Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Dubrovnik

I wasn't really a big fan of Game of Thrones, but I was interested in visiting Dubrovnik based on what I heard from other people, what I've read online, and the pictures I've seen. When I got the chance to visit Croatia, I included Dubrovnik in my itinerary.

Here's a guide I wrote during my stay in Dubrovnik

Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik has a history that dates back to the 7th century. The Hungarians and Venetians have ruled this part of Croatia at some point in the country's history. Both have left their mark on the city with distinct architecture and some historic landmarks. A walk in the old town will take you back in time.

Dubrovnik is usually a summer destination. Many tourists go to this part of Croatia to enjoy the weather, and visit the beautiful islands and beaches. I went to Dubrovnik in the winter. There are fewer available tours to other famous destinations in and outside of Dubrovnik. However, the good thing about traveling during the winter (and in the middle of a pandemic) is that there are fewer tourists, places aren't as crowded, and prices are lower.

Getting a Visa

Croatia will be part of the Schengen zone by 2023. You can now enter Croatia with a valid Schengen visa.

Here's a link for getting a Schengen visa: how to get a Schengen visa for Filipinos

Things to Do and Places to See

These are some of the attractions and things to do when you start planning your budget and itinerary for Dubrovnik.

Old City Walls

One of the highlights of a trip to Dubrovnik is a walk along the old city walls. You'll get beautiful overlooking views of the city as you walk around. However, it is also quite pricey. For me, doing it once is enough. I was fortunate enough to walk along the walls during low season. I was practically the only person most of the time I walked along the walls, with the rare group or couple coming and going.

Entrance fee: 33.50 euro (includes Fort Lovrijenac)

Stradun

This thoroughfare is lined with many cafes, kiosks, shops and restaurants. You'll walk through this area throughout your visit to the old town. It's quite picturesque in the morning (especially early when little to no people are around) and at night.

Dubrovnik Cathedral

This centuries old church houses important religious relics such as a part of the cross that Jesus was supposedly crucified in and the arm, leg and head of the patron saint of the city, St. Blaise.

Loggia Square

This scenic square is surrounded by beautiful old buildings that will take you back in time. One of the most prominent buildings is the Church of St. Blaise.

Rector's Palace

Onofrio de la Cava designed this palace in the 1430s. Fast forward to today, it now houses the Cultural Historical Museum.

Entrance fee: 15 euro

Fountain of Onofrio and St. Saviour Church

Fountain of Onofrio

St. Saviour Church

The Fountain of Onofrio played an important role in providing the city with water centuries ago. The St. Saviour Church was built in the 16th century. You can see both as soon as you enter Pile Gate.

Jesuit Stairs

Pietro Passalacqua designed these Baroque-inspired stairs. It is a popular tourist destination because it was one of the shooting locations of Game of Thrones.

Fort Lovrijenac

This fort has seen centuries of sieges and has protected the local folks from numerous invaders. It also provides visitors with stunning views of the old town and surroundings.

Entrance fee: 33.50 euro (ticket includes the old town walls)

Port Gruz

Dubrovnik is a coastal city that sees many local and foreign visitors. This port area is where I saw numerous docked boats (even during the winter). You can watch the susnet here or simply take a leisurely stroll after exploring the old town.

Other places of interest include:

Banje Beach
Lokrum Island
Dubrovnik Cable Car
Fort of St. John
The Museum of Modern Art

Winter is low season in Dubrovnik, but it's still worth a visit. There are more activities and places to visit during summer (high season), spring and even autumn. You can also do a day trip to Split, but that's going to be a very long day because a one-way bus ride takes around 4-5 hours. If you have a car, it'll be easier and faster to do a day trip. However, I suggest staying in Split at least for one night instead of doing just a day trip from Dubrovnik.

Getting Around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a "walkable" destination because of its size. You can walk to the old town or other parts, especially if you have plenty of time to spare. There are still buses that can take you to different parts of the city faster. You can also rent bikes, e-bikes, motorcycles and cars. These are handy if you plan to do day trips from Dubrovnik. The usual bus fare is around 2 euro if bought frmo drivers. You can also buy tickets from kiosks for around 1.60 euro. You can buy a 24 hours ticket for 4 euro. You can purchase these from the Libertas offices or kiosks.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is one of the most expensive places to visit in Croatia, but you still have some options for accommodation. I stayed at a Hostel Angelina inside the old town.

Budget

Hostel Angelina Old Town: Rates and Availability

Guest House Tomasi One: Rates and Availability

HI Youth Hostel Dubrovnik: Rates and Availability

Private Accommodation Linda: Rates and Availability

Mid-Price

Rooms Epidaurus: Rates and Availability

Scalini Palace: Rates and Availability

Apartments and Rooms Lejletul: Rates and Availability

Soleil Luxury Rooms Old town: Rates and Availability

You can look for more accommodations here:

How to Get to Dubrovnik

By Air

The fastest way to reach Dubrovnik is by plane. There are direct flights from Zagreb to Dubrovnil via Croatia Airlines. There are also direct flights traveling from some cities in Europe. However, most of these only operate during the summer. You can check for flights in any website or app you would normally use. I often use Skyscanner when looking for affordable flights.

By Land

The bus from Zagreb to Dubrovnik takes roughly 9-10 hours. However, the route is quite scenic. There are views of the hills, mountains and islets along with quaint small towns. You also have the option to take an overnight bus, if you don't want to spend an entire day on the road.

I booked overnight and day buses in Croatia through: https://www.flixbus.com/

Flixbus has regular trips from Zagreb to Dubrovnik and other parts of Croatia.

Budget for Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is probably the most expensive city in Croatia. Prices are higher than Zagreb and Split, even when I visited during winter. However, you can still save some money, if you decide to visit.

Here's a list of expenses during my trip that can help you with your budget and itinerary for Dubrovnik. Everything's in euro:

31.13 - 2 nights in Hostel Angelina

24.77 - Food and drinks

2 - Bus fare from station to Pile Gate

2 - Bus fare from Pile Gate to station

33.50 - Ticket for City Walls

1.07 - Postcards

16 - Bus to Split

110.47 - Total for 3 days and 2 nights

I enjoyed my stay in Dubrovnik, even if it was winter. It helped that there were few tourists in the old town. I was able to see it without the hundreds of people coming and going. However, there wasn't much else to do after the old town. The usual tours like island hopping and day trips to Mostar and Montenegro were unavailable. You could spend more or less depending on factors such as where you stay, eat and the things you do.

***Croatia was part of a longer trip that included Austria, Hungary, Ukraine and Spain.

You can read my other posts about Europe:

Itinerary for Dubrovnik

Here's a sample Dubrovnik itinerary for your upcoming trip.

Day 1

Old City Walls

Walk around the Old Town

Day 2

Lovrijenac Fort

Take the Dubrovnik cable car or hike up to the view point

Day 3

Check out the beaches and ports (Banje Beach, Port Gruz, Uvala Lapad Beach, and others)

There's not much to do in Dubrovnik during the winter. So I think two full days is just about right to see the city's old town and some nearby places. There are more activities during the summer. You can see the other islands, go kayaking, swimming, and other day trips.