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Is it hilly in Dubrovnik?

Beyond the walls, a hilly, indented coast and clear water make Dubrovnik a prime resort destination.



Yes, Dubrovnik is extremely hilly, defined by its dramatic vertical landscape. The "Old Town" is relatively flat within its walls, but the moment you step outside the gates, the city begins a steep ascent up the slopes of Mount Srđ. Most residential areas, hotels, and guest houses are built into the hillside, meaning that a "short walk" to your accommodation often involves climbing hundreds of stone stairs. This verticality is what gives the city its world-famous views of the red-tiled roofs and the Adriatic Sea. If you have mobility issues, it is vital to stay as close to the "Stradun" (the main street) as possible. For those who want the view without the hike, the Dubrovnik Cable Car whisks visitors to the summit of Mount Srđ in under four minutes. When exploring on foot in 2026, remember that "street level" on a map can be deceptive; a destination that looks two blocks away could actually be 20 flights of stairs above you.

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Some sections are quite hilly, with steep stone stairs and cobblestone roads, so you'll need comfortable footwear for your explorations. Most of the main sites can be seen without negotiating the steps and steep alleyways leading off the main street.

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The best (and only) way to get around Dubrovnik's compact old town is on your own two feet. Enclosed by its age-old walls, the old town is completely pedestrianized. The only motorized vehicles you may see here are early morning delivery vans servicing shops and restaurants on the Stradun, the main thoroughfare.

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That makes a grand, and it is grand, total of 5,423 steps in Dubrovnik. So if you are planning to stay inside the Old City this summer be prepared for a daily fitness regime. There's no need to visit the gym.

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Split has plenty of beautiful beaches and wine tasting not unlike Dubrovnik, but Split doesn't have mountains for you to climb, nor an island within kayaking distance.

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Yes, the old town of Dubrovnik is surrounded by a medieval wall and several forts, and these days, you can climb up on to them and walk the perimeter of the old town.

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Getting the Most Out of Your Visit to the Walls of Dubrovnik The walk is going to take you around 1.5 to 2 hours.

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Dubrovnik a small town, so unless you plan to take day trips to islands or other attractions nearby, two days is the perfect amount of time to get to know this ancient city. (If you're interested in seeing on overview of our entire 2 week itinerary in Croatia, I've written up a summary of our trip here.

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Split is more relaxed and fun, centrally located, offering more day trip options, better nightlife, and slightly cheaper prices than Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful walled cities in the world, very elegant, with better beaches and hotels than Split.

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Dubrovnik is Europe's most overtouristed city The city has a population of just over 41,000 and welcomed almost 1.5 million tourists in 2019. That's around 36 tourists per resident.

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The best (and only) way to get around Dubrovnik's compact old town is on your own two feet. Enclosed by its age-old walls, the old town is completely pedestrianized. The only motorized vehicles you may see here are early morning delivery vans servicing shops and restaurants on the Stradun, the main thoroughfare.

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Tipping etiquette in Croatian restaurants follows a fairly standard guideline. Showing appreciation through a tip is always welcomed. When dining at a pizzeria or konoba, a tip of 5% or more is appropriate. For a nice restaurant dinner, we recommend leaving a tip of 10% or more.

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Do they speak English in Dubrovnik? Yes, English is widely spoken in Dubrovnik as it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Rest assured that the majority of hotel, restaurant, and cafe staff are very proficient in English.

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Top 15 Things to Eat in Dubrovnik
  • Grilled Fish. With quality ingredients fresh from the land and sea, many dishes in Dubrovnik are simple and rustic. ...
  • Blitva. ...
  • Black Risotto (Crni Rizot) ...
  • Dirty Macaroni (Šporki Makaruli) ...
  • Buzara. ...
  • Octopus Salad. ...
  • Bakalar. ...
  • Pašticada.


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8 Things You Should Avoid in Split
  • Scams. Let's be real – scams are happening everywhere. ...
  • Overpriced Restaurants. So many amazing restaurants in Split serve delicious traditional Croatian cuisine. ...
  • Pickpockets. ...
  • Crowded Areas. ...
  • Crowded Beaches. ...
  • Split's Football Frenzy. ...
  • Driving & Parking. ...
  • Brda (City's neighbourhood)


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It is true that Dubrovnik is more expensive than other destinations in Croatia. This is heavily due to Dubrovnik serving as the main filming location for Star Wars and Game of Thrones, which has led to a huge increase in visitors making it the most popular destination in Croatia.

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