If you are searching “Is Dubrovnik safe”, it usually means one thing. In your mind you are already walking along bright marble streets, hearing the waves behind the city walls and planning the perfect photo from a viewpoint above the orange rooftops. But before booking the trip, the rational part of your brain wants one clear answer.
Is Dubrovnik actually safe?
The short answer is yes. Dubrovnik is considered one of the safest cities in Europe for tourists. The long answer is much richer. It includes how the city feels during the day and at night, what the real risks are, what you should watch out for and how centuries of history shaped today’s atmosphere of order and security.
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Is Dubrovnik Safe for Tourists?
When people ask “Is Dubrovnik safe for tourists”, they rarely mean crime statistics. They are asking something much more personal. Will I feel comfortable walking around? Will my children be fine? Will I spend more time enjoying or worrying?
Dubrovnik is generally very safe for visitors. Violent crime involving tourists is extremely rare. The city center functions like a compact, well managed stage where the main actors are families, couples, cruise ship passengers, backpackers and locals doing their everyday chores among them.
The atmosphere during the day is almost Mediterranean slow motion. Street musicians play on the corners, guides lead small groups through side streets, waiters carry trays between stone walls and you hear a mix of languages every few meters. The rhythm is busy but not aggressive. You feel that the city is used to guests and that everything is built around their presence.
Police and municipal services are present, but not in a way that makes you feel watched or pressured. It feels more like a well rehearsed choreography. There are patrols, cameras and local regulations, yet what dominates is the feeling of normal life rather than a heavy security apparatus.
This is not accidental. Dubrovnik’s economy depends heavily on tourism. For the city, safety is not a bonus. It is the foundation of its survival. Losing the reputation of a safe destination would be like cutting the main cable of a suspension bridge. Everyone in the system, from local government to small business owners, is highly aware of that.
This is why:
- Streets are well lit and routinely cleaned
- Tourist flows are actively managed during peak times
- Events and festivals have visible organization and security
- Cruise ship arrivals are coordinated with the city, to avoid complete chaos
As a visitor, you usually feel the result, not the machinery behind it. What you see is a place where you can walk, look up, get lost in details of architecture and still feel that the ground under your feet is solid.
Is Dubrovnik Safe at Night?
“Is Dubrovnik safe at night” is the second question that comes right after booking an evening flight or a late dinner.
At night Dubrovnik changes mood, but not character. The sun goes down, spotlights on the city walls turn on and the marble pavement reflects warm light from cafes and restaurants. The sound of seagulls fades and is replaced by quiet music and conversations.
In the Old Town, main streets and squares remain lively until late. Stradun, the central promenade, is especially safe and filled with people. Families with children slowly head back to their accommodation, couples stroll hand in hand, small groups sit on steps with ice cream or drinks and older locals stand in corners, commenting on the flow of tourists as if they are watching a familiar movie.
In high season bars and small clubs add a more energetic layer. Even then the city does not turn into a wild party destination. Dubrovnik’s nightlife is more about terrace cocktails with views and open air bars tucked between stone walls than about giant nightclubs with aggressive crowds.
The places and times when you need a little more attention are mostly predictable.
Think of the period after midnight. Crowds are smaller, some streets become almost empty and those who remain outside are usually people returning from bars, sometimes a bit too loud or drunk. Problems are more likely to be arguments between intoxicated visitors than serious threats to random passers‑by.
If you stay in well lit main areas, do not go exploring dark dead end alleys alone at three in the morning and trust your instinct if a place or group of people feels wrong, you will almost certainly be fine. It is the same level of caution you would use in any unknown city you visit for the first time.
What many travelers report is that even later at night there is a visible presence of staff, doormen, cleaners and other workers. That alone gives a basic sense of comfort. You rarely feel completely alone in a vulnerable space.
How Safe Is Dubrovnik Compared to Other European Cities?
To really understand “Is Dubrovnik safe”, comparison helps. Imagine typical big European capitals. Layers of metro lines, districts that suddenly change character, areas everyone tells you to avoid at certain hours, demonstrations that block entire neighborhoods, football crowds and complex transport systems.
Dubrovnik is the opposite in many ways. It is:
- Small in size
- Clear in structure
- Concentrated around a historical core
- Without heavy industry or large problematic suburbs
There are no typical big city “no go” areas that guidebooks warn you about. There is no metro where you spend twenty minutes in a packed carriage watching your pocket every second. There is very little gang related crime, no visible open air drug markets and no aggressive street begging in the old center.
Of course, there are residential districts outside the tourist zones where life is more local and less polished, but even there crime that targets visitors is rare because tourists almost never go that deep without a reason.
For most visitors, the comparison looks like this. If you felt moderately safe in Paris, Barcelona, Rome or London, you will feel significantly safer in Dubrovnik. That does not mean perfect, but it does mean that your main stress points will be traffic, crowds and prices, not fear of violence.
Is Dubrovnik Safe from Pickpocketing and Tourist Scams?
No popular destination is completely free from petty crime, and Dubrovnik is no exception. When you ask “Is Dubrovnik safe”, part of the honest answer includes how to deal with opportunistic thieves and tourist traps.
Pickpocketing in Dubrovnik exists, but it focuses almost entirely on high traffic tourist areas at peak times. Typical risk locations are:
- Stradun and main side streets during midday and early evening, when cruise ship groups and day trippers fill the space
- Bus stops and shuttle services around arrival and departure hours
- Crowded viewpoints and queue lines
- Busy beaches where people leave belongings on the sand or rocks without much thought
Pickpockets look for distracted, overloaded tourists. People taking photos with big cameras, adjusting strollers, juggling shopping bags and phones or leaving backpacks open behind their backs.
You significantly reduce the risk by doing a few simple things. Use a cross body bag that you can keep in front of you instead of an open backpack on your back in dense crowds. Keep passports, large amounts of cash and backup cards in a safe in your accommodation if possible, or in a money belt under clothes if you feel more comfortable that way. Use a small wallet for everyday spending that you would not be devastated to lose.
Tourist “scams” in Dubrovnik are usually soft, not aggressive. You are unlikely to face fake police officers, forced street donations or people grabbing your arm to put bracelets on you. Instead you may encounter less obvious traps.
For example:
- Restaurants in perfect locations with amazing views but average food and very high prices
- Drink and snack menus that look harmless until you notice the fine print or special additions on the last page
- Boat tours or experiences that sound longer or more exclusive than they really are because of how they are described
The remedy is simple research and awareness. Check online reviews, look at menus before sitting down, ask clearly about what is included in any tour and read small text on leaflets. In most cases you will not be cheated, you will simply pay a lot for the privilege of being in a prime spot if you do not check in advance.
The important point is that even here the city does not feel hostile. You do not feel hunted. You just need to remember that any place with a high concentration of visitors will attract people who want to earn as much as possible from them.
Is Dubrovnik Safe for Solo Travelers and Women?
Solo travel brings a different set of questions. “Is Dubrovnik safe if I am alone, with no partner or group to rely on”.
For solo travelers, including solo women, Dubrovnik is widely considered a comfortable destination. The compact size of the old town, constant presence of other visitors and clear layout of main streets create a built in safety net.
Walking alone through the center during the day feels no different from walking in any busy European tourist zone. Cafes and restaurants are used to solo guests and do not make you feel out of place. Many hostels and smaller hotels receive solo travelers throughout the year and staff are usually ready with practical advice.
In the evening and at night, the same rules apply as in any city. Staying in well lit and populated streets, choosing quality accommodation with good reviews, returning by trusted transport and being careful with alcohol consumption are still important.
Solo female travelers often mention that unwanted attention is more likely to come from intoxicated male tourists than from local residents. This can appear as annoying comments or attempts at conversation rather than direct danger. A firm but calm refusal and moving to another crowded spot usually ends it.
To increase comfort:
- Choose centrally located accommodation so you do not have to walk long distances through empty streets at night
- Let someone at home know your basic itinerary
- Join organized walking tours or day trips if you prefer company while exploring
- Use official taxis or prearranged transfers at night instead of random offers on the street
With these simple measures, the majority of solo visitors experience Dubrovnik as one of the easier places to travel alone.
Is Dubrovnik Safe for Families with Children?
Families ask a slightly different version of the same question. “Is Dubrovnik safe for kids”.
In many ways Dubrovnik is an excellent choice for families. There is no fast traffic racing through the heart of the old town. Most of the central area is pedestrian only. Children can run within a visible space and you can see them quickly, as long as you stay watchful of side alleys and steps.
What parents need to watch out for is not crime but the physical environment.
The entire historical core is built on polished stone. That stone can be slippery, especially after rain, and small children running in sandals can easily fall. There are countless staircases. Some are shallow and wide, others are steep and narrow. Strollers turn sightseeing into a workout. Carriers are often a better solution for very small children.
If you decide to walk the city walls, this becomes a highlight for kids but also a place where your attention needs to be absolute. The walls are equipped with railings yet the heights are serious. You want to keep children close at all times and avoid letting them climb or lean far out for photos.
On the beaches, the main issues are rocks, sea urchins and sun. Many beaches are pebbly or rocky rather than sandy, so water shoes are a good idea. Protective cream, hats and enough breaks in the shade are essential on long summer days.
From a social and crime perspective, Dubrovnik is calm for families. The greatest risks are scraped knees, sunburned shoulders and tired tantrums, not dangerous encounters.
Is Dubrovnik Safe When It Is Crowded?
Sometimes the feeling of safety does not come from fear of crime but from fear of being overwhelmed. If you have seen photos of Dubrovnik in high season, especially when cruise ships arrive, you have probably asked yourself a variation of “Is Dubrovnik safe when it is that crowded”.
High season crowds are real. Narrow alleys that early in the morning feel almost meditative can become human rivers around noon. Stradun can turn into a slow moving carpet of people and selfie sticks. Lines form at city walls, popular viewpoints and certain cafes.
Crowds themselves do not make the city unsafe in a traditional sense. They do create conditions where it is easier to:
- Lose sight of your travel companions, especially children
- Get stressed and make poor decisions, such as running across a street without looking
- Become a target for pickpockets who prefer dense space where they can disappear quickly
To maintain a sense of control, it helps to plan your day strategically. Visit the city walls early in the morning or later in the afternoon instead of during pure midday. Explore side streets and less obvious corners of the old town while big organized groups follow the main axis. Take breaks in quieter squares instead of forcing yourself to walk through the center when it feels like too much.
If you travel with children or a larger group, agree in advance on a simple meeting point in case anyone gets separated. A prominent fountain, a church entrance or a specific statue work well. That way you know that even in the middle of the crowd there is a place where everyone will aim to gather if something goes wrong.
Crowds in Dubrovnik are physically tiring but rarely dangerous. When managed with a bit of patience and planning, they become part of the story you will later tell.
How Safe Is the Trip Itself – From Sarajevo to Dubrovnik?
For travelers from Bosnia and Herzegovina and surrounding areas, the question “Is Dubrovnik safe” starts long before stepping on Stradun. It begins on the road.
The route from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful drives in the region, with dramatic mountain landscapes, rivers and finally the sea. It is also a road that demands concentration. There are winding sections, changes in altitude, sharp bends and sometimes heavier traffic, especially in summer.
Driving your own car or renting one gives you freedom, but it also transfers full responsibility for safety to you. You must:
- Navigate border crossings
- Watch speed limits in different jurisdictions
- Handle potential fatigue during a long day
- Find and pay for parking in a city that is both compact and steep
For travelers who want to reduce risk and stress, an organized transfer is often the smartest solution. Our tourist organization offers a structured tour from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik that includes transport with experienced drivers familiar with the route, planned stops and clear timing.
This kind of organized tour increases safety on several levels:
- You are not navigating unknown roads alone
- You are not dealing with parking, tolls or paperwork at the border
- You have a defined schedule, so you are not pressured to rush driving at night because you miscalculated the time
- You can rest, enjoy the scenery and arrive in Dubrovnik mentally fresh rather than exhausted
For many visitors, this is the moment when the trip already feels like a vacation rather than a logistical challenge. When safety and convenience move to the background, you have more energy to focus on the city itself.
Our Organized Full Day Tour from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik – Complete Experience and Safety
If you want the absolute safest and most complete way to travel from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik while seeing much more than just these two cities, our tourist organization offers a full day organized tour that connects these two jewels through the heart of Herzegovina.
This tour is specifically designed for travelers who want their journey to be more than transportation. Instead of simply driving for five hours, you experience six major attractions along the way, all UNESCO protected or nationally important locations. The tour departs every morning at 8 am from Sarajevo and arrives in Dubrovnik around 8 pm, giving you a complete day of immersion into Bosnian and Herzegovinian culture, history and nature.
What makes this tour exceptional from a safety and comfort perspective is that it is done door to door. We pick you up directly from your accommodation in Sarajevo with your complete luggage and deliver you to your destination in Dubrovnik. There is no waiting in bus stations, no parking stress and no navigating unfamiliar roads on your own. Professional drivers who know every curve, every border crossing and every weather condition manage the entire route. The maximum group size is just eight people, ensuring quality attention rather than being one of fifty tourists on a big coach.
Main Attractions Along the Route
During the drive you stop at Konjic, a beautiful town on the pearl clear Neretva River where you see the old Ottoman bridge from the 17th century and hear stories about the city’s complex history. You continue through the Jablanica region where an important battle of World War II took place, visiting the Museum of the Battle on the Neretva and stopping for a traditional break with opportunity to taste local specialties. The route then takes you through one of the most beautiful canyons in Europe, the Neretva River Canyon, where you have time to photograph the stunning landscape.
Mostar, one of the jewels of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is the heart of this tour. You spend at least an hour exploring the old town, seeing the famous Old Bridge that symbolizes the city’s recovery from war, walking through the bazaar and hearing detailed stories from knowledgeable guides about Mostar’s diverse cultural heritage and its significance. Your guide explains the turbulent history, the architecture that combines medieval Bosnian and Ottoman elements and what it means for the people who live there.
From Mostar, the tour continues to Blagaj and the source of the Buna River, where you see the Teqiah, a beautiful Dervish house built next to a high cliff with a pristine spring. In summer, you can even take a small boat tour into the cave where the river emerges. This is followed by a well deserved lunch at a restaurant right next to the Buna waterfall, where you can try traditional Bosnian cuisine, especially the famous trout from the crystal clear water. Lunch is not included in the tour price so you can plan approximately 6 to 10 euros per person for this meal.
Before reaching Dubrovnik, the tour makes one more stop at Počitelj, a medieval town perched above the Neretva River where you can see architecture from 600 years ago, including the old mosque, towers and a clock tower that has retained its original appearance. From a viewpoint at the top, you see the Neretva River Canyon spread below you and understand the strategic importance this place once held.
The final stop is the crown jewel of this journey – Kravice Waterfall, sometimes called Bosnian Niagara. This 26 to 28 meter high waterfall on the Trebižat River is one of the most beautiful in Europe and a location that takes your breath away. During summer when you bring a swimsuit, you can swim and sunbathe in the turquoise water, making it a perfect place to cool off before the final two hour drive to Dubrovnik.
Comfort, Culture, and Booking Information
Throughout this entire day, your guide provides continuous education about the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the different empires that shaped these lands, the consequences of that diversity and how these regions recovered from recent conflicts. You learn not just tourist facts but genuine cultural understanding that makes you appreciate why this is called the crossroads of Europe.
The tour is absolutely recommended for all travelers. It is psychologically and physically manageable for children, elderly travelers and anyone with basic fitness. Solo travelers are very welcome and often join these small groups, making it an excellent opportunity to meet other visitors while traveling safely. If you prefer to book in English, that is available, but the tour can be organized in other languages if you request in advance. We recommend booking at least 10 to 15 days in advance, though we can often arrange departures with shorter notice.
Payments are flexible and secure. You can pay with any major credit card through online systems or bring cash in BAM, HRK, USD, GBP or EUR. Tipping is not mandatory in Bosnian culture, it is purely your choice based on service satisfaction.
By choosing this organized tour, you are not just getting transportation. You are investing in an experience guided by professionals who know these routes and these stories deeply. Your safety is guaranteed, your comfort is prioritized and you arrive in Dubrovnik ready to enjoy the city rather than exhausted from a complicated journey.
FAQ – Is Dubrovnik Safe? Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dubrovnik safe for tourists?
Yes. Dubrovnik is generally very safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare, and most visitors complete their trip without any security issues. The most common problems are pickpocketing in crowded places and occasional overpricing at heavily tourist oriented spots.
Is Dubrovnik safe at night for solo travelers?
Yes, especially in and around the Old Town and main streets, which remain well lit and active until late. After midnight it is wise to stay on popular routes, avoid deserted alleys and use official taxis or prearranged transport when moving longer distances.
Is Dubrovnik safe for women traveling alone?
Yes. Many solo female travelers describe Dubrovnik as a comfortable destination. Most feel safe walking alone in busy areas both during the day and in the evening. Unwanted attention is usually limited to occasional drunk tourists in nightlife zones rather than locals. Normal urban precautions remain advisable.
Is Dubrovnik safe for families with children?
Yes. The Old Town is largely car free and feels very controlled. The main risks for children are slips on smooth stone, falls on steep steps, strong sun and fatigue. With supervision on the city walls and beaches and regular breaks, families typically experience Dubrovnik as very child friendly.
Is Dubrovnik safe compared to other European cities?
Compared to large capitals like Paris, Rome or Barcelona, Dubrovnik generally has lower crime levels and a smaller number of problematic districts. Its compact size and walled historic center make it easier to navigate and monitor. Crowds and high prices are bigger issues than crime.
Can I book the organized tour as a solo traveler?
Yes, of course. Many solo travelers use this tour and join small groups to meet other visitors while traveling safely. You will be picked up from your accommodation and delivered to Dubrovnik with complete luggage and peace of mind.
Our Most Popular Tours To Sarajevo
We offer many tours that include a visit to Sarajevo and its most popular locations:
- Full Day tour from Sarajevo to Belgrade (Most Popular)
- Full Day tour from Sarajevo to Međugorije & Mostar
- Full Day Tour from Sarajevo to Travnik and Jajce
- Full-Day 5 Cities Tour from Sarajevo to Herzegovina (Mostar)
- Full day Tour from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik (Kotor or Split)
Don’t Hesitate To Say Hi!
Got any questions about our tours or the city? Don’t hesitate to contact us anytime for more info and booking.
Use the following phone number and email: