Dubrovnik (Croatia)
Cruise Port Guide
Review (2023)

Panoramic photo of the old port in Dubrovnik, Croatia, cruise port

Everything you must-know about Dubrovnik cruise port: where ships dock, how to get around, top things to do, the Game of Thrones attractions, shopping, restaurants, the best beaches, and what to to visit out of town.

By:
Update: May 23, 2023

Dubrovnik is the most visited port in Croatia and one of the most popular cruising destinations in the Mediterranean cruise ship itineraries. It is located in the southern part of the country very close to the borders of both Montenegro and Bosnia.

Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Where Ships Dock
  3. How To Get Around
  4. Top Things to Do and See
  5. Game of Thrones Attractions
  6. Shops and Shopping
  7. Where to Eat, Flavors and Restaurants
  8. The Beaches in Dubrovnik
  9. To Visit Out of Town

Overview

Dubrovnik's local population is very friendly and ready to help cruise travelers find their way around or that special item to bring home with you.

Dubrovnik has withstood a real test of time, with many invaders, conflicts and countries trying to take it over.

Now that they are finally on their own, and Croatia is in the European Union, Dubrovnik is one of the most sought after destinations of Croatia, the Adriatic Sea and cruise ships on itineraries both in the Eastern and Western Mediterranean.

All major cruise lines include Dubrovnik on their Mediterranean itineraries and in particular on cruises departing or ending in Venice.

However, Marella Cruise does fly on Tui directly from Britain to the Dubrovnik's Airport and has a number of cruises starting and ending in Dubrovnik.

Where Ships Dock in Dubrovnik

One of the most wonderful cruise ship ports in Croatia, Dubrovnik is known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic' due to its location on the coast of the Adriatic sea formed by Italy and the Balkans.

However, it must be pointed out that the main Cruise Port in Dubrovnik (Port of Gruž) is around 2 miles (3km) from the Old Town where the top attractions are located, although sometimes cruise ships may also anchor. Find out more about where cruise ships dock  ❯

Panoramic Photo of the Port of Gruž in Dubrovnik

The Port of Gruž

Photo Courtesy of Dubrovnik Port Authority

How to Get Around in Dubrovnik

Unless your cruise ship is anchored and tendering passengers to the Old Port, walking from Port of Gruž is not really the best option.

Good news: Taxis are available right by the gangway as the cruise passenger exits the cruise ship, costing €14.00 (Euros) per car each way. This fares have been updated in 2022.

Buses are available just outside the exit gate of the port - a return transfer to the Old Town costs €4.00 (Euros) per person. Learn More about Transportation in Dubrovnik  ❯

Tender boat moored at the Old Port in Dubrovnik cruise port
During the high season (July and August), the Port of Gruž may have as many as 5 cruise ships docked. When and if this happens other cruise ships will anchor south of the Old City and tender passengers to the Old Port.

Photo: © IQCruising.com

Top Things To Do and See

Although the city encompasses a large area, the Old Town, which is a UNESCO Heritage site that all associate Dubrovnik with, is a relatively small city with a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. On the news after the breakup of Yugoslavia, when it was attacked by Serbian forces, Dubrovnik made a dramatic comeback after the war in 1991.

Photo of Gundulić Square in Dubrovnik

Gundulić Square

Photo © IQCruising.com

The main attraction for all visitors is the Old Town with its charming marble streets, museums, religious sites, quaint squares, restaurants and shops filled with cruise passengers and other travelers admiring this historic and beautiful city. While visiting Dubrovnik, the cruise traveler can choose to walk the Fortified Walls that surround the city and admire streets, buildings and the people below.

You may also explore marvelous attractions and landmarks or just enjoy some relaxing shopping in one of the open markets - like the one on Gundulić Square. Here is a list of the top historical landmarks in Dubrovnik:

  • Placa or Stradum
  • Sponza Palace
  • Big Onofrio's Fountain
  • Small Onofrio's Fountain
  • Luža Square and Clock Tower
  • Gundulić Square
  • Baroque Stairs
  • Orlando's Column
  • Fort Lovrijenac
  • Pile Gate
  • Ploče Gate
  • Minčeta Tower

Click here to read the reviews of Dubrovnik's Historical Landmarks  ❯

Or maybe you just want to sit by the docks to enjoy people and boat watching. Or enjoy lunch al fresco in the shade of the many squares of the Old Town. In Dubrovnik, the cruise traveler will find a cuisine that has put smiles on many faces.

Photo of Marin Držic House in Dubrovnik

Marin Držic House

Photo © IQCruising.com

Many of the major highlights and historical landmarks are home to very interesting museums. But the cruise traveler may also be interested in other smaller collections such as the War Photo Limited or the unusual Home of Marin Držić among other museums. Read more about Dubrovnik's Museums. Whatever you fancy and decide to do, walking along the Placa aka Stradum is a must. The most famous street in Dubrovnik ends at the Luža Square where the cruise traveler can admire the Clock Tower, the Church of St. Blaise, the Sponza Palace (Town Hall) and the Small Onofrio's Fountain among other highlights. Explore Dubrovnik Highlights.

Photo of Placa aka Stradum in Dubrovnik Cruise Ship Port

Placa aka Stradum

Photo: © IQCruising.com

These are some of the many attractions of Dubrovnik and on the Placa or close by there are many other sites to visit such as the Franciscan Monastery, the Synagogue, the Rector's Palace the Dominican Monastery, the Cathedral, the Gundulić Square or the Baroque Stairs and narrow streets where Game of Thrones was filmed. Explore Dubrovnik Religious Sites.

Game of Thrones Attractions in Dubrovnik

Photo of Baroque Stairs Dubrovnik Cruise Ship Port

Baroque Stairs - Game of Thrones

Photo: © IQCruising.com

In fact, with the huge success of the Game of Thrones series, Dubrovnik has become a major attraction for those looking for the filming locations. If the cruise traveler is a fan of the Game of Thrones, there are a few locations not to be missed: namely, the famous steps and streets where Cersei Lannister is shamed and humiliated in the last episode of Season 5. But many other filming locations of the Game of Thrones season will be found in Dubrovnik and the cruise traveler will certainly recognize many whilst on a walk around the streets and squares of this spectacular city.

Dubrovnik's Shopping

Close to the Port of Gruž, the cruise traveler will only find a fresh market and a supermarket but in the historical center you will find the best shops and shopping streets. Here, the visitor will find an interesting mix of the typical tourist shops with everything from dalmatian souvenirs (along with lots of Game of Thrones merchandise) to local boutiques and handcrafts. But also famous labels and brands like Benetton, Max Mara, Fendi, Gant or Tag-Heuer. For a selection of the best Shops - Learn More about the Best Shopping in Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik's Flavors and Restaurants

Photo of Restaurant Gradskavana in Dubrovnik

Restaurant Gradskavana

Photo © IQCruising.com

Dubrovnik's cuisine is truly Mediterranean relying on fresh produce seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and lemon, sometimes with a touch of rosemary or bay leaf. Fish and meat are usually grilled over charcoal or pan fried. Close to the Port of Gruž, there are a couple of excellent restaurant. But it is in the Old Historical City that you will have the opportunity to savor local delicacies in an amazing array of restaurants for all purses and appetites. There are so many choices that sometimes it becomes complicated to pick one. For a selection of the Editor's favorite restaurants Explore Dubrovnik's Flavors and Cuisine.

The Best Beaches in Dubrovnik

For the most outstanding view of the city, mountains, and islands, the Srd Hill is a must go site that can be reached by the Dubrovnik Cable Car, built back in 1969.

Photo of Buza Beach in Dubrovnik

Buza Beach

Photo © IQCruising.com

For a day on the beach or just for a dip in the Adriatic Sea after exploring the highlights of the Old Town, Dubrovnik has pristine beaches, some of which are pure hidden secrets. Be aware that most beaches in Dubrovnik are not sandy but with pebbles. Discover Dubrovnik Beaches and Outdoors.

Top Places to Visit Out of Town

Photo of Korčula near Dubrovnik Cruise Ship Port

Korčula is a highlight close by

Photo: Public Domain CC by SA

Most cruise travelers spend the day exploring the attractions of the Old Town but close by there are also a few hidden and very interesting treasures. These can be particularly interesting for cruise travelers that have-been-there-and-done-it-all. Among Dubrovnik's famous surroundings, Cavtat, Korčula, Lokrum, Mljet are highlights and destinations offered on shore excursions but that can also be explored on your own. Discover Out of Town Attractions.

 

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