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Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s most famous cities and a top tourism destination for world-travelers, and all for good reason. It is located on the sparkling Adriatic Sea in the southernmost part of Croatia and is full of historical sights, interesting architecture, and friendly locals who are eager for you to love their town as much as they do.
Dubrovnik was also a major filming location for HBO’s hit television show, Game of Thrones. Because of these wonderful things, word has gotten out about how amazing Dubrovnik is, and therefore tourism is at an all-time high and continuing to grow every year. We have visited Dubrovnik three times. Once in December at Christmas (view our blog about it here), once at the end of March during the “shoulder season,” and once at the end of June, during the peak tourism season. Each experience was vastly different than the others, but all were equally as magical in their own way. So, without further ado, and in no particular order, here are some of my favorite things to do when visiting Dubrovnik:
1- Walk the Old Town city walls
The Old Town’s rich history comes alive as you stroll along the formidable city walls, offering panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea that have stood witness to centuries of maritime glory. The city walls that surround Old Town were originally built between the 11th and 13th centuries to protect the city from war and epidemics.
Today, the city walls are primarily used as a tourist attraction, enclose the entire historical Old Town, and offer stunning views of the city from many different points of view. There are two entry points to the wall. One is located near the Pile Gate and the other is located near the Ploče Gate. Walking the entire wall takes about 1 ½ – 2 hours, depending on how frequently you stop to take photos, rest, or just simply take in the never-ending stunning views.
During the summer, there are several places along the wall where you can stop for various refreshments including water, gelato, fresh-squeezed juices, and Croatian pivo (beer). If you opt to get the Dubrovnik City Pass it includes one visit to walk the city walls. In 2023, the Dubrovnik Pass costs €35 per person for one-day and the price increases if you’d like to add additional days. The Dubrovnik Pass is a good option if you also plan to visit any museums, Rector’s Palace, or Fort Lovrijenac (more on this next!).
If you choose not to get the Dubrovnik Pass, then walking the city wall costs around €30 ($32 USD) per person. If you find yourself in Dubrovnik during the winter months or the shoulder season, you might find that you are able to enjoy the city walls (mostly) to yourself! During the summer season, I would suggest that you begin walking the walls as early as possible to avoid crowds and the imminent afternoon sun and heat.
2- Visit Fort Lovrijenac
Perched dramatically atop a cliff just beyond Dubrovnik’s city walls, Fort Lovrijenac emerges as a medieval marvel. As you brace yourself for a climb that might seem like an endless ascent, this rewarding trek is an absolute must! The fortress offers an awe-inspiring vantage point, granting breathtaking views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and the glistening sea below.
In the summer months, the crystalline blue waters come alive with vividly-hued sea kayaks. The fortress, with its multi-level interior, invites exploration at every turn, and, during the summer months, fortunate visitors might even be treated to enchanting musical performances within its walls. You might also recognize Fort Lovrijenac as The Red Keep on Game of Thrones, a fact embraced by many local walking tours that consider Fort Lovrijenac an integral stop on their journey.
3- Get “lost” exploring Old Town
Wandering through the enchanting maze of Dubrovnik’s Old Town is like stepping into a captivating storybook. As you lose yourself in its labyrinthine alleys and charming cobblestone streets, you’ll discover a treasure trove of historical and cultural wonders waiting to be unveiled. Marvel at the intricate architecture of iconic landmarks such as Rector’s Palace and the Dubrovnik Cathedral, each telling tales of a bygone era.
Uncover the allure of hidden courtyards, bustling markets, and inviting cafes that beckon you to pause and savor the local flavors. Game of Thrones enthusiasts will delight in recognizing familiar settings from the series, while the aroma of traditional Dalmatian cuisine lures you to sample delectable seafood dishes. Getting lost in Dubrovnik’s Old Town is an exploration of history, art, and culture, where every twist and turn leads to a new revelation and a deeper appreciation for the city’s timeless beauty.
4 – Zip lining with Panoramic Zip Line Dubrovnik
Have you ever imagined soaring through the skies above one of the most picturesque cities on the Dalmatian Coast? Well, if you haven’t before, I bet you are now. Fun fact: we helped Panoramic Zip Line Dubrovnik kick off their 2023 season by being their first customers of the year!
We were picked up from Old Town by one of the wonderful staff members, who then drove us about 10 minutes to the top of Mount Srdji (415 meters/1,361 feet above sea level) where we met with our friendly zip line instructors. Following a comprehensive safety briefing and orientation on zip lining techniques (perfect for those new to the experience, like myself), it was time to take the leap and fly! The zip line course features a pair of lines connected by a central platform in the middle. As you soar through the air, you are treated to enchanting views of the Old Town below. Once you are safely on the center platform, the guides share fascinating stories about Dubrovnik’s dramatic past.
After two trips through the course, the guides then take the group a short drive up the road to a semi-secluded spot, where a delicious bottle of Croatian wine is provided as the sun sets over the Elaphiti Islands in the distance. It was truly an incredible experience from the time we were picked up until the time the sun set. There are two tour options available on their website. The daytime tour costs €46 (approximately $50 USD) and the sunset tour costs €51 (approximately $55 USD). Personally, I’m sure the daytime tour is amazing, but it is worth the few extra euro/dollars for the sunset tour. You won’t regret it!
5- Lokrum Island
Situated a short 10-minute water-taxi ride from Old Town is Lokrum Island, which offers a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Old Town. Lokrum Island’s captivating history, from its medieval origins to its role as a nature reserve, adds to its allure as a popular destination for tourists seeking both natural beauty and cultural heritage. Today, the island is home to lush gardens, walking paths, a botanical garden, and a small lake known as the “Dead Sea.”
The Dead Sea is a saltwater pond where tourists can go for a swim to cool off in the summer heat in the crystal-clear water surrounded by rocky cliffsides. You may even get lucky and spot a peacock in the trees above! On the opposite side of the island is a (steep) hiking trail, which leads you up to Fort Royal, a 19th century fort with gorgeous views. The island is not very big, so you can easily see most of it in half a day, but there is plenty to do if you want to spend the entire day there. There are also numerous restaurants ensuring you won’t go hungry or thirsty.
No one is permitted to stay overnight on the island and the last water-taxi departs back to Old Town around 8pm. The water-taxi costs €27 per person, which includes entry to Lokrum Island, and tickets can be purchased from the Old Port within Old Town. Water-taxis leave every 30 minutes during the summer.
Whether you’re an adventurer, history enthusiast, or simply seeking to bask in the Mediterranean charm, Dubrovnik offers an array of experiences that will leave an indelible mark on your travels. Of course, there are countless other things to do in Dubrovnik besides what was mentioned on this list, such as checking out the beautiful local beaches, taking a walking tour, or scoping out ancient artifacts in museums. So, what are you waiting for? It is time to book that trip! Whenever you find yourself in Dubrovnik, I hope you find this blog helpful. What are your favorite things to do in Dubrovnik? Let me know in the comments!
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