Dubrovnik is a walled city on Croatia's southern Adriatic coast, home to about 41,500 people. Its car-free Old Town (Stari Grad), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, is ringed by nearly 2 km of medieval walls and sits beside clear swimming coves, Lokrum island and the Elafiti islands.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Silk cravat (kravata)
Croatia is the birthplace of the necktie; Croata sells silk ties, scarves and shawls
Where: Croata, Pred Dvorom 2, Old Town
Konavle embroidery
Traditional embroidery from the Konavle valley on linens and blouses
Where: Kokula Art and Craft Shop, Đorđićeva 6; AR Atelier, Gruda; souvenir stalls in the Old Town
Arancini (candied bitter-orange peel) and lavender
Candied orange peel, dried figs and lavender bags for wardrobes
Where: Gundulićeva Poljana Market
Local liqueurs and brandies
Fruit brandies and liqueurs sold by stallholders
Where: Gundulićeva Poljana Market; Gruž Market
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Gundulićeva Poljana Market
Fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, olive oil, honey, lavender products, candied bitter-orange peel (arancini), dried figs, liqueurs and brandies, table linens
Where: Old Town, behind the Cathedral
Hours: Mornings from about 07:00; closing times given by sources range from noon to 18:00 and one source lists a weekly day off, so go before noon
Gruž Market
Produce, fish market, local cheeses and spirits; vendors generally take cash only
Where: Gruž harbour, near the ferry port
Hours: Time Out lists summer 06:00-20:00, winter 06:00-18:00, Sunday 06:00-11:00; other sources give 06:30-13:00; the fish market runs about 07:00-13:00 Monday-Saturday
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Stradun and the Old Town Lanes
Croata (cravat shop)
Kokula Art and Craft Shop
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Mercante Shopping Centre
Hours: Sources differ: Mon-Fri 08:00-20:00, Saturday until 13:00 or 15:00, closed Sunday
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Prices in shops and at the markets are mostly fixed; a polite request for a small discount on several items is acceptable at the market stalls.
Compare prices on the side streets off Stradun, which are often lower than on the main street.
Markets are best before noon when stock is freshest; Gruž fish is best by 07:00 on Fridays when everyone buys fish.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Croatia is in the EU and uses the euro; cards are accepted in most shops but vendors at Gruž market generally take cash only., Visitors who live outside the EU can claim a VAT (PDV) refund on invoices above about EUR 100 (~$115); goods must leave Croatia in personal luggage within three months of purchase., To claim: ask the shop for a tax-free form with the invoice, then present the goods, receipts and passport at the customs office near check-in at the airport or border for a stamp; the refund is paid by the retailer or a refund counter such as Global Blue., Shops usually close by 20:00; many close or shorten hours on Sundays and in winter, so confirm opening times before a dedicated trip.