Dubrovnik Croatia Cruise Port Guide and Travel Tips

Dubrovnik's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on a small peninsula, it's surrounded by medieval walls and red-tiled roofs.

Getting to the old town from the cruise port is relatively easy, with a short bus ride or a scenic walk along the city walls. The walk takes about 10-15 minutes.

The old town is filled with narrow streets and historic buildings, making it a treasure trove for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. Be sure to explore the Stradun, the main street of the old town.

As you walk through the old town, you'll notice the stunning architecture and the beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea. Take your time and soak it all in.

Getting Around Dubrovnik Croatia Cruise Port is relatively straightforward. You can take a local bus no 1 from the cruise port to get to the Old Town.

The bus fare is not mentioned in the article, but you can check the detailed instruction on how to get there for more information. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the taxi station near the port.

The price of a taxi from the cruise port to the Old Town is 10 Euro, as displayed at the taxi station near the port.

You can get to the Old Town from the cruise port by taking a local bus, which is a cheap and easy alternative to cruise line shuttles.

The bus station is directly outside the cruise port, and you can hop on the local No. 1 Bus, which will take you to the Old Town.

Alternatively, you can grab a taxi, which should cost around 10 euros, depending on traffic.

The taxi fare is usually around 10 euros, but be prepared for some holdups if traffic is busy, as it can take up to 40 minutes to get to the Old Town.

The bus station is conveniently located right across from the central bus station, making it easy to find.

Buses 1A, 1B, and 3 all go to Pile Gate, the main entrance to Old Town, and will also take you back to the cruise port.

You can also walk to the Old Town, but it's not recommended, as the streets can be narrow and congested.

The cruise port is located near the central bus station, making it easy to get to the Old Town on your own.

Note that on busy days with multiple ships in port, you might need to walk a short distance along the port to find the bus station.

Walking the City Walls is an unforgettable experience, and it's a great way to see Dubrovnik from a different perspective. The City Walls are the crown jewels of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the most extensive, well-preserved medieval fortifications in Europe.

The initial climb involves a steep staircase, but the rest of the walk is manageable. Just remember, there's virtually no shade, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and water.

Walking the full loop takes about an hour, and you can easily do this alongside visiting the Old Town itself. The Dubrovnik City Walls were constructed over a 500-year period, mainly during the 12th and 17th centuries.

There are stunning views over the Adriatic Sea, the Old Town, and the surrounding islands. The walk is not too strenuous, but it does involve a LOT of steps, so wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.

Tickets are €35 for adults and €15 for kids over 7. If you have a student card, you can get a discount on the adult ticket.

In Dubrovnik, cruise ships dock at the Port of Gruz, which is the main port in the city.

Gruz Port is located about 3 kilometers northwest of the historic Old Town of Dubrovnik.

You can easily get to the Old Town from the port by walking or taking a taxi.

Dubrovnik, Croatia is a stunning cruise port that offers a wealth of experiences for visitors. Visit Luža Square, the vibrant heart of Dubrovnik's Old Town, where the Church of St. Blaise commands attention.

The Church of St. Blaise is a beautiful example of Venetian Baroque style and houses a striking 15th-century silver statue of St. Blaise. You can also walk through the small archway to emerge at the charming Old Port, where you can walk alongside the magnificent city fortifications.

If you're a fan of Game of Thrones, you'll love walking around Dubrovnik, which served as the primary filming location for King's Landing. Some iconic scenes were filmed at Pile Gate, Jesuit Staircase, St Dominic Street, and Rector's Palace.

Here are some notable locations used in Game of Thrones:

Dubrovnik is a treasure trove of history, architecture, and natural beauty, and there are plenty of ways to experience it on a DIY shore excursion. The old town is completely pedestrianized, making it easy to get around on foot.

The old town walls are a must-see, with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, the old town, and the surrounding islands. You can walk the walls in about 2 hours, starting at the Pile Gate, and there are several places to stop and take a break.

If you're looking for some exercise, the trailhead for a 2.5km hike is a 20-minute walk from Pile Gate, and the hike takes around 30-45 minutes. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.

The Placa Stradun is the main pedestrian boulevard in the old town, and it's only 600 meters long. You can access everything from the Placa, and it's a great place to start your DIY shore excursion.

Here are some of the top attractions and activities to consider:

Note: The Dubrovnik Pass can be a good value if you plan to visit multiple attractions, but be sure to check if it's worth it for your cruise ship day trip.

Shopping in Dubrovnik is a delight, with the main shopping street being Placa Stradun. You can also find great shops in the small and steep streets around the Stradun.

Typical Dubrovnik products include Konavle embroidery, silver and gold jewelry, and wine from the Dubrovnik cellars. These make for unique souvenirs to remember your trip.

If you're looking for a more authentic shopping experience, head to the port, which is full of souvenir stands. Just be aware that there are no duty-free stores in port.

If history and culture aren't your thing, Dubrovnik has plenty of beautiful beaches to offer a relaxing day in port.

Banje Beach is a popular choice, located just 15 minutes walk from Pile Gate at Old Town, offering stunning views of the city walls and harbor.

Sveti Jakov Beach is a great option for those seeking a quieter experience, as it tends to be less crowded due to its slightly further location from the Old Town area.

You can easily access Sveti Jakov Beach from the Cruise port if you want to spend the day there, and the calm water is perfect for swimming.

There are plenty of loungers and umbrellas available for rent at Sveti Jakov Beach, making it a convenient choice for a beach day.

The local currency in Dubrovnik is now the euro, as of January 2023, so make sure to exchange your money accordingly.

You'll usually be docked in the Port of Gruž, about 3km from the Old Town, although some cruise ships may drop anchor close to the Old Town and take you over to Old Port in tender boats.

To navigate the city, consider using Google Maps, which worked perfectly for one visitor and offers spot-on public transit directions.

If you're planning a cruise, use Dubrovnik's "Visitors Prediction" tool to estimate crowd levels, especially during summer when the Old Town can get crowded.

When visiting Dubrovnik, it's essential to know where your cruise ship will be docked. Large ships typically dock in Gruz, about 3 km (~2 miles) northwest from Dubrovnik Old Town.

If you're visiting on a small cruise ship, you may be tendered into Old Harbour, where you can walk directly into Old Town. I've seen Ponant Cruises tender in on several occasions.

To navigate Dubrovnik, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local currency and language. In Dubrovnik, the official currency is the Euro, and the local language is Croatian.

You can find helpful information about Dubrovnik on the official tourism website, which offers downloadable brochures to guide your visit. The website also features a "Visitors Prediction" tool to help you estimate crowd levels during your visit.

To get around Dubrovnik, I recommend using Google Maps, which worked perfectly for me during my visit. The app provides accurate public transit directions and can help you navigate the city.

If you're planning to explore Dubrovnik independently, consider purchasing an eSIM data pack from Airalo. This can help you stay connected without incurring huge roaming fees.

Timing is key to beating the crowds in Dubrovnik. Most group walking tours start around mid-morning to early afternoon, so get to the city walls as early as possible to avoid the rush.

To escape the crowds, head to the outskirts of Old Town, where you can visit Fort Lovrijenac, enjoy the harbour views at Ploče Gate, or take a dip near the maritime museum.

Visiting Dubrovnik during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) means fewer crowds. Many attractions and shops are closed during winter though, so plan accordingly.

By following these tips, you can enjoy Dubrovnik even on a busy day with multiple cruise ships, maximising your shore excursion time.

Dubrovnik's Old Town is a must-see, and you can easily spend a day exploring its historic streets and landmarks. Luža Square is the vibrant heart of the Old Town, surrounded by beautiful buildings like the Church of St. Blaise and Sponza Palace.

The Church of St. Blaise is dedicated to Dubrovnik's beloved patron saint, St. Blaise, who appeared in a vision to warn the city of an imminent Venetian attack. The church features a striking 15th-century silver statue of St. Blaise holding a model of Dubrovnik.

Sponza Palace is a stunning blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture and houses the Dubrovnik State Archive. While the archive itself isn't open to the public, you may find fascinating displays on the ground floor.

To get to the Rector's Palace, walk through the small archway from Luža Square and you'll emerge at the charming Old Port. The Rector's Palace serves as the Cultural History Museum and showcases artworks and period history furnishings.

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is also nearby and is one of the few free attractions in Dubrovnik. It was built in the Baroque style and features a beautiful interior.

If you're a fan of Game of Thrones, you'll recognize many of Dubrovnik's landmarks as the primary filming location for King's Landing. Here are some iconic locations to look out for:

If you're feeling adventurous, take a 20-minute walk from Pile Gate to the trailhead and hike up to a great view of the city. The 2.5km hike is fairly gentle and takes around 30-45 minutes, but be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen as there's little shade.

Dubrovnik, Croatia is a compact city, making it easy to get around on foot. The old city is pedestrian-only, so you can ditch the rental car and explore the city streets on foot.

The Placa Stradun is the main pedestrian boulevard, where you can access everything from shops to restaurants to historical landmarks. It's only 600 meters long, so you can easily walk from one end to the other.

Excursion boats depart from the old harbor, located at the end of the Placa, and offer a good value for 12 Euro for a 50-minute trip. Be prepared for a surprise, as some of the nearby islands have nudist beaches, a common practice in Croatia.

For stunning views of the city, ride the cable car, which has been completely renovated after the Balkan war. However, be aware that you'll need to navigate many steps to get to the cable car, so consider using a taxi or bus instead.

Bus 8 from the cruise terminal makes a stop at the cable car, making it a convenient option. Alternatively, take a panoramic taxi tour, which costs 50 Euro per taxi for a 1-hour ride. Many drivers speak good English and can drop you off at the old city or cruise terminal.

It's worth comparing your cruise line excursions with those offered by GetYourGuide and Viator to find the best deal.

Dubrovnik, Croatia is a popular cruise port, attracting over 1 million passengers annually.

The port is situated on the southern side of the old city, offering stunning views of the ancient walls and red-tiled roofs.

Cruise ships dock at the Gruž Port, which is about 2 kilometers from the old city center.

The city's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with narrow cobblestone streets and historic buildings dating back to the 14th century.

To get to the old town from the port, you can take a taxi, bus, or walk along the scenic coastal path.

The walk takes about 30-40 minutes, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and the old city walls.

Some cruise lines offer shuttle buses from the port to the old town, but be sure to check with your cruise line for availability.

Dubrovnik's old town is a treasure trove of history, architecture, and culture, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions to explore.