Dubrovnik · Croatia · Mistakes to avoid
5 mistakes families make in Dubrovnik
The five most common family mistakes in Dubrovnik are visiting on a cruise-ship day, walking the city walls at midday, seeing only the old town, eating on the main street, and trying to drive into the old town. Stay overnight, walk the walls at opening time, take a boat to Lokrum, eat down a side lane and park outside the walls.
The mistakes, and what to do instead
- 1
Coming on a cruise day
Dubrovnik is a popular cruise port, and on busy days thousands of passengers arrive in the old town at the same time, mostly between late morning and mid-afternoon. Lanes and the city walls become crowded and slow. The fix is to stay overnight, so you can see the old town early in the morning and in the evening after the ships leave. If you can only come for a day, check the port schedule online and pick a day with fewer ships. Start your visit at opening time and leave before the midday crush.
- 2
Walking the walls at noon
The city walls give a loop of about two kilometres above the red roofs and the sea, and are the best-known thing to do. The mistake is doing them in the middle of the day in summer, when stone and sun make it hot and there is very little shade. Go when the walls open, which is early in the morning, or late in the afternoon. Bring water and hats, wear sturdy shoes, and allow around ninety minutes with children, who will want to stop. There are steep steps, so strollers are not practical.
- 3
Only doing the old town
The old town is small and can be seen in a day, which leaves visitors with nothing to do and little swimming. Take a short boat from the old port to Lokrum, a forested island with walking paths, rocky swimming spots, peacocks and a small salt lake, which makes a calm half day for children. Boats run frequently in season. Take water and snacks, as services are limited. The ride from the old harbour takes about fifteen minutes. Other options include the Elaphiti islands and Cavtat.
- 4
Eating on the Stradun
The Stradun is the polished main street running through the old town, and restaurants on it or in the main squares tend to be the most expensive and often the most generic. Walk a block or two into the side lanes, especially those off the steps up from the Stradun, and menus tend to be simpler, cheaper and more local. Look for grilled fish, black risotto and local pastries. Many restaurants have little tables on steps. Book ahead for dinner in summer, and avoid places with staff calling people in from the street.
- 5
Driving into the walls
The old town is pedestrian only, with narrow lanes and steps, and there is no parking inside the walls. Driving toward the gates leads to traffic, stress and expensive car parks. If you have a rental car, leave it at your accommodation or at a car park outside the old town and walk or take a bus in. Check before booking if your hotel has parking, because many near the old town do not. Taxis and ride-hailing can reach the gates. Luggage can be a long haul on steps, so choose lodging carefully.
Plan it
- Best time
- May, June, September and early October combine warm sea, long days and fewer crowds. July and August are hottest and busiest. Winter is mild and quiet, but some boats and restaurants close.
- How long
- Two nights is the minimum to see the old town without a cruise-day crowd. Three or four nights lets you add Lokrum, a day trip to nearby islands or Montenegro, and a slow beach afternoon.
- Getting around
- The old town is walkable and pedestrian only. Local buses connect it with the port, Lapad and the main hotel areas, and taxis and ride-hailing are available. Ferries and boats go to Lokrum and the Elaphiti islands.
Good to know
- Check the cruise ship schedule for Dubrovnik before booking your dates.
- Wear shoes with grip. Polished limestone steps and streets can be slippery.
- Choose accommodation in Lapad or just outside the old town, where beaches and parking are easier.
Frequently asked
How many days do you need in Dubrovnik with kids? +
Two nights is the minimum, three or four is better. That gives time for the old town and walls, a boat trip to Lokrum, and some beach time, without relying on a single crowded day.
When is the best time to visit Dubrovnik? +
May, June, September and early October. The sea is warm enough to swim, crowds are smaller than in July and August, and the heat is easier to manage when walking the walls.
Are the Dubrovnik city walls suitable for children? +
Yes for children who can climb steps and walk for around an hour or more. There are steep stairs and no shade, so go early, bring water, and avoid strollers. Very young children are better carried.
Can you drive into Dubrovnik old town? +
No. The old town is pedestrian only. Park outside the walls or at your accommodation and walk or take a bus in. Check parking before you book, as space close to the old town is limited.
