15 Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia

The dazzling city of Dubrovnik reflects an amalgamation of great ancient walls, turquoise waters, terracotta rooftops, baroque architectural styles and beautiful churches and monuments.

The city rose to fame with the worldwide popularity of television series Game of Thrones. Tourists from across the globe flock to the city of Dubrovnik to witness the “King’s Landing”, the gardens of the “Red Keep” and Quarth among other famous sites featured in the story.

The city gives you the opportunity to pursue different exciting and adventurous activities as a tourist.

You can walk down the roads along the great walls, climb the towers, check the monasteries and churches or even interacts with the native households as you explore the nook and corner of the historic city that kept many authors and philosophers mesmerised. The city is a great place to collect age-old souvenirs and mementoes for yourself and friends.

Here is the list of the unique things you can pursue as a tourist in Dubrovnik.

1. Bid Adieu to the Sun from Mount Srd

The best view of Dubrovnik and Lokrum islands can be enjoyed from Mount Srd. This is the best part of the city from where you can witness a gorgeous sunset that leaves a deep tangerine shade behind on the city as the dusk fades and evening sets in.

You can walk, take a cable car ride or drive to the mountain to have a look of the Elaphite Islands and the old towns of Dubrovnik and Cavtat.

2. A Walk to Remember along the Ancient City Walls

This is a must-do thing in Dubrovnik to walk along the ancient city walls.

The walk is simply worth it as the views are spectacular, right from the terracotta rooftops to the sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea, narrow lanes and towering fortresses make a perfect picture of the city ahead of you as you stroll down the city.

The walls of Dubrovnik were built considering their great fortification value. The site has been recognised as the Unesco World Heritage site in 1979.

3. Journey to the Lokrum Island

Lokrum Island is located just a few hundred metres away from the Dubrovnik main land. The place is quiet with a picturesque lush surrounding.

The island is a perfect contrast to the hustle and bustle of the main city of Dubrovnik. Tourists flock here to witness the medieval ruins of the Benedictine Monastery. This is a perfect spot for history enthusiasts.

You can also roam inside the well-maintained botanical garden that houses some rabbits and few avian species. This is a perfect spot for a family day out in Dubrovnik.

4. Taste Your Favorite Wines at Cliff Bars

There are two famous cliff bars in Dubrovnik and both of them are popular among the patrons.

The bars, called Buza and Buza II can be accessed by tourists through the hole in the old city wall. This creates a perfect blend of beauty and mystery among the patrons who often wish to see what’s behind the wall.

The cliff bars are the places for enjoying some of the best beverages of the city and relishing the stunning views that encompass the tourists. The cliff bars are often referred as the Dubrovnik’s hidden gems.

5. Go Swimming

The weather in Dubrovnik can be hot and humid in the afternoon. This is when the clear blue waters of the ocean seem to be extremely inviting for several tourists.

There are multiple swimming spots across the city that offers proper infrastructure with iron staircase to the sea. If you want to go for a swim in Dubrovnik, make sure you carry your swimsuit and other required essential items.

Walking along the walls and cliffs gives you the advantage of jump into the water.

6. The Mostar Trip

Mostar should be in your itinerary if you are visiting Dubrovnik. The Mostar trip is mostly a day travel plan where you witness the famous Stari Most Bridge.

The Old Bridge Area is iconic too as it has been labelled as the Unesco World Heritage Site too. You can wander through the old market here and relish some local food items.

The turquoise water of the Neretva River will tell you the story of the devastating past of Mostar. Owing to border crossing, the trip to Mostar can take an entire day, but it is worth it as the city and its people are fascinating.

7. Wander through Trsteno Arboretum

Trsteno Arboretum is a lush botanical garden which is located at 18km north of Dubrovnik. It used to be the summer residence of the royal family of Dubrovnik is the medieval period.

Most of seasons 3 and 4 of Game of Thrones episodes have been shot in this location. Serene and exotic, this garden was created in the 1400s.

The beautiful Adriatic Sea forms the perfect backdrop for this garden, while a small fishing village is located near the garden. Visiting the arboretum will give you an idea of the local tradition and culture of Croatia.

8. Al Fresco Dining at the Old Town

Nothing can beat the charm of open-air dining at the old town of Dubrovnik. With breezy evenings and gorgeous sunsets there for company, there are several eateries are restaurants scattered across the city as the evening proceeds.

The air fill up with the smell of good food and lots of banters. You can enjoy some great risotto, pasticada, wine and meat dishes while enjoying the weather and ambience.

9. Gorge on Desserts

Dubrovnik is the place to be when it comes to feast on the best desserts you ever had. Hundreds of bakeries and ice-cream parlours are splattered across the city.

There are famous brands like Dolce Vita. However, you can try out the non-famous ones also because they are equally good. Grab the street side table and enjoy the soufflé, cake or ice-cream post lunch or dinner at Dubrovnik.

10. Visit Rectors Palace

If you are in Dubrovnik, you should gather some fair amount of knowledge about the city’s history and background.

No other place than the Rector’s Palace, the 15th century structure which was built to govern the city, can tell you about the old town.

The palace now functions as a museum. Old furniture, artwork, outfits among other items have been displayed here. You can take a guided tour to the museum.

11. A Short Trip to Montenegro

Visiting Montenegro is another popular Balkan destination where you find majestic mountains, beautiful scenic surroundings and stunning coastline.

Budva, Kotor, Perast are some of the famous spots in Montenegro that must be covered during the trip. The tranquil Kotor bay is a must-visit place in Montenegro.

12. The Call of the Abandoned Hotel

Visiting the abandoned Belvedere hotel is a fun activity for adventure tourists. Hotel Belvedere, which was once a prominent sign of the Croatian independence war, now is in a shambles.

Tourists visit the derelict hotel to find the traces of history. The small amphitheatre inside the hotel is a major photo op place for tourists and professional photographers.

Tourists can access the atrium and see that some parts of the abandoned property have been painted by the Split football fans.

13. Walk Down the Jesuit Staircase and Open Market

The Jesuit Staircase is off the Gunduliceva Poljana. It offers the traditional Croatian architectural beauty.

Several cafes and shops dot both sides of the staircase where the famous Walk of Shame of Cersei was shot in one of the Game of Thrones episodes.

At the base of the staircase is located the Gunduliceva Poljana market square. Fruits, vegetables, oil, herbs and linens among other items are available at the shops here. The prices are moderate and you can expect authentic quality for these products.

14. Kayak Tour and Sunset Cruise

As a tourist, you can choose both or select any from the Kayak tour on the Adriatic. The views of the old town from the kayak are inexplicable. Kayak tours are available in the Lokrum Island too. You can also opt for the sunset cruise for which tickets have to be booked either online or on the spot.

15. Cable Car in Old Town

Undoubtedly one of the most enthralling and exciting part of the trip to Dubrovnik to many is the cable car ride in old town. Built in 1969, the cable car facility over Mount Srd gives you the perfect view of the ocean; the baked mud tiles of the city houses and the evergreen island.

This cable car journey is equally famous to honeymooners, lone travelers and family tourists.

Conclusion:

Witnessing the baroque architecture in every nook and corner of the city of Dubrovnik can be enticing and unforgettable. This is like a rendezvous with the medieval history. The old cathedrals, forts, monasteries and gardens make tourists feel nostalgic.

The city is well connected through means of transport and accommodation facilities are also available on varied platforms. This Balkan gem must be included in your travel plan if you are a connoisseur of natural beauty, history and architecture.

More about Croatia

9 Best Things to Do in Hvar, Croatia

13 Best Things to Do in Split, Croatia

15 Best Things to Do in Zagreb, Croatia