Dubrovnik Cruise Port
I cruised into Dubrovnik, and wow, what an incredible port stop! The city’s leading cruise port sits in the bay of Gruž (also known as Gruz Harbour), a spot that’s not only practical but seriously picturesque. If you’re planning to visit Dubrovnik as part of your cruise holiday, it’s worth knowing a few things before you dock. From what’s inside the port to how to get around this stunning city, here’s what you can expect when sailing into one of Croatia’s most popular cruise destinations.
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This is everything you must know about docking and exploring in the cruise port of Dubrovnik. In this Dubrovnik port guide, we explore where ships dock, the top things to do in the port, and the Game of Thrones attractions worth seeing. We will also explore where to eat, where to shop, the best beaches, and what not to miss in the Old Town.
Ultimate Guide of Things to do in the Cruise Port of Dubrovnik
Can you get into Dubrovnik town on foot from the port?
You will walk out of the terminal of Gruz port on foot where you can board your shuttle bus. There are also taxis outside, should you choose to take a taxi.
If your ship is in the port of Gruz, you will need a shuttle bus to get out of the port of Gruz and into the Old Town. Some cruise ships are tendered and anchored up near the old town harbour, so you have a short boat trip into the old town
The shuttle bus is from your cruise ship to the Old town and your cruise ship normally charges a small fee of around €10, although some cruise lines may not charge for this. The good thing is that the shuttle buses drop you right outside the walls of the city at Pile Gate so you can immediately explore.
Where is the Tourist office in Dubrovnik?
The tourist office is outside of Pile Gate where the shuttle buses and taxis drop you in to the centre. Here you can get a map or find out where to book tours. If you have booked any private walking tours they will meet you here also.
What is the Currency in the Port of Dubrovnik?
The Currency in Dubrovnik is the Croatian Kona. There are plenty of ATMs that accept standard international credit and debit cards all over the town.
Where can I visit whilst in the port of Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik is a historic and mediaeval city and one of its most enchanting places to visit. There is even more to see around Dubrovnik, such as churches and museums, beautiful coves, and traditional restaurants. If you want to go further afield to the town of Cavat or over to Lokrum island, you can do so easily or look for one of the tour booths outside the walled city.
Dubrovnik is also famous for its filming locations from the Game of Thrones, Robin Hood and The Last Jedi.
Where to eat in Dubrovnik
The main places to eat are in the Old town along the main Placa Stradun. There are also lots of restaurants all around the small back streets around the Stradun. You will be spoilt for choice with Croatian food. You’ll find a mixture of Mediterranean (Italian) and Eastern European food. There is plenty of fish and seafood, as well as traditional stews, soups, and goulashes.
Where to shop in Dubrovnik
The main shopping street is In the Old town along the Placa Stradun. There are also lots of shops all around the small back streets around the Stradun. There are also plenty of Game of Thrones souvenir shops too including one with a huge Throne!
Explore the walls of Dubrovnik.
The walls of Dubrovnik are one of the best kept medieval cities in the world. Take a walk up and down the walls, feel the history that lasts for centuries.
Another reason why you should walk up the walls is view it is simply stunning. You will see all of the streets and the towers along with roof tops and busting people.
Explore Dubrovnik Old Town
The old town is a must to visit when you go to Dubrovnik. Its many corridors of streets are lined with shops and restaurants and are fascinating to explore. Filled with shops, restaurants, markets, churches and
Find the Owl Gargoyle and the Quest for True Love
In the Old town of Dubrovnik, gargoyles peek On the walls of the Franciscan Monastery on the main street of the Old Town, the Stadun. The disfigured owl stone head – “Maskeron” (Italian Mascerone) is associated with the myth of a young man who found his true love after taking his shirt off while carefully balancing on the top of this stone gargoyle. And so the legend was born, to the amusement of Dubrovnik’s many visitors, who climb the deteriorating stone head in hope that they will also prove their acrobatic skills and find the love of their life. Try it yourself – it’s much harder than you think! Im just glad my husband chose to keep his shirt on!
Take a boat over to Lokrum island
Lokrum island is just 10 minutes away by ferry, and they leave on a schedule throughout the day. It costs the fare is 100 kn per person, which includes entry fees to the Nature Reserve on Lokrum Island.
Things to do on Lokrum Island;
- Swim in the sea
- Float in the sea ( the lake is high saline which a bit like the red sea makes you float)
- Visit the Benedictine Monastery Ruins
- Visit the Game of Thrones film location on the island of Lokrum which was used as a stand-in for the city of Qarth near the Jade Sea, which was visited by Daenerys Targaryen in season two.
Walk up to Fort Lovrijenac
Walk up to Fort Lovrijenac for stunning views of the city walls and the sea. There are more film spots from Game of thrones here too such as the backgrounds for fortresses.
Take the Dubrovnik Cable Car
Take the Dubrovnik Cable car up to Srd Hill for panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic coast! Visit the Cable car website here.
Do a Games of Thrones tour
Game of Thrones filming locations are all over the city including areas close by. Take a guided tour to visit these places and discover the stories behind them. I did a tour with Get your guide which was fantastic but if you do a bit of research you can easily find out where the locations are.
The Love Stories Museum
Try something a little different with a visit to the Love Stories Museum. The Love Museum is exactly what it says—it is all about Love! You will find romantic film locations in Dubrovnik, famous love quotes, and stories of love from people all over the world. At the end, you can even leave your own love message on the wall.
A blue cave boat trip and Kolocep island
Take a shore excursion to the Blue Caves in Dubrovnik, where snorkelling is thrown in. Many tour operators offer both the Blue Cave on Koločep Island and the caves. Many of the boats are equipped with snorkelling gear so you can enjoy underwater beauty and enter inside the caves. You can purchase before your visit or from a tour booth near the Old Town at Pile Gate.
Visit the town of Cavtat
The pretty town of Cavtat is close to Dubrovnik in Southern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is a beautiful town to visit and it is very easy to travel from Cavtat to Dubrovnik by bus or boat. There is plenty to do in Cavtat with Museums, galleries and even a monestry.
You will love Dubrovnik wherever you choose to go! I hope you enjoy visiting the Cruise Port of Dubrovnik.
