Dubrovnik, a historic coastal city in southern Croatia, is renowned for its well-preserved medieval walls and stunning Old Town. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Dubrovnik’s charming cobblestone streets are lined with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Visitors can explore the city walls, visit the Rector’s Palace and Dubrovnik Cathedral, and stroll along the Stradun, the main pedestrian thoroughfare. Dubrovnik’s enchanting atmosphere, beautiful coastline, and rich history make it an unforgettable travel destination.
Official tourism website: https://visitdubrovnik.hr
Google map of Dubrovnik
The Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik
#1 Stradun
Stradun, or Placa, is Dubrovnik’s main pedestrian thoroughfare, stretching through the heart of the Old Town. Lined with polished limestone paving and historic buildings, Stradun is a bustling hub of shops, cafés, and cultural events. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls, sample local cuisine, and partake in vibrant festivals, making Stradun an essential component of any Dubrovnik itinerary.
Google map 4.8/5
#2 Pile Gate (Old City Walls) – Vrata od Pila
Pile Gate (Vrata od Pila), a grand entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, dates back to the 16th century. This impressive stone gateway features a drawbridge, a statue of St. Blaise, and the city’s emblem. Visitors can pass through the gate, marvel at its historic architecture, and begin exploring the enchanting Old Town, making it a quintessential Dubrovnik experience.
Google map 4.7/5
#3 Old City Walls
Dubrovnik’s Old City Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, encircle the Old Town and offer stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. Visitors can walk along the 2-kilometer-long walls, admire the impressive fortifications and bastions, and take in breathtaking panoramas of the city and coastline.
Official website: https://citywallsdubrovnik.hr/
Google map 4.6/5
#4 Harbour and Beach
Dubrovnik’s picturesque harbour and beaches provide a perfect setting for relaxation and water activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the azure waters, sunbathing on the pristine beaches, or embarking on boat trips to explore nearby islands and coves, experiencing the beauty of Dubrovnik’s idyllic coastal landscape.
Google map 4.7/5 (Old Port & Harbour) Google map 4.9/5 (Harbour viewpoint)
#5 Minceta Fortress (Old City Walls) – Tvrđava Minčeta
Minceta Fortress (Tvrđava Minčeta), the highest point of Dubrovnik’s city walls, is an iconic circular fortification built in the 15th century. Visitors can ascend to the fortress for unparalleled views of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea, while learning about Dubrovnik’s strategic defensive history.
Official website: https://citywallsdubrovnik.hr/
Google map 4.7/5
#6 St. Blaise’s Church, Stradun
St Blaises Church Dubrovnik (Crkva sv. Vlaho) is an 18th-century Baroque church in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. The church is dedicated to the city’s patron saint. The ornate façade, elaborate altarpieces, and a revered silver statue of St. Blaise, make the church a significant religious and architectural attraction.
Official website: https://tzdubrovnik.hr/
Google map 4.7/5
#7 Large Onofrio’s Fountain, Stradun (Velika Onofrijeva fontana)
Large Onofrios Fountain (Velika Onofrijeva fontana) is a 15th-century circular fountain in the Old Town. It is an iconic water supply system designed by architect Onofrio della Cava. Visitors can marvel at the fountain’s 16 carved masks, appreciate its historic function, and refill their water bottles, making it a practical and unique Dubrovnik landmark.
Google map 4.7/5
#8 Mount Srd
Mount Srd is a hill overlooking Dubrovnik, offering panoramic views of the city, coastline, and surrounding islands. Visitors can ascend the hill via cable car or hiking trails and enjoy the spectacular scenery, making Mount Srd a popular vantage point for breathtaking photo opportunities.
Official website: https://www.dubrovnikcablecar.com
Google map 4.8/5 (Mount Srd) / Google map 4.3/5 (Mount Srd cable car) / Google map 4.6/5 (start of Mount Srd Hiking Trail)
#9 Fort Lovrijenac
Fort Lovrijenac, an imposing fortress perched on a cliff overlooking Dubrovnik’s Old Town, is a historic defensive structure with stunning views. Visitors can explore the fort’s chambers, learn about its strategic importance, and attend theatrical performances during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival.
Google map 4.7/5
#10 Dubrovnik Cathedral
Dubrovnik Cathedral – The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Katedrala Uznesenja Blažene Djevice Marije) is a a Baroque-style church built in the 17th century which houses an impressive treasury and notable artworks. Visitors can explore the cathedral’s lavish interior, admire the ornate altarpieces, and view the relics of St. Blaise, making it a significant religious and artistic destination.
Official website: https://katedraladubrovnik.hr (not in English)
Google map 4.6/5
#11 Lokrum Island (Otok Lokrum)
Lokrum Island (Otok Lokrum), a verdant oasis located just a short boat ride from Dubrovnik, offers visitors a tranquil retreat from the bustling city. With its botanical gardens, medieval Benedictine monastery, and pristine beaches, the island provides a perfect setting for relaxation and exploration. Visitors can swim in the crystal-clear waters, hike the forested trails, and discover the island’s historical sites, making Lokrum Island an enchanting excursion from Dubrovnik.
Google map 4.6/5
#12 Sponza Palace, Stradun
Sponza Palace, a 16th-century Gothic-Renaissance building in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, once served as a customs house, mint, and treasury. Today, the palace houses the city archives and hosts cultural events. Visitors can explore its elegant courtyard, admire its architectural details, and learn about Dubrovnik’s history through archival documents, making Sponza Palace an important cultural attraction.
Google map 4.5/5
#13 Franciscan Church and Monastery, Stradun
Franciscan Church and Monastery (Franjevački samostan i crkva u Dubrovniku), located in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, boasts a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. The complex features a tranquil cloister, an impressive library, and one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in Europe. Visitors can explore the monastery’s museum, admire the religious artifacts, and appreciate the site’s historical significance, making it a must-see destination for history enthusiasts.
Google map 4.4/5
#14 Rector’s Palace
The Rector’s Palace, a 15th-century Gothic-Renaissance building in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, once served as the residence of the city’s elected ruler. Now a cultural history museum, the palace showcases period furnishings, artwork, and exhibits on Dubrovnik’s governance. Visitors can explore the ornate chambers, appreciate the architectural details, and learn about the city’s historic administration.
Google map 4.3/5
#15 Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola
The Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola (Crkva sv. Ignacij), a Baroque-style church situated atop a grand staircase in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, is dedicated to the founder of the Jesuit order. The church features lavish frescoes, intricate altarpieces, and a beautiful trompe l’oeil ceiling. Visitors can attend Mass, admire the richly decorated interior, and appreciate the church’s artistic and religious significance, making it a notable attraction for both art lovers and spiritual seekers.
Google map 4.6/5
Day Trips and Tours from Dubrovnik
Sunset Cruise
A sunset cruise in Dubrovnik offers a scenic way to experience the Adriatic Sea. These cruises typically depart from the Old Town harbor and provide views of the city’s historic walls, forts, and nearby islands. Passengers can enjoy the sunset over the sea while relaxing on deck. Most cruises include options for drinks and light snacks, enhancing the leisurely atmosphere. Suitable for couples, families, or solo travelers, a sunset cruise is a popular way to end a day of sightseeing.
Bay of Kotor (Montenegro)
A tour of the Bay of Kotor, accessible from Dubrovnik, offers a chance to explore Montenegro’s stunning coastal landscapes. The bay, surrounded by steep mountains, is known for its picturesque medieval towns, including Kotor and Perast. Tours typically include visits to landmarks like the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks. This day trip provides historical insights and panoramic views, making it a popular excursion for visitors seeking cultural and natural beauty beyond Dubrovnik.
Konavle Valley Wine-tasting
Konavle Valley, located just south of Dubrovnik, is known for its vineyards and traditional winemaking. A wine-tasting tour in this region allows visitors to sample locally produced wines, including varieties like Malvasija Dubrovačka. The tours often include visits to family-run wineries, offering insights into the region’s viticultural practices and history. In addition to wine, guests can enjoy local specialties such as olive oil and cheese. This experience provides a taste of authentic Croatian countryside and regional flavors.
Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls
A day trip to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina allows visitors to explore the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) and the city’s mix of Ottoman and European architecture. Many tours include a stop at Kravice Waterfalls, offering a chance to swim and enjoy natural scenery.
Elaphiti Islands
A boat tour to the nearby Elaphiti Islands (Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan) provides a relaxing day of exploring secluded beaches, small villages, and lush landscapes. Tours often include time for swimming, snorkeling, and dining on local cuisine.
Pelješac Peninsula
This region is renowned for its wine and oysters. A day tour to Pelješac includes visits to local wineries, vineyards, and oyster farms, particularly in the town of Ston, famous for its medieval walls and salt pans.
Korčula Island
Known as the birthplace of Marco Polo, Korčula offers historical exploration with its charming Old Town, traditional Dalmatian architecture, and local wine-tasting experiences.
Mljet National Park
A ferry ride to Mljet Island allows for a day of hiking, biking, and kayaking in the national park, known for its saltwater lakes and lush forest.