We know everyone has a different budget, travel plan, and style for their stay. Here are our top recommendations!
Top Recommendation for location is to be as close as possible to Old Town. This gives you the luxury of being able to walk to most attractions, nightlife, and sight-seeing.
If you are not close by, that is okay too. We don't recommend staying more that 2 miles out from Old Town (be prepared to take taxis, uber, lyft).
See Map Photo Below - Best "Areas" to stay...
#1 = PLOCE - Best for Nightlife + Convenience
Best ocean views, and close to all the attractions/tourism, short walking distance to Old Town, Welcome Party Location, and the Wedding Venue.
#2 = OLD TOWN - Right in the heart of the city life!
If you are inside the "walls"... there is only one way in, and one way out... walking! Be prepared to be dropped off at the wall gate with your bags to roll on your own to your final destination. Once you are IN, it's pretty dang magical!
#3 = LAPAD BAY - For Families, Couples + Nature
On peninsula, 10-15 minutes taxi from Old Town, and includes larger resorts, casino, water-sports activities, beaches, hiking trails, beach clubs.
Stay in your dream home, apartment, or beachside villa! Choose the price, set your dates, and check the filters to find your perfect spot!
Benefits: This is a great choice if you are traveling with a group. You can stock the fridge + cook from home (if you wish) since most spots will have a kitchen. You can also find unique locations with lots of character, and total privacy if you choose to have your own home.
Here are the top voted Hotels to stay in Dubrovnik including photos, ratings, and descriptions. My TOP Recommendation would be HOTEL EXCELSIOR
"So Many Activities"!
Top Recommendations -
Day #1 -Walk the "City Walls", Explore Old Town, Eat + Drink somewhere with a sunset view!
Adventures - 30 minute ferry ride to Idyll Island, Catch the "Cable Car Ride" to the top of the Mountain, go sea kayaking, join a tour (Game of Thrones, Winery, Tastings, and much more!), take a sunset cruise.
Live Like a Local - enjoy outdoor jazz at the Troubadour, sample craft beer at a brewery, find the perfect beach, get lost in Old Town alleys finding hidden gems, browse the Farmers Market to get fresh produce + local goods!
Game of Thrones, King's Landing, Cable Car + City Walls, Food, Wine, Island Hopping +++
Explore the island by renting a scooter or vehicle here!
#1 MORE Fun Activities - (click)
#2 MORE Fun Activities - (click)
Best places for Food & Beverage!
DRINKS & SMALL BITES...
Cave Bar - Must see! Get ready for some selfies in this true life CAVE-BAR!
Fratellos - NEW! The most epic sunset views, live music, and tasty tapas! (*Espresso Martini, Gin & Prosecco Cocktail. Tapas Menu - Ask for Chef's Special - family owns one of the top meat shops!)
LUNCH/DINNER...
Lucin Kantun - reimagined traditional recipes, taps & cocktails in heart of Old Town. (*White Fish Carpaccio, *Rakia Tasting *Lamb Brochette, *Lavander Signature Drink)
Taj Mahal - Bosnian /Croatia Fusion with large portions. Ask for a "Chef's Tasting". (*BUREDŽIKE- baked pastry dough filled with minced meat, sour cream topping).
Nishta - Vegan Eatery in the heart of downtown Old Town.
Proto - fine dinning, amazing food and ambiance!
Nautika - 5 star dinning, at the very edge of the sea with views of the fortresses of Lovrijenac and Brokar.
SWEETS...
Peppinos Gelato - Best Gelato in town!
Island Hopping!?
Dubrovnick is just 1 city in the country of Croatia. When Juarne and I met on The "Yacht Week", we would hop to a different island each day. Each Island/city has it's own special characteristics and highlights.
Here are our favorite islands below that we personally have visited. I have placed them in order from starting up North going down South. You can travel between each by Ferry, yacht, or by plane.
STARTING FROM SPLIT (North)...
Top Recommendation -
Fly into Split, Ferry Boat to Hvar (3 hrs, 40 min), Ferry Boat to Dubrovnik (3 hrs, 10 min).
Want to explore, but not go too far? No worries, you can hop islands from Dubrovnik too! See options HERE
BEST OVERALL - WAYS TO TRAVEL..
#1 Ferry Boat/Taxi schedule (click)
#2 The Yacht Week, Croatia (click)
#3 Taxi/Uber/Lyft - this can be pricey
#4 Plane - if you need to go the distance!
STORAGE FOR LUGGAGE-
(?) - Need to hold your bags locally while you hop Islands?
It would be best if you're at an airbnb or hotel to ask them initially to hold your bags. Otherwise, there is a luggage storage throughout the city depending on where you are staying: bagbnb.com/luggage-storage/dubrovnik
Thing's you may not know about this magical country...
- There are 1,246 islands that make up Croatia!
- Game of Thrones was filmed in Dubrovnick
- English is widely spoken, and they are very tourist friendly.
- Croatian currency is KUNA (HRK), and even though it is part of the European Union (UK), they have still not adopted the EURO 100%. It is best to order KUNA (HRK) at your local bank or exchange your USD at one of the local banks for the best exchange rate. If you withdraw from the local bank machines they will also issue KUNA. You can find bank machines at the arrivals gate of the Dubrovnik International Airport and throughout the city. Croatia accepts credit cards at grocery stores, shops, restaurants, etc., however most cafés and smaller bistros are CASH ONLY. It is a good idea to have some cash on you for any smaller purchases and to ask if card is accepted. Also, American Express is not widely accepted, so prepare an alternate credit card (VISA, MasterCard) if you will be using your credit card during your trip.