Is Dubrovnik safe to visit? A comprehensive safety guide

Founded in the 7th century, Dubrovnik is a picturesque historic city on the Dalmatian coast. It is referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and became an important sea power in the 13th century. Although it experienced severe damage during the 1667 earthquake, Dubrovnik managed to preserve its magnificent palaces, monasteries, fountains, and churches. The Old Town Dubrovnik, the oldest part of the city, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known as one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval areas in the world.

Dubrovnik is a traveler’s paradise with breathtaking natural wonders and architecture. It is home to about 43,000 people and welcomes millions of tourists each year. Just in the first seven months of 2022, the city received 10.3 million visitors, and it’s not hard to see why tourists flock to this scenic city. Its tourism peaks from June to August, offering a warm temperature for Croatia cruises.

You can also secure your belongings by leaving them with the Bounce luggage facility in Dubrovnik. Doing so allows you to make the most of your visit without carrying heavy bags.

Is Dubrovnik safe to visit right now?

Dubrovnik is not only one of the most visited tourist spots in the Mediterranean but is also one of the safest cities in Europe. And if you’re wondering, “Is Croatia safe for travel?” you’ll be pleased to know that Croatia is the 11th most peaceful country in Europe and the 17th in the world, with an overall score of 1.48 based on the 2021 Global Peace Index. So compared to other tourist cities, you can feel confident about your safety as you explore the ancient city of Dubrovnik.

However, no city is completely crime-free, so you should still watch out for scammers and tricksters. You’ll unlikely witness or become a victim of a violent crime, but petty theft and pickpocketing can occur, so use your common sense and take normal precautions to get out of trouble.

Although we’ll educate you on how to stay safe in Dubrovnik, your safety and the security of your belongings are up to you. No safety guide is perfect, so do additional research and avoid reckless behavior. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or not, we recommend that you remain informed of your government’s official travel guidelines before traveling to any city or country.

Top petty crimes and scams in Dubrovnik affecting tourists

Dubrovnik boasts a lower crime rate than most huge tourist towns in Europe. Violent crimes are also rare. Your only safety concerns will be petty thieves and scammers. By educating yourself and following some safety tips, you can have a worry-free holiday in this city on the Adriatic coast.

Pickpocketing

Many visit Dubrovnik for its Old City, renowned for its views and for being featured in the hit TV series Game of Thrones. The area is usually crowded, so if you’re going there, be extra mindful of your belongings. This doesn’t only apply to Old Town but other areas in Dubrovnik as well.

One common way thieves in Dubrovnik victimize newcomers is by distracting them. They either try to talk to their target, offer them help, or give them a gift, and while their attention is on them, another person will steal their belongings.

You can use a money belt, slash-proof bag, or anti-theft backpack to lower the pickpocketing risk. Even better, only bring your essentials and leave the rest with Bounce luggage storage. Always be mindful of your surroundings and wary of strangers trying to distract you.

Taxi scams

Overcharging is a prevalent taxi scam in Dubrovnik, so make sure to only get on a ride with a registered cab. Some taxi drivers may take a longer route or make additional stops to increase your transportation fees. This is especially common when coming from or to the Dubrovnik international airport, Čilipi Airport, the third busiest airport in Croatia. You may want to track your taxi’s path to your destination to avoid taxi scams.

Fake Wi-Fi scams

Avoid connecting to free Wi-Fi when you’re in Dubrovnik. There’s a common scam in the city where your personal information, accounts, and passwords are stolen after connecting to a fake network. It’s ideal to use your mobile data or personal internet connection instead. If you really must connect to Wi-Fi, ensure it’s a trusted network to avoid getting your information stolen.

Is Dubrovnik safe to travel alone

Traveling alone can be an exciting experience. Fortunately, solo travelers don’t have to fear because Dubrovnik is a very safe city to visit. Everywhere you go, you’ll meet welcoming locals, and there are endless places worth exploring on your own, from strolling through the Old Town’s main streets to taking in the views of the sparkling waters and the surrounding stone walls.

There’s also no risk for solo female travelers in Dubrovnik, with Croatia taking the 26th spot among 170 countries, with a score of .848 on the 2021 Georgetown Women’s Peace Index. You can relax and plan a trip with confidence, but stay out of potentially dangerous situations like walking in empty streets at night or poorly lit areas alone.

Safest neighborhoods in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is one of the safest cities in Croatia. Rarely are violent crimes recorded in the city, and the local police are active at all times. Regardless of where you go to the town, you’ll feel safe here, even at night. When looking for a place to stay, start from the safest Dubrovnik neighborhoods.

Babin Kuk

Babin Kuk is recommended for those looking forward to a safe and quiet stay in Dubrovnik. Being an exclusive neighborhood, it’s secluded, not too crowded, and generally safer than most areas in the city. However, its amenities are more luxurious, so it’s not the most budget-friendly. Still, its beaches, restaurants, and picturesque views make it all worth it.

Old Town

The Dubrovnik Old Town is famous worldwide for its medieval atmosphere and majestic ancient architecture. Expect the Old Town to be crowded, but safety isn’t much of an issue here. Like other areas in the city, it has low crime rates and has active local police presence.

Lapad

If you’re traveling to Dubrovnik with your family, Lapad is an ideal destination. This large peninsula is quiet and famous for its beaches, accommodation, and dining options. There are many attractions for people of all ages here, and it’s a safe neighborhood for tourists. It’s also a short bus ride away from the Old Town, which means it’s accessible and ideal for those who are planning to explore the city.

When it comes to Dubrovnik neighborhoods to avoid, none, in particular, stands out. No matter where you choose to stay, be mindful of your safety. Don’t leave your valuables unattended, and don’t wander around in the dark alone.

Is Dubrovnik public transportation safe?

Some neighborhoods in Dubrovnik, such as the Old Town, are traffic-free zones. This means driving or cycling in the area is prohibited. Therefore, getting around the city by car isn’t recommended. Instead, go by public transportation such as the bus. There are many stops around the city, enough not to have trouble looking for a ride. Just avoid waiting at the stops when it’s dark when you’re alone.

Another way to get around Dubrovnik is by taxi. Taxi rides are generally safe in the city, but there’s a low to medium risk of getting scammed. Therefore, only get on licensed taxis.

Important emergency numbers in Dubrovnik

The last thing you’ll want to deal with when traveling is an emergency, which can come in all sizes and shapes. However, it’s something you should think about and include in your preparation plan. So before getting lost in the city, be sure to save the emergency numbers in Dubrovnik on your phone and be aware of your embassy number when traveling overseas.

• Croatia country code: +385
• Dubrovnik area code: 20
• Emergencies: 112
• Police: 192
• Fire Brigade: 193
• Ambulance: 194
• General Information: 18981

Planning a safe trip to Dubrovnik

With its scenic surroundings characterized by huge stone walls, medieval architecture, green nature, and deep blue waters, Dubrovnik is an enchanting destination that looks straight out of a fairy tale. It’s a dream come true for tourists looking for a gorgeous place to spend their holiday.

Organizing a safe trip to this historic city is easy, thanks to its tight-knit community and well-lit areas. It has a low crime rate and minimal violent crime, so first-time travelers can relax while discovering its offerings. Before booking a hotel room, check out our guide on Where to Stay in Dubrovnik: The Ultimate Guide. You can also get advice and tips on How to Get Around Dubrovnik to maximize your time while exploring the city.