Dubrovnik, Croatia Hotels and City Guide

Dubrovnik - Travel Tips

When to Go

Seasons

Dubrovnik’s Mediterranean climate ensures long summers with glorious sunny days. You will enjoy warm to hot days from April to October with temperatures of 25ºC-30ºC. This is definitely the time of year to visit Dubrovnik, a summer place.

From November to February/March temperatures drop but not below freezing. The average winter temperature is 10ºC. This is Dubrovnik’s rainy season. Snow is rare in Dubrovnik although the mountains will receive snow.

Dubrovnik and Croatia Local Holidays 2011

1 January: New Year’s Day
6 January: Epiphany
22 April: Good Friday
25 April: Easter Monday
1 May: Labour Day
30 May: Day of the Croatian Parliament – Sabor
22 June: Anti-Fascist Resistance Day
23 June: Corpus Christi Day
25 June: Croatian National Day
5 August: Victory Day/National Thanksgiving Day
15 August: Assumption Day
8 October: Independence Day
1 November: All Saints’ Day
25 December: Christmas Day
26 December: St Stephen’s Day

Value for Money Sightseeing

The daily and weekly Dubrovnik Cards entitle visitors to use the public transport system and entry to the museums, including the city walls. A daily card costs 130 kn and a weekly card 220 kn. They can be purchased at museums and tourist information offices.

They also offer tourists discounts of up to 30% on sights such as the city walls, three museums, the Revelin fortress, the Modern Art Gallery and the Home of Marin Drzc, Croatia’s literary genius, and the Dulcic-Masle-Pulitika Gallery; car rentals, taxis, boats, trips to the Elafiti Islands, visits to neighbouring countries; diving and rowing excursions. It also entitles the tourist to discounts at restaurants, clubs and more. The price ranges from 50-350 kn which equates to savings of up to €350 a week.

Local Customs & Language

Croatians are very family-orientated. They are generally relaxed but do expect punctuality.

Folklore and folk dancing in traditional costumes are very much part of Croatian culture, depicting daily life. Mandolins, violins, guitars and accordions are some of the instruments played.

Language
Croatian. English, German, Italian, French, Czech and Hungarian are also spoken.

Smoking
Anti-tobacco laws have banned smoking in public places several times over the past few years only for the ban to be lifted because of complaints from café and restaurant owners. Balkan citizens have smoked more than other Europeans. As from 2010, the ban on smoking in public places is now law but businesses are entitled to install filtration systems on their premises.

Health and Security

Health Advice
Make sure you have valid travel and medical insurance covering pre-existing medical conditions. Doctors, hospitals and health care facilities could demand immediate cash payment. Pharmacies are open Mon-Sat 08.00-20.00. They are found in the Old Town, Gruska Obala and Iva Vojnovic. Dubrovnik General Hospital is at Roka Misetica bb (tel: +385 20745005).

Safety Advice
Dubrovnik, and Croatia as a whole, has a low crime rate. However, pickpockets do roam the streets so leave valuables in hotel safes. Report the theft of a passport to the police and contact your Consulate in Dubrovnik. Ensure backpacks are locked. Be alert at public places like bus stations, museums and other tourist venues. Drug offences are punishable with fines and/or jail.

If travelling around Croatia be aware that unexploded landmines possibly still exist in some areas affected by the war.

Emergency Numbers: Police 92, Fire 93, Ambulance/Medical Emergency 94, General Emergency 112.

Dubrovnik Tipping Advice

Service charges and taxes are normally included in restaurant and bar bills, so tips are not expected. If you receive exceptional service, a tip of 10% would be welcome.

Taxi drivers do not expect tips but they would be appreciated. Tour guides expect +/- 20 kn tip.

Hotels in Dubrovnik, Croatia