“Those that search paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik”, mentioned 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 pondering that, after all. 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, improbable ice cream and a few very enjoyable household points of interest, you’ll be falling for this glorious Croatian metropolis too – right here’s my decide of the most effective issues to do in Dubrovnik with children.
Stroll Dubrovnik metropolis partitions
Dubrovnik’s historic metropolis partitions are what give town a lot of its appeal, the medieval streets winding contained in the fortifications and a few improbable views out to the ocean and Mount Srd behind town.
One in every of my favorite issues to do in Dubrovnik, it’s undoubtedly doable with children as properly – my daughter was simply as wowed by the views, and he or she undoubtedly wasn’t the youngest particular person strolling across the Dubrovnik partitions that day both.
Try my full information to the Dubrovnik partitions with children, with all my ideas, sensible data and particulars of what you may see alongside the way in which
My prime ideas – purchase your tickets upfront (and the 24-hour Dubrovnik Move prices the identical as grownup entry to the partitions, so it’s properly price getting that free of charge entry to numerous 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 firstly.
Don’t neglect to convey water and a hat too. It’s finest to go to early or late, as there’s little shade on the stone partitions – the 2km stroll includes 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 pictures, take in 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 really is previous. 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 develop 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 principle road by way of the center of the previous metropolis of Dubrovnik, main from the Pile Gate, however that is someplace that you may get misplaced wandering by way 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 the whole lot from the market and Jesuit Stairs (well-known from Sport of Thrones and full of folks posing for pictures) to a historic synagogue.
Though it’s not massive, that is someplace the place it’s properly 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, corresponding to historic graffiti from a monk irritated at children kicking a ball in opposition to his wall, a former orphanage and the story behind the canine on the Large Onofrio fountain.
However there’s loads to select from with a purpose to study extra about Dubrovnik. Do this non-public household tour of Dubrovnik in addition to this one which is nice for larger household teams. Or for one thing else to entertain older children and mini gourmets, you can go for a meals tour and even tackle a unusual outside escape sport.
For one thing a bit completely different – or a option to see town after darkish – you can even discover a number of evening excursions of Dubrovnik for households. Darkish Tales of the Previous City lasts for just below two hours, or this Dubrovnik Ghosts and Mysteries strolling tour is comparable.
TRAVEL TIP: Test the cruise ship arrivals to Dubrovnik whenever you’re planning your days – the quantity allowed to dock every day is proscribed, however you’ll shortly see the distinction between days when there are not any cruise ships in and people when there are three docked. If you happen to can plan your days within the Previous City for quieter days, it’s far more enjoyable to wander somewhat 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 stay within the palace.
The thought 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 cause.
Inside, it now homes the Cultural Historical past Museum and you may see the previous dungeon in addition to among the public areas and personal rooms embellished as they could have appeared in centuries previous – there’s an excellent 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 properly price a go searching whilst you’re exploring Dubrovnik with children.
There are cabinets stuffed with previous jars, which we did our greatest to learn, and it’s fascinating to think about the scenes the pharmacy will need to have seen through the years. The truth is, it’s formally the third-oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe as there’s a working space simply earlier than the ticket desk.
You can even see among the monastery’s treasures together with reliquaries and jewelry on show, and take a wander by way of the shady cloister. Included within the Dubrovnik Move.
Lovrijenac Fortress
Simply exterior 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 realized that the Venetians had been planning to constructed their very own fort right here, they shortly threw up a constructing of their very own.
Solely the seaward going through aspect was manufactured from stone – the remainder was a somewhat crafty pretend, nevertheless it fooled the Venetians for lengthy sufficient for Dubrovnik’s leaders to get the fortress completed. Or so the story goes a minimum of.
Included in your ticket for the Dubrovnik Partitions (or the Dubrovnik Move), the placement is improbable, 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 offered for all of the gold on this planet.
Fort Lovrijenac, which is assumed thus far from the early eleventh century, is now additionally used as one of many essential open-air phases for the Dubrovnik Summer time Competition – and has appeared in Sport of Thrones, closely disguised because the Pink Preserve 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 Marriage ceremony), it’s a beautiful tranquil place to flee to
Head to the seaside
There’s extra than simply historical past to Dubrovnik, together with loads of probability to relax out on the seaside. 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 gained’t care about not having the ability to make sandcastles.
It’s properly price packing water footwear should you’re heading to any of the seashores round Dubrovnik because the shingle may be sharp on everybody’s ft
Banje Seashore is the closest to the Previous City, only some 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.
If you happen to’re able to journey a bit additional, Copacabana Seashore is on the Babin Kuk peninsula, simply past Lapad. One other pebbly possibility, there are some waterspots right here but additionally shallow water for youthful children to paddle, just a few cafes and eating places and bogs. Sit back 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 seaside with shallow water, loungers, umbrellas, showers and locations to eat/drink.
If you happen to actually actually need a sandy seaside close to Dubrovnik, probably the greatest choices is to move to the island of Lopud (to not be confused with Lapad!) within the Elaphiti Islands, the place Sunj seaside has golden sand and extra shallow clear waters. You may 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 most effective seashores in Dubrovnik (and close by), try this seaside inspiration
Dubrovnik cable automotive
I all the time love a cable automotive experience and the Dubrovnik cable automotive comes with some wonderful views of town beneath 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 positive about making an attempt it) however the views onto the previous city and Adriatic actually are phenomenal – try my video of the Dubrovnik cable automotive for a style.
There isn’t an enormous quantity to do on the prime – take in extra views, try the little amphitheatre with its stepped seats, browse the present store or get a drink (with the inevitable price ticket) on the Panorama Restaurant.
Children aged 8+ may also 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 automotive, there are just a few choices however with their very own execs and cons – keep in mind you may’t purchase tickets on the prime should you’re planning to resolve when you stand up there.
You may get a taxi/rideshare up, though relying what number of adults there are, it’s not essentially a lot of a saving. It’s more durable to get picked up on the prime to come back down that means. There may be additionally a path you may take – it’s bought plenty of unfastened rocks on, so undoubtedly higher for older children and with respectable footwear.
Take a ship journey
You actually should get out on the water a minimum of 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 numerous ferries linking Dubrovnik to completely different islands, you’re additionally spoiled for selection in terms of shorter cruises and boat excursions.
The bulk set off round sundown, or early night and timings will usually change relying whenever you go to – this hour-long sundown tour is a beautiful possibility for households, or this related sundown cruise contains drinks.
For one thing unforgettable, board a reproduction 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 often adults-only through the day, however there’s a enjoyable 45-minute evening cruise – departing at 9pm, it’s finest for older children.
You can even 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 barely a brief boat experience away, round 10 minutes from the previous port by ferry nevertheless it’s a improbable chilled-out place to spend the day.
For extra particulars of learn how to get to Lokrum with children, in addition to what we considered the island, try this publish
You’ll discover wild peacocks strutting in all places on this nature reserve and wild rabbits (should you’re fortunate) plus a string of seashores and the saltwater lake referred to as the Useless Sea to swim in.
Save a while to wander by way of the botanical gardens and the ruins of the Monastery, the place you can even 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 mentioned to hold over Lokrum island to at the present time…. (nothing too scary except you’re planning to grab possession, which is admittedly tempting).
Dubrovnik aquarium
Dubrovnik Aquarium (or Akvarij) can also be housed inside the metropolis partitions, within the floor ground of the fort of St John (beneath the Maritime Museum). You don’t truly should be visiting the partitions to go searching right here should you suppose your children would favor fish to historical past.
It’s not the most important aquarium, however the setting is improbable, with stone rooms and arches to stroll by way 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 gained’t take too lengthy to go searching except you need to linger at each tank – you’ll most likely spend round half-hour (or a most of an hour). Sadly, it’s not included within the Dubrovnik Move (or a partitions ticket), so that you do must 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 numerous 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 Move and the Dubrovnik Museums Move, so it’s straightforward to cease by briefly should you’re in search of 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 unhealthy going for a tiny republic that you can stroll throughout in about 10 minutes. Their success in commerce led to wealth (and lots of jealousy from the Venetians) so the Maritime Museum is properly price a fast cease.
If you happen to’re strolling across the partitions, you’ll cross it as you get to Fort St John by the harbour. It’s included within the Dubrovnik Move and the Dubrovnik museums cross, so when you’ve got one in every of these, it’s straightforward to cease in for a brief go searching free of charge.
It’s additionally cooler should you want a little bit of a break from the solar, with the whole lot from Roman amphorae unearthed from a shipwreck to fashions of ships, cannons, previous maps, and many extra on the Republic’s historical past.
Pink Historical past Museum
The Pink Historical past Museum is the primary museum in Croatia which explores the nation’s Communist previous, and it’s an interesting different to all of the medieval historical past with older tweens and youths.
The museum itself is exterior the Previous City space, set within the floor ground 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 staff of younger native designers, historians, journalists, photographers and archeologists, with gadgets donated by folks from throughout the entire nation, together with pictures and tales from the times of communist Yugoslavia.
You may get an perception into on a regular basis life, from what the music was prefer to the darker features, together with how the key service ensured everybody was ‘comfortable’ residing below Yugoslav chief Tito.
Love Tales Museum
Croatia actually does appear to specialize in quirky little museums – and whereas the capital Zagreb may 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 youths, though having mentioned 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 superstar {couples} (usually with a little bit of a tenuous hyperlink) in addition to plenty of donated gadgets which symbolize comfortable 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 dashing or dawdling).
Eat ice cream
What’s a vacation in Dubrovnik with children with out some ice cream? Whether or not you’re in search of some bribery to stroll the partitions, or one thing to chill your down (or only a little bit of vacation indulgence), you undoubtedly gained’t be disenchanted.
As to the most effective ice cream in Dubrovnik, you’ll should make up your personal thoughts, however there’s some severe competitors. We had been advised Peppino’s takes prime spot and that the department within the centre of the Previous City is the most effective of the 2 within the metropolis (the opposite is by the Ploče Gate).
The one affordable possibility is to attempt 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 once we had been on Hvar, throughout our keep in Break up and its string of surprising flavours, together with apple pie ice cream – though this wasn’t fairly as wonderful as we remembered, there was a improbable raspberry, extra mango right here, and a few nice espresso ice cream for me.
The third finest, we had been advised, was Dolce Vita – sadly, we didn’t make it as we had been too busy working by way of the menus of the 2 above. A great excuse to return? Both means, you’ll have loads of decisions and gained’t be disenchanted.
Day journeys from Dubrovnik with children
Whereas there’s loads to fill your time in Dubrovnik with children, it additionally makes an excellent 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 previous 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.
A number 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 means is to swim, though lots 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). If you happen to’re travelling with younger youngsters or non-swimmers, you gained’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 numerous 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.
If you happen to desire to discover independently, you can even catch a ferry from Dubrovnik to every of the Elaphiti Islands – some have extra restricted sailings, and a few don’t allow you to ebook tickets on-line, so it’s price doublechecking in particular person on the essential port (and that you may get again once more).
Lopud is by far the best 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 may 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 working.
I’ve used Bookaway in Croatia to rearrange ferry tickets beforehand however you can even attempt Ferryhopper and Ferryscanner
Go to Break up
We completely cherished our journey to Break up – what number of instances 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 Break up with children too.
And you may take a day tour to Break up from Dubrovnik for a style of town. It isn’t a simple day journey – you may anticipate to spend extra time travelling than you spend in Break up itself – so I’d solely embrace it should you gained’t have probability to go to Break up for longer, and so long as it gained’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 probability to see Break 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 should you’re staying in Dubrovnik with children, it’s undoubtedly one to contemplate should you’ve bought older children and youths.
At the present time 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 Break up, you may anticipate to spend hours on a coach, though it’s barely nearer to Dubrovnik than Break 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 Girl of the Rocks in Perast.
Once more, there’s lots of time spent on a coach, though you’ll get to take pleasure in some scenic views alongside the Croatian and Montenegrin coast as you journey – so once more, it’s higher with older children and finest should 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 previous city, exterior or elsewhere totally?
Keep within the Previous City
It’s very tempting to ebook a keep in Dubrovnik’s previous city itself. You’ll be proper within the coronary heart of the whole lot and should you do each want to move again to your condo, it couldn’t be simpler.
Nonetheless, it does imply that you simply’ll discover it more durable to flee the crowds, you’ll usually have much less area (and no outside area), and in case you are seeking to prepare dinner, we discovered most residences had restricted amenities, whereas accommodations are additionally restricted and are usually pricy.
Keep in mind that you simply additionally – after all – can’t drive contained in the partitions, so should you’re getting an airport switch (we used Welcome Pickups after arriving late night) or different taxi/Uber/Bolt and so forth, you’ll be dropped by one of many gates and must stroll in. The airport bus drops off close to Pile Gate should you’re selecting to try this and any parking can be exterior the partitions. Which suggests you’ll be carrying luggage and presumably climbing lots of stairs.
Keep exterior the Previous City
This has the bonus of being cheaper (a bit), quieter and it’s possible you’ll properly discover lodging with extra amenities, together with some outside area. If in case you have a automotive, there’s a greater probability of getting parking (though parking wherever round Dubrovnik is proscribed).
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’re to one of many gates, as you can find yourself detouring to get in by way of the partitions.
If you happen to’re travelling with older children and youths, an additional 10 minutes on the finish of the day most likely gained’t faze them, however should you’ve bought exhausted little ones, you would possibly shortly remorse the added each day stroll.
We hit the candy spot with an AirBNB which was near the cable automotive, and 3-5 minutes stroll from two of the gates, lower than 10 minutes from the previous 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 seaside
Whenever you’re planning a visit to Dubrovnik with children, your selection of lodging comes down as to whether you’re hoping for a metropolis break with some days out (through which case, you need to be near the Previous City) or should you’re in search of a sunny seaside vacation that’s shut sufficient to discover town.
If you happen to’re going for the latter, it’s price contemplating Cavtat and Lapad that are each simply exterior Dubrovnik. Cavtat is smaller and extra laid-back, near Dubrovnik airport and a 30-minute boat journey from Dubrovnik – you wouldn’t need to do this daily, nevertheless it’s straightforward sufficient to suit a few day journeys into per week.
Lapad has a wider selection of accommodations, in addition to its personal seaside 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 possibility. 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 daily (or a number of instances daily!)
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Pictures: Banje Seashore/Elaphiti Islands/Mostar/Kotor/Cavtat courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
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