Is the Dubrovnik Pass Worth It? My Honest Recommendation

Imagine a fairytale place with monumental stone walls, a fortress perched high over the sapphire sea, and crystal clear waves that lap against the rocky shoreline. 

Dubrovnik is an enchanted destination that welcomes travelers from all over the world. 

I recently visited Dubrovnik for the first time on a quest to discover all the Game of Thrones filming locations and I kept asking myself, why haven’t I visited this Dalmatian coastal paradise sooner?

Beyond the towering Red Keep fortress (Fort Lovrijenac) and the dark waves of the rocky Blackwater Bay (Dubrovnik West Harbor) – HINT: Game of Thrones references – Dubrovnik has so much to uncover for adventurous travelers. 

What if I told you there was a way to see and do it all for an affordable price?

The Dubrovnik Pass is an exclusive city pass that includes key Dubrovnik attractions like the City Walls and Fort Lovrijenac (the Red Keep) for an affordable price. 

This post will cover everything you need to know about the Dubrovnik Pass, including whether or not it’s worth it to purchase for your first time in Dubrovnik. I spent eleven days exploring Dubrovnik with the Dubrovnik Pass and I have lots of recommendations for how to make the most out of the city pass for your trip to Croatia. Read on to discover whether or not the Dubrovnik Pass is necessary for your trip to Dubrovnik!

What is the Dubrovnik Pass?

The Dubrovnik Pass is a 1, 3 or 7-day city pass that includes entry to some of the city’s major attractions and museums, provides discounts to local restaurants and includes a free bus pass within the city limits of Dubrovnik for the duration of your pass. 

If you’re visiting Dubrovnik for the first time, this city pass is the perfect way to see all the attractions in Dubrovnik for a discounted price. You’ll save more money with the Dubrovnik pass than if you were to purchase individual tickets to each Dubrovnik attraction. More information about how to save money in Dubrovnik using the Dubrovnik Pass below!

What’s Included in the Dubrovnik Pass?

Here’s a detailed list of what’s included in the Dubrovnik Pass:

Dubrovnik City Walls

One of the most incredible things to do in Dubrovnik is to walk along the fortified walls surrounding Dubrovnik Old Town. Not only will you walk among history, you’ll discover some of the best views of Dubrovnik above the Old Town.

Fort Lovrijenac

The iconic “Red Keep” from HBO’s hit tv show, Game of Thrones is better known as Fort Lovrijenac.

Fort Lovrijenac was built in the early 11th century by the people of Dubrovnik in a monumentally swift attempt to prevent the Venetians from capturing the city. This fortress has stood proudly for centuries and stands as a reminder of the architectural prowess of the people of Dubrovnik.

Rector’s Palace

The original seat of government and the official residence of the rector of the Dubrovnik Republic, Rector’s Palace is a beautiful 15th century architectural masterpiece showcasing historic cultural artifacts of Dubrovnik. This palace might look familiar to Game of Thrones fans…the iconic staircase in Rector’s Palace was used as a filming location for the Spice King’s residence.

Ethnographic Museum Rupe

A collection of historical artifacts and relics of local culture in Dubrovnik Old Town. The entry way of this museum was featured as Littlefinger’s brothel in Game of Thrones.

Dubrovnik Archaeological Exhibitions

A breathtaking exhibition of the archeological history of Dubrovnik, featuring permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Dubrovnik Museum of Modern Art

A collection of modern art from the 19th and 20th centuries focusing on local artists from Dubrovnik.

Maritime Museum

A collection of maritime artifacts housed within the monumental stone walls of the St. John fortress that guards Dubrovnik Old Town Harbor.

Franciscan Monastery Museum

The Franciscan Monastery in Dubrovnik is one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, believed to have been established in the early 1300s. This museum features a collection of historic medical and pharmaceutical literature.

Other Museums and Galleries

Other notable museums and galleries included in the Durbrovnik Pass are the Pulitika Studio, House Bukovac, House of Marin Držić, and the Dulčić Masle Pulitika Gallery.

Local Bus Tickets

Also included in the Dubrovnik Pass is a local bus pass for Dubrovnik city buses. This bus pass included transport within the Dubrovnik city limits using bus lines 1-9.

Bus transport outside of Dubrovnik is NOT included in the Dubrovnik Pass. So if you want to use local transport for a day trip from Dubrovnik (i.e. to Cavtat, Trsteno or Ston), you’ll need to purchase a bus ticket for these lines when you catch the bus (tickets can be purchased using most credit cards on the bus).

Discounts

In addition to the many entry passes included in the Dubrovnik Pass, this local city pass also provides beneficial discounts to many of Dubrovnik restaurants and cultural attractions. The Dubrovnik Pass includes discounts to the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, the Lindo Performance, the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra and the Love Stories Museum (one of my personal favorites!).

How Much Does the Dubrovnik Pass Cost?

Here’s a table of the approximate cost of the Dubrovnik Pass during peak- and off-season, based on information provided on the official website:

Is the Dubrovnik Pass Worth It?

Cost Breakdown for First-time Visitors of Dubrovnik

If you plan to visit many of the major attractions in Dubrovnik including the Dubrovnik City Walls, Fort Lovrjienac and Rector’s Palace OR have a guided Game of Thrones tour booked (which requires separate ticket purchase for Fort Lovrijenac if you don’t purchase the Dubrovnik Pass), here’s a cost breakdown of what you COULD save if you purchase the Dubrovnik Pass for one day:

Approximate Spending With or Without the Dubrovnik Pass

* Based on Peak Season Travel, Adult / Child Pricing

The Dubrovnik Pass is worth it for first-time visitors who plan to visit many of the major Dubrovnik attractions including the City Walls and Fort Lovrijenac. Even if you plan to purchase a three-day or seven-day pass, you’re still saving money by purchasing a Dubrovnik Pass rather than purchasing individual tickets to Dubrovnik attractions. 

For Game of Thrones fans who plan to book a guided tour of the Game of Thrones filming locations, you’ll want to purchase your Dubrovnik Pass BEFORE your tour, because the tour includes entry to Fort Lovrijenac. 

Along with Fort Lovrijenac, you’ll want to visit the City Walls (to see the House of the Undying), Rector’s Palace (Residence of the Spice King) and the Ethnographic Museum (Littlefinger’s brothel). These four important Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik together cost €73 as individual tickets, but can cost as low as €40 with the 1-day Dubrovnik Pass (nearly a 50% discount).

I loved the Dubrovnik Pass when I traveled to Croatia for the first time, not only because I was saving money on major attractions, I could access the public city buses within Dubrovnik for free!

Where to Buy the Dubrovnik Pass

The Dubrovnik Pass can be purchased through the official website or on Get Your Guide. You’ll have three options to choose from: a one-day pass, a three-day pass and a seven-day pass. All passes activate after the first use at one of the many included Dubrovnik attractions. 

Tips for Getting the Most of Your Dubrovnik Pass

Start Early

If you plan to travel during peak season, May through September, you’ll want to visit Dubrovnik attractions early to beat the crowds and avoid the heat. If you are not planning on booking a Dubrovnik guided tour, I recommend starting at the Dubrovnik City Walls, which open around 8am before it gets blazingly hot, then head to Fort Lovrijenac. 

If you have multiple days in Dubrovnik and purchase a multi-day Dubrovnik Pass, plan your excursions in the morning before the cruise crowds flood the city. Afternoons are perfect for a swim at one of Dubrovnik’s many beaches!

Group Nearby Attractions

Dubrovnik Old Town is a small historic site in the heart of Dubrovnik. To make the most out of your time in Dubrovnik, group nearby attractions. For example, you might want to pair Fort Lovrijenac with the Dubrovnik Walls, then visit Rector’s Palace and the Maritime Museum. By grouping nearby attractions, you’ll discover the best activities in Dubrovnik without the need to travel back and forth across Old Town.

Purchase the Pass BEFORE Your Game of Thrones Tour

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan like I am, you’ll want to purchase your Dubrovnik Pass BEFORE your guided Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik. The Game of Thrones tour includes a visit to Lovrijenac Fortress, which is included in the Dubrovnik Pass. If you purchase the Dubrovnik Pass before your guided tour, you can use the entry ticket included in the pass during your tour. The guided Game of Thrones tour does NOT include entry to Fort Lovrijenac (unless you purchase the Dubrovnik Pass before your tour).

Use the Local City Buses for Traveling within Dubrovnik

If you’re traveling to and from Port Gruž for island hopping, the Dubrovnik Pass will come in handy. Included with the many attractions is a local bus pass. This bus pass is valid within the Dubrovnik city limits (but does NOT include airport bus transfer) and can be collected by visiting the Libertas bus kiosk outside the Pile Gate. To better understand bus schedules, I recommend downloading the Libertas bus app. This app helped me navigate around Dubrovnik and beyond!

Visit What Interests You

Don’t Feel Obligated to See Everything on the Pass

Don’t feel like you NEED to visit every museum and attraction on the Dubrovnik Pass. Take advantage of the Dubrovnik attractions that most intrigue you and your interests.

Check for Discounts on Restaurants to Save Money on Food

Ten days of eating my way around Dubrovnik was delectable, but not cheap! The Dubrovnik Pass features several perks beyond the tickets to major attractions, including discounts at some of the local restaurants. Check with your waiter to see if your restaurant is included in the list!

When the Dubrovnik Pass *Isn’t* Worth It

The Dubrovnik Pass may not be worth it for you if you’ve already visited Dubrovnik and don’t plan on visiting the city’s major attractions. 

Additionally, you may not need to purchase the pass for the entire duration of your time in Dubrovnik. For example, during my eleven-day adventure in Dubrovnik, I chose to purchase the seven-day Dubrovnik Pass, however I could’ve easily gotten away with the three-day Pass because I visited the major attractions in my first few days in Dubrovnik. 

Consider the attractions that you’re most interested in – you may be able to get away with a one- or three-day pass for a longer vacation in Dubrovnik if you schedule the attractions within a specific timeframe.

Dubrovnik Pass: My Final Verdict

Is the Dubrovnik Pass worth it? Yes! The Dubrovnik Pass saved me so much money on Dubrovnik attractions. With the amount of times I rode the city bus, I saved TONS using the bus pass included with the Dubrovnik Pass.

If you’re visiting Dubrovnik for the first time and plan to explore many of the city’s famous attractions and museums, consider purchasing the Dubrovnik Pass for part of your stay! You’ll save lots of money and reap the benefits of Dubrovnik Pass discounts.