Including a historical town hall and startlingly lovely nature, Dubrovnik integrates whatever we enjoy about Croatia into one storied city. The Old Town is a one-way ticket back to the 15th century, with experiences and tricks hovering around each turn. When it comes to the landscapes, well, the Dalmatian Coast does not dissatisfy.
When it pertains to the very best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia tourists will have a complete slate of choices. Your day can begin early taking pleasure in a coffee in a 600-year-old square and end by enjoying the sun decrease from an ultra-modern beachfront bar.
Without any scarcity of destinations, it can be challenging sorting through the highlights. So keep our Dubrovnik guide convenient so you can best explore this wonderful city.
The Leading Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
If you are a Video game of Thrones fan Dubrovnik will look exceptionally familiar as it was the city utilized for “King’s Landing” in the series. A great deal of the locations included in the popular series are here in the Old Town of Dubrovnik and ought to be checked out as part of your time in the city. However, even if you have no concept what Video game of Thrones is, you will fall for this lovely seaside city in a heart beat.
1. The Dubrovnik Cathedral
Draped in beautiful Baroque design architecture, the Dubrovnik Cathedral is a standout in a city loaded with ancient structures. From the outdoors court location, you might look for hours upon the polygonal recess total with a beautiful domed roofing. However the program does not end there, with the landmark ending up being ever more appealing as you venture within.
Otherwise called the Cathedral of the Presumption of the Virgin Mary, the initial structure was finished in the sixth century. However an earthquake brought it to the ground (a typical style throughout Dubrovnik, Croatia). Its replacement stands prior to you today, one whose interior is simply as fantastic as the stylish exterior.
Harboring 3 extravagant aisles, the cathedral is house to a series of extraordinary art pieces dating as far back as the 1500s. However it’s the Cathedral Treasury that’s maybe most remarkable with over 100 holy antiques, gold, silver, a part of the cross that Jesus was crucified upon, and St. Blaise, the city’s tutelary saint.
2. The Old City Walls in Old Town
The terrific part of taking a trip through Dubrovnik, Croatia is that you do not need to check out a museum to see its fantastic history. It’s composed all over the city, in its structures, cobblestone streets, and most especially along the Old City Walls. Initially established to secure the Pearl of the Adriatic, the walls were a huge part of Dubrovnik’s ascension to a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
The Dubrovnik city walls were very first established in the 7th century however the walls of mortar and limestone that you see today were built 800 years later on. The redevelopment was stimulated on by the fall of Constantinople and assisted secure the city, with heights rising to 20 feet and the wall typically simply as thick.
Dubrovnik City Walls envelopes the Old Town for 1.2 miles and will take you around an hour to stroll the whole length. An excellent method to experience the Old Town is to get on this strolling trip.
3. Loggia Square
In the heart of the pedestrian-only Old Town of Dubrovnik, Loggia Square is where you’ll discover a few of the most historical structures in Dubrovnik. From the square, you’ll have the ability to see the Church of St. Blaise (Dubrovnik’s tutelary saint), Orlando’s Column, and the Onofrio Water fountain. All have actually been a component in regional life for centuries, however none are as popular as the Loggia of the Bells.
This is the primary tourist attraction in the square and was integrated in 1480. The bells were utilized as a caution system throughout times of discontent. Today it offers a centerpiece in a plaza that is as taking place as ever. When checking out Loggia Square, discover a good area to delight in the popular conference point where life goes on as it constantly has.
4. Stack Gate
Among the piece de resistances along Dubrovnik’s City Walls is Stack Gate. For centuries, it was the primary entryway into the Old Town of Dubrovnik. In truth, it was as soon as surrounded by a moat with the addition of a drawbridge. The bridge was raised during the night, stopping any unwelcomed visitors from getting in.
In modern-day times, the drawbridge at Stack Gate stays down and the moat is now an enjoyable garden. The pedestrian-only bridge reveals couple of indications of age with the middle ages walls increasing imposingly to either side. As you stroll through eviction’s tunnel, you’ll have the ability to visualize the lots of others who have actually gone through considering that the 1500s. On the other side, you’ll discover the primary street of the Old Town of Dubrovnik, together with the Statue of St. Blaise.
5. The Water Fountain of Onofrio
After making your method through Stack Gate, you’ll have however a brief walk to the remarkable Water fountain of Onofrio. Established in the 1440s, the water fountain is now among the leading Dubrovnik sights. However long prior to this, it was an essential source of water to citizens as it brought water in from the Dubrovacka River to the Old Town. For over 200 years, the Water fountain of Onofrio stayed unblemished. Nevertheless, a significant earthquake in 1667 decreased its size however fortunately not its aura.
Behind the water fountain is St. Saviour Church. This opened in the 16th century after a force of magnificent intervention avoided an earlier earthquake from hurting Dubrovnik. Remarkably, in spite of its distance to the water fountain, the church got away any damage in the earthquake of 1667.
6. The Stradun of Dubrovnik
As Dubrovnik’s primary street, the Stradun is the focal point of the pedestrian-only Dubrovnik Old Town. For those who enjoy to stroll and roam, this is the location to begin. Strolling down the historical street is among the very best things to do in Dubrovnik.
Likewise called the Placa, the Stradun is where Dubrovnikans collect prior to making their method around town. Come here for some wonderful individuals enjoying from your comfortable coffee shop patio area prior to taking pleasure in a walk.
The street might be brief, however you’ll discover a series of taking place restaurants, store stores, and the well-known clock tower. In between them are rows of domestic houses that stand next to each other in ideal balance. The intriguing architecture will stop you in your tracks, so make certain to have your video camera convenient.
7. The Franciscan Abbey
Among the highlights of the Stradun is the Franciscan Abbey. The abbey stands silently around the corner from Stack Gate, offering you a tip of the relative peace that exists behind its walls. From within, you’ll leave the dynamic primary street behind.
Integrated In the 1300s, the abbey includes the 3rd earliest drug store in the world. Tourists can venture back through the history of regional medication and browse the containers and determining gadgets that assisted citizens from the day it opened its doors in 1317.
After checking out the drug store, make your method through the Franciscan Abbey’s unbelievable collection of ancient scripts. Here, you’ll discover perhaps the most important library in the nation, with over 21,000 unusual manuscripts. Along with the library is a similarly remarkable museum house to an art collection and artifacts.
8. Fort Lovrijenac
It’s reasonable to state the abundant history of Dubrovnik would be greatly various without its defenses, such as the Old Town Walls. However at the leading edge of this was Fort Lovrijenac (likewise called the Red Keep in Video Game of Thrones), supplying a protective eye over the Adriatic Sea and along the Dalmatian Coast.
Lovrijenac bases on the western end of the Old Town of Dubrovnik and is a genuine fortress standing 120 feet above the coast. It harbors a striking existence and showed to be impenetrable throughout its storied history.
Its walls, which are 40 feet thick, were established in under 3 months by a determined population. They had actually captured wind of Venetian forces wishing to construct their own fort here, just to be beaten to the punch.
Visitors will rapidly observe the special design of the fort with its triangular styles. Rather poignantly, this made it nearly difficult for Venetian forces to later on make any headway.
St. John Fortress is another one to check out. The 16th-century fort is now house to the city’s fish tank and maritime museum.
9. Flight the Cable Television Cars And Truck
The Dubrovnik cable television automobile will take you high above the lovely city for some picture-perfect views of the Old Town of Dubrovnik and the surrounding location. The cable television automobile trip lasts for around 10 minutes, rapidly sweeping you up the mountainside to the top of Mount Srd, 1350 feet above Dubrovnik. Starting in 1969, the cable television automobile stays as popular as ever and even runs up until midnight throughout peak traveler season.
From your area atop the mountain, you’ll have the ability to look down upon the blue-green Dalmatian Coast and the terracotta roofs that dot the Old Town. From the top, there is a course that will take you to the Imperial Fortress, where you’ll discover the Homeland War Museum and the romantic Panorama Dining establishment.
Wherever you wind up, make certain to discover a view for golden hour for among the very best sundown experiences in the area. If you desire some aid then this trip takes you to all the high lookouts in Dubrovnik.
10. Banje Beach
From Mount Srd, eager eyes will have the ability to look down on Banje Beach, the leading area for a day on the sand. Banje Beach is the ideal option to checking out the Old Town. For as lovely as the historical district is, often you simply require some R&R.
Banje Beach has an enjoyable character. Its brilliant white sand blends completely with the electrical blue water, producing a sight that is easily beautiful. Set that with the background of the Old Town and you will never ever wish to leave. After a couple of days of hectic expeditions, settle back and view the world pass.
The revitalizing waters of the Adriatic Coast will assist you cool down throughout the warm summertime. Its calm water likewise produces fantastic sea kayaking and experiences on a SUP. For food and beverage, you will not need to go far to discover the waterside bars and dining establishments that line the Beach.
11. Rector’s Palace
As both an impressive piece of architecture and house to among the city’s finest museums, checking out Rector’s Palace is among the very best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The palace was integrated in 1435 and has actually lost none of its splendour, in spite of lots of efforts by male and nature.
Including a mix of Renaissance and Gothic designs, Rector’s Palace was harmed by surges, fire, and earthquakes, just to be reconstructed each time. Now, as safe as ever, the palace is house to the Cultural Historic Museum. Here, you’ll find Dubrovnik’s Middle ages period in wonderful information, together with lots of popular works from the Renaissance.
Later, endeavor into the lovely yard that stands in the heart of Rector’s Palace. If you’re fortunate, you’ll show up in time for a live music efficiency.
12. Go Sea Kayaking
Along the storied Dalmatian Coast are tips of eras past. From the City Walls to ancient forts, a lot has actually taken place. Include the shimmering blue water of the Adriatic Sea and shining white beaches, and you can see why Dubrovnik, Croatia is an excellent location to go sea kayaking.
From the water, you’ll have a various point of view of the city, one that is much more noticable with the aid of a specialist guide on a kayaking trip. On this assisted trip, embark from Banje Beach and find out more about the unbelievable shoreline that has actually altered regional and global history.
As you paddle, you’ll have the ability to see into the clear water where fish swim by. Visiting its zenith with a paddle over to Lokrum Island, where you’ll swim into Betina Cavern.
13. Go To Lokrum Island
While there are sea kayaking trips that will take you over to the tranquil Lokrum Island, it’s not the only method to check out the unique location. In truth, you will not even need to raise a sweat. From the Old Port, start a brief ferryboat trip to the island.
Having actually roamed down the Stradun and checked out ancient churches and museums, Lokrum Island will be the ideal enhance to your journeys. The island is without citizens if you neglect the nest of peacocks. As you check out the island, you’ll discover inland saltwater lakes covered by thick forests, an arboretum, and even a nudist beach.
However even in paradise, Dubrovnik’s history is still present. Far from the lakes and beaches is an 11th-century Benedictine abbey and Fort Royal Castle. The latter was developed by the French under Napoleon.
14. Video Game of Thrones Trip
As you check out Dubrovnik and certainly the rest of Croatia, you might discover a few of the websites strangely familiar. As we discussed above, the city and nation are house to a few of the most remarkable Video game of Thrones shooting places. These assisted form the basis of what made the program such a hit as it had the ability to utilize genuine historic landmarks from worldwide.
The terrific news for tourists is how available these websites are, with or without a trip. A few of the previously mentioned destinations were shooting places, most especially King’s Landing, which was shot in the Old Town of Dubrovnik. Another emphasize is Blackwater Bay, where the notorious fight for the imaginary city happened.
Although you can see these by yourself, this Video game of Thrones trip will even more peel back the drape on the program, consisting of where Cersei did her walk of embarassment.
15. Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art initially opened its doors in 1945. Ever since, its collection has actually grown while ending up being the primary gallery in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Those who enjoy their art must include the museum to their schedule with sufficient time to browse their substantial collection of over 3,000 pieces.
The MOMAD showcases a few of the very best regional and nationwide skills. These are revealed together with some popular global stars. The greatest area of the museum is the modern-day art duration that started in the late 19th century and lasted up until the 2nd World War.
For those uninformed of fantastic Croatian artists, as you check out the Museum of Modern Art, keep your eyes out for the names Marko Murat, Niko Miljan, and Marko Rasica.
16. The Dominican Abbey
The Dominican Abbey was very first thought up in the 14th century. Initial strategies were so grand and substantial that Dubrovnik needed to eliminate and re-establish parts of City Walls. Upon conclusion, it stood up until the awful earthquake that surprised the city in 1667. From there, it was consistently reconstructed from the bottom up.
Those checking out Dubrovnik will have the opportunity to appreciate the abbey’s well-known Gothic cloisters and the substantial art collection with pieces going back to the 15th century.
A lot of visitors will make a beeline for the Franciscan Abbey, typically leaving this tourist attraction with couple of crowds. Take your time to enjoy a more serene experience as you look upon art and golden antiques prior to sitting back in the elaborate yard as birds flutter above.
17. Montenegro Field Trip
Among the very best excursion you can draw from Dubrovnik is the one to Montenegro. The little nation is a brief and picturesque two-hour drive away and offers a various yet similarly wonderful experience for tourists.
Montenegro has fascinating landscapes in spades together with captivating old-time towns. Due to the fact that of its small size, it’s simple to explore everything in a brief duration. This assisted outing truly lets you see it all.
As soon as you have actually shown up in Montenegro, head to Budva. This seaside town has all the makings of a middle ages town, including its own walled city and terracotta roofs. After starting a self-guided walking trip, head to the Bay of Kotor to find a legendary fjord.
On your method back to Dubrovnik, drop in the Dumitor National Forest for a walking into the hills.
18. Sponza Palace
Similar To the Church of St. Blaise, Sponza Palace handled to leave the rage of the 1667 earthquake. This makes the palace, which was established in the early 16th century, among the earliest structures in the city.
Because the start, the palace has actually been a popular nonreligious structure with its outside plaza playing host to merchants and traders for over 400 years. Today, you can even see markings on the palace wall advising marketgoers not to scam other members of the neighborhood.
Architecture fanatics might appreciate the exterior of Sponza Palace for a long while. However those who venture within will discover a structure that is now house to the city’s archives in Old Town. Come find over 100,000 files, a few of which are from the 10th century.
19. The Red History Museum
Much of your time within Dubrovnik’s Old Town will be invested finding and appreciating an ancient culture. However much has actually happened in Croatia ever since, specifically throughout the 20th century. For a modern-day take on regional history, make certain to check out the Red History Museum.
The museum checks out the communist reign of the Yugoslav Federation from 1945 to 1991. The museum covers from simple starts, having actually been begun by a group of pals who wished to inform this story which of the Homeland War.
Visitors can be familiar with life under the routine and the war that ended it while having a look at artifacts such as duration furnishings, old publications, and comb books.
20. Elafiti Islands
North along the Dalmatian Coast is the Elafiti Islands. This little island chain will completely match your time at Lokrum Island and increase your love for Croatia’s legendary landscapes.
The Elafiti Islands are comprised of 6 appealing specks of land, with 2 of them being entirely without traffic. Having actually hung out in the energetic Old Town and seeing the cruise liner hang out in the West Harbour, this will be a considerable modification of rate and a best outing.
High up on the program must be the lovely town of Lopud. Here, you’ll find an ancient fort examining a town where narrow streets combine old abbeys, houses, and dynamic gardens. Other locations to check out consist of the fruit groves on Sipan and the forests on Kolocep. This day journey to the Islands is the ideal method to delight in all they need to provide.
21. Go on a White Wine Trip
The spectacular world that surrounds Dubrovnik isn’t simply for looking. The environment has actually resulted in Croatia being a prominent wine-growing nation. Like the regional structures, wine-growing has actually long belonged of the country’s history, with Croatia house to 300 red wine districts.
From the Croatian Uplands to Slavonia and Danube, there is no scarcity of extraordinary red wines and unique grapes. Dubrovnik falls within the Dalmatia area and there are lots of wineries that deserve checking out.
A vehicle leasing might be available in convenient, however if you simply wish to delight in the red wine and the landscapes, then start this trip. Delight in a range of red wine tastings while likewise checking out the birth place of Marco Polo.
22. The Cliff Bars
Mentioning boozy enjoyable, the very best method to commemorate your time in Dubrovnik is by checking out among the city’s well-known cliff bars. These bars are set upon outside balconies, using scenic consider as dynamic as the mixed drink in your hand.
With the bars dealing with west, you can kick back and drink as golden hour takes control of the horizon, painting the sky in tones of warm colors. Underneath you, the Old City Walls take in the day’s last light and the waves crash down on the beach.
Travel Tips for Dubrovnik, Croatia
Get Up Early
Day trippers to Dubrovnik, Croatia will rapidly fill the hectic Old Town streets come midday. Awaken early to check out prior to they show up.
Prevent the Cruise Liner
In a comparable vein, if you see a cruise liner in the port, it might be a great time to start an excursion to the surrounding islands or into the mountains.
Keep Your Passport Useful
Dubrovnik is basically surrounded by Montenegro and Bosnia. Even for brief excursion, keep your passport convenient in case you need to cross a border.
How to Get to Dubrovnik?
The easiest method to get to Dubrovnik, Croatia, is by aircraft. Dubrovnik Airport has a number of direct flights from global locations together with routine flights from Zagreb and Split.
Driving through Croatia is as picturesque as it is simple. The nation has an excellent highway system that makes it a breeze to obtain from A to B. Nevertheless, if taking a trip by automobile, you’ll need to go through Bosnia and Herzegovina for simply a couple of miles.
Public transportation is your 3rd choice with busses leaving from Zagreb. Boats likewise leave from Split.
Navigating Dubrovnik
The majority of your time in Dubrovnik will focus on the Old Town. The historical district is extremely little, just taking around 10 minutes to stroll from one end to the other.
This indicates all destinations are within strolling range, as soon as you have actually made it through evictions. If you’re remaining on the edge or within the Old Town, you will not have much to fret about.
Nevertheless, that part of town can be rather costly, specifically throughout the summer season. If you remain even more out, the regional bus network covers the majority of the city.
If you’re taking the regional bus, think about getting a Dubrovnik Card. This will cover your expense of transportation while supplying open door to lots of leading destinations.
The Very Best Time to Go To Dubrovnik
The warm temperature levels make checking out Dubrovnik in the summer season the most popular. However tourists will need to prepare themselves to brave the crowds, specifically in the little and confined Old Town.
For this factor, you can’t beat taking a trip here in the shoulder seasons. Late spring and early fall will still have beach-worthy temperature levels and hotel space rates will likewise drop.
Spending plan tourists ought to think about April and October. Although it can be a bit chillier, destinations and hotels will not be as costly and you can experience the historical city with lower crowds.
Where to Remain In Dubrovnik?
As we discussed above, lodging costs change based upon the time of year. This is basic in lots of traveler cities however is perhaps more noticable in Dubrovnik.
Bear in mind that Dubrovnik is hardly ever an affordable location. There are methods around this, however what might be a decently priced hotel in April might be double the rate come June. For a more thorough appearance, have a look at our post on where to remain in Dubrovnik.
Apartment or condos Lora offers the conveniences of your own home without the substantial price. You’re just a couple of minutes from the beach and under 2,000 feet from the Old Town and you’ll have access to a personal cooking area and common balcony with sea views.
Stay inside the City Walls at La Vita e Bella. The totally provided systems are actions from the Stradun and the Franciscan Abbey and a couple of minutes from the beach. Visitors will likewise have access to the airport shuttle bus.
The Pucic Palace puts you in the heart of the Old Town while remaining in your own baroque palace from the 1700s. Delight in stylish home furnishings, an on-site dining establishment and red wine bar plus simple access to the Stradun and the beach.