Discover fun and unique things to do in Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic.
Dubrovnik is well known around the world for its stunning Old City, prominent city walls, pristine coastlines, and of course, for its role as “King’s Landing” in the Game of Thrones series.
Every year, over 1.5 million tourists flock to this beautiful Dalmatian city to walk the Old City Walls, kayak to the hidden caves and spotless beaches, and explore the surrounding islands.
I spent several weeks in this iconic Croatian city exploring and documenting & photographing unique attractions and hidden gems. This is the result, an epic travel guide, revealing the top 45 best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia!
Quick Things You Need to Know Before You Visit Dubrovnik
- Croatia is now the 20th member of the Euro Area (EU), after January 2023, it also became part of the Schengen Zone. This means that for most non-European travelers, time spent in Croatia now counts for the 90-day stay rule in 180 days.
- Croatia also has an awesome Digital Nomad Visa, making it one of the best places to live and work remotely.
- Croatia now officially uses the Euro (€). Nobody accepts the old currency, Kuna.
- The best local sim card for tourists is T-Mobile. They have the best coverage across Croatia and currently offer a 7-day unlimited internet plan for 11.50 euros and just 9 euros to resubscribe. Buy this at the airport when you land or at Tisak media outlets.
- You can purchase a Dubrovnik Card (valid for 24 hours) to gain access to the City Walls, Fort Lovrijenac, and free use of public transport in the city.
- Don't forget travel insurance! HeyMondo offers some of the most comprehensive coverage at affordable rates. Insurance is kind of essential for adventure activities like boat trips, snorkeling, cliff jumping, kayaking, and others you'll likely do in Dubrovnik.
Awesome Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
1. Dubrovnik Old Town
Due to its rich history and magnificent construction, the Old Town of Dubrovnik is one of ten Croatian UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Old City, also known as Stari Grad, has been a hardy Mediterranean sea power since as far back as the 13th century. Due to its coastal positioning and high sea walls, the Old City has long been impenetrable by invading forces, including pirates and the Ottomans.
Most of the primary attractions and points of interest in Dubrovnik are located on or within the city walls, including but not limited to:
- Minčeta Fortress
- Old Harbor
- St John's Fortress
- Rector's Palace
- Stradun
- Dubrovnik Cathedral
- Dubrovnik Clock Tower (Bell Tower)
- Many museums (including the Cultural History Museum & Maritime Museum)
Visitors can access the Old City via the two main gates, the Ploče Gate (main entrance on the east side), and the Pile Gate on the west side.
If you're up for exploring, I highly recommend just getting lost in the narrow streets of the Old City! You'll find tonnes of hidden gems just off the main street (Stradun) including quaint cafes, outdoor restaurants, and vibrant bars throughout the city.
2. Lokrum Island
Dubrovnik has its very own resident island named Lokrum Island, just 500 meters (550 yards) from the Old Harbor.
The island of Lokrum has some of the most beautiful beaches and coves you'll find near Dubrovnik. There's also a Botanical Garden founded in 1959 in the middle of the small island which is worth exploring. Additionally, there's a famous Benedictine Monastery on the island, which dates back to the 11th century!
To get here, you can simply take one of the taxi boats leaving twice an hour from the Old Harbor (Porporela) in Dubrovnik. The journey only takes 15 minutes and costs 27 euros per person.
3. Sea Kayaking Tour
By far, one of the most popular activities in Dubrovnik is a seak kayaking adventure!
Visitors can either rent their own kayak from Banje Beach, Šulić Beach, or from Dubrovnik West Harbor.
Alternatively, if you want to explore the most beautiful beaches and the hidden caves on Dubrovnik's coast and Lokrum Island, then there's also a very popular sea kayaking tour that you can book online using GetYourGuide.
This is one of the best adventure activities in Dubrovnik, but you still don't need any prior kayaking experience as you'll be led by a licensed guide!
4. Game of Thrones Walking Tour
Alright, let's face it, every Game of Thrones fan visits Dubrovnik for a chance to visit the real-world "King's Landing". In fact, the Game of Thrones series is a major reason for Dubrovnik's tourist boom in the recent decade.
Besides the unspeakable finale, the city has a lot to thank HBO for. For the first time, millions of viewers around the world could finally see this beautiful place!
The best way to explore the filming location of the fictional city of "King's Landing" is to book a guided Game of Thrones Walking Tour. This tour runs for roughly one hour as your local guide lets you relive the most memorable scenes of everybody's favorite TV show.
DIY Game of Thrones Tour: Most of the local guides worked as extras or as sherpas carrying camera gear and props for HBO during the filming. Therefore, I recommend booking a walking tour with a local as you'll get some great insights into the behind-the-scenes action! However, I've also written this Dubrovnik GoT filming locations guide if you want to complement the experience with a DIY tour!
5. Betina Cave
Betina Cave is a beautiful sea cave with an amazing beach and crystal-clear turquoise water. You'll find it just a short distance from Dubrovnik and will likely stop by if you book a sea kayaking tour in Dubrovnik.
While this cave beach is less than 20 meters from the main roadway, there is no accessible path leading down from the land. As a result, you can only visit Betina Beach from the sea by boat or Kayak.
Tip: If you rent a kayak, I recommend also heading over to Golub Spilja, another amazing blue-water sea cave on the southern end of Lokrum Island (right next to the nudist beach). Don't worry, if you book a kayaking tour, your guide will show you this cave too!
6. Day Trip to Montenegro
Spending a bit of time in Dubrovnik and looking for some of the best day trips?
Don't worry, in this travel guide I've featured a few, but my favorite is the day trip to Montenegro, considering this beautiful country is just an hour away from Dubrovnik!
This day trip includes:
- Walk through Old Town Kotor
- Explore Kotor Bay (Boka Kotorska)
- See the old village of Perast
- Experience the amazing beaches of Budva
So, if you want to tick another country off your bucket list during your travels to Dubrovnik, add this one to your itinerary!
7. Climb the City Walls of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is famous for its city walls. So, it should come as no surprise that climbing them is one of the top attractions in the city!
Visitors can access the medieval walls from near the Pile Gate, directly beside the 16th Century Church of Salvation and Onofrijeva Fountain (beginning of the main street called Stradun). The fee for the City Walls Ticket is €35, but you can also use your Dubrovnik Card.
From the walls, you'll get the best views over the beautiful city of Dubrovnik, as well as many surrounding islands of the Adriatic Sea.
8. Hike up to the top of Mount Srd for Sunset
Looking for the best possible view of Dubrovnik?
Take a look behind the old city and you'll see the towering Mount Srd rising sharply from the Dalmatian Coast to a height of 412 meters (1,352 ft) above sea level.
Hiking to the top of Mount Srd was one of my favorite sunset moments in Dubrovnik. You'll find the trailhead just a short stroll from the Pile Gate and it's less than an hour's walk to reach the summit viewpoint.
From the top, you'll get expansive views over the walled city and the surrounding islands, including the Elephiti Islands, Lokrum, and the distant Bobora Islands.
9. Or Take the Dubrovnik Cable Car
If you don't feel like strapping up the hiking boots, then it's also possible to reach the Mount Srd summit via the Dubrovnik Cable Car.
This is a short 4-minute ride starting just a few minutes walk from the Ploče Gate and leading to the panorama viewpoint above Dubrovnik. In all honesty, I prefer the hike, because hey, all great views should be earned, right?
10. Banje Beach (Plaža Banje)
Banje Beach is the closest beach to the Ploče Gate and as a result, is the most popular beach in Dubrovnik!
It's also the place where you'll find one of the most popular bars in town, the Bajje Beach Restaurant and Nightclub.
11. Sveti Jakov Beach (Plaža Sveti Jakov)
While all the tourists flock to Banje Beach during Dubrovnik's summer season, the locals like to hang out at the more secluded Sveti Jakov Beach.
Also located on the eastern side of the Old City, this beautiful secluded cove is less than 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the Ploče Gate. This coastal paradise is easily reachable on foot or via Uber or bus.
When you arrive, you'll discover crystal clear water lapping onto a mix of sand and small to medium size pebbles. This is a great beach for swimming with excellent views of Dubrovnik on the coast.
12. Day Trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina (Kravice Waterfalls & Mostar)
Looking for another excellent day trip activity from Dubrovnik?
I highly recommend the Kravice Waterfalls and Mostar trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina! While it is a long day, it offers some serious bang for buck, with a trip to the epic Kravice Waterfalls and the beautiful city of Mostar.
Both of these attractions are a must-visit when traveling in the Balkans, and doing it on a day trip is by far the most affordable and most convenient way to visit.
Did you know? Mostar is world-famous for its spectacular bridge, which is part of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series!
13. Dubrovnik City Gates (Pile Gate & Ploče Gate)
I've mentioned the City Gates of Pile and Ploče a few times now as reference points to get around the city. That's because this historic gate is the most commonly used entry point for exploring all of the interesting things to do in Dubrovnik Old Town.
The strength of the city's fortifications greatly relied on its gates, each of which once had a drawbridge over a moat in place of the current stone crossing.
The Pile Gate on the western side of the Old Town features two Gothic arches dating back to the 15th century. Upon entry, travelers will enter the inner gateway, leading to three access points on the city walls.
The Ploče Gate on the eastern side of Dubrovnik's Old City is protected by the mighty Revelin Fortress.
14. Visit Croatia's Famous Blue Cave
Did you know you can visit one of Croatia's most amazing natural attractions on an island-hopping speedboat trip from Dubrovnik?
You might have already seen the Blue Cave in Croatia in adverts and on social media. This stunning, blue-light cave is located on the tiny Biševo Island, just off of neighboring Vis.
While it's quite a journey to get here, there is one very popular small-group speedboat tour running daily to the Blue Cave from Dubrovnik. This includes a visit to a few other islands along the way, including the stunning Sunj Beach on the island of Lopud, as well as a swim stop on Kolocep Island.
15. Go Zip Lining
Looking for a fun adventure activity in Dubrovnik? While not as long and famous as the Omiš Zipline, the Dubrovnik Zipline course on Mount Srd is still an impressive course spanning over 900 meters!
The zipline adventure begins near the panorama viewpoint on Mount Srd above Dubrovnik and runs over the cliff line 175 meters above ground level! It's known as the longest seaside zipline in Croatia and features amazing views over the Dalmatian Coast.
If you book the zipline activity online, you'll get transport up the mountain included.
Read: Mljet National Park - the greenest island in Croatia.
16. Snap a Photo on the Iron Throne
Die-hard Game of Thrones fans won't want to miss the opportunity to snap a vacation photo with the Iron Throne! Well, not the real one, but one of the many replicas found in souvenir stores across King's Landing (Dubrovnik).
Most stores will ask you to buy something or pay a small fee for the privilege of pretending to rule the seven kingdoms for a brief moment. However, if you book a Game of Thrones tour (above), it'll be included in the experience.
17. Hire Your Own Boat
During my travels in Dubrovnik, one of my favorite experiences was a day out on the nearby islands in a rented speedboat with friends.
There are many perks to hiring your own boat but for me, I loved the freedom of exploring the beautiful Dubrovnik coastline and finding some remote, secluded coves. Being your own guide means you can visit places others don't– meaning renting a boat is one of the best non-touristy things to do in Dubrovnik!
To charter your speedboat or yacht, I recommend heading down to Dubrovnik's Old Harbor or the port of Gruž. You'll find many boat rental companies at both of these ports. Daily rentals range between 200 euros to 400 euros, depending on the size and model of the vessel.
Of course, you're going to need a boat license from your home country. If you don't then I recommend joining a boat trip instead.
18. Park Gradac
Located just a short stroll from the Pile Gate is a beautiful local park. Heading out to this forested area is a great way to spend a lazy afternoon in Dubrovnik.
You'll find plenty of viewpoints here looking out over the Adriatic Sea and the backside of Fort Lovrijenac.
19. Danče Beach (Plaža Danče)
Located at the back of Gradac Park, just a 5-minute stroll west of the Old Town is the local beach known as Danče Beach.
This is one of the oldest beaches in Dubrovnik and is accessible via a narrow downhill path. At the bottom, you'll find rocky shores to relax on, and crystal clear waters to swim in. Additionally, there's a Franciscan convent church Sv Marija right next to the beach.
Chances are, you won't find many tourists at Danče Beach. This makes it a great alternative to escape the crowds during the busy summer months!
20. Cliff Bar (Buza Bar - Hole in the wall)
Looking for the most unique place to have a drink in Dubrovnik's Old City?
You definitely shouldn't miss Buza Bar. This awesome bar is located on the cliffside wedged between the outside of Dubrovnik's City Walls and the Adriatic Sea. Here, you can drink beers or cocktails and even cliff jump into the deep blue!
As you can see from the picture, it's easy to see where it got its nickname Cliff Bar from. However, another local name for this bar is the Hole in the Wali, as you can peek down into the bar from a tiny hole in the City Wall!
How to get to the Cliff Bar in Dubrovnik
Alright, I'm letting you in on a local secret here, so do your best to keep it on the down low.
From the Church of St Blaise, continue down past the Hemingway Bar and the cathedral towards the wall. From here, enter the door and turn left.
21. Fort Lovrijenac
The Lovrijenac Fortress is another historic fort complex separate from Dubrovnik's Old City. You'll find it on a small rocky headland just west of Pile Gate.
The construction of Fort Lovrijenac began as early as 1018 but was only completed in the 16th century. From there on out, it served as a vital defense system for the city, protecting Dubrovnik city from the invading Venetian fleet.
In modern times, it has earned international fame from the Game of Thrones series, as well as being the chosen location of Shakespeare's Hamlet play, and the Croatian leg of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
Travelers can access this fort via a short flight of stairs from West Harbor.
Budget travel tip: entrance to the Lovrijenac Fortress costs 13 euros per person at the time of writing. However, admittance is included in the City Walls Ticket or the Dubrovnik Card. Conversely, if you pay to enter the fort separately, keep your ticket, as you can also use it to get a percentage off your City Walls admission.
22. Old City Basketball Court
If you're walking the perimeter of the Old City Walls in Dubrovnik, it's hard to miss this epic coastal basketball court. You'll find it right above the awesome Buža Bar.
23. The Dubrovnik Old Harbor (Porporela)
The Dubrovnik Old Harbor, also called Porporela is a breakwater and historic pier serving as the entrance to the city via the sea.
One of my favorite free things to do in Dubrovnik Old City is to take a stroll down to this harbor, where you can sit and watch the boats come and go.
If you walk around the wall onto the breakwater, you'll even find a roped-off area for swimming– right below the city walls!
24. Sail to the Elaphiti Islands
By far, one of the most popular activities to book in Dubrovnik is a boat trip to the Elaphiti Islands (also written Elafiti Islands).
This is a small archipelago located just northwest of Dubrovnik City and consists of several beautiful islands that are perfect for exploring, swimming, and snorkeling.
Guided boat trips will usually visit the nearby islands of Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep to explore the translucent turquoise waters and quaint villages.
25. Secret Viewpoint At Gradac Park
I'm going to let you in on one of my favorite hidden-gem viewpoints in Dubrovnik.
This spot overlooks the back of the Lovrijenac fortress and the crystal-clear water cove of Beach Šulić (below), with views out to Lokrum Island and the vast Adriatic Sea.
You'll find this spot just beside the Dubrovnik parking area for Gradac Park (pinned as Parking Frana Bulića on Google). Once you arrive, continue onto the parking lot and look for a slightly warn path into the bushes on the left.
At the end of this short trail, you'll discover a small bench with amazing views. This is a great place to relax with friends and enjoy great times in Dubrovnik!
26. Beach Šulić
Šulić Beach is another excellent beach worth visiting when traveling to Dubrovnik. You'll find this one at the end of a small labyrinth of narrow streets and a short flight of stone steps between Gradac Park and Fort Lovrijenac.
If I had to pick a favorite beach in Dubrovnik, it'd be this one. It's quintessentially Dubrovnik, surrounded by tall, limestone cliffs and Old City history. The water is also very clear, which makes it a great beach for swimming and cliff jumping!
Also, if you've booked a sea kayaking tour, then chances are it'll depart from here. You can also grab a beer or espresso at the little beach bar/cafe overlooking the pebble beach.
27. Stay in the Hostel Where Peter Dinklage Crashed
This is another Dubrovnik attraction solely for Game of Thrones fans. If that's not you, then you can skip this part (and go download the series).
Apparently, Peter Dinklage, who plays everybody's favorite GoT personality Tyrion Lannister, likes to live up to his character's reputation.
The story goes that Peter, after a long day of filming, met some loose Aussies at one of the Old City bars. After laughing off the fact that these guys had mistaken him for Wee Man of Jackass, he decided to join them on a drunken night out on the town.
The next morning, the workers at City Walls Hostel found Dinklage passed out on the common room lounge.
If you visit the hostel today, you'll find a framed plaque erected above the famous couch that states.
Tyrion Lannister slept here.
WELCOME TO KING'S LANDING
28. Red History Museum
While Dubrovnik's medieval history is usually at the forefront of attractions in the city, you might also be interested to learn about modern events.
Not long ago, Croatia was part of the former Communist regime of Yugoslavia. This nation was made up of most of the Balkan states, including Bosnia & Herzegovina, Slovenia, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Serbia.
This ended in the bloody Homeland War, also known as the Croatian War of Independence, just a couple of decades ago! You can learn all about this war, and what life was like in Dubrovnik during communist Yugoslavia at the Red History Museum, located in Gruž Harbor.
29. War Photo Limited
Another modern history attraction in Dubrovnik is the excellent war photography gallery called War Photo Limited by world-renowned photojournalists covering the bloody War of Independence in the 1990s.
The entrance costs 10 euro and the gallery is located in the heart of the Old City.
30. Rector's Palace
If you're a history nut, one of the top things to do in Dubrovnik is to wander the Old City streets ticking off historic sites around every corner.
One of the most iconic attractions in Dubrovnik's Old City is the Rector's Palace. This fantastic building, now converted into a museum, once served as the seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa between the 14th century and 19th century and the administrative capital of the Dubrovnik Republic.
You'll find the Rector's Palace directly opposite The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. Blaise's Church.
Dubrovnik Travel Tip: Also, don't miss the Sponza Palace just around the corner from the Rector's Palace. With many old state archives and a beautiful 16th-century mix of Renaissance and Gothic-style architecture, this is another must-see site in Dubrovnik!
31. Dubrovnik's Markets
When strolling through Dubrovnik's vibrant streets, you'll likely stumble upon the Croatia-famous stalls at Gundulićeva Poljana (Gundulićeva Square).
This is an open-air market in Dubrovnik's Old Town where you'll get the chance to purchase fresh seasonal fruit, vegetables, and local products.
The saying goes that every Croatian grandmother makes Grappa! This is a delicious, alcoholic grape-based beverage that is a must-try when in Croatia.
32. Dubrovnik Sunset Cruise on the 16th Century "Karaka"
Name a better way to wrap up a long day of exploring than by setting sail into the sunset, champagne in hand.
Being set on the magnificent Dalmatian Coast, you could imagine that one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik is to watch the sunset from the sea. Not only will you get to round the spectacular nearby islands, but you'll also get to see the famous City Walls from a new perspective.
The most popular sunset cruise activity is the sunset and dinner option aboard the 16th-century Karaka ship (pictured below).
This is a two-hour option and includes a buffet dinner and a glass of champagne.
33. The Franciscan Monastery
Franciscan Church and Monastery is a 14th-century religious complex located beside the Pile Gate on Stradun, also known as the Placa.
This complex features a friary (belonging to the Order of the Friars Minor), a church, a bell tower, a library, and a medieval pharmacy!
If you go inside the Franciscan Monastery, you can browse the old inventory of Friars Minor Pharmacy (the Old Pharmacy Museum), which to this day is still a working chemist!
34. St Blaise Church
Another major religious attraction in Dubrovnik is the 1715 St Blaise church, located beside the Rector's Palace and Sponza Palace in what is called Loggia Square.
The people of Dubrovnik built this striking Venetian Baroque-style building in the place of the old 14th-century Romanesque church after it was destroyed by a devastating fire.
The St Blaise Church honors the 10th-century patron saint of Dubrovnik, St Blaise. This man is famous in Dubrovnik for saving the city by informing the parish priest of the true intentions behind a cunning Venitian visit.
Travelers will also find the iconic Orlando's Column directly in front of the church. This is a statue of a medieval knight holding a sword and has become a symbol of Dubrovnik's freedom.
35. Minčeta Fortress
If you gaze across Dubrovnik's stone walls, you'll notice that one tower stands out on the northwest corner. This is Minčeta Tower, also called Tvrđava Minčeta, and it is the tallest tower on Dubrovnik's City Walls.
It features a large, round fort with a huge base. If you're chasing the best Dubrovnik old city views, then one of the best things you can do is climb up the Minčeta Tower, which once served as an important lookout tower and fortification system.
Since the Minčeta Fortress is located on the City Walls, you'll need to purchase a City Walls Ticket or Dubrovnik Pass to climb up the tower.
For Game of Thrones Fans: *SPOILER* The Minceta Tower is featured in the famous GoT scene where Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) runs to the gates and yells her famous line "Where are my dragons" after they were stolen in Qarth (S2 E6).
36. Cliff Jumping Around Dubrovnik
Up for a quick break from your Dubrovnik history lesson for a quick adrenaline activity?
Cliff jumping is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Dubrovnik! Due to its high limestone cliffs and clear, deep waters, you'll find some great cliff jumping spots all around the city.
There aren't many resources online but we managed to find a few nice jumps:
- Buža Bar
- Dead Sea - Lokrum Island Lake
- Bellevue Beach Cliffs
- Danče Beach
37. Fill Up your Water Bottle at Onofrio's Fountain (Pile Gate)
While maybe not so much of an interesting attraction for Europeans, as an Australian, I find historical drinking fountains pretty awesome.
While exploring Dubrovnik's streets, head by the 15th-century Large Onofrio's Fountain beside Pile Gate to refill your drink bottle with clean, fresh drinking water– just as millions of people have done for over 500 years!
Beside the fountain is also a very small church called St. Saviour Church, which was built in the 16th century.
38. The Stradun
The Stradun is the main street of Dubrovnik. It's a wide, cobblestone path edged by historic buildings into souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes, and ice cream stalls.
The Stradun runs from the Pile Gate to the Sponza Palace, and branches off into several side streets worth getting lost in. As we spent a fair bit of time in the old quarter, we found ourselves walking down this street almost every day on the way to the different sites.
Budget travel tip: The Stradun is a great place to sit down and drink an espresso if you're into people-watching. However, the restaurants on this main street are usually the most expensive. Instead, it's a good idea to find a bar or outdoor restaurant on one of the many side streets leading out from Stradun.
39. Dubrovnik Cathedral
The Roman Catholic Assumption of Virgin Mary Cathedral (Dubrovnik Cathedral) is one of the most famous attractions in Dubrovnik.
Famous for its beautiful blue-domed tower and historic treasury, this Romanesque-style church was built on the site of several earlier cathedrals from the 7th, 10th, and 11th centuries.
Unfortunately, a severe earthquake in 1667 largely destroyed this building, but it was restored in 1713 by the famous Dubrovnik architect Ilija Katičić.
When passing by, make sure to take a look inside!
40. West Harbor
West Harbor is a quiet little cove tucked between the walls of Pile Gate and the towering Lovrijenac Fortress. Here, you'll find a small pier, a cafe, and a quiet pebble beach which many kayaking tours depart from.
Heading down to West Harbor for a coffee or to enjoy the sunset on the Adriatic coast is a great way to spend time in Dubrovnik. It is also the famous filming location of the fictional Blackwater Bay in the Game of Thrones series.
Read: Croatia's Adventure Capital of Omiš
41. Go Buggy Driving
Up for another adventure activity just a short hop from Dubrovnik?
Riding a buggy through the valleys behind Mount Srd is a great way to explore more of the area and see parts of Dubrovnik that most people miss! Trips depart from the top of Mount Srd, but if you book your ticket online, you'll get transport included (or get the Cable Car up).
42. Dubrovnik Maritime Museum
Those fascinated by maritime history need to add the Maritime Museum to their Dubrovnik itinerary!
The former Yugoslav government founded this museum in 1949 to exhibit the treasures and history of Dubrovnik's seafaring past. Here, you can browse over 15 collections containing over 11,000 treasures!
Entrance tickets cost just 20 € per person and the entrance is fittingly located inside the St John Fortress (below) just next to the Porporela at Dubrovnik Old Harbor.
43. St John Fortress
The St John fortress is the broad, iconic rounded fortification tower beside the Porporela break wall and Maritime Museum.
This is part of the City Walls and served as one of the primary defenses for the harbor against pirate raids. Apparently, there was once a heavy, iron chain running from below this tower to the Kase Jetty.
If attaching ships entered the harbor, the City guards would raise this chain, damaging the invader's ships before they even made it to shore.
44. Dubrovnik Bell Tower
The Dubrovnik Bell Tower is located on Luža Square and marks the end of the iconic Stradun when walking from Pile Gate.
This tower is 31 meters (over 100 feet) tall and features a 15th-century timepiece that still works today.
45. Dominican Monastery
The last attraction on this list of interesting things to do in Dubrovnik is the iconic Dominican Monastery, located on Svetog Dominika.
This monastery is a huge and historically significant landmark in Dubrovnik built as early as the 14th century. However, as with many of the iconic buildings in the city, it was also destroyed by the devastating 1667 earthquake.
Thankfully, builders and architects rebuilt the monastery to its present form so we can all enjoy it today. One of the top highlights to visit in Dubrovnik.
Where to Stay in Dubrovnik
With a population of only around 42,000, Dubrovnik isn't a large city. However, it does attract over 1.5 million tourists every year. As a result, you can expect many great places to stay in Dubrovnik, including resorts, hotels, and hostels for every budget.
From my experience, the best area to stay is in or close to the Old Town (Stari Grad, or Walled City). This is where you'll find most of the attractions and highlights. However, we also found that staying just outside the city, or in one of the beautiful cliffside resorts and hotels is cheaper if you want to save money.
Below are my favorite accommodation picks for the city of Dubrovnik, Croatia.
- Bota Palace - Located in the center of the Old Town and a 3-minute walk from Buza Beach. This Bed and Breakfast offers beautifully decorated rooms, wifi, a kitchen, fridge, oven, and a la carte breakfast. A great pick for couples wanting to explore the city within the walls.
- Hostel Petra Marina - With direct access to the local bus stop right outside, this hostel is just 200 meters away from the port and the perfect place to stay for backpackers wanting to explore Dubrovnik.
- Rixos Premium Dubrovnik - A luxury choice for those wanting to relax in ultimate style. Modern-styled rooms with sea views and only a 2-minute walk to the beach. It offers a 2-story spa with features a Turkish bath and indoor pool.
More About the Croatian City of Dubrovnik
The city of Dubrovnik is set on the southern coastline of Croatia in a region known as the Dalmatian Coast. Nestled between the Dinaric Alps and the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is a symbol of Croatian independence as it has never been conquered by invading forces.
The main area to explore is the Dubrovnik Old City, also known as Stari Grad. This is the famous walled town identifiable by its iconic terra cotta roofs, narrow cobblestone streets, and tranquil, crystal-clear water harbor.
While the city welcomes millions of visitors every year, from cruise ships to backpackers– only around 42,000 people live here! As a result, the modern Croatian city of Dubrovnik is largely built on tourism.
How to Get to Dubrovnik
Before we get into the list of attractions, beautiful places to visit, and unique things to do in Dubrovnik, let's find out how to get here. Below is a quick rundown, but you can also compare the overland options using Bookaway.
By Plane
Dubrovnik has its own international airport (DBV) called Dubrovnik Airport or Čilipi Airport (named after the town it is located). This airport serves direct flights to top destinations around Europe, the United States, and the Middle East.
This airport is approximately 21 kilometers (13 miles) from the Old City center and the only way to get here is via a 25-30 minute drive. Luckily, you can book a shared airport transfer online for less than 8 euros. Alternatively, there's also a private transfer option for roughly 50 euros.
By Car
One of the best ways to explore Croatia is to rent your own car. I recommend renting a car in other Croatian cities as they are generally cheaper than in Dubrovnik. This is what we did and found that it was the most convenient and flexible way to explore Croatia! With that said, make sure to compare prices across dealers using DiscoverCars first.
By Bus
Backpackers and budget travelers will find a trustworthy and cost-effective public transport network operating in Croatia. The best buses are run by Flixbus, which offers domestic and international routes across Europe for a cheap price.
Croatia travel tip: Dubrovnik is a small city and accommodation, transport, and tours can easily sell out quickly during the summer months. I usually like to travel week-by-week but really struggled here by not booking in advance.
How to Get Around in Dubrovnik
And, that's a wrap for this huge travel guide to all of the awesome, interesting, and fun things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia!
Before you pack your bags to explore all the top attractions on this list, here's a quick guide to help you get around.
Public Transport
Getting around Dubrovnik is easy thanks to a useful public transport system. Of course, there are no cars within the Old City walls, but you can use the local bus network called Libertas Dubrovnik to get to and from areas like Babin Kuk, Lapad, Pile, Ploče, Gruž, and Mokišca.
The bus fare costs 1.99 euro per trip but is free if you purchase the Dubrovnik Card.
Taxis and Uber
Uber and taxis are relatively cheap in Croatia, and this is no different in Dubrovnik. Due to some kind of regulation, it seems that all Uber drivers are actually taxi drivers, so don't be surprised if you order an Uber and a taxi shows up!
Driving
Traffic in Dubrovnik is notoriously difficult. If you have your own car, I recommend parking it at your accommodation (if outside the walls) or leaving it at the designated parking houses.
Tip: How to Get Around in Croatia
Rent a car! Croatia is very safe for motorists & the best way to explore the country. Rentals sell out quickly in the Summer months.
I always book in advance using a comparison site like DiscoverCars to get the best deals.
Dubrovnik Travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik's peak season begins in June and ends in early September. This is when the city welcomes hundreds of thousands of guests for the summer, including cruise ships, day trippers, backpackers, and luxury travelers. I believe that the best time to visit is during May when the weather is fair but the crowds haven't arrived yet.
Are the Dubrovnik Walls worth it?
At 35 euros, the Dubrovnik Walls are a little pricey but easily one of the biggest attractions of the Old City. I'd say walking the walls is a must-do activity!
Is it cheap to visit Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik is one of the most expensive cities to visit in Croatia. However, compared to other iconic European destinations like Rome, or Paris, Dubrovnik is quite affordable.
Is Dubrovnik a safe city?
Dubrovnik is a very safe city to visit. Petty crime like pickpocketing does exist but are very rare. Violent crime is almost non-existent.
How many days to spend in Dubrovnik?
I recommend spending at least three days in Dubrovnik. This will give you enough time to tour the city walls, swim at the beautiful beaches, visit the important historic sites, and enjoy some downtime at the famous bars and restaurants.
What are the top things to do and see in Dubrovnik?
I understand this is a long list. If you're after a shortlist for what to do in Dubrovnik, consider the following a must: The City Walls, Fort Lovrijenac, a sea kayaking tour, Elafiti Islands boat trip, Mount Srd for sunset, and a stroll down Stradun and the Old City.
I hope that this ultimate travel guide featuring 45 amazing things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia has inspired you to visit The Pearl of the Adriatic!
While you're still here, check out some of my other travel guides and blog posts below. I guarantee that you'll find some awesome highlights to add to your Croatia itinerary!
- Split Travel Guide - explore the top highlights and some epic hidden gems from Split.
- Fun Things to do in Omiš - discover the hidden gem of Omiš for great beaches and beautiful canyons.
- Accommodation Guides: plan where to stay with these useful guides.