Croatia’s Dubrovnik has been named one of the most walkable cities in the world. You’ll want to be on foot to explore the ancient Old Town’s cobblestone streets and medieval walls. You can view the city and the Adriatic Coast via a cable car ride to dinner at the Panorama Restaurant. However, you’ll want a rental car in Dubrovnik to travel to nearby must-sees along the coast and within a few hours of the city. If you haven‘t picked up your Dubrovnik car rental at the airport, you can choose from more than 20 car rental locations around Dubrovnik. But be prepared for driving and parking challenges. Because most of the city is pedestrian-only, parking is at a premium — hard to find and pricey. Narrow roadways and a plethora of one-way streets add difficulty to navigating around the city.
Is it worthwhile to rent a car while visiting Dubrovnik?
Within Dubrovnik, you can walk to major attractions like the 16th century Sponza Palace and Onofrio’s Fountain. Fans of the show will want to join a "Game of Thrones" walking tour or cruise to experience locations where it was filmed. While you’re feeling like a king, take your luxury car rental or, if you’re budgeting, your economy car rental, to Montenegro. Marvel at its walled city of Kotor and Budva, a medieval beach town. You’ll be glad you arranged for your car rental in Dubrovnik, when you take a similar day trip — maybe to the city of Mostar where you can enjoy Turkish coffee at the Old Bazaar and photograph the historic Stari Most (Old Bridge), which spans the Neretva River. While parking in Dubrovnik is a challenge, you will find parking is more plentiful at these day trip locations, where lots are often within walking distance of the sights.
What laws should I keep in mind while driving in Dubrovnik?
Croatian drivers keep to the right side of the road and pass on the left. All passengers in your car rental in Dubrovnik, as well as the driver, must wear seatbelts. Children under 12 must sit in the back seat with child seats. Drinking and driving is not tolerated. Anything over the blood alcohol (BAC) limit of 0.5% is an offense and there is zero-tolerance for any alcohol (that means 0% BAC) if you are under 25 years old. Use your mobile phone only if you have a hands-free device. If you are visiting in the late fall to early spring, use your headlights, even during daylight hours. Regulations are subject to change, so be sure to check in with the city’s department of motor vehicles, before arranging your car rental in Dubrovnik.
Will I need a special driver’s license or permit to drive a rental car in Dubrovnik if I’m visiting from another country?
Reserve your cheap car rental in Dubrovnik before your trip, as this tourist destination may not have cars available on demand when you arrive. Note that the minimum age for renters is 22, and both young driver and senior driver fees may apply. You can drive with a valid driver’s license from your home country as long as you have held it for two years and it is written in the Latin alphabet. If it uses non-Latin characters, such as Cyrillic, Chinese or Arabic characters, you’ll need an international driver’s license. Also, keep your passport and/or ID handy in case you are asked for identification.