Visit Dubrovnik with grandparents

When traveling to Dubrovnik with your senior loved ones, such as grandparents, it’s essential to plan ahead to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Dubrovnik’s Old Town, although mostly flat, can become very crowded during peak tourist season, making it challenging to navigate for seniors with mobility issues. Additionally, other sights in the city are located at higher elevations and may involve many uneven steps, which can be difficult for seniors to manage.

To make the most of your trip to Dubrovnik, we’ve compiled some advice and practical information to help you plan and prepare for a memorable and stress-free experience for everyone, while ensuring that senior members of your family can fully enjoy the city at their own pace.

What to consider when you visit Dubrovnik with grandparents?

To ensure a successful trip to Dubrovnik with your grandparents, focus on their comfort and specific needs. This includes several aspects, such as choosing a senior-friendly accommodation in a convenient location with easy access to amenities. In addition, it is advisable to plan a thoughtful itinerary that prioritizes accessible activities and includes regular rest breaks. You should also use transportation wisely, familiarize yourself with bus routes or opt for reliable taxi services, to enhance their comfort and mobility. Let’s go through the most important advice for your visit to Dubrovnik with grandparents.

Choose the right accommodation

When booking accommodations, consider staying at a family-friendly resort or hotel that caters to the needs of your grandparents or other senior members of your family. If you wish to stay at a private accommodation, carefully check the position of the apartment prior to making a reservation. Many private tourist objects in Dubrovnik are reachable only by, often numerous and steep, steps, which should be avoided if you’re staying in Dubrovnik with seniors.

Look for accommodations that are close to the Old Town, but also offer easy access to transportation and other amenities. Consider booking a place with elevators and other accessibility features to make it easier for seniors to move around.

Plan your itinerary carefully

Prioritize sights and activities that are easily accessible and comfortable for seniors. Avoid overloading your itinerary with too many activities, and allow for plenty of rest breaks throughout the day. Share your itinerary with your grandparents so they can add stops that would interest them. This will also give them time to prepare for the day and make any necessary arrangements.

Be sure to consider your grandparents’ medication schedule when planning your itinerary. Make sure there is enough time for them to take their medication and rest if needed. You should also include rest times in your itinerary to allow your grandparents to recharge. Consider scheduling a leisurely lunch or a coffee break at a local café.

Use transportation wisely

When you visit Dubrovnik with grandparents, it’s essential to prioritize their comfort and safety. Utilizing transportation wisely can enhance their experience and make the trip more enjoyable.

Dubrovnik’s bus system is reliable and can be a convenient way to get around the city. It’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the bus routes and schedules to plan your stay in Dubrovnik efficiently.

Opting for a reliable taxi service can offer a more comfortable and personalized transportation experience for your grandparents. Taxis provide door-to-door service, allowing your grandparents to rest and relax in an air-conditioned vehicle between destinations. This can be particularly beneficial during hot weather or after a day of sightseeing.

Avoid the crowds

In order to make your grandparents’ experience as enjoyable, it’s essential to plan the itinerary to avoid crowded areas, especially in the Old Town. Being a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Town a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors daily, especially during peak travel seasons. While the crowds can make for a lively atmosphere, they can also be overwhelming and challenging to navigate, especially for older individuals who may have mobility issues.

To avoid the crowds, consider visiting the Old Town early in the morning. This is typically the quietest time of day, and you can explore the narrow streets and historic landmarks without having to navigate through large groups of tourists. Additionally, visiting early in the day can help you beat the heat during the summer months, making for a more comfortable experience.

Another way to avoid crowds is to explore areas outside of the Old Town. Dubrovnik has many beautiful beaches, parks, and gardens that are less crowded than the Old Town. Consider visiting the nearby island of Lokrum, which is just a short ferry ride from the Old Town. Lokrum is a nature reserve with beautiful beaches, walking trails, and a botanical garden. It’s a peaceful and serene alternative to the busy Old Town.

Stay hydrated and protected from the sun

Dubrovnik’s climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Depending on the time of your visit to Dubrovnik, consider the weather and ensure your grandparents are dressed appropriately for the conditions in Dubrovnik.

During the hot summer months in Dubrovnik, it’s essential to stay hydrated and protected from the sun. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, consider wearing hats and lightweight clothing, and try to avoid being outside during the hottest parts of the day. It can also be quite windy in Dubrovnik, so it would be good to bring a scarf or a windbreaker with you.

PRO tip: You don’t have to buy water all the time. You can fill your bottles with water from the fountains in the Old Town.

Keep important documents and medications organized

Make sure your grandparents have all necessary documents, such as passports and insurance cards, and that they bring enough medication to last the entire trip.

Your grandparents can bring their prescription medicines with themselves to Dubrovnik. Bear in mind the medicines need to be in their original packaging and in the quantities that are sufficient for not more than a month, due to import restrictions in place in Croatia. There is a number of pharmacies available in Dubrovnik, so you can easily obtain over-the-counter medicines if needed.

Activities with grandparents in Dubrovnik

While Dubrovnik has many beautiful hiking trails and beaches, your grandparents may not be able to participate in these activities. Instead, focus on more leisurely activities such as taking a walk, visiting museums, taking a scenic drive, or enjoying a leisurely meal at a local restaurant.

Take a walk in the Old Town of Dubrovnik

Taking a walk in the Old Town of Dubrovnik with your grandparents is a fantastic idea for a memorable and enriching experience. Firstly, the Old Town is a pedestrian-friendly area with flat paths, making it accessible for individuals who may have difficulty with hills and stairs, ensuring a comfortable stroll for elderly family members.

The Old Town is mostly accessible for visitors with limited mobility, with both entrances, Pile gate and Ploče gate, providing suitable access. Pile gate has a slightly steeper ramp, while Ploče gate is flatter, and both lead to the main street, Stradun, which is completely flat. The south streets of the Old town and the area of the Old port are also flat and on the same level.

The main street, Stradun, offers a charming and easy walk, allowing them to soak in the historic ambiance and vibrant atmosphere of the city without encountering challenging terrain.

Additionally, the Old Town’s compact layout makes it convenient to explore key attractions, such as Franciscan Monastery, Rector’s Palace and the Church of St. Blaise, providing a cultural and historical immersion that is both engaging and manageable for seniors.

If you wish to explore some of the numerous streets leading down to Stradun, ensure that your grandparents are comfortable with walking up and down steep stairs and have good mobility to navigate the city’s terrain. In addition to restaurants and coffee shops, there is also a public restroom at the beginning of Stradun, when entering through the Pile gate.

Visit the Dubrovnik City Walls

Walking the Dubrovnik City Walls is a popular activity for tourists and locals alike. The walk around the walls is approximately 2 kilometers long and takes about 2 hours to complete, with several stops along the way for taking photos and enjoying the views.

When visiting Dubrovnik City Walls with your grandparents, it’s important to take into account their mobility and physical limitations. It’s essential to wear comfortable shoes and take breaks as needed. It’s also a good idea to bring water and snacks, as there are limited options for food and drink inside the walls.

Another consideration is the time of day to visit Dubrovnik City Walls. The walls can get very crowded during peak hours, so it’s best to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Additionally, the walls can be very hot and sunny during the midday hours, so it’s important to protect yourself from the sun with hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Take your grandparents on a Dubrovnik Panorama Tour

If you want to show your grandparents Dubrovnik’s stunning beauty and rich history in a comfortable and convenient way, you can take them on a Dubrovnik Panorama Tour. This tour is adapted to all age groups as it includes a comfortable drive in an air-conditioned vehicle, which makes the exploration of the city, particularly during a hot summer day, much more enjoyable.

The panoramic view of the city is particularly impressive, which your grandparents will appreciate. They will have the opportunity to sit back and admire the stunning views of Old City of Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island, and the Elaphiti Islands in the distance. They will also have an opportunity to experience Mountain Srđ, Dubrovnik bridge and Gruž port at their own pace and ask the tour operator to adjust to their needs.

Visit museums in Dubrovnik

When visiting Dubrovnik with grandparents, it would be a good option to visit museums as they offer a rich cultural and historical experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Museums in Dubrovnik, such as the Franciscan Monastery, Rector’s Palace, and the Maritime Museum, provide insights into the city’s past, art, and architecture, making it a great educational opportunity for grandparents and grandchildren alike.

Additionally, museums offer a quieter and more relaxed environment compared to crowded tourist spots, allowing for a more leisurely exploration and appreciation of Dubrovnik’s heritage. Moreover, visiting museums can be a meaningful way to spend quality time together, fostering intergenerational bonding through shared learning and discovery.

What health services are available in Dubrovnik?

Seniors are more susceptible to illness and injury, so it’s important to take extra precautions to help them stay healthy. Make sure they are dressed appropriately for the weather, and encourage them to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If they are taking any medications, make sure they have enough with them and that they are taking them as prescribed. If they have any chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, be aware of the signs and symptoms of complications and know what to do in case of an emergency.

In case of need, your grandparents can receive medical care in Dubrovnik by going to the general hospital, tourist medical center, using pharmacies, or seeking private healthcare services.

Dubrovnik General hospital provides 24-hour emergency room facilities with physicians specializing in advanced and critical care. Ambulances are located around the region, and the main emergency ambulance is located next to the General Hospital. Tourist medical center operates at the address Androvićeva bb, Dubrovnik and can be reached at +38520641676.

In addition, there is a number of private practices in Dubrovnik. It is recommended to check the price of treatment with the service provider directly before seeking treatment, as private healthcare service providers set their own prices in Croatia.

For routine medical care, there are many pharmacies in Dubrovnik, with two 0-24 pharmacies working alternatively every other week. Make sure your grandparents have travel insurance. Travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected medical emergencies or trip cancellations. In case of an emergency, calling 112 is recommended.

In case of an emergency, you can call 112, which will connect you to emergency services (Ambulances, Fire and Rescue Service and the Police). Have your grandparents carry your name and phone number in case of an emergency, and plan for the worst-case scenario by ensuring they have a way to communicate with doctors and nurses in Dubrovnik if needed.

Opt to visit Dubrovnik with grandparents

Dubrovnik is a beautiful and historic city that offers a wide range of activities and experiences for seniors. By planning ahead and taking into account your grandparents’ needs and limitations, you can help ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable trip for everyone.

As seniors, they may tire more easily, have mobility issues, or need to take frequent breaks. It’s important to respect these needs and adjust your plans accordingly. They may not be able to do everything they used to, and they may need more help and support than they did in the past. But don’t let this discourage you from having a great time together. Instead, use this opportunity to create new memories and strengthen your bond.

With its stunning views, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming atmosphere, Dubrovnik is a destination that is sure to create lasting memories for you and your grandparents.