WELCOME TO DUBROVNIK
We are so excited to celebrate our wedding with you in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Below you'll find everything you need to know about Dubrovnik — getting there, where to stay, what to see, where to eat, and a bit of local flavour — to help you make the most of your trip.
About Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a walled medieval city on Croatia's southern Dalmatian Coast, perched right on the Adriatic Sea. Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for limestone streets polished smooth by centuries of foot traffic, baroque churches, ancient fortifications, and terracotta rooftops that glow orange at sunset. It's also known to many as the filming location for King's Landing in Game of Thrones.
Quick facts
• Country: Croatia
• Language: Croatian (English is widely spoken in tourist areas)
• Currency: Euro (€) — Croatia adopted the euro in January 2023
• Time zone: Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC+2 in August
• Plugs: Type C/F, 230V (bring an adapter if you're coming from the US, UK, or Australia)
Weather in August
August is peak summer in Dubrovnik — warm, sunny, and dry.
• Daytime highs: around 28–33°C
• Overnight lows: around 21–25°C
• Sea temperature: a very swimmable 24–25°C
• Rain: minimal — (fingers crossed) only a handful of rainy days all month, mostly brief afternoon storms
• Sun: long days, with roughly 10 hours of sunshine and sunset around 8 PM
Packing tip: Pack light, breathable fabrics, comfortable walking shoes (the Old Town is all stone and stairs), a hat and sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a light layer for evenings by the water.*
Getting There
By air: The nearest airport is Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), also called Čilipi Airport, about 20 km (25–40 minutes) southeast of the Old Town.
From the airport into town
Uber / Rideshare: usually the easiest option.
• Shuttle bus (Platanus/Atlas): The easiest budget option, timed to flight arrivals. Roughly €10 one-way, dropping at Pile Gate and the main bus station.
• Taxi: Around €35–50 to the Old Town; agree on the fare or confirm the meter before you set off.
• Private transfer: Can be pre-booked for a fixed rate — convenient if you're arriving with a group or a lot of luggage.
• Rental car: Only recommended if you plan to explore beyond Dubrovnik. Parking near the Old Town is limited, expensive, and many streets are pedestrian-only, so a car is more hassle than help if you're staying centrally.
Good to know: Dubrovnik's Old Town has a strictly enforced pedestrian/restricted traffic zone, so most vehicles (including rideshares and standard taxis) will drop you at the town gates — expect a short walk with your luggage over cobblestones if you are staying within the old town.
Getting Around Once You're Here
Dubrovnik is compact and very walkable — you can cross the entire Old Town in about ten minutes. That said, it is built on hills and full of stairs, so comfortable shoes are a must.
• Walking is the main way to get around the Old Town itself (cars aren't allowed inside the walls).
• Local buses connect the Old Town to nearby neighbourhoods like Lapad and Babin Kuk, and to beaches further out.
• Taxis and rideshare apps (uber) are useful for trips outside the historic centre.
• Water taxis are a fun and scenic way to reach nearby beaches and the island of Lokrum.
Things to See & Do
• City Walls of Dubrovnik — The signature Dubrovnik experience: a roughly 2 km walk atop the medieval walls encircling the Old Town, with sweeping views over the terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic. Go early morning or late afternoon to beat the heat and the crowds.
• Stroll the Stradun — The main limestone street running through the Old Town, lined with shops, cafés, and gelato stands, and bookended by the Pile and Ploče gates.
• Fort Lovrijenac — A dramatic clifftop fortress just outside the walls with fantastic views back over the city.
• Mount Srđ & the Cable Car — Ride the cable car up Mount Srđ for panoramic views over the entire city and coastline; a wonderful spot to catch sunset.
• Lokrum Island — A short ferry ride from the Old Town harbor, this forested island is home to a botanical garden, peacocks, a saltwater lake, and quiet swimming spots — a great half-day escape.
• Game of Thrones walking tour — For fans of the show, several tours retrace filming locations throughout the Old Town, including the Jesuit Stairs (Cersei's famous walk).
• Rector's Palace & Dubrovnik Cathedral — Explore the city's Gothic-Renaissance civic architecture and religious history in the heart of the Old Town.
• Swim off the rocks or a nearby beach — Banje Beach, just outside Ploče Gate, has calm water and a great view back at the walls; Lapad Bay is a more laid-back, family-friendly option.
• Day trips — If you have extra time, consider a boat trip to the Elafiti Islands, a visit to nearby Cavtat, or even a day trip across the border to Kotor, Montenegro.
• Jet Ski – there is noting cooler than jet skiing around the islands in Croatia. If you want to do this, you need to ensure you have a PWC licence and that you physically bring it with you!
Where to Eat
Dubrovnik's dining scene blends fresh Adriatic seafood, Dalmatian classics like peka (slow-cooked meat and vegetables) and black risotto, and Mediterranean influences throughout.
Fine dining & special occasions
• Restaurant 360 — Michelin-recommended fine dining right on the city walls with sweeping harbor views.
• Nautika — Elegant Dalmatian cuisine and an extensive wine list, right by Pile Gate.
• Pjerin (Villa Dubrovnik) — **Refined tasting menus with Old Town views, ideal for a special night out.
• Pantarul — Modern, unpretentious Croatian cooking from Chef Angelo Van Damme Mijović, with homemade pasta and bread daily and fresh fish sourced locally. A favourite of The New York Times and National Geographic Traveller — book ahead.
Great food with a view
• Restaurant Panorama — Mediterranean cuisine atop Mount Srđ, with the whole city spread out below.
• Gradska Kavana Arsenal — Housed in a historic 18th-century arsenal on the harbor, known for seafood and setting.
• Dubravka 1836 — Right by Pile Gate, a reliable spot for a meal with views of the walls.
• Prora (Hotel Excelsior) — Right on the shore at Hotel Excelsior, with a million-dollar view over Lokrum Island and the Old Town. Mediterranean-inspired seafood and Dalmatian specialties — relaxed for lunch, more refined for dinner.
• Posat (by Pile Gate) — Set in a historic palace, steps from Pile Gate, with what many call the best view in Dubrovnik — the City Walls and Fort Minčeta right outside. A Mediterranean menu built on organic, locally sourced ingredients.
Local favourites & casual bites
• Lucin Kantun — Croatian tapas-style small plates in a cozy Old Town setting.
• Lady Pi-Pi — A beloved grilled-meat spot with a garden terrace and sea views.
• Barba — Affordable, fresh, casual seafood — great for a quick, tasty lunch.
• Taj Mahal — Not Indian food — a Bosnian restaurant known for ćevapi, burek, and baklava, a nice change of pace from Dalmatian fare.
Outside the Old Town
• Tramuntana (Babin Kuk) — A quieter, local favourite for seafood and Dalmatian specialties away from the crowds.
Reservations are strongly recommended in August, especially for restaurants with a view — book a few days ahead where possible.
Something sweet
• Peppino's Gelato — Dubrovnik's favourite gelato stop.
Bars and Buzz
When dinner's done, Dubrovnik's nightlife ranges from cliffside sundowners to dancing inside a medieval fortress.
• Culture Club Revelin — Dubrovnik's premier late-night venue, set inside the 16th-century Fortress Revelin right within the city walls. International and local DJs play electronic dance music into the early hours (typically 10:30 PM–5:30 AM), all beneath centuries-old stone vaults. Expect a cover charge and lines in peak season.
• Buža Bar — A cliffside “hole in the wall” bar carved into the city walls on the Old Town's southern edge (buža means “hole” in Croatian) — follow the hand-painted “Cold Drinks” signs through a small archway near the Jesuit Stairs. Tiered terraces cling to the rock face with views toward Lokrum, and locals cliff-jump into the Adriatic below. Go early evening for the best light and a seat; it's cash-only.
• Fratellos Prosecco Bar — Dubrovnik's original prosecco bar, set on a former open-air cinema site in the Boninovo neighbourhood with sweeping Adriatic views. An all-day spot for breakfast, coffee, and sunset drinks, with evenings turning into live music and shows — a favourite for a glass of prosecco with a view.
• M'arden Wine Bar — A garden oasis tucked within the city walls, specializing in organic Croatian wines with guided tastings. Open all day from brunch through dinner in a lush, romantic courtyard setting.
Accommodation
We will provide more details on this soon.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
• Book accommodations early. August is peak season, and Dubrovnik fills up quickly — the earlier you book, the better your options (and prices).
• Cash and cards: Cards are widely accepted, but it's handy to carry some cash (euros) for small cafés, market stalls, or the airport shuttle.
• Old Town stairs: note that much of the Old Town — and the City Walls in particular — involves stairs and uneven stone streets.
• Midday heat and crowds: Cruise ships often dock in the morning, making the Old Town busiest from late morning to mid-afternoon. Exploring early or in the evening is more relaxed.
• Tipping: Not obligatory, but rounding up or leaving 10% for good service is appreciated.
• Dress code: Croatia is fairly relaxed, but modest dress is expected when visiting churches and the cathedral.
We can't wait to share this beautiful city with you and celebrate together. If you have any questions about travel, accommodations, or our wedding plans, please don't hesitate to reach out!
