Bars & Clubs in Dubrovnik

Where to go out in Dubrovnik by area

Dubrovnik is compact, but the nightlife feels different depending on where you start. Old Town is best for bar-hopping on foot, Ploče is the gateway to the biggest club nights and beach clubs, while Lapad and Gruž are easier-going (and often better value) if you’re staying outside the walls.

Old Town

Best for: easy bar-hopping, wine bars, classic cafés, late drinks in historic lanes.

Old Town is where most evenings begin: you can start with a terrace drink, move to a wine bar, then finish with live music or cocktails within a short walk. It’s also home to iconic spots like Buža Bar-style cliff drinks (tucked into the city walls) and lively squares where you can linger late.

Ploče

Best for: big nights out, fortress clubbing, beach-club vibes, easy access from the eastern gate.

Ploče is the go-to zone if your plan includes a late-night venue. It sits by the eastern Old Town entrance (Ploče Gate) and puts you close to headline nightlife, including Culture Club Revelin and the Lazareti complex, a historic waterfront venue that hosts concerts and DJ events.

Gruž

Best for: a more local pace, casual drinks near where many people stay, easy transport connections.

Gruž is the port and transport hub area (main bus station and ferry port zone), so it’s practical if you’re staying outside Old Town. Nights here tend to be lower-key: think neighbourhood bars, a simpler “grab a drink” vibe, and less of the late-night club focus.

Lapad & Babin Kuk

Best for: beach bars, hotel terraces, sunset cocktails, a calmer night close to resorts.

Lapad and Babin Kuk are popular for evening drinks by the sea, especially in summer. One of the standout experiences is Cave Bar More, a distinctive bar set inside a natural cave below Hotel More. This area works well if you want a relaxed night without navigating Old Town crowds.

Mount Srđ (views)

Best for: a “wow” sunset drink with panoramic views over Old Town and the Adriatic.

For a special start to your evening, head up Mount Srđ via the cable car and stop at the Panorama Restaurant & Bar by the upper station. It’s not a clubbing area, but it’s one of the best places in Dubrovnik for an early-evening drink with unforgettable views before you head back down to Old Town.

Best bars in Dubrovnik by vibe

If you are choosing where to go out, pick your vibe first. Dubrovnik’s best bars range from cliffside sunset drinks outside the walls to wine tastings in the Old Town and relaxed pubs near Gruž port for an easy, local-feel night.

Cliff bars and sea-view drinks

Best for: sunset, Adriatic views, a classic Dubrovnik moment.

Buža Bar is the signature Dubrovnik experience - a simple bar perched on the rocks just outside the Dubrovnik City Walls with open sea views. It is best in good weather, especially around golden hour. Seating is limited and the steps down can be uneven, so go early and take your time.

• Buža Bar - cliffside drinks just outside the city walls, ideal at sunset.

Wine bars and tastings

Best for: Croatian wine by the glass, tasting flights, a slower pre-dinner drink.

Old Town wine bars are perfect if you want something relaxed before dinner. D’Vino Wine Bar is one of the most popular choices for tasting flights and wine by the glass, and it sits within easy walking distance of St Blaise Church, which makes it a convenient stop while sightseeing in the historic centre.

• D’Vino Wine Bar - great for tasting flights and an easy intro to Croatian wine.

Cocktail bars in the Old Town

Best for: creative cocktails, late-evening terrace drinks, a lively but not clubby vibe.

If you want cocktails without the full club scene, head for small bars tucked into side streets just off Stradun. The Bar is a standout for cocktail choice and bartending. Buzz Bar is a well-known Old Town option for a relaxed drink with a cozy atmosphere.

• The Bar - one of the top cocktail picks in the Old Town, known for variety.
• Buzz Bar - cozy Old Town spot for cocktails and an easy-going vibe.

Sunset terraces outside the Old Town

Best for: views, space, calmer evenings away from the Old Town crowds.

If you are staying in Gruž or Lapad, consider starting your night closer to your accommodation. Love Bar in Gruž is known for its terrace and sunset vibe, and it is conveniently close to both Dubrovnik Main Bus Station and Dubrovnik Ferry Port.

• Love Bar - Gruž terrace with sunset energy, a great low-key start.

Craft beer, pubs, and casual nights

Best for: an easy social night, pints, sports, rock pub atmosphere.

For a straightforward night out, pubs are the easiest choice, especially if you want a familiar vibe. The Gaffe Pub is a reliable option in the Old Town. The Gaffe 2 is a popular Irish rock pub near Stradun, often chosen for a louder, more upbeat pub night. Irish Pub Karaka is another classic Old Town pub choice. If you are hunting craft beer, Dubrovnik Beer Company is the city’s standout taproom in the Gruž area, also close to Dubrovnik Main Bus Station and Dubrovnik Ferry Port, which makes it an easy stop if you are arriving by bus or ferry.

• The Gaffe Pub - casual pub night in the Old Town, good for groups.
• The Gaffe 2 - Irish rock pub near Stradun, lively late-night atmosphere.
• Irish Pub Karaka - classic Old Town Irish pub vibe for pints and sports.
• Dubrovnik Beer Company - craft beer taproom near Gruž, check what’s on that week.

Live music and jazz

Best for: live sets, a laid-back night, something different from DJs.

If you would rather listen than shout over a club soundtrack, head for live music. Jazz Cafe Troubadour is one of the best-known Old Town options for live sets in an informal setting.

• Jazz Cafe Troubadour - live music option in the Old Town.

Classic cafés and early-evening terraces

Best for: a slower start, people-watching, an early drink before moving on.

For a relaxed start, Dubrovnik’s classic cafés are ideal before bars or clubs. Gradska kavana Arsenal is a traditional, central stop, while Cafe Festival is a popular pick near Onofrio’s Fountain, making it an easy meeting point before you head deeper into the Old Town.

• Gradska kavana Arsenal - classic terrace stop in a prime Old Town location.
• Cafe Festival - relaxed café-bar vibe for an easy start.

Best clubs and late-night venues in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik doesn’t have dozens of big clubs, but the best ones are memorable for their settings - think historic stone venues, waterfront complexes, and beach clubs that run late in summer. For most people, a classic Dubrovnik night looks like this: sunset drinks, a few Old Town bars, then one main club venue to finish.

• Culture Club Revelin - Culture Club Revelin is Dubrovnik’s headline club night, set inside Fort Revelin near the Old Town’s eastern gate. Check the event calendar in advance if you want a specific DJ night.
• Lazareti - a historic waterfront complex just outside the walls (by Ploče) that hosts concerts and DJ events. It’s a strong pick if you want something a bit more alternative than the main club circuit.
• Banje Beach Club - Banje Beach Club is the classic day-to-night option, with a beach-club atmosphere and Old Town views. It’s at its best in peak season when the nightlife program is in full swing.

Other popular club options

• Elyx Night Club - near Pile gate (the main Old Town entrance), known for late-night sets in summer.
• Coral Beach Club - in Babin Kuk (resort area), a modern beach-club style venue with DJ sessions and sunset energy. More about the beach.

What to expect at Dubrovnik clubs

• Tickets and entry - entry fees vary by night and performer. For big events, tickets often sell in advance.
• Dress code - most venues lean smart casual at night. Avoid beachwear and flip-flops if you want an easy entry.
• Best time to arrive - go earlier for easier entry and better space, especially in July and August.
• Music - expect mainstream club nights, EDM, and guest DJs at the big venues, plus occasional live concerts and themed events.

Beach bars and sunset spots

For many travellers, the best nightlife in Dubrovnik starts with sunset drinks. In summer, you can do day-to-night at a beach club, or keep it simple with a sea-view bar and then head back into the Old Town for a later night.

Best beach club for day-to-night

Banje Beach Club is the classic choice if you want a place that works from afternoon lounging to evening drinks and club energy. It sits close to the Old Town and is known for its view of the city and Lokrum, with a separate club program on selected nights in peak season.

Best sunset bar with a unique setting

If you are staying in Lapad or want something different from Old Town terraces, Cave Bar More is one of Dubrovnik’s most distinctive sunset stops, set inside a natural sea cave below Hotel More. It is most popular around golden hour, and it is typically seasonal, so expect reduced hours or closure outside the main summer period.

Best resort-area beach club vibe

Coral Beach Club in Babin Kuk is a modern beach-club style venue with lounges and a sunset feel. It works best if you are staying in the resort zone and want a calmer, polished alternative to Old Town crowds. Sunbeds and premium seating are often handled via reservations in peak season.

Best panoramic sunset view above the city

For a high-impact start to the evening, take the Dubrovnik Cable Car up to Mount Srđ for sweeping views over the Old Town and the Adriatic. Have a drink up top, then head back down for dinner and bar-hopping.

Quick tips for sunset drinks

• Go early in July and August - the best seats at sea-view spots fill up fast.
• Bring a light layer - breezes can pick up after sunset, especially by the water.
• Plan your transport - if you finish the night outside the Old Town (Lapad or Babin Kuk), a taxi is often the simplest option late.

Nightlife in winter and shoulder season

Dubrovnik is highly seasonal. From late autumn through early spring, many venues reduce opening hours or close until warmer months, so nightlife becomes smaller and more local. If you are planning your trip dates, start with weather in Dubrovnik to understand what the evenings typically feel like and how late you will want to stay outside.

What changes outside peak summer

• Fewer places open late - expect a calmer atmosphere and fewer late-night options, especially midweek.
• More weekend-focused - Friday and Saturday are more likely to feel lively than weekdays.
• Some “signature” venues are seasonal - beach and cave-style bars can close or run reduced hours outside the main season.

Best ways to plan a winter or shoulder-season night out

• Start earlier - aim for an early dinner and one or two bars rather than a long bar-hopping route.
• Check the event calendar - festivals can completely change the vibe of the city on certain nights.
• Keep it flexible - confirm same-day opening hours because schedules can change quickly outside summer.

Events that can make evenings much busier

• Dubrovnik Summer Festival - a major cultural highlight that brings performances and a stronger evening atmosphere in summer.
• Dubrovnik Winter Festival - the best time for a festive winter feel, with events that can make nights livelier than usual.
• Dubrovnik Good Food Festival - great for food-first evenings that naturally turn into bar nights afterward.

Are clubs open in winter?

Some clubs still run nights outside summer, but usually on a reduced schedule. If clubbing is a priority, check the latest opening days and event listings before you plan your night.

Easy nightlife itineraries

Not sure where to start? These simple routes match how most people actually spend a night out in Dubrovnik. Pick one based on your mood, where you are staying, and the season.

Itinerary 1 - Classic Old Town night (sunset to late)

Best for: first-timers, bar-hopping on foot, seeing the Old Town at its best.

• 18:00 - Meet near Onofrio’s Fountain and start with a relaxed drink at Cafe Festival.
• 19:00 - Walk deeper into the Old Town for wine and a tasting flight at D’Vino Wine Bar, close to St Blaise Church.
• 20:00 - Head for sunset drinks at Buža Bar, perched on the rocks just outside the Dubrovnik City Walls.
• 21:30 - Switch to live music at Jazz Cafe Troubadour or keep it casual with a pub stop.
• 23:30 - Finish with a big club night at Culture Club Revelin.

Tip: In July and August, go earlier for Buža if you want a seat, and expect the busiest nights on Fridays and Saturdays.

Itinerary 2 - Beach club night (summer day to late)

Best for: summer trips, groups, a dressed-up night with sea views.

• 16:00 - Start at Banje Beach Club for afternoon drinks and a beach-club atmosphere.
• 19:00 - Stay for sunset cocktails, then head into the Old Town for dinner or a quick bar stop.
• 22:30 - Choose your late-night: keep the beach-club vibe if the program is on, or switch to a fortress club night at Culture Club Revelin.

Tip: If you want premium seating or a specific event night, plan ahead and check the venue listings early in the day.

Itinerary 3 - Low-key local vibe (Gruž and Lapad)

Best for: calmer nights, better value drinks, staying outside the Old Town.

• 18:00 - Start near Gruž with a craft beer stop at Dubrovnik Beer Company, close to Dubrovnik Main Bus Station and Dubrovnik Ferry Port.
• 20:00 - Move to Love Bar in Gruž for a relaxed terrace drink.
• 21:30 - Option A: stay local with another bar nearby. Option B: take a taxi to the Old Town for one headline stop (Buža for views or a pub for atmosphere).

Tip: This route is a smart choice in shoulder season when the Old Town can feel quieter and some venues reduce hours.

Practical tips for going out in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is easy to enjoy at night, but a little planning makes a big difference, especially in peak season. If you are building a full evening plan, pair drinks with our guide to restaurants in Dubrovnik, then use these tips to avoid long waits, overpriced taxis, and closed doors.

Opening hours and seasonality

• Summer is the busiest - the widest choice of bars, beach clubs, and late-night events is typically in late spring through early autumn.
• Shoulder season is calmer - some places reduce hours, and nightlife is more weekend-focused.
• Winter is quieter - fewer venues stay open late and some beach-style venues close entirely, so always check same-day hours.

Prices and what to expect

• Old Town costs more - drinks and cocktails are typically pricier inside the walls than in Gruž or Lapad.
• Beach clubs and headline venues are premium - expect higher prices for cocktails, reserved seating, and special events.
• Easy way to save - start with one “view” drink (sunset spot or iconic bar), then move to pubs or Gruž/Lapad for a longer night.

Reservations, queues, and peak times

• Go early for sunset bars - cliff bars and sea-view terraces fill up fast in July and August.
• Beach clubs - if you want a sunbed or premium table, book ahead or arrive early.
• Clubs and big events - check the event listing and consider advance tickets on headline nights.

Getting around at night

• Old Town is best on foot - most bars are walkable once you are inside the walls.
• Know your routes - if you are staying outside the Old Town, use the Dubrovnik city bus map to plan the easiest lines for Lapad, Gruž, Babin Kuk, and the main stations.
• Late buses can run in peak season - if you want to avoid taxis, check the latest evening departures for your route.
• Uber and Bolt are available - useful late at night when buses are less frequent or if you are heading to Lapad, Babin Kuk, or Gruž.
• Smart meeting point - if your group is staying outside the Old Town, meet near the bus station or port area first, then go in together.

Safety and common-sense rules

• Cliff bars - steps can be uneven and edges can be slippery. Wear sensible shoes and avoid risky photo spots after dark.
• Heat and dehydration - in summer, drink water between rounds, especially if you start with sunset drinks.
• Keep valuables simple - Old Town nights are crowded in peak season, so bring only what you need.

For a fuller checklist that applies to evenings out as well as daytime sightseeing, see stay safe in Dubrovnik.

Noise tips if you are staying in the Old Town

• Choose your street wisely - lanes near busy bars can be louder late at night, while quieter alleys are often noticeably calmer.
• Be mindful after midnight - keep voices down when walking home, especially in residential alleys.

FAQ - Dubrovnik bars and clubs

Is Dubrovnik good for nightlife?

Yes, especially from late spring to early autumn. Dubrovnik nightlife is a mix of sunset bars, lively Old Town spots, beach clubs, and a few standout late-night venues. Outside peak season the scene is quieter, with more emphasis on pubs, cafés, and weekend nights.

Where is the best area to go out at night?

For most visitors, the best starting point is the Old Town because you can bar-hop on foot. If you want a bigger night out, head toward Ploče for major venues and beach-club energy. If you prefer calmer evenings and often better value, Gruž and Lapad are great options, especially if you are staying outside the walls.

What time do bars and clubs close in Dubrovnik?

It depends on the venue and season. Many bars wind down earlier than the headline clubs, and late-night options are more common in summer. If clubbing is your main goal, check the venue’s event listings and same-day opening hours because schedules can change between peak season and winter weekends.

Do clubs in Dubrovnik have a dress code?

Most venues lean smart casual at night. If you want an easy entry, avoid beachwear and flip-flops, especially for fortress clubs and beach clubs running a night program.

Is Dubrovnik nightlife expensive?

It can be, particularly inside the Old Town and at premium beach clubs. A simple way to balance your budget is to do one iconic stop (sunset or cliff bar), then spend the rest of the night at pubs, casual bars, or venues in Gruž and Lapad.

Are there beach clubs in Dubrovnik?

Yes. The best-known is Banje Beach Club, which can work from daytime lounging to evening drinks and late-night energy in peak season. There are also beach-club style venues in Babin Kuk (resort area) if you want a more polished, less Old Town-focused night.

Is there nightlife in Dubrovnik in winter?

Yes, but it is smaller and more local. Many seasonal venues close or reduce hours, and the busiest nights are usually weekends. For the best winter atmosphere, plan around city events like the Dubrovnik Winter Festival or food-focused evenings during the Dubrovnik Good Food Festival.

Is Buža Bar worth it and how do you find it?

For most people, yes - it is one of Dubrovnik’s most memorable drinks with sea views. Buža Bar sits just outside the Dubrovnik City Walls and is reached through an opening in the wall on the seaward side of the Old Town. Go early for a seat, wear sensible shoes for the steps, and avoid cliff edges after dark.