Tips on Avoiding Dubrovnik Tourist Traps

Dubrovnik Tourist Traps

While Dubrovnik has tourist traps just like any other tourist destination, it also has some unique challenges you need to know about. With these tips, you should be able to avoid most of the more common tourist trap issues travelers have complained about.

Paying With Credit? You’ll Pay More

Many of the locations around town will add in a credit card fee whenever you pay with a credit card. This can be on goods or food. Hotels typically do not have this kind of fee as it is expected, but elsewhere you may be hit with at least a 3 percent add-on. This is in addition to any kind of international fees your credit card charges you (if it does). So, if you can, it is better to pay with cash.

Cover Charge

You may be used to a cover charge at clubs and an entry fee at museums, but for restaurants? Some locations are now starting to charge you a per-person cover charge. They will likely tell you it is to cover the “complimentary” bread (so obviously it isn’t complimentary). Keep this in mind when looking over your bill. It can especially add up if you have a larger family or group. Before you sit down at a table, you may want to ask if there is a cover charge or “head charge.”

Ditch the Main Alleys For Food

When looking for food, you’ll walk by alleys with an assortment of different options. If at all possible, skip these. These locations are designed for tourists and have inflated prices. You’ll often pay at least twice as much here as you would if you went a bit farther into the city to look for other restaurant options. Most locals do not eat in the tourist alleys, so instead head to where the locals eat. The food will be better and cheaper. There will also be less of a chance of receiving that 3 percent credit card or cover charge fee.

The “Tourist Central” isn’t a Tourist Center

When looking for tourist information, you’ll come across a location called “Tourist Central.” This might seem like a good place to start, but in reality it is just a tourist knick-knack shop and it will sell you a bunch of junk. You’ll be better off stopping into one of the train or cable car stations and picking up maps and other information here.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about tourist traps in and around Dubrovnik.