More than 15 years ago was the first time I traveled across Croatia. We drove the whole coastline from north to south, up to the point where the 12-mile strip of Bosnia and Herzegovina cuts off Dubrovnik from the rest of the country. Dubrovnik is a city of worship, walls and endless stairs. There are endless things to see and do in Dubrovnik – but given the insane crowds, let me guide you through the top sights and wonders of the city for the best experience outside of the chaos.
Incredible things to see and do in Dubrovnik.
There are plenty of things that will catch your interest and fill your day, and most of them are located in the heart of Dubrovnik’s old town. But what’s more important, it’s a nice and visitor-friendly city with great residents.
Dubrovnik was the capital of the Republic of Ragusa in the Middle Ages. .
Old town is a labyrinth of tiny cobblestone streets, the more you walk, the more you get to discover of the unique things to see and do in Dubrovnik city… There are plenty of highlights! Worth checking every passing, as that may lead you to one of the cafes built on a steep rock with the sea landscape spreading around. Trust me, you can spend half a day sitting there enjoying the views and privacy.
Apart from the historic sights, there are stunning beaches, an old town and a nice port with tiny restaurants, where you can spend your afternoon chillin’.
Travel tips for Dubrovnik.
SEAFRONT ACCOMMODATION: First of all, I would suggest booking a place with a panoramic view of the historic city walls and a seafront location on the Dalmatian Coast. It’s breathtaking at night!
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There are 12 bus lines connecting different parts of the city with the Dubrovnik city centre.
Get a Dubrovnik PASS.
First, buy a Dubrovnik 1-, 3-, or 7-day card – CITY PASS. It gives you a free entrance to the best things to see and do in Dubrovnik – attractions like: Dubrovnik City Walls, several museums and galleries, and a bus card valid throughout the city of Dubrovnik. I got a 3-day card, so it gives you enough time to visit all the places and museums included in this offer.
The Dubrovnik Card is available for purchase in the tourist office located near the old town after crossing Dubrovnik’s famous Pile Gate. Don’t forget to take city maps and folders from the tourist office. It will give an insight into which spots you like to visit, as I’m sure you won’t be visiting all of them.
Visit the Old Town.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a labyrinth of limestone streets, historic buildings, and quaint squares. Don’t miss the opportunity to wander through Stradun, the main street lined with shops and restaurants. While in the Old Town, make sure to visit the Rector’s Palace, which showcases the city’s governance history, and the Franciscan Monastery, home to one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe.
If you’re physically fit, keep climbing upward toward the residential sections above the city center. The higher you go, the fewer tourists you encounter. Eventually, you’ll reach viewpoints overlooking rooftops and the Adriatic that rival anything from the official observation decks.
Best historic landmarks in Dubrovnik Old Town.
- The Franciscan Church and Monastery – this large monastery complex is situated at the very beginning of Placa, to the left of the inner Pile Gate, next to the Holy Saviour Church
- Dubrovnik’s Placa is one of the most popular pedestrian paths in the middle of the Old Town. You might want to gather in the evening to watch the nightlife
- Lots of people might like: Game of Thrones Tour
- City Walls Tour
- Art Gallery
- Cable car, which offers a panoramic view of the city
- The Large Fountain of Onofrio and St. Saviour Church
Explore Dubrovik City Walls.
One of the first things you should do upon arrival in Dubrovnik is to walk along its iconic city walls. Spanning nearly 2 kilometres, these ancient fortifications offer stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, the charming red rooftops of the Old Town, and the nearby islands.
The walls are best explored early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and to capture some spectacular photos in the warm light.
PRO TIP: Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as the walk can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on how often you stop to take in the scenery.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Dubrovnik: City Walls, Stradun & Old Town Story Walking Tour
Visit Locrum island.
Best restaurants in Dubrovnik.
One thing you may not like about this place is damn.. that city is seriously overpriced!! I remember travelling across other parts of the country, and the prices amazed me. It was hard to believe how cheap it was back in 2010. So I guess Dubrovnik has always been way more expensive than other cities, but sometimes the product simply isn’t worth the price.
The biggest surprise was the port restaurant, which turned out to be the cheapest. The food was really nice! Besides, there are plenty of shops where you can get something for breakfast. And there’s one thing you can’t miss – local liqueurs (especially Rogac)!
CUISINE TO TRY OUT:
- Try black risotto made with cuttlefish ink.
- Grilled octopus.
- Local oysters from nearby Mali Ston.
- Sample peka — a traditional slow-cooked dish prepared under an iron bell covered with hot coals.
- Local wine is another pleasant surprise.
Discover Dubrovnik hidden beaches.
In case you get bored with historical spots, there are plenty of stunning things to see and do along the coastline. Some guides say Dubrovnik is famous for the most spectacular city beach in Europe.
Dubrovnik has many quieter alternatives if you’re willing to explore. One of my favourites was Sveti Jakov Beach.
Another excellent option is finding small rocky swimming areas outside the main tourist beaches. Locals often skip sandy beaches entirely and simply spread towels across flat rocks beside the Adriatic.
ADVENTURE TIP: Buy cheap snorkeling gear locally and explore underwater near the rocky coastlines. The water around Dubrovnik is remarkably clear, and even casual snorkeling reveals fish, sea urchins, and underwater rock formations.
Day trip to Cavtat from Dubrovnik.
Cavtat is a lovely small harbour town located 20 km south from Dubrovnik. The road to Cavtat leads along beautiful coastline. Cavtat is a quiet sailing town wich lots of great restaurants. This is a perfect destination to spend a day outside Dubrovnik. You can take a loop walk in small peninsula located in the north part of the town, which will amaze you with scenic costline views and sea lagoons.
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