Dubrovnik for Cruise Passengers

This guide will tell you everything you need to know to plan a great day ashore in Dubrovnik when visiting on a cruise – whether it’s your first time here or you are on a return visit. Read on for my port tips with all the links you’ll need to plan your day ashore and what to see and do in Dubrovnik from a cruise ship.

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Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, is one of Europe’s most photogenic cities and certainly a highlight on any cruise itinerary around the Adriatic or Mediterranean. The walled Old Town with its gleaming marble streets, and the captivating sea views make for a memorable and easy to explore day in port. Despite what the shore excursions desk on your cruise ship might tell you, Dubrovnik is one of the Mediterranean’s most walkable, self-guided cruise port calls.

Arriving at Dubrovnik via Cruise ship.

Most ships will berth at Gruž Port when arriving in Dubrovnik. Gruž Port is about 3 km outside the Old Town of Dubrovnik. If you are not on a cruise line shore excursion and want to make your way into the Old Town independently then heading into Dubrovnik’s Old Town from Gruž Port is straightforward, and there are several options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Some smaller ships (e.g. Azamara, Silversea, Windstar) may anchor just off Lokrum. If your ship anchors, tenders typically drop you directly by the Old Harbour/Old Town and you’ll be on the Stradun in minutes.

How to Get from Gruž Port to Dubrovnik Old Town

By Public Transport

Libertas, Dubrovnik’s public bus company, operates services connecting the Old Town (Pile Gate) with Gruz Port where your ship will dock. The journey from the Port to Pile Gate takes about 10–15 minutes and busses run every 10–20 minutes.

Tickets cost €1.73 if purchased in advance (valid for one hour) or €1.99 on board (having some €2 coins to hand rather than notes is recommended). Public transport is the best value option, though buses can get crowded at peak times. Dubrovnik Bus Map and Timetables

By Foot
Walking is the simplest and most scenic choice. It is relatively straightforward to find your way from the port to the Old City however it can get hot in the summer months. The route is around 2.5 km and takes 30 – 45 minutes. While it’s free it might be less practical if you’re travelling in the summer heat plus it eats a lot into your limited time in port.

By Taxi
For speed and comfort, taxis and ride-hailing services such as Bolt or Uber reach the Old Town in 10–15 minutes. Fares typically range from €6–€10 with Uber/Bolt or around €12 by taxi. While taxis are convenient, Uber and Bolt usually offer more transparent pricing.

Cruise Ship Transfer
Your cruise line might also provide a transfer service between the port and old town. Some cruise lines charge for this, while other include it in your fare.

Interactive Map of things to do in Dubrovnik

What to do in Dubrovnik – at a Glance

What to Do - At a glance

🏛️ Sights, Museums & Galleries
Rector’s Palace
Maritime Museum
Ethnographic Museum
Sponza Palace
Marin Držić House
Dubrovnik Natural History Museum
Friars Minor Franciscan Monastery Museum
Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik

🚶‍♂️Activities
Walk the City Walls
Kayaking
City Walls Cruise

📌 Locations
Jesuit Stairs
Stradun (Placa)
Cable Car to Mount Srđ
Old Port
Lovrijenac Fortress
Luza Square
Large Onofrios Fountain



🏖️ A little further out
Lokrum Island
Cavtat.

Top Things to See and Do in Dubrovnik in One Day

Walk the City Walls

No visit to Dubrovnik is complete without walking the medieval City Walls. This UNESCO-listed masterpiece encircles the Old Town. The full circuit takes 1-2 hours (depending on how fast you walk and how many times you stop to take photos of the breathtaking scenery). Go early morning to avoid peak crowds and the strongest sun. The spectacular views of terracotta rooftops, the shimmering Adriatic, and the fortresses guarding the city are definitely worth taking time to savour and admire.

🔖 Pro Tip: When walking the walls, head to The Ploče Gate or St John’s Gate entrances which can be a quieter start point.

Buy the Dubrovnik Pass for Great Savings:

If you are planning to visit the Walls then consider purchasing the Dubrovnik Pass.

The ticket can be purchased on line and includes: City Walls + Lovrjenac Fortress, Rector’s Palace, Maritime Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Marin Držić House, Dubrovnik Natural History Museum, Friars Minor Franciscan Monastery Museum, Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik, Dulčić – Masle – Pulitika Gallery, Pulitika Studio, Archaeological exhibitions and a 24h Bus Ticket

💵 Looking for more tips on how to save money when visiting Dubrovnik on a cruise? Click here

Stroll the Stradun (Placa)

The Stradun is Dubrovnik’s main street – broad, polished, and lined with elegant Renaissance and Baroque façades. Stroll from Pile Gate to Luza Square, passing landmarks such as the Franciscan Monastery with its historic pharmacy, and Onofrio’s Fountain, a perfect photo stop and chance to refill your water bottle.

Take the Cable Car to Mount Srđ

For a bird’s-eye view of the Old Town and coastline, ride the Dubrovnik Cable Car up Mount Srđ. In under four minutes you’ll have ascended 412 metres and be rewarded with enthralling views across the Adriatic and the Elafiti Islands. (Adults Round-Trip €30 / Children Round-Trip (4 – 12 years) €8)

At the top you can visit Fort Imperial, which houses a museum on Dubrovnik’s modern history, or simply relax with a drink and something to eat at the Panorama Restaurant and Bar.

Explore the Old Port

Behind the City Walls is the Old Port. This was once the mighty maritime hub of Dubrovnik’s. Today it’s a picturesque marina with fishing boats and excursion boats. It’s a lovely place to pause for coffee or gelato and soak up the harbour views. If you want to explore further afield to Lokrum Island or Cavtat, then you can catch a boat from here.

Visit Lovrijenac Fortress

Just outside the western walls stands Fort Lovrijenac, which is perched dramatically on a 37-metre rock. Often called “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar”, there are picture perfect views back over the Old Town and is famous among Game of Thrones fans as the filming site of the Red Keep. (I have never watched GoT so I’m taking this advice from a fan who was on our trip) If you buy this Dubrovnik Pas then the entrance is included in your ticket.

Chill Out in Luza Square

At the heart of the Old Town, Luza Square is surrounded by some of Dubrovnik’s finest buildings: the Rector’s Palace, St Blaise’s Church, and Sponza Palace. This lively square is a great spot to linger, people-watch, and admire the city’s architecture.

Join a free Walking Tour

GuruWalk tours vary between 1 and 3 hours and gives you the opportunity to explore the city with expert local guides who share insider secrets with you. Discover the most iconic sites, key areas, and specific themed aspects. Booking is completely free and offers flexible cancellation with no additional costs, making it easy to adjust to your travel plans. At the end of the tour, you decide how much to contribute based on your experience.

More info: Free Walking Tour of Dubrovnik

Explore a Little Further

When docking in Dubrovnik, many visitors naturally gravitate towards the city’s stunning Old Town, with its iconic walls and marble streets. However, if you wish to venture a little further afield during your stop, there are some excellent options that allow you to experience the area’s beauty from a different perspective.

Lokrum Island

Just a short boat ride from Dubrovnik’s harbour, Lokrum is a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city. This lush, green island is a protected nature reserve and offers shaded walking trails, a botanical garden, and the ruins of a Benedictine monastery. You can also take a swim in the crystal-clear waters or the island’s saltwater lake, known as the “Dead Sea”.

The ferry route to Lokrum (Portoc Bay) is currently served by 2 companies: Lokrum – Grad Dubrovnik and Adriana Cavtat. Journey time is about 15 minutes and a ticket is 7 Euros per person.

Cavtat

For a more relaxed pace, Cavtat is a charming coastal town located about 30 minutes south of Dubrovnik by car or boat. Its elegant waterfront promenade is lined with cafés and restaurants, while its narrow lanes reveal a mix of Renaissance and baroque architecture. You’ll also find quiet beaches and viewpoints across the Adriatic, making it a pleasant alternative to Dubrovnik’s bustling streets. Adriana Cavtat runs a regular boat service in the summer months (10 Euros Per person each way) – but check return times so that you can make it back to your ship in time.

Where to Eat and Drink in Dubrovnik

Even in a short visit, it’s worth sampling some Dalmatian cuisine. Look for restaurants tucked into side streets serving fresh seafood, octopus salad, or black risotto. Don’t miss out on a quick treat such a refreshing gelato or a cool glass of Croatian wine or splash out with a special meal at a Michelin stared venue.

Here are some Food and Drink recommendations worth looking at when you visit Dubrovnik on a cruise

🍧Peppino’s Gelato Factory - Artisanal gelato boutique, ultra-creamy flavours and generous mix-ins.

🍽️ Kopun - Quaint Old Town eatery specialising in capon dishes rooted in Dalmatian tradition.

🍽️ Zuzori - Inventive Mediterranean restaurant tucked into Dubrovnik’s historic centre with imaginative cuisine.

🍽️ Proto - A seafood institution in the Old Town.

🍽️ Stara Loza - Set within Prijeko Palace, modern Mediterranean fare with a rooftop terrace.

🍽️ Lucin Kantun - Small, authentic Croatian restaurant offering a welcoming “local-feeling” atmosphere.

🍽️ Nautika – Elegant restaurant by the sea, classic cuisine and commanding views.

🍽️ 360 - Dubrovnik’s Michelin-starred fine-dining experience, set along the St. John fortress walls.

🍽️ Forty-Four Restaurant - Romantic, contemporary fine-dining restaurant on Stradun elegant Croatian flavour.

🍽️Panorama Restaurant and Bar – Dubrovnik’s highest dining destination located at the upper cable-car station with sweeping views across Dubrovnik and the Adriatic.

🍹Buža Bar - Legendary “hole-in-the-wall” cliff-side bar offering dramatic Adriatic views and sunset ambience. Cash only – no toilets on site.

🍷 D'Vino Wine Bar - Intimate Old Town wine bar with an extensive selection of Croatian wines by the glass. Small – so reservations advised.

🍹Fratellos Restaurant & Bar Dubrovnik - Vibrant prosecco bar turned restaurant with live entertainment. Perfect stop off if walking back to port and you have a late departure.

🍹Beach Bar Dodo - Relaxed seaside bar carved into Sulic Beach beneath Fort Lovrijenac, famed for its cocktails and casual charm.

🍺Beer Factory Dubrovnik (Dubrovnik Beer Company) - Craft brewery and tap-room with unfiltered brews and brewery tours right in Dubrovnik.

Top Tips for Visiting Dubrovnik by Cruise ship

✅ Make sure you keep hydrated the polished marble stone reflects sun with amazing efficiency so carry a refillable water bottle and take a hat – or even better a sun umbrella, especially when on the Walls or if you’re heading up to Fort Lovrijenac.

✅ Make sure you wear good footwear. Grippy soles are advised for the highly polished pavements and steps in the Old Town

✅ While cards are the norm at major sights and restaurants – always ask if cards are taken before you order food. Always take some small change for buses/kiosks. If you want to withdraw cash the big flashy ATMs will charge you a healthy dose of commission, but you can get cash at banks – but remember to take your passport.

✅ To ensure you get back to your ship on time (if your ship berths in Gruž Port) allow 20–30 minutes to reach Gruž from Pile Gate by bus or taxi in normal traffic. I would recommend you build in extra buffer on peak days or when several ships are in port. You can check what ships are in port in advance with the Cruise Legend app.

Useful information

Currency: Euro (EUR)
Emergency services: 112
Dubrovnik Tourist information office

Summary

Dubrovnik can be enjoyed in many ways, but you won’t do it all in one day – which is why a return visit, or a more extended stay is a good idea. If you have one day then my tip is to focus on the essentials: the City Walls, Stradun, Cable Car, and perhaps a taste of its harbour life. Whatever you explore – have a great day in port, exploring the history and magic that makes Dubrovnik one of the Adriatic’s most enchanting cities.

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