Dubrovnik City Breaks | 17 Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Dubrovnik | Top 17 Must See Tourist Attractions in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Welcome to Croatia
Located along the Adriatic Sea in the Balkans, the country of Croatia, formerly a part of Yugoslavia, has become one of Europe’s top tourist destinations since its War of Independence in the late 1990s. It is a cultural melting pot, situated at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, bordering Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, and Montenegro, and offers an incredible history with various attractions to explore and enjoy up close. Apart from being home to over 1,000 islands, some of which are among Europe's most beautiful, and a countryside rich in natural beauty, the country boasts seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including spectacular, centuries-old cities that continue to captivate visitors and filmmakers alike with their beauty and well-preserved architecture.
Dubrovnik - The Pearl of the Adriatic
Dubrovnik is unquestionably and unmistakably the crown jewel of Croatia's mesmerizing coastal medieval cities. That is why Dubrovnik has been used as a gorgeous backdrop in films such as "Game of Thrones," "Star Wars," and "Pirates of the Caribbean." Dubrovnik, sometimes known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is truly magical. Whether you're here for the first time or the hundredth, the grandeur of the ancient town never fails to inspire amazement. It's difficult to picture anyone being jaded by the city's labyrinthine marble streets, baroque buildings, and the infinite glitter of the Adriatic, or failing to be inspired by a walk along the historic city walls that have safeguarded the city for centuries. Today I’m going to share with you the 17 best places to visit and things to do in Dubrovnik. Let the journey begin!
17 Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Dubrovnik
1. Walk on the City Walls
The Walls of Dubrovnik are a system of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city's inhabitants since its founding in the early seventh century. They have been regarded as one of the great fortification systems of the Middle Ages, with multiple extensions and changes throughout their existence, as they were never breached by a hostile army throughout this time period. Although the city of Dubrovnik today has expanded far beyond the fortified old town, the old town's majesty, glitter, and splendor attract millions of tourists each year. The Old Town of Dubrovnik was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1979.
A stroll along Dubrovnik's city walls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a must-do for anyone visiting the city. The walls are 80 feet high and span 3 kilometers of difficult terrain, with a total of 1080 stairs. Climbing the walls in the blazing Mediterranean sun, however, is a wonderfully rewarding experience. The city walls provide spectacular views of the orange-tiled ancient town overlooking the Adriatic that is sure to get etched in your heart for a lifetime.
2. Visit Fort Lovrijenac
Fort Lovrijenac or St. Lawrence Fortress, sometimes known as "Dubrovnik's Gibraltar," is a fortress positioned 121 feet above sea level outside the western walls of the city. The "Chronicles of Ragusa" describe how local residents built the fort in under three months in the 11th century after learning that the Venetians planned to build their own fort at the same location. "Non-Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro (Freedom Is Not Sold for All the Gold in the World)" is a Latin inscription over the entrance.
The fort's courtyard is now a beautiful setting for theatrical performances. Within the Dubrovnik Summer Festival schedule, a vast number of plays are performed here. Lovrijenac Fort, in comparison to Elsinore, has become the ideal world-famous backdrop for Shakespeare's Hamlet. Fort Lovrijenac has been featured as the 'Red Keep,' located within 'King's Landing,' the capital of the Seven Kingdoms, in 'Game of Thrones,' which is the residence of the King of the Andals and the First Men, his family, and his court. Several sequences, notably the tournament held in honor of King Joffrey's naming day in season two, were shot at this Fort. Lovrijenac hosts the Croatian leg of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
To visit Fort Lovrijenac, one needs to come out of the Old Town, take a left and search for a hidden sign somewhere in a back street that shows the way. Once you reach the Fort, you need to climb 175 steps to get to the top from where you get a stunning view of the orange-tiled old town perched on top of the cliff, a view straight out of ‘Game of Thrones’.
3. Watch the day go by the Stradun
Placa or Stradun street is Dubrovnik's most popular promenade and gathering spot. It is not only the site of all public feasts and processions, but also the city's principal commercial street. The limestone-paved pedestrian boulevard runs through the heart of the Old Town, dividing the topography into two logical halves: mountainous and therefore stair cased on the left, with boutique stores and restaurants, and plain on the right, with bustling squares and big monuments. It is also the shortest communication link between the western and eastern city gates. Stradun is approximately 300 meters long.
4. Visit the Dubrovnik Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin (Velika Gospa) is a magnificent Baroque Roman Catholic cathedral. It is the seat of the Dubrovnik Diocese. There are several important paintings (including one by Tatian) and a large treasury inside. Dubrovnik Cathedral was built in the Byzantine style in the 6th or 7th century, then renovated in the Romanesque style between the 12th and 14th centuries. The rebuild was paid by a contribution from King Richard the Lionheart (1157-99) after he was shipwrecked and recovered at Dubrovnik, according to legend (which is sadly not well-supported by history). The Romanesque cathedral was severely damaged in the earthquake of 1667, and Roman architects Andrea Buffalini and Paolo Andreotti restored it in the Baroque style.
5. Visit Church of St. Blaise
The Church of St. Blaise (Crkva Sv. Vlaha) is a baroque church devoted to the patron saint and protector of Dubrovnik, who was identified by medieval Slavs with the pagan god Veles or Volos. It is located in Luza (or Loggia) Square. St. Blaise Church was built in the 14th century and was severely damaged in the 1667 earthquake before being destroyed by fire in 1706. Between 1706 and 1714, the church was renovated in the current Baroque style. A figure of St. Blaise, carved by Venetian architect Marino Gropelli, stands protectively over the church's entrance, clutching a scale model of the Old Town in his hand.
6. Check out Orlando’s Column
A column with a carving of Orlando (or Roland), nephew of Charlemagne and legend of minstrel ballads embodying freedom and nobility, stands in front of the Church of St. Blaise. The flag of St. Blaise flew here from the time the column was raised in 1418 until the fall of the Republic. The white Libertas flag is flying today, symbolizing the city's enduring spirit of freedom. Orlando's Column dates from 1418 and was created by local sculptor Antun Dubrovanin and master sculptor Bonino di Milano.
7. Stroll by the Large Fountain of Onofrio and St. Saviour Church
Dubrovnik's iconic Large Fountain of Onofrio, built between 1438 and 1444, is undoubtedly the most well-known of the city's many historic landmarks. This prominent monument, which is a short walk from the Pile Gate (one of the city gates), is slightly smaller today than it was originally due to damage inflicted by the earthquake of 1667. The fountain was an important feature of the city's original water supply system, which drew water from the Dubrovacka river and was also planned by Onofrio de la Cava.
The fountain is located just in front of the equally lovely St. Saviour Church (Crkva sv Spasa). It is one of just a few buildings to have survived the terrible earthquake of 1667 undamaged, thanks to what city elders felt was divine intervention since the city was spared from an earthquake a few years previously. The excellent Gothic and Renaissance characteristics of this little place of worship make it well worth a visit today.
8. Watch the sun go down the Old Town Harbor
The Old Town Harbor, which was once a hub for Dubrovnik's commercial fleet from all over the world, is well recognized as a section of the 15th century fortress. The harbor is now primarily used by local fishermen and serves as a dock for lovely replicas of argosies and galleons. Dining at one of the Old Port's restaurants during a beautiful sunset is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
9. See the change of guards at the City Gates
The Old Town could be entered through two ornate gates namely the Pile Gate on the west and the Ploce Gate on the east. Both have drawbridges that were raised at nightfall, locking the doors and handing the keys to the rector. In 1907, the Buza Gate, a third entrance, was built to the northern wall at the top of Bokovieva street. The Pile Gate, which was completed in 1537 and is still the town's principal entrance, is the most spectacular of the three. Note the stone statue of St. Blaise, which is situated in a niche above the Renaissance doorway and holds the city in his hands.
During the summer months, the change of guard ceremony takes place at the Pile Gate every evening between 19:30 and 21:30 after parading through the main street of Stradun.
10. Get lost in the back alleys
One of the must-dos in Dubrovnik is taking a leisurely stroll through the picturesque stair-studded back alleys to discover the secret corners of Dubrovnik's Old Town!
11. Collect ‘Game of Thrones’ Memorabilia from Dubrovnik City Shop
The Dubrovnik City Shop offers official ‘Game of Thrones’ merchandize and an opportunity to sit on the iron throne. So give it a try when you are at Dubrovnik. For more details please visit dubrovnikcityshop.com.
12. Soak up the sun at Banje Beach
The most famous beach in Dubrovnik, Banje, appears to be a blessing in disguise. This lovely pebble and sandy beach is only a stone's throw from Dubrovnik's Old Town, providing a spectacular view of the Old Town while swimming in the warm, clear Adriatic. But bear in mind that on a hot sunny afternoon, the beach can be very busy. So go early to claim your spot!
13. Get a Panoramic view of Dubrovnik Old Town from Mount Srd
The 1679 feet high summit of Mount Srd, which towers over Dubrovnik to the north, provides breathtaking views of the walled city below, as well as a vista of the entire coast spanning as far as the Peljeac peninsula to the northwest. Fort Imperial, with its powerful, rebellious walls that have stood since Napoleon's forces built the fort in 1812, can be found atop Srd. The cable car that travels from Dubrovnik to Srd and back, which was damaged by assailants in 1991 and reopened to much fanfare some twenty years later, can be reached by foot, via automobile, or by using the cable car. It's a magnificent, silky-smooth ride, with the only problem being that it's only two minutes long. At the top, the Panorama cafe-restaurant has a viewing terrace which is slightly more expensive than similarly touristy restaurants back in town.
14. Visit the ‘Cross on Srd’
The Cross on Srd (Kriz na Srdu) was erected in 1935 as a memorial to Christ's crucifixion by the Bishop of Dubrovnik, Josip Marija Carevi. After the original was destroyed during the Croatian War of Independence, it was repaired in 1997 by Bishop Elimiru Puljiu and blessed by Croatian Cardinal Franjo Kuhari. The cross is a national symbol of unity and continuity.
15. Take a Ferry to Lokrum Island
Just a 15 minutes ferry ride off the coast of Dubrovnik, rises a chunk of tranquillity from the turquoise waters of the Adriatic. The ambiance on the Dalmatian island of Lokrum is no less than a paradise. People call it a treasure island because of its rich pine-wood, subtropical vegetation, natural swimming places, and exotic historical heritage. It is a quiet reservoir of raw nature, where crickets sing during the day and peacocks roam freely all around. Lokrum has been featured in ‘Game of Thrones’ as the city of ‘Qarth’, the 'Queen of Cities' on the continent of Essos, and the setting for much of Daenerys' story in season two.
Attractions on this small island include a small inland salt lake known as the Dead Sea, which is a popular spot for selfies and scuba diving; Fort Royal Castle, a fortification built by Napoleon's troops to protect the harbor city which’s a short climb with breathtaking views in all directions; an 11th century Benedictine Monastery which’s the filming location for ‘Game of Thrones’ and hosts a museum there that features the throne in it; and a lovely botanical garden with around 200 plant species. The island is also accessible by sea kayak, which can be rented easily from the mainland of Dubrovnik. If you are in Dubrovnik, you ought to keep aside an entire day for Lokrum. Trust me, it will be rewarding!
16. Swim in the ‘Dead Sea’
The Dead Sea (Mrtvo More) is a small salt lake on Lokrum island's southern part. Over millions of years when the ground beneath the island was intensely tectonically disturbed, as indicated by fractures and faults, and gradually widened by karstification and erosional activity of the sea, the resulting erosional depression was filled by seawater to form an idyllic little salt-filled lake linked to the open sea.
Today, this 10-meter-deep lake is beautifully clear and tranquil, making it ideal for swimming. It's a fantastic area to come and splash around for a day, with great facilities and a popular cafe-bar overlooking it.
17. Day Trips from Dubrovnik
After visiting all these places, if you still have time, I would recommend you to do the following day trips from Dubrovnik.
Perast and Kotor (Montenegro)
The Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska) in Montenegro carves a deep gorge into the southern Adriatic coast of former Yugoslavia, forming four magnificent bays surrounded by mountains, often referred to as Europe’s southernmost fjords - the ‘Mediterranean fjords.’ Situated amidst these fjords, the towns of Perast and Kotor are a crossroads of land and sea, a natural contrast of stone and water, a dialogue of island and wave, sometimes in peace, but more often in conflict, and a melting pot of tradition and history.
To know more about Perast and Kotor, please read our article 11 Best Things to See and Do in Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor.
Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
The medieval city of Mostar derives its name from its Old Bridge, Stari Most (Most in Serbo-Croatian means bridge). In the 16th century, Mostar became a Turkish fort town when the Turks changed the town's wooden suspension bridge over the Neretva river with a stone arch, a marvel of Ottoman engineering. Throughout the Bosnian civil war in the 90s, the bridge was damaged by heavy gunfire from Bosnian Croat forces. A significant restoring job was carried out to bring back the bridge and neighboring structures that had actually been harmed. The bridge resumed in 2004. The bridge and the surrounding location were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005.
To know more about Mostar, please read our article The Chronicles of Bosnia and Herzegovina | The Best Places to visit in Mostar and Surroundings.
Visiting Dubrovnik
Best Time to Visit: Late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October) are the ideal times to visit Dubrovnik. In comparison to the busiest summer months, these months offer nice weather and less crowding in the city. It is advised to stay away from July and August because they might be extremely hot and draw a lot of tourists. We were there in late August and the heat was quite harsh.
Number of Days to Stay: The Old Town, the City Walls, and the neighboring islands are the main attractions of Dubrovnik, and a three to four day trip is excellent for seeing them all. This enables you to take day trips to neighboring locations, enjoy the stunning coastline, and immerse yourself in the rich history of the city.
Best Place to Stay: For an authentic experience, think about booking a room in or close to the Old Town. There are lots of quaint guesthouses, hotels, and flats to choose from. Excellent locations with breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea are Ploče and Pile. We stayed near the Old Town.
Best Way to Arrive: The best way to get to Dubrovnik is via the international airport in Dubrovnik, which is connected to most major towns in Europe. You can take direct flights to Dubrovnik or make connections at bigger hubs. You can also travel to Dubrovnik by bus from neighboring cities or by ferry from some Adriatic locations. We flew into Dubrovnik from the Netherlands, stayed there for five days (including day trips), and then flew back to the Netherlands.
Best Local Mode of Conveyance: Walking is the greatest method to get around Dubrovnik, especially in the Old Town where parking is prohibited. To go to locations outside of the Old Town, local buses and taxis are both an option. Ferries and boat cruises are frequent and offer a picturesque opportunity to see the Adriatic coastline if you intend to visit any of the neighboring islands.
Epilogue
So those were the 17 best places to visit and things to do in Dubrovnik. Please let us know in the comments below if you enjoyed reading this article. And until we meet next time, I wish you merry traveling and happy shooting!
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