The 7 Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik

The enchanting city of Dubrovnik is located in the south of Croatia and is known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Nothing short of breathtaking, the city is renowned for its incredibly rich cultural and historical heritage. 

In fact, the dazzlingly well-preserved medieval walls surrounding Dubrovnik have earned the destination a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1979. Serving up stunning architecture, a glittering coastline and fascinating history, it’s no wonder why it has become such a popular destination for tourists.

However, with so much to see and do in the city, you may be wondering what the best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia, are. To make vacation planning as easy as possible for you, we have lined up the top attractions and activities to tick off during your visit.

Undoubtedly, one of the top things to do in Dubrovnik is walk the city walls. The picturesque metropolis is surrounded by medieval fortifications tracing back to the 15th and 16th centuries. 

Walk along the fascinating walls and forts encircling the city, all the while discovering the important role they have played in protecting inhabitants from foreign invaders and attacks. 

Visitors from all over the world come to see this unique attraction. The walls stretch almost 2 km long and take approximately two hours to complete on foot. Along the way, you’ll be treated to glorious views over the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea on one side and the medieval cityscape on the other.

You’ll actually have the opportunity to look down upon many of the best places to see in Dubrovnik, such as Lovrijenac Fortress and Lokrum Island. With such magnificent scenery on offer, it comes as no surprise that this activity promises phenomenal photo-taking opportunities.  

Walking the city walls is commonly regarded as the best thing to do in Dubrovnik, and Croatia as a whole. This means the fortifications can sometimes get a little busy. We recommend visiting as early as possible to avoid the crowds. 

As there is limited shade along the walls, be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and water when visiting during the summer months. Even if you’re strapped for time and looking for the top things to do in Dubrovnik in one day, you’ll not want to miss out on the city walls. You can tick them off and more on a private tour. 

Dubrovnik Old Town is located within the city walls and is one of the most beautiful places in Croatia. A small area, it is best explored by foot. The captivating medieval metropolis is a maze of cobbled streets and terracotta roofs.

Uncovering the wonders along these enchanting squares and alleyways is easily one of the most fun things to do in Dubrovnik. Lining the narrow streets, you’ll find exceptional restaurants serving up exquisite traditional cuisine, along with modern eateries offering a contemporary twist. 

During your adventure, you’ll undoubtedly come across the 300-meter-long limestone street of Stradun. The buzzing promenade is the beating heart of Dubrovnik old town, making it a fantastic place to people-watch locals and tourists alike. 

Stunning 17th-century Baroque stone buildings flank Stradun, home to small boutique shops and open-air cafes. The Old Town is also commonly considered to be the best place to stay in Dubrovnik as, on top of offering dreamy scenery, it leaves many of the city’s top attractions just a short stroll away. 

The Old Town was one of the areas which suffered the most bombings during the Croatian War of Independence. The city maps dotted around the Old Town show you all the places where the bombs were dropped on Dubrovnik. 

A guided tour offers a fantastic way to gain insight into how the city was impacted and recovered. You’ll be able to visit historical landmarks including, Pile Gate, Big Onofrio’s Fountain and the Dubrovnik City Bell Tower, all in the company of a local expert.

Riding the Cable Car to the top of Mount Srd is one of the most unique things to do in Dubrovnik. Scale the 405-meter mountain in under 5 minutes, before being treated to glorious panoramic views over Dubrovnik Old Town, the Adriatic Sea and Lokrum Island. 

Offering such an exhilarating experience, riding the cable car is certainly one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik with kids. Watch the little ones’ jaws drop in awe at the medieval old town shrinking below them as they soar into the sky and the twinkling Adriatic Ocean begins to dominate the horizon. 

The cable car has a fascinating history. It was first opened in 1969 but was destroyed during the Croatian War of Independence. In 2010, it was restored and has continued to transport tourists to the top of the mountain where they can admire the stunning views. 

On a clear day, the views from Mount Srd are simply awe-inspiring, offering visibility of up to an impressive 37 miles. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world as you take in the breathtaking landscapes and capture the perfect Instagram-worthy shots.

To experience one of the most romantic things to do in Dubrovnik, plan your cable car ride to coincide with sunset. There are few experiences quite as magical as gazing over at the sun sinking below the terracotta roofs from this striking mountain overlooking the city.

Gunduliceva Poljana Market is open every morning until 1 pm and is a great place to spend the early hours. The market is the oldest in the city and has a variety of stalls selling fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables. 

You will also find lavender oils and bags, dried figs, embodied table linens and lots more authentic, locally produced products on sale. We especially recommend trying the candied orange peel, it is a very tasty and popular snack in Croatia.

The open-air market is located in the baroque square of Gundulićeva Poljana. The scenic area is home to a statue of 17th-century poet Ivan Gundulić gazing down at the piles of fruit, vegetables and dried delights. 

As you wander through the market, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in friendly conversations with the vendors, learning more about the local customs and customs that have shaped this vibrant market over the years.

Browsing the stalls is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik Old Town as you can sample fresh, traditional produce amongst the hustle and bustle of locals, before meandering to a nearby coffee shop for a caffeine boost.

One of the best things to do in the Dubrovnik region is sea kayaking. The area is blessed with stunning aquamarine waters that are a dream to paddle along. What makes this experience even more special is the array of charming islands at your fingertips, waiting to be explored. 

Lokrum stands out as a magical destination to visit by kayak. This unspoiled island remains uninhabited, allowing nature to flourish freely. You will be greeted by the enchanting sight of bunny rabbits and majestic peacocks strutting along the unspoilt landmass. 

Just 0.35 nautical miles away from Dubrovnik Old Town, Lokrum is easily reachable by kayak, making it a must-visit spot on your water-based adventure. After your journey, take a refreshing dip in the island’s Dead Sea lake, soothing your soul in its crystal-clear waters.

You will also have the opportunity to explore hidden caves while kayaking near Dubrovnik. Why not stop for a short break at a hidden beach cave? Whilst there, you can venture into the waters for a swim or snorkel and have a picnic before heading back to the mainland. 

Sea kayaking is certainly one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik with older children as you embark on a spectacular adventure together uncovering all the beauty lying just off the city’s shores.

If you are a Game of Thrones fan, then Dubrovnik should be high on your list of places to visit. Many memorable locations and iconic scenes from the hit HBO show were filmed in the city, including King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. 

You’ll have the chance to set foot in Lovrijenac Fortress, which was used to film the Red Keep or visit the place where Cersei’s Walk of Shame scene took place. Along the way, your tour guide will share interesting facts about the city and funny anecdotes about the filming of the legendary program. 

Taking a Game of Thrones Tour is one of the most cool things to do in Dubrovnik as it allows you to gain fascinating, little-known insights into what it was like to film the series and step into the world of Westeros.

During your adventure, you’ll visit Split, Dubrovnik, Krka National Park, Lokrum Island and Hvar, all of which played a role in bringing the world of Westeros to life. 

Along with their impressive connections to the HBO series, these destinations are absolutely stunning and among the best places to visit in Croatia. Take a Game of Thrones Tour to see many of the top attractions in the city while also immersing yourself in the world of this iconic program.

Exploring the coast is one of the best free things to do in Dubrovnik. Banje lies just a short walk from the Ploče Gate and is the most famous shoreline in the city and one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. 

The pebbly bay is lined with pristine, turquoise waters and boasts sensational views of the city harbor and the island of Lokrum. One of the top things to do with kids in Dubrovnik is head to Banje for a swim and snorkel. 

Should you find yourself peckish, you can meander to a restaurant or café along the waterfront, before returning to cool off in the glittering waters. Feeling active? You’ll find a wonderful range of water sport activities on offer, rent a jet ski, speed boat, kayak or go parasailing. 

You can also rent sunbeds and canopies for you to lounge on and soak up the sun. If you’re looking for a secluded beach, Sveti Jakov is a wonderful option. Visiting the quiet shores is one of the best things to do in Old Town Dubrovnik. 

The quiet bay is completely unspoilt, despite lying around 1.8 km away from the city’s medieval center. Here you can enjoy a tranquil beachfront getaway, soaking up the rays on the pebbled shores or delving in and uncovering the marine life lurking in the turquoise waters.