Is Dubrovnik Safe For Solo Female Travellers? An Honest Guide

If you’re asking yourself: is Dubrovnik safe for solo female travellers? You’re most likely dreaming of those quaint old stone streets and incredible sea views from the iconic walls… but you’re also low-key worrying about what it actually feels like to explore them alone.

I’ve get it. So this guide is the one I wish I’d had before I boarded that flight!

I’ve explored Dubrovnik’s picturesque alleyways, people watched by the old harbour, navigated the public bus system, and stayed out after dark to watch the sunset from the top of the cable car (and eat pizza!)

And I did all of that alone.

I know the difference between what travel guides tell you is safe on paper, and what actually feels safe as a woman on the ground.

Because let’s be real: you don’t want vague advice or generic stats here.

You want the honest, helpful stuff, like whether it’s safe to explore the top of Mount Srd alone, how to handle unwanted attention, or what the vibe is like in old town after sunset.

Well we’re going to cover all of that and more – plus my very best tips, personal insights and stories, and exactly what I told my friend before she visited Dubrovnik alone too.

Ready? Let’s get into it!

Disclaimer: Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. That means if you click on one and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products, places and services I genuinely love and use on my own solo travels. Thank you for supporting my adventures so I can continue to provide free content on this blog! 💛

Is Dubrovnik Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

No sugar-coating: safety matters for everyone, but especially for women travelling alone. So if you just want to know is Dubrovnik safe for solo female travellers?, my short answer is yes.

For the most part, Dubrovnik is a peaceful (at least safety wise – we’ll get to those infamous crowds later!), well-policed city, with a strong tourism infrastructure and relatively low crime rates.

Violent crime, in particular, is extremely rare, especially in the old town and especially against tourists. I definitely felt more at ease in Dubrovnik than in many other European cities I’ve visited (and even other cities in Croatia).

And it’s not just a gut feeling either: the stats back it up.

According to the latest Numbeo data, Dubrovnik has very low crime levels across the board, including for violent crime, theft and harassment.

Solo travellers (myself included!) also report feeling incredibly safe walking around, with very high scores for walking alone, both during the daytime and at night (which, I’m gonna be honest, is rare!)

However, no place is totally risk-free, and Dubrovnik has its own quirks and challenges that you should know before you go.

From navigating the steep stone steps in the old town to dealing with the occasional over friendly stranger or taxi scam, tourist safety in Dubrovnik is less about danger or scary travel horror stories, and more about being prepared.

And that’s exactly what this guide will help you be – prepared!

Katie’s Top Tip: If you can, get a feel for the city during daylight hours before you head out at night. Walk the walls, explore the side streets, get your bearings. The more familiar you are with your surroundings in the daylight, the more confident you’ll feel at night.

Understanding Dubrovnik’s Culture

One of the things I love most about Dubrovnik is that it still feels very Croatian at its heart, despite the huge volume of tourists that visit each year.

The city is full of history that has been shaped over centuries of Venetian, Ottoman and Yugoslavian rule. And this history is still very much alive within the old city walls of Dubrovnik, for you to experience and learn from.

Local people in Croatia are family-oriented, traditional and proud of their heritage. They speak Croatian as their first language, but English is widely spoken in Dubrovnik (especially in tourism), and hospitality is a big deal here.

You’ll find most local people to be polite, helpful and welcoming (especially if you lead a conversation or interaction with kindness and curiosity).

However, it’s important to address the fact that Dubrovnik is under pressure from mass tourism.

Huge cruise ships and high visitor numbers have caused a lot of locals to feel frustrated, which can occasionally spill into how they interact with tourists, especially if travellers act in a way that is entitled or unaware. Think being loud in residential areas after dark, antisocial behaviour, being impolite…

Dubrovnik is first and foremost people’s home, place of work or school, place to unwind or relax. Just like your home town or city is for you.

So this is your reminder to be a respectful guest in this (and every) city or town you visit.

Now let’s talk specifically about the female experience in Dubrovnik.

Overall, Dubrovnik is safe for women and solo female travellers are common in the city and in wider Croatia – especially in high season. So can relax knowing you won’t be the only one exploring the old city walls alone, enjoying a solo glass of wine at a bar or joining a walking tour.

In fact, solo travel for women is very normalised in Dubrovnik’s tourism sector. Most people will leave you alone and you don’t need to worry about unwanted attention in the way you might in parts of Southern Europe.

However, Dubrovnik (but this also applies to Croatia in general), is a bit more traditional when it comes to gender roles, so you might notice a bit of old-school male behaviour.

Drawing from my trip (and from other solo female traveller experiences I’ve heard), you might experience a bit of staring, unsolicited flirting or older men wanting to know if you’re alright, just because you’re alone.

It’s usually harmless and often well-meaning, but I know it can definitely feel uncomfortable if you’re not used to it. So a firm but polite “no thank you” or even simply walking away is almost always enough to shut it down.

As always, trust your gut and remember: you don’t owe anyone your time anyway, but especially if they’re making you feel uncomfortable.

Katie’s Top Tip: If you ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable, step into a shop or café for a while to regroup and discourage the person from continuing their behaviour. That way, if you do feel unsafe, you can also speak to a member of staff and get some help.

How to Dress in Dubrovnik

There’s no official dress code in Dubrovnik and you’ll see all kinds of styles, especially during the summer when tourists come from all around the world, each bringing with them their own unique sense of style and fashion culture.

But if you’re wondering what the vibe is in terms of clothing, here’s the lowdown: people in Dubrovnik usually dress put-together but relaxed. Think Mediterranean coastal vibes.

You don’t need to cover up completely – shorts, tank tops and dresses are all widely worn – but you also won’t see anyone walking around without a shirt or in swimwear away from the beach. (Which is also not common anywhere in Europe).

The only time you’ll need to wear modest clothing is if you’re visiting religious sites like churches or monasteries. Almost all of these require shoulders and knees to be covered as a sign of respect, and even if it isn’t a requirement you’ll look out of place if you don’t.

But for everyday sightseeing? I wore a combo of midi dresses, linen trousers, tank tops, casual short sleeve tops and comfortable sandals or trainers, and never once felt out of place.

On a more practical level, Dubrovnik’s old town streets are steep and cobbled in places, so heels are an absolute no go (trust me, your ankles will thank you!)

Thinking in layers is smart too as, even in summer, early mornings and evenings can be breezy – so bring a cardigan or light coverup no matter what season you’re visiting in.

Katie’s Top Tip: I always pack a lightweight scarf. It works as a shoulder cover for churches, a makeshift beach blanket or cover-up, or even a sun shade! Hands down my scarf is the most versatile thing in my carry on!

Dubrovnik Crime Rates

Okay, we’ve talked about Dubrovnik’s vibe on the ground, so now let’s get into the facts, because the data really speaks for itself here.

Croatia consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in Europe, and Dubrovnik is no exception.

According to the 2024 Global Peace Index, Croatia sits at 15^th in the ranking of most peaceful countries in the world. And to put that into perspective, this is much higher than other popular tourist countries like Spain (23^rd), Italy (33^rd) and, in particular, France (at a low 86^th).

Dubrovnik’s total crime rate is also rated at just 8.76 by Numbeo (and that’s very low, even by European standards!) And rates of violent crime, property crime, muggings and facing discrimination are also incredibly low.

There are also no specifically “dangerous” areas or neighbourhoods in Dubrovnik, in the way there are in some large cities, and most of the reported crimes are non-violent (like petty theft or scams targeting distracted tourists).

So in short? You’re statistically much safer in Dubrovnik than in many other popular European destinations.

But, getting away from the numbers for a second, how safe is Dubrovnik, Croatia, really?

Like anywhere that attracts a crazy high volume of tourists, pickpocketing is an issue in Dubrovnik, especially in the busy old town, on the walls and at Pile Gate. And pickpocketing is especially prevalent during the peak summer season, when the cruise ships dock with their many thousands of passengers.

In mine and others’ experience, solo female travellers in Dubrovnik are not more or less likely to be targeted by these petty criminals just because we are alone (unlike in some other cities), but it’s still worth staying aware.

As a rule, always keep your bag zipped and in front of you, remain aware of your surroundings (aka don’t look like a distracted tourist, especially when taking photos!), and avoid leaving valuables on restaurant tables or unattended on the beach.

Katie’s Top Tip: Don’t let the Global Peace rating make you complacent. Use the same street smarts you’d use in any big city: avoid flashing cash, keep valuables out of sight and if a situation feels off, trust your gut and move on.

Risk of Theft in Dubrovnik

Let’s start with one of the most common worries: theft.

As Croatia’s most tourist-heavy city, petty theft does exist in Dubrovnik, and it usually shows up as bag snatching when you’re distracted, pickpocketing in a busy street, or the swiping of valuables left unattended on beaches or restaurant tables.

But while that may sound like doom and gloom, it’s important you know that these are opportunistic crimes, not targeted attacks. And they’re avoidable with the right solo travel safety precautions.

You’ll also rarely hear about violent or aggressive theft in Dubrovnik.

So staying alert in public places and not leaving valuables visible or unattended is usually enough to keep your belongings safe in Dubrovnik.

Katie’s Top Tip: Don’t leave your phone or any valuables on the edge of a restaurant table in the old town (or anywhere, for that matter) – not even for a moment. I hook the strap of my day bag to my chair leg when I sit down and then keep my bag in my lap during my meal. It’s such a simple habit to get into but it’s very effective. Opportunistic thieves want the theft to be easy, to minimise the risk of getting caught, so with this one simple precaution you’re deterring them from even trying.

Risk of Terrorism in Dubrovnik

So this is the big one, right? The threat of terrorism sits quietly in the back of our minds, only exacerbated every time we turn on the news at the moment.

And there’s no getting away from it: our world is an unpredictable, often scary place right now.

So I want to be very clear, no sugar-coating: Croatia is currently not under imminent threat from terrorism. There have been no terrorist incidents in Dubrovnik in recent decades and Croatia in general is not considered to be a top-risk country for terrorism.

One reason for this is that Croatia isn’t heavily involved in international conflicts and doesn’t have the same political tensions that exist in other parts of Europe.

Plus, Dubrovnik’s tourism-focused economy also means security is taken very seriously, especially around transport hubs, cruise ship ports and in the old town.

However, for 2025 the UK government did update their terrorism warning for Croatia. They warned that: “Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Croatia, attacks cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.”

But while the wording sounds scary, this is definitely more of a global warning rather than a Croatia-specific warning. You should remain vigilant of your surroundings, especially in busy areas, but not paranoid.

Katie’s Top Tip: As with any destination, it’s smart to visit your government’s Croatia travel advice page before you travel, to see their latest advice.

Risk of Violent Crime in Dubrovnik

Let’s talk about violent crime now, because this is the big fear so many of us have about solo female travel.

I want to put your mind at ease here, because violent crime against tourists in Dubrovnik is extremely rare.

And no, this isn’t just marketing fluff from the Croatian tourist board. The rarity of violent crime in Croatia is acknowledged by the UK government and backed by local data too.

In fact, Dubrovnik consistently reports very low rates of violent incidents, including assault, robbery and sexual violence. For women in particular, the city is generally considered safe and respectful. And I found that to be true during my own solo trip.

But this doesn’t mean you should ignore your instincts, especially at night or in quieter areas. And you should still be cautious if you plan to walk home late alone, especially down less-lit side alleys in the old town.

Basically, use the same common sense you’d use in your home city: stay in populated areas, avoid drinking too much if you’re by yourself, and trust your gut if something feels off.

Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re staying out late, drop a pin to your accommodation on Google Maps before heading out and screenshot the directions. That way, even if your data cuts out, you know how to get back safely.

Risk of Harassment in Dubrovnik

Verbal harassment, catcalling and unwanted male attention can make you feel small and afraid as a solo female traveller, even if things don’t escalate.

In fact, it’s always something I worry about most.

In Dubrovnik, however, I never experienced any form of harassment or unwanted attention. (Plus, from other travellers I’ve spoken to, harassment is not a common issue for solo female travellers in Dubrovnik).

You may get the occasional comment or stare around nightlife areas, in particular (although usually from tourists, not locals), but it’s far less frequent than in popular countries like Italy or southern Spain.

The key thing to remember here is that Dubrovnik’s economy relies on tourism and so the locals are mostly professional, respectful and are very used to seeing women travelling solo.

Katie’s Top Tip: If someone does approach you and you don’t want to engage with them, a firm “no” and walking away is enough. No need to justify yourself. And if someone is persistent, it’s more than okay to remove yourself from the situation entirely by going into a shop, café or restaurant to regroup, or even reaching out to another woman for help.

Risk of Pickpocketing in Dubrovnik

If there’s one crime you should genuinely prepare for in Dubrovnik, it’s pickpocketing.

As I mentioned earlier, pickpocketing is the most common crime against tourists in Dubrovnik, especially in high-traffic areas like the old town, the walls, Pile Gate, on buses and at the ferry port or bus station.

That doesn’t mean that Dubrovnik is unsafe. It’s just that it’s crowded (especially in summer), and where there are crowds, there are usually opportunists.

It’s important to know that you won’t be targeted just because you’re a solo female traveller in Dubrovnik – but you might be targeted if you look distracted, flustered or leave your bag wide open.

Pickpockets are quick, often work in teams and tend to operate in plain sight. Think things like someone bumping into you “accidentally” while their friend unzips your backpack.

And no, I’m not saying any of this to scare you or put you off. But you should be prepared – and having this knowledge is half of that battle.

Keeping zips shut, wearing a crossbody style bag in front of you and being mindful in queues and crowds will go a long way to keeping your belongings safe.

Katie’s Top Tip: Skip the cute open tote bag and go for a crossbody that closes fully with a secure zip. Then make sure you always carry it in front of you and keep your hand across the zips in busy spaces.

Risk of Scams in Dubrovnik

While Dubrovnik is generally safe, no major tourist destination is 100% scam-free (and Dubrovnik is no exception).

As a solo female traveller, you’re not more likely to be scammed than anyone else, but scammers bank on tourists being distracted, jet-lagged or overwhelmed by the crowds in the old town. So that’s why it pays to know what to look out for before you go.

Some common tourist scams in Dubrovnik include:

• Overpriced taxi fares for tourists (especially from the airport if you’re not using an official taxi company)
• Being charged for “free” items like bread or water at restaurants
• Unofficial tour guides offering fake or wildly inflated excursions on the street.
• And one that I personally experienced? A woman near Pile Gate trying to hand me a bracelet and then immediately demanding €20 for it. No thanks!

Stick to official taxi companies, check restaurant menus before you sit down (and question anything you’re given for “free”), and never feel bad for walking away if something feels off.

Katie’s Top Tip: Avoid street sellers who get pushy or try to physically hand you something. If you didn’t ask for it, you don’t owe them anything. Oh and always walk with purpose. If you look confident and like you know where you’re going (even if you really don’t), you’re less likely to be targeted.

Dubrovnik’s Emergency Number

The emergency number in Dubrovnik (and anywhere in Croatia and wider Europe), is 112.

It’s a general emergency line that works for police, fire and ambulance. So you don’t need to dial separate numbers for different services.

Katie’s Top Tip: Save the number 112 in your phone before you even land, just in case.

The Safest Places to Visit in Dubrovnik

If you’re wondering is Dubrovnik safe for solo female travellers?, know that many of its most iconic spots are safe too. The old town is regularly patrolled, generally well-lit at night, and almost always full of people (especially in summer and even in the shoulder seasons).

It’s rare to ever feel isolated in Dubrovnik old town, even late into the evening. For example, I felt very safe walking back from the Mount Srd cable car base station (just outside the old town), in the dark and back into the old town itself. And this was in October. Even though the route wasn’t the busiest, there were still enough people around that I didn’t feel isolated or uncomfortable.

Beyond the old city walls, the West Harbour area and Lapad are calm and residential, perfect for if you want to stay a little bit outside of the hustle and bustle of the city centre (but still within walking distance).

Although just keep in mind that these areas are quieter, especially if you’re walking back alone after dark.

Katie’s Top Tip: This isn’t a safety tip as such, but I would definitely recommend heading to Mount Srd in the cable car for sunset. It’s truly stunning!

Places to Avoid in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik doesn’t really have any dangerous, no-go neighbourhoods like some bigger cities, but there are a few places where solo female travellers should be extra cautious – mostly due to isolation, lighting or lack of people at night.

Some of the back alleys in Dubrovnik old town itself can feel isolated after dark. They’re not unsafe, but they are quiet and the uneven stone steps can be tricky in the dark.

The exact streets are hard to pinpoint (because the vibe will be different on any given day), so I would recommend you use your judgement here, and don’t be afraid to take a longer route if you feel too isolated.

You’ll also want to be careful around Gruz late at night, especially if you’ve just arrived on a ferry. It’s a local neighbourhood and a transport hub, which means there are a lot fewer people around after dark.

Katie’s Top Tip: If in doubt, ask your accommodation host or hotel staff if there are any streets they’d avoid walking alone at night. Locals know the vibe better than Google or even other tourists ever could, and they’re usually happy to help!

Is Dubrovnik Safe at Night?

This is one of the most common questions I get and honestly, yes, Dubrovnik is safe at night for solo female travellers, especially in and around the busy old town.

And you don’t just have to take my word for it!

According to Numbeo’s independent data, Dubrovnik scores very high for walking alone at night – and that’s a rare find for any city (particularly a touristy city!)

But I do just want to be clear: safe doesn’t mean risk-free.

It’s all about where you are, how you’re getting home and what time you’re out.

Dubrovnik old town stays busy well into the evening during the peak tourist season, with live music, bars, restaurants, and even night walking tours around.

However, after midnight, the crowds thin out and some of the smaller streets will feel too empty to be comfortable as a solo female traveller – especially the steep, narrow side alleys away from Stradun.

Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re walking home alone after a drink, stick to main streets where there are other people, avoid short cuts through isolated streets and always, always trust your gut. Even better, make sure you stay somewhere central and walk back before it gets too late.

Nightlife in Dubrovnik

If you love the idea of grabbing a glass of wine with a view or dancing the night away, Dubrovnik’s nightlife can definitely be solo friendly.

But, as always, it depends on a few things: where you’re going, how much you’re drinking, how late you’re staying out…

Dubrovnik isn’t as famous for its nightlife as Hvar or Split, but it does offer a mix of bars, low-key live music spots and a couple of iconic venues like Culture Club Revelin (yes, it really is set in a literal medieval fortress!)

Most of the best nightlife in Dubrovnik happens within the old town walls, which is great as it means you won’t have to go far from your accommodation if you’re staying central. It also means you can enjoy a drink without worrying about a long, unfamiliar walk home afterwards.

But, as always, keep an eye on your drink, don’t leave your stuff unattended.

Katie’s Top Tip: Want to enjoy Dubrovnik’s nightlife without the pressure of visiting a bar solo? Book a sunset cruise with drinks included. It’s super social, safe and definitely feels like a lot less pressure than bar hopping!

Safest Time of Year to Visit Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is beautiful all year round, but when it comes to safety, comfort and ease as a solo female traveller, shoulder season is your ideal window. And by shoulder season I’m talking late April to early June or mid-September to mid-October.

During these months, the weather is still beautiful (sunny, but not unbearably hot), crowds are much more manageable, major attractions are quieter, and locals are less overwhelmed with mass tourism. You’ll also find better accommodation deals, more availability on tours and less stress overall. So it’s a win all round!

I personally loved visiting Dubrovnik in early October. The Adriatic is still sparkling, the sun is still shining and the atmosphere feels relaxed without the overwhelming cruise ship crowds.

July and August, however, bring intense heat, packed streets and a shorter fuse from everyone involved. Not a fun experience, right?!

And in winter, while Dubrovnik is still safe, there are a lot less tourists around and many businesses run limited hours, so it can feel quiet and a little isolating.

Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re travelling solo, avoid arriving during peak summer unless you’re mentally (and physically) prepped for insane crowds and intense heat. For a much calmer vibe, plan your trip around mid-May or late September to early October.

Is English Spoken in Dubrovnik?

Yes! Dubrovnik is very tourist-friendly, and English is widely spoken, especially in the hospitality industry.

Hotel staff, waiters, bus drivers, tour guides and market vendors will speak more than enough English to help you out or hold a conversation. And you’ll also see English menus everywhere and signs for attractions and transport are often bilingual too.

However, locals still do really appreciate it when visitors try even a few words of Croatian.

A simple “Hvala” (thank you) or “Dobar dan” (good day) will go a long way in showing respect for Croatian culture. You don’t need to be fluent, but I think it’s always fun to have a go at the language during a trip!

Katie’s Top Tip: Download the Google Translate app with Croatian saved offline before you go. It’s great if you need to translate ingredients, signs or bus schedules, especially if you’re exploring more of Croatia on day trips from Dubrovnik.

Is Public Transport Safe and Reliable in Dubrovnik?

Public transport in Dubrovnik is safe, clean and easy to use.

The city doesn’t have a metro or train system, but the local bus network (operated by Libertas), connects the city to the surrounding areas well. Buses run frequently throughout the day and popular tourist routes (like those to Gruz Port and the bus station), are well signed and easy to navigate.

Most drivers speak at least basic English and other passengers are usually other tourists or local families. But just be aware: buses can get very full during peak hours in summer – not fun in the heat!

If you’re planning to explore beyond the city, Dubrovnik is also really well connected by long-distance buses. The main bus station in Gruz runs reliable services to Split and Zagreb, and even international routes to Kotor in Montenegro.

Long-distance services, operated by companies like Flixbus, Arriva and Samoborcek, use modern coaches with air-con, luggage storage and designated seat bookings. Plus they’re a safe and affordable way to travel solo between destinations!

During my trip, I took the bus from Kotor and then onto Split solo, and felt totally safe and comfortable during the entire journey.

Just be sure to book ahead during high season, as popular routes do sell out.

Katie’s Top Tip: Tickets for the local buses are cheapest if you buy them at a kiosk instead of on board from the driver.

Top Solo Female Travel Safety Tips for Dubrovnik

Is Dubrovnik safe for solo female travellers? Here are my top tips for solo female travel safety in Dubrovnik:

1. Stay in the old town – especially if it’s your first trip. It’s busy, well-lit, walkable and full of fellow tourists late into the evening.
2. Carry some cash. While card is accepted in a lot of places, small shops, local buses and even paid public toilets only take cash.
3. Wear comfy, non-slip shoes. Dubrovnik’s streets may be gorgeous but they also get slippery, especially when it rains. You’ll thank yourself later, believe me!
4. Join group walking tours or day trips. Tours are great, low-stakes ways to meet people, explore more of Croatia, and also get your bearings if you’re new to Dubrovnik.
5. Trust your gut. Always. Whether it’s someone giving you odd vibes or a situation that doesn’t feel right, you don’t need a reason to walk away. You’re allowed to prioritise your safety, no matter what.

So, Is Dubrovnik Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

The question “Is Dubrovnik safe for solo female travellers?” isn’t just about statistics – it’s about how it actually feels to walk through the city alone as a woman.

And from my experience (and the experience of other solo women I’ve met on the road), the answer is yes. Dubrovnik is one of the safest, most solo-friendly cities in Europe.

Now that doesn’t mean you can switch off completely or forget every single solo travel safety tip you’ve ever learnt. But it does mean you can relax and enjoy yourself without having to worry excessively.

Like many European cities, Dubrovnik’s biggest risks are minor: pickpocketing, occasional scams or feeling stressed in crowds.

But violent crime is rare here, and if you’re staying in well-reviewed, central areas and following your instincts, the city will feel warm, safe and welcoming.

Oh and one more thing: solo female travel safety is never about eliminating risk – but about managing it in a way that empowers you rather than frightens you or puts you off. With the right mindset, a bit of planning and the knowledge in this blog post to guide you, Dubrovnik is absolutely a safe and stunning destination for women travelling alone!

What are you most looking forward to about you trip to Dubrovnik? Let me know in the comments!

Read More About Travel in Croatia:

• How Many Days Do You Need in Dubrovnik? (+ Itinerary Ideas!)
• Is Dubrovnik Safe For Solo Female Travellers? An Honest Guide
• 11 Fun Things To Do in Dubrovnik Alone (For First-Timers)
• 15 Unmissable Things to Do in Korcula, Croatia
• Is Croatia Safe for Solo Female Travellers? An Honest Guide

Share This Guide to Solo Travel Safety in Dubrovnik: