16 Things To Do In Dubrovnik, Croatia

Straddling the stretch of Southern Croatia’s coastline, Dubrovnik is a city sure to dabble you in its delight. So let’s get to it. Here are 16 Best Things to do in Dubrovnik.

Stroll the soaring city walls, trek up the perimeter towers, or manoeuvre the maze-like streets of the Old Town.

Stumble upon countless churches, Medieval monasteries, and the myriad of monuments threaded throughout this vivacious city.

From kicking back cliff-side for a sunset beer, to sea kayaking and hiking heaving hills, Dubrovnik is truly one of a kind.

Each corner evokes a unique experience not to be forgotten, undoubtedly dubbing Dubrovnik as a strong contender for one of the best places to visit in Croatia.

Here’s what we cover in this guide:

• 16 Things to do in Dubrovnik

• Top Day Trips from Dubrovnik

• Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik

• How to Get to Dubrovnik

• How to Get Around Dubrovnik

• FAQs

Walk the City Walls

If you’re only going to do one thing, make sure you head up to Dubrovnik’s City Walls. This is a must-see.

This medieval masterpiece encapsulates the terracotta-tiled Old Town, whilst providing pinnacle points to look out over the ruins, battlements and crashing coastline. You can even spot Lokrum Island in the distance.

These intact, imperious walls are in fact one of the major reasons the city qualifies as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With roots running back to 600AD, the current structure is supported by the reconstruction from the 15th-17th century. These limestone, white-washed walls span nearly 2000m in length and feature 6 prominent fortresses (Lovrijenac, Revelin, Minčeta, Bokar, St John and St Lucas). You can catch the steepest views of the city walls from Fort Minceta.

Game of Thrones fans, there’s no doubt you’ll recognise multiple locations within the confines of these soaring city walls. Have your cameras on standby and be sure to check out this specialised tour.

Entrance fees to the city walls are 200kn per person. You can book your Dubrovnik City Walls tickets here. Opening times vary according to the season, so check out the link here.

The total distance to complete the full circuit takes around 1-2 hours, depending on your pace. There are guided tours available (at an extra cost), which are great if you want to take a deeper dive into the city’s history.

You can, however, walk the loop independently.

We spent 2 hours frolicking around the myriad of hot spots here and you could probably spend longer. Especially if you don’t have to follow a guided tour group.

I believe that this worked better because we could go at our own pace and stop when we wanted rather than trotting along with a chain of other sightseers.

The earlier you set off, the better. To avoid the crowds, aim for either opening (8 am in summer, 9 am in winter) or otherwise, an hour before the sun sets.

We arrived around 6-7 pm and watched the sun paint the town scintillating shades of pink and hazy orange hues.

The City Walls are one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik, especially if you can plan your timing to ditch the crowds!

Get Lost in the Old Town

Ponder around the perplexing, puzzle-like streets of the Old Town. This UNESCO Listed Site is undoubtedly one for the books. From the charming cathedrals and architectural gems to grasping the gist of the grid-like array of alleyways, Dubrovnik’s Old Town will have you feeling like you’re meandering through a movie scene.

At first glance, it’s a simple, straight, limestone street that’s fringed by grandiose houses, roaring restaurants, boutique stores and touristic tipping points. But, if you look beyond the surface, you’ll find much more than just that.

Let your curiosity run wild and stroll the streets at your own pace, paying attention to the stellar spots speckled around each corner. Don’t miss out on the main street, known by the names of Stradun or Placa.

Some highlights of Dubrovnik’s Old Town include Sponza Palace, the Cathedral, Rector’s Palace, Roland’s Column and the Franciscan Monastery.

Save yourself some pennies by filling up your water bottles from Onofrio’s Fountain.

Dapple in a pit stop near a fountain or church and grab a freshly-scooped-up serve of gelato.

For a little more insight into this intriguing city’s rich history, there is also an abundance of guided walking tours available.

Avoid feeling frazzled by the hoards of crowds by heading here early in the morning.

For the full ambience. head here in the afternoon for a quick cup of coffee, or in the evening for a bite to eat at one of the sprawling sea-to-table restaurants. This is when you’ll truly get a taste of Dubrovnik’s enticing essence.

Bask in Birds-Eye Vistas From the Cable Car

One of the best things to do in Dubrovnik is to baffle over the bedazzling views from the summit of Mount Srd. Perched over 400m above the city, the looming landscape appears nothing short of miniature. Whilst scaling up the steep slope, the cable car provides you with opportunities aplenty to bask in the breathtaking scenery.

From the historical realms of the Old Town beaming with baked-clay tiles to the alluring Adriatic Sea and verdant islands, Mount Srd provokes a sense of suspense whilst you scale the route mid-air. This gleaming orange cable car takes you to an undoubtedly unparalleled viewpoint. Head here for sunset to catch the contrast in the cobalt blue waters fusing into the hue of the horizon.

One-way tickets go for around 90kn, and round-trip tickets can be purchased for 170kn. For the Cable Car timetable, click the link here.

Taste Local Cuisine

Calling all foodies! Dubrovnik is one of the best places in Croatia to sample a mouth-watering mix of local and international gastronomy.

Set aside the evening to explore the eclectic array of eateries, lock lips with Croatian wine and indulge in local cuisine.

Dubrovnik is well-known for its scrumptious seafood scene, freshly-picked Mediterranean flavours and traditional Croatian plates.

Taste local delicacies like grilled fish, black risotto and peka (slow-cooked meat or seafood). If wine isn’t to your taste, test out the local rakija (fruit brandy).

Sink a beer, cliffside.

Take a detour from the typical tourist routes and make your way down to one of the city’s clifftop-hugging bars. Discover a surprising gem that boasts freedom from the downtown flocks of frenzied tourists at this local hot spot.

You can find one of the best things to din Dubrovnik just a quick 5-minute stroll from the Old Town’s centre. There are two terraces to choose from, Bard Bar and Buža II.

Cemented on the clifftop’s cusp, you’ll catch sublime sea-view scenery at every angle. Peak down at the playful swimmers splashing around in the water below, or take a glance at the gigantic walls towering up above.

This is a surreal spot to sit back, sink some beers and take delight in the sunset. To score a table, you’ll need to get here around 6 pm. Otherwise, if you don’t mind standing, come as you please.

Check out the Dubrovnik Cathedral

This one hits home for more of the history-inclined or religious travellers of such. The Dubrovnik Cathedral is replete with remarkable Baroque architecture and intricate interior artworks. The realm of Renaissance masterpieces is to be found on the main and side altars, along with other whimsical works from Croatian and Italian artists.

Dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, this gem is arrayed with awe-inspiring architecture, intricately-detailed interiors and a stately series of religious art and artifacts.

The cathedral is home to veritable liturgical pieces which date back to the early 1000s. There’s something unique on offer here - the gold-plated bones of none other than St. Blaise himself. The Dubrovnik Cathedral opening times vary depending on the season, so be sure to check their website before heading down. The entrance is free. Boo yeah.

Strut down Stradun (Placa)

Although it can get overly crowded, Stradun is worth seeing in the early morning light or the late evening buzz. As the main street in Dubrovnik's charming Old Town, Stradun (also known as Placa) is steeped deep in old-meets-modern vibes. Brimming with a bustling pedestrian atmosphere, this notorious stretch is scattered with boutique shops, cute cafes and a huge haul of historic buildings.

Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll, pick up some classic souvenirs or socialise with other travellers, this iconic street is worth seeing at least once. If you’re an avid photographer, head here early after sunrise to get the best shots.

Suss out the Church of St. Blaise

Just a speedy one-minute walk away from the Dubrovnik Cathedral is another religious respite, the Church of St Blaise.

Sitting on the remains of a once-Romanesque site, this ornate Baroque church proffers possibilities to revel in the rich details.

Built by the Venetian architect Marino Gropelli in the 1700s, the current construction pays tribute to St Blaise.

Climb the Clock Tower

Incongruously converging with the main street, this is a spot that renders replete vistas from atop the tower. Constructed back in 1444, the Dubrovnik Bell Tower, also known as the Clocktower, soars up to 31m.

Bask in the detail of the two figures of ‘Baro’ and ‘Maro’, which once were bronze but have since turned to a particular shade of green, thanks to the salty ocean air.

This is the major monument in Luza Square, so it’s best to swing by in the early morning if you’re looking to avoid crowds. Closeby is the Franciscan Monastery, which fuses together Baroque, Romanesque and Gothic influences.

Not only has it acted as a melting pot over the centuries, but the monastery is also home to one of the oldest operating pharmacies in the entire world. This top thing to do in Dubrovnik offers incredible views within the city centre, making it perfect for those who might only have a short stay in Croatia.

Take a Game of Thrones Tour

Alright! Calling all film fanatics! It’s no secret that Dubrovnik served as one of the premier filming locations for the ever-popular TV series, Game of Thrones. With millions of viewers from all around the world, there’s a huge haul of the fandom flocking to Dubrovnik just to see the movie-made-famous sites.

If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, you can tag along on guided tours to see top locations. Highlights include the Red Keep (Fort Lovrijenac), the Walk of Shame (Jesuit Staircase) and a dazzling diversity of recognisable locations from the TV show. This budget-friendly guided tour hones in on all the highlights, so if you want to spice up your Croatia itinerary, don’t miss out!

Soak up the Scenery in Sponza Palace

Whilst navigating the nooks and crannies of Dubrovnik’s Old Town you’ll inevitably stumble across this 16th-century gem. Rectangular-shaped Sponza Palace serves as the city’s archives, with an abundance of 100,000 documents dating back to the 10th century.

Also known as Divona, this palace was once a place of business for local tradesmen and merchants, all the way up until the 20th century.

Sponza Palace was also one of the very few Renaissance buildings to survive the earthquake back in 1667. There is a multitude of great bars and restaurants speckled around this area.

As the Old Town is home to a plethora of places to visit, I’d recommend grabbing a bite to eat in this spot so that you can sit back and take it all in, rather than just jumping from one thing to the next.

Bask in the Beauty of Dubrovnik’s Beaches

Few of the beaches that frequent the coastal landscape are sandy. In fact, Dubrovnik’s beaches consist of alluring aquamarine waters amidst the architectural gems and pine forests serving as the backdrop.

The best beaches in Dubrovnik are Banje Beach, Lapad Beach, Sveti Jakov, Bellevue Beach and Copacabana Beach.

The blissful beaches are easily one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik in the summertime. Grab your mates and a frothy beer and head down to the sun-packed seaside!

If you only have time to visit one beach, go for a swim at Banje Beach. Situated just outside Dubrovnik’s Old Town, this gem offers sublime vistas of the soaring city walls and the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Kick back on the pebbly beachfront, splash around in the refreshing waters and dabble in the oceanfront dining scene.

Visit Fort Lovrijenac

Look out at the Adriatic from freestanding Fort Lovrijenac! Also known as Fort Lawrence, overlooks Dubrovnik's western walls, serving as an evocatively evident reminder that the medieval city was once all-consumed by concerns of invasion.

In addition to the forts framing Dubrovnik's City Walls, this fort sits on the edge of 37m-high stones. And to reach the peak, you’ll be trekking up 200 steps, so make sure you bring a water bottle with you.

Considering the fact that the Lovrijenac Fort is technically part of the city’s defence system, a visit is covered in the City Walls ticket.

Opening times are the same but are subject to change depending on the season. Theatre buffs, stay tuned. Every year the Lovrijenac Fort plays host to the popular production of "Hamlet".

You can catch the scene live during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival.

Lokrum Island

Set off sailing or sea kayaking as you explore Lokrum Island! Step foot inside this nonpareil nature reserve as you roam through the lush gardens, picturesque walking trails and stony beaches.

Check out the 19th-century Fort Royal, kick back under the shade of ancient trees and bask in piercingly blue waters.

With Lokrum Island located just a stone’s throw from the tip of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, it’s no doubt that sailing and sea kayaking are two of the best things to do in this Croatian city.

On top of Lokrum Island, an ample array of other idyllic islets, including the verdantly eclectic, Elaphite Archipelago lie just off the coast.

From exploring the pristine nature reserves to getting a unique glance at the seaside city, these water experiences are wonderful to say the very least. There are a handful of charter agencies located on Dubrovnik’s marina, in case you want to hire a motor boat or set off on a sea kayaking tour.

Croatia Travel Tip: It’s better to book your kayaks or boat experience ahead of time, especially if you’re travelling in the summer months. If you’re on a budget, book online, rather than in person. If you’re looking for the top things to do in Dubrovnik, this private boat cruise. offers a killer sunset experience with beer and wine! Yeehaw!

See the City Walls Museum

If you’re a fan of history and culture, don’t miss a visit to the Dubrovnik City Walls Museum. Dive deep into the hefty history, learn about the construction of the city walls and see exhibits that’ll put things into perspective.

The City Walls Museum is one of the top things to do in Dubrovnik for history enthusiasts. Explore the exhibitions and discover the defense systems, fortifications and the city's rich maritime past.

Day Trips from Dubrovnik, Croatia

Lokrum Island

Lokrum Island is easily one of the best day trips on Dubrovnik’s doorstep. This unparalleled, uninhabited natural splendour is fringed by pine forests and crowned with rocky coves. There’s an ample array of walking tracks threaded throughout the lush greenery, leading you to the crashing coastline’s pristine waters.

The scene is painted by peacocks and palm trees, buzzing botanical gardens and is dotted with distinctive remnants from the Napoleonic and medieval eras, amongst others. Amidst the ancient ruins, there’s also a monastery & a restaurant to revel in the landscape as you sip a cocktail (or three) and replenish your cravings.

Distance from Dubrovnik to Lokrum Island:

• By ferry: The journey will take around 10-20 minutes and tickets cost 150 kn per passenger.

*Keep in mind that the last boats leave around 7 pm, but that is subject to change depending on the time of year.

Split

Aside from the dazzling turquoise waters along the Dalmatian coast, this sprightly hub has served as an ancient district dating back almost 2000 years.

Amongst the sprawling sites and Roman ruins, you’ll find a rather vivacious nightlife intertwined with a gratifying gastronomy scene, effortlessly exhibiting the city’s blend of modern and medieval.

As the country’s second-largest city, Split harbours a wealth of opportunities to satisfy beach lovers, history fanatics, nightlife enthusiasts, and frivolous foodies alike. From Diocletian’s Palace and the Old Town to Peristil Square and Marjan Hill, I’ve got you covered in this post here with the Best Things to do in Split, Croatia.

Distance from Dubrovnik to Split:

• By car: 3.5 hours, depending on traffic & border delays. Rent a car here.

• By bus: 4 hours, depending on traffic. Get your bus tickets here.

• By ferry: 4-6 hours, depending on the route. Buy your ferry tickets here.

Montenegro

Ditch the crowds of downtown Dubrovnik and embark on an exquisite escape to Montenegro. On this day tour departing from Dubrovnik, you can visit Kotor Bay and the Old Town, the village of Perast, and Our Lady of the Rocks Island and enjoy a cruise down the Montenegro coastline. Montenegro is one of the most picture-perfect places along the Adriatic.

Exuding an eclectic array of Roman, Turkish, Austrian and Venetian influence, the myriad of monuments paints the region with a unique flair. This timely day trip tour makes things trouble-free, taking you through valleys and Verige, Risan and Perast, and finishing off at UNESCO Listed Kotor. Expect intricately-detailed architecture, grandiose churches, a buzzing local scene and a deep history embedded within every corner of this country.

Distance from Dubrovnik to Montenegro:

• By ferry: This tour takes a total of 11 hours but includes the boat transfer and a local guide, as well as various stops throughout the country.

Korcula

Suffuse yourself in the sublime sights and crystal clear waters of captivating Korcula Island. This day tour invites you to an idyllic island like no other. From the panoramic vistas of the Pelješac peninsula, this trip takes you to Ston, through the narrow streets and multitude of gems in this medieval city.

This day trip also includes a visit to a local winery, with wine and brandy tasting to top it all off. Fun fact: Korcula is supposedly the birthplace of Marco Polo.

Distance from Dubrovnik to Korcula:

• By ferry: This tour takes a total of 10 hours, and includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transport in an air-conditioned minivan, a professional tour guide and a wine tasting.

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Dive into discovering beautiful Bosnia & Herzegovina with this day tour. Admire medieval Mostar and its notorious Old Bridge. The landscape here will have you feeling like you’re in a fairytale.

This trip takes you along the Adriatic Coast into Neum, where you can enjoy a calm cup of coffee and stroll the streets at your own pace. The tour then continues further inland to the picturesque Pocitelj, where you’ll be able to dabble in the delightful landmarks of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The final stop of Mostar mixes together Moorish, Muslim and Christian influences, evoking a distinctive display not to be mimicked elsewhere.

Distance from Dubrovnik to Bosnia & Herzegovina: 10 hours in total, including round-trip transportation, as well as pick-up and drop-off from your Dubrovnik hotel.

Plus, the ticket includes live commentary in English and a guided tour of Mostar.

Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik

If you’re wondering when to go to Dubrovnik, you’re in the right place.

The best time to travel depends highly on your personal preferences, travel budget and what you want to see. Here’s a basic breakdown of the best months to visit Dubrovnik, Croatia.

June, July, or August

The summer season is the peak tourist period in Dubrovnik. If you choose to plan a trip to Croatia during this time, you can expect big crowds and scorching hot weather. The downsides to the high season are the increased prices and the long queues for attractions, restaurants and bars. If you choose to travel during summer, book your flights, accommodation and activities well in advance.

April

The weather in Dubrovnik in April boasts pleasant days and crisp evenings. This is the ideal time to visit Croatia if you’re looking to ditch the summer crowds and enjoy more affordable prices. During this month, you can bask in the activities and restaurant scene. Keep in mind that the water may be too chilly, so don’t count on splashing around or doing water-based activities.

May and September

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Dubrovnik, these two months are a top choice. Both May and September offer warm weather, pleasant water conditions and activities aplenty. If you want to avoid crowds but still enjoy outdoor attractions, this is the most suitable option. Plus, you may even find budget-friendly accommodation and airfares during this season.

How to Get to Dubrovnik

So, now that you’re familiar with the best things to do in Dubrovnik, it’s time to get stuck into the logistics.

When planning your trip to Croatia, you can consider catching ferries, flights, trains, private transfers and buses. Alike Croatian cities like Zagreb and Split, Dubrovnik is well-connected with neighbouring countries in Europe.

If you choose to fly to or from Dubrovnik, try to get a window seat because the birdseye views are absolutely breathtaking! The local airport in Dubrovnik can be found about a 30-minute ride away from the city centre.

From the airport, you can board a bus, book a private transfer or get in a good old-fashioned taxi. If you’re travelling during the peak season, be sure to book ahead to avoid long queues!

Dubrovnik doesn’t have any railway or train network, so if you’re travelling from Split or other cities, you’ll have to catch a bus or ferry. The main bus station is situated next to the ferry terminal. From there, you can hop on bus 1A, B or C to Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

How to Get Around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a very walkable city and navigating the Old Town by foot is one of the best ways to get around. Walking allows you to discover hidden gems and highlights while sprinkling in a little exercise. Keep in mind that many of the streets are steep and narrow, so if you’re not a fan of stairs, you may have to consider other alternatives.

Dubrovnik is home to a well-connected public bus network that spans most of the city. One-way tickets cost roughly €1,60 to €2, depending on the duration and destinations. While this is the best budget-friendly option, you may have to endure big crowds and long queues during the peak season. If you’re visiting Dubrovnik in a group, it’s worthwhile opting for a taxi, private transfer or rideshare service.

FAQS

Is Dubrovnik worth visiting?

Most definitely! There are countless , and it’s 100% worth visiting. From sea & sand to towering walls & medieval monuments, this city truly has it all.

How long should I spend in Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik can be done in one day, however, I’d recommend setting aside 2-3 days to fully experience the hidden gems as well as the highlights. 4-5 days would also allow you to take a day trip (or two).

Is Split or Dubrovnik better?

Personally speaking, Dubrovnik has more on offer than Split. With an awe-worthy gastronomy scene, giant Old Town, City Walls, beaches and island activities, Dubrovnik is also cheaper. If you are, however, chasing nightlife and more day trip options, then Split would be the better option.

What is the best time of year to visit Dubrovnik?

The best time in the year to travel to Dubrovnik is from September to October when temperatures aren't scorching hot and the crowds aren’t as intense. Peak season, June to August, entails lots of tourists, long queues and booked-out accommodation.

Is Dubrovnik safe at night?

Dubrovnik is a safe city for everyone, especially at night. It’s not dangerous to walk the streets of the city areas. Do, how

What is Dubrovnik best known for?

Dubrovnik is famous thanks to TV shows like Game of Thrones. With a historic Old Town, soaring city walls and buzzing cliffside bars, this city flaunts its own unique flair.

How many days in Dubrovnik is enough?

2 days is enough time to see some of the highlights in Dubrovnik. If you want to experience all of the activities, attractions and day trips, it’s best to set aside 5 to 7 days in your itinerary.

How much money do I need per day in Dubrovnik?

Budget a minimum of €75 per day. If you plan on doing lots of activities or day trips, set aside some extra cash.

Can you do Dubrovnik in 3 days?

In 3 days, you can visit most of the major attractions in Dubrovnik. You’ll eat out in local spots, get involved in water activities and maybe even squeeze in a half-day trip. ever, take into consideration that as with any major European city, there is a possibility of pickpockets. In crowded areas, keep your valuables close to you.

Is Dubrovnik expensive?

Dubrovnik is one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe, so you can easily take advantage of all the activities on offer without breaking your bank account. Dubrovnik is only ‘expensive’ if you opt for Michelin-Star restaurants, designer shopping sprees and luxury day trips.

Decked out with a millennia-old city centre that’s teeming with intact architecture, Dubrovnik is a town replete with a rich history. On top of all that, it sits on the cusp of the alluring Adriatic Sea, making it a stellar destination for history freaks, beach fanatics, and Game Of Thrones enthusiasts alike. There are seriously so many reasons why you should visit this Croatian city.

For a deeper dive, check out this guide on How to Plan a Trip to Croatia.

If you would like a personalised itinerary or if you have any questions about the best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia, let me know in the comments down below. Happy travelling!