Dubrovnik takes firm action against noise violations in Old Town

Dubrovnik

The City of Dubrovnik has taken decisive action to safeguard public order, quality of life for residents, and the authenticity of the UNESCO-listed Old Town.

Mayor Mato Franković has issued a decision to shorten the opening hours of the hospitality venue Trocadero for a period of 30 days after the establishment was found to have breached noise protection regulations on multiple occasions.

According to a report from the Dubrovnik Police Department, three separate violations were recorded on 17, 21 and 29 August 2025.

The offences related to music being heard outside the venue after permitted hours — 11:30 p.m. during most of the year, and 12:30 a.m. between 10 July and 25 August, in line with the city’s regulations on hospitality operations.

As a result, the Trocadero bar will have its operating hours reduced by two hours each day for 30 days, effective from 6 October 2025.

Mayor Franković stressed that the city remains committed to balancing tourism with the everyday lives of citizens.

“It is our duty to ensure order in the historic core, to protect residents from excessive noise, and to offer visitors an experience aligned with our vision of sustainable tourism and UNESCO heritage preservation standards,” he said.

The City of Dubrovnik has reiterated that, in cooperation with relevant services, it will continue to monitor hospitality venues and take firm measures against any violations of noise protection rules.

Last month, Dubrovnik unveiled fresh measures aimed at easing the strain of overtourism while protecting both residents’ quality of life and the overall visitor experience.

Franković announced that from 2026 entry to the city walls will only be possible through an advance booking system to ease overcrowding, while cruise ship visits will remain capped at two per day with mandatory eight-hour stays to stagger passenger flows and encourage longer visits.

Coaches face stricter scheduling at Pile Gate, and the city is auditing apartments, restaurants and souvenir shops within the Old City to set sustainable limits. 

At the same time, authorities are buying back properties to provide affordable housing for families, with a school already opened in a historic palace as part of efforts to revitalise community life.