โThose that search paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnikโ, mentioned George Bernard Shaw โ and with a lot to do in Dubrovnik with children, itโs simply as heavenly for households.
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Iโm not alone in considering that, in fact. Since my first go to over 20 years in the past, townโs recognition has exploded (not least because of Recreation of Thrones) โ however time your go to to keep away from the height summer season months, and you’ll dodge the worst of the crowds.
And with seashores, historical past, islands, implausible ice cream and a few very enjoyable household sights, youโll be falling for this excellent Croatian metropolis too โ right hereโs my decide of one of the best issues to do in Dubrovnik with children.
Stroll Dubrovnik metropolis partitions
Dubrovnikโs historic metropolis partitions are what give town a lot of its allure, the medieval streets winding contained in the fortifications and a few implausible views out to the ocean and Mount Srd behind town.
One in every of my favorite issues to do in Dubrovnik, itโs undoubtedly doable with children as effectively โ my daughter was simply as wowed by the views, and he or she undoubtedly wasnโt the youngest individual strolling across the Dubrovnik partitions that day both.
Take a look at my full information to the Dubrovnik partitions with children, with all my ideas, sensible info and particulars of what you’ll be able to see alongside the way in which
My prime ideas โ purchase your tickets prematurely (and the 24-hour Dubrovnik Cross prices the identical as grownup entry to the partitions, so itโs effectively price getting that totally free entry to varied different museums and websites). Then begin on the Ploce Gate because itโs quieter than the Pile gate, plus you get the toughest set of steps out of the way in which firstly.
Donโt neglect to carry water and a hat too. Itโs greatest to go to early or late, as thereโs little shade on the stone partitions โ the 2km stroll entails round 1,000 steps, so whereas itโs not too taxing for anybody of common health, you donโt wish to be doing it in 30C solar.
And save loads of time โ youโll wish to take numerous images, absorb the views, discover a number of the little towers alongside the way in which, and even perhaps cease inside a number of the sights on the partitions themselves too.
Discover Dubrovnik Previous City
Dubrovnikโs Previous City really is outdated.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 grow to be one of many wealthiest and strongest republics in Europe, with the worldโs fourth largest fleet. And the limestone streets and red-roofed buildings seem like theyโve barely modified in centuries โ no shock itโs now a Unesco World Heritage Website.
Stradun is the principle road via the guts of the outdated metropolis of Dubrovnik, main from the Pile Gate, however that is someplace that you would be able to get misplaced wandering via the slim streets, climbing steps and vanishing down alleys, with out worry of ever getting too misplaced โ bounded by its partitions, it doesnโt take lengthy to stroll from finish to finish.
Alongside the way in which, we discovered all the pieces from the market and Jesuit Stairs (well-known from Recreation of Thrones and filled with individuals posing for images) to a historic synagogue.
Though itโs not massive, that is someplace the place itโs effectively price taking a tour to be taught extra of the historical past of town โ this tour from Dubrovnik Walks is simply 90 minutes however takes you to some locations youโre unlikely to find solo, corresponding to historic graffiti from a monk irritated at children kicking a ball towards his wall, a former orphanage and the story behind the canine on the Large Onofrio fountain.
However thereโs lots to select from with the intention to be taught extra about Dubrovnik. Do this non-public 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 can go for a meals tour and even tackle a unusual outside escape recreation.
For one thing a bit totally different โ or a method to see town after darkish โ you may also 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 analogous.
TRAVEL TIP: Verify the cruise ship arrivals to Dubrovnik whenever youโre planning your days โ the quantity allowed to dock every day is restricted, however youโll shortly see the distinction between days when there are not any cruise ships in and people when there are three docked. When you can plan your days within the Previous City for quieter days, itโs rather more enjoyable to wander slightly than getting caught in human site visitors jams on Stradun.
Rectorโs Palace
One of many highlights of a go to to the Previous City, the Rectorโs Palace dates from the late fifteenth century, constructed for the ruler of Dubrovnik โ who had a grand complete of 1 month in cost, when he was anticipated to reside within the palace.
The concept was that these brief phrases of workplace meant thereโd be continuity and stability, as there wasnโt time in a month to do something too drastic, and it additionally stopped corruption and nepotism for a similar purpose.
Inside, it now homes the Cultural Historical past Museum and you’ll see the outdated dungeon in addition to a number of the public areas and personal rooms adorned as they may have regarded in centuries previous โ thereโs a terrific 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 Republicโs 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 stoneโs throw from the Pile Gate and Massive Onofrio fountain, is best-known for its historic pharmacy, and thatโs effectively price a go searching when youโre exploring Dubrovnik with children.
There are cabinets stuffed with outdated jars, which we did our greatest to learn, and itโs fascinating to consider the scenes the pharmacy should have seen through the years. The truth is, itโs formally the third-oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe as thereโs a working space simply earlier than the ticket desk.
You may also see a number of the monasteryโs treasures together with reliquaries and jewelry on show, and take a wander via the shady cloister. Included within the Dubrovnik Cross.
Lovrijenac Fortress
Simply exterior town partitions, not removed from the Pile Gate, the Lovrijenac Fortress (or St Lawrenceโs fort) was a part of the Dubrovnikโs defences โ when townโs 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 โ the remaining was a slightly crafty faux, nevertheless it fooled the Venetians for lengthy sufficient for Dubrovnikโs leaders to get the fortress completed. Or so the story goes not less than.
Included in your ticket for the Dubrovnik Partitions (or the Dubrovnik Cross), the placement is implausible, sat on a 37 metre-high rock. Look out for the inscription over the door as you enter: โNon bene professional toto libertas venditur auroโ โ freedom is to not be offered for all of the gold on the earth.ย
Fort Lovrijenac, which is believed up to now from the early eleventh century, is now additionally used as one of many essential open-air levels for the Dubrovnik Summer season Competition โ and has appeared in Recreation of Thrones, closely disguised because the Purple Hold of Kings Touchdown.
Want a shady break from exploring? Gradac Park is simply 5 minutesโ stroll from Fort Lovrijenac โ one other filming location from Recreation of Thrones (for the Purple Wedding ceremony), itโs a stunning tranquil place to flee to
Head to the seaside
Thereโs extra than simply historical past to Dubrovnik, together with loads of probability to sit back 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 stunning turquoise color, so that you receivedโt care about not with the ability to make sandcastles.
Itโs effectively price packing water sneakers in case youโre heading to any of the seashores round Dubrovnik because the shingle might be sharp on everybodyโs toes
Banje Seaside 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.
When youโre able to journey a bit additional, Copacabana Seaside 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. Relax and begin out to the Franje Tudmana Bridge stretching north from Gruz.
Or barely nearer to Dubrovnik Previous City is Lapad Seaside, one other family-friendly pebble seaside with shallow water, loungers, umbrellas, showers and locations to eat/drink.
When you actually actually desire a sandy seaside close to Dubrovnik, top-of-the-line 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 โ learn on for extra concepts.
For extra tips about one of the best seashores in Dubrovnik (and close by), take a look at this seaside inspiration
Dubrovnik cable automobile
I at all times love a cable automobile experience 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 itโs very fast for brief consideration spans (or anybody who isnโt positive about attempting it) however the views onto the outdated city and Adriatic actually are phenomenal โ take a look at my video of the Dubrovnik cable automobile for a style.
There isnโt an enormous quantity to do on the prime โ absorb extra views, take a look at the little amphitheatre with its stepped seats, browse the reward store or get a drink (with the inevitable price ticket) on the Panorama Restaurant.
Children aged 8+ may 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 lower your expenses and simply journey a method on the cable automobile, there are just a few choices however with their very own professionals and cons โ keep in mind you’ll be able toโt purchase tickets on the prime in case youโre planning to resolve when you rise up there.
You may get a taxi/rideshare up, though relying what number of adults there are, itโs not essentially a lot of a saving. Itโs more durable to get picked up on the prime to come back down that method. There may be additionally a path you’ll be able to take โ itโs acquired a number of unfastened rocks on, so undoubtedly higher for older children and with respectable footwear.
Take a ship journey
You actually need to get out on the water not less than as soon as throughout your time in Dubrovnik with children โ the shoreline is attractive, and top-of-the-line methods to see it (and town) is from the ocean.
Though there are many day journeys you’ll be able to take by boat (learn on for concepts), in addition to numerous ferries linking Dubrovnik to totally different islands, youโre additionally spoiled for alternative in relation to shorter cruises and boat excursions.
The bulk set off round sundown, or early night and timings will typically change relying whenever you go to โ this hour-long sundown tour is a stunning 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 townโs 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 in the course of the day, however thereโs a enjoyable 45-minute evening cruise โ departing at 9pm, itโs greatest for older children.
You may also go sea kayaking โ this two-hour tour is appropriate for age 5+ and features a go to to Betina Cave, whereas this kayaking tour is analogous for age 6+.
Go to Lokrum
One of many best day journeys from Dubrovnik with children, the island of Lokrum is just a brief boat experience away, round 10 minutes from the outdated port by ferry nevertheless itโs a implausible chilled-out place to spend the day.
For extra particulars of how you can get to Lokrum with children, in addition to what we considered the island, take a look at this put up
Youโll discover wild peacocks strutting in every single place on this nature reserve and wild rabbits (in case youโre fortunate) plus a string of seashores and the saltwater lake often known as the Useless Sea to swim in.
Save a while to wander via the botanical gardens and the ruins of the Monastery, the place you may also pose on the Iron Throne from Recreation of Thrones, in addition to studying extra about how the island is linked to Richard the Lionheart, and uncover the curse thatโs mentioned to hold over Lokrum island to this present dayโฆ. (nothing too scary until youโre planning to grab possession, which is admittedly tempting).
Dubrovnik aquarium
Dubrovnik Aquarium (orย Akvarij) can be housed throughout the metropolis partitions, within the floor flooring of the fort of St John (under the Maritime Museum). You donโt really need to be visiting the partitions to go searching right here in case you assume your children would like fish to historical past.
Itโs not the most important aquarium, however the setting is implausible, with stone rooms and arches to stroll via, and marine life from the Adriatic Sea within the 31 totally different tanks. You possibly can anticipate fish together with scorpion fish, bream, bass and mullets, in addition to eels, lobsters and extra.
It receivedโt take too lengthy to go searching until you wish to linger at each tank โ youโll most likely spend round half-hour (or a most of an hour). Sadly, itโs 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 itโs enjoyable to kill half an hour โ the gathering itself dates again to 1872 however the museum has solely been open to the general public in 2009.
Set over 4 flooring, thereโs 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.
Itโs included within the Dubrovnik Cross and the Dubrovnik Museums Cross, so itโs straightforward to cease by briefly in case youโre 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 worldโs fourth largest fleet โ not dangerous 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 theย Maritime Museumย is effectively price a fast cease.
When youโre strolling across the partitions, youโll move it as you get to Fort St John by the harbour. Itโs included within the Dubrovnik Cross and the Dubrovnik museums move, so you probably have certainly one of these, itโs straightforward to cease in for a brief go searching totally free.
Itโs additionally cooler in case you want a little bit of a break from the solar, with all the pieces from Roman amphorae unearthed from a shipwreck to fashions of ships, cannons, outdated maps, and lots extra on the Republicโs historical past.
Purple Historical past Museum
The Purple Historical past Museum is the primary museum in Croatia which explores the nationโs Communist previous, and itโs an enchanting various to all of the medieval historical past with older tweens and teenagers.
The museum itself is exterior the Previous City space, set within the floor flooring of a former manufacturing facility in Gruz, close to the Port of Dubrovnik.
Thereโs an augmented actuality app to assist make the go to much more interactive, and it has been created by a group of younger native designers, historians, journalists, photographers and archeologists, with objects donated by individuals from throughout the entire nation, together with images 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 โcompletely happyโ residing beneath Yugoslav chief Tito.
Love Tales Museum
Croatia actually does appear to concentrate on quirky little museums โ and whereas the capital Zagreb may need extra, Dubrovnikโs Love Tales Museum undoubtedly matches the invoice.
Itโs very family-friendly, so that you neednโt fear about it being unsuitable for teenagers, though having mentioned that, itโs extra fascinating for teenagers and older tweens.
Set over a number of flooring, thereโs an space devoted to Recreation of Thrones, in addition to some conventional Croatian love tales and celeb {couples} (typically with a little bit of a tenuous hyperlink) in addition to a number of donated objects which symbolize completely happy relationships.
The ultimate room is plastered with messages of affection written on hearts and also youโre inspired so as to add your individual. You possibly can spend so long as you need inside, however permit round 30-60 minutes (we spent somewhat over half an hour with out both dashing or dawdling).
Eat ice cream
Whatโs a vacation in Dubrovnik with children with out some ice cream? Whether or not youโre 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 receivedโt be upset.
As to one of the best ice cream in Dubrovnik, youโll need to make up your individual thoughts, however thereโs some critical competitors. We had been advised Peppinoโs takes prime spot and that the department within the centre of the Previous City is one of the best of the 2 within the metropolis (the opposite is by the Ploฤe Gate).
The one affordable possibility is to strive each and see whether or not you agree. The sooner you go, the shorter the queue โ 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 bizarre flavours, together with apple pie ice cream โ though this wasnโt fairly as superb as we remembered, there was a implausible raspberry, extra mango right here, and a few nice espresso ice cream for me.
The third greatest, we had been advised, was Dolce Vita โ sadly, we didnโt make it as we had been too busy working via the menus of the 2 above. A superb excuse to return? Both method, youโll have loads of selections and receivedโt be upset.
Day journeys from Dubrovnik with children
Whereas thereโs lots to fill your time in Dubrovnik with children, it additionally makes a terrific 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 Dubrovnikโs outdated harbour and also youโll discover a string of boat journeys to Kolocepโs Blue Cave โ 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.
Quite a lot 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 lots of boat journeys โ like this family-friendly blue cave boat tour โ will present noodles or different swim aids for much less assured swimmers (in addition to snorkels). When youโre travelling with younger kids or non-swimmers, you receivedโt be capable to get inside although.
Elaphiti Islands boat tour
This little archipelago is among 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 Seaside on Lopud by catamaran, or this family-friendly blue cave boat tour is analogous 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 captainโs home on Sipan.
When you choose to discover independently, you may also catch a ferry from Dubrovnik to every of the Elaphiti Islands โ some have extra restricted sailings, and a few donโt allow you to e book tickets on-line, so itโs price doublechecking in individual on the essential port (and that you would be able to 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 season. The car-free island is dwelling to sandy Sunj Seaside, 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 (verify the Jadrolinia schedule as some journeys are longer). Kolocep appeared trickier to rearrange for a day journey, so itโs price wanting on the timetable to see whatโs operating.
Iโve used Bookaway in Croatia to rearrange ferry tickets beforehand however you may also strive Ferryhopper and Ferryscanner
Go to Break up
We completely cherished our journey to Break up โ what number of instances do you get to remain inside a former Roman emperorโs palace, in any case โ plus there are such a lot of nice issues to do in Break up with children too.
And you’ll take a day tour to Break up from Dubrovnik for a style of town. It isnโt a simple day journey โ you’ll be able to anticipate to spend extra time travelling than you spend in Break up itself โ so Iโd solely embody it in case you receivedโt have probability to go to Break up for longer, and so long as it receivedโt eat into your time exploring in and round Dubrovnik.
However with a guided tour of Diocletianโs Palace and free time to wander and discover, if that is your one probability to see Break up, donโt rule it out due to the space!
Go to Mostar
One other lengthy day tour, however youโre really nearer to Bosnia-Herzegovina than most of mainland Croatia, so in case youโre staying in Dubrovnik with children, itโs undoubtedly one to contemplate in case youโve acquired older children and teenagers.
At the present time journey to Mostar and the Kravica waterfalls features a brief 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’ll be able to swim.
As with the day journey to Break up, you’ll be able to anticipate to spend hours on a coach, though itโs barely nearer to Dubrovnik than Break up is, however nonetheless doable if you need 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, thereโs lots of time spent on a coach, though youโll get to get pleasure from some scenic views alongside the Croatian and Montenegrin coast as you journey โ so once more, itโs higher with older children and greatest in case you canโt 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 โ do you select contained in the outdated city, exterior or elsewhere totally?
Keep within the Previous City
Itโs very tempting to e book a keep in Dubrovnikโs outdated city itself. Youโll be proper within the coronary heart of all the pieces and in case you do each want to move again to your condominium, it couldnโt be simpler.
Nevertheless, it does imply that you simplyโll discover it more durable to flee the crowds, youโll typically have much less house (and no outside house), and if you’re seeking to prepare dinner, we discovered most flats had restricted amenities, whereas resorts are additionally restricted and are typically pricy.
Keep in mind that you simply additionally โ in fact โ canโt drive contained in the partitions, so in case youโre getting an airport switch (we used Welcome Pickupsย after arriving late night) or different taxi/Uber/Bolt and many others, youโll be dropped by one of many gates and have to stroll in. The airport bus drops off close to Pile Gate in case youโre selecting to try this and any parking shall be exterior the partitions. Which implies youโll be carrying baggage and presumably climbing lots of stairs.
Keep exterior the Previous City
This has the bonus of being cheaper (a bit), quieter and chances are you’ll effectively discover lodging with extra amenities, together with some outside house. When you’ve got a automobile, thereโs a greater probability of getting parking (though parking wherever round Dubrovnik is restricted).
On the draw back, youโll spend most of your time within the Previous City so that youโll begin and finish every day by strolling in โ it pays to work out how shut you’re to one of many gates, as you can find yourself detouring to get in via the partitions.
When youโre travelling with older children and teenagers, an additional 10 minutes on the finish of the day most likely receivedโt faze them, however in case youโve acquired exhausted little ones, you may shortly remorse the added day by 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 guts 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
If youโre planning a visit to Dubrovnik with children, your alternative of lodging comes down as to whether youโre hoping for a metropolis break with some days out (during which case, you wish to be near the Previous City) or in case youโre on the lookout for a sunny seaside vacation thatโs shut sufficient to discover town.
When youโre going for the latter, itโs 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 โ you wouldnโt wish to do this each day, nevertheless itโs straightforward sufficient to suit a few day journeys into per week.
Lapad has a wider alternative of resorts, in addition to its personal seaside and is a bit livelier than Cavtat. Itโs additionally nearer to Dubrovnik, round 5-10 minutes by taxi/Uber/Bolt or thereโs additionally a bus for a less expensive possibility. Once more, itโs straightforward sufficient to do and at round 10 Euros for the journey, not too pricy, however you wouldnโt wish to do it each day (or a number of instances each day!)
Disclosure: This put up comprises affiliate hyperlinks โ any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
Pictures: Banje Seaside/Elaphiti Islands/Mostar/Kotor/Cavtat courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
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