Dubrovnik Wheelchair Access Guide 2026

Your Complete Guide to Wheelchair Accessibility in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the 'Pearl of the Adriatic,' is a breathtaking city of medieval walls, terracotta roofs, and sparkling sea. But its UNESCO World Heritage status also means it's a city preserved in time, complete with centuries-old stone, narrow alleys, and countless stairs. For travelers using a wheelchair, this can seem daunting.

While Dubrovnik is not a perfectly accessible city, a memorable visit is absolutely achievable with proper planning. This 2026 guide provides the detailed, factual information you need to navigate the city, from the best entrance to the Old Town to accessible beaches and attractions.

Navigating Dubrovnik's Old Town in a Wheelchair

The Old Town is the heart of Dubrovnik, but it's also the most challenging area. It was built long before modern accessibility standards existed. Here’s how to tackle it.

The Main Entrances: Pile Gate vs. Ploče Gate

There are two main entrances to the Old Town. Understanding the difference is critical for wheelchair users.

• Pile Gate (West Entrance): This is the main, most popular entrance. To enter, you must cross a stone bridge. After the bridge, there is a small set of stairs. However, to the right of these stairs is a smooth, steep ramp that leads down to the Stradun. While navigable, the ramp is quite steep, and assistance may be required, especially for manual wheelchair users. Just inside Pile Gate, there is an accessible public toilet (costs approx. €1). An elevator exists to bypass the steps down from the Pile Gate bus stop to the gate level, located near the Dubravka 1836 restaurant.

• Ploče Gate (East Entrance): Many locals consider this the more accessible option. It features a long, wide, and gently sloping ramp that leads directly down towards the Old Port and the eastern end of the Stradun. This entrance avoids the sharp, steep descent of the Pile Gate ramp, making it a preferable choice for many.

Stradun: The Accessible Artery

The main street, Stradun (or Placa), runs approximately 300 meters through the center of the Old Town, from Pile Gate to Ploče Gate. It is wide, flat, and paved with smooth, polished limestone. This makes it the primary accessible route. You can comfortably roll along its entire length, enjoying the stunning architecture, cafes, and shops. The majority of cafes and restaurants along the Stradun have ground-level terraces, though accessing their indoor facilities and restrooms can be difficult.

Side Streets and Stairs: The Main Challenge

Be aware that almost every side street leading off the Stradun involves stairs. The streets running north (uphill) are almost entirely composed of steps. The streets running south (towards the sea) are flatter but still narrow and often end in a few steps. It is best to assume any alley off the main thoroughfare is inaccessible and to explore them with caution. Stick to the Stradun and the wider parallel street, Prijeko, for the most comfortable experience, though even Prijeko has its challenges.

Wheelchair-Accessible Attractions in Dubrovnik

While you can't access everything, several of Dubrovnik's most iconic experiences are fully or partially accessible.

Dubrovnik City Walls: A Limited Experience

Unfortunately, the main 2-kilometer walk along the top of the City Walls is completely inaccessible due to thousands of stairs. However, you can still experience their grandeur. At the Pile Gate entrance to the walls, you can access the very first section, which provides a magnificent, elevated view back over the Stradun. You will need to purchase a ticket (€35) but explain to the staff you only wish to access the initial viewpoint. This provides one of the best photo opportunities in the city without navigating stairs.

Dubrovnik Cable Car to Mount Srđ

This is a must-do accessible activity. The Dubrovnik Cable Car is fully wheelchair accessible. The lower station, located just outside the Old Town's northern walls, has ramp access. The cable car cabins themselves are spacious enough for a wheelchair, and the staff are helpful. The journey takes about 4 minutes. At the top of Mount Srđ, you'll find paved pathways leading to the Panorama Restaurant & Bar and observation decks, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Dubrovnik, the sea, and the islands. The upper station also has an accessible restroom.

• Price: €27 for an adult round-trip ticket
• Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (varies by season, closes later in summer)

Rector's Palace & Cultural History Museum

The former seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa is a stunning Gothic-Renaissance palace. The beautiful ground-floor atrium is accessible via a portable ramp that staff will place for you upon request. This allows you to see the main courtyard and some ground-floor exhibits. The upper floors are only accessible by a grand stone staircase.

Franciscan Monastery and Old Pharmacy Museum

Located just inside Pile Gate, this is one of the most accessible historic sites. The main entrance has a small step, but a portable ramp is often available. Once inside, you can access the serene 14th-century cloister, the museum, and the Old Pharmacy, which has been in operation since 1317. The entire experience is on the ground floor.

Accessible Beaches Near Dubrovnik

Many of Dubrovnik's beaches are pebbly and have difficult access, but a few have been adapted.

Copacabana Beach

Located on the Babin Kuk peninsula (accessible via Bus Line 6), Copacabana is one of the city's most accessible beaches. It is a pebble beach but features paved pathways and, most importantly, is equipped with a sea lift, allowing wheelchair users to easily get into the water. The beach also has accessible changing rooms and restrooms.

Lapad Bay Beaches

The main Uvala Lapad beach also has good access. The promenade along the bay is flat and paved, perfect for a seaside roll. While direct sea access from the main beach can be tricky, some of the concrete platforms along the promenade have ramps leading down to the water's edge.

Accessible Transportation

Getting around the wider Dubrovnik area requires planning.

Public Transport: Libertas Buses

Dubrovnik's public bus company, Libertas, has been modernizing its fleet. Many of the newer, low-floor buses operating on major routes (like Line 4 or 6 from the Old Town to Lapad/Babin Kuk) are equipped with a fold-out ramp and a designated space for a wheelchair. It's wise to signal the driver clearly that you require the ramp.

Taxis and Accessible Transfers

Standard taxis in Dubrovnik are not wheelchair accessible. However, several private companies offer pre-booked transfers with accessible vans equipped with lifts or ramps. Companies like 'Dubrovnik Transfers' or 'Korkyra Info' offer these services, which are essential for airport transfers or day trips. Book at least 24-48 hours in advance.

Insider Tips for an Accessible Dubrovnik Trip

1. Visit the Old Town Early: Arrive between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. The Stradun will be less crowded, making navigation much easier, and the morning light is beautiful for photos. 2. Use the Ploče Gate: For independent entry into the Old Town, the long, gentle ramp at Ploče Gate is significantly easier to manage than the steep ramp at Pile Gate. 3. Get a Dubrovnik Pass: The pass includes entry to several attractions and public transport. The 1-day pass (€35) can be cost-effective if you plan to visit the Rector's Palace and use the buses. 4. Stay Outside the Walls: Book accommodation in the flatter neighborhoods of Lapad or Babin Kuk. Modern hotels here are far more likely to have accessible rooms, roll-in showers, and pools with lifts. The bus connections to the Old Town are excellent. 5. Call Ahead: Before visiting any museum, restaurant, or attraction, call ahead to confirm their current accessibility status and ask about ramps or assistance. It can save a lot of time and frustration.