2025 Dubrovnik Croatia Cruise Port Guide -
What to See and Do in a Day

Last updated: June 2025

Written by: Martina, former cruiseline employee

Looking to visit Dubrovnik, Croatia on your Mediterranean cruise?
It is one of the most iconic cruise destinations in the Mediterranean — and for good reason. With its marble streets, medieval walls, and sweeping Adriatic views, Dubrovnik is a feast for the eyes and the soul. In this article you will find out how to maximize your short day in port and how to explore beyond the walls of the Old town.

Keep reading or jump straight to:

• Top reasons why visit Dubrovnik on a cruise ship
• Why was Dubrovnik important in history?
• What is the best time for Dubrovnik Croatia cruise?
• Where is Dubrovnik Croatia? 
• Are there any cruises that leave from Dubrovnik?
• How to get from the Cruise Port to the Old town 
• What to see and do in Dubrovnik for a day?
• Best shore excursions in and around Dubrovnik
• Most romantic spots in Dubrovnik
• Dubrovnik for all ages: what kids, parents and grandparents will love?
• Is one day in Dubrovnik enough?

Top reasons why visit Dubrovnik on a cruise ship

From my year long experience, visiting Dubrovnik Croatia always tends to create a lot of hype the night before visiting this port of call!

There are many reasons why visit Dubrovnik on a cruise are here are my top 5 favourites:

One thing I especially love about it is a spectacular scenic arrival - you will see Dubrovnik from the sea, the way merchants from across all over the Mediterranean used to sail-in in times of its golden era.

Second, you will have a hassle-free access to this historic gem: getting from the cruise ship to the Old town can be done many ways, it's quick and easy.

Third, Dubrovnik, especially its Old medieval town, is compact and can be seen in a few hours.  It’s a perfect port for packing in a full experience in one day. Later, you can always decide to come back for vacation in one of its elegant hotels. Dubrovnik Shore excursions can maximize your day even more and make it possible to see even the quaint little towns in the surroundings.

Another reason is that the local cuisine is just to die for - If you're in Dubrovnik for just a day, make it unforgettable by treating yourself to the city's renowned seafood and fresh produce. Many cruise guests have shared that it was here they truly discovered the rich taste of a sun-ripened tomato. This isn't the day to dine onboard—immerse yourself in the local culinary scene!

No matter what the reason might be for visiting Dubrovnik, and what kind of background knowledge they have of it, all cruisers agree on two things when back onboard their ship: first, Dubrovnik far exceeded their expectations. Second, they know they have to come back one day!

Why was Dubrovnik important in history?

Today, The Pearl of the Adriatic, as Dubrovnik is also called, is one of the top world vacation and cruise destinations. Its Old town has the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and takes everyone's breath by its stunning architecture and magical atmosphere.

But what we see today is the remains of Dubrovnik's golden times from the 14th to the beginning of the 19th ct.

In those times, this city was actually a Republic of Ragusa,  a powerful maritime and trading state that rivaled even Venice in the Adriatic. 

What is the best time for Dubrovnik Croatia cruise?

When working for cruise lines, I used to visit Dubrovnik every two weeks for five consecutive years. So I saw this city well in all its seasons. My perfect times to visit are:

• May to mid-June: at that time of year it's already warm in the south of Croatia, but not too hot (24–28°C / 75–82°F).
  There are fewer crowds compared to peak season which is perfect for sightseeing, walking tours, and relaxed travel without the chaos of high season.
• mid-September to late October: Summer warmth still  lingers (25–30°C / 77–86°F) at that time of year, so the
  sea is still warm for swimming. Also, crowds start thinning after the first week of September which is great for cultural travelers, and cruisers looking for a more peaceful experience. 

Where is Dubrovnik Croatia? 

Dubrovnik is located at the southernmost tip of the Croatian coast, in a region known as Dalmatia.

This historic area stretches northward as far as the city of Zadar and gets its name from the ancient Illyrian tribe of the Delmati, who lived here long before the Romans — and long before the arrival of the Croats.

Here's a map of Croatia, look for Dubrovnik at the very south:

Are there any cruises that leave from Dubrovnik?

Apart from small ship coastal cruises that visit the neighbouring islands in the Adriatic sea, Seabourn cruiseline offers cruises out of Dubrovnik! 

This is a great option for those who would like to extend their stay in Dubrovnik or the rest of Croatia before or after their cruise.

Getting from the Cruise Port to the Old town 

The Old Town is where all the magic happens, so be sure to arrange your transportation from Dubrovnik's cruise port in Gruž - and do it way before you get on the cruise ship!

This is the area of Dubrovnik that you've seen in postcards, travel shows, and cruise brochures; it's a walled medieval city that is brimming with history, charm, and picturesque vistas everywhere you look.

There are a few different ways of getting from Gruž cruise port to the Old town of Dubrovnik:

🧭 Top Ways to Get to Old Town from Port

• 🚍 Local bus (lines 1A, 1B, 3 or 8)
• 🚖 Taxi 
• 🚐 Cruise line shuttle
• 🚶   Walking
• 🚐 Shore excursions by trusted operators like Viator

Each has it's pros and cons but to find them out you will have to jump to my article Getting to Dubrovnik Old town from the cruise port. There you will find enough info to make your own, informed decision.

What to see and do in Dubrovnik for a day?

In my article Top 10 and a half Dubrovnik attractions I give you my own favourites you shouldn't miss when visiting Dubrovnik. Make sure you read it!

Before you do, I just want to say Dubrovnik really will “wow” you in so many ways!

Most cruise passengers will first visually experience Dubrovnik through the window of the cruiseline shuttle bus that will take them from the Dubrovnik port to the drop off point by Pile gate.

As the shuttle descends towards the city surrounded with thick medieval walls… everyone gasps at once: “wooow!”

And that’s only seeing Dubrovnik from the outside!

What you can expect inside is:

• 🚶‍♀️ strolling the narrow cobblestone streets
• 🏛️ its churches, museums and other Dubrovnik attractions, 
• 🏰 admiring its palaces
• ☕ on your cappuccino (the best in Europe after the Italian one)
• 🥬 experiencing the colourful green market
• 🛍️ shopping for souvenirs 
• 🦐 fresh seafood for lunch…

Best shore excursions in and around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik offers a variety of unforgettable shore excursions for cruise passengers. I like to put them into a few categories:

• The Old town walking tours and walking the walls of Dubrovnik - for all the first time visitors, seeing the part of Dubrovnik wrapped inside the medieval walls is a must! Walking the walls is highly recommended, too - I did it in the last season of cruising to Dubrovnik and wished I had done it earlier. Amazing!
• The Game of Thrones shore excursions - as I have mentioned before, this is your unique opportunity to see many locations this legendary series was filmed
• Dubrovnik Old town and a quaint little town of Cavtat, best known for its picturesque harbor lined with palm trees, cafés, and yachts, ideal for leisurely walks, people-watching, and seaside dining.
• Cable car to Mount Srđ and the Old town
• Visiting Lokrum island 
• Sailing around Dubrovnik

Explore the Most Romantic Spots in Dubrovnik

Narrow cobblestone streets and intimate little nooks is what Dubrovnik is famous for!

Have I mentioned that Dubrovnik Croatia is one of the most romantic cities in Europe,too? Did you know that people come from all over the world to propose or get married on the Dubrovnik Old town walls?

Here are my top 3 things you should do if visiting this city with that special someone: 

1) Walk the medieval walls of Dubrovnik - The walls are perfect for hand-in-hand strolling and taking some amazing shots or terracota rooftops and the azzure sea in the distance.

2) Lose yourself in Dubrovnik’s backstreets - 
There’s one wide, bustling thoroughfare — the Stradun, the city’s beating heart. But venture just a few steps away, and you’ll find a maze of narrow alleys, quiet passageways, and stone staircases where you might be completely alone… the perfect place to steal a kiss.

3) Have a drink in Buža cafe - Accessible through a discrete doorway carved into the stone, Buža (literally, "hole" in the wall) is a small bar situated on the rocky cliffs just outside the city walls.

It's a simple bar with cold drinks, no food, and no pretense whatsoever. It's not the cocktails you come for, but the atmosphere, the breeze, and the views.

It's among the greatest spots to watch the sun set over the sea in Dubrovnik. Only you, the sky, and the Adriatic can be seen; 

Dubrovnik for all ages: what kids, parents and grandparents will love?

Dramatic views of Dubrovnik Old Town walls

Dubrovnik really is one of the most charming places on earth and has that same eternal beauty that is so characteristic of the whole coast of Dalmatia.

It’s a beauty that never goes out of fashion, and equally appeals to all age groups…

Kids will love to taste some gelato and chase the pigeons on the main street and promenade, Dubrovnik Stradun.

Their parents will love some power sightseeing, discovering Dubrovnik’s exciting history, and doing a bit of shopping.

Grandparents will enjoy taking long breaks in one of the numerous cafes, flipping through the newspapers and people watching.

So go ahead and book your cruise to Dubrovnik Croatia and explore it with your family!

Is one day in Dubrovnik enough?

As I have already mentioned, one day in Dubrovnik is enough to see if you like this little corner of the Mediterranean and to visit it's most prominent attractions. Although you can get into the Old town on your own, the best way to optimize your experience of Dubrovnik is to take one of the organized shore excursions.

With the vibe of "the Mediterranean as it used to be", Dubrovnik and its surroundings get under your skin easily and chances are you will be back soon for longer than just a day!

All Dubrovnik Croatia articles - Table of Contents