The Dubrovnik travel insider tips and local secrets make your visit unforgettable. Here’s a sneak peek into Dubrovnik’s best-kept travel secrets and how to beat the crowds.
Beat the Crowds #1
If you plan to travel to Dubrovnik (or Split) between May and October, checking the cruise port schedule is necessary. It is no secret that Dubrovnik can get crowded. When cruise ships drop thousands of travelers (the most is 8000 people) at once, it is challenging to navigate the Old Town. With all excursions, the traffic jams, and the bottlenecks at Pile Gate, you might be less appreciative of the city’s beauty.
Check Cruise Port Schedule Before Your Planning
There are many sites where you can check the cruise port schedule. Cruise Mapper is one of them. You can also check on the live-streaming camera from What’s Up Cams.
Avoid Pile Gate. There are two other gates to enter the Old Town. Pile Gate is the busiest of all. I use Buza Gate a lot. Click here to download the gates map.
Beat the Crowds #2
Peak tourist hours typically fall between 10 AM and 4 PM. Start your day early or stay later to experience the magic of Dubrovnik without the bustling crowds.
Witnessing sunrise and sunset in Dubrovnik is a truly magical experience. The perfect spots to savor the tranquility and capture stunning photos bathed in the golden light.
the best place for sunrise and sunset
Fort Lovrijenac offers an extraordinary vantage point from which to watch the sunrise. Arrive early morning and make your way toward Fort Lovrijenac’s elevated terraces as the sun slowly creeps over the horizon.
If you are not an early riser, walk the city wall in the late afternoon. This is the best way to avoid crowds and heat. The Adriatic Sea is even more stunning when bathed in the glow of the setting sun.
Beat the Crowds #3
Island Escape – Beat the crowds by hopping on a ferry to nearby islands like Lokrum or Elaphiti. These serene paradises offer pristine beaches, lush nature, and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Island Escape #1 Lokrum Island
Catch a ferry from the Old Port of Dubrovnik to Lokrum Island. The journey takes just about 15 minutes, and ferries operate regularly during the day. Check the schedule in advance to plan your departure and return.
Visit the Dead Sea of Lokrum. This saltwater lake is known for its therapeutic properties, and you can float effortlessly on its calm waters.
Extra Tip: Don’t forget your swimming suit.
Island eScape #2 Elaphiti Island
Choose the Right Island. The Elaphiti Islands consist of several islands, including Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.
Koločep is known for its tranquil ambiance, Lopud offers stunning sandy beaches, and Šipan boasts lush landscapes and historic charm.
Ferries operate regularly from Dubrovnik to the Elaphiti Islands, allowing you the flexibility to create your itinerary.
Beat the Crowds #4
Lapad is situated outside of Dubrovnik Old Town. You can take one of Libertas buses 2, 6, or 4 from Pile station. Travel time may take 10-20 minutes. We took a 45-minute walk from the Old Town Pile Gate. Uber is also an option for 7 US dollars. Lapad is cheaper, quieter, and more relaxed than Old Town. Along the coast are various pebble beaches suitable for swimming and watersports activities.
Lapad and
Cave Bar More
The pedestrian walk along the coastline is lovely, with plenty of great bars and restaurants. After a long walk on the coastline, stop in The Cave Bar More sip a refreshing cocktail. The nature cave cools you down on a hot summer day. We sure enjoy that very much.
Drink prices here may be higher than in nearby places (an average of 15 Euro), but the cave itself is so stunning we highly recommend visiting.
Beat the Crowds #5
Running year-round, the Dubrovnik Cable Car has been taking travelers up to the top of Mount Srd since 1969. The entry is right outside Buza Gate. Cable cars provide spectacular views, with the evening being an incredibly wonderful time to see it unfold as the sun sets over the islands.
Cable Car to Mount Srd
In 4-5 minutes, the cable car takes you to a breathtaking postcard-worthy view. The round-trip ticket is 26 EUR/per person, and one way is 13 EUR. If you cannot get a reservation at Panorama 360 (the restaurant on the top of Srd), they offer a standing area with table tops. Order a drink or coffee and soak up the gorgeous views.
Question about Dubrovnik Pass? Do you need it or not? For more about Dubrovnik travel tips, check out our blogs.
This post includes real adventure stories and links to our trusted partners so you can access them directly!
