Dubrovnik, Croatia is a must-see city! The historic walled Old Town is appealingly perched on the sea, earning it the nickname ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’. Every time we visit, it takes our breath away.
The city in its entirety is a ‘sight’ – but many of the top things to do in Dubrovnik are just steps from the Old Town. Our complete guide of what to do in Dubrovnik covers all the highlights and much more!
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10 Top Things To Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Our list of activities includes both ticketed attractions and free things to do in Dubrovnik. We discuss the cost of visiting Dubrovnik and other travel logistics at the end of the article.
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#1 Tour Old Town Dubrovnik
Exploring the cobblestone lanes and historic attractions in the walled city is an absolute must-do in Dubrovnik!
Many of the top Dubrovnik sights are located along the Stradun – the pedestrian street that runs across the center of the old city. However, there are Dubrovnik attractions beyond the main thoroughfare.
Must See Dubrovnik Old Town Sights
While aimlessly rambling through is one of the best Dubrovnik things to do, you won’t want to miss these top sights.
The Pile Gate, Stradun, Big Onofrio Fountain and Clock Tower are top points of interest in the heart of the Old City.
Visitors should also step inside the Dubrovnik Cathedral – as well as some of the other churches and monasteries.
Of course, the ancient walls of Dubrovnik can’t be missed and we highlight the best way to experience them next.
In order to see the top attractions, you can join a guide on a highly-rated walking tour. Those who would rather explore on their own can use our Free Self-Guided Dubrovnik Walking Tour.
In addition to listing what to visit in Dubrovnik, we include a bit of history, fun facts, walking directions and a useful tourist map.
#2 Walk the Dubrovnik Walls
The city walls are a Dubrovnik must-see! In fact, walking the walls is consistently rated as the top thing to do in Dubrovnik.
The fortifications that encircle the Old Town provide spectacular vantage points. These unique perspectives are a super way to get acquainted with the area and one of our favorite Dubrovnik Viewpoints.
Dubrovnik Walls Walk Details
We feel walking the walls in Dubrovnik is an essential activity, but there are a few things you need to know before setting out.
Due to its popularity and limited space, tickets are pricey, so you will want to make sure you get the most out of the experience.
The total length of the walls is 1.2 miles and we suggest allowing 1-3 hours to complete the walk.
We recommend doing your Dubrovnik wall walk early in the morning, when there are fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
The Dubrovnik Walls Ticket also includes entry to Fort Lovrijenact. Although it’s a bit of a hike up the stairs, the climb is worth it for the sensational views.
Guests can walk the Dubrovnik Walls on their own or join a guided tour. Entry is also included with the Dubrovnik Pass (which we talk more about later).
#3 Swim at the Best Dubrovnik Beaches
Travelers visiting in the hot summer months will definitely want to put beaches on their Dubrovnik to do list!
The best way to cool off after a long day of sightseeing is to take a swim in the refreshing and crystal-clear Adriatic Sea.
Beaches and Swimming in Dubrovnik
Rather than sand, the beaches in Dubrovnik are pebble or rocky platforms. Some have on-site cafes, while others are tucked away in secluded coves.
In fact, a cool thing to do in Dubrovnik Old Town is to swim right outside the city walls. To find this spot, walk toward the lighthouse in the Old Harbor.
Then, continue along the outer wall to the concrete platform with steps and ladders to access the water.
Read our complete guide to Dubrovnik Beaches for all the details – then grab your towel and find an ideal spot along the Adriatic coastline!
#4 Go to the Top of Mt Srd
One of the Dubrovnik top things to do is ascend Mount Srd for the sweeping 360-degree views. The panorama, however, is not the only reason to ascend the hilltop.
Visitors will also find a historic fortress, a war museum inside Fort Imperial detailing the Croatian War for Independence and a landmark stone cross.
A Dubrovnik viewpoint restaurant offers an exceptional mountaintop dining experience or if you just want to enjoy a beverage with a outstanding vista!
Getting to the Top of Mount Srd
There are four convenient ways to get to the summit of Mount Srd, and we detail all the specifics in our complete guide.
The Dubrovnik Cable Car is the most popular, but the ticket price is a bit steep. Alternatively, active travelers can trek up a zig-zagging hiking trail for free.
Alternatively, catch the local bus to the village of Bosanka and continue with a short hike, take an Uber or join an organized tour.
#5 Watch Sunset from a Dubrovnik Buza Bar
Sipping a drink while watching the sunset over the Adriatic is certainly a memorable experience.
The famous Buza Bar is an outdoor café clinging to the rocky cliffs above the sea. It is accessed via a small, narrow passageway, called a Buza.
Note that the nearby Bard Mala Buza offers a similar set up, but doesn’t quite have the angle for a sunset view.
Buza Bar Tips
The bar’s epic location comes with a few downsides. If you are prepared, however, it won’t spoil the fun!
First, there is no toilet. Second, the menu is limited to bland beer, small bottles of wine and soft drinks. Third, they don’t accept credit cards – so be sure to bring cash.
Speaking of cash, budget travelers beware: The drinks at the Buza Bar are possibly the most expensive in all of Croatia.
Read our guide to Dubrovnik on a Budget for tips on how to enjoy sunset with drinks but without the high price tag.
#6 Sail Away on a Dubrovnik Cruise
Dubrovnik’s seaside location makes it the perfect jumping off point for Croatian Island Hopping! Spending a day on an island is one of the best things to do near Dubrovnik.
Regular ferry service and organized boat tours transport passengers to the nearby islands of Lokrum, Lopud and Mljet.
Lokrum Island
Located just off shore, Lokrum has rocky beaches (including a nude beach) and nature parks with wild peacocks and heaps of rabbits.
Boats to Lokrum depart from the Old Town Harbor and the journey takes about 15 minutes. As a designated nature reserve, there is a fairly steep fee to visit the island.
Lopud Island
One of the Elaphiti Islands (also spelled Elafiti), Lopud features shorefront restaurants, sandy beaches and a smattering of medieval structures.
Jadrolinija ferries depart for Lopud from the Gruz Harbor and take about 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can join a fun full day tour that includes visiting 3 islands, swimming, snorkeling and lunch!
Mljet Island
Home to Mljet National Park, two saltwater lakes and a historic Benedictine monastery, this island remains a relatively untouched part of Croatia.
Fast Krilo catamarans depart for Mljet from Gruz and take about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Alternatively, hop on a boat tour that includes both Mljet and the Elaphiti Islands!
#7 Check out Lapad
The Lapad peninsula has deep coves, secluded beaches and forested hills. While sunbathers head here for the beaches, we like to go for the scenic Dubrovnik hikes.
Coastal trails follow the shoreline north around Babin Kuk and south through Forest Park Velika and Mala Petka to incredible viewpoints.
#8 Join Dubrovnik Sightseeing Tours
From themed tours to packaged excursions, guests can discover the best of Dubrovnik with a local guide.
We are highlighting a few of the most popular tours, but you can also read our Guide to the Best Dubrovnik Day Trips for more options.
Game of Thrones Tour
Seeking out the filming locations of the popular television series is a fun Dubrovnik thing to do.
This highly-rated GOT Dubrovnik Tour follows in the footsteps of the characters in King’s Landing while sharing behind-the-scene stories from locals.
Kayak Tour
Active explorers wondering what to do in Dubrovnik should consider joining a Kayaking Tour. Set off for a unique vantage point of the city and paddle to a secluded beach cave!
Dubrovnik Food and Wine Tour
A Dubrovnik trip is not complete without getting a taste of the local fare! Sample traditional Croatian food and wine at local family-run restaurants on this Dubrovnik Food Tour.
Mostar and Kravica Waterfalls Tour
One of the most interesting day trips from Dubrovnik takes you to the neighboring country of Bosnia Herzegovina.
This full day excursion includes visiting the stunning city of Mostar (and the famous Stari Most Bridge), as well as the picturesque waterfalls at Kravica.
#9 Eat at Incredible Dubrovnik Restaurants
Croatian fare is delicious! We are highlighting a few of the best places to eat in Dubrovnik (and gelato is always a good idea during the summer season!).
Taj Mahal
An upscale Bosnian restaurant specializing in traditional Balkan dishes like cevapi, burek and slow-cooked cuisine. It’s tucked down an alley, the portions are large and place is simply charming!
Nautika
One of the Michelin mentioned restaurants in Dubrovnik, Nautika is an elegant eatery just outside the Pile Gate. The dishes are inventive and well presented, creating a unique dining experience.
Lucin Kantun
Serving classic Croatian dishes with a modern flare, Lucin Kantun sits just slightly off the beaten track. Top dishes are the Octopus Salad, Black Risotto and Tuna Steak.
Barba
This small spot serves fun seafood dishes for reasonable prices. The Octopus Burger is unique…but everything is good!
Seating is limited, but they can also arrange for take-away meals. The Harbor Viewpoint just outside the Ploce Gate has benches where you can dine picnic-style.
Gelateria Dubrovnik
It seems that there is an ice cream shop around every corner in the Old Town. Our favorite, however, is Gelateria Dubrovnik.
Sitting right on the Stradun, this shop has been in business since 1968. The friendly staff offer free tastings (2 per customer), but we go all-in with the Lavender.
Bon Appetit Bistro
Located just across from the Gruz Port, Bon Appetit is a surprising gem! The eatery is touted as a pizzeria, but we recommending going for the grilled squid and tuna salad.
#10 Spend Time at a Dubrovnik Museum
Visiting a museums is one of the fun things to do in Dubrovnik when it rains…or if it’s simply too hot to be outside.
Red History Museum
Dive into the history of Yugoslavia at the Red History Museum. We stayed much longer than we anticipated and believe it is definitely worth the price of admission.
The small venue is filled with interactive displays, interesting facts, personal photos and fascinating details of what it was like to live in Yugoslavia.
Don’t miss the café, where you can enjoy a classic Yugoslav drink – Cockta – while listening to tunes from the era.
Cultural History Museum
Situated within the magnificent Rector’s Palace, the Cultural History Museum is a treasure trove of Dubrovnik history.
From the original ‘Little Green Men’ that ring the clock tower bell to elegant silverware, the museum hosts relics that capture the tales of the city.
Friars Minor Franciscan Monastery Museum
Hidden down an alley, the Franciscan Museum offers a glimpse into the past to a time when friars were responsible for providing herbs and remedies to the ill.
In addition to the pharmacy artifacts, visitors can stroll the cloistered garden, visit a collection of religious relics and see parts of a bomb that hit the monastery during the Homeland War.
War Photo Limited Museum
The End of Yugoslavia is the permanent exhibition at the War Photo Limited Museum.
It allows visitors a peek into the wars that broke up the country. We recommend using the provided booklet to best understand the poignant pictures.
MOMAD
The Museum of Modern Art in Dubrovnik is housed in a historic palace outside the Ploce Gate (near Banje Beach).
The gallery exhibits include paintings, sculptures and modern artworks by Croatian artists. Don’t miss the art on the outdoor terrace!
Love Stories Museum
Similar to the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb, the Love Stories Museum features personal tales of love and accompanying mementoes.
Museum of Selfies and Memories
Specifically designed for photo ops, the Museum of Selfies features fun backdrops for an interactive experience.
A place to play, laugh and snap pictures, it’s a good choice for things to do in Dubrovnik with kids, especially teenagers.
Memorial to Dubrovnik Defenders
Dedicated to the citizens lost in the Homeland War, this memorial offers insight to what it was like during the siege of Dubrovnik.
It’s located within the Sponza Palace and is one of the few free museums in Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik Pass for Museum Entry
The Dubrovnik Card – or Pass, as it’s now called – offers a fantastic value, especially if you plan to walk the walls. Plus, it includes a full-day ticket for the local bus.
The pass – which grants entry to the Walls, Cultural Museum, Franciscan Monastery, MOMAD and Fort Lovrijenac – costs just a few dollars more than a ticket for the walls.
Map of Dubrovnik, Croatia Things To Do
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Things To Do Dubrovnik Map below.
Dubrovnik Travel Tips
Without a doubt, Dubrovnik is one of the Best Cities in Croatia to Visit and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With the right trip plan, you can spend time taking in the stellar views or a fun tour in the morning and then swim in the sea by the afternoon!
Planning a Trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia
Those visiting the country for the first time should start with our Guide to Planning a Croatia Vacation. Our Croatia 2 Week Itinerary can also be helpful for deciding your route.
In order to get organized, we suggest using our Printable Travel Planner. With it, you can stay on top of all the necessary details!
Dubrovnik History
Before visiting Dubrovnik, it helps to have an understanding of the past and the events the shaped the city you see today.
Early History of the Republic of Ragusa
Evolving from a fishing village, the Republic of Ragusa was flourishing by the 15th century. Although small, the free state was doing swift business in merchant trade.
It has long had two great protectors – St. Blaise, the Patron Saint of Dubrovnik (whose statue you will see throughout town) and the Dubrovnik City Walls.
The region suffered a massive earthquake in 1667 that left significant destruction. Although it was rebuilt in the style that remains to this day – that event marked the beginning of the city’s decline.
Modern History of Dubrovnik
In the early 1800s, the city fell to the French, then came under rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After the First World War, it became part of Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
When Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia, the 4-year Homeland War began. During the bombing of Dubrovnik, more than half of the buildings were damaged or destroyed.
Today, the official Dubrovnik population is more than 40,000 – but very few live inside the Old City Walls.
Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik
Determining the best time to go to Dubrovnik will depend on your interests, your comfort with crowds and heat and your budget.
Summertime
The summer is, far and away, the most popular time to visit. You can enjoy the beaches and boat tours along the Dalmatian Coast – as the sun will almost certainly be shining.
The downside is that Dubrovnik in the summer is hot, crowded and expensive. Top hotels are booked up and it can be difficult to get into any restaurant.
Pro Tip: Check the Dubrovnik Cruise Ship Schedule so you can be prepared for the crowds!
Autumn
In the fall, most hotels, restaurants and shops stay open until at least October. The weather is slightly cooler and there are fewer crowds.
However, as autumn becomes a more popular time to take a vacation to Dubrovnik, there will certainly still be plenty of fellow tourists and prices may stay rather high.
Winter
Winter can be eerily quiet. The town practically shuts down, with only a few restaurants and shops remaining open. However, prices hit rock bottom.
While the Dubrovnik weather can get brisk in the winter – along with storms and wind – there is typically more sunshine than in other places in Europe.
Spring
During springtime, places slowly open (beginning around Easter) and prices tend to stay reasonable as tourists trickle back in.
The weather can be hit or miss, but it usually warms up quickly. Spring is also the busy time for renovations – as everyone tries to finish projects before the summer season, so it can be noisy.
How To Get to Dubrovnik
Flights to Dubrovnik International Airport (DBV) are nearly all seasonal (including NYC). Use our tips for Finding the Best Flight Deals then begin your search on SkyScanner.
Other Croatian destinations are well-connected with a network of buses and boats. We search for overland routes on Bus Croatia. For ferries and catamarans, we use both Jadrolinija and Krilo.
How To Get around Dubrovnik
The historic center is pedestrian only and rather small, so you can typically get from one end to the other with ease. The one caveat is that there are stairs in Dubrovnik…a lot of them.
There is a local bus for those not staying in the center. Dubrovnik bus tickets can be purchased on board with cash (or possibly by contactless card) or in advance from a kiosk (Tisak).
You can also try your luck with Uber. During our most recent trip, however, we had difficulty getting a driver numerous times.
Best Place To Stay in Dubrovnik
We are featuring a few of the top picks for the best hotels in Dubrovnik. If these don’t suit you, start your search on Booking.com after reading our tips for scoring Hotels for the Best Price!
The Pucic Palace
This 5-star property is situated in an 18th century stone palace just steps from the Stradun. The Pucic Hotel features elegant rooms, a delicious breakfast and superb service.
Hilton Imperial
The Hilton in Dubrovnik is an exceptional property housed in a historic building just outside the Pile Gate. Top features are the indoor pool, spa services and on site restaurant (with terrace seating).
Rixos Premium
Perhaps the poshest hotel in the city, Rixos Dubrovnik is located on the beachfront in Lapad. The chic 5-star venue boasts sea views, modern amenities, a Turkish bath, outdoor pool and a seafood restaurant.
What To Pack for your Trip to Croatia
Now that you are ready to tackle your Dubrovnik to-do list, it’s time to pack. So grab our Free Checklist and let’s get you to Croatia!
Travel Camera
We recommend capturing Croatia with an actual camera. We use a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens.
This set-up takes high quality photos, is easy to use and ranks as one of the best budget cameras for travelers.
Walking Shoes
The entire Dubrovnik Old Town is a pedestrian-only…which means you have to walk to see most sights.
Make sure to pack a pair of good travel shoes. I like these lightweight trainers from New Balance and Kris prefers trail shoes by Merrell.
Day Pack
Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you will want a wonderful day bag for your daily Dubrovnik adventures.
Croatia Travel Insurance
Trip insurance may reimburse for costs associated with theft, flight delays, lost baggage, overseas injuries and unfortunate illnesses. You can get a quote for Croatia coverage from World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Croatia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Croatia Travel Guides
Traveling to other Top Croatian Destinations? Plan your trip with our top tips on the prime places to see!
- Best Things To Do in Split
- Tips for Plitvice Lakes
- Self Guided Walk of Zadar
- What To Do in Zagreb
- Things To See in Makarska
- Visit Hvar Town
- Tour Krka Waterfalls
- Korcula Island Things To Do
- What To See in Rovinj
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