With its glittering blue waters, flawlessly preserved Old Town, and epic sights ripped straight from a fantasy book, Dubrovnik is (at first glance) a perfect destination to visit, with some of the most amazing views on the planet…

But I won’t sugarcoat it: Dubrovnik can be a challenge. With thousands of day trippers/cruise passengers pouring into the city’s ancient walls in peak season, there’s little room to breathe, let alone enjoy the sights. And sadly, with tourism has come high prices & an obscene amount of tacky gift shops.

I’m still a fan though, and believe there’s ways to ensure you love the city too. On my first visit in late July, I stayed a bit out of town and planned my explorations for early morning/early evening, avoiding the bulk of the cruise ship crowds (and heat!) 

And on my second visit, I went in early April, which wasn’t empty by any means, but considerably less crowded and more frolickable.

So, all to say: there’s a number of great things to do in Dubrovnik… just make sure you plan properly to avoid being disappointed! 

With that in mind, this post will recap all the best things to do in Dubrovnik, from the touristy musts to more laidback hidden gems. I hope you find it useful! 

1. Dubrovnik City Walls

Dubrovnik is a city of epic views, and there’s no better vantage point for looming over it like an evil queen than Dubrovnik’s city walls.

Stretching approximately 2 kilometers around the city, these walls were originally constructed in the 9th century (and further fortified over the years) to serve as a badass defense system against invaders.

Today, a lap around the city walls guarantees glorious views of the sparkling Adriatic, along with Dubrovnik’s signature orange rooftops. Unfortunately, the experience will cost you a painful 35 euro… but it’s really such an important must-do that I can’t advise skipping it. Tickets can be purchased in-person or online through the official website here.

NOTE: Be careful when purchasing tours for the walls. Usually, these will not include the entry fee, so keep that in mind. I do think a tour can be nice for getting more context around what you’re seeing, what not absolutely necessary for enjoying the attraction. Here is a highly rated one if you’re interested.

2. Lovrijenac Fortress

Slightly easing the pain of the City Walls entry fee is the fact that you can enter Lovrijenac Fortress with the same ticket!

Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop just outside the western walls, this fortress has served as a defensive bastion since its construction in the 11th century.

With its thick stone walls, sturdy towers, and overall commanding presence, this fortress is (rightly so) known as the “Gibraltar of Dubrovnik”, and is today home to great views as well as a number of cultural events like performances during the annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival.

3. Stradun (Placa)

Next – time to explore the Old Town properly, starting with the main street in Dubrovnik – Stradun.

Lined with a number of shops and cafes, this limestone-paved promenade is the heart of the old town and is absolutely teeming with people, so I’d make sure you explore here early in the morning to avoid the worst of it. It’s very pretty, but honestly one of the most touristy strips in the city, so it’s good to get it out of the way before the crowds hit.

NOTE: If you want more context around the sights you’re seeing, I might book a walking tour like this one. Dubrovnik is aesthetically really beautiful but it can be tough to navigate the smaller streets as a first timer.

4. Jesuit Stairs

Another Old Town must-see (especially for Game of Thrones fans) are the city’s Jesuit Stairs.

These shamefully picturesque stairs connect Gundulić Square with the Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius above, and feature an elegant double staircase flanked by ornate balustrades (fancy word for railings) creating a grand entrance to the church.

Historically, these stairs have served as a ceremonial route for religious processions and cultural events, though more recently they will be recognized as the stairs featured in Cersei’s Walk of Shame in Game of Thrones. In any case, they’re a cool sight to see, so make sure you don’t miss them!

5. Rector’s Palace

Next on the Dubrovnik Old Town sightseeing tour is Rector’s Palace, a beautiful palace that once served as the residence and administrative HQ of the elected rector (who governed the city-state of Dubrovnik).

Today, the Rector’s Palace houses the Dubrovnik Museum, which is home to period furniture, portraits, and official documents, which together illustrate the life of Dubrovnik during its time as a powerful maritime republic. Visitors can explore the grand halls, the rector’s private chambers, and even the old prison cells, all while gaining insight into the governance of this historic city.

The palace itself blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, so any architecture buffs will probably want to admire that aspect as well… plus, time your visit right and you may be able to enjoy some world class music! The atrium is often used for concerts thanks to its excellent acoustics.

6. Sponza Palace

Another elegant palace to see in Old Town is Sponza Palace, one of the few Renaissance buildings in Dubrovnik to remain largely intact after the devastating earthquake of 1667, making it a must-see.

Once upon a time, the palace was a customs house and center for trade, where merchants from across the Adriatic would conduct business, although it’s also been used as a bonded warehouse, mint, armoury, treasury, bank and school over the years.

Today, the palace houses the Dubrovnik State Archives, preserving valuable historical documents and manuscripts. Visitors can see copies of some of the most important documents on the ground floor, but most of the archives aren’t open to the public. There is, however, an interesting exhibit on the people who lost their lives defending Dubrovnik during the Croatian War of Independence to check out. 

7. Dubrovnik Cathedral

Dubrovnik Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, is a striking Baroque masterpiece that stands as a symbol of the city – and no wonder since it’s gorgeous. A visit here is a must if you want to ogle incredible art and architecture, or just escape the (often stifling) heat outside.

The current structure, completed in the early 18th century, was built on the ruins of an older Romanesque cathedral that was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1667. According to legend, the original cathedral was funded by a donation from Richard the Lionheart, who was shipwrecked near Dubrovnik during his return from the Crusades.

Inside the cathedral, visitors can admire a rich collection of art and religious treasures. The centerpiece is the stunning triptych of the Assumption of the Virgin by the Renaissance painter Titian, which adorns the main altar. The cathedral also houses a treasury with an impressive collection of relics, including the gold-plated remains of Saint Blaise, Dubrovnik’s patron saint.

8. Franciscan Monastery

While in a compact and crowded city like Dubrovnik, it can feel like there are no hidden gems left to explore… a visit to the Franciscan Monastery when they first open will make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon your own little secret.

Home to one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, this monastery is best known for its serene courtyard, filled with greenery and featuring a stone well in the middle. Inside the monastery, the church houses a remarkable collection of art and religious artifacts, along with another magnificent altarpiece by Titian.

And, another highlight is the monastery’s museum, which features a collection of paintings by renowned artists of the Dubrovnik school. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the rest of Dubrovnik, this is a lovely little spot for some quiet.

9. Wander around the back streets of Old Town

Of course, while the main sights of Duvrovnik Old Town are beautiful, I think one of the nicest ways to appreciate the city is to escape the crowds and wander off to some idyllic back streets.

Given its non-stop parade of cool sights, it can be easy to forget that Dubrovnik is an actual city that people live in. Luckily, a walk through the city’s back streets can give you a glimpse into this alternate world away from the tacky tourist keychains and plastic Iron Thrones. Laundry hanging out a window, the clang of pots as the sizzle of lunch time cooking drifts out the window… all very charming scenes that you’d never get in the bustle of the Old Town core, so take some time to get a little lost. I promise you won’t regret it!

WARNING: One thing that many people don’t warn you about is how many stairs there are in Dubrovnik, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to sweat it out a little. Don’t say I didn’t warn you…

10. Dubrovnik Cable Car

Looking for even better views? Another fun thing to do in Dubrovnik is a ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car up to Mount Srđ.

The ride takes you up 778 metres to a gorgeous view over the city, sea, and islands beyond. At the summit there’s the Panorama restaurant where you can have a meal while admiring the epic views, as well as another centuries-old fortress which houses the Homeland War Museum.

Go at sunset – I promise it’s magical.

11. Zipline with a view

For a more adventurous Dubrovnik activity, you can also zipline with these majestic views.

Yes! Through booking this zipline experience, you can actually zip down Mount Srđ (twice) on what has to be one of the most scenic ziplines I have ever seen. Even if you’ve never ziplined before, you can practice on a training line before doing the adrenaline-pumping ride towards beautiful Dubrovnik city below.

12. Old Port

The Dubrovnik Old Port, once the bustling heart of the Republic of Ragusa’s maritime trade, is a picturesque area steeped in history that’s perfect for some waterside walks.

Located outside the city walls, this neighbourhood is focused around the centuries-old pier, with lots of upscale restaurant terraces for dining with a nice view (and fresh seafood). Surrounded by the ancient stone walls and fortified towers, the port was once a vital hub for both commerce and defense.

Today, the Old Port is a lively spot where visitors can stroll along the waterfront, admire the historic Arsenal, and watch boats bobbing in the harbor. It’s also the main departure point for boat tours to nearby islands like Lokrum and the Elaphiti Islands if you fancy heading further afield from the city.

13. Buža Bar

Sightseeing in the heat can be pretty exhausting, so if you want a break with stunning views in Dubrovnik, make sure you visit Buža Bar, perched on the cliffs outside the city walls.

I could have easily spent hours here, safely sipping on a cold drink while watching the cliff divers below. Definitely schedule a break here – you won’t regret it!

14. Banje Beach

While there aren’t a ton of opportunities for beaching in Dubrovnik (walled city and all), one popular and scenic spot for sunbathing is Banje Beach.

Sure, it’s a pebble beach so it’s not the comfiest, but its crystal-clear waters and views of Old Town more than make up for it. Beware that this beach can get busy in peak season though, so get there early to stake out your spot.

15. Lokrum Island

If you have half a day to pry yourself away from Old Town, one of my favourite side trips in Dubrovnik is the short journey over to Lokrum Island.

This idyllic island can be accessed via boat in only 12 minutes from Dubrovnik’s Old Port, with plenty to enjoy on the other side, including lush botanical gardens and a historic monastery.

Highlights of the island include…

• Benedictine Monastery of St. Mary: The ruins of a Benedictine monastery from the 12/13th century, which includes the pleasure gardens from the summer residence of Maximilian of Habsburg along with a small Game of Thrones exhibit since this area was used for filming Daenerys in Qarth.
• Botanical Gardens: Next door to the monastery complex are the island’s botanical gardens which aren’t huge but feature some lovely cacti and there are also peacocks wandering around everywhere.
• Fort Royal: On a hill in the middle of the island is a 19th century fortress that can be reached via “The Path of Paradise” a rocky hiking trail with stunning views.
• Beaches and caves: Lokrum’s beaches and caves are definitely worth a visit to swim or kayak, although the coastline is completely rocky so don’t expect any sandy beaches here.

16. Maritime Museum

Looking for more historic/cultural things to do in Duvrovnik? The Maritime Museum is one of the main museums you can visit, with an interesting collection of artifacts, model ships, navigational instruments, and maritime paintings.

Located within the historic St. John’s Fortress, this museum offers insights into Dubrovnik’s naval power during its time as a prominent maritime republic. You can learn about shipbuilding, trade routes, and the lives of sailors, while also enjoying stunning views of the Adriatic Sea from the fortress itself.

Unless you’re especially interested in maritime history, I wouldn’t say this is a Dubrovnik must do, but it’s a nice rainy day activity, or a chance to escape the heat and crowds for a bit. As you can see from my photo, it’s not the most popular place…

17. War Photo Limited

Another museum to visit in Dubrovnik is known as War Photo Limited.

This thought-provoking museum showcases photographs and stories from the Balkan wars, along with rotating exhibitions of photographs from war zones around the world. It’s not always the easiest subject matter to look at, but definitely captures the harsh realities of war and conflict, while also showing the importance of photojournalism.

If you are interested in photojournalism or don’t mind seeing some pretty bleak images then this is an important attraction to hopefully show people the futility of wars – and why we need to stop repeating history.

18. Do a food and wine tour

Looking for foodie things to do in Dubrovnik? Oh yes, there’s options for that too!

While (to be honest) many restaurants in the Old Town can leave a lot to be desired, there are still ways to dine well in Dubrovnik. One of the simplest is booking a food and wine tour like this one that hands the responsibility off to a local guide, with visits to multiple cosy restaurants to try delicious snacks and wines, while being regaled with the history of the iconic sights you pass by.

Otherwise, some foodie spots to take note of in Dubrovnik include Gundulićeva Poljana, the local market, and D’vino Wine Bar – which focuses on produce from across Croatia, so you can take a taste journey through the country with a wine flight.

19. Kayak around Dubrovnik

For a fun Dubrovnik experience that gets you out on the water, consider booking a kayaking tour! There are tons of companies that offer this experience, including this one that will take you past the foot of Lovrijenac Fortress then out into the Adriatic Sea to explore Lokrum and Betina Cave, with plenty of opportunities to swim or snorkel in the waters.

For the same views with significantly less work, you can also consider booking a sunset cruise like this one.

Ahhh, of couuuurse. It goes without saying that one of the top nerdy things to do in Dubrovnik is a Game of Thrones tour that brings you along to the most iconic locations as seen in the series. If you’re a fan of the show at all, this is a must-do (though you’ll no doubt recognize a lot of locations on your own as you roam around).

21. Do a fun day trip

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that Dubrovnik is a great base for day trips/onward travel. There’s a truly stunning variety of cool locations within a day trip’s distance, including…

• Mostar & Kravice Falls: Head to Mostar to see the famous bridge and also spend time exploring the beautiful Kravice Waterfalls in the forests of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
• Perast & Kotor, Montenegro: See some of the prettiest sights in Montenegro and cruise the Bay of Kotor before exploring the Venetian port town of Kotor.
• Elafiti Islands: Embark on an island-hopping adventure to the Elafiti Islands, where you can discover secluded coves, lush landscapes, and charming fishing villages.
• Blue Cave: See the most iconic island sights off the coast from Dubrovnik, including the Blue Cave, the Three Green Caves and Sunj Beach.

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Dubrovnik?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Dubrovnik activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂