Visit Dubrovnik without cruise ship crowds

So, as native, born and raised, let me tell you... Dubrovnik really changed. We did have a lot of tourists for decades before (first hotels in late 19th century), but...

The thing is it is actually possible to feel Stradun, Lapad, Uvala and other places without that "all touristic" feeling

Ok, first to seperate two groups of travellers, those who spend few days here (in Dubrovnik) and those that are just coming on a cruise ship.

Lets start with the last one, as it is a bit more difficult to plan a visit without crowds for people that all come in the same time, from the same place. But not impossible.. So here some tips for those of you who come on a cruise ship and want to make the most out of your (brief) stay...

Ideas for cruise ship visitors

Timetable is that people usually get out of the cruise ship around 9.30-10. With regular half an hourish drive to Old city, around 10, 10.30 in the morning it starts to feel crowded.

I suggest one of two things:

First, get out of the bed, and ship, by 8.30 maximum.

That leaves you an hour, an hour and a half to expirience the city as crowdsfree as possible. Then, when the groups start to gather, around 10/11, you have already done a bulk of your city tour.

You deserve to sit and enjoy the city vibe. Maybe you want to try place called Gradska Kavana, right there on maybe central position, with an unique view to both Cathedral, main street and other main buildings. It is probably turistic, but hey, you already check the city before the crowds.

If you`d prefer something really local, try Caffe Micro, tucked behind Church, in deep shade, with lots of locals coming for daily chat (and coffee)

Second option, skip the Old town in the morning. Go to Lapad area. Nice green place, part of Dubrovnik, just next to Old town. Peninsula that you see from you cruise ship across the sea.

There, start with nice coffee or stroll by the sea. Waterfront path going from hotel Kompas to hotel President is beautiful in the morning, you walk just few meters from the sea, almost empty around 9 am, and there are trees around for some shade... plus, there are several coffee stops along the way for you to sit and just stare in the sea. take your time, the old town is waiting, but less crowded.