Home › Destinations › Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, Hrvatska - Things to Do in Dubrovnik

Things to Do in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Hrvatska - Complete Travel Guide

Dubrovnik, known as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic,' is a stunning medieval city perched on Croatia's southern coast. This UNESCO World Heritage site captivates visitors with its perfectly preserved Old Town, encircled by massive stone walls that have protected the city for centuries. The limestone streets, baroque buildings, and terracotta rooftops create a magical atmosphere that has made Dubrovnik one of Europe's most photographed destinations and a popular filming location for Game of Thrones. Beyond its architectural beauty, Dubrovnik offers crystal-clear waters, nearby islands, and a rich cultural heritage dating back over 1,000 years. The city successfully balances its historical significance with modern amenities, offering world-class restaurants, luxury accommodations, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you're walking the ancient city walls at sunset, kayaking around Lokrum Island, or sipping wine in a cliffside bar, Dubrovnik provides an unforgettable Mediterranean experience that combines history, natural beauty, and Croatian hospitality.

Top Things to Do in Dubrovnik

Walk the City Walls

The complete circuit of Dubrovnik's medieval walls offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Old Town, Adriatic Sea, and surrounding islands. This 2-kilometer walk takes you around the entire perimeter of the historic city, providing perfect photo opportunities and insights into the city's defensive history. The walls, up to 25 meters high in some places, feature towers, fortresses, and bastions that have protected Dubrovnik for over 700 years.

Booking Tip: Purchase tickets early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat (€35 for adults). Best visited at opening time (8 AM) or 2 hours before sunset for optimal lighting and fewer tourists. Allow 1-2 hours for the complete circuit.

Explore Lokrum Island

Just a 15-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik's Old Port, Lokrum Island is a nature reserve featuring botanical gardens, peacocks, and the ruins of a Benedictine monastery. The island offers swimming spots, hiking trails, and the famous 'Dead Sea' salt lake where you can float effortlessly. Legend says the island is cursed, adding an air of mystery to this beautiful escape from the city crowds.

Booking Tip: Ferry tickets cost around €20 round-trip and run every 30 minutes during summer. Visit early morning or late afternoon for better photos and wildlife spotting. Bring water and snacks as island facilities are limited.

Game of Thrones Filming Locations Tour

Discover King's Landing through guided tours of Dubrovnik's Game of Thrones filming locations. Visit the Jesuit Staircase (where Cersei's walk of shame was filmed), Fort Lovrijenac (Red Keep), and many other iconic spots from the series. These tours combine the city's real history with behind-the-scenes stories from the HBO production.

Booking Tip: Book tours in advance during peak season (€25-40 per person). Choose smaller group tours for better access and photo opportunities. Some tours include entrance fees to filming locations, while others require separate payment.

Take the Cable Car to Mount Srđ

The Dubrovnik Cable Car whisks you 405 meters above sea level to the summit of Mount Srđ in just 4 minutes. From the top, enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the Old Town, Elafiti Islands, and Croatian coastline. The summit also features a restaurant, museum, and hiking trails for those wanting to explore further.

Booking Tip: Tickets cost €22 round-trip for adults, with discounts for return visits. Visit during sunset for magical golden hour lighting, but expect crowds. Consider hiking up and taking the cable car down to save money and avoid queues.

Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling

Paddle along Dubrovnik's dramatic coastline on guided sea kayaking tours that often include stops at hidden beaches and caves. Most tours combine kayaking with snorkeling opportunities in the crystal-clear Adriatic waters around Lokrum Island or Betina Cave. This activity offers a unique perspective of the city walls and coastline from the water.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours range from €35-55 per person and include all equipment. Book morning tours to avoid afternoon winds and crowds. Look for small group tours (8-12 people) for more personalized attention and better photo opportunities.

Getting There

Dubrovnik Airport is located 24 kilometers from the city center, with regular bus connections (€8) and taxis (€35-40) available. The airport serves numerous European cities with direct flights, especially during summer months. Alternatively, you can reach Dubrovnik by bus from major Croatian cities like Split (4.5 hours) or Zagreb (11 hours), or by ferry from Italian ports like Bari. Many visitors also arrive by cruise ship, as Dubrovnik is a popular Mediterranean cruise destination. If driving, note that you'll need to pass through a small section of Bosnia and Herzegovina, so ensure you have proper documentation.

Getting Around

Dubrovnik's Old Town is entirely pedestrianized and best explored on foot, with most major attractions within a 10-minute walk of each other. The city operates an efficient bus system connecting the Old Town, Lapad Peninsula, and outer areas, with tickets costing around €1.50. Taxis are available but can be expensive, especially during peak season. For exploring nearby beaches and attractions, consider renting a car, though parking in the Old Town area is extremely limited and expensive (€2-4 per hour). Water taxis and ferries connect to nearby islands and beaches, offering scenic alternatives to land transportation.

Where to Stay

Old Town (Stari Grad)
Ploče
Lapad Peninsula
Babin Kuk
Gruž Port Area
Cavtat

Food & Dining

Dubrovnik's dining scene masterfully blends traditional Dalmatian cuisine with modern Mediterranean influences, emphasizing fresh seafood, local olive oil, and regional wines. The Old Town offers everything from high-end restaurants with stunning views to casual konobas (taverns) serving authentic Croatian dishes like black risotto, grilled fish, and peka (slow-cooked meat and vegetables). Don't miss trying local specialties such as Dubrovnik-style stockfish, green menestra, and rozata (Croatian crème caramel). For the best value and authentic experience, venture outside the Old Town walls to neighborhoods like Lapad or Gruž, where locals dine. Pair your meals with Croatian wines like Plavac Mali or Dingač, and always make reservations during peak season as popular restaurants fill up quickly.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Croatia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Pizzeria Sette Sorelle

4.9 /5
(9566 reviews) 2

BOKAMORRA HAUTE COUTURE PIZZA & COCKTAILS

4.7 /5
(5439 reviews) 2
bar

Boban

4.5 /5
(5480 reviews) 2

Il Secondo

4.6 /5
(3297 reviews) 2

Gastro Italiano

4.6 /5
(2952 reviews) 2

Paesano

4.6 /5
(2616 reviews) 2
all dining options →

When to Visit

The best time to visit Dubrovnik is during late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) when the weather is warm but not oppressive, crowds are manageable, and prices are more reasonable. Summer (July-August) offers the hottest weather and longest days but also brings massive crowds, highest prices, and temperatures that can exceed 30°C (86°F). Winter (November-March) sees many attractions and restaurants close, but offers a peaceful atmosphere, lower prices, and mild temperatures perfect for exploring without crowds. Shoulder seasons provide the perfect balance of good weather, reasonable prices, and fewer tourists, making them ideal for photography and enjoying outdoor activities.

Insider Tips

Visit the city walls early morning (8 AM opening) or late afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday sun - the lighting is also much better for photos
Buy groceries and water outside the Old Town walls where prices can be 50% cheaper than inside the historic center
Skip expensive Old Town restaurants for lunch and head to nearby neighborhoods like Lapad or Gruž for authentic local cuisine at half the price

Explore Activities in Dubrovnik