Why These 3 Croatian Cities Should Be at the Top of Your Travel List in 2025

If you enjoy sailing, fine beaches, seafood, medieval fortresses, and a comfortable climate, you’ll love Croatia. Although it’s become extremely popular, Croatia still provides incredible value for your travel dollars.

While the country is diverse, with landscapes that range from mountainous to seaside beaches, 3 key cities stand out as the most popular and easiest to reach. Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik are Croatian cities I’ve visited multiple times.

The information in today’s article shares my experiences and ideas to inspire others to visit this enchanting country. I’ll also talk about using miles and points to offset the cost of your Croatian adventure.

How To Get to Croatia Using Points and Miles

Flexible reward currencies such as American Express Membership Rewards points and Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to airline partners that service Croatia and redeemed for award flights.

Capital One miles, Citi Thankyou Points, and Marriott Bonvoy points can also be transferred to airline partners where award flights can be booked.

You can book a 1-stop award flight to Croatia from the U.S. or book your flight to a major city in Europe where an inexpensive flight can take you to 1 of our 3 featured cities. All flights are listed as round-trip without taxes and fees noted. Here are some ideas for getting to Croatia with points and miles:

• Redeem 40,000 United MileagePlus miles for economy class or from 80,000 miles for Polaris business class from Newark (EWR) to Dubrovnik (DBV).
• Redeem 50,000 Asiana Club miles to fly United economy from Denver (DEN) to London (LHR) to Split (SPU).
• Redeem 55,000 ANA Mileage Club miles to fly United and Croatia Airlines economy class from Houston (IAH) to London (LHR) to Split (SPU).
• Redeem 80,000 Asiana Club miles to fly Turkish Airlines business class from San Francisco (SFO) to Istanbul (IST) to Zagreb (ZAG).
• Redeem 88,000 ANA Mileage Club miles to fly United and Croatia Airlines business class from Chicago (ORD) to Amsterdam (AMS) to Zagreb (ZAG).
• Redeem 100,000 Cathay Pacific Cathay miles to fly Iberia business class from Boston (BOS) to Madrid (MAD) to Zagreb (ZAG).

For more creative ways to get to Croatia on points and miles, including the routes mentioned above, our in-depth article on the topic tells you how.

One of the cards I use frequently to earn flexible reward points that can be transferred to airline partners is The Platinum Card^® from American Express. Or, when I book flights directly with the airline or AmexTravel.com, I earn 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on the entire purchase (up to $500,000, then 1x).

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The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

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Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• With American Express Global Lounge Collection^® you can enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion^® Lounge, Unlimited Delta Sky Club^® Access when flying an eligible Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass™ Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges subject to visit limitations. Lounges may have their own rules, like additional access rules and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll and there are unlimited airport lounge visits for Card Members. With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express^® App or visit http://www.americanexpress.com/findalounge#/loungefinder.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Zagreb

Zagreb, Croatia’s capital and northern hub city, is historically charming, has a vibrant street life, and displays an edge of quirkiness.

The city center is fun to explore and includes a medieval old town, cobblestone streets, and an Upper Town you can visit using the shortest funicular ever (or take the stairs).

The city has remnants of World War II infrastructure and related historical sites citywide.

Where To Stay in Zagreb Using Hotel Loyalty Points

The Westin Zagreb, a Marriott property, is a 15-minute walk to central Zagreb. It’s a decent property and a bargain, starting at 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Another Marriott property, the Sheraton Zagreb, is more centrally located and can be booked from just 16,500 points per night.

You can select from several Hilton properties in Zagreb. The Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Centre and Hilton Garden Inn Zagreb Radnicka are bookable starting at 25,000 Hilton Honors points per night. The DoubleTree by Hilton Zagreb starts at 27,000 Hilton Honors points per night. The Canopy is in the city center, while the Hilton Garden Inn and DoubleTree are about a 20-minute walk outside the city.

Things To Do

Zagreb will surprise you with its variety of activities to experience:

• Lined with cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and hosting events, Tkalčićeva Street is the main pedestrian social hub.
• Now a pedestrian tunnel, the Grič Tunnel was built as a bomb shelter during the war. Tunnel entrances can be found throughout the old city and are marked with the Zagreb coat of arms. The tunnel hosts art exhibitions and social events. Cultura Obscura lists all the don’t-miss sites if you want to learn more about the dark history of Zagreb’s situation during the war.
• For every reason a person has ever broken up with a lover, there’s an object and a story to represent that separation. The Museum of Broken Relationships reads like a documentary that will make you ponder, reflect, or laugh. If this museum is not quirky enough, visit the Museum of Hangovers.
• Take the shortest funicular in the world or walk the steps to Upper Town, the oldest part of Zagreb, to enjoy some of the best sights. Many churches (including St. Mark’s, pictured above), museums, parks, pedestrian streets, and oldest buildings are found in Upper Town.
• Markets: Don’t miss the Dolac Market in Lower Town, where you can buy homemade and artisan goods and local produce. Look for the red umbrellas covering all the market stalls. There are also markets in Upper Town.

I can’t possibly list all the things there are to do in Zagreb. You can find more information here on the Zagreb tourism site.

Food To Try

• It doesn’t get much quirkier than Mia Corazon. The eating and drinking establishment occupies 2 buildings and is separated by the street. It’s like your grandmother’s living room exploded and all those belongings now babysit a portrait of the Mona Lisa and her doll collection. Order their delicious sangria and select several tapas. You’re going to be there for a while.
• Don’t miss trying Zagorski štrukli, a creamy, stuffed dough with a sweet or savory filling. It’s a traditional northern Croatian dish. La Štruk in Upper Town makes some of the best, but you can find it throughout Zagreb.
• For the freshest, most delicious bread and pastries, stop by any Zagreb bakery or seek out a booth at one of the open markets.
• Black risotto is a signature dish of northern Croatia and worth a try. Made with squid or cuttlefish ink, it has an earthy, savory flavor with a hint of the sea. You can’t go wrong with fresh fish, as well.
• Coffee culture is king in Zagreb. Here is one of the best articles on Zagreb cafes I’ve read, complete with a descriptive list.

I use my Chase Sapphire Reserve^® to pay for most of my meals abroad. I don’t incur foreign transaction fees on my purchases and earn 3x Ultimate Rewards points for every $1 I spend dining worldwide.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

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Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$550

APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel^SM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025

Cons

• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any hotel elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Split

Split is a medieval treasure that begs to be explored, but the city can also serve as a base for numerous day trips to the surrounding islands.

Split is unique. It has been an ancient working city since Roman times, and its Diocletian Palace and the entire historical center are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Wandering around Old Town Split immerses you in medieval surroundings.

Split is also a cultural hub with museums, theaters, exhibitions, concerts, and festivals. It is the second-largest city in Croatia and perfectly positioned on the Adriatic coastline.

Where To Stay in Split Using Hotel Loyalty Points

Marriott properties in Split include the Le Méridien Lav, Split, 5 miles south of the city on a high cliff overlooking the sea. Rooms start at 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. The newly built AC Hotel Split is a 10-minute walk to the city center and has a modern, urban vibe. Rates begin at 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hilton offers the Hotel Vestibul Palace, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The upscale hotel combines modern and historical architecture and is ideal for its location in the city center, within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace. Standard room rates start at 45,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The Briig Boutique Hotel, an upscale Mr & Mrs Smith waterfront property, is just outside the city. Book nights from 16,500 World of Hyatt points. The hotel is a lovely 20-minute walk to town.

Starting point rates for hotel nights are often off-peak and shoulder seasons.

I’ve had some enjoyable hotel experiences redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points for hotels in Croatia. Since there are 2 Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Split, earning and redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points could prove valuable.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card offers a free hotel night worth up to 85,000 points at each card renewal anniversary. Because the card has Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, I enjoy upgraded rooms, breakfast, and lounge access when available.

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

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Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer End 5/14/2025.

185,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,295

Annual Fee

$650

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
• 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• Steep annual fee of $650 (rates & fees)
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy^® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy^® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card.
• Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Brilliant Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy^® Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton^® or St. Regis^® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck^® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
• Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Things To Do

• Explore the most important sights first. Diocletian’s Palace and the city core are key reasons to visit Split. You can easily book a tour or independently explore the maze of ancient ruins. Klis Fortress, made famous in the “Game of Thrones” series, and the Soloma, an archaeological park, should also be high on your list.
• Take the ferry to the medieval town of Trogir, just west of Split. It takes just an hour to reach this 13th-century town, making it the perfect day excursion.
• Visit a nearby island. Hvar, Brac, Solta, and Bisevo are some of the most popular.
• Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s oldest and largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. A day trip from Split to bask in the park’s natural beauty is a day you won’t forget.
• Walk the promenade around Riva Harbor, one of the most beautiful in Croatia.

Learn more about what to do in Split at the official tourism site.

Food To Try

• Freshly grilled seafood is a must-try in Split. My favorites include squid, anchovies, Adriatic shrimp, and sea bass. Konoba Fetivi and Fish Mama are good restaurants, but you won’t go wrong selecting most establishments along the cobblestone pedestrian alleyways.
• Gregada, a famous Dalmatian fish stew, is worth trying. It is a popular dish, originally from the nearby island of Hvar, made with white wine and herbs.
• Ćevapi are Balkan grilled sausages typically served with flatbread, kajmak (a cheese-like clotted cream), and ajvar (roasted red peppers and eggplant). Kantun Paulina is an affordable spot to get a few sandwiches for takeaway.
• Any food with truffles. Truffles are found in northern Croatia but are included in dishes prepared throughout Croatia, including Split and Zagreb.
• After eating, you may be offered rakija, a Croatian brandy. Made from fermented fruit, the clear golden liquor makes a lovely ending to a meal. Note that it has a high alcohol content.

Many of the traditional foods found in Split can also be found in Zagreb and Dubrovnik. When near the sea, however, your best bet is fresh seafood.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is one of the most popular cities in Croatia. Made even more popular by “Game of Thrones,” the city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has tremendous historical significance.

In addition to the medieval infrastructure of the old city and surrounding architecture, the seaside location provides visitors with a wealth of experiences.

Dubrovnik is generally more expensive than Split or Zagreb, but the city still offers good value. Visit during spring and fall, as the city may be extremely crowded during summer. The city is also a popular cruise port.

The Dubrovnik Tourism site provides a good overview of more reasons to visit the area.

Where To Stay in Dubrovnik Using Points

The Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera is a 15-minute water taxi or bus ride to the city center. The quiet location can be a welcome respite from the buzz of the city. The village of Mlini is a 15-minute walk along the waterfront. Room bookings start at 33,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

The Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik is just steps away from the Old City, making the hotel a perfect choice for exploring Dubrovnik. While the building is historic, its updated modern decor, spa, indoor pool, and executive lounge make it a regal option for a city stay. Rooms are available from 40,000 Hilton Honors points.

Hyatt has 3 hotels in Dubrovnik. With stunning views and just a few steps from Old Town, the Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik puts you in the heart of everything from 25,000 World of Hyatt Points.

Perched on a rocky cliff with elevator access to the private beach, the Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik is a 20-minute walk to Old Town. Book the hotel starting at 24,250 points per night. The hotel is a Mr & Mrs Smith and Small Luxury Hotels of the World property.

With a theme of stunning sea views and modern interiors, the Hotel Kompas offers yet another Hyatt hotel near the city center. Booking a room starts at 20,000 points.

Each of our featured cities has at least 1 Hilton property. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card offers strong earning potential that helps you accumulate Hilton Honors points quickly. This means more free Hilton hotel nights quicker. Additionally, the card includes a free night certificate after you spend $15,000 on the card in a calendar year.

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card

An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.

Welcome Offer

Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 4/29/2025.

130,000 points + a Free Night Award

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $650

Annual Fee

$150

APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re someone who loves traveling and loves staying in Hilton hotels, adding a co-branded Hilton hotel card to your wallet is almost a no-brainer. From automatic Hilton elite status to up to $200 in Hilton credits every year, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card can be a great fit for Hilton loyalists looking to up their travel game.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 12x points per $1 at Hilton hotels
• 6x points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants
• 4x points per $1 at U.S. online retail purchases

Cons

• Annual fee of $150 (rates & fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 4/29/2025.
• Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card. That's up to $200 in statement credits annually.
• Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
• Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
• Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card.
• Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year.
• As a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card Member, you can enroll to receive complimentary National Car Rental^® Emerald Club Executive^® status through the link on your American Express online account. After you're enrolled, you can reserve a rental car by calling National Car Rental directly, using your travel service, or by booking online or through the National Car Rental mobile app. Terms apply.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
• $150 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Hilton Honors

Things To Do

• Surrounded by a fortress, Old Town Dubrovnik is explorable on foot. The full length of the city walls is about 1.24 miles, but the views and grounding with history are memorable.
• Wander the Placa promenade through Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to view Onofrio’s Great Fountain, Orlando’s Column, the Dominican monastery, Rector’s Palace, and more.
• Take the Dubrovnik cable car to the top for incredible city views and the Adriatic Sea coastline.
• You could find the “Game of Thrones” filming sites on your own, but booking a “Game of Thrones” tour to add a knowledgeable narrative and share the experience with like-minded travelers could be even more fun.
• Kolocep, Lopud, and Sudurad, all a part of the Elaphiti Islands, are close to Dubrovnik. You can visit all 3 in a day and enjoy the caves, local foods, and amazing beaches.

Hot Tip:

Of all the Croatian cities, Dubrovnik is the best for booking tours. Viator offers dozens of options, including “Game of Thrones”-themed tours, island hopping, food tours, city tours, boating, day trips, and many more. Learn more about why Viator is my go-to for booking amazing excursions and tours.

Food To Try

• My favorite dish when visiting Dubrovnik is grilled squid, but fresh fish, oysters, mussels, and other shellfish also make for a delicious meal. Octopus salad is a must-try in Dubrovnik, as well.
• Šporki makaruli is a hearty, traditional beef and pasta dish for those who prefer a meat-based meal. You can find šporki makaruli and local black risotto, made with cuttlefish or squid ink, throughout the city. Konoba Dubrava restaurant in Dubrovnik gets good reviews for traditional Croatian food and serves both dishes.
• Börek is a traditional phyllo dough pastry with savory fillings, including spinach, meat, and cheese. It’s a light pastry, not hearty, so try several to find your favorite variety.
• Top off your meal with arancini, a traditional delicacy of candied orange peels. It is simple yet flavorful and lighter than a calorie-laden dessert.

There are far too many amazing food experiences to share here. This list at Dubrovnik.com is a great overview of foods to try in Dubrovnik.

Final Thoughts

Croatia is an amazing country that deserves to top your travel list. You might as well start your adventure with these 3 great cities.

Hotels may close during the winter month for 1 to 3 months.

It’s also worth mentioning that travel between cities can be challenging. For example, there is no train station in Dubrovnik and a limited network in the northern part of the country. Taking the bus is safe and reliable. The ferry network is scenic and pleasant for island hopping. It’s also a good choice for the 5-hour or more trip between Split and Dubrovnik.

However you choose to see Croatia, your trip will be enjoyable and memorable.