12 Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik, Croatia

Known mainly for its picturesque old town, Dubrovnik is a city that has more to offer besides its ancient walls and gates.

Its proximity to the Adriatic makes it an ideal summer destination, where people get to enjoy both the crystal waters as well as its rich heritage. Dubrovnik is also a good base and you can do several day trips to other parts of Croatia and other parts of the Balkans.

Located in the Southeastern part of the country, it is about 4 hours away from Split and give or take 10 hours away from the capital Zagreb.

Wandering through its quaint city landscape is a must when in Dubrovnik. So here’s a list of things to do in Dubrovnik to make sure you get the most of your visit.

12 Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik

1. The Old City Walls

A Dubrovnik visit should always start with a visit to any part of its famed old town. In this case, a stroll along its formidable city walls should serve as your welcome treat.

Built in the 10th century, it has gone through modifications and restorations as it was then primarily used as a solid defense against invaders.

These walls go as high as six meters and are about 2 kilometers long. A leisurely stroll along these great walls is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik, as you get to enjoy stunning views on both sides. There’s the Adriatic on one side and the picturesque old town in the other.

During your stroll, you also get to see some of Dubrovnik’s top attractions such as the Boker Tower, Minceta Tower, the Lovrjenac Fort, and the Revelin Fort.

Some of these attractions might be familiar to you if you are a fan of Game of Thrones as they were used as filming locations of the famous TV series.

Opening Hours

Summer opening hours
08.00 – 18.30 h (April 1st – May 31st)
08.00 – 19.30 h (June 1st – July 31st)
08.00 – 19.00 h (August 1st – August 31st)
08.00 – 18.30 h (September 1st – September 14th)
08.00 – 18.00 h (September 14th – September 30th)​
08.00 – 17.30 h (October 1st – October 31st)

Winter Opening Hours
09.00 – 15.00 h (November 1st – March 31st)
closed on 25th of December (Christmas Day)

Admission Fee

adults – 200 HRK (€27.06)

students – 50 HRK (€6.77)

children and students concession – 50 HRK (€6.77)

children under the age of 5 – free

Contact Information

Address: Poljana Paska Milicevica 20000 Dubrovnik

Email: info@wallsofdubrovnik.com

2. The City Gates

Along with the city walls, the city gates are also among Dubrovnik’s attractions. There’s the Pile Gate which has been one of the main entrances to the city up to this day.

Pile Gate used to be surrounded by a moat and even had a drawbridge built-in 1537. It has a pretty garden, a statue of St. Blaise made by famous Croatian artist Ivan Meštrović, and a door that dates back to 1460.

There’s also the Ploce Gate, which was intended as a double defense system. Another Dubrovnik gate that you must see is the one at Revelin Fort, which was designed by Tvrđava Revelin and constructed in 1580.

3. Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury

Officially the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the magnificent Dubrovnik Cathedral sits were a 6th-century church used to be. That old church was destroyed by an earthquake, replaced eventually by the Baroque structure that we see today.

The Dubrovnik Cathedral was designed by Andrea Buffalini and has three aisles, three apses, and ornate interiors. The church is also home to paintings by Dalmatian and Italian artists work such as the Virgin of the Chair by Raphael.

The Treasury, meanwhile, holds many important relics, and a collection of gold and silver items from around the world.

Opening Hours

Admission Fee

Entrance to the cathedral is Free.

Treasury admission 20/15 kn.

Contact Information

Address: Brsalje 5, 20000 Dubrovnik, Hrvatska

Phone:+385 20 323-887

Email: info@tzdubrovnik.hr

4. The Rector’s Palace and Cultural and Historical Museum

Built-in 1435, the Rector’s Palace has gone through modifications throughout the centuries. Now home to Dubrovnik’s Cultural Historical Museum, its design is a lovely mix of late Gothic and early Renaissance influences.

A building that has survived an explosion, fires, and earthquakes, the Rector’s Palace is now one of the best attractions in Dubrovnik. Check out its central courtyard, where classical music concerts are held during summer.

There’s also the bust of Miho Pracat, a former merchant from Lopud island. The museum, meanwhile, houses about 15,000 pieces that include paintings by Dalmatian and Venetian artists.

Opening Hours

March 22- June 14; September 16 – November 2
Daily-9 a.m – 6 p.m.

November 3- March 21

Daily -9 a.m – 4 p.m

Admission Fee

adults – 100kn (€13.44)

students – 50kn (€6.77)

Contact Information

Address: Pred dvorom 3, 20 000 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Phone: +385 (0)20 426 469

5. Old Town

With its narrow cobbled streets that are lined with stone houses, beautiful old buildings, Baroque churches, and a bustling old square – Dubrovnik’s old towns are one of the best and most well preserved in the world.

A few hours of exploring the old town is one of the best activities to do in Dubrovnik. Wander through the alleyways, step into quirky shops or have some delicious ice cream – there are many ways to appreciate this picture-perfect UNESCO World Heritage Site.

6. Take a Game of Thrones Tour

Whether you’re a fan of the hit fantasy TV series or not – a few hours or an entire day of exploring Game of Thrones filming locations is a must. You may or may not recognize certain locations with scenes in your head but a visit to these places is a treat in itself.

Wander through the seven kingdoms and King’s Landing, which is really Dubrovnik’s old town. Explore streets like St. Dominika, hike up fortresses like Lovrjenac or take in the scenery at the Pile cove. Climb up the Minceta Tower or step inside the Ethnographic Museum.

Fan or not, this Game of Thrones tour is bound to be unforgettable as it takes you to some of the major points of interest in Dubrovnik.

Opening Hours:

Summer opening hours
08.00 – 18.30 h (April 1st – May 31st)
08.00 – 19.30 h (June 1st – July 31st)
08.00 – 19.00 h (August 1st – August 31st)
08.00 – 18.30 h (September 1st – September 14th)
08.00 – 18.00 h (September 14th – September 30th)​
08.00 – 17.30 h (October 1st – October 31st)

Winter Opening Hours
09.00 – 15.00 h (November 1st – March 31st)
closed on 25th of December (Christmas Day)

Admission Fee:

Individual:
200 kn p/Person

Agencies:
200 kn p/Person

Children and young adults (under 18):
50 kn p/Person

Contact Information

Address: Poljana Paska Milicevica 20000 Dubrovnik

Email: info@wallsofdubrovnik.com

7. Trsteno Arboretum

Located about 8 kilometers north of Dubrovnik, the Trsteno Arboretum provides an easy and welcome respite from walking around a bustling old city.

Here you’re surrounded by wild greens and an abundance of colorful flowers, as you explore ita Renaissance gardens that date back to the 14th century.

Set against the backdrop of the Adriatic Sea, the Trsteno Arboretum is also a recognizable location for the fantasy TV series Game of Thrones, as the King’s Landing gardens in the third and fourth seasons.

Opening Hours

Monday to Sunday – 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Admission Fee

Adult – 50 Kuna (€6.77)

Child and students – 30 Kuna (€4.06)

Contact Information

Address: Potok 20 20235 Trsteno

Phone: +385 (0)20 751 019

Email: arbor@hazu.hr

8. Fort Lovrijenac

A must visit when in Dubrovnik, the St. Lawrence Fortress or more popularly known as Fort Lovrijenac is one of the best places to see in Dubrovnik.

Located outside the western part of Dubrovnik’s old city walls, Lovrijenac is another popular Game of Thrones location. It was known as the Red Keep of King’s Landing in the series and appeared frequently during the second and third season.

Outside of the hit TV series, Lovrijenac is popular among visitors because it offers some of the best views of the old town as well as the Adriatic.

Opening Hours

Monday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Admission Fee

50 HRK (€6.77)

Contact Information

Address: Skalini dr. Marka Foteza, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Phone: +385 20 432-792

9. Head to the Beaches

Dubrovnik is known for its beaches as it is known for its scenic old town. The beaches in this side of Croatia are not sandy, they’re mostly pebbled and rocky.

What draws tourists this way, though, is the crystal blue waters that look stunning any time of the day. Check out beaches like Lapad, Copacabana, Dulici or Splendid – all family-friendly and boasts of amenities for your convenience.

A visit to one of the beaches in this beautiful city is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik on weekends so pack your beach gear and enjoy.

10. St. John Fortress

St. John Fortress is another part of the old city walk, located on the southeastern side of the solid defense that guarded Dubrovnik’s port.

For centuries, this area was vulnerable to pirate raids so aside from the sturdy walls, they devised a plan to deal with it. Once they receive a signal, they’d let out a chain that ran from St. John’s fort to the Kase pier to damage the ships.

Inside this tower, you’ll come across a small aquarium and upstairs, you’ll find a maritime museum.

11. Cable Car

Definitely, the best way to see all of Dubrovnik without spending hours walking and hiking is by getting on a cable car. A ride that starts at Mount Srd, this cable car was built in 1969 and operates until midnight.

It is a great way to see the best attractions in Dubrovnik, as well as enjoy stunning views of the coast. This is also a unique way to watch the sunset against the old city’s skyline and the nearby Adriatic.

Opening Hours

Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM

Admission Fee

Contact Information

Address: Petra Krešimira IV bb, 20000 Dubrovnik

Phone:+385 20 311 577

Email:  zicara@dubrovnikcablecar.com

12. Lokrum Island

An easy way to escape from the city hustle, Lokrum Island is just 10 minutes away by ferry. Lokrum is essentially a green island, as it’s covered mostly with pine forests.

You can explore the forest by its many walking trails, or you can keep walking until you reach the coast. There, you’ll find coves with clear blue waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling or kayaking.

The Lokrum island is also seen in Game of Thrones, and the old monastery they used there is also a restaurant.

Planning a trip in Dubrovnik and don’t know where to stay yet? Here’s our list of the best hotels in Dubrovnik, Croatia.