The historic and popular city of Dubrovnik is banning rolling suitcases because of noise they make and damage they cause to the city’s famed cobblestone streets.
The ban applies to the narrow winding streets in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, but may be expanded to the newer parts of the city.
Visitors who do choose to carry their bags face a hefty fine of $288 USD.
Backpacks and non-rolling bags and duffels are exempt – the ban applies only to wheeled luggage of any size, including carry-on. It’s the wheels that are being banned, not the size of the bag.
The decision by Mayor Mato Frankovic is in response to complaints about noise pollution by residents.
How Visitors Will Get Their Bags
The local government intends to set up a system where travelers deposit bags outside the city.
The bags will then be transported directly to guests’ addresses by couriers.
It is not clear when this ban will begin, or whether the delivery service will be free or fee-based. Stay tuned.
The measure comes as part of the “Respect the City” program, introduced by the Dubrovnik Tourist Office, according to a news agency.
Dubrovnik continues to remain popular with visitors, recording 289,000 arrivals and 763,500 overnight stays so far in 2023 – which is 32 percent more than the same period in 2022.
In addition to the rolling bag ban, visitors are urged to keep pets on a leash at all times, not to climb on monuments or to walk around shirtless, also to show “respect” to the city.
About Dubrovnik
Often called “the Pearl of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik is a walled Medieval town with a history in commerce and shipping that rivaled Venice, also on the Adriatic coast. Marco Polo was born nearby.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the picturesque city – the most popular destination in Croatia – each year.
The streets are in a “fishbone” pattern, befitting the city’s maritime history.
There is a national park nearby and lakes popular with both visitors and residents for hiking, fishing and boating. And the sparkling white sand beaches of the Adriatic Coast.
The lure of Dubrovnik’s Old Town includes a Medieval fortress, plazas with fountains, and pedestrian-only streets lined with cafes and shopping.
Read more about the city’s history and attractions on the Visit Croatia website.
Thanks to the travel trade publication Travel and Tour World for giving us a heads-up on this development.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 20+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter currently serves as President of the International Motor Press Assn. (IMPA), a former Board Member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and a current member of the North American Travel Journalists Assn. (NATJA).
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