (at Staza Prema Utvrdi Imperial). The 2.5km (1.5-mile) hike is fairly gentle, taking around 30-45 minutes. Remember, there’s little shade, so afternoons or evenings are best.

2. Enjoy the Views at Fort Lovrijenac

Fort Lovrijenac (St. Lawrence Fortress), often referred to as “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar” due to its dramatic cliffside location, stands on a 37-metre (~120 feet) high sheer rock overlooking the Adriatic Sea, just west of the Old Town and Pile Gate.

According to legend, the fortress was built by citizens of Dubrovnik around 1018 in just 3 months, an astonishingly short period with medieval building techniques! The story goes that the Ragusans learned of Venetian plans to build a fortress on this strategic rock to control the city. To preempt them, the locals built their own fort.

Above the entrance gate to the fortress is a famous inscription in Latin: “NON BENE PRO TOTO LIBERTAS VENDITUR AURO” which translates to “Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world.”

What to See at Fort Lovrijenac

• Explore Fort’s Triangular Shape: Fort Lovrijenac has an irregular triangular shape, dictated by the contours of the rock it’s built upon. Wander through the three different levels of the fortress and the various courtyards for different views back to Dubrovnik’s Old Town
• Chapel of St Lawrence: There’s a small chapel dedicated to St. Lawrence
• Spectacular Panoramic Views: Fort Lovrijenac offers spectacular panoramic views of Dubrovnik’s old Town, the City Walls, Pile Gate and the Adriatic Sea.

To Game of Thrones fans, you’ll know Fort Lovrijenac as the Red Keep in King’s Landing. Numerous iconic scenes were filmed here, including tournament scenes, conversations overlooking Blackwater Bay, and parts of Joffrey’s name day tournament.

• How to Get There: Just outside Pile Gate, where the plaza terrace is, you’ll see a staircase leading down to Pile Bay Area – see photo above.
• Tickets: Entrance to Fort Lovrijenac is included with your ticket for the City Walls. If you purchased a Dubrovnik Pass to access the City Walls, Fort Lovrijenac is included too.
• Best Time to Visit: If you’re walking the city walls in the morning, leave this as your last thing on your DIY itinerary. Not only will you avoid the biggest crowds, the light will also be better for photos.

3. Take a Boat Ride to Lokrum Island

If you’ve been to Dubrovnik before or want to escape the crowds on your port day at Dubrovnik, then take a boat ride to Lokrum Island – a protected nature reserve.

• Ferries to Lokrum Island: Ferries depart from the Old Port of Dubrovnik – the ticket kiosks are easy to spot once you walk out to the Old Port area. There’s loads of signs!
• Ferry Timetables: Usually every 30 minutes during summer months, starting at 9am, with the last boat returning to Dubrovnik at 7pm. Be sure to check the timetable on the day for your return journey! (There’s a sign at the ticket kiosk.)
• Journey Time: Ferry ride is 15 minutes each way
• Tickets: Boat trip tickets include the entrance fee to Lokrum Island Nature Reserve – €30 adults, €5 for kids under 18. Free for kids under 5.
• Time To Enjoy: At a minimum, I would budget for 2-3 hours on Lokrum Island plus 30 minutes for the return ferry ride. But if you’re like to do some leisurely walks, swim and sunbath, you can easily spend 4-6 hours on Lokrum
• What to Bring: There’s cafe / kiosks to buy snacks, drinks and ice cream but you can also bring your own snacks and drinks. You’ll also need sunscreen and a hat during summer months, plus your swim suit and a towel from the ship if you’d like to swim or enjoy the “Dead Sea”.

Game of Thrones fans: you can also visit all the major filming sites in Old Town, as well as those on Lokrum Island in one tour!

What to See & Do on Lokrum Island

These attractions are included in the Lokrum Island Reserve Fee you paid with your boat trip ticket:

• Benedictine Monastery: Benedictine monks were the first known inhabitants of Lokrum Island, supposedly from 10th century. You can explore the ruins of the ruins of the Romanesque-Gothic monastery and the cloister garden.
• Habsburg’s Residence & Gardens: Archduke Maximilian Ferdinand of Habsburg (later Emperor of Mexico) bought the island in the 19th century & transformed part of the Monastery into his summer residence, adding beautiful gardens which today has over 800 species. (Archduke Maximilian is also famous for building Miramare Castle in Trieste).
• The “Dead Sea”: It’s a small picturesque saltwater lake linked to the open sea by underground channels. It’s very clam, clear and saltier than the surrounding waters and therefore, it’s very buoyant, like the Dead Sea. It’s a popular swimming spot.
• Fort Royal (Fort Napoléon): Located at the highest point of the island, this star-shaped fort was built by the French under Napoleon. The climb is worth it for the views.
• Peacocks: Lokrum island is famous for its free-roaming peacocks! Originally brought by Archduke Maximilian from the Canary Islands, they’re quite tame.

In addition, Lokrum island is crisscrossed with shaded walking paths that wind through pine, cypress and laurel forests, so there’s plenty of space to walk around.

4. Sea Kayak Around Dubrovnik’s Coastline

Want to see Dubrovnik from a completely different and totally exhilarating perspective? You can glide along the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea and paddle around the “Pearl of the Adriatic”!

There are many secluded coves and hidden sea caves and pristine little beaches around Dubrovnik. So an active adventure such as a sea kayaking and snorkelling tour would allow you to enjoy the turquoise waters. Tours either leave from the Old Port or Pile Bay (close to Fort Lovrijenac).

How to Avoid Crowds in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s beauty attracts crowds but don’t despair! To beat the cruise ship rush, here’s my top tips to avoid the crowds as much as possible:

• Start Early: Most group walking tours start around mid-morning (~10:30am) to early afternoon (~2pm). If you plan on walking the city walls, get there as early as possible. Not only will you encounter fewer crowds, in the summer months, it will also be a lot cooler, making the whole experience more enjoyable.
• Where to Escape the Crowds: When the crowds arrive around mid-morning, escape to the outskirts of Old Town, perhaps to Fort Lovrijenac, enjoy the harbour views at Ploče Gate or take a dip near the maritime museum
• Shoulder Season Travel: If you haven’t booked your cruise yet, visiting Dubrovnik during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) means fewer crowds. Many attractions and shops are closed during winter though.

My Experience: I was lucky enough to have arrived in Dubrovnik before 8am on my summer Croatian cruise in August 2024. (I tendered in, even earlier than anticipated, as due to bad weather, the ship anchored just outside of Dubrovnik to shelter from high winds.) I had 2 hours to walk around what seemed like a ghost town! And that’s why there’s some photos in this blog post where there’s virtually no one in them!

So if your ship arrives early, your best chance to enjoy strolling through this medieval city as if you owned it, is to arrive as early as possible. Buses start running at approx. 5am.

What to Do on a very Hot Day: I’ve visited Dubrovnik twice in August – usually the busiest AND hottest month in Dubrovnik. (Obviously I didn’t learn my lesson the first time!) On both occasions, it was around 36-37°C (~98-99°F) by 11am.

Check the weather report before you leave the ship. Bring a hat and sunscreen. If it’s going to be very hot, hit the city walls before 10:30am and see churches or head to a museum before and after lunch. I tendered in on one of these visits and decided to return to the ship for lunch, just to escape the heat.

How to Enjoy Dubrovnik On a Budget

Fuelled in part by its Game of Thrones fame, Dubrovnik’s prices has increased significantly in the past 10 years. Entrance fees alone can add up to €80+ per adult for the day – €40 for the Dubrovnik Pass (if you’d like to walk the city walls), €27 for return cable car ride up to Mount Srd and €30 for a return trip to Lokrum Island.

So is it possible to have a fun DIY shore excursion without spending a fortune? Here’s a few tips to enjoy Dubrovnik without breaking the bank:

• Eat Breakfast on Ship: As obvious as this sounds, don’t leave your ship on an empty stomach, even if you’re not the sort to eat breakfast normally (like me). Your wallet and taste buds will thank you – see below for my opinion on Food in Dubrovnik.
• Bring a Water Bottle: Located just inside Pile Gate, the large Onofrio’s Fountain has been supplying the city with drinkable spring water for centuries! It’s safe to drink! Fill it up for free instead of buying bottled water – the environment will thank you for less plastic too.
• Enjoy the Backstreets of Dubrovnik: Instead of walking the city walls, either walk along the outside of the walls on ground level or explore the tiny backstreets on the southern side of Old Town. You can access and navigate the exterior of the city walls (on ground level) from the Old Port. Alternatively, you can find the backstreets by walking up the Jesuit Stairs.
• Cool Down with a Dip: Bring a towel from the ship with you and enjoy a midday swim to cool off. I’ve marked two nice swimming areas on my Dubrovnik Cruise Port map above – Proporela can be easily accessed by walking along the harbour from Old Port while Šulić Beach is more secluded pebble beach – you’ll mostly see locals!
• Hike up Mount Srd: OK, I appreciate that not every one would want to do a hike but for keen walkers and hikers, hiking up Mount Srđ via the “Way of the Cross” path is free. 

My Opinion on Food in Dubrovnik: Right, let’s talk about food in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. You will notice a recurring theme on many menus: over-priced pizza, burgers and enough ice cream to refreeze a small glacier. One could almost suspect the local culinary strategy is based on making the “easiest foods to re-heat” for the “hit-and-run” tourist – cruisers who won’t be back anytime soon. I may sound harsh, but there won’t be lots of awesome Croatian street food to tempt you in Dubrovnik. Hence my suggestion to eat breakfast on the ship👆! If this puts you off, then bring some snacks from the ship!

Reminder about Walking Tours: If you decide to join a walking tour – paid or “free” tours where you tip at the end – bear in mind that they won’t take you to walk the city walls or inside museums, because they don’t want to include the cost of high ticket prices onto the cost of the tour.

Featured Image by Geio Tischler on Unsplash

If this article has been useful to you, I would really appreciate you sharing it! I hope that you’ll have a wonderful port day at Dubrovnik.

And if you’re interested in seeing a blog post on a DIY Game of Thrones Tour in Dubrovnik, do drop me a comment below!

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