A City Break by the Sea: Dubrovnik for Families
How We Fell Back in Love with a City Break
Before starting a family of our own, we loved nothing more than a European city break. Those trips punctuated our year – little pockets of escapism and adventure – and with so many incredible destinations right on our doorstep, they always felt within easy reach.
Now, as a family of four, this kind of getaway has become our favourite way to travel. Mini breaks like these are the perfect way to immerse yourself (and your little ones) in another place and culture without the pressure of a long haul adventure. With the right amount of prep and planning, they can be just as enjoyable (and sometimes even more rewarding) than when it was just the two of us.
A city break by the sea, somewhere like Dubrovnik, strikes that ideal balance between adventure and downtime. With its cobbled streets, turquoise waters and gelato stops tucked between ancient city walls, Dubrovnik is where history meets family fun – and where we discovered that city breaks with kids can be every bit as magical.
Getting There and When to Go
We flew from Manchester to Dubrovnik with Ryanair – a quick and easy flight of around 2 hours 45 minutes. Once we landed, we ordered an Uber and were at our accommodation, just outside the Old Town, within about 25 – 30 minutes.
We visited in mid-October and were pleasantly surprised by the weather. Every day brought sunshine and warm, gentle temperatures of around 23 – 24°C – a welcome change from the grey drizzle back home in the UK! It was ideal for exploring: warm enough to enjoy the sea views, but not so hot that you’re melting as you wander the city walls with toddlers in tow. One of our taxi drivers told us it had been a total washout the week before, though – so, as with most European destinations in autumn, October can be a bit of a gamble.
That said, it’s a lovely time to visit. The streets still buzz with life but you’ll notice a calmer rhythm compared to the peak summer months when the cruise ships are in full swing. For us, it struck the perfect balance: lively enough to feel atmospheric but quiet enough to actually enjoy it.
Why Dubrovnik is Perfect for a Long Weekend
The short flight and quick transfer time make Dubrovnik ideal for a long weekend – especially with kids in tow. What really adds to its charm, though, is how compact and walkable the Old Town is. Everything feels close and easy to reach, which makes exploring at your own pace so enjoyable.
That said, it’s worth noting that Dubrovnik isn’t the most accessible city. There are a lot of steps, so prams and wheelchairs can be tricky. Our three and one year old managed well, but a carrier definitely proved the most practical option for little legs.
The city itself is spotless – the marble streets in the Old Town practically sparkle and it felt incredibly safe. I have to say, the people were some of the friendliest we’ve met on our travels. And with the sea just steps away, you’ve got the perfect mix of adventure and downtime – city exploring one moment, seaside relaxation the next.
Our Family Stay with a View (and a Terrace We Loved)
We stayed in a lovely little apartment about an 8 – 10 minute drive from Dubrovnik’s Old Town. It could have been walkable, but we decided to save the boys’ legs and simply hopped in an Uber – the ride cost around €15–20 each way.
Our apartment, which you can find here, was ideal for us as a family of four (our youngest still sleeps in a cot). The highlight was the spacious outdoor terrace with sweeping views of the Adriatic and all the way out to Lokrum Island. Having that outdoor space was such a luxury – perfect for early morning coffees, nap-time downtime, or an evening glass of wine once the kids were in bed.
We also were really close to Bellevue beach – trust me when I say the water was crystal clear! We wandered down here many times to relax and enjoy the sea.
Our host was wonderful too – super responsive, helpful, and genuinely friendly – we couldn’t recommend her more.
What to Do in Dubrovnik with Kids (Our Family Favourites)
Take the Cable Car to the Top of Mount Srđ
A must do while in Dubrovnik! The cable car ride to the top of Mount Srđ takes around 10 minutes and rewards you with incredible panoramic views over the Old Town and out to sea. If you can, time your visit for sunset – the light over the terracotta rooftops is unforgettable.
Tickets can be bought on arrival (under 4s go free), or online in advance if you’re visiting in busier months. For something a little different, there’s also a sky bike ride at the top – it looked amazing and we’re saving it for when our boys are a bit older! (Yes – we are returning for some island hopping so stay tuned!)
Feeling fancy? Panorama Restaurant sits right next to the cable car station and serves delicious food with unbeatable views. Tip: if you book before 5:30 pm, you can order from their lighter lunch menu, which is much more family friendly on the budget.
Wander the Old Town (and Eat All the Gelato)
One of our favourite things to do was simply wander through Dubrovnik’s Old Town. The winding streets, marble steps and hidden courtyards are endlessly fun to explore and, of course, there were plenty of gelato stops along the way.
Our favourite? Mostro Gelato – absolutely delicious!
For family dining, we loved Rudjer for a relaxed pizza night, and Nautika for brunch with a view (the boys were mesmerised watching the boats come and go). And if you spot the churros spot – trust me, get them!
Hop Over to Lokrum Island
Just a short boat ride from the Old Port, Lokrum Island is perfect for families. The water as you approach is the most stunning shade of turquoise and once you arrive, you’ll find shady botanical gardens where peacocks roam freely. Yes – peacocks!
We took a picnic and spent a few hours exploring and relaxing by the rocks. We booked our ferry tickets that morning (about €30 per adult, though prices can vary by season), and it was one of our favourite days of the trip.
Watch the Cliff Divers at Buža Bar
For something a little different, head to Buža Bar, literally perched on the cliff edge outside the city walls. The views are amazing and if you time it right, you can watch brave locals (and tourists!) diving straight into the sea below.
It’s not the most toddler friendly spot – so hold on tight to little ones – but our boys were absolutely mesmerised by the jumpers!
Spend Some Time at Banje Beach
When you need a bit of downtime, Banje Beach is ideal. There’s a beach club and restaurant if you fancy a treat, or you can simply lay a towel on the sand for free. The water is calm and clear which is perfect for paddling. Parent tip: treat yourself to a cocktail while the kids play (the Pina Colada was incredible) you’ve earned it! 
Walk the Old Town Walls
This is a splurge, but it’s one of those Dubrovnik experiences that’s worth every euro. Tickets are around €30 per adult (children are cheaper, and under 7s usually go free), or you can buy a Dubrovnik Pass which includes entry to the walls and several other attractions.
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll love spotting filming locations along the route and even if you’re not, the views over the rooftops and sea are incredible.
Visit Fort Lovrijenac
If you want those sweeping city views but at a lower cost, Fort Lovrijenac (also known as St Lawrence Fort) is a great alternative. Entry is around €15 per adult, and it’s far less crowded than the main walls. The fort sits just outside the Old Town and offers a fantastic perspective of Dubrovnik’s skyline plus plenty of space for little ones to explore safely.
Tips for Visiting Dubrovnik with Kids
Bring water shoes – Dubrovnik’s beaches are stunning but mostly rocky so these make paddling and exploring much easier.
Use a baby carrier instead of a pram in the Old Town – the cobbled streets and endless steps can make prams tricky.
Plan a mix of downtime and discovery – Start your mornings exploring the Old Town or walking the city walls then spend lazy afternoons by the sea.
Visit the city walls early – before 9 am is ideal to avoid both the heat and the crowds.
Avoid peak summer months (July and August) if possible – Dubrovnik gets busy with cruise visitors and the heat can be intense for little ones.
Don’t miss a boat trip! Hopping on a ferry to nearby islands like Lokrum is one of the best family activities in Dubrovnik.
Consider reins for toddlers if it helps you feel more confident around busy areas or cliff-edge spots like Buža Bar.
Feeling adventurous? Hire a car and take a day trip to neighbouring Montenegro – it’s around a 2 to 2½-hour drive or you can even go by boat.
You can read all about our family trip to Montenegro, with our best tips and recommendations, here.
Final Thoughts: Why Dubrovnik Makes the Perfect Family City Break
Dubrovnik completely won us over. It’s not just a romantic, picture perfect city – it’s a brilliant family destination that blends history, adventure, and seaside fun. Whether you’re using it as a base to explore nearby islands or diving into its fascinating past within the Old Town walls, this city has so much to offer families with children of all ages.
For us, this family city break in Dubrovnik struck the perfect balance: exploring ancient streets one moment, relaxing by the turquoise sea the next. And yes – the gelato really is some of the best we’ve ever tasted!
You don’t have to be a Game of Thrones fan to fall in love with Dubrovnik – just bring your curiosity, your sense of adventure and maybe a sunhat or two.
To see more of the memories we made during our family weekend in Dubrovnik, head over to my Instagram – @little_family_diaries_. You’ll find a highlight dedicated to our trip, plus plenty more family travel inspiration and behind the scenes moments from our adventures.