Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik (Croatia)

Do you love history, quaint seaside settings, and top-class food? Then you will love the coastal city of Dubrovnik, in the south of Croatia.

Home to incredible landscapes, a well-preserved old town, unique legends, good beaches, water sports, stunning day trips nearby, and great food, Dubrovnik offers endless places to see and I’ve included all of my favorite ones in this article.

Keep reading to discover all the best things to do in Dubrovnik.

 

But first, let’s discover some basic information you need to know to organize the trip.

Planning a Trip to Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a trendy destination in Europe, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the country, mostly during summer, from June to September.

Italians, French, Germans, and visitors from other Balkan countries choose this Adriatic gem for relaxing, often long, and quite affordable holidays.

Since it’s so popular, everything sells fast, especially accommodation. For that reason, planning ahead will avoid paying high fees for places to stay and transportation.

Moreover, since the recent success of the HBO series Games of Thrones, Dubrovnik has seen its alleys flooded with fans of the TV show who want to see everything and photograph everything related to the series.

As a consequence, choosing to visit during July or August can be a challenge.

It’s also a good idea to plan what excursions you would like to take and book them in advance to avoid missing out on things that you really want to do or see.

LEARN MORE: 10-Day Croatia Itinerary

When to travel to Dubrovnik

As I’ve just mentioned, the city is very popular in summer but can be overpopulated all year round.

I suggest visiting at the end of spring (between May and June) or when the peak season is over (from September to October).

This will guarantee fewer crowds, very pleasant temperatures, and cheaper fees.

Where is Dubrovnik?

The city is in the south of Croatia, facing the Adriatic Sea, in the Croatian region of Dalmatia.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a distinctive Old Town, massive ancient stone walls, and Baroque and Renaissance buildings.

As you can see in the map below, Dubrovnik is located in the very southern portion of Croatia.

LEARN MORE: 10+ Best Places to Visit in Croatia

 

Getting to Dubrovnik

The best way to get to Dubrovnik is by plane. The city hosts an international airport that connects it with many European cities and the capital of Croatia, Zagreb.

Dubrovnik is located about 600 kilometers from Zagreb and less than 250 kilometers from Split.

LEARN MORE: 15+ Best Things to Do in Split Croatia

Moving Around in Dubrovnik

Walking around the old town is quite easy, as most landmarks are close to each other.

To check out nearby towns or even nearby countries such as Montenegro or Bosnia and Herzegovina, renting a car is affordable.

Alternative means of transport include trains and buses, while taxis are safe and affordable too.

You can rely on organized trips that will give you peace of mind and will let you focus on exploring and enjoying the landscapes.

From Dubrovnik, there are dozens of available tours to explore the gorgeous Herceg Novi, Mostar (in nearby Bosnia), or Kotor (in Montenegro).

Accommodations in Dubrovnik

Guest House Blaise is a perfect place to meet new people in town and maybe enjoy a coffee with a new friend.

The place offers affordable but cozy accommodation overlooking the impressive red roofs of the old town and the sea, and it’s only 550 meters from Banje Beach and a stone’s throw from the old town.

If you’re looking for beachfront hotels in Dubrovnik check out Royal Neptun Hotel or the Hotel Kompas.

Rather, if you want luxury accommodations in the city center then Boutique Hotel Stari Grad may be just the right place.

You can search for more hotels in Dubrovnik here and find just the right place to suit your needs.

Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik

Now let’s get into all the activities and places to see in Dubrovnik.

Discover the Ancient Walls

Probably the most remarkable landmark in town, Dubrovnik’s historic district is surrounded by imposing walls and stone towers that have gained the town the status of the best protected old city in Europe in the Middle Ages.

One of the best things to do is to walk over the walls to get a completely different look at the old port and the city, as well as at the hundreds of gorgeous townhouses, all of them with distinctive red roofs.

 

Check out the Pile Gate

Walking through the Pile Gate is the most common way to enter the old town.

The famous entrance dates back to 1537, and it features two impressive arches built in the Gothic style, connected to a drawbridge made of wood.

This was one of the most important protection mechanisms that added to the city’s defensive system.

Explore the Church of the Holy Salvation

This important religious building is located a few meters from the Pile Gate, right opposite the well-known Onofrio Fountain, a complex ancient structure that receives water from a nearby old aqueduct.

The church was built back in the 1500s and features incredible entrance doors and impressive interiors.

 

Have a coffee in the old town

The city features dozens of amazing coffee shops which have become popular meeting points for locals, and excellent places to stop for a break when you’ve spent the whole morning exploring the alleys of the old town.

You can pick any of them for a morning coffee break, a midday snack, or a refreshing drink after some hours of walking around.

For instance, Soul Cafe sometimes includes live music while Cogito brews one of the best coffees in town.

Take a Stroll along the Stradum

The city’s main promenade, known as Placa or Stradum, is full of landmarks and amazing sights.

It is also the place where locals enjoy going for a walk after work in the evenings.

The Stradum is Old Dubrovnik’s main street, a long, colorful promenade that ends in Luza Square where you will find a magnificent ancient clock tower.

Dubrovnik’s Clock Tower is an important landmark built back in 1444.

Check Out Dubrovnik’s Cathedral

Home to impressive churches and other religious constructions, make some time to explore the cathedral of Dubrovnik.

It is also located in the old town, and it is a gorgeous baroque cathedral with imposing stone walls.

Inside, you can enjoy dozens of magnificent works of religious art, sculptures, and paintings made by local and Italian artists.

The most remarkable of them is a Titian painting placed on the altar of the church.

 

Admire the Gothic Architecture at the Rector’s Palace

You can check both the cathedral and the palace together since the latter is located a few steps away from the church.

Once the seat of the main government, this is another unmissable Gothic building.

Other than its magnificent architecture, the palace is known for housing the Cultural History Museum of Dubrovnik, which is the right place to visit to learn about the local history.

 

Stop for drinks and snacks in Dubrovnik’s Old Town

There are several places worth considering for a break when visiting the historic town of Dubrovnik, whether you want to enjoy a cup of coffee or simply find an excuse for a quick rest before continuing walking in town.

Probably the most traditional place for a cup of coffee and some atmosphere is the well-known Cafe Festival, set in a typical stone building on the Stradum.

Sunbathe at a Local Beach

Banje Beach is perfect to relax for a couple of hours. The beach is fairly close to the city and has a relaxing vibe.

Here, the sand is soft and the waters shallow and safe for a long swim.

There are a few snack bars along the coast for a drink or a meal too.

LEARN MORE: 20 Best Beaches in Croatia

Marvel at Fort Lovrijenac

If you walk to the west port of Dubrovnik, you can visit Fort Lovrijenac where you can enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the old town.

To get there, you can walk from the walls that surround the old district; this is a relaxing stroll with plenty of opportunities for amazing photos.

Fort Lovrijenac is considered another architectural defensive masterpiece in the country. It is situated over an impressive series of hills.

 

Fall in Love with the Franciscan Monastery Complex

Owner of different architectural styles that contrast with one another, this religious complex was built over several centuries.

As a result, you can see elements of Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance all over the building.

Inside the complex, devote some time to explore the 1300s apothecary, believed to be the oldest pharmacy in the world.

Wander along the corridors and discover the cloisters and the precious library with a remarkable collection of over 20,000 books and curious ancient manuscripts.

Watch the Sunset at the City Walls

Although the city walls are probably the first thing you visited in Dubrovnik, getting there when the sun is about to set is another unmissable thing to do in town.

The views are simply spectacular.

Right after, you can head to the center for a dinner or join a gastronomic night walking tour like this one to discover the best food points in the city.

Visit the Elaphiti Islands

These three beautiful gems opposite the city are a perfect day trip destination for some seaside relaxation.

Located just off the Dalmatian coastline, in the area, you can go swimming in the Blue Cave of Kolocep Island, spend time on the beaches of Lopud Island, or go wine tasting on Sipan Island.

You can choose to visit just one of them, boarding a public boat in the port, or you can explore them with an organized private tour like this one.

 

Climb Mount Srd

Easy to climb through one of the few well-marked hiking trails, Mount Srd is a distinctive landmark in town located close to the old town.

As you work your way up the mountain, you will experience breathtaking views of the Dalmatian coast, the Adriatic Sea, and the city of Dubrovnik at your feet.

Although this can be an exciting adventure, relax! You don’t really need to hike all the way up if you don’t want to, you can get to the summit either by bus or by cable car too.

 

Kayak to Lokrum Island

No trip to Dubrovnik can be considered complete if you do not try the utmost adventure that most tourists enjoy in town: sea kayaking!

Kayaking right below the impressive city walls is an adventure you don’t want to miss.

There are different kayak facilities all around the coast so you can pick the one that suits you best and paddle your way into the sea, exploring nearby caves and islands.

For instance, reaching the nearby Lokrum Island is perfect to enjoy snorkeling in the crystal clear waters and visiting some beautiful sea caves.

Other than some gorgeous beaches, on the island, there are also lush pine trees and forests, several hiking trails, safe and well-marked, and other points of interest, such as Saint Mary’s Benedictine Monastery. On the island, it is also possible to visit a botanic garden.

Most kayak tours to Lokrum include snorkeling equipment and many of them also feature a small Croatian wine tasting session.

The most beautiful time of the day to do this is early in the morning to beat the crowds, or at sunset, for incredibly beautiful views.

 

Dubrovnik to Montenegro Day Trip

Only a few kilometers from Dubrovnik, the small Balkan country of Montenegro can be an easy day trip and a fantastic way to add an extra stamp in your passport.

You can either rent a car and drive along the dreamy Dalmatian coast or get on a bus and sit back while admiring the beautiful panorama from the window.

The capital of Montenegro is the UNESCO-listed Kotor, a picturesque, small town facing the bay of the same name.

In town, there are different places to visit, including the old historic district.

Just minutes from the coast, you can also check out the small Church of Our Lady of the Rock by boarding a boat in the small port of Kotor.

And to complete the interesting experience, you can get back on your car (or boat) and continue on the road until you reach the charming provincial town of Budva, home to gorgeous beaches and a very quiet vibe.

If bus travel sounds like too much of a hassle and you’re not interested in driving, then check out this very convenient organized trip that also includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel.

 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the city of Dubrovnik features impressive things to see and do during your visit; you can choose them all or pick just a few of them. No matter what you do, you will certainly have a great time in Dubrovnik.

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