Travel Guide to Dubrovnik, Croatia

Why Dubrovnik Is Great for Solo Women

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Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s most visually stunning cities, and for solo female travelers, it offers an experience that is both intimate and exhilarating. The Old Town, enclosed within massive medieval walls, is entirely car-free and walkable — you can explore every narrow lane, hidden courtyard, and panoramic viewpoint on foot. Croatia is a safe country with warm, welcoming people, and Dubrovnik’s compact size makes it easy to orient yourself and feel at home quickly.

The city gained worldwide fame as the filming location for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, but its appeal goes far deeper. The Adriatic Sea is impossibly clear and blue. The sunsets from the city walls are legendary. The food is Mediterranean at its best — fresh seafood, local wine, olive oil, and figs. And the pace of life, especially outside the peak cruise-ship hours, is deeply relaxed.

Safety Overview

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Overall safety rating: 8/10. Dubrovnik is very safe for solo women. Violent crime is extremely rare. The main concerns are petty theft during peak tourist season (pickpocketing in crowded areas) and the intense summer heat. Catcalling is uncommon in Croatia. The Old Town is well-lit and populated at all hours during the tourist season. Outside of peak season, some areas can feel quieter at night, but the city remains safe.

Emergency number: 112. English is widely spoken, especially by younger Croatians and those in the tourism industry.

Where to Stay (Solo-Friendly)

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Budget: Hostels in the Old Town like Old Town Hostel and Hostel Angelina offer fantastic locations with female-only dorms and rooftop terraces ($25-45/night).

Mid-range: Apartments in the Old Town or Lapad area provide independence and local atmosphere. Hotel Stari Grad and Rooms Placa are well-reviewed by solo women ($80-130/night).

Splurge: Hotel Excelsior or Villa Dubrovnik for breathtaking sea views and world-class service ($250+/night).

Getting Around

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Dubrovnik’s Old Town is entirely pedestrian and takes about 15 minutes to cross on foot. For areas outside the walls (Lapad, Babin Kuk beaches), local buses are reliable and affordable. A day pass costs around 5 euros. Taxis and Uber are available for longer trips. The Lokrum Island ferry departs from the Old Port and takes just 15 minutes. Water taxis can take you to secluded beaches along the coast.

Solo-Friendly Activities

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1. Walk the city walls — the full circuit takes about 90 minutes and offers unparalleled views of the Old Town, the Adriatic, and the surrounding islands
2. Lokrum Island day trip — a car-free nature reserve just 15 minutes by ferry, with swimming spots, botanical gardens, and peacocks
3. Kayaking around the walls — guided sea kayak tours depart daily and are a fantastic way to see the city from the water
4. Buza Bar — a hidden cliffside bar carved into the city walls, where you can sip drinks while watching the sunset over the sea
5. Game of Thrones walking tour — fun and social, a great way to meet other travelers while exploring filming locations
6. Cable car to Mount Srd — ride to the summit for panoramic views of the city, islands, and Adriatic coastline

Safety Tips Specific to Women

• The Old Town is very safe at all hours, but the limestone streets become extremely slippery when wet — wear shoes with good traction
• Peak cruise ship hours (10 AM-4 PM) bring overwhelming crowds to the Old Town — explore early morning or evening for a much better experience
• Hydration is critical in summer — temperatures regularly exceed 35C (95F); carry water, seek shade, and avoid midday sun
• Swimming shoes are useful — many beaches in Dubrovnik are rocky, not sandy; water shoes make entry and exit much more comfortable
• Nightlife is low-key and safe — Dubrovnik is not a party city; bars close relatively early, and the atmosphere is relaxed
• Be cautious with day-trip pricing — some boat tours and excursions are overpriced; compare options and book through reputable agencies or your accommodation