An ancient city filled with history, personality, and charm, Dubrovnik is a must if you ever find yourself in Croatia! Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and surrounded by nearly 2 kilometers of walls, if you love history, sunshine, and beautiful beaches, you’re gonna love it here. Read on to learn how to live like locals in Dubrovnik.

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Dubrovnik’s tourist attractions are popular for a reason and are definitely worth a stop if you have the time, but such a big part of travel is trying to understand the local’s way of life, and the best way to live like locals is to actually meet them and ask questions. They love sharing Croatia’s rich history and culture, and their love for its mountains and the sea with anyone willing to listen and learn. But if you haven’t had the opportunity to meet a local quiet yet, this guide will get you as close to living like locals as a non-local can do.

Clothes hanging on a line in Dubrovnik Port

We’re venturing away from the tourist hot spots and into a quieter side of Dubrovnik port with lesser-known attractions with ultimate charm.

If you’re just here for the day or feel weighed down with heavy bags, stow them at a suitcase locker in Dubrovnik for easy pick up at the end of the day!

Local Markets in Dubrovnik

Forget about the popular malls and shopping centers, the smaller markets in Dubrovnik are where it’s at. Shopping like a local is one of the best ways to experience the culture and meet a few new faces as well!

Lapad Market

One of the quietest, Lapad Market sees few tourists but offers plenty of variety–swing by for a healthy lunch after a morning of tanning at the beach! What to get? Naturally organic fruits and perfectly baked bread from the baker’s shop. YUM.

Gruz Market

The biggest and most popular market on this list because of its prime location right next to a bus stop, the Gruz Market is a local hot spot for all things food. People from all over the city come here to shop.

Gunduliceva Poljana Market

This is one of the main markets in the city frequented by both tourists and locals for its wide variety of goods. Eat like a local using organic ingredients from the market like honey, oils, spices and jams as well as produce like apples, oranges, grapes, tomatoes and peppers.

Woman sitting on game of thrones location in Dubrovnik Port

Hidden Gems and Activities in Dubrovnik

Crowds can be a lot, totally get it. The good news is, there are plenty of awesome things to see and experience that are off the tourist track. Add some of these lesser-known activities in Dubrovnik to your must list!

Go to an Open Air Cinema

Nice, warm, summer weather makes open-air cinemas the movie night of choice among Dubrovnik locals. There are two (Jadran and Slavica) that often have showings in English with subtitles in the local language. Swing by to see what’s playing that day!

Plaza Banje Dubrovnik Port — The much-too-crowded Plaža Banje. head to Sveti Jakov Beach instead!

Sunbathe on Sveti Jakov Beach

Dubrovnik has a few beaches and while they’re stunning, they can fill up with tourists as soon as the sun climbs above the hills. Head to Sveti Jakov instead–it’s a smaller and more secluded place by the coast where you can catch a gorgeous Dubrovnik sunset. There’s also a small bar and restaurant on site!

Take a Hike in Park Orsula

Nature reserves and greenspaces like Park Orsula let you see a different side of the city and get a little quality “me” time in the process. Park Orsula is easy to navigate and the views are well worth the effort. Check out ruins from a 14th century church, or swing by the ampitheater for a concert if you have the time!

Dubrovnik Port Old Town — Dubrovnik Old Town

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

The Old Town of Dubrovnik is popular (and for good reason), but don’t let it overshadow some of the city’s quieter neighborhoods–we are after the local experience, aren’t we? Keep reading to find some of the neighborhoods that might be better suited to those who want to live like locals.

Gruz Harbor

Gruz is not only quieter and cheaper than the Old Town but it can also get you to other parts of the city and islands near Dubrovnik quickly and easily thanks to the main bus station and ferry system! It’s also where you’ll find the Gruz Market. Truly live like a local by booking a guesthouse with gorgeous patio or one with insane views and an adorable balcony!

Lapad

The residential area of Lapad is a fantastic choice for visitors who want to get an authentic feel for life in this city. Enjoy beautiful views of the seashore with local cafes, restaurants and shops within walking distance. You never have to leave the beach! Check out this sweet apartment with incredible views!

Babin Kuk

If you’re on the hunt for a quiet and uninterrupted vacation, stay at a coastal Luxury hotel like this beaut with a waterfront infinity pool in the Babin Kuk neighborhood. Prices can be high, but if R&R is your goal, this is the place to be!

Seeing Dubrovnik in a New Way

Hit the main attractions, of course, but don’t let them overshadow the local side of Dubrovnik! There are plenty of quieter, quaint, and incredible adventures, eats, and experiences around every limestone corner.

Cheers to the adventure!