Things to do in Dubrovnik

Things to do in  Dubrovnik

A living museum (and TV set)

Dubrovnik is a history lesson made real, from its medieval ramparts to its marble streets. Understandably, therefore, the top things to do in Dubrovnik pivot on its past: think tours of its walls and old town treasures such as the Rector’s Palace and Stradun. Other diversions beckon, too. Admire the old town from sea kayaks or high on Mt. Srd. Cruise to lush islands like the Elaphiti archipelago or Lokrum, ride a zipline or buggy, visit Game of Thrones locations, or wander further to see the Plitvice Lakes, Mostar, or Montenegro.

Top 15 attractions in Dubrovnik

Elafiti Islands (Elaphites)

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A cluster of 14 islands along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, the Elafiti Islands (Elaphites) are one of the country’s most popular destinations and a popular day trip from nearby Dubrovnik. The archipelago’s largest three islets—Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan—are the focal point of island-hopping tours.More

Dubrovnik Old Town

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Located at the southern tip of Croatia, perched above the rocky coastline of the Adriatic Sea, the enchanting city of Dubrovnik attracts visitors with its medieval architecture and labyrinth of limestone-paved streets. Its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains surrounded by 14th-century fortified stone walls.More

Lokrum Island

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Just 600 meters (1 kilometer) from Dubrovnik, the car-free island of Lokrum makes a peaceful escape from the city. At its center is a medieval Benedictine monastery complex that’s surrounded by botanical gardens planted with exotic trees, flowers, and bushes. Picturesque swimming spots abound on the island’s rocky shoreline.More

Dubrovnik Ancient City Walls

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With their imposing watchtowers looming over the medieval city and dramatic fortifications edging the sea cliffs, Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls are deserving of their star-attraction status. Dating back to the 10th century, the remarkably preserved walls—among the finest in the world—mark out the perimeter of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offer magnificent views across the city.More

Stradun (Placa)

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Stretching from Old Town’s western entrance at the Pile Gate to the harbor in the east, the Stradun (or Placa) was once a shallow sea channel that divided the small island on which Dubrovnik was built from the Republic of Ragusa on the mainland. In the 12th century, the Stradun was filled to create the main street in Dubrovnik’s Old Town.More

Elaphite Islands

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Go island hopping during a trip to Dubrovnik with an excursion along the Dalmatian Coast to the Elaphite Islands (also known as the Elafiti Islands. The archipelago consists of 14 islands–including the three most popular destinations of Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan–and is a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing.More

Dubrovnik Cable Car

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Dubrovnik’s distinctive orange cable cars speed 2,500 feet (778 meters) in about three minutes, from the lower station just north of the city walls to the top of Mount Srđ. During the ride, you can enjoy peerless views of Dubrovnik’s terracotta rooftops, the coastline of Dalmatia, and archipelagos sprinkled across the Adriatic Sea.More

Pile Gate

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Constructed in 1537, this sturdy gate on the west wall of Dubrovnik’s Old Town was once locked nightly—and the wooden drawbridge leading to it was raised—to prevent intruders from gaining access to the city. More recently, the gate served as a filming location for Game of Thrones, as the site where King Joffrey was unceremoniously pelted with cow dung.More

St. Lawrence Fortress (Fort Lovrijenac)

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Overlooking the Adriatic Sea from a cliff-top perch, the St. Lawrence Fortress (Fort Lovrijenac) is a Dubrovnik icon. Thought to be around 1,000 years old, the 121-foot (37-meter) fortress was used to defend the city for centuries. Today, the fort is better-known for its theatrical shows, coastal views, and starring role in HBO’sGame of Thrones.More

Dominican Monastery

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Built into the eastern flank of Dubrovnik’s fortified walls adjacent to Fort Revelin, the 14th-century Dominican Monastery is designed in a combination of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture that is seen in several of the city’s palaces and churches.The monastery’s church was rebuilt several times over the centuries and was used as an army depot during Napoleon’s occupation of Dubrovnik in the late 18th century; today its single nave features a massive painted Gothic cross by Paolo Veneziano, dating from around 1384,St Dominic by 19th century painter Vlaho Bukovac — widely regarded as Croatia’s finest artist — and sparkling contemporary stained glass in the apse.The elaborate 15th-century Gothic cloister of the monastery surrounds a shady garden that was used as stabling for French army horses and their troughs can still be seen between the cloister’s pillars. The well in the garden provided water for Dubrovnik’s residents when the city was under siege in 1991. An important collection of religious art hangs in the museum, including Titian’s sublime Mary Magdalene; other paintings of note are Nikola Božidarević’s altarpieces and triptych plus Lovro Dobričević’s bloodthirsty St Peter the Martyr, which portrays the saint with a hatchet in his head. The monastery can be visited when touring Dubrovnik’s defence walls and is included on several museum tours of the city.More

Rector's Palace (Knezev Dvor)

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Dubrovnik’s 15-century, Gothic-Renaissance–style Rector's Palace (Knezev Dvor) contains the rector’s office and private chambers as well as public halls, courtrooms, and a former dungeon. Interestingly, the rector’s term was for only one month, during which time he was confined to the palace and allowed to leave only on official republic business.More

Peljesac Peninsula

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Revered for its endless beaches, idyllic coves, scenic valleys, fine wines, and seafood, Croatia’s Pelješac Peninsula juts out of the center of southern Dalmatia. Without the tourist-oriented resorts and the crowds of other coastal Dalmatian destinations, the Pelješac Peninsula is the perfect spot for a relaxing holiday.More

Sponza Palace (Palaca Sponza)

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Built in the early 16th century as the Republic of Ragusa customs house, Dubrovnik’s Sponza Palace (Palaca Sponza) was one of the few buildings not leveled by the devastating 1667 earthquake. It’s architecturally stunning, with a Renaissance portico, late-Gothic windows, inner courtyards, and an alcove containing a statue of St. Blaise, the city’s patron saint.More

Church of St. Blaise (Crkva Sv. Vlaha)

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Named after the patron saint and protector of Dubrovnik, the Church of St. Blaise (Crkva Sv. Vlaha) is one of the most beautiful—and locally beloved—buildings in Old Town. Venetian architect Marino Gropelli built the present-day baroque-style church in 1715, after the original was significantly damaged in the massive earthquake of 1667.More

Orlando's Column (Orlandov Stup)

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Discover an important piece of Dubrovnik’s history in the heart of the Old Town. Orlando’s Column, erected in 1418, is located in the heart of Luza Square and is dedicated to the knight Orlando who saved the city from Saracen pirates in the eighth century. Over centuries, the column has now come to represent the freedom of Dubrovnik.More

Top activities in Dubrovnik

Montenegro Full-Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Optional Boat Trip
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Montenegro Full-Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Optional Boat Trip

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1750
From
$59.23
$65.81  $6.58 savings
Blue Cave Small-Group Boat Tour from Dubrovnik
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Blue Cave Small-Group Boat Tour from Dubrovnik

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3857
From
$87.53
$92.14  $4.61 savings
Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Tour

Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Tour

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$27.42
Adventure Dubrovnik - Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour
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Private Tour: Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik
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Kravice Waterfalls, Mostar and Pocitelj Day Tour from Dubrovnik
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E-Tuk Tuk Tour in Dubrovnik

E-Tuk Tuk Tour in Dubrovnik

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$54.84
Private Boat Tours to Elaphite Islands

Private Boat Tours to Elaphite Islands

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$438.75
per group
Half-Day Private Elafiti Island Boat Tour

Half-Day Private Elafiti Island Boat Tour

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From
$351.00
per group
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All about Dubrovnik

When to visit

If you're looking for a sun-drenched European holiday, visit Dubrovnik in summer. From June to August, you’ll find consistently sunny weather, a vibrant atmosphere, and plenty of beachside restaurants for romantic dinners with views over the Adriatic Sea. Be prepared for bustling streets and busy beaches at this time. The months on either side of summer, May and September, offer a quieter alternative.

Getting around

There is no better way to explore Dubrovnik than on foot. Walking its narrow, cobbled streets and viewing its ancient architecture from street level gives you a unique perspective on this historic city. Choose your route carefully, as it's easy to get lost in the old town and cruising yachts can block the view. To travel farther than your feet will take you, take the reliable bus and hop-on hop-off services to nearby beaches.

Traveler tips

A cost-effective and convenient way to save money and see many of Dubrovnik's sights is with a Dubrovnik Pass. It grants access to the main attractions and provides free bus tickets and discounts at local shops, encouraging you to see more of the city. There are various day pass options, depending on the length of your stay, including a pass for the Libertas city buses that you can use to get around.

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A local’s pocket guide to Dubrovnik

Sara Camarero

Sara fell in love with Croatia from the moment she stepped foot in the Mediterranean country. Find her having a cup of coffee with the locals and looking for the best spots to see the sunset in Dubrovnik.

The first thing you should do in Dubrovnik is...

take a stroll in the Old Town. Walk Stradun’s marble streets and get lost in the medieval passageways.

A perfect Saturday in Dubrovnik...

starts with a boat ride to the Elaphiti Islands of Kolocep, Sipan, and Lopud. For sunset, head to Cave Bar More and enjoy the scenery with a cocktail in hand.

One touristy thing that lives up to the hype is...

seeing Dubrovnik from the water. Admire the ancient city walls and the nearby island of Lokrum from a different perspective.

To discover the "real" Dubrovnik...

try the local cuisine in Gruž. The market is well-known for its fresh fish that you can savor in nearby restaurants at affordable prices.

For the best view of the city...

hike or take the cable car to the top of Mount Srd. If you’re still feeling energetic after the hike, visit Srd Fortress and join a fun-filled buggy safari tour of the hilltop.

One thing people get wrong...

is thinking that the Dubrovnik City Walls are too touristy. To escape the crowds and the sun, visit first thing in the morning or right before closing.

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People Also Ask

Why is Dubrovnik so popular?

Dubrovnik has always been popular for its coastal location, balmy climate, and architecture. The interest in filming locations for HBO's Game of Thrones has boosted its popularity. High season is intense. Beat the crowds by visiting outside of summer, or seeing main attractions in the early morning or evening.

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What should you not miss in Dubrovnik?

A stroll around Dubrovnik's city walls is a must. Access the walkway via the Ploče Gate and enjoy views of Old Town, Adriatic Sea, forts, lookouts, and Game of Thrones filming locations. For something uniquely Dubrovnikian, take a boat to the islands or cable car to the Mt. Srd peak.

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How many days do you need in Dubrovnik?

Two days is enough time in Dubrovnik. Start early for a walking tour of Dubrovnik's city walls and Old Town. Then, take a sea excursion or unwind on a sunset cruise. The next day, take a cable car up Mt. Srd or a day tour of Mljet, Lokrum, or Elafiti Islands.

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Do they speak English in Dubrovnik?

Yes. English is widely spoken in Dubrovnik, as it is a popular tourist destination. Locals may not be fluent, but most tourist-serving staff speak English. The official language of Croatia is Croatian, and locals appreciate it if you know a few key phrases.

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Is Dubrovnik worth visiting?

Yes. Dubrovnik is worth visiting thanks to its unique history, local cuisine, and striking coastline—though these days it's best to avoid the high season and cruise arrival rush hours. If you do get stuck in the tourist traffic, there's still a great deal to enjoy—it'll just be crowded.

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Is Dubrovnik expensive?

Yes. Popular Dubrovnik is a little more expensive than other destinations on the Adriatic Coast. There are ways to save while sightseeing, though. Choose tours that include meals or entrance fees, and take advantage of inclusive deals such as the Dubrovnik Card, which bundles unlimited travel with attraction access.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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