Dubrovnik Cruise Port Guide: Best Things to Do in a Day
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Dubrovnik sits on Croatia’s southern Adriatic coast and is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Mediterranean.
Most ships dock at Gruž Port, about 3 km (2 miles) from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, while some smaller vessels anchor just outside the historic city walls.
From the port, it’s a quick shuttle, bus, or taxi ride to the Old Town, where most visitors spend their day.
Cruisers come here for the spectacular medieval Old Town, famous for its city walls and Game of Thrones filming spots, but there’s much more to see: panoramic views from Mount Srđ, nearby islands, local beaches, and plenty of cafés and restaurants serving Dalmatian specialties.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Dubrovnik cruise port, from where ships dock and how to get around, to the best things to do and see during your stop in Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik Cruise Port Overview
Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s most visited cruise destinations and among the busiest in the Mediterranean.
Most ships dock at Gruž (Luka Gruž), a modern harbor set in a bay about 3 km (1.9 miles) from Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
The ride into the city takes around 10–15 minutes by shuttle bus, public bus, or taxi.
At the terminal, you’ll find useful facilities including a tourist information office, ATMs and currency exchange, car rentals, shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Taxis and excursion buses line up at the pier, while many cruise lines also provide shuttle buses that drop passengers at Brsalje Square by Pile Gate, the main entrance to the Old Town.
In addition to serving cruise ships, Gruž is also the departure point for ferries to the Elaphiti Islands and international routes such as Bari, Italy.
Getting Around Dubrovnik
🚌 Public Buses
Dubrovnik’s public buses are run by Libertas, and the main bus terminal (Autobusni Kolodvor) is located in the Gruž district, right by the cruise port.
From here, buses 1A and 1B go directly to Pile Gate at Brsalje Square, the main entrance to the Old Town. The ride takes about 10–15 minutes, and timetables can be checked at libertasdubrovnik.hr
🚕 Taxis
Taxis line up at the cruise terminal, but you’ll usually find cheaper fares at the Gruž taxi stand just outside the port.
🚶 Walking & Accessibility
The port area is flat and wheelchair accessible, while the Old Town is hilly with many steps. Comfortable shoes are essential.
Once inside the city walls, everything is within easy walking distance.
🎟️ Dubrovnik Pass
The 1-day Dubrovnik Pass costs 40€ and covers entry to the City Walls, Lovrjenac Fortress, several major museums and galleries, plus a 24-hour public bus ticket with Libertas.
It’s widely available at tourist information offices, museums, hotels, kiosks, and online, and is great value since the City Walls ticket alone costs the same.
🛥️ Shore Excursions
If you’d rather not plan on your own, plenty of shore excursions are available, from walking tours of the Old Town and Game of Thrones filming sites to day trips along the coast.
👉 You can explore options on Viator and GetYourGuide, both popular with cruisers.
Practical Info for Cruise Visitors
- Currency & Payments – Since January 2023, Croatia uses the Euro (€). ATMs and exchange offices are available at the cruise terminal and in the Old Town. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s smart to carry some cash for smaller cafés and shops.
- Tourist Information Offices – Two main offices serve visitors: one at the cruise terminal and another at Brsalje Square by Pile Gate. Both offer maps, brochures, and local tips.
- Parking – Public parking is available near the port and by the Old Town (Best-in-Parking on Zagrebačka Street).
- Car Rentals – Rental desks are available at the port and in town if you want to explore beyond Dubrovnik. You can easily compare prices online to find the best deal for your travel plans.
- Accommodation – If you’re staying before or after your cruise, Dubrovnik offers a wide range of hotels and apartments. Check out the hotel deals here to find the best location and price.
Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide
If you’re planning a longer cruise, my Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide eBook covers over 40 ports with insider tips on what to see, how to get around, and the best shore excursions.
It’s the perfect companion for planning your trip!
Top Things to Do in Dubrovnik Cruise Port
If it’s your first time in Dubrovnik, start with the Old Town and its famous City Walls, then add in a few highlights like the cable car to Mount Srđ, a swim at Banje Beach, or even a quick trip to the nearby islands if time allows.
🏰 Dubrovnik Old Town
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, wrapped in stone walls and filled with marble streets, lively squares, and centuries of history.
Most cruisers spend their day here, and you can explore the highlights easily on foot.
Key landmarks not to miss:
- City Walls – a 2 km circuit with towers and fortresses offering sweeping views of the Adriatic. Walking them takes 1–2 hours and is the city’s top experience.
- Stradun & Pile Gate – the marble main street lined with cafés, shops, and churches, stretching from Pile Gate to the 15th-century Clocktower.
- Rector’s Palace – once the seat of the Republic’s government, today a museum with elegant courtyards and historic artifacts.
- Franciscan Monastery – home to Europe’s oldest operating pharmacy, dating back to 1317.
- Dubrovnik Cathedral – an 18th-century baroque cathedral with paintings by Titian.
- Sponza Palace & Luža Square – a Gothic-Renaissance palace and the square where major landmarks meet.
- St. Blaise’s Church – dedicated to Dubrovnik’s patron saint, at the heart of Luža Square.
- St. John’s Fortress & Old Port – fortress guarding the harbor, home to the Maritime Museum and aquarium.
If you have extra time, other sights include the Dominican Monastery, Church of St. Ignatius, and small museums tucked into historic buildings.
💡 Tip: The Dubrovnik Pass (40 €) includes entry to the City Walls, Rector’s Palace, and most major museums, plus unlimited bus rides — worth it if you’re seeing more than just the Walls.
🚶 Explore Dubrovnik with a Local Guide
Walking with a local guide is a great way to see Dubrovnik’s Old Town, from the famous City Walls to hidden corners and stories you won’t find in guidebooks.
🏯 Fort Lovrijenac
Rising on a 37-meter cliff above the Adriatic, Fort Lovrijenac (St. Lawrence Fortress) once defended Dubrovnik from Venetian attacks and today offers some of the best panoramic views of the Old Town and sea.
It’s also used as a stage during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival and appeared in Game of Thrones.
Entry is included with the City Walls ticket and the Dubrovnik Pass.
👉 Browse the best Fort Lovrijenac tours
🎬 Game of Thrones Tours
Dubrovnik doubled as King’s Landing in HBO’s Game of Thrones, and themed walking tours are among the city’s most popular experiences.
In just a couple of hours, guides take you to the show’s most famous filming spots, from Pile Gate and the Jesuit Staircase to Fort Lovrijenac, Minčeta Tower, and the Old Harbour.
👉 Explore Game of Thrones tours here
🚡 Dubrovnik Cable Car & Mount Srđ
For the best views of Dubrovnik, nothing beats a ride on the cable car up Mount Srđ. In just four minutes, you’ll be standing high above the Old Town, with sweeping views over the red rooftops, Lokrum Island, and the Adriatic.
At the top, you’ll find Fort Imperial, a Napoleonic fortress that now houses a small museum, and the Panorama Restaurant, a popular spot for coffee or lunch with a view.
The lower cable car station is only a short walk from the Old Town gates, or you can get there from the cruise port by bus #8 or taxi.
The cable car usually runs from April through December, so it’s worth checking the official website for current prices and schedules before your trip.
👉 Check out Dubrovnik Cable Car tours and activities
🥾 Hiking Mount Srđ
If you’d rather skip the cable car, you can also hike up Mount Srđ for amazing views over Dubrovnik.
The main trail starts near the highway above the Old Town and takes about 2 hours round trip. It’s around 3.5–4 km one way, with a climb of about 400 m, so good shoes, water, and sun protection are a must.
Even if you don’t go all the way to the top, there are plenty of lower viewpoints where you can stop and enjoy the panorama of the Old Town and City Walls from different angles.
👉 Check out Dubrovnik hiking & adventure tours
🏝️ Lokrum Island
Just a 15-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Port, Lokrum Island is a car-free nature reserve and a peaceful escape from the busy Old Town.
Highlights include a Benedictine Monastery, botanical gardens, and Fort Royal, which offers sweeping sea views.
The island is also popular for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling, with rocky beaches and spots like the “Dead Sea” lagoon.
Ferries run every 15–30 minutes from April to November.
👉 Book Lokrum Island tours and ferries
🌊 Beaches & Water Activities
Dubrovnik isn’t just about history — it also has some beautiful beaches and clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking.
The most popular is Banje Beach, just east of the Old Town and less than a 10-minute walk from Ploče Gate, with views of Lokrum Island and the city walls.
Other options close by include Danče, Bellevue, Betina Cave, Plaža Sveti Jakov, and the larger Lapad and Copacabana beaches, a short drive from the port.
Most are pebble or rocky coves rather than sandy stretches, but all offer stunning backdrops for a swim.
If you have more time, consider a boat trip to the Elafiti Islands (Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep), a favorite day escape for cruisers.
👉 Explore Dubrovnik beach & water tours
👉 Check out Elafiti Islands tours
💡 For longer stays, 7-day cruises around Croatia are one of the best ways to explore the Adriatic coast.
🍷 Food & Wine Tasting
Dubrovnik is as much about flavor as it is about history.
Fresh seafood, cheese, prosciutto, and local wines are must-tries, with plenty of restaurants tucked inside the Old Town.
For a deeper experience, the nearby Konavle Valley is famous for its vineyards and traditional cuisine.
Don’t miss Rožata, a Dalmatian twist on crème brûlée.
👉 Explore Dubrovnik food & wine tours
Wrapping Up
From walking the Old Town and City Walls to relaxing on beaches or heading up Mount Srđ, Dubrovnik has plenty to fill a day.
If you’re staying longer, consider a trip to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina or Kotor in Montenegro — both popular stops along the Adriatic coast.
Dubrovnik Cruise Port FAQ
❓ Can you walk from Dubrovnik cruise port to the Old Town?
The port of Gruž is about 3 km (1.9 miles) from the Old Town. It takes 35–40 minutes on foot, but most cruisers use a shuttle bus, public bus, or taxi for the 10–15 minute ride.
❓ Do cruise lines provide shuttles in Dubrovnik?
Yes, many cruise lines offer shuttle buses between the port and Pile Gate, the main Old Town entrance. Some are free, while others charge a fee (usually around €15–20 round trip).
❓ What currency is used in Dubrovnik?
Since January 2023, Croatia’s official currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s useful to carry some cash for smaller shops and cafés.
❓ Is one day enough to see Dubrovnik?
Yes, with a day in port, you can explore the Old Town and City Walls, enjoy the views from Mount Srđ, or relax at Banje Beach. Longer stays allow for day trips to the Elafiti Islands, Mostar, or Kotor.
❓ What is included in the Dubrovnik Pass?
The 1-day Dubrovnik Pass (€40) covers the City Walls, Lovrijenac Fortress, Rector’s Palace, major museums, and includes a 24-hour bus ticket.
❓ What’s the best way to get around Dubrovnik from the port?
The easiest options are public buses (lines 1A and 1B), taxis, or the cruise line shuttle buses. Walking is possible but can be tiring, especially in summer heat.
Helpful Resources for Dubrovnik Cruise Port
🌐 Useful Websites
- Find the Port of Dubrovnik on Google Maps
- Dubrovnik Cruise Ship Schedule
- Dubrovnik Port Authority
- Dubrovnik Tourism Office
- Dubrovnik Cable Car
- Local Weather Forecast
🛳️ Ports Often Included with Dubrovnik Itineraries
Planning a stop in Dubrovnik? These ports are frequently part of the same Mediterranean and Adriatic cruise routes:
- Istanbul – Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.
- Kusadasi – gateway to ancient Ephesus.
- Kotor – dramatic bay setting and medieval Old Town.
- Split – explore Diocletian’s Palace in the city center.
- Malta (Valletta) – historic Grand Harbour and UNESCO landmarks.
- Mykonos – whitewashed houses and lively waterfront.
- Santorini – famous for its clifftop villages and sea views.
- Rhodes – medieval Old Town and beautiful beaches.
- Crete (Heraklion or Chania) – Minoan history and Venetian heritage.
- Piraeus (Athens) – access to the Acropolis and historic Plaka.
- Venice – iconic canals, palaces, and embarkation port.
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand
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