The Complete Guide to Dubrovnik
All the best things to see and do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
If you haven’t already been there, then Dubrovnik has probably been sitting comfortably near the top of your bucket list for a few years now. Ever since the smash hit that was Game of Thrones was released (a large part of which was filmed in Dubrovnik), this gorgeous walled city has turned into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, and hasn’t slowed down since!
Read on for a full guide on how to make the most of your time in this majestic city.
10 Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik
Here’s my list of top things to do in Dubrovnik. If you have limited time in this Croatian city, then make these your priority! You can complete this list in two full days, three if you want to take your time.
1. Walk the City Walls
At €35 a ticket you may be wondering: “Is it worth the price?” Or at least that’s what I was thinking when I very nearly turned away. And what a mistake that would’ve been! There’s a reason why walking the Old City Walls is at the top of nearly every Dubrovnik list – it really is that good. Plus the entrance fee grants you access to a bunch of other stuff to do in the city as well.
It takes approximately two hours to walk the full loop of the walls. Along the way, you’ll see incredible views of the city’s terracotta roofs spread out before you from some vantage points, waves crashing against the walls and Fort Lovrijenac from others. You’ll even get the chance to climb up some of the towers!
The walls as we see them today date back to the 1600s, though the original layout was conceived in the 13th century. They’re 1940 meters long and were built for protection after the city gained full independence from Venetian rule. They are the city’s defining feature.
Look, if there’s only one thing you spend money on while in Dubrovnik, make it this.
2. Explore the Old Town
Getting lost in Dubrovnik’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, is the perfect way to while away an afternoon. You’ll enter through one of the city gates (Pile or Ploče) which are magnificent to behold, and which really sets the scene.
Once inside, explore the narrow, cobblestoned alleys and steep stairways, daydream that one of the gorgeous stone houses and hidden gardens belong to you, and browse the many cute shops for boutique pieces and lavender soap.
While walkable in an hour or so, each corner of the city is so picturesque that you could easily spend an entire day exploring – it’s totally up to you! When your feet get tired why not head down to the Old Town Port to grab a drink and watch the boats bob with the waves.
3. Ride a Cable Car (or climb Mount Srd) for Epic Views
So, by now you would’ve seen the views from the city walls and walked the streets of the city itself. Want another perspective? Take the cable car all the way up to Mount Srd and see the city from way up above! At 1,352 feet, this birds-eye view lets you see all the way to the Elafiti islands on a clear day.
At €15 (€27 round-trip) a ticket for a 4-minute ride you may be thinking that it’s a total rip-off (and you wouldn’t be completely wrong) but the view is still definitely worth it. Luckily, there are much cheaper, though possibly more strenuous, alternatives!
You can either hike to the top of Mount Srd from the trailhead located on Jadranska Cesta, the main highway just outside of town, take a local bus part-way (to the town of Bosanka) and hike the rest of the way, or take a taxi (though this may not be necessarily cheaper than the cable car). Bonus points if you have your own rental car!
4. Stroll Along the Stradun
Stretching from Pile Gate all the way down to the port, the Stradun (Dubrovnik’s main street) divides the city into two nearly equal halves. It’s pretty much inevitable that you’ll end up on it at some point during your stay in Dubrovnik, but strolling the length of it (around 300 meters) makes for a wonderful addition to your itinerary.
Lined on either side by cute cafes and gelaterias, it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee or ice cream and people-watch as it is constantly filled with the hustle and bustle of both tourists and locals alike.
5. Visit a Medieval Pharmacy
Located within the stone walls of a Franciscan Monastery lies the third-oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe (in business since 1317). Established by the friary in order to care for its sick brethren, they later opened it up for the whole town, making it the first European pharmacy open to the general public.
Although pictures are not allowed (it is a functioning business after all), you can step inside and even stock up on remedies.
Don’t miss the rest of the stunning Monastery either! Check out the stunning 24th-century cloister with its lush garden, and the small museum (home to the original location of the pharmacy) with its collection of relics, paintings, and pharmacy items.
6. See the Rector’s Palace
Step inside the colonnaded inner courtyard of this gothic-renaissance palace and you’ll be transported back to 15th-century Ragusa (the historical name of Dubrovnik) – a time when an elected rector governed and the Republic was flourishing.
Today, the Rector’s Palace has been transformed into a Cultural History Museum. The rector’s offices and private chambers have been restored to resemble their original purposes and filled with antique furniture and paintings by masters. The old administration office and the courtroom are also available to see, while below lies the dungeon where prisoners were kept and the gunpowder storehouse.
Apart from being simply a gorgeous building to look around, it offers a historical look into Dubrovnik’s past. Tickets are included in the Dubrovnik Pass (€35) which comes included with entrance to the City Walls.
7. Go on a Game of Thrones Tour
Obviously, this item on the list will only interest fans of Game of Thrones, but I couldn’t help but add it, as Dubrovnik owes a lot of its recent resurgence of tourism to the hit show. For avid fans, Dubrovnik is King’s Landing, a location that features heavily throughout the entire duration of the series.
Today, there are numerous Game of Thrones-themed tours you can take, with varying lengths and degrees of intensity, that will satisfy even the most ardent fan.
You’ll be able to see all the major filming locations, including the steps where Cersei’s famous “walk of shame” took place, and the Pile Gate, the scene of the citizen’s riot, among many other spots. You’ll get to learn insider production secrets and even get a chance to sit on the Iron Throne.
For those who couldn’t care less about the show, I still highly recommend going on a guided tour of the city! It will help you deepen your appreciation and knowledge of this incredible city.
8. Step into the Recent Past at the Red History Museum
Most visitors to Dubrovnik focus on its old historical past, such as the defensive walls dating back to the Medieval Age, or the Renaissance and Gothic palaces, but little light is shone on Dubrovnik’s more recent history. That’s why a visit to the Red History Museum is so inspiring.
Located a short bus ride away from the Old Town, Red History Museum is an innovative interactive exhibition that showcases everyday life in Croatia during the Yugoslavian communist regime. Tickets cost €9, but you can get a reduced price with the Dubrovnik Pass.
The museum is divided into 3 parts, but my favorite was the Yugoslavian apartment area. Visitors get to walk and interact with everyday objects (like opening cabinets, rifling through wardrobes, and even tasting a popular candy from that period) all while learning about how Croatians lived during the communist period. Everything seems both oddly familiar and worlds away.
9. Explore the Fort Lovrijenac
Perched on a 37-meter high cliff jutting out to sea just outside the Old Town walls is the Fort Lovrijenac (St. Lawrence Fortress), a defensive structure that protected the western part of Dubrovnik from both land and sea attacks.
Today, you can explore the fort yourself via a flight of stairs that lead up from Pile Beach. Though slightly confusing to figure out, free entry is included in the Dubrovnik Pass, as it counts as part of the defensive City Walls.
Fans of Game of Thrones will know it as the Red Keep but, during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, the fortress also doubles as the stage for a yearly production of Hamlet.
My favorite part of the fort? The inscription over the entrance: Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro or “Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world”. Words to live by!
10. Go Cliff Jumping at the Famous Cliff Bars
Let’s face it: sightseeing can be interesting and fun but it can also be very tiring and sometimes you just need to let loose. Buza and Buza II, two bars located on the cliff underneath the city walls, are the perfect place to do so!
Accessed through a hole in the wall, Buza (which literally means ‘hole’) is the perfect place to grab a cocktail, chat with friends (or if you’re traveling solo, whoever’s sitting at the table next to you), and take in the breathtaking views of the water below you and the city walls behind you.
The best part? There’s a path near the bar that leads down to the water where you can go for a dip between drinks. For those a little more daring, you can even cliff-jump from the nearby rocks. Is there any better way to end a trip to Dubrovnik?
Where to Eat in Dubrovnik
The great thing about eating in Dubrovnik is that it has the amount of varied restaurants that usually belong in a much bigger city. Below is a list of the best for all price ranges.
Proto €€€
If you’re looking for fish, Proto is the place to go. Not only is it considered one of the best fish restaurants located inside Old Town Walls, but it’s even still frequented by locals. In a city overrun by tourists, that’s a feat indeed.
Restaurant 360 €€€
Restaurant 360 is the perfect place to go for a special occasion! Located right within the city walls, overlooking the old port, the experience is truly special. Restaurant 360 is also the first and only restaurant in Dubrovnik to earn a Michelin star. Though pricey, it’s worth it!
Glorijet €€
Beloved by locals, and even recommended to me by my accommodation host, Glorijet cannot be missed on your stay in Dubrovnik, particularly if you’re a fish lover. Located in the Gruz neighborhood, about a 30-minute walk from the city walls, it’s actually perfectly located because it’s right next to the fish market. You can’t get fresher than that!
Taj Mahal €€
Taj Mahal is something of a misnomer! No, it doesn’t serve Indian food, but actually traditional Bosnian cuisine. Hidden away in one of Old Town’s back streets, this small restaurant is a meat lovers’ delight. Come on a sunny day to take advantage of the cute outdoor seating area.
Konoba Tabak €
Around a 30-minute walk from the Old Town, this konoba (meaning tavern) is the best place to go for an affordable home-cooked meal and local vibes. It might not look like much from the outside but the food (think lots of grilled meat) is definitely worth it. They even offer discounts for repeat customers.
Holy Burek €
If you’re really on a tight budget, or if you simply want to pick up something quick as you’re sightseeing, then grabbing a burek (a long, thin filo dough pastry with fillings) might be your best option, and Holy Burek has the tastiest ones! I found that one was enough to fill me up, but if you’re ravenous, why not get two so you can sample different flavors?
5 Other Things to Do in Dubrovnik
Spending more than a couple of days in Dubrovnik or looking for more things to do? I’ve got you covered! Here are five other things to do in Croatia’s capital city that will keep you busy and entertained.
1. Maritime Museum
Located on the first and second floors of Fort St John, which is part of the city walls (though you can still access it independently), this small but informative museum exhibits materials from Dubrovnik’s maritime past. It contains everything from antique ship memorabilia and equipment to shipwreck finds, to model ships, flag charts, and old photos.
The museum is not that big but it’s well-executed and will keep both adults and children entertained and informed about this very important part of Dubrovnik’s history. Entrance is free with the Dubrovnik Pass.
2. Museum of Natural History
Words that come to mind when trying to describe Dubrovnik’s Natural History Museum are “bizarre”, “unique”, and “downright entertaining”. This small museum, located in the center of the Old Town, may not have the pomp and grandeur of say New York or London’s Natural History Museums, but its charm lies in its homemade and crafty aspects.
If the amateur-looking taxidermy specimens don’t make you laugh, the unexplained room dedicated to Freddie Mercury as a fish certainly will! Honestly, I probably wouldn’t even have stepped inside if the museum hadn’t been included for free in the Dubrovnik Pass, but I’m so glad I did!
3. Museum of Modern Art
Dubrovnik’s Museum of Modern Art came as a pleasant surprise. Situated not too far east of the Old Town in a minimalist modernist building, the three-storey collection contains around 3,000 artworks of modern art by Croatian artists. I particularly like the photography collection which transported you back to 20th-century Croatia.
Don’t forget to head up to the sculpture terrace before you leave for beautiful views of Dubrovnik Old Town. This museum is also included in the Dubrovnik Pass and makes for a very pleasant break from all the centuries-old historical stuff.
4. The Dominican Monastery
Dubrovnik’s Dominican Monastery has more of a fortress-like style compared to the Franciscan one, but it also contains a gorgeous, leafy cloister, and remains an important treasury of culture and art in Dubrovnik.
One of the most important pieces is located in the church – a large, gothic crucifix, the work of Paolo Veneziano, but there are also impressive works by several Croatian masters.
5. Sponza Palace
This 16th-century palace, built as the city’s mint and arsenal, was once the liveliest commercial center of the city. Later on, it became a meeting point for intellectuals where they would gather to discuss literature, art, and science. Today, it houses the Dubrovnik archives, and although not available for public perusal, some of the most significant pieces are exhibited on the ground floor.
On display inside the building is a collection of photographs memorializing the Defenders of Dubrovnik, and if you venture further inwards you’ll see the beautiful but bare cloister.
Day Trips from Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik has so many amazing day trip options that it would be impossible to list all of them here, so I’ll just mention a few of them. Most of these can be done independently using public transport or a car, but you can also do them as part of a tour too, which I highly recommend if you want a more informative adventure without having to worry about the logistics!
Lokrum Island
At just a 10-15 minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik Old Town’s port, Lokrum Island makes for the perfect day or half-day trip from Dubrovnik and it’s completely stress-free! Just hop on one of the ferries (usually departing every half hour but though they’re more common during the summer months) and you’ll be there in no time.
Lokrum Island is an idyllic nature reserve where peacocks and rabbits roam free. Once inhabited by Benedictine monks, the ruins of the Benedictine monastery can still be viewed to this day. The island coast also makes for the perfect place to go for a swim or snorkel on a hot summer day.
Elafiti Islands
Looking for an escape from the Dubrovnik crowds? Look no further than the Elafiti Islands (also known as the Elaphiti Islands or the Elaphites), an archipelago consisting of 13 islands located northwest of Dubrovnik.
The three main islands you can visit are Kolocep, Sipan, and Lopud. Sipan is the largest but Kolocep and Lopud are car-free making them even more chilled out and relaxing. All three of them are easily accessible by ferry from Dubrovnik but if you’d like to tour more than one it’s probably easier to join a tour that can take you by boat to all the best spots around the islands.
Mljet National Park
Probably my favorite and one of the most secluded island paradises I visited was Mljet Island, home to Mljet National Park (it covers the entire north-west part of the island). Around an hour and a half ferry ride from Dubrovnik, Mljet is a little more off-the-beaten-track than many of the other islands in the area.
Spend the day there cycling around the national park (the best place to rent a bicycle is in the park itself), which consists of two gorgeously green saltwater lakes (you can even swim in them), the larger of which has its very own island monastery accessible only by ferry (included in the park ticket).
How to Get To and Around Dubrovnik
The closest airport to Dubrovnik is Dubrovnik Airport, also referred to as Čilipi Airport, and it’s approximately 15.5 kilometers (9.5 miles) from the city center. There are a number of different ways you can get to and from the airport which include:
- Hiring a private transfer: This is great for the most hassle-free journey as you can hire it in advance, and if you’re traveling with a group of people (some vans seat 8). (Around €35-40)
- Car rental: There are many options available at the airport. Great if you plan on exploring more of Croatia apart from Dubrovnik.
- Airport shuttle bus: There is an official shuttle bus that transports passengers from the airport to Dubrovnik’s main bus station in Gruž (around 20 minutes away from the Old Town). It takes around 25-30 minutes and departs every 20-40 minutes depending on the time. (€10 one way, €14 return)
- Taxis and Ubers: Taxis are also readily available but remember to agree on a price before you start your journey. Uber prices depend on demand. (Anywhere from €25-€40).
Dubrovnik Old Town is entirely pedestrianized so if you’re staying in or around there chances are you’ll never need to take public transportation. If you’re staying slightly more out, there is a network of local buses that can take you around the area, including to the Dubrovnik Main Bus Station in Gruž, the ferry terminal, the nearby towns, and even close to the airport. Tickets can be purchased from a kiosk beforehand or directly on the bus (cash only) for a slightly higher price. You can find all the bus timetables here.
FAQs About Dubrovnik
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about Dubrovnik which I have tried to answer to the best of my ability. If you have any other questions feel free to contact me and I’ll try to get back to you as soon as possible.
When is the Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik?
The best months to visit Dubrovnik are April-May and October. The weather is pretty good, there are far fewer tourists, attractions and restaurants are open, and prices for attractions are half what they would be in the summer season. I wouldn’t recommend going in winter because, although you’d probably have the city to yourself, many things are closed or inaccessible.
How Long Should I Stay in Dubrovnik?
If you’re just interested in visiting the Old Town, two full days are more than enough to walk around many times (it’s not that big) and see many of the attractions, main or otherwise. If you are interested in checking out the area or going for day trips, give yourself a couple of days extra.
How Expensive is Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik is the most expensive city in Croatia. Especially now, with the recent change of currency to euros and the inflation happening in Europe at this moment, Dubrovnik can be quite pricey, especially when you compare it to its neighbors. Budget travelers can spend on average €50-€70 a day but €70-€150 is more the norm.
Is Dubrovnik Safe?
Yes! Dubrovnik is a very safe city both during the day and at night. It’s also a great place to visit for solo travelers and solo female travelers (I visited as a solo female traveler myself and felt completely safe the entire trip). Visitors should be aware of their belongings, especially in crowded areas in the center, as incidences of petty theft can occur. As always, follow your gut, and use your common sense when traveling as when at home.