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Bottom line first: Dubrovnik city walls ticket €35; full circuit takes 1.5–2 hours; dawn and dusk offer the best photography light. Adriatic island-hopping departs from the old city harbor — Hvar Island (lavender island) from €25, Korčula Island from €20; during peak season July–September, book ferry tickets in advance. Accommodation outside the old city is recommended — prices are 40–60% lower than inside.
Dubrovnik, Croatia — called the “Pearl of the Adriatic” — is a medieval old city that has completely preserved its medieval walls, palaces, and streets. Game of Thrones filmed here from 2011–2018, vaulting it to global Instagram fame. But beyond the filming location selfie spots, there’s a rich island-hopping resource worth exploring.
Dubrovnik Old City Walls: One of the World’s Most Complete Medieval Fortifications
Key Information
- Tickets: Adult €35; under-12 free (2025 prices)
- Opening hours: October–March 9:00–15:00; April–June 9:00–18:00; July–September 8:00–19:30
- Recommended duration: 1.5–2 hours (full circuit approximately 2 km)
- Best time: Within 1 hour of the 8:00am opening, or after 17:00 (soft light, fewer visitors)
Practical Wall-Walking Tips
The city walls have three entrances: Pile Gate (main entrance, closest to old city), Ploče Gate (east side), Fort St. Lawrence (coastal side). Enter from Pile Gate and walk clockwise along the walls — this gives you the best lighting for photographing old city rooftops in the second half of the circuit.
There is very little shade along the full circuit — bring water; summer temperatures can exceed 35°C. Some sections are narrow; visitors with vertigo may find parts uncomfortable.
Game of Thrones Filming Location Checklist
| Filming Location | Corresponding Scene | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Pile Gate | King’s Landing entrance | City wall main entrance |
| Fort St. Lawrence | Sept of Baelor | West side of city walls |
| Minčeta Tower | Free Cities | Highest point on city walls |
| Lokrum Island | Qarth | 10 minutes by boat |
| Fort Lovrijenac | Red Keep | Outside old city, 5-minute walk |
Booking a Game of Thrones Tour package (approximately €50, including city walls ticket + local guide) is better value than buying separately — the guide will take you to every filming spot and share behind-the-scenes stories.
Adriatic Island-Hopping: Departing from the Old City Harbor
Dubrovnik Old Town Port has multiple ferry companies offering island-hopping services with these main destinations:
1. Lokrum Island
- Crossing time: 10 minutes
- Ferry: €15 (round trip)
- Highlights: Nature reserve; Game of Thrones Qarth filming location; free peacocks (descendants of escaped zoo birds)
- Recommended visit duration: 3–4 hours
Lokrum is perfect for afternoon visits — the island has a natural seawater swimming area; swimming then sunbathing on the clothing-optional beach (sunbathing zone) is a local tradition. No cars on the island; pace is relaxed.
2. Hvar Island
- Crossing time: 1.5–2 hours (speedboat) / 2.5 hours (ferry)
- Ferry: €25–35 (round trip)
- Highlights: Lavender fields, medieval fortress, Pakleni Islands snorkeling, party nightlife
- Best season: May–June (lavender in bloom, fewer visitors than July–August)
Pakleni Islands near Hvar Town is one of Croatia’s best snorkeling spots — crystal clear water; snorkeling gear can be rented on the island for €10/day.
3. Korčula Island
- Crossing time: 2–2.5 hours
- Ferry: €20–30 (round trip)
- Highlights: Legendary birthplace of Marco Polo; medieval stone-house old town; wine
- Recommended season: April–June or September–October
Korčula is quieter than Hvar; the old city layout resembles Dubrovnik but on a smaller scale with far fewer tourists — perfect for visitors who want a medieval old city atmosphere without the crowds.
Ferry Booking Tips
During peak season (July–August), popular island ferries sell out quickly — book 2–3 days ahead. Consider Klook’s Dubrovnik day-trip packages (from €55) combining Lokrum Island with Korčula or Hvar.
Accommodation: Stay Outside and Save 60%
| Area | Advantages | Disadvantages | Double Room (Peak Season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside old city | Perfect location, great atmosphere | Very expensive; wheeling luggage over cobblestones | €150–300 |
| Lapad area | Seafront promenade, quiet, 20-minute walk to old city | Need to cross a bridge | €80–150 |
| Babin Kuk | Five-star hotels concentrated; easy parking | Far from old city; difficult without a car | €100–180 |
| Harbor area | Good for boat arrivals/departures | Tourist zone; somewhat noisy | €70–130 |
Recommended: family apartments in the Lapad area (search “Lapad apartment” on Airbnb) — two-bedroom apartments approximately €90/night with kitchen; supermarket 5-minute walk; more than 50% cheaper than equivalent-quality accommodation inside the old city.
Budget Reference (4 Days / 3 Nights)
| Item | Cost (€/person) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip flights (via Zagreb) | €80–180 |
| Accommodation (Lapad apartment, 3 nights) | €80–150 |
| City walls ticket | €35 |
| Island-hopping (Lokrum + Hvar) | €60–80 |
| Food & drink (mostly local restaurants) | €60–100 |
| Port tax + city tax | €10–15 |
| Total | €325–605 |
Practical Information
- Visa: A valid multiple-entry Schengen visa allows entry to Croatia (now in the Schengen Area)
- Best season: May–June or September–October (fewer crowds, lower prices); July–August is hottest and busiest
- Currency: Croatia adopted the Euro in 2023
- Transport: Walking within the old city; buses €2/trip for areas outside
- Self-drive note: Peak season parking near the city is extremely expensive — hotel parking €20–30/day; staying outside the city is recommended
Conclusion
Dubrovnik’s city walls are living history, and the Adriatic island-hopping adds a marine chapter to that story. Watching the sunset from the city walls, swimming off Lokrum Island, drinking lavender wine on Hvar — Croatia rewards those who slow down.
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