Stone walls. Sea breeze. The soft chaos of café chatter. The sound of sandals on marble streets. It’s a rhythm that pulls you in without warning. Welcome to Dubrovnik, Croatia’s coastal jewel, a city where history and summer melt into each other effortlessly.
Arriving by Sea
There’s no better way to arrive than by ferry. If you’re coming from Montenegro, especially from Kotor or Budva, the journey itself becomes part of the experience.
You swap traffic for open sea, heat for breeze, and stress for the soft hum of waves.
It takes about 2–3 hours, with daily departures during the season. Tickets start from 39 euros, and yes, there’s space for your bags and time for a coffee onboard.
When to Go and Why It Matters
Dubrovnik changes with the seasons.
Come in July or August, and you’ll find crowds, sun hats, and packed city walls. Come in May, June, or September and the city breathes differently. The water is warm enough to swim, but the pace is slower. There’s space to wander, to sit, to look around.
In winter, the city quiets down. Many restaurants close, but the Old Town becomes something rare: a UNESCO-protected site with actual silence.

Staying in the Right Place
If it’s your first time, stay within or just outside the city walls. Inside, you’re in the middle of everything which is perfect if you’re here to walk, not drive. Just be ready for stairs and no elevators.
Outside the walls (especially around Pile or Ploče), you’ll find a bit more peace and often better value—without sacrificing proximity.
Boutique apartments are common, but there are charming hotels too, from sleek design spots to stone-walled villas with balconies facing the sea.
What to Actually Do
Most guides will tell you to walk the walls. And they’re right—do it. But early in the morning or just before they close. The views over Lokrum Island and the orange roofs below are unforgettable. It takes about two hours to circle the city, and it’s worth every step.
But don’t stop there. Rent a kayak and paddle along the walls instead of just looking down at the water. Or take the short boat ride to Lokrum Island, where peacocks roam and old fortresses hide in the trees. Bring snacks and beach towels and you’ll have a perfect half-day escape.
In the evening, take the cable car up to Mount Srđ. The city below glows as the sun sets behind the Elaphiti Islands. If you’re into photos, this is your golden hour moment.
But some of the best experiences are unplanned. Wandering alleys with no map. Sipping local white wine on a no name terrace. Finding a hidden staircase that leads to a bar carved into the cliffs—Buža, if you know where to look.


What to Eat (And Where Not to Waste Time)
You’re on the coast, so seafood is a must. But skip the overpriced spots right on the main street. Instead, head to Barba, a tiny place that turns octopus and shrimp into casual street food. Or book a table at Pantarul, a little further out, where locals go for seasonal dishes and proper wine.
For something quick and cool, grab a scoop of ice-cream at Peppino’s, sure, there’s a line, but it’s worth it.
And don’t leave without trying a glass of Pošip (white) or Plavac Mali (red). The wine here doesn’t need a sommelier to be good.
Evenings in Dubrovnik
Evenings here aren’t about flashy clubs or packed beach parties. They’re slower. More relaxed. Find a table with a view, like the Panorama restaurant at the top of Mount Srđ, or sit on the rocks by the harbor and let the night arrive slowly.
If you’re lucky, you’ll stumble into live music in Luža Square or a pop-up art exhibit near Rector’s Palace. But even if you don’t, the mood of the city after sunset is enough.

A City Meant to Be Felt
Dubrovnik isn’t about checking things off a list. It’s about how you feel while you’re here. It’s salty skin after swimming off the cliffs. It’s the echo of your steps through an empty alley at dusk. It’s the moment the city slows down just for you.
And the best way to begin?
Take the ferry. Let the sea guide you here.
Get to Dubrovnik the Right Way
Daily ferry trips from Kotor and Budva with Simple Ferry.
Easy boarding. Scenic route. No stress.