DESTINATIONS mediterranean croatia dubrovnik

Things to do in Dubrovnik

Perched on the picture-perfect Dalmatian Coast overlooking the turquoise Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is filled to the brim with history and fabulous tourist attractions. You’ll find plenty of fun and fascinating things to do on holiday in Dubrovnik. Whether you’re visiting the city’s bustling marketplace, watching passersby from a sidewalk café or exploring historical sights and museums.  

Walk along the top of the city’s ancient stone walls and climb the perimeter towers for panoramic views of the town and its surroundings. Explore the churches, monasteries and monuments in the fascinating Old Town and seek out sights used in the popular TV series Game of Thrones, which have added to Dubrovnik’s fame. With so many things to do, where do you start to explore Dubrovnik? Here are a few ideas to include in your holiday package.  

Things to do in Dubrovnik 

  • Explore the city’s pedestrianised main street lined with open-air cafes, museums and shops.  
  • Tour the city walls and enjoy panoramic views of the city and beyond.  
  • Enjoy a cable car ride to the crest of Mount Srd for the best city views.  
  • Explore baroque Dubrovnik Cathedral with its many treasures.  
  • During the Summer Festival, watch a performance of Hamlet in Fort Lovrijenac.  
  • Enjoy sea kayaking around Dubrovnik’s walls.  
  • Explore the Sponza Palace, built in the early 1500s.  
  • Catch a ferry to Lokrum Island and follow a walking trail along the coast.   
  • See a variety of trees at the Trsteno Arboretum, one of Croatia’s oldest parks.  
  • Bask in the sun on one of Dubrovnik’s gorgeous beaches.  
  • Go sailing to discover uninhabited outlying islands.  

Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town, beautiful pebble beaches, tiny islands, and excellent food and wine make it a fascinating holiday destination. Let Thompsons Holidays put together your Dubrovnik vacation package so that you can focus on making memories to last a lifetime. 

Know before you go...

  • The best time to visit Dubrovnik is in autumn (September & October) when the weather is stunning and most of the cruise ships have departed. 
  • High season is during the summer months, July & August.  
  • Winter months (November to February) are the low season. 

  • Flight duration from Johannesburg to Dubrovnik: 14 hours. 
  • There are regular flights from South Africa to Croatia. You may need to catch a connecting flight from another city or country to reach your final destination.    

  • South African passport holders require a visa to enter Croatia. If you have a Schengen visa, you don’t require another visa. 
  • Passport must be valid for 6 months after your trip.

  • Time zone – Dubrovnik is on Central European time, one hour behind South Africa during the winter (November to March) and the same time as South Africa in the summer months. 

  • The official currency is the Croatian Kuna (HRK) and it is preferable to use this currency. 
  • The Euro, US Dollar and British Pound are all accepted in Croatia. 
  • Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are readily available.  
  • Tipping is customary for taxis, restaurants, hotels, bars, etc. 

  • Croatia has 3 official languages – Croatian, Bosnian and Serbian.  
  • English is spoken by 81% of the population. 

  • 86% of the Croatian population is Catholic. 
  • When visiting sacred sites and temples, dress conservatively. (See ‘What to pack’).

  • It is safe to drink tap water in Dubrovnik, but many prefer to drink bottled water. 
  • Many public restrooms charge a small fee for use, so keep change on hand for this. 
  • Vaccinations are / are not currently required but check with your travel clinic before you go. 

Travel tips

What must I pack?   

  • Depending on when and where you visit, lightweight clothing for summer, warm clothing for winter, rain gear and beachwear if relevant. Choose items that can be layered.   
  • Dress modestly when visiting sacred sites – no shorts or tank tops. Legs & shoulders must be covered. Long, loose pants and long-sleeved cotton shirts are best.  
  • Comfortable walking shoes.  
  • Sunscreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses for summer holidays.  
  • Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.  
  • Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.  
  • Camera.  
  • Travel adaptor. 

Getting around  

  • Dubrovnik has a good transport system that includes taxis & buses.   

What can I do to be a responsible traveller?    

  • Wherever possible, buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans.  
  • Avoid single-use plastic; rather take fabric shopping bags with you and use refillable water bottles (when local drinking water is available).  
  • Respect each other's cultures and customs and avoid imposing your beliefs.   
  • Do not support animal encounters and wildlife activities that are harmful or unethical.  

Safety tips   

  • Always have a map (or app) on hand, especially when travelling at night.  
  • Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.  
  • Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for passports and valuables and watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers when out and about.  

What do I do in an emergency?   

  • If passports or valuables are stolen, report the theft to the hotel/police immediately.  
  • Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist. 

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