Suitcases banned in Dubrovnik, Croatia to curb noise pollution

If you’re planning a trip to this popular Europe destination, you better think twice about dragging your suitcase along its famed cobble-stoned streets.

Croatia is one of the most picturesque destinations in Europe with the city of Dubrovnik attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.

From the stunning coastline and islands, to the food and warmth of the people, it’s no surprise tourists flock to the city.

But if you’re heading to the hotspot this summer, you may want to think twice about lugging a massive wheelie suitcase around.

Tourists have been banned from dragging wheelie suitcases in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Picture: iStock

Residents have complained about noise pollution when tourists drag their suitcases around the city’s famed stone-paved and cobbled streets, raging that the act keeps them up at night.

And because of this, mayor Mato Frankovic has introduced new rules that will see tourists banned from dragging wheeled suitcases around the winding roads in Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

Visitors who do choose to carry their bags face a hefty fine of £228 — $A435.

To curb noise pollution, the city’s mayor introduced new rules that will see visitors fined £228 — $A435 if they drag their suitcases in Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

“Sounds like a great idea, can we do the same at airports and stations, they are a menace,” one person wrote online about the new rule.

The ban is part of a bigger plan to stop tourists from carrying any suitcases in Dubrovnik.

According to local reports, from November, the local government intends to set up a system where travellers deposit bags outside the city.

It comes as residents complained about noise pollution when tourists drag their suitcases around the city’s famed cobble-stoned footpaths. Picture: iStock

The bags will then be transported directly to guests’ addresses by couriers.

The measure comes as part of the “Respect the City” program, introduced by the Dubrovnik Tourist Office, according to Schengenvisainfo News.

Dubrovnik continues to remain high on the travel list for tourists with The Dubrovnik Times reporting since the beginning of the year, the city recorded 289,000 arrivals and 763,500 overnight stays, which is 32 per cent more than the same period in 2022.

Meanwhile, tourists have also been urged not to walk pets without a lead, not to climb on monuments or to walk around without wearing a shirt, as a way to show “respect” to the city.