Guidebook Updates for Croatia
When we learn of critical changes to the information in our guidebooks on Croatia, we post them here. (Of course, it's still smart to reconfirm critical transportation and sightseeing details locally.) Armed with a Rick Steves guidebook and these late-breaking updates, you're set for a great trip!
- Statehood Day, a public holiday across Croatia, is celebrated annually on May 30 (not June 25). June 25 is now Croatia's Independence Day (not October 8), but is no longer a public holiday, so travelers can expect businesses and sights to remain open as usual.
- Shops across Croatia are now closed on most Sundays throughout the year, following a law passed in 2023.
For books printed before August 2023, the following may also apply:
For books printed before June 2020, the following may also apply:
- Eurail Select Passes are no longer being sold (but similarly priced Global Passes still are) — see our 2019 rail-travel update.
For books printed before August 2023, the following may apply:
- The Pelješac Bridge has finally opened, making it possible to avoid the little stretch of Bosnian coastline when driving between Dubrovnik and Split.
- The interior of the Dominican monastery church may still be closed for renovation during your visit.
For books printed before June 2020, the following may also apply:
- Vina Matković, one of the four Potomje wineries, has moved.
- Karmen Apartments is now Van Bloemen Apartments.
- Dubrovnik's city walls now cost 200 kn to enter. While it's now possible to make reservations, you'll still have to contend with crowds and heat on top of the wall, so visiting early or late remains the best plan.
- The shuttle bus from the airport no longer stops at the Pile Gate in the Old Town. If you're staying near the gate, ride the airport shuttle to the bus station, then take a public bus (or taxi) to Pile Gate.
For books printed before August 2023, the following may also apply:
- The Opatija tourist information office has moved down the street to Maršala Tita 146.
- As Autotrans no longer has an office in Opatija, intercity bus tickets must be purchased online. (Tickets for local buses to Rijeka can be purchased in a tobacco shop or on board.)
For books printed before August 2023, the following may also apply:
- Prijevoz Knežević express buses are now operated in conjunction with Flixbus and may be labeled according to either brand. They stop at three spots in the park area: near Entrance 1, Entrance 2, and in the town of Mukinje.
For books printed before August 2023, the following may apply:
- As of early 2024, the City Museum's permanent exhibit remains closed for renovations, likely not reopening until 2026 at the earliest.
- Swimming is no longer allowed in the waterfalls at Krka National Park.
- Samobor Museum is closed for renovations, likely through 2026.
- Several recommended restaurants have closed: ManO, Laria & Penati, and Green Point.
For books printed before August 2023, the following may also apply:
- The Ivan Meštrović Atelier is closed for renovations, likely through 2026 or possibly 2027.
- Contrary to a note previously posted here, the Museum of Naïve Art remains open; its plans to relocate have been postponed to 2026 or later.
- As of early 2024, the cathedral remains closed for restoration and stabilization (after being damaged in the 2020 Petrinja earthquake).
- The Arts and Crafts Museum and Mimara Museum are also closed for earthquake-related restoration projects.