Charming market in the heart of Dubrovnik's Old Town where local producers sell lavender from the islands, handmade lace, ceramics, embroidery, and fresh produce alongside souvenirs.
The Dubrovnik Open Air Market occupies Gundulićeva Poljana (Gundulić Square), a broad Renaissance-era piazza in the heart of Dubrovnik's UNESCO-listed Old Town. Named after the 17th-century Croatian poet Ivan Gundulić, whose statue presides over the square, the market runs daily in the warmer months and attracts a mix of local vendors and island producers selling goods that reflect the particular character of the southern Dalmatian coast. The range of goods is weighted toward artisanal and agricultural products: lavender sachets, essential oils, and dried flower arrangements from Hvar and other Dalmatian islands form the most visually striking displays. Handmade lace—some produced using traditional needlepoint methods from Pag and Hvar, both recognized UNESCO intangible heritage crafts—is sold alongside embroidered tablecloths and napkins. Local olive oil, Plavac Mali wine, and flavored rakija in decorative bottles are popular purchases. Fresh produce including figs, citrus, and herbs fills a section of the stalls, though fresh goods are a smaller proportion of the offering than at larger city markets. The vendor mix is predominantly authentic; the market is regulated by the city and most sellers are registered local producers or craftspeople rather than resellers of imported goods. That said, the high tourist concentration in Dubrovnik's Old Town means that commercially produced versions of traditional crafts also appear, and distinguishing machine-made from hand-stitched lace requires close examination. Prices are higher than equivalent goods at inland markets, reflecting both the tourist premium and the genuine quality of many offerings. Card payment is accepted at some stalls; cash is advisable for smaller purchases. The market typically operates from May through October; winter hours and vendor presence are significantly reduced. The square itself, with its central fountain and surrounding baroque buildings, makes browsing a picturesque experience that extends well beyond the shopping.
Highlights
- Gundulićeva Poljana market set in Dubrovnik's UNESCO Old Town beneath the statue of poet Ivan Gundulić
- Hvar lavender products—sachets, essential oils, dried flower bundles—from island producers
- Traditional Pag and Hvar needlepoint lace recognized as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage
- Local Plavac Mali wine, flavored rakija, and Dalmatian olive oil in decorative packaging
- Atmospheric baroque square with a central fountain and surrounding historic buildings
Tips for visiting
- Visit early morning (before 9AM) to avoid cruise-ship crowds that fill Dubrovnik's Old Town from mid-morning.
- When buying lace, ask vendors whether it is handmade (ručno rađeno) or machine-produced—genuine needle lace is significantly more expensive and shows slight irregularities up close.
- Lavender oil in plain glass vials from island producers is typically more concentrated and authentic than lavender in decorative tourist packaging.
- The market operates seasonally (May–October); off-season visitors will find little or no market activity.
- Prices vary between stalls for similar items—compare two or three vendors before buying lavender sachets or similar goods.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dubrovnik Open Air Market open year-round?
The market primarily operates from May through October. Some vendors may appear sporadically in shoulder months, but the full market with all stall categories is active only during the tourist season.
How can visitors tell if lace purchased at the market is genuinely handmade?
Genuine Croatian needle lace from Pag or Hvar has slight irregularities visible under close inspection, unlike the perfect uniformity of machine-made pieces. Authentic pieces come with producer information and are priced substantially higher than machine lace of similar size.
Are the lavender products at the market actually from Croatia?
Most lavender sachets, oils, and soaps sold by vendors here originate from Dalmatian islands, particularly Hvar, which is known for lavender cultivation. Products from reputable island producers will often indicate the origin on the label.
What currency is accepted at the market?
Croatia adopted the euro in January 2023, so the euro is the standard currency. Cash in euros is preferred at most stalls; larger vendors may accept card payment.
Is the market worth visiting if a visitor is not specifically looking to buy?
Yes. Gundulićeva Poljana is a beautiful baroque square worth visiting in its own right. The market adds color and local character to the space, and browsing without purchasing is perfectly normal.