Dubrovnik loves to call itself the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” And while there’s no doubt that’s a cliché nickname for a port city on the Adriatic Sea, there’s also no doubt that Dubrovnik is one of the most enthralling cities to visit in Croatia. 

Start your visit to this ancient walled city by walking the towers, castles, gatehouses, squares, and cobblestone streets that make up Dubrovnik’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Old town aside, there are so many cool things to do in Dubrovnik, including Game of Thrones tours and sea kayaking beneath the city walls.

You can spend all day sunbathing on the beach, dining on fresh seafood on the clifftops, and hiking to viewpoints above Dubrovnik. If you’re up for the adventure, join a sailing trip to the nearby islands, where you can uncover history and heritage around every turn. 

With so many things to see and do in Dubrovnik, we won’t be surprised if you don’t know where to begin. That’s why we’ve compiled our list of the best things to do in Dubrovnik just for you. Stick to these super fun things to do in Dubrovnik, and we guarantee that you’re going to have a fantastic time exploring this beautiful city on the Adriatic Sea!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 15 Best Things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia

15 Things to do in Dubrovnik

1. Walk Dubrovnik’s Ancient City Walls

You’ll be impressed the moment you lay eyes on Dubrovnik. Surrounded by tall stone walls and ringed by countless fortresses, castles, and gatehouses, Dubrovnik was designed to be impregnable. 

The port city’s historic walls have stood the test of time, too. There’s been a city here for centuries, but most of the structures you see today date back to around the 1400s. Since then, they’ve endured earthquakes, wildfires, sieges, invasions, and most recently, the ravages of the Balkan conflicts when Yugoslavia broke up in the 1990s. 

You can walk much of the length of the walls and visit many of the gates and towers, including the St John Fortress and the Lovrijenac Fortress. Make sure you’re wearing good footwear, though, because there are up to 2,000 meters worth of walls waiting to be explored! 

You’ll find the oldest sections of the walls by Dubrovnik’s city harbor. Plus, this is where you’ll get some of the best views over the Adriatic. 

The walls and fortresses of old Dubrovnik are an integral part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage listing, and we’re absolutely certain that you’re going to be impressed by the scale and beauty of this marvelous work of heritage. 

2. Uncover History and Heritage in the Old Town

Dubrovnik’s old town dates back centuries, and there’s nothing better to do than to delve deep into the layers of history and heritage that are waiting to be uncovered. The old town is the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage listing, and while the city might now sprawl along the clifftops far from its ancient walls, this is also the heart of both old and modern Dubrovnik. 

You might want to take a guided tour of the old town because if it’s your first time in Dubrovnik, we guarantee you’re going to get lost. This is a serious maze of red-roofed townhouses, historic churches, and cobblestone streets. There are charming alleyways, steep flights of stone steps, and countless plazas and squares to uncover, but it helps if you know where you’re going!

You’ll love the mixture of medieval, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture that’s found here. Enter the old town through the Pile Gate, and you’ll see the famous Franciscan Monastery and the Onofrio Fountain. The Rector’s Palace, which is also now a museum, is unmissable, while the Sponza Palace is full of local history. 

And once you’ve seen all the old town sights, one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik is to take a seat at an alfresco cafe, order up a coffee, and watch the world go by. 

3. Enjoy the Views from Mount Srd

You’ll have spotted Mount Srd when you first arrive in Dubrovnik because this tall mountain top is one of the most prominent natural features in the area. Standing some 400 meters (1,640 feet) above sea level, we don’t need to explain that this is where you’re going to find the best views in Dubrovnik.

One of the coolest things to do in Dubrovnik is to take a ride on the cable car. In just four minutes, you’ll be whisked from the bottom of Mount Srd right to the top. Enjoy the vistas from the summit as you take in iconic panoramas of those famous red roofs far below. 

If it’s not too hot, or if you’re up for a challenge, then there’s also a short but steep hiking route that leads to the summit of Mount Srd. Take plenty of water because it’s a serious uphill slog. You can also take the cable car up and then walk down – but we’ll let you decide!

4. Wild Swim in the Adriatic Sea

You can’t visit the “Pearl of the Adriatic” without taking a dip in the sea, even if it’s just a quick one! Wild swimming is definitely one of the top Dubrovnik bucket list items, and there are plenty of excellent spots for a refreshing ocean paddle.

You’ll see the locals jumping off the cliffs and walls into the harbor. One of the top swimming spots is the stone breakwater known as Porporela, where you can swim right under the city walls. You can also save your sea swim for the beaches, of which Dubrovnik is blessed with many. 

You might be wondering how cold it is in the Adriatic. The answer? Not very. In fact, you’ll be pleased to hear that the Adriatic Sea is quite warm all year round. Temperatures average around 20 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit), and they hit a peak of 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) between July and September. 

5. Soak Up the Sun on Dubrovnik’s Best Beaches

If you’re deciding which Dubrovnik attractions to visit on your next trip, then don’t forget about the beaches. Given the city’s impressive architecture, it can be easy to dismiss Dubrovnik’s natural beauty, particularly if you’ve only got a few days to explore. But make time for a beach day, and we guarantee you’re going to love it!

The closest beach to the old town is Banje Beach, where you can bathe in the sea with views of the harbor. Take a stroll a little further along the coast, and you’ll find Sveti Jakov Beach, which, while rocky, is also one of the quieter stretches of coastline. 

Some of the best beaches are found on the Lapad and Babin Kuk peninsulas, where you’ll also find Dubrovnik’s best beach hotels and resorts. We recommend visiting Lapad Beach, as this is perhaps the most famous, the liveliest, and one of the most fun beaches in the area. Not far behind is Copacabana Beach, where you’ll find plenty of beach bars and resorts. 

6. Take a Boat Ride to Lokrum Island

Head down to the old harbor in Dubrovnik, and you’ll find locals and tourists alike lining up for the half-hourly departures over to Lokrum Island. This is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik, and it’s a great way to escape to one of the city’s best natural beauty spots.

You can see Lokrum Island from the old harbor – it’s not far off the coast – but you’ll quickly see how secluded and isolated the island feels, even in the middle of peak season. Lokrum Island is home to a botanical garden and a crumbling monastery, and it’s packed full of flora and fauna. 

Lokrum Island is also a protected nature reserve, so, unfortunately, you can’t spend the night here, but you can spend the day exploring the island, swimming in the salt lake, hiking to viewpoints, and uncovering the local history at the monastery. 

7. Sail around the Elaphiti Islands

If you’re looking to put together an action-packed Dubrovnik sightseeing itinerary, then one of our top picks is a sailing tour of the Elaphiti Islands. The Elaphites are a small but stunning collection of islands that are located in the Adriatic Sea, north of the city. 

You’ll need a whole day to really enjoy the Elaphiti Islands, although many tour operators offer whistle-stop tours lasting just a few hours for those of you who are in a hurry. There are 14 islands in total in the archipelago, and itineraries vary according to the tour. If there’s a specific island you do want to visit, then there’s always the option of a private sailing tour!

The largest island is Sipan, where you’ll find gorgeous but rugged scenery, old harbors and fortresses, and glistening blue lagoons. Head to Kolocep Island, and you’ll find a blue cave that’s perfect for snorkeling, as well as isolated beaches and wonderful viewpoints. 

Spend your day island hopping, swimming, snorkeling, and trying out all the local food and drink you’ll be offered along the way. Seriously, we can’t think of a better way to spend the day when you’re in Croatia than this!

8. Visit the Red History Museum

If you’re after something a little more unusual to do when you’re ticking off the top things to see in Dubrovnik, then why not take a tour of the Red History Museum? 

While many of the attractions in Dubrovnik showcase medieval and renaissance history, the Red History Museum takes you on an informative journey through a more recent era, when Croatia was part of Yugoslavia. 

This is modern storytelling at its best, and you’ll find out everything you might have wondered about life in Dubrovnik under the communist regime, which only ended in the 1990s. You’ll also discover more about the Homeland War, during which Dubrovnik suffered, as the city and its inhabitants endured a long siege that resulted in much destruction. 

If you’re interested in contemporary history and politics in the Balkans, then the Red History Museum is the place to go. You’ll find old soviet-style cars on display, replica socialist-era living rooms and kitchens, as well as nuanced displays highlighting both the good and bad aspects of the Yugoslavian communist regime for the average citizen. 

9. Drink a Beer in a Subterranean Cave Bar

Visiting Cave Bar More is one of the more unique things to do in Dubrovnik. This subterranean drinking establishment is located beneath the tall cliffs that line the coastline, and you’ll love how you can order cocktails underground!

You’ll find Cave Bar More at Hotel More, a clifftop hotel located on the Lapad Peninsula. It’s one of the most stylish boutique hotels in Dubrovnik, but you don’t need to be a guest to reserve a booth in the cave. Choose from a refined list of hand-mixed cocktails, local wines, and classic beverages, and sip your drinks while surrounded by millennia-old stalactites and stalagmites. 

The cave itself was discovered by accident when the hotel was being built. Workers knocked through the rock and discovered an elaborate network of natural caves, and someone thought, why not turn it into a bar? Why not indeed, because we’re confident you’re going to love what they’ve done with the place!

10. Gorge on Fresh Seafood on the Cliffs

A dramatic coastal location and access to some of the freshest seafood in the Adriatic make Dubrovnik a haven for gourmet foodies. If you love dining with a view, then you’re going to love eating out in Dubrovnik!

With endless stretches of coastline, there are countless cliff-top restaurants offering stunning views over the Mediterranean while you gorge on lobster, shellfish, and fish that were swimming in the sea mere hours ago. 

Head to the Lapad Peninsula for the best vistas and food, where you can book a table at Zoe for breathtaking views over the Elaphiti Islands from the terrace. Another Lapad favorite is the Levanat, where oysters, mussels, and shellfish abound. 

Then there’s Yacht Club Orsan, The Rockstone, and Orka Restaurant. The list of fine dining seafood restaurants with tremendous views just goes on and on! Our top tip is to try and secure a reservation for sunset when you’ll see the Adriatic lit up spectacularly in a beautiful display of fiery colors. 

11. Day Trip to Cavtat

Escape the city with a day trip to Cavtat, one of the best things to do when you’re looking for a break from Dubrovnik. Cavtat is an idyllic little village that’s located some 20 kilometers to the south of Dubrovnik, and as you might expect in this part of the world, it’s overlooking beautiful vistas, and it’s packed full of wonderful historic buildings.

Cavtat is small, sleepy, but fantastically refreshing – although like anywhere in southern Croatia, it does get busy when it’s peak season. Cavtat isn’t quite on the same scale as Dubrovnik, and you’ll find just a few narrow streets and red-roofed townhouses situated on a rocky outcrop next to the Adriatic, but that’s just perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing day trip. 

You can visit the former home-turned museum of Croatian painter Vlaho Bukovac. Even if you’ve never heard of him, you’ll be sure to appreciate the artwork and the architecture. There’s a small monastery, a small harbor, and several other small cultural museums where you can spend a few hours learning more about the local heritage. 

We’ll be honest, there’s not a huge amount to do in Cavtat, but that’s why we love it! Stroll through the village, then don’t be afraid to spend the rest of the day drinking wine or coffee, ordering up seafood and pasta, and enjoying the atmosphere on the seafront. 

You can take a public bus from Dubrovnik to Cavtat, or you could hike along the coast (and take the bus back), or arrive in true Adriatic style on a boat or yacht. 

12. Attend Dubrovnik’s Annual Summer Festival

Summer is the best time to be in Dubrovnik, even if it is the busiest. That’s because the city plays host to a two-month-long extravaganza known simply as the Summer Festival. 

The Summer Festival is one of the must-do things in Dubrovnik because the long schedule is packed with cultural events that will give you a new insight into the people and traditions that make the city so vibrant. 

The schedule and lineup of the festival vary every year, but you can expect to find impromptu orchestras playing in old town plazas, late-night DJs playing in beach clubs, and plenty of cultural and gastronomic experiences taking place across Dubrovnik. 

13. Experience Dubrovnik in the Winter

Summer is fun, but as we said, summer is also the peak season. You can escape the crowds with an off-peak visit to Dubrovnik in the winter months when the streets are quiet, the plazas are empty of tourists, and there’s no line for a lunchtime table in the cafes and restaurants. 

Experience Dubrovnik in the winter, and you can take part in the local Christmas festivities, too. Just as the city hosts its Summer Festival every year, Dubrovnik also hosts a Winter Festival. With far fewer tourists around, you can expect the Winter Festival to be much more local in character. 

There will be music events, concerts, Christmas markets, and so much more. The weather is never that bad, either, in Dubrovnik. Sure, it might rain once or twice, and you’ll need a coat in the evenings, but even in January, temperatures can reach up to 12 degrees Celsius (53.6 degrees Fahrenheit). 

As a bonus, travel to Dubrovnik in the winter months, and you’ll miss out on those high summer prices. On a sunny day, you could even brave the Adriatic for a refreshing (but cold) swim!

14. Go on a Sunset Sea Kayaking Tour

One of the best things to do in Dubrovnik is a sea kayaking tour. If you’re hoping for a splash of adventure during your stay, then this is one of our favorite ways to see the city. 

Sea kayaking tours are most enjoyable during the summer when the waves are calm, and the water is warm but refreshingly cool once you’ve worked up a sweat paddling around. Tours will lead you around the city walls themselves, and you’ll get to see the old town from a completely new perspective. 

You can even paddle all the way over to Lokrum Island, where you’ll find secluded beaches and hidden coves. All along the coast, you’ll find lagoons, sea caves, and beaches that are only accessible from the water, making this the best way to escape the crowds. 

If you’re an experienced sea kayaker, then you’ll also have the option to rent a kayak and head out on your own. Just ask the local guides for a few tips on where to go, as some of the best spots are seriously hidden!

15. Take a ‘Game of Thrones’ Tour

This is one for the fantasy fans because Dubrovnik was the setting for many of the most famous (or perhaps infamous) scenes in the hit TV show Game of Thrones. Dubrovnik stood in for King’s Landing, where much of the action took place over the show’s eight seasons. If you’ve seen even a few episodes, you’ll recognize many of the locations as you wander through the old town! 

These days, though, entrepreneurial locals have taken things a step further. Bowing to the demand of tourists, one of the top things to do in Dubrovnik is now a Game of Thrones tour. Even if you’re not that into the show, it’s a great way to explore the old town on a lively, action-packed tour that’s full of both local history and contemporary anecdotes. 

You’ll visit the Red Keep, see where the Walk of Shame was filmed, and learn about the practicalities of shooting a massive TV show in an ancient city. The best tours involve a quick trip over to Lokrum Island, where a replica Iron Throne is found on display in the monastery.

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Dubrovnik. What’s your favorite thing to do in Dubrovnik?

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