Everything You Need To Know About Shopping In Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a popular tourist attraction with over 1.5 million tourists visiting the city every year. The ancient city walls and the rich history are a few of the reasons for its popularity, but being the most picturesque city on the Dalmatian coast is equally "guilty." The city is often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic" and justifiably so.
Though small, Dubrovnik has everything European metropolises have and even more. And when it comes to shopping in Dubrovnik, you can find anything your heart desires. From open-air markets to quirky shops, designer boutiques, and art galleries, shopping in Dubrovnik is a delightful experience, whether you are traveling solo or with the whole family.
To help you find these hidden gems faster, we put together the ultimate Dubrovnik shopping guide, so you are prepared well in advance for your visit. But before you start spending your hard-earned money, don't forget to drop off your luggage at one of our convenient luggage storage locations in Dubrovnik.
Popular Shopping Malls
DOC
While most tourists shop in the Old Town, locals drive a little further for their daily dose of Dubrovnik fashion shopping. Though there may not be many shopping malls in Dubrovnik, all of them have everything you see in the big malls around the world. DOC shopping center is located in Lapad and is packed with a variety of international fashion brands, shoe stores, and souvenir shops.
Brands you will find are Puma, Adidas, Reebok, Sisley, DM drug-store and more. The larger space is reserved for Karla, a luxury accessory boutique chain selling famous brand names like Marc by Marc Jacobs, Lloyd, and Kenzo.
There is a large supermarket on the ground floor where you can get all the groceries you need. When you get tired, there are plenty of coffee bars with a large terrace where you can sip your coffee and people watch.
Mercante
Located in Gruz, Dubrovnik's business district, you will find another shopping mall, though much smaller than DOC. Mercante has only one floor and around 20 stores offering a wide selection of clothing, shoes, shops for children, cosmetics, souvenirs, toys, electronics, and all the merchandise you can find in a mall of this kind. In Mercante, you will find brands like Levi's, WGW and Mustang.
There is also a baby store, a pharmacy, a hardware store, and a Galeb shop selling Croatian quality underwear. You can even have your hair done at the hairdresser while waiting for your friend to finish shopping. Then, when you are done, you can sit and relax in one of the many cafes in Mercante, sipping coffee and watching the world go by. If you'd like to know more about the neighborhood of Gruz, read this Bounce guide about where to stay in Dubrovnik.
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-8pm; Saturday 8am-1pm; Sunday closed
Dubrovnik Shopping Minčeta
Many locals get their Dubrovnik city shopping fix in this mall, located in the Gruž Bay area, just a half an hour walk from the Old Town. You will find a number of stores that sell anything from high street fashion brands to perfumes, shoes and accessories. A great fashion store to check out is the Lantea Group, selling big name brands like Mango, Bugatti, Benetton, Casa Moda and more.
When you get tired, grab a seat at the terrace cafe and enjoy your brunch overlooking the harbor.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-8pm; Closed on Sundays
Specialty Stores
Dubrovnik is a rather artistic town, with many local artists selling their paintings and crafts in quirky specialty stores scattered around Dubrovnik. Here are the most popular ones.
Dubrovnik Treasures Jewelry Store - Adriatic Coral, Pearls & Semi-precious Stones
This is yet another treasure trove that you will find in the heart of the Old Town, close to the entrance Vrata od Pila. Founded in 2009, this family-run jewelry store sells beautiful handmade Adriatic-inspired jewelry, but also trendy pieces, all set in sterling silver adorned with semi-precious stones in combination with Adriatic coral and cultured freshwater pearls.
All of the jewelry is handmade by local artisans from Dubrovnik. Treat yourself to an exquisite piece or give it as a gift. Prices are pretty competitive.
Hours: Monday-Sunday 9am-10.30pm
Dubrovačka Kuća -Dubrovnik House
If you want a little change from Dubrovnik shopping malls, head down to Ploce Gate, and inside the medieval St. Dominik's tower. Spread across three floors is Dubrovacka Kuca, a treasure trove selling high-quality handicrafts including souvenirs, local wine, sweets, posters, olive oils, and bath salts. But you will also find glassware, paintings, and quirky ceramics by renowned Croatian artists for affordable prices.
For curious visitors with questions, the staff is happy to explain more about specific artists.
Hours: Monday - Sunday 9am-8pm
Museum Shop
Located in the Old Town, the Museum Shop adjoining Rector's Palace is the best place for everyone who wants to carry a unique gift back home. The Museum Shop stocks a wide variety of carefully selected replicas of objects from a number of Dubrovnik museums. Look out for silver jewelry and silver cufflinks with St Blaise, Dubrovnik's patron saint, a wide range of mugs, history books, postcards and catalogs, toys, and games.
But you will also find a variety of colorful custom-made silk scarfs and leather wallets.
Hours: Monday-Sunday 9am-6pm (Apr-Oct); 9am-4pm (Nov-Mar)
Boutique Croata
Looking to find a special gift for a dear male friend? Located right next to the Cathedral, opposite the Rector’s Palace, is Boutique Croata, a place where you will find some unique gifts. And by unique gift, we mean the sumptuous silk tie or cravat.
This luxurious accessory dates back to the 17th century and Croatians were the first to design it. However, it was the French that turned it into an international clothing staple. This flagship Croata boutique sells all kinds of cravats, placed in beautiful packaging containing historical information about the tie.
Besides the famous cravats, you will find scarves, and shawls made from the finest silk, designed with local heritage in mind.
Hours: Monday-Sunday 9am-9pm
Life According to Kawa
If your Dubrovnik trip inspires you to bring something special back home head down to the awesome Life According to Kawa homeware boutique. The store is as fabulous as its name, and you would be surprised at the selection of unique design goods you will find here.
Located just outside Ploče Gate, this chic boutique prides itself on selling contemporary interior design goods made by Croatian designers and artisans. But that is not all. You will also find cosmetics, all sorts of delicacies, local wine, souvenirs, and plenty of high-quality goods, worth carrying all the way home.
Hours: June–September: Monday-Sunday 7am to 12am; October–May: Monday-Sunday 9am to 7pm
Designer Boutiques and Outlet Stores
Maria Store
Maria Store is a sight to behold if you want to get away from the tacky souvenir shops. This shop is where most fashionistas escape to when they need to feel glamourous for the day. If you thought you won't find Givenchy or Valentino within those ancient city walls, think again.
Located near Stradun, this luxury multi-brand store specializes in high fashion. Famous international brands you will find here include Gucci, Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney and more. There is a good chance you'll meet celebrities and fashion influencers here, especially during the summer season.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm; Sunday closed
Maria Outlet
Maria Outlet store is located in the Old Town and is the outlet of the designer boutique Maria Store. Here you can find a number of international designers at affordable prices.
Popular Shopping Streets
Stradun
Stradun is the main street in the Old Town and Dubrovnik's famous promenade packed with people all day long, especially during the summer season. The charming cobblestoned street makes for an excellent shopping experience within the ancient city walls. Whether you are looking for souvenirs, designer clothes, jewelry, or Croatian art, you will find it on Stradun Street, the Old Town's main artery.
Make sure to check the stores off the beaten track; you'd be surprised at the number of gems hiding down Stradun's narrow side streets. There is more than just shopping on Stradun. Make a stop at one of the lovely cafe bars, and enjoy people watching.
Popular Souvenir Stores
While there are no pawn shops or thrift stores in Dubrovnik, there are many small stores selling all kinds of unusual souvenirs, handmade leather items, fine gifts and unusual gifts, and many interesting things to carry back home. Here are some of the most popular.
Uje
Located on Stradun, near Rector's Palace, Uje is one of the best souvenirs shops in Dubrovnik specializing in everything olive oil. The owners of Uje, grow their own olives on the island of Brač. Look out for Brachia virgin olive oil, one of their best sellers. It comes in a beautiful white ceramic flask, in the shape of an olive.
Other treats and tasty delicacies you will find here include jams, marinated seafood, truffle products, but also natural cosmetics, perfumed soaps, body oils, and olive wood chopping boards.
Hours: Monday-Sunday 9am-12am (Jun-Sep), 10am-7pm (Oct-May)
Popular Markets
Gunduliceva Poljana Market
There are only a few open air markets in Dubrovnik, but the one you need to check out is the Gunduliceva Poljana market. You can't really miss it, as it is located in the heart of the charming Old Town. The market has several stalls selling mostly farm fresh fruits, and vegetables, souvenirs, but also honey, candied orange peel )arancini), olive oil, nuts, marmalade and homemade rakija.
Hours: Monday-Sunday 7am - 6pm
Gruž Market
Situated in the ruined gardens of the Gruž Villa, near the ferry terminal at Dubrovnik Port is the main open air market in Dubrovnik. Like most markets, you'd be able to find local produce, lavender, meat, and fresh fish. Around 7 am women from the Elaphiti Islands bring fresh fish that goes for about $15 a kilo. Not surprisingly, it quickly sells out.
Besides fish, you can also find goat cheese and eggs. Prices here are a bit lower than the touristy market in the Old Town, and haggling is out of the question. Gruž Market is a must-visit if you want to experience the Croatian way of life.
Hours: Summer: 6am-8pm; Winter 6am-6pm; Sun 6am-11am
Lapad Market
Lapad open air market can be found near Uvala Lapad Beach. The market stalls are full of fresh local produce, available every day. But if you happen to be in the area on a Sunday, make sure to stop by as there are more stalls selling anything from vintage items, collectibles, to books and magazines including stamps, postcards, badges, and more.
Hours: Winter 6am-1pm; Summer 6am-noon; Sun 6am-11am
The Best Dubrovnik Shopping Spots
Dubrovnik may not be London and Paris when it comes to shopping and fashion, but Croatians certainly dress, shop and dine in style. Make sure to keep this guide handy when you visit Dubrovnik, so you too can shop like the locals do.
