Best Things To Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia, with Kids

With its ancient stone walls, glittering turquoise sea, and fairy-tale streets, it’s no wonder Dubrovnik, often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, is an amazing city to visit with kids.

Maybe you think that Dubrovnik is just a historical city for adults. But in really it is a living adventure for children. A place where they can let their imagination run free.  

Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Dubrovnik with kids packed with practical tips, our favourite spots, and my honest insights from our own family road trip around Croatia.

Visiting The Old Town

Strolling through Dubrovnik’s Old Town is like stepping into a fairy-tale filled with knights, dragons, and endless stories. It’s compact, easy to walk around, and full of surprises around every corner. All this makes Dubrovnik perfect for families with small kids.

Our kids loved running down narrow alleys and pretending they were characters in a medieval story.

Despite the scorching temperatures and huge crowds during the summer, we had a great time.

1. Stradun

The Stradun is the main street of the Old Town, and though it can be busy, it’s wide and stroller friendly. It is lined with beautiful buildings where you will find several shops.

This is the perfect spot to a slow walk, grab an ice cream, and soak in the vibe of the city. Kids enjoyed all the Game of Throne’s shop windows and the many street performers.

The Clock Tower

At the far end of Stradun, the city’s Clock Tower stands tall and elegant. You can’t simply miss it, literally.

Totally rebuilt in 1929 after being damaged by an earthquake in 1667, today the Clock Tower (sometimes also called the “Bell Tower”) impresses with its 31 metres of height. Standing tall above all the other buildings along the Stradun.

The bell sounds everyday at noon. If you look closely, you will see the twin bronze figures that make it happen. They are known by the locals as Maro and Baro. I bet your kids will love to know about this tale while visiting Dubrovnik.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to visit the Clock Tower, but it makes for a good meeting point and a perfect spot for family photos.

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2. Walls of the Old Town

The iconic Dubrovnik’s city walls are the best spot to get a panoramic view of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. It will also allow you to discover the amazing private hidden gardens and courtyards of the city.

The whole circuit is about 2 km long and can take 1.5 to 2 hours depending on how often you stop.

When visiting Dubrovnik with small kids, I definitely recommend starting early in the morning to avoid the crowds and most of all, the heat.

There are three entries / exits to the city walls:

• Pile Gate: the most popular. The best views seam to be near this entry too.
• Ploče Gate 
• St. John’s Fortress, near the Maritime Museum.

From the City Walls you can also access the Fort Minčeta, the highest point of Dubrovnik.

Good to know
If you are considering a Dubrovnik City Walls guided tour please notice that usually those don’t include the entry fee!
It can definetly be super interesting but think about verifyng what’s included!

Practical info:

• Open daily
• Hours vary by season :
  • June & July: 8am to 7:30pm
  • April, May, August & September: 8am to 6:30pm
  • October: 8am to 5:30pm
  • November – March: 9am to 3pm
• Tickets cost €40 for adults, and €15 for children under 18
• you can buy the tickets here
• The tickets are valid for the day and include the Lovrjenac Fortress

Travellers Tip:

Bring plenty of water and sun protection. There is no shade on the walls, and the only café is a very expensive one with very limited number of places.

3.     Onofrio Fountain

After the wall walk, let the kids cool off at the Onofrio Fountain near Pile Gate.

This 15th-century structure is not only impressive, but it still provides drinkable water! Our kids were amazed that such an old fountain, built in 1438, could still be working properly!

If you visit in the morning maybe you will cross the Franciscan Monks feeding the pigeons near Onofrio Fountain.

Travellers Tip:

There are multiple fountains with free drinkable water around Dubrovnik. Which is especially handy when travelling with kids. Don’t forget to take your refiling water bottles.

4. Franciscan Church and Monastery

Just a short walk away you will find the Franciscan Monastery with its medieval cloister and beautiful garden.

This heaven of piece houses one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in the world.

The pharmacy in itself is an interesting but quick visit.

What will make you want to stay here is the cloister garden. For sure the quieter and coolest place in the whole Dubrovnik. Especially during the summer.

Though the Monastery isn’t super touristy, if you want to enjoy it on your own, I definitely recommend visiting in the morning or at noon when everyone is having lunch at Dubrivnik’s many terraces.

Practical info:

• The entry to the church is free
• For the Monastery the entry costs €6 for adults. Our kids entered for free (9, 6 and 3 yo).
• Entry is included in Dubrovnik Pass
• Open daily
• From 9am to 6pm (2pm during the winter)

5. Rector’s Palace

The Rector’s Palace is definitely worth a quick visit. Not only for those who like History but also for its intricate architecture and beautiful spaces.

The beautiful two-story open courtyard and the interior atrium are a must.

The elegant interiors and portraits will give you a glimpse into Dubrovnik’s past and feels like stepping into a storybook palace.

The Rector’s Palace was also a filming location for Game of Thrones. If you are a big fan, you can’t skip this spot.

Other than its beautiful architecture, what really makes it a perfect filming setting is its acoustic. If you have the opportunity I would recommend attending a live concert here. This is one of the most unique things to do in Dubrovnik!

Practical info:

• Entry is €15 for adults and €8 for schoolchildren
• included in the Dubrovnik Pass
• family ticket costs €35 – valid for 2 adults with children until

Travellers Tip:

Dubrovnik has a « 10 museums ticket” which is different from the Dubrovnik Pass.

It is not only less expensive (depending on what you want to visit) but more important, it offers a Family ticket that includes 2 adults and all family children until 14 years old.

You can check all the detail and buy it here.

6. Jesuit Stairs

The Jesuit Stairs were built in the 18th century in the Baroque style and are often considered one of Dubrovnik’s most photogenic spots.

They lead up to the beautiful Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius but what we loved the most was the beautiful view of the square below and to the orange roofs of Dubrovnik.

If they look familiar to you, it’s probably because they became world-famous thanks to Game of Thrones. This is where the famous “Walk of Shame” scene was filmed.

But even if you and your kids have never seen the series, the stairs themselves are impressive and feel like stepping back in time.

Travellers Tip:

This spot is especially pleasant early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is softer and there are fewer people around.

If you visit in the morning, grab a coffee or fresh juice at one of the small cafés just behind the church. The square is usually peaceful and makes a nice break before continuing your walk through the city.

7.  The Old Port of Dubrovnik

For me the Old Port (Stara Luka) is one of the most beautiful and lively spots of the Old Town.

Back in time, it was the heart of Dubrovnik’s maritime trade, and today it’s a beautiful place to stroll, sit by the water, and watch the boats come and go.

Our kids loved spotting the colourful boats, finding the fish from the edge of the pier, and watching the kayaks set off on their tours around the city walls.

It’s a calmer place compared to the Stradun, especially early in the morning or in the evening.

From here, you can also catch small ferries to Lokrum Island, which makes it a perfect starting point for a little adventure outside the Old Town.

8. Stroll the alleys of the Old Town

My main advice for those who visit Dubrovnik: don’t just stick to the main streets!

Let the kids lead you down the quieter back alleys. These charming lanes are filled with laundry lines, cats lounging in the sun, and curious little doors.

It felt like a treasure hunt for the kids and shows you a completely different point of view.

A walking guided tour can always enrich your experience. This one is perfect for kids!

Travellers Tip:

If you have small kids, they will be especially happy to find the only playground inside the City Walls, the Old City Playground.

Bonus: this area is super cute and a lot quieter, somehow far from the tourists’ circuit. I’m quite sure it will be a well deserved break to the whole family.

9. Stop at local markets

One of the nicest ways to experience the daily life of Dubrovnik is to visit its local markets.

We especially liked the Gundulić Square Market (Gundulićeva Poljana). Very well located inside the city walls this is definitely the easiest market to reach with children.

Go in the morning when the stalls are full and the there’s still a cool breeze from the sea.

You’ll find juicy figs, plump grapes, local olive oil, and lavender products. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab a healthy picnic for the beach and meet the locals.

Besides food, the markets are also great for picking up authentic handmade souvenirs. Look for embroidered linens, hand-carved wooden toys, and small bottles of homemade rakija (a local fruit brandy – not for kids, of course!).

Exploring Outside the City Walls

Dubrovnik isn’t just about the Old Town.

The surrounding area offers beautiful beaches, hidden viewpoints, and exciting activities that I’m sure your kids will love as much as ours did.

10. Enjoy the beaches

Dubrovnik has pretty amazing beaches right outside the city walls, perfect for families.

We tried two of them and couldn’t be happier with our choices.

Sveti Jakov Beach

If you’re looking for a quieter spot, Sveti Jakov Beach is a 20-minute walk (or a short taxi ride) from the Old Town.

It’s a bit of a climb down, but the calm waters and stunning views make it totally worth it. We loved spending the afternoon here.

Practical info:

• In case you don’t want to pay for a lounge chair and umbrella, there is limited shade. If you have babies or young kids, definitely consider bringing a small umbrella.

Banje Beach

Located just a five-minute walk from Ploče Gate, Banje Beach is, by far, the most famous beach near the Old Town. Of course, this means more people, but the beach itself is quite nice.

It has crystal-clear water, lounge chairs, and even beachside restaurants.

There’s no doubt that its proximity to the city makes this beach perfect for a relaxing break after a morning of sightseeing.

Travellers Tip:

Like the majority of Croatian beaches, Banje and Sveti Jakove are pebbly. Don’t forget to bring water shoes for the whole family.

11. West Harbour

West Harbour (also called Kolorina Bay) might look familiar for those who watch Games of Thornes. This is one of the main filming spots for King’s Landing.  

But even if you’re not a fan, this small cove is beautiful, quiet, and fun for kids to climb around.

Here you will find Kolorina beache with cool bars and limpid waters, with an amazing view to the Fort Lovrjenac.

But if you really want a hidden gem, I recommend you to checkout Šulić beach, on the other side of the Fort in a much smaller and secluded bay. Less known and therefore less crowded, this smaller beach is home to one of our favourite kids friendly cafés in Dubrovnik: Beach Bar Dodo.

12.  Fort Lovrjenac

Also known as St. Lawrence Fortress, this impressive fort sits on a cliff just outside the city walls.

You will have to walk and climb about 200 stairs. Less practical for small kids than other spots in Dubrovnik. True. But the views are jaw-dropping. Maybe one of the best views over the Old City.

The fort was built over 1000 years ago for defensive purposes. For that reason, it offers amazing visibility conditions over the bay and the city walls.

Just like many other spots in Dubrovnik, the Fort Lovrjenac was one of the filming locations for the Game of Thrones, drastically increasing the number of visitors. I would recommend visiting in the morning. If you are considering visiting at the end of the day check the closing hours the day of your visit since it can vary daily.  

Practical info:

• Entry included with city wall ticket, so keep your ticket!
• Also included in the Dubrovnik Pass
• Open hours:
• Winter (Nov 1 – March 31): 8am to 3pm
• October: 8am to 5pm
• April – September: 8am to 6pm or 7:30pm 

13. Ploce Gate

This is another beautiful entrance to the Old Town, especially scenic at sunset.

It gives you a whole new angle of the city and is usually less crowded than Pile Gate, which is great if you are visiting Dubrovnik with kids.

Come outside the city walls and explore around the gate. There are so many cool spots where the kids can play and run around. And so many cool perspectives.

Inside the walls, right before the Ploce Gate you will find the Ravelin Square (Plates Ravelin) that offers much needed shadow and a beautiful view over the Old Port.  

14. Cable Car up Mount Srd

One of the big favourite experiences in Dubrovnik is the cable car ride up Mount Srd.

The ride itself is super exciting. Especially for kids. And once at the top, the view is simply breathtaking. You can see the entire Old Town, the sea, and the surrounding islands.

There’s also a restaurant at the top perfect for a sunset dinner or a small break with a view.

Practical info:

• Ticket: €30 adults, €8 kids (from 4 to 12 yo), free for kids up to 4yo
• The cable car doesn’t operate between December and February
• Prices used to vary with season but it doesn’t seem to be the case anymore
• You can check the updated information in their official website

Good to know
It is possible to purchase a one-way ticket for sensibly half price.
The ride up takes about 4 minutes and the walk down will take you around 30 minutes.

15. Kayak Tour

If your kids are 6 years or older and love a bit of adventure, a sea kayak tour around the city walls is a great activity.

Most tours include stops at hidden beaches and caves like Betina Cave Beach. This family-friendly kayak tour also includes snorkling, which is another amazing activity for kids!

This is a quite unique way to explore Dubrovnik with kids and discover the city in a whole new way.

Practical info:

• Tours usually last 2–3 hours.
• Life jackets provided.
• Bring water and a waterproof bag for valuables.

Travellers Tip:

Consider doing a kayak tour early in the morning or sunset for cooler temperatures and quieter waters. Especially with kids.

16. Park Orsula

This is a scenic viewpoint outside the city walls that offers gorgeous views over Dubrovnik and the sea.

Built like an amphiteatre with steps looking the Adraitic Sea, Park Orsula is especially beautiful at sunset and may be a very effective substitute for the cable car ride if you are traveling on a budget.

During summer, Park Orsula sometimes hosts cultural events and concerts. It’s worth checking out the official schedule!

Practical info:

• Free entry outside organized events.
• Bring a picnic and enjoy the views

Day Trips from Dubrovnik

If you have more time, consider adding a couple of easy day trips to your stay in Dubrovnik.

These are full of natural beauty and great cultural stops:

Blue Cave & Elaphiti Islands

A boat trip to the Blue Cave and the Elaphiti Islands is a wonderful way to spend a family day on the water.

From Dubrovnik you can easily explore the famous Blue Cave that kids always love, as well the car-free islands of Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, with their calm beaches and relaxed and kids-friendly vibe.

It’s a fun mix of swimming, exploring, and enjoying the sea that the whole family can enjoy.

You can simply rent a small boat without skipper and explore around or choose a boat tour with a local guide that will take to directly the most amazing spots.

Mostar and Kravica Waterfall

Heading inland, Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina offers an amazing cultural experience.

The famous bridge, the market, and the Kravica Waterfalls (perfect for swimming!) make for a unique trip.

You can simply rent a car and drive to Mostar or choose a family-friendly guided tour.

Montenegro

In just under two hours’ drive, you can reach the beautiful Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. It’s a full day trip, but the landscapes are definitely jaw-dropping, and the kids loved the boat rides around the bay.

Montenegro was, without a doubt, a highlight of our Adriatic Family Road Trip.

Of course we recommend spending at least a couple of days exploring the Bay of Kotor but you don’t have the time consider a family-friendly guided day trip to Montenegro that will allow you to discover the most beautiful spots.

Our favourite places to eat in Dubrovnik with kids

Finding family-friendly places to eat in Dubrovnik is easy. Here are a few of our favourites:

Best eateries

Holy Burek
Perfect for a quick bite when you’re exploring the Old Town. This small local spot serves freshly baked burek (flaky pastry filled with cheese, meat, or spinach) that kids loved as a light meal on the go.

Past Lab
If your kids are pasta lovers, this is the place! They prepare homemade pasta right in front of you and you can choose your sauce. It is simple, fresh, and really tasty.

Pizzeria Oliva
A good option for a family-friendly meal when everyone just wants pizza. Casual, with plenty of choices, and very central inside the Old Town.

Aquarius Konoba (Tavern)
This cosy tavern has a nice, shaded terrace and a menu full of Dalmatian dishes. We liked it for a relaxed sit-down dinner after a busy day of sightseeing.

Best beach bar

Beach Bar Dodo
Right by Šulić Beach, this chill little café is a gem. Great for smoothies, sandwiches, or a light lunch while the kids play by the water. This is a super family friendly spot.

Best Ice Cream

Aroma
Good variety of flavours, creamy texture, and generous scoops. Aroma is present in other places that we visited in Croatia and is a solid option when you need to cool down.

Peppino’s Gelato

This one is a must. Rich, creamy gelato with creative flavours. It’s hard to pick just one, so we went back several times!

Where to stay

We stayed inside the Old Town, and that made everything easier with kids. We are usually very flexible with our accommodations but staying inside the City Walls adds a special layer when visiting Dubrovnik with kids.

Other more budget friendly possibility is to look for family-friendly apartments or small hotels inside the City Walls or just outside Pile or Ploče Gate.

If you want more space and a quieter vibe, Lapad is a great alternative with beaches and easy transport into town.

Our favourite family-friendly accommodations in Dubrovnik

House Othello

Family apartment next to the beach

Old Writer Apartment

Very good location and family friendly

Petra design apartment

Perfect for big families

Find more family friendly hotels in Dubrovnik >

How to get to Dubrovnik

Getting to Dubrovnik is easier than you might think, and there are several ways to reach this beautiful city depending on your travel style and starting point.

By Air

Dubrovnik has an international airport (DBV) located about 20 km south of the Old Town. It’s well connected with major European cities, especially during the high season. Many low-cost carriers and traditional airlines offer direct flights from cities like London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, and Frankfurt.
Once you land, you can take a taxi (it will cost around 35 to 45€), pre-book a private transfer, or hop on the airport shuttle bus, which drops you off just outside Pile Gate.

Travel Hack:
When flying with Air France, different airports in the same country / region count as round trip.
You can easily fly to Zadar and depart from Dubrovnik without one-way additional fees.

By Car

If you’re on a road trip through Croatia just like us or coming from other parts of the country or even neighbouring countries, driving to Dubrovnik can be a scenic experience.

^{Have you considered a family van trip through Croatia?}

You can expect winding coastal roads and breathtaking views of the Adriatic.

Be aware that Dubrovnik is separated from the rest of Croatia by a small stretch of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s coastline at Neum.

Here you have two different possibilities:

•  You’ll briefly cross a border. In this case make sure you have your passports at hand.  
• or you can take the new Pelješac Bridge, which offers a more direct route while avoiding the border altogether.

Good to know
Parking in Dubrovnik can be tricky and expensive, especially near the Old Town.
I recommend choosing accommodation with private parking or staying slightly outside the centre.

By Boat

During the warmer months, Dubrovnik is accessible by sea.

Ferries and catamarans connect the city with several Croatian islands like Hvar, Korčula, and Mljet, as well as other coastal towns such as Split.

Jadrolinija and Krilo are two of the main ferry operators. We went to Brac Island with Jadrolinija and it was super easy and stress free.

Dubrovnik is also connected to the Italian port of Bari.

By Public Transport

Buses are a reliable and budget-friendly way to reach Dubrovnik from other Croatian cities like Spli, or from neighbouring countries like Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The main bus terminal is also located in Gruž, close to the port.
International buses from cities like Mostar, Kotor, or even Sarajevo offer scenic routes and regular schedules.
From the bus station, you can easily reach the Old Town by taxi or by taking a local bus. Lines 1A, 1B, or 3 seem to be your best bet but to be bluntly honest here, we didn’t test this option.

Getting around

Dubrovnik is mostly walkable, especially the Old Town. But be ready for some stairs and uneven paths. I recommend choosing comfortable footwear. Especially for the kids.

If you plan to explore further, local buses and taxis are both efficient and family friendly but, as usual, I recommend renting car since it is much more flexible for families with babies and small children like ours.

Did you know?
If you arrive before check-in or have time after checkout, it is good to know that Dubrovnik has luggage storage services near Pile Gate and the main bus station.

Final Thoughts about visiting Dubrovnik with kids

Dubrovnik may be known for its walls and historical charm, but me and my family we found so much more: sunshine, adventure, fresh seafood, kind locals, and unforgettable family memories.

It’s a destination where culture meets fun, and where every stone seems to have a story to tell. Whether you’re chasing waves at the beach, walking ancient fortresses, or watching the sunset from the top of Mount Srd, Dubrovnik with kids is magical.

Let me know in the comments if you have questions, or if you’ve already explored this beautiful city with your family. I truly believe that sharing makes the travel magic go further!

Safe family travels!