Money-Saving Tips

Dubrovnik doesn't have to be expensive if you plan cleverly:

• Dubrovnik Card: The 1-day card (€35) includes city walls (€35 single price!), Rector's Palace, Maritime Museum, and bus rides — saves money immediately. The 3-day card (€45) is even better.
• Eat outside the walls: In Gruž, there are excellent konobas (traditional restaurants) at local prices. Restaurant Pantarul or Shizuku in Lapad — top quality without the Old Town surcharge.
• Use city buses: Libertás buses cover all important routes (Old Town – Lapad – Gruž – Ploče) for €2/ride. Day pass €5.
• The beach is free: The rocky coves south of the Old Town (Sveti Jakov, Bellevue) cost nothing and are more beautiful than hotel beaches.
• Refill water: The tap water in Dubrovnik is excellent. Bring a water bottle — the Onofrio fountains on the Stradun provide the same water as in the 15th century.
• Cruise ship radar: Check cruisemapper.com for the arrival schedule. On days without cruise ships, the Old Town is half as crowded — and the experience is twice as good.
• Early on the wall: The city walls open at 8 am (summer). Those who arrive at opening have the wall almost to themselves. It gets crowded from 10 am. Alternatively: after 5 pm, when the cruise guests are gone.
• Book off-season: An apartment that costs €200/night in August is available in May or October for €70–100. The experience is often even better in the off-season.