Dubrovniktravelady

Thanks to you both for the information. Debrovniktravelady - have an additional question. Is the cable car fee for a roundtrip or only one way? If only one way, would it make sense to get a cab back to the ship from the top of Mt. Srd instead of paying for the cable car back and then a cab at the end of the cable car? Or is that impossible - i.e. can cars not travel to the top or are not available at the top? Do you have any idea what the cab fare would be? We are a family of four and I'm trying to keep the cut a few dollars(Euro/Kuna) out where I can... We will definitely take our time to explore the town and the side streets - I know we will only scratch the surface, but we have all day which I am happy about!! We may decide to come back in to town in the evening for dinner or to walk around when it is cooler.

The cable car site will answer all your questions. However I strongly suggest you make the return trip and spend the evening hours in the old town. Your ship does not depart until late and the best part of Dubrovnik are the evening hours.

You will not find any taxis at the top of the mountain, but you can hire a taxi to take you up and down if that suits you better.

http://www.dubrovnikcablecar.com/?dubrovnik_excursion=price

So I think I have my day planned, but want to make sure this is possible. Can anyone tell me if it is feasible to take the ship shuttle/cab to the gate of the walled city, then walk the walls and walk around the shopping area/main street and when we are ready to leave, take the cable car up for the views and then get a cab directly back to the ship? I'm just confused as to the logistics of how to get around, and believe me - I have been reading these threads for a long time!! Any other suggestions? Thanks!

 

P.S. We are in port from 9am - almost midnight and we are the only ship in port according to cruise TT.

Your plans are good. You can take either a ship shuttle or taxi to the Pile (pee-la) entrance into the old town. The main city wall entrance is located just inside adjacent to the large Onofrio fountain. Buy your tickets 100 Kuna per person, Croatian currency or credit card only. The wall can take any amount of time, especially if you stop for photos of the amazing views or just to enjoy. The walk in done only counter clockwise, which will give you the sea side vistas first. Once you reach the half way point at Ploce, just after passing above the old port, you can either continue up to Minceta tower the highest point on the wall. Exit again at the main entrance and you can stroll the Stradun and make it a point to visit the side streets. You will find better prices on shops and cafes which are not on the main promenade.

Our small town has several historical museums, Rectors Palace, Sponza, Rupe Museum and our green market at Gundalic square where you can purchase Hvar lavender oils and other local treats. The cable car is located above the old town, exit using the Ploce gate and turn right and walk upwards to the cable car entrance. Once you have been to the top of Mt Srd (surge) and enjoyed the views, the 4 minute ride will return you to the main entrance. Normally you will not find any taxis at that point, but return down to Ploce gate entrance and there will be a multitude waiting.

Dubrovnik has many hidden gems and even after living here for 7 years I am still discovering. I doubt highly anyone who spends only a few hours here has seen much. Enjoy your day, hope this map helps.

http://www.tzdubrovnik.hr/data/1198052158_49_mala_Plan%20Grada_2008.pdf

Thanks, maryann.

 

Dubrovniklady, I know credit cards are taken at Pile, but can I assume that they are taken at the other 2 entrances? I may get on at a different location, depending upon whether I do the walk early morning or mid to late afternoon, plus where I am at that time. Thanks.

All the city wall entrances will accept credit cards.

We'll be on a cruise next year to both ports and would love a comparison between the two climbs. From what I have read, it appears that Kotor may be more strenuous. While we are reasonably fit, we don't run the Boston marathon and don't want to be huffing and puffing on the climb in either place.

I believe that Dubrovnik has a way to get down if you find it too taxing but not sure about Kotor.

Any comparisons would be much appreciated. TIA.

Dubrovnik city wall is 2 kilometers long and there are a grand total of 1,080 steps which are spread throughout. You can enter at the main entrance which is closest to Pile gate, there are 87 steps to reach the top. One can only walk it counter clockwise and you will enjoy the views from the sea side. After you pass the old port, there is the Ploce exit which is exactly the half way point. Continuing upward on the land side are the majority of the steps, taking one to the highest point Minceta Tower. At this point you are only a few meters from the main entrance and you may exit. The entrance fee is 100 Kuna, no foreign currency and yes they accept credit cards.

Is there a way to make sure you are buying authentic? I was reading up on Venetian glass and lace and it can be tough to tell if it is real. I know the cruise lines recommend places to shop, but our experience is they are touristy spots and not really the best prices or quality.

Make sure you buy only from jewelry shops. As of today there are only 3 authentic goldsmiths left in Dubrovnik. The process for making the Konavle jewelry takes several months to finish one piece. I doubt highly anyone selling on the streets have anything more than Chinese copies. Be careful and find a real jewelry shop and please be aware that the authentic Konavle jewelry is made from 18 carat gold and it is not inexpensive. Cheap = Copies

Was wondering if the cable cars are still running and if we can walk there after we exit the wall or do we need to take a taxi there?

 

My plan is to climb the wall, take the cable car and visit the town in that order...thoughts?

Just assuming your question is for Dubrovnik. Yes you can exit the city wall and walk to the cable car. They are still running, the only time they are not is when we have very high winds. Enjoy your time here.

http://www.tzdubrovnik.hr/data/1198052158_49_mala_Plan%20Grada_2008.pdf

Thank you for your insight. What about the part about going through a tunnel at the war museum to the platform? I was planning to take the cable car up.

The Imperial Fort dates back to 1800's, therefore may have some parts which are not stable. Be careful and watch for any signs or signs showing no entrance. It is up to you, but you will find enough views from other spots on the mountain just as nice if not better.

Hi Roothie do you do Pinterest? I'm a very visual person so I have lots of pins for my upcoming Croatia/Greek Islands cruise. Here is a pin how to get the best views in Dubrovnik. It's a travel blog. http://pinterest.com/pin/153192824801617527/

Unfortunately your information is not correct. There are no steps to reach the top of Mt Srd. Those referred to in the article are the steps from the old town up to Buza gate. Then there is more walking to reach the cable car entrance and that will take you to the top of Mt Srd for the view.

Cable car price does not increase at night.

How long does it take to walk the 87 steps assuming one is fit? The whole thing?

Getting up to the top is not difficult, I go very slowly and it takes me about 10 minutes with a small rest stop about half way up. Walking the sea side only, which is half, normally takes me one hour since I stop along the way to take photos. I have seen people who just power walk the wall, never stop for any photos nor views, they can do the entire circuit in 45 minutes. Walking the wall can take as long as you desire.

Thank you. Sometimes I over-research, and find some weird stuff on Google. However, I like to have lots of info when I go to a new city, so that's what I do!

You are doing yourself a great favor by researching, but it is only words in the computer. Once you arrive, you will find the locals are going to be very helpful, learn the words for please and thank you. Once you arrive at Pile brsalje (square) there is the Dubrovnik tourist bureau office there where you can pick up accurate information. Also the newest version of our town map. You will find most Croatians to be slow moving and relaxed, although if the crowds are massive a few short tempers seem to arise easily.

I have only lived here for 7 years and am still finding many new and interesting hidden gems. The old town is lovely, get off the Stradun and use the side streets as they are more interesting than the main promenade.

http://www.tzdubrovnik.hr/data/1198052158_49_mala_Plan%20Grada_2008.pdf

Orsula Park is on Srd, in the same general area as the cable car. That being said, it is not close but with a car and driver you will find it.

As far as turnoffs on our highway above town, forget it. The main viewpoint is called Vidikovic and it is just easy to find and has a parking area for buses and cars. It is not the view from the Bosanka road, which is more of a paved goat path and not a road.

Ticket sellers will never not sell tickets to our local buses. Whatever you read is probably about one of the tour buses or a long distance bus. If our local bus is full, the driver will just pass the stop and you will wait for the next one...if it is full you will continue to wait. If you are arriving here in July or August, I strongly suggest you use a taxi from Gruz to Pile area. Buses are jammed packed during high season and you may spend hours waiting for a bus.

I doubt you will use a daily pass for much other than a round trip from the harbor to the old town. Pay the driver 15 Kuna for your passage and good luck.

Can I pay taxis with Euro in Dubrovnic, and if so how much is a taxi from the old city to the port?

 

Hoya

Taxi drivers will accept 10 Euros for the trip from harbor to old town. Please do not assume you will find much in the way of shops or vendors who will also accept Euros. If so they will give you a very low exchange rate and return any change in Kunas. I strongly suggest you find an ATM machine in the old town to obtain the legal currency of Croatia, the Kuna.

Yes, Cabrio does stop long enough to take photos. Do keep in mind that Croatia does not move very quickly, slow and easy is our mode. Drivers love to stop, they can smoke or have a coffee...locals do not move fast.

September is still busy, we expect 135,000 cruisers for the entire month, same count as July & August. However staying in town until midnight will permit you to enjoy the old town in comfort.

I'm wondering if anyone has any info on where to go (and how) for the best viewpoint over Dubrovnik, particularly those views from high up, a little east of the Old Town, which show the whole Old Town peninsula area surrounded by water.

 

Is that the Bosanka road that eventually goes up to the cable car station? Is that near where there's an arena with summer concerts?

 

What and where are the Boninova cliffs?

 

Has anyone taken the new "Cabrio" or "Cambrio" panoramic bus that goes to Old Town from the port via a scenic viewpoint? If so, is it as dramatic as one you can (apparently) get from higher up?

 

I know you can take the cable car up for great views, but it appears to be slightly different views than what I'm curious about. (What view is best for a photographer like me?)

 

If anyone has been to the above viewpoints, how did you do it - cab (very expensive?), public Libertas bus, ship or private tour? Is any place better for a trip up in late afternoon or for sunset?

Yes the Bosanka road (one lane very narrow) is the way to reach the same area as the cable car. The concert area is a not there, but on the way to the top.

Forget the Boninova cliffs, you only have a sea view from the height of the roads.

Yes I have taken the Cabrio bus, do it every season as it is a wonderful way to enjoy Dubrovnik. It does make 2 photo stops, one at the harbor adjacent to the bridge and Vidikovic which is way above the told town with the panoramic view you desire.

You can also take the cable car up and walk to a point which has the views.

My personal opinion is to hire a car and driver, it is the easiest way to get to all the viewpoints. Libertas bus will not take you the viewpoints, forget the ship tours they are very expensive for not much value.

If you are arriving here during our summer season, do keep in mind that sunsets may only begin about 8:30pm or later.

Interesting facts about the wall. There are a grand total of 1,080 steps including entrances. The most difficult part is from the Ploce entrance, although only 35 steps to reach the top there, the balance of the trip is all uphill with the majority of steps. Personally the land side does nothing for me, as the views are rooftops. However entering at Pile, 87 steps to the top with a rest platform half way, is the best of both worlds. Just above the sea, views of the rooftops and Lokrom Island off in the distance. I have always preferred to get the worst part over in the beginning...getting to the top and always enter at Pile.

Wow. Another wonderful photo blog by Terry! Can someone please comment if most of the information is still accurate. I notice the trip was in2012. Thanks

 

We are visiting July 2015. Soon.

Great photos seem to happen very often when Dubrovnik is the subject. Information regarding our historical and cultural sites are accurate. However since 2011 prices have increased, city wall is 100 Kuna, cable car is 108 Kuna and most of the museums average about 30 to 40ish. Enjoy.

Thanks for all your valuable information. I have been lurking and following your comments. One question I have is: Can you stop the walk along the wall at any point, or can we exit half way? My husband is mobile, but if he is having back issues that day we are there, he won't be able to walk the complete circuit. From the port information the day we are there, it looks like we will be one of six ships in port! :eek: (early June)

 

I look forward to your comments.

 

Julie

Going up on the wall at the main entrance (spas) is the best choice. There are 87 steps to reach the top, very small platform about half way to rest. Walking is only counter clockwise, which means you will walk the sea side. Once you reach the half way point at Ploce, it is your best choice to descend back into the old town. There's no need to walk the entire circuit, so many more sites inside the walls to visit. Enjoy your time and please do continue to lurk...

We will be in Dubrovnik on Sunday, May 24. We would like to see the city walls, take the cable car from top of Mt Srdj, Franciscan or Dominican Monastery, shop, get a bite to eat with a good view, and a church or two. We are in port from 11:30 to 6:30 or 18:30. First of all, what is open on Sunday? Second, we were planning on taking a taxi to town and back. What is the most efficient way to work this ? Should we take a taxi to the top of the mountain view and take the cable car down the mountain? Or should we take the taxi to the Ploce Gate and ascend the wall there? Can we get on the city walls near the Rector Palace and then get on the walls and walk the walls to Pile Gate? Will the shops be open? I would like to get se souvenirs. Where is the best area to get souvenirs ? Is there a nice place with a view to eat or even without a view to get reasonably priced food? I know we need to use Kuna not Euros.

I was looking for the Dubrovnik map on the tourist website but couldn't find it. Does someone have a link? Also tried to find how ships are in port that day but couldn't find it on that website. I guess that is enough to start with. Thank you very much

All historical and cultural sites are open on Sunday, including cable car and wall. Your arrival date is good, only one other ship in port is Norwegian Jade arrival at 1400. Listed below is our Dubrovnik accurate port site for arrivals.

You will find taxis lined up at the port waiting to transport you to the Pile old town entrance for 75 Kuna. It is by the far the most convenient method to arrive in town. Forget using Euros, the only legal currency of the country is Croatian Kuna. Up to you if you want to ask the driver to drive you up the goat path to the top of Srd. Personally I rather enjoy the cable car ride, nice view and a 4 minute trip to the top. Most taxi drivers will try to sell you a panorama tour, they will ask for 300 Kuna and up. More interesting is to walk and enjoy all the sites.

The wall has two major entrance points, first and the best choice is closest to the Pile gate entrance and is called "Spas". You can walk the sea side, pass the old port and arrive at Ploce entrance/exit which is closest to Rectors Palace and is the half way point. If you choose to enter at Ploce, you will walk the land side which is the most difficult with the majority of the 1,080 steps.

With the exception of fresh fish which is priced by the kilo, including the head, our local food is considered inexpensive. You will find most of our konabas are priced the same and offer the exact same dishes. Dirty macaroni, grilled baby squid, civapacici and good choices. If you want a view, then pick a konaba near the water, however most are not the best choices. A view does not necessarily mean a great meal.

The old part of town is filled with tacky souvenir shops where most of the junk is imported from China. You need to get off the Stradun, our main promenade, to find the few locally owned shops for handmade items. Please do not barter, it is not an acceptable custom here. Enjoy your time here.

http://www.portdubrovnik.hr/?lan=en

http://www.tzdubrovnik.hr/data/1198052158_49_mala_Plan%20Grada_2008.pdf

http://www.dubrovnikcablecar.com/

Can you recommend privately

I am not sure what you are asking me? Rules of cruise critic do not permit me to recommend anything specific other than our historical sites. Tour guides, restaurants and specific shops are all off limits to local residents. Only those guests who have visited for a few short hours can recommend specifics.

Your tour will not be using the same type of ticket purchased by the public. They have vouchers which I doubt will be given to you. You will probably buy another ticket, but do know that there are many other historical sites to visit here also. You can use credit card for the wall or 100 Kunas per person. The cable car also accepts credit cards and the view from the mountain top is spectacular. You may want to consider visiting Cavtat, only a short 30 minute bus ride south of Dubrovnik. Try to visit the Rupe Museum for a view of our cultural history, it is off the beaten path and so many miss it. There is far more to Dubrovnik than just the wall...

DTL, we will be heading to Dubrovnik for the second time in July. We walked the entire wall the last time and had a fantastic time. Looking for advice on other places to visit in the area. Considering Mali Ston, Ston and some wineries on the Peljesac peninsula if we go north or to Cavtat if we decide to go south a bit. Any suggestions?

 

Chris

Having moved to Cavtat a few years ago, I can safely say that I love the quiet ambiance of this small village. Good places for lunch, nice walking along the peninsula, many small cafes to stop and enjoy a coffee or drink of choice. That being said, I love Ston and the Peljesac peninsula my mother's birthplace. Wonderful wines, glorious views, fresher than fresh seafood and another wall to visit. You will enjoy either direction...save the other for your next trip here.

Croatian Kuna is the only legal currency of the country. Some vendors may accept Euros but you will get a very poor exchange rate. However after living here for many years I can state that not everyone here will accept Euros, it is hit or miss. Not all cafes or restaurants will accept credit cards, always ask first. Last time I was at Buza they did not accept credit cards nor Euros, also note the drinks are expensive there.

Our cruise will stop at Dubrovnik and Split. How much Kuna do you suggest I should exchange for the two day visits?

Impossible to answer without knowing how you plan to spend your day. Are you going to walk the wall, ride the cable car or visit any of our cultural sites? Plan on just walking around the town, buying a gelato and return to the ship? Once you decide, you can find out which sites will accept credit card and which only accept Croatian Kuna.

be aware, retailers who take euros or dollars will give change in kuna.

The law of Croatia states that the Croatian Kuna is the only legal currency of the country. Vendors should not accept any other foreign currency and yes,if they do change is given back in Kuna. Perhaps that is why guests should utilize the currency of the country.