Dubrovnik, Croatia Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Dubrovnik, located along the stunning Adriatic coast of Croatia, is a charming and historic city bursting with culture, beauty, and endless opportunities for adventure. With its ancient walls, marble streets, and breathtaking views of the turquoise sea, Dubrovnik is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation and exploration. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a rich history, from its days as a major Mediterranean power to its modern status as a vibrant tourist destination. With a variety of activities, from exploring its medieval Old Town to swimming in the crystal-clear waters, Dubrovnik has something to enchant every visitor.

Why Dubrovnik, Croatia?

  • Dubrovnik is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • It is nicknamed the "Pearl of the Adriatic".
  • Dubrovnik is renowned for its well-preserved Old Town walls, built in the 16th century.
  • The city was once an independent maritime republic.
  • Dubrovnik is often used as a filming location for popular TV shows and movies such as Game of Thrones.

Dubrovnik, Croatia Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
45° F
° F
February
48° F
° F
March
54° F
° F
April
61° F
° F
May
70° F
° F
June
77° F
° F
July
82° F
° F
August
82° F
° F
September
75° F
° F
October
66° F
° F
November
55° F
° F
December
46° F
° F

Average Rainfall

January
5.5 inches
February
5.6 inches
March
5.0 inches
April
4.6 inches
May
4.3 inches
June
3.3 inches
July
2.8 inches
August
2.0 inches
September
2.4 inches
October
3.7 inches
November
5.1 inches
December
6.9 inches

History

Dubrovnik, a beautiful city located on the Adriatic coast of Croatia, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 7th century. Originally founded by the Byzantine Greeks, the city was known as Ragusa and quickly became a thriving trading center due to its strategic location between East and West.

In the 13th century, Dubrovnik declared independence and established itself as a powerful maritime republic, with its own government, laws, and currency. The city flourished under this rule, becoming a major hub for trade, art, and culture. It was also known as a safe haven for refugees, providing shelter to those fleeing from war and persecution.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, Dubrovnik reached its golden age. The city became a major player in Mediterranean trade, with its powerful navy controlling the sea lanes and its merchants establishing colonies in other parts of the world. This prosperity also led to the construction of magnificent buildings and fortifications, which can still be seen today.

However, Dubrovnik’s golden age came to an abrupt end in 1667 when a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city, including many of its important structures. The city was quickly rebuilt, but it never fully regained its former glory. In the following years, Dubrovnik fell under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and then the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

During World War II, Dubrovnik was occupied by the Italian and German forces. However, it managed to survive and was later incorporated into the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

In 1991, Dubrovnik and the rest of Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia, leading to the Croatian War of Independence. After the war, a major restoration and reconstruction effort was undertaken to restore Dubrovnik to its former glory. The city was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and has since become a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and beautiful coastline.

Transportation on Dubrovnik, Croatia

Getting to Dubrovnik, Croatia and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Passport valid for the duration of the stay.
  • Many nationalities can enter Croatia visa-free for up to 90 days within the Schengen Area.
  • Proof of onward or return travel may be required.

Departure Tax

No specific departure tax in Croatia; taxes are included in airfare.

Driving

  • Driving License: EU licenses are valid; non-EU licenses require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Driving Side: Right.
  • Roads: Well-maintained but can be narrow in the Old Town and surrounding areas.
  • Speed Limits: Typically 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 90 km/h (56 mph) on rural roads, and 130 km/h (81 mph) on highways.
  • Traffic Rules: Be cautious of narrow streets and pedestrian-heavy areas in Dubrovnik’s historic center, which is mostly car-free. Parking near the Old Town is limited and often expensive; early arrival is recommended.

Local Transportation

Dubrovnik offers a reliable and efficient transportation system. Public buses connect the Old Town with surrounding neighborhoods and nearby attractions, operating frequently throughout the day. Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available for convenient travel. Car rentals are an option for exploring areas beyond the city, though parking can be limited. For a unique perspective, ferries and boat taxis provide access to nearby islands and coastal areas.

Know Before You Go...® - Dubrovnik, Croatia Travel Tips

Before making their way to Dubrovnik, Croatia , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Dubrovnik, Croatia even more relaxing.

Capital: Dubrovnik
Population: 42,000 (estimated)
Size: 8.25 square miles (estimated)
Electric Current: 230
Official Language: The official language spoken in Dubrovnik is Croatian. However, due to its history and tourism, many locals also speak English as a secondary language.
Currency:
  • Dubrovnik uses the Croatian Kuna (HRK) as its official currency.
  • It is recommended to exchange currency at banks or official exchange offices, as many shops and restaurants may not accept foreign currency or may offer unfavorable exchange rates.
  • Credit and debit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in Dubrovnik, especially in larger establishments such as hotels and restaurants. However, it is always recommended to carry some cash for smaller purchases or when visiting local markets or smaller businesses.
  • ATMs are readily available throughout the city, and most accept international cards. However, be aware that some may charge a foreign transaction fee, so it is best to check with your bank before using them.
Tipping and Taxes:
  • Generally, tipping is not expected in Dubrovnik, but it is always appreciated for exceptional service.
  • In restaurants, a service charge of 10% is usually included in the bill, so there is no need to leave an additional tip. However, if you feel that the service was exceptional, you can leave a small tip of 5-10% of the total bill.
  • For taxi rides, rounding up the fare is common practice, but again, not expected. If the driver has provided good service or helped with luggage, a tip of 10-15% is appreciated.
  • When shopping, the price displayed on items already includes VAT (value-added tax), so there is no need to add any additional taxes. However, if you are planning to get a tax refund for purchases made in Croatia, make sure to ask for a tax-free form at the store and present it at the airport when leaving the country.
Dress Code: The dress code in Dubrovnik tends to be casual and comfortable, with an emphasis on light, breathable fabrics.
Topography: Dubrovnik is a coastal city in Croatia known for its hilly terrain, with the Old Town situated on a peninsula surrounded by steep cliffs and the modern city expanding into the surrounding valleys.
Telephone: * Telephone Country Code: +385 * Area Code: 20 (for Dubrovnik) * Mobile Networks: Strong coverage in Dubrovnik and surrounding areas. * Wi-Fi: Freely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces, with free Wi-Fi hotspots in the Old Town.

Dubrovnik, Croatia Weddings and Honeymoons

In Dubrovnik, Croatia getting married involves a few clear steps and required documents.

Application: Submit a marriage application to the local Maticni Ured (Registry Office) in Dubrovnik. Applications should be submitted at least 30 days before the wedding date.

Required documents include:

  • Valid passports or national ID cards
  • Birth certificates (translated into Croatian and certified with an Apostille)
  • Certificate of no impediment to marriage or single status certificate (issued by your home country and translated into Croatian)
  • Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable)
  • Proof of residence (if required for one or both parties)
  • Application form provided by the Registry Office

Translation and Certification: All foreign documents must be officially translated into Croatian by a court-appointed translator and authenticated with an Apostille.

Ceremony: Civil ceremonies are legally binding and conducted in Croatian by a registrar. An interpreter may be required if the couple does not speak Croatian. Ceremonies typically take place at the Registry Office or another approved venue.

Costs: Civil marriage fees are typically around €50 to €100. Additional fees apply for translations, Apostilles, and optional arrangements for off-site or scenic venues.

Optional Religious or Scenic Venue Ceremony:  Dubrovnik offers stunning venues for symbolic or religious ceremonies, including historic churches, seaside terraces, or iconic locations like Lovrijenac Fortress or Lokrum Island. These ceremonies are not legally binding without a civil ceremony.