When are shops in Dubrovnik open?

When visiting Dubrovnik, knowing when shops are open can make a real difference to your plans. The city follows set patterns for opening hours, but recent laws and seasonal adjustments mean these aren’t always straightforward, especially if you arrive on a Sunday or during a national holiday. Without a little advance planning, you could find yourself wandering closed streets with a shopping list in hand.

If you know which places stay open and when, you can save yourself a wasted trip. The details below outline what to expect on regular days, restricted Sundays and national holidays, along with the most reliable spots for picking up essentials.

When are shops in Dubrovnik open in general?

For most of the year, shops in Dubrovnik operate Monday to Saturday from 08:00 until 20:00. This is the standard schedule for supermarkets, fashion retailers, electronics stores and other general outlets. It’s worth noting that small independent shops, especially family-run businesses, sometimes open slightly later in the morning, around 08:30 or 09:00, and may close earlier in the evening, particularly in winter.

From May through September, when tourism peaks, many businesses extend their hours. Large supermarkets and shopping centers outside the Old Town often stay open until 21:00, while souvenir shops, galleries and tourist-oriented boutiques in the historic center can remain open until 22:00 or even later during special events or cruise ship arrivals. In high foot-traffic areas like Stradun or Pile Gate, it’s common to see shops still welcoming customers well after dark.

If you plan to shop in more residential neighborhoods like Lapad, Gruž or Babin Kuk, keep in mind that while supermarkets stick to longer summer hours, smaller shops usually close by 20:00 regardless of the season. Always check the store’s posted schedule at the entrance, as many businesses display both regular and seasonal hours. If you have a must-visit shop in mind, it’s best to call ahead or check their website or Google Business Profile, as hours can shift by season, as well by weather, special events or staff availability.

Sundays and the new opening restrictions

Since 1 July 2023, Croatia has enforced a law limiting most shops to opening on just 16 Sundays per calendar year. The idea is to give workers more rest days, but in practice it means that Sunday shopping requires a bit of planning, especially outside the summer season.

Each shop chooses which 16 Sundays to use and many Dubrovnik retailers concentrate them between late spring and early autumn to serve the heavy tourist flow. For example, a supermarket in Lapad might be open every Sunday in July and August but closed on Sundays in October. Unfortunately, there’s no universal list since each business decides individually, so the only reliable way to know is to check the store’s own website, social media or ask in person.

Even with the restrictions, there are some exceptions:

Shops in tourist-heavy zones (especially in the Old Town) often open on summer Sundays, particularly souvenir and gift shops
Shops in transport hubs, including Dubrovnik Airport, the main bus station and near the Port of Gruž, stay open for travellers year-round
Petrol station convenience stores are open daily, with some operating 24/7
Kiosks, bakeries, and pastry shops often trade as usual, even on restricted Sundays
Shops inside hotels, marinas, and campsites may also remain open, as they fall under the tourist services category

If you’re visiting in low season and your arrival falls on a Sunday, don’t expect a wide choice for groceries or retail shopping. Plan to either shop the day before or head straight to an open supermarket you’ve confirmed in advance.

Public holidays in Croatia

Croatia has 14 national public holidays, during which most retail shops, banks and public offices close completely. These closures are taken seriously, and in Dubrovnik, even some businesses that normally cater to tourists will shut their doors for the day.

Here’s the full list to keep on hand (dates in bold are fixed, others vary by year):

1 January – New Year
6 January – Epiphany
March/April – Easter Sunday (date varies)
March/April – Easter Monday (date varies)
1 May – Labour Day
30 May – Statehood Day
May/June – Corpus Christi (movable feast)
22 June – Anti-Fascist Struggle Day
5 August – Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and Day of Croatian Defenders
15 August – Assumption of Mary
1 November – All Saints’ Day
18 November – Remembrance Day for Victims of the Croatian War of Independence and Victims of Vukovar and Škabrnja
25 December – Christmas Day
26 December – St. Stephen’s Day

On these days:

Large supermarkets are closed, with very rare exceptions in peak summer tourist areas
Souvenir shops in the Old Town may open for part of the day, especially in summer, but don’t count on it in winter
Petrol stations and their convenience stores remain open
Restaurants, cafés and bars operate normally, often seeing an uptick in customers
Markets in Gruž and Gundulićeva Poljana typically open in the morning but close earlier than usual
Pharmacies work on a rotating on-duty schedule, usually one in the Old Town and one in Gruž will be open

If your travel dates overlap with a public holiday, treat it much like a Sunday: shop for essentials in advance and use the day for sightseeing, dining and activities rather than retail errands.

What stays open in Dubrovnik on Sundays and holidays?

While most retail shops in Dubrovnik close on Sundays and national holidays, several types of businesses remain open, many of them essential for travellers.

Old Town & tourist-oriented shops

During the main tourist season (May–September), souvenir shops, artisan boutiques, jewelry stores and galleries in the Old Town often remain open even on restricted Sundays and holidays. They cater to cruise passengers and day visitors, so opening hours often extend into the evening, sometimes as late as 22:00 in summer. If you’re looking for gifts, postcards or local crafts, you’ll almost certainly find options here.

Food shops & supermarkets

While large supermarkets typically close, many food shops open Sunday mornings until around 14:00. In Dubrovnik, the main supermarket chains such as Konzum, Studenac, Tommy and Ribola operate a rotation system where different branches take turns staying open on weekends and holidays. The exact location changes weekly, so it’s best to check:

On the chain’s website (many list weekly schedules)
By asking locals or your accommodation host
On notice boards at the supermarket itself

These open branches are often in convenient locations like Gruž, Lapad or near major roads.

Transport hubs and essential services

Shops inside Dubrovnik Airport, the main bus station and near the Port of Gruž generally open daily, regardless of restrictions. These range from small convenience stores to newsstands and souvenir kiosks.

Petrol stations

Petrol stations are among the most reliable options. Standard opening hours are 07:00–22:00, extended until 24:00 in summer. Stations in Kupari and Komolac are open 24 hours a day, year-round. In addition to fuel, they stock snacks, drinks, toiletries, baby supplies, basic groceries and occasionally tourist souvenirs.

Markets

Gruž Market: Open every morning, including Sundays and holidays, with fresh fruit, vegetables, and seafood. Flower stalls remain open until early afternoon.
Gundulićeva Poljana Market (Old Town): Closes at 12:00 noon, but souvenir stands here can stay open until evening in summer.

Pharmacies

Two pharmacies in Dubrovnik operate on an on-duty rotation during Sundays and holidays: one in the Old Town and one in Gruž. This ensures you can access prescription medicines and basic health products. The on-duty schedule is posted on pharmacy doors and published on Ljekarna Dubrovnik’s website.

Restaurants, cafés and bars are always open

If there’s one thing you can count on in Dubrovnik, it’s that you’ll never go hungry or thirsty, even on the quietest holiday.

Restaurants

While opening times vary, most restaurants start serving from 10:00 or 11:00 and stay open until late evening. In tourist-heavy areas like the Old Town, Lapad promenade or near Gruž, it’s common to find places open continuously from lunch through dinner service.

Cafés

Cafés open early, often 07:00 or 08:00, which is perfect for a morning coffee or pastry. They tend to stay open until 22:00 or later, especially in summer, when locals and visitors enjoy their drinks outdoors.

Bars and nightlife

Bars and pubs remain open into the night year-round. In peak season, some venues along the Old Town walls and in Lapad host live music or DJ sets, which can make for an easy evening plan when most of the shops are shut.

Even during major public holidays like Christmas Day or Easter Sunday, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafés welcoming guests. Some may offer special holiday menus or traditional Croatian dishes, so it’s worth checking in advance if you want a festive experience.

Practical tips for shopping in Dubrovnik

So, if you want to avoid frustration and make the most of your time in Dubrovnik, follow these tips:

Plan shopping days carefully: Do your main grocery or souvenir shopping on weekdays or Saturdays. Avoid leaving essentials for Sundays or public holidays unless you’ve confirmed an open location.
Use the rotation system to your advantage: Before Sunday, check which supermarket branch is open that week. Write it down or save the location on your phone. Ask hotel staff or your hosts, they will know which stores are open at the moment.
Keep backup options handy: Save the addresses of 24-hour petrol stations (Kupari and Komolac) on Google Maps and identify the nearest on-duty pharmacy to your accommodation.
Make markets part of your plan: If you’re in Dubrovnik on a Sunday or holiday morning, visit Gruž or Gundulićeva Poljana for fresh produce, snacks and souvenirs.
Enjoy the food scene: On days when shops are closed, plan to try local restaurants or cafés.
Double-check on holidays: Even tourist businesses sometimes adjust hours on holidays like New Year’s Day or Christmas. If you have a must-visit spot, confirm in advance.

Making the most of your shopping in Dubrovnik

While many larger retail stores and supermarkets might be closed on Sundays and national holidays, there are always exceptions and alternatives available. The Old Town’s souvenir shops, smaller food stores with limited Sunday hours and especially gas station convenience stores can be lifesavers for unexpected needs.

Shop ahead for essentials, keep the locations of open supermarkets, petrol stations, and on-duty pharmacies handy and use Sundays or holidays as an opportunity to enjoy the city’s restaurants, cafés, and open-air markets. Even when the majority of shops are closed, Dubrovnik offers plenty of ways to spend the day; from relaxed meals in the Old Town to picking up fresh produce in the morning.

Photography: Pixabay

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