“Those that search paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik”, stated George Bernard Shaw – and with a lot to do in Dubrovnik with children, it’s simply as heavenly for households.
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I’m not alone in considering that, in fact. Since my first go to over 20 years in the past, town’s recognition has exploded (not least because of Sport of Thrones) – however time your go to to keep away from the height summer time months, and you may dodge the worst of the crowds.
And with seashores, historical past, islands, incredible ice cream and a few very enjoyable household points of interest, you’ll be falling for this excellent Croatian metropolis too – right here’s my decide of the very best issues to do in Dubrovnik with children.
Stroll Dubrovnik metropolis partitions
Dubrovnik’s historic metropolis partitions are what give town a lot of its attraction, the medieval streets winding contained in the fortifications and a few incredible views out to the ocean and Mount Srd behind town.
Certainly one of my favorite issues to do in Dubrovnik, it’s undoubtedly doable with children as effectively – my daughter was simply as wowed by the views, and she or he undoubtedly wasn’t the youngest individual strolling across the Dubrovnik partitions that day both.
Try my full information to the Dubrovnik partitions with children, with all my suggestions, sensible info and particulars of what you may see alongside the way in which
My high suggestions – purchase your tickets upfront (and the 24-hour Dubrovnik Cross prices the identical as grownup entry to the partitions, so it’s effectively price getting that at no cost entry to varied different museums and websites). Then begin on the Ploce Gate because it’s quieter than the Pile gate, plus you get the toughest set of steps out of the way in which at the beginning.
Don’t neglect to carry water and a hat too. It’s greatest to go to early or late, as there’s little shade on the stone partitions – the 2km stroll entails round 1,000 steps, so whereas it’s not too taxing for anybody of common health, you don’t need to be doing it in 30C solar.
And save loads of time – you’ll need to take numerous images, absorb the views, discover among the little towers alongside the way in which, and maybe even cease inside among the points of interest on the partitions themselves too.
Discover Dubrovnik Previous City
Dubrovnik’s Previous City actually is outdated. The historical past of town dates again to across the seventh century, when refugees from Epidaurum fled assault and invasion and based their new metropolis of Ragusarector crammed between the ocean and the mountain.
It grew to change into one of many wealthiest and strongest republics in Europe, with the world’s fourth largest fleet. And the limestone streets and red-roofed buildings appear to be they’ve barely modified in centuries – no shock it’s now a Unesco World Heritage Website.
Stradun is the primary road by means of the center of the outdated metropolis of Dubrovnik, main from the Pile Gate, however that is someplace that you may get misplaced wandering by means of the slim streets, climbing steps and vanishing down alleys, with out worry of ever getting too misplaced – bounded by its partitions, it doesn’t take lengthy to stroll from finish to finish.
Alongside the way in which, we discovered every part from the market and Jesuit Stairs (well-known from Sport of Thrones and full of folks posing for images) to a historic synagogue.
Though it’s not huge, that is someplace the place it’s effectively price taking a tour to study extra of the historical past of town – this tour from Dubrovnik Walks is simply 90 minutes however takes you to some locations you’re unlikely to find solo, reminiscent of historic graffiti from a monk aggravated at children kicking a ball in opposition to his wall, a former orphanage and the story behind the canine on the Massive Onofrio fountain.
However there’s loads to select from so as to study extra about Dubrovnik. Do that personal household tour of Dubrovnik in addition to this one which is sweet for greater household teams. Or for one thing else to entertain older children and mini gourmets, you might go for a meals tour and even tackle a unusual out of doors escape recreation.
For one thing a bit completely different – or a strategy to see town after darkish – you too can discover a number of evening excursions of Dubrovnik for households. Darkish Tales of the Previous City lasts for slightly below two hours, or this Dubrovnik Ghosts and Mysteries strolling tour is comparable.
TRAVEL TIP: Verify the cruise ship arrivals to Dubrovnik while you’re planning your days – the quantity allowed to dock every day is restricted, however you’ll rapidly see the distinction between days when there are not any cruise ships in and people when there are three docked. For those who can plan your days within the Previous City for quieter days, it’s rather more enjoyable to wander moderately than getting caught in human site visitors jams on Stradun.
Rector’s Palace
One of many highlights of a go to to the Previous City, the Rector’s Palace dates from the late fifteenth century, constructed for the ruler of Dubrovnik – who had a grand complete of 1 month in cost, when he was anticipated to reside within the palace.
The concept was that these quick phrases of workplace meant there’d be continuity and stability, as there wasn’t time in a month to do something too drastic, and it additionally stopped corruption and nepotism for a similar motive.
Inside, it now homes the Cultural Historical past Museum and you may see the outdated dungeon in addition to among the public areas and personal rooms adorned as they could have seemed in centuries previous – there’s an awesome view out over the rooftops too, plus enjoyable objects on show from chests with intricate locking mechanisms to sedan chairs.
Look out for the statue of Miho Pracat within the entrance corridor, the one commoner within the Republic’s 1,000-year historical past to get one after leaving all his wealth to town. Evidently there was loads of it!
Franciscan Monastery
The Franciscan Monastery, a stone’s throw from the Pile Gate and Massive Onofrio fountain, is best-known for its historic pharmacy, and that’s effectively price a go searching when you’re exploring Dubrovnik with children.
There are cabinets filled with outdated jars, which we did our greatest to learn, and it’s fascinating to think about the scenes the pharmacy should have seen through the years. Actually, it’s formally the third-oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe as there’s a working space simply earlier than the ticket desk.
You can too see among the monastery’s treasures together with reliquaries and jewelry on show, and take a wander by means of the shady cloister. Included within the Dubrovnik Cross.
Lovrijenac Fortress
Simply outdoors town partitions, not removed from the Pile Gate, the Lovrijenac Fortress (or St Lawrence’s fort) was a part of the Dubrovnik’s defences – when town’s inhabitants discovered that the Venetians have been planning to constructed their very own fort right here, they rapidly threw up a constructing of their very own.
Solely the seaward going through aspect was manufactured from stone – the remaining was a moderately crafty pretend, but it surely fooled the Venetians for lengthy sufficient for Dubrovnik’s leaders to get the fortress completed. Or so the story goes no less than.
Included in your ticket for the Dubrovnik Partitions (or the Dubrovnik Cross), the placement is incredible, sat on a 37 metre-high rock. Look out for the inscription over the door as you enter: “Non bene professional toto libertas venditur auro” – freedom is to not be bought for all of the gold on this planet.
Fort Lovrijenac, which is assumed to this point from the early eleventh century, is now additionally used as one of many essential open-air levels for the Dubrovnik Summer time Pageant – and has appeared in Sport of Thrones, closely disguised because the Crimson Hold of Kings Touchdown.
Want a shady break from exploring? Gradac Park is simply 5 minutes’ stroll from Fort Lovrijenac – one other filming location from Sport of Thrones (for the Purple Wedding ceremony), it’s a stunning tranquil place to flee to
Head to the seashore
There’s extra than simply historical past to Dubrovnik, together with loads of likelihood to relax out on the seashore. Like a lot of the shoreline on this a part of Croatia, many of the seashores are shingly or rocky however the water is ridiculously clear and a beautiful turquoise color, so that you received’t care about not having the ability to make sandcastles.
It’s effectively price packing water sneakers when you’re heading to any of the seashores round Dubrovnik because the shingle might be sharp on everybody’s ft
Banje Seashore is the closest to the Previous City, just a few minutes stroll from the Ploce Gate with some nice views again to the partitions, and loungers/umbrellas and locations to get meals and drinks too.
For those who’re able to journey a bit additional, Copacabana Seashore is on the Babin Kuk peninsula, simply past Lapad. One other pebbly choice, there are some waterspots right here but additionally shallow water for youthful children to paddle, a couple of cafes and eating places and bogs. Relax and begin out to the Franje Tudmana Bridge stretching north from Gruz.
Or barely nearer to Dubrovnik Previous City is Lapad Seashore, one other family-friendly pebble seashore with shallow water, loungers, umbrellas, showers and locations to eat/drink.
For those who actually actually desire a sandy seashore close to Dubrovnik, probably the greatest choices is to go to the island of Lopud (to not be confused with Lapad!) within the Elaphiti Islands, the place Sunj seashore has golden sand and extra shallow clear waters. You will get a ferry from Dubrovnik to Lopud, or many boat journeys to the Elaphiti Islands cease right here – learn on for extra concepts.
For extra recommendations on the very best seashores in Dubrovnik (and close by), try this seaside inspiration
Dubrovnik cable automobile
I all the time love a cable automobile journey and the Dubrovnik cable automobile comes with some superb views of town under as you fly as much as the highest of Mount Srd.
The journey solely take a couple of minutes so it’s very fast for brief consideration spans (or anybody who isn’t certain about making an attempt it) however the views onto the outdated city and Adriatic actually are phenomenal – try my video of the Dubrovnik cable automobile for a style.
There isn’t an enormous quantity to do on the high – absorb extra views, try the little amphitheatre with its stepped seats, browse the reward store or get a drink (with the inevitable price ticket) on the Panorama Restaurant.
Youngsters aged 8+ also can do a panorama zipline tour with the identical nice views down onto Dubrovnik, or head off on a buggy safari on the mountain
If you wish to get monetary savings and simply journey a technique on the cable automobile, there are a couple of choices however with their very own professionals and cons – keep in mind you may’t purchase tickets on the high when you’re planning to determine when you rise up there.
You will get a taxi/rideshare up, though relying what number of adults there are, it’s not essentially a lot of a saving. It’s tougher to get picked up on the high to come back down that method. There may be additionally a path you may take – it’s acquired numerous unfastened rocks on, so undoubtedly higher for older children and with first rate footwear.
Take a ship journey
You actually must get out on the water no less than as soon as throughout your time in Dubrovnik with children – the shoreline is attractive, and probably the greatest methods to see it (and town) is from the ocean.
Though there are many day journeys you may take by boat (learn on for concepts), in addition to varied ferries linking Dubrovnik to completely different islands, you’re additionally spoiled for alternative in terms of shorter cruises and boat excursions.
The bulk set off round sundown, or early night and timings will typically change relying while you go to – this hour-long sundown tour is a stunning choice for households, or this related sundown cruise contains drinks.
For one thing unforgettable, board a duplicate sixteenth century galleon and picture your self again within the days of town’s energy and glory. The Galleon Tirena has its personal sundown cruise, together with a welcome drink (and extra to purchase on board) and lasts for 90 minutes.
Or the Karaka is normally adults-only in the course of the day, however there’s a enjoyable 45-minute evening cruise – departing at 9pm, it’s greatest for older children.
You can too go sea kayaking – this two-hour tour is appropriate for age 5+ and features a go to to Betina Cave, whereas this kayaking tour is comparable for age 6+.
Go to Lokrum
One of many best day journeys from Dubrovnik with children, the island of Lokrum is simply a brief boat journey away, round 10 minutes from the outdated port by ferry but it surely’s a incredible chilled-out place to spend the day.
For extra particulars of find out how to get to Lokrum with children, in addition to what we considered the island, try this put up
You’ll discover wild peacocks strutting all over the place on this nature reserve and wild rabbits (when you’re fortunate) plus a string of seashores and the saltwater lake often called the Useless Sea to swim in.
Save a while to wander by means of the botanical gardens and the ruins of the Monastery, the place you too can pose on the Iron Throne from Sport of Thrones, in addition to studying extra about how the island is linked to Richard the Lionheart, and uncover the curse that’s stated to hold over Lokrum island to today…. (nothing too scary except you’re planning to grab possession, which is admittedly tempting).
Dubrovnik aquarium
Dubrovnik Aquarium (or Akvarij) can also be housed throughout the metropolis partitions, within the floor flooring of the fort of St John (under the Maritime Museum). You don’t truly must be visiting the partitions to go searching right here when you assume your children would favor fish to historical past.
It’s not the most important aquarium, however the setting is incredible, with stone rooms and arches to stroll by means of, and marine life from the Adriatic Sea within the 31 completely different tanks. You possibly can anticipate fish together with scorpion fish, bream, bass and mullets, in addition to eels, lobsters and extra.
It received’t take too lengthy to go searching except you need to linger at each tank – you’ll in all probability spend round half-hour (or a most of an hour). Sadly, it’s not included within the Dubrovnik Cross (or a partitions ticket), so that you do have to pay for a separate ticket for this.
Pure Historical past Museum
One other little museum the place it’s enjoyable to kill half an hour – the gathering itself dates again to 1872 however the museum has solely been open to the general public in 2009.
Set over 4 flooring, there’s collections on varied creatures from algea and bugs to reptils, mammals, birds and fish, together with some shows on invasive fish, in addition to historic information on leatherback turtles within the Adriatic.
It’s included within the Dubrovnik Cross and the Dubrovnik Museums Cross, so it’s straightforward to cease by briefly when you’re on the lookout for someplace cool to flee the solar, someplace dry to flee any rain, or simply have children who love pure historical past museums!
Maritime Museum
At one level, Dubrovnik had the world’s fourth largest fleet – not dangerous going for a tiny republic that you might stroll throughout in about 10 minutes. Their success in commerce led to wealth (and a whole lot of jealousy from the Venetians) so the Maritime Museum is effectively price a fast cease.
For those who’re strolling across the partitions, you’ll go it as you get to Fort St John by the harbour. It’s included within the Dubrovnik Cross and the Dubrovnik museums go, so you probably have certainly one of these, it’s straightforward to cease in for a brief go searching at no cost.
It’s additionally cooler when you want a little bit of a break from the solar, with every part from Roman amphorae unearthed from a shipwreck to fashions of ships, cannons, outdated maps, and many extra on the Republic’s historical past.
Crimson Historical past Museum
The Crimson Historical past Museum is the primary museum in Croatia which explores the nation’s Communist previous, and it’s a captivating various to all of the medieval historical past with older tweens and teenagers.
The museum itself is outdoors the Previous City space, set within the floor flooring of a former manufacturing unit in Gruz, close to the Port of Dubrovnik.
There’s an augmented actuality app to assist make the go to much more interactive, and it has been created by a crew of younger native designers, historians, journalists, photographers and archeologists, with gadgets donated by folks from throughout the entire nation, together with images and tales from the times of communist Yugoslavia.
You will get an perception into on a regular basis life, from what the music was prefer to the darker points, together with how the key service ensured everybody was ‘completely satisfied’ dwelling below Yugoslav chief Tito.
Love Tales Museum
Croatia actually does appear to concentrate on quirky little museums – and whereas the capital Zagreb might need extra, Dubrovnik’s Love Tales Museum undoubtedly matches the invoice.
It’s very family-friendly, so that you needn’t fear about it being unsuitable for teenagers, though having stated that, it’s extra attention-grabbing for teenagers and older tweens.
Set over a number of flooring, there’s an space devoted to Sport of Thrones, in addition to some conventional Croatian love tales and movie star {couples} (typically with a little bit of a tenuous hyperlink) in addition to numerous donated gadgets which symbolize completely satisfied relationships.
The ultimate room is plastered with messages of affection written on hearts and also you’re inspired so as to add your personal. You possibly can spend so long as you need inside, however enable round 30-60 minutes (we spent slightly over half an hour with out both speeding or dawdling).
Eat ice cream
What’s a vacation in Dubrovnik with children with out some ice cream? Whether or not you’re on the lookout for some bribery to stroll the partitions, or one thing to chill your down (or only a little bit of vacation indulgence), you undoubtedly received’t be disillusioned.
As to the very best ice cream in Dubrovnik, you’ll must make up your personal thoughts, however there’s some critical competitors. We have been informed Peppino’s takes high spot and that the department within the centre of the Previous City is the very best of the 2 within the metropolis (the opposite is by the Ploče Gate).
The one affordable choice is to strive each and see whether or not you agree. The sooner you go, the shorter the queue – mango will get my vote.
We additionally got here throughout Aroma after we have been on Hvar, throughout our keep in Cut up and its string of surprising flavours, together with apple pie ice cream – though this wasn’t fairly as superb as we remembered, there was a incredible raspberry, extra mango right here, and a few nice espresso ice cream for me.
The third greatest, we have been informed, was Dolce Vita – sadly, we didn’t make it as we have been too busy working by means of the menus of the 2 above. excuse to return? Both method, you’ll have loads of selections and received’t be disillusioned.
Day journeys from Dubrovnik with children
Whereas there’s loads to fill your time in Dubrovnik with children, it additionally makes an awesome base to discover additional, together with some simpler day boat excursions and longer day journeys to discover extra of Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro.
Blue Cave boat tour
Wander round Dubrovnik’s outdated harbour and also you’ll discover a string of boat journeys to Kolocep’s Blue Cave – round 20 minutes from town, within the Elaphiti Islands, the solar displays off the limestone of the caves to create a magical glimmering shade of blue.
Lots of journeys will mix this with different stops within the Elaphiti Islands (learn on for extra concepts) in addition to the Inexperienced Caves on Kolocep, together with an opportunity to swim.
If you wish to go contained in the Blue Cave, the one method is to swim, though a whole lot of boat journeys – like this family-friendly blue cave boat tour – will present noodles or different swim aids for much less assured swimmers (in addition to snorkels). For those who’re travelling with younger youngsters or non-swimmers, you received’t be capable to get inside although.
Elaphiti Islands boat tour
This little archipelago is without doubt one of the hottest day journeys from Dubrovnik with children, with varied boat excursions stopping at a number of of the close by islands and the Blue Cave on Kolocep.
This four-hour boat tour visits the Blue Cave and Sunj Seashore on Lopud by catamaran, or this family-friendly blue cave boat tour is comparable however travels by speedboat. Or for one thing very memorable, this longer galleon cruise stops at Lopud and Sipan, whereas this full-day Elaphiti Islands cruise stops for lunch on the captain’s home on Sipan.
For those who desire to discover independently, you too can catch a ferry from Dubrovnik to every of the Elaphiti Islands – some have extra restricted sailings, and a few don’t allow you to e book tickets on-line, so it’s price doublechecking in individual on the essential port (and that you may get again once more).
Lopud is by far the simplest to discover, with the quickest ferries taking round 45 minutes and loads of journeys every day in summer time. The car-free island is residence to sandy Sunj Seashore, and you will get round by golf buggy (which work a bit like taxis right here).
Sipan is the furthest away with the ferry taking round an hour (test the Jadrolinia schedule as some journeys are longer). Kolocep appeared trickier to rearrange for a day journey, so it’s price trying on the timetable to see what’s operating.
I’ve used Bookaway in Croatia to rearrange ferry tickets beforehand however you too can strive Ferryhopper and Ferryscanner
Go to Cut up
We completely beloved our journey to Cut up – what number of occasions do you get to remain inside a former Roman emperor’s palace, in any case – plus there are such a lot of nice issues to do in Cut up with children too.
And you’ll take a day tour to Cut up from Dubrovnik for a style of town. It isn’t a straightforward day journey – you may anticipate to spend extra time travelling than you spend in Cut up itself – so I’d solely embody it when you received’t have likelihood to go to Cut up for longer, and so long as it received’t eat into your time exploring in and round Dubrovnik.
However with a guided tour of Diocletian’s Palace and free time to wander and discover, if that is your one likelihood to see Cut up, don’t rule it out due to the space!
Go to Mostar
One other lengthy day tour, however you’re truly nearer to Bosnia-Herzegovina than most of mainland Croatia, so when you’re staying in Dubrovnik with children, it’s undoubtedly one to contemplate when you’ve acquired older children and teenagers.
Today journey to Mostar and the Kravica waterfalls features a quick guided tour of historic Mostar, together with an opportunity to see the well-known excessive arched bridge over the river, plus time on the waterfalls, the place you may swim.
As with the day journey to Cut up, you may anticipate to spend hours on a coach, though it’s barely nearer to Dubrovnik than Cut up is, however nonetheless doable if you’d like a short style of the neighbouring nation earlier than you permit Croatia.
Go to Kotor
One other lengthy day journey, this time to neighbouring Montenegro with an opportunity to go to Kotor together with a brief boat journey on the bay of Kotor, in addition to a go to to the Woman of the Rocks in Perast.
Once more, there’s a whole lot of time spent on a coach, though you’ll get to get pleasure from some scenic views alongside the Croatian and Montenegrin coast as you journey – so once more, it’s higher with older children and greatest when you can’t slot in a full journey to Montenegro.
The place to remain in Dubrovnik with children
Selecting the place to remain in Dubrovnik with children could make a giant distinction to your vacation – do you select contained in the outdated city, outdoors or elsewhere fully?
Keep within the Previous City
It’s very tempting to e book a keep in Dubrovnik’s outdated city itself. You’ll be proper within the coronary heart of every part and when you do each want to go again to your condominium, it couldn’t be simpler.
Nonetheless, it does imply that you just’ll discover it tougher to flee the crowds, you’ll typically have much less house (and no out of doors house), and if you’re trying to prepare dinner, we discovered most residences had restricted services, whereas motels are additionally restricted and are usually pricy.
Keep in mind that you just additionally – in fact – can’t drive contained in the partitions, so when you’re getting an airport switch (we used Welcome Pickups after arriving late night) or different taxi/Uber/Bolt and so on, you’ll be dropped by one of many gates and have to stroll in. The airport bus drops off close to Pile Gate when you’re selecting to try this and any parking shall be outdoors the partitions. Which suggests you’ll be carrying baggage and probably climbing a whole lot of stairs.
Keep outdoors the Previous City
This has the bonus of being cheaper (a bit), quieter and you could effectively discover lodging with extra services, together with some out of doors house. If in case you have a automobile, there’s a greater likelihood of getting parking (though parking wherever round Dubrovnik is restricted).
On the draw back, you’ll spend most of your time within the Previous City so that you’ll begin and finish every day by strolling in – it pays to work out how shut you might be to one of many gates, as you might find yourself detouring to get in by means of the partitions.
For those who’re travelling with older children and teenagers, an additional 10 minutes on the finish of the day in all probability received’t faze them, however when you’ve acquired exhausted little ones, you would possibly rapidly remorse the added each day stroll.
We hit the candy spot with an AirBNB which was near the cable automobile, and 3-5 minutes stroll from two of the gates, lower than 10 minutes from the outdated port, so it by no means took lengthy to get proper into the center of the Previous City, however allow us to escape on the finish of the day and had its personal little terrace.
Keep by the seashore
If you’re planning a visit to Dubrovnik with children, your alternative of lodging comes down as to whether you’re hoping for a metropolis break with some days out (by which case, you need to be near the Previous City) or when you’re on the lookout for a sunny seashore vacation that’s shut sufficient to discover town.
For those who’re going for the latter, it’s price contemplating Cavtat and Lapad that are each simply outdoors Dubrovnik. Cavtat is smaller and extra laid-back, near Dubrovnik airport and a 30-minute boat journey from Dubrovnik – you wouldn’t need to try this every single day, but it surely’s straightforward sufficient to suit a few day journeys into every week.
Lapad has a wider alternative of motels, in addition to its personal seashore and is a bit livelier than Cavtat. It’s additionally nearer to Dubrovnik, round 5-10 minutes by taxi/Uber/Bolt or there’s additionally a bus for a less expensive choice. Once more, it’s straightforward sufficient to do and at round 10 Euros for the journey, not too pricy, however you wouldn’t need to do it every single day (or a number of occasions every single day!)
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Pictures: Banje Seashore/Elaphiti Islands/Mostar/Kotor/Cavtat courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
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