Dubrovnik Travel Essentials

Dubrovnik has a Mediterranean climate, with average temperatures ranging from 9°C in winter to 25°C in summer.

• The rainiest time of the year is between October and April, with an average of 11 rainy days per month.
• Summer, from May to August, is peak tourist season, so expect throngs of visitors and higher hotel and flight prices.
• September–October is a great time to visit Dubrovnik. The weather and temperature are usually mild, you’ll avoid the summer’s crowds, and hotel and flight prices are lower.

• Languages: Primary: Croatian; English is widely spoken in tourist areas
• Plug types: C and F
• Electricity: 230 V
• Currency: Croatian kuna (kn). Euro (€) can also be used in some hotels and restaurants
• International dialling codes: +385 20
• Emergency telephone number: 112

Dubrovnik Airport

Dubrovnik Airport is one of the busiest airports in Croatia. It is 16 km southeast of Dubrovnik city centre and features 3 terminals and 1 runway. Terminal A is used as a baggage sorting facility, Terminal B handles the arrivals and Terminal C, the departures. The latter hosts a good range of dining and shopping options, as well as facilities including free Wi-Fi, banking and currency exchange services. Below are several transfer options to take you to Downtown Dubrovnik:

• A taxicab takes around 20–25 minutes. The taxi rank can be found right outside Terminal B.
• You can also use Uber in Dubrovnik Airport. The app will show you where the pick-up area is.
• The Airport Bus takes around 30 minutes. Its stop is in front of Terminal B.
• A public bus – lines 11, 27 and 38 – takes around 30-40 minutes. Bus stops can be found in front of Terminal B.
• Car rental agencies can be found in the Arrivals Hall.

Dubrovnik Old Town, the historical walled city, is pretty compact and pedestrian-friendly. You’ll find many landmarks and attractions – such as the Bokar Fortress, the Ethnographic Museum, and Sponza Palace – within walking distance of each other. The Old Town also hosts a great choice of dining, shopping and nightlife entertainment options.

Dubrovnik is not a very big city as it covers only about 10 sq km. Driving in Dubrovnik is not recommended as the city has a complicated one-way system, parking places are scarce and expensive, and the traffic is chaotic, especially in summer. For getting around, it’s best to use the public and private transport services at hand.

Libertas is in charge of public transport in Dubrovnik. It operates 13 bus lines that cover the entire city. Most of the buses are modern, air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible.

• Bus tickets can be purchased at Dubrovnik Travel Corner or at a kiosk. They are cheaper than when purchased on the bus. They are valid for 1 hour and allow you to switch bus lines.
• A Daily Pass must be stamped every time you start a ride.

Purchasing a Dubrovnik Card is a good move if you plan to visit the city’s main places of interest during a short stay. Valid for 1, 3 or 7 days, it gives you free access to 12 attractions, 10–20% discounts at selected shops and restaurants, and free use of public transport. 

Taxis can be hailed on the street in Dubrovnik, unless there’s a taxi rank close by. Taxis are not authorised to enter the Old Town. You can easily find cab stands outside hotels, near the Old Town gates and at the main bus station and ferry terminal.

• You can directly call popular companies such as Taxi Radulovic (098 725 769), Mateo Taxi Dubrovnik (099 212 6440) or Auto Taxi Stand (020 411 411).
• Unless the ride is pre-paid, payment of the fare by credit card is usually not possible, so be sure to carry some cash.
• Uber and local taxi apps can also be used to hail a taxi in Dubrovnik.

Festivity of Saint-Blaise

• What: Held since the Middle Ages, the Festivity of Saint-Blaise commemorates the patron saint of the city who helped the people of Dubrovnik to defend against a Venetian invasion. Expect a festive ambience and parades of colourful traditional costumes, music and dance performances.
• When: February
• Where: throughout the city

Dubrovnik Summer Festival

• What: Founded in 1950, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival showcases folklore, classical and jazz music concerts, as well as opera, theatre and dance shows in over 70 open-air venues throughout the Old Town.
• When: July–August
• Where: Old Town

Dubrovnik FestiWine

• What: Workshops, competitions and, obviously, tastings are part of the popular Dubrovnik FestiWine. Over 100 Croatian wine producers present their best labels at this annual event.
• When: April
• Where: Lazzarettos of Dubrovnik