Last updated on July 5th, 2026 at 08:02 pm
Dubrovnik Old Town is the most popular destination in all of Croatia, made famous worldwide for its aesthetically pleasing ancient walls and terracotta rooftops set against the turquoise waters of the Adriatic. And I promise you, it’s one of those places that actually lives up to the hype!
Postcard-perfect Dubrovnik Old Town is packed with incredible historic sights and unforgettable experiences, I return at least once a year to wander it’s ancient cobbled lanes, admire the beautiful stone buildings over a morning coffee, revisit my favourite restaurants and soak-up the jaw-dropping coastal views from a wonderful Dubrovnik boutique hotel. It’s a city that never loses it’s wow factor!
But, there’s far more to discover than simply walking the city walls or enjoying a Michelin-rated lunch, some of the biggest highlights have been finding tucked-away wine bars, climbing to panoramic rooftop terraces, exploring centuries-old ruins and uncovering peaceful waterfront corners that many visitors walk straight past!
Whether you have just one day or a leisurely three-day say, these are the very best things to do in Dubrovnik Old Town, including it’s iconic landmarks, hidden gems and the insider tips that will make your visit even more memorable!
Top Hotel Picks In Dubrovnik Old Town:
Planning your trip? Here’s my top hotel picks!
- Hotel Stari Grad – best overall boutique & rooftop in old town!
- Pucic Palace – romantic 5-star hotel, charming old town square!
- Palace Natalie – historic hotel, pool & Mediterranean scenic setting!
Read my full guide on where to stay in Dubrovnik
BEST THINGS TO DO IN DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN
1. WALK THE FAMOUS CITY WALLS (Top things to do in Dubrovnik Old Town)
If you’ve researched a little, I’m sure you’re aware that you can walk the town’s magnificent and ancient walls that you see on every Croatia postcard and in no exaggeration, it really is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik Old Town, the views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and coastline are simply unbeatable from this vantage point!
I’ve actually walked the walls on two trips and my favourite experience was in the late afternoon, at this time you’ll witness the most beautiful golden light over the rooftops without the intensity of the hot mid-day sun and there’s barely any crowds later on – see my people-free shots below, which were taken with my tripod in September!
There’s two entry points, Ploce or Pile Gate, but I recommend the latter, as you end the circular walk at Sv.Petar bar, which is a lovely spot for a drink, and you’ll need it after all that posing and gazing across the Adriatic – don’t miss Bokar Fortress ‘watch tower’! Either way, it will take you a couple of hours, and your phone will be full of orange and blue skylines by the time you arrive back on the Stradun!
Tip! Bring sunscreen and perhaps a UV umbrella (fashionable city accessory these days) as the walls are fully exposed to the elements!
2. WANDER DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN LANES
The historic centre is completely car-free and magical to walk around, one of my favourite things to do in Dubrovnik old town is get lost amongst the old town lanes with traditional stone buildings and their iconic green shutters, very similar to what you find in Split and Korcula the most charming and maze-like part of the town, and it’s where you’ll discover the best kept secrets!
Mornings are generally best if you want to beat the midday crowds in my experience, but even when the main thoroughfare Stradun is bustling with day trippers, you can still find quiet corners all to yourself or stop for a coffee at historic Cafe Festival right in the heart of it all to absorb the atmosphere (look out for the little red seats) – you might be surprised to learn that you can walk the entire length of Stradun in less than ten minutes!
But the most fun can be found in the labyrinth of narrow lanes and hiking up and down the flower-filled steps two by two, you’ll certainly get a workout and discover hidden gems along the way, including wonderful restaurants and even boutique hotels housed in former palaces, like five-star Pucic Palace situated on a lovely square!
Pro Tip For crowd-beating visits, 8.30-9am is usually plenty early, any earlier and the street cleaners and deliveries will be in full force and most things will be boarded up!
If you’re planning to spend a few nights here, I’ve rounded up the best boutique hotels and places to stay in Dubrovnik Old Town in my complete accommodation guide.
3. EXPLORE DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN’S HISTORIC BUILDINGS
Dubrovnik old town is absolutely layered with history and walking around the cobbles really only scratches the surface of this incredible Roman city, there’s a lot more to discover beyond strolling past the Cathedral or sitting in a square with a coffee – although that is one of my personal favourite past-times in old town Dubrovnik!
I recommend getting to know the city’s real history and historic landmarks, such as the Cathedral‘s magnificent interior and the Baroque Jesuit Staircase, modelled on the Spanish Steps in Rome! I’m always amazed by what you can find behind the surface of these ancient buildings – even some of the restaurant interiors are absolute treasures!
Franciscan Monastery and Rector’s Palace are especially impressive places, I found the beautiful Gothic Renaissance architecture particularly charming with arched courtyards, carved staircases and well-preserved rooms – the backdrop is so perfect it attracts wedding photographers, Saturday mornings in particular!
(You’ll easily spot these sights and landmarks – Dubrovnik Old Town is relatively small and straightforward to explore independently, but if you wanted to find more hidden gems and learn about interesting history you can book this wonderful private a local guide for two hours!)
If your plan is to see all the sights, consider the Dubrovnik City Pass, which includes the city walls walk, Fort Lovrijenac, transport, galleries and museums. The city walls alone are €40, and the pass is €48!
4. TAKE THE CABLE CAR FOR STUNNING VIEWS
During your visit to Dubrovnik Old Town, you must take a ride on the 5-minute cable car to the top of Mount Srd for the most striking panoramic view over the entire ancient walled town and across the Adriatic!
And to make your visit even more memorable, I recommend reserving a table at the restaurant Panorama, right at the top for lunch or sunset – it could easily be a tourist trap, and I was apprehensive, but pleasantly, this restaurant offers an excellent view along with tasty, well-presented dishes, right on one of the most jaw-dropping terraces!
I visited at lunch and would love to go back for sunset sometime, this whole adventure is absolutely worthwhile, it’s one of my favourite experiences in Dubrovnik old town, it’s such a unique thing to do over the summer months – and honestly you may live to regret it if you don’t reserve ahead!
5. STAY IN A BEAUTIFUL DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN BOUTIQUE HOTEL
For an unforgettable thing to do in Dubrovnik old town, I recommend staying within the atmospheric walls, this is where the majority of beautiful boutique hotels are situated with their own private rooftops boasting secret views and incredible interiors – think marble floors and ancient ceilings, the settings are simply magical and most of them are housed within historic buildings with a story to tell!
I’ve stopped in the Dubrovnik Old Town more than anywhere else, it’s the best area to stay in Dubrovnik, where everything is within walking distance from the restaurants to beaches, must-do activities and boat excursions that leave directly from the old town harbour and unlike the apartments, which tend to be up lots of stone stairs – the boutiques can be found within the charming squares, just like the accommodation in Split!
I highly recommend Pucic Palace with elegant rooms and Boutique Hotel Stari Grad known for its style and spectacular rooftop restaurant – where I’ve previously stayed and had a wonderful experience, especially the rooftop for evening drinks, a beautiful setting and central stay makes exploring all the best things to do in Dubrovnik much more effortless!
If you want to explore the best hotels in Dubrovnik Old Town, here’s my full guide on where to stay in Dubrovnik, perfect if you want to be located in or walking distance to the Old Town!
6. GO ON A GAME OF THRONES WALKING TOUR (If you’re a fan)
If you’re a fan of the Game of Thrones show, you will love this location walking tour around the city. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Dubrovnik Old Town – even in 2026, years after the show first exploded onto our screens, the demand is high and in the name of research and because I’ve experienced everything else in Dubrovnik, I found myself following the film’s iconic scenes one morning with a particularly enthusiastic guide!
The tour begins in the centre of Dubrovnik Old Town, a lot of the famous scenes were filmed there, such as Cersei’s walk of shame and the now infamous stone staircase, I think everyone who saw the show will still remember this scene, which is actually the Jesuit Stairs near the cathedral – this one’s easy to spot, but others are not, and you’ll need a guide to show you, if nothing else it saves valuable time!
Taking a Game of Thrones tour ensures you visit all the key filming locations and I was lucky enough to hire private guide Katija who worked on the set and had insider secrets to share, plus you get to see some unique and scenic areas of Dubrovnik City! Read about the locations and more in my Game of Thrones Tour review!
If you’re a GOT fan and are looking to spot the locations – easily, see availability for the private Game of Thrones Tour here!
7. HAVE LUNCH AT GRADSKA KAVANA ARSENAL
I always love finding incredible lunch spots (my favourite time to eat) before I arrive in any country and the old town in Dubrovnik has dozens of options, but there is none more special than Grandska Kavana Arsenal, it’s been one of my favourite places for years, the terrace is just unbeatable!
This well-located restaurant in Dubrovnik Old Town sits right along the bustling harbour front, the setting is ideal for lunch, and at the same time, you get to enjoy the beautiful historic building it’s housed within, I’m sure the elegant terrace and super high beamed ceiling is reason enough to consider this wonderful restaurant for your next meal!
I’ve also stopped by for breakfast on one occasion, there’s a tiered option for two that I was keen to try, and it was just wonderful, plus you can order it until 11.30am, perfect for those slow mornings in Old Town Dubrovnik! I recommend reserving a front row table facing the harbour to guarantee the best spot!
Tip! I often like to pair this beautiful leisurely morning with a fabulous Dubrovnik boat trip out to the islands in the afternoon, this is my ideal way to spend the day!
8. SAMPLE THE LOCAL WINE IN DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN
Sipping Croatian wine on a secret rooftop terrace is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik Old Town on an early summers evening when that atmosphere is more chilled and the day trippers have gone elsewhere, and you don’t have to be a connoisseur of wine to enjoy some of these incredible venues hidden in the oldest part of town!
M’arden is my current favourite, which I uncovered most recently when wandering the city’s lanes, I love the stunning rooftop location, anything sitting on top of an attractive building is always a treat in this town and as well as the secretive location, there’s romantic atmosphere in spades, I was fortunate to listen to a beautiful live acoustic guitarist while devouring some of the best Croatian tapas and wine pairings I’ve ever tasted in Dubrovnik!
For something more casual and cosy, you can check out the unique cave wine bar Bakus or D’vino (D’vino is more well known of the two), both of which have a few tall tables and chairs right on the cobbles, perfect for sipping wine in a relaxed setting, they serve wine from all over Croatia, but be sure to also select a local Dubrovnik wine!
If you’re looking for more places to eat and drink around Dubrovnik, here’s my full guide to the best places to eat in Dubrovnik Old Town for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
9. SWIM DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN BANJE BEACH
If you’re visiting old town Dubrovnik in the summer months you might want to spend a few relaxing hours cooling off on its iconic beach in-between sightseeing, a swim in the shallow shimmering turquoise sea is always worthwhile, and you’ll be blown away by your beach bed view boasting old town and Lokrum Island panoramas – it looks cinematic!
I always arrive unfashionably early, just before 10am and head straight to Banje Beach Club for front-row uninterrupted sea views, before the crowds descend and enjoy the moment all to myself with a plump sunbed and umbrella, but if you are only staying a short while, you can lay your towel on the pebbles and go for a quick dip!
Banje also provides a restaurant terrace right on the sand, which offers a good quality lunch menu with a cocktail list and is popular throughout the day, unfortunately sunbed service is a little elusive in my experience, so I recommend bringing along a few of your own provisions!
Pro Dubrovnik tip! If you want to explore another superior sunbathing area, try the more elevated Coral Beach Club near Lapad – a ten minute drive away and set in a very picturesque bay!
10. DISCOVER CLIFF TOP BARS IN DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN (Unique things to do in Dubrovnik)
Dubrovnik’s cliff-top bars offer the most unique thing to do in Dubrovnik Old Town. A spot of casual cliff-side drinking in the hole-in-the-wall bars called Buza Bars is a popular experience throughout the day with locals and tourists alike – there’s two (aptly named Buza I and Buza II) and until recent years were hidden gems, but now there are signs!
If you head to the top of Jesuit Staircase you will soon find the signposts leading the way to the backwall, when I first walked though the small bar opening I was dazzled by the view of the deep blue Adriatic waters and Lokrum Island and have since sat here under the shade of the huge umbrellas with a lemon beer reading a book plenty of times!
Fratellos Processco Bar is one of Dubrovnik’s best kept secrets, I found this gem just a few minutes walk outside of Pile gate and what a wonderful spot for elevated evening drinks! It offers a totally different vibe from anything inside the city walls, you’ll be listening to jazz and choosing from selection of great cocktails on one of the three sweeping sea view terraces, I especially like to pop in for a spritzer before dining at Nautika, just a few minutes away!
(All spots are super popular at sunset – arrive early or reserve a outdoor seat at Fratellos!)
11. TRY KAYAKING AROUND DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN
Kayaking is a very popular activity in Dubrovnik Old Town, it’s probably the most tranquil mini adventure you can have on the open water in Dubrovnik while experiencing the walls from an entirely different angle, which only takes a couple of hours of your time – and you can be a beginner kayaker!
All tours leave from a small bay at Pile Gate and typically travel in convoy towards Lokrum Island before stopping at Batina Cave for a swim and rest – many moons ago, I challenged myself and booked the morning kayak tour solo, unsure of what to expect, but I did enjoy the experience although a double kayak with a second navigator would have made things even easier – the pace was manageable and the guide ensures stragglers are able to catch up!
I highly recommend wearing a long-sleeved SPF top under your life jacket to be more comfortable and sunblock, trust me, the Croatian sun is the most intense out on the water – if this is an issue I suggest booking onto the later sunset tour, when it’s cooler especially if you’re travelling in the peak summer season! (Dry bags are provided for your belongings.)
If you fancy kayaking around the old town walls, check out the morning, afternoon or sunset tours on the Kayak tour here!
12. PAY A VISIT TO TINY LOKRUM ISLAND
Lokrum Island is worth visiting, it’s the easiest place to visit away from Dubrovnik Old Town’s harbour (it’s so close it feels like an extension of the shore), you can literally see the island from all over the town’s major viewpoints, this iconic and extremely photogenic green island is probably what lured you here in the first place!
With regular shuttles and a ten-minute journey, visiting the island is really flexible and as it’s tiny, you only need a couple of hours to see it all – and that’s including stopping for a drink or bite to eat and taking a dip on the rocky shoreline, but there are some local nude spots, so I wouldn’t stray too far over to the left!
There’s really not much more to it other than a cactus garden to wander and further inland roaming peacocks and an oasis-like terrace at the restaurant Eden Garden, next to the Benedictine Monastery, to sip a glass of wine and enjoy a quite moment, which is probably my favourite part, particularly if you have timed it well and avoided some of the lunch rush between 12-2pm!
Looking for more day trip ideas? For even more inspiration, browse my full guide to the best day trips from Dubrovnik, including waterfalls, historic towns and island escapes.
13. WALK TO LOVRIJENAC FORTRESS VIEWPOINT
Fort Lovrijenac is one of the main historic landmarks just outside of the Dubrovnik old town wall and it’s another famous Game of Thrones location (Backwater Bay if you’re interested) and stunning viewpoint, which is normally combined with walking along the walls as the ticket includes both places!
I know there seems to be many viewpoints, but you do get to see the Fortress ruin up close and enjoy a leisurely uphill walk as it sits on a huge rock at the end of Pile Gate towards the West Harbour and offers sweeping views across the city’s sloping walls, a totally different perspective from anywhere else and one that I found really enjoyable and surprisingly quiet as not many tourists walk this way or this far outside of the old town walls!
I especially recommend wandering through Pile harbour with its pastel houses, shoreline cafe’s and a couple of small authentic rocky beaches and swim spots, situated nearby hidden gem – little Dodo beach bar. I’ll be honest the walk and view is worth it more than actually going inside the fortress, it’s an empty shell – and if you have booked the Game of Thrones tour, you’ll learn a bit more about this epic filming location!
(See the Kayaks below – this is where the tour begins)
14. DISCOVER THE HIDDEN COASTAL GEM CAVTAT BAY!
You may not even have heard of Cavtat, I hadn’t until my third or maybe fourth trip, but let me tell you, Cavtat is a real hidden gem (I probably should keep secret) the most idyllic spot along the curvy Dubrovnik coastline, it really is the sort of place you hope to find in Croatia – a beautiful Riva with ancient buildings backed by dramatic hills and pine-trees, it’s so lovely I have since stayed in Cavat’s prettiest boutique!
Cavtat is only 30 minutes away from Dubrovnik old town harbour by taxi boat and it’s a whole different landscape and quieter vibe, I absolutely adore the palm-tree lined riviera, and inviting restaurant terraces, the setting is picturesque and feels more charming, away from the tourist crowds, if you can only spare half a day – I would absolutely prioritise Cavtat!
In my experience, planning your visit alongside lunch, makes this Cavtat day trip much more worthwhile, I’ve enjoyed wonderful meals at the restaurant La Bohemia on the pretty riviera, and afterwards a walk along the scenic coastal path and wander through the little ancient town with boutiques and art shops!
Pro Tip! If your base is Dubrovnik Old Town, I recommend visiting Cavtat on your second day, it’s so easy to slot into your Dubrovnik itinerary and this guide shows you how!
15. TAKE A SCENIC ISLAND-HOPPING PRIVATE BOAT TRIP (A highlight from Dubrovnik Old Town!)
If you’re staying in the old town in Dubrovnik for three days or longer, I highly recommend exploring the popular group of Islands just off the shore, known as the Elaphiti Islands, by private boat tour for an elevated (crowd-free) experience, it’s by far one of my favourite days out on the water – the boat trip I’ve taken more than once!
This scenic Elaphiti Islands boat trip whisks you away from Dubrovnik’s Old Town Harbour to beautiful bays, authentic villages, picturesque beaches and exclusive restaurants that are only accessible by small boat, including dreamy overwater restaurant Bowa (see below right), the unspoilt island of Kolocep with is must-visit, mesmerising Blue Cave!
An island-hopping boat trip is the best way to spend your time after visiting the main sights of the old town, and you don’t have to commit to the full day; there are morning and afternoon options to suit your schedule, but you’ll need to book your spot in advance over the summer months as the private and more superior boat trips are popular!
Take a look at the full details and availability of this private Elaphiti Islands boat trip here!
Browse my hand-picked boat tours from Dubrovnik for a relaxed, stylish day on the water!
WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN
Staying inside Dubrovnik Old Town is super convenient, you’ll be having breakfast in a beautiful square surrounded by history, wine on the rooftop and can walk to every attraction. I’ve personally stayed here more than anywhere else in Dubrovnik and there are some beautiful boutique hotel options to choose from! Here’s my favourites:
Boutique Hotel Stari Grad – A stylish boutique hotel with beautiful rooms and a lovely rooftop terrace overlooking the most gorgeous part of the old town – book the room with a private balcony!
St. Joseph’s Boutique Hotel – A beautifully restored 16th-century townhouse tucked away in the Old Town. Rooms are elegant, perfect if you love history with modern comfort.
The Pucic Palace – One of the most iconic Dubrovnik Old Town hotels, set on a gorgeous square just steps from the main street, blending historic charm with luxury.
For a full breakdown of boutique hotels, apartments, beach resorts and best areas, see my complete Where to Stay in Dubrovnik guide.
TIPS FOR VISITING DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN
When To Visit Dubrovnik Old Town
Dubrovnik is best explored from May to mid October, avoiding the peak season where possible (July and August) and crowds. If you’re visiting the old town in Dubrovnik for the day, early morning or late afternoon is ideal – you’ll miss the cruise ship hours.
Personally, I prefer the beginning of summer, when the evenings are lighter, beaches are opening up, and you can visit the Croatian Islands!
How Long To Stay In Dubrovnik
I recommend staying for a minimum of 3 days in Dubrovnik, longer if you include a day trip to the nearby islands, bays, or even national parks – or linger at your beautiful hotel!
Dubrovnik City Pass
Grab the Dubrovnik City Pass, which includes the city walls walk, Fort Lovrijenac, transport, galleries and museums. It’s well worth purchasing if you plan on visiting all of these attractions independently, the city walls alone is €40 and the pass is €48, it’s the one the tourist office advises also!
Dubrovnik Old Town Dress Codes
The old town in Dubrovnik is a classy place! Walking shirtless or in swimwear through the old town is disrespectful and can even earn you a fine and some strange looks! Cover up when you’re not on the beach or a boat!
How To Get Around Dubrovnik Old Town
Dubrovnik Old Town and most of Pile and Ploce are fairly compact and easily walkable. Taxis, local buses, and cheap Ubers are available from Pile Gate for visiting Lapad beaches, and if you’re exploring further afield, there are easy taxi boats to nearby beaches and island and excursions departing from Dubrovnik Old Town harbour.
Dubrovnik Old Town Is Compact And Walkable
Dubrovnik Old Town is compact and very walkable and entirely pedestrianised (helped by the old town walls) making it a hassle-free, easy-to-get-around, charming area to stay, just like Split Old Town, Korcula Town and Hvar Town in the Dalmatian Region!
Parking In Dubrovnik Old Town
Dubrovnik Centre Parking is €24 per day or €3 per hour and is a 25-minute walk to Dubrovnik old town, this is the best and least costly option. Near Dubrovnik old town there are park and display bays at Ploce or Pile Gate from €10 per hour.
For more practical tips, check out my complete travel guide to Dubrovnik for first-time visitors here!
What To Pair With Dubrovnik?
After staying in Dubrovnik for 3/4 nights, I recommend the scenic ‘wine Island’ of Korcula for 3 nights followed by vibrant Hvar Island the most beautiful in the Adriatic for 3/4 nights – this is the perfect pairing – if you have more time add 2 nights in tranquil and authentic Vis Island before rounding off your Adriatic trip with a stay in Split old town for 2/3 nights – this is my personal favourite itinerary!
For more Croatia island-hopping advice, here’s my full guide to the bucket list Croatian Islands!
Still planning your Dubrovnik itinerary?
Planning your trip to Dubrovnik? I’ve also shared a complete what to do travel guide for first-time visitors, my favourite restaurants, and the best day trips – perfect for pulling together your ideal itinerary!
- Complete Guide To Dubrovnik – top tips & need to know for first time visitors!
- How To Spend 3 Days In Dubrovnik – top itinerary planning tips for Dubrovnik!
- Where To Stay In Dubrovnik – the best areas, boutique hotels & luxury stays!
- Day Trips From Dubrovnik – islands, bays & heritage towns worth visiting!
- The Best Boat Tours from Dubrovnik – island hopping, national parks & more!
- Cavtat Day Trip From Dubrovnik – how to plan & what to see in Cavtat!
SAVE & SHARE: THINGS TO DO IN DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN
15 Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik Old Town (2026 Guide) | Pin For Later
This post contains affiliate links and I earn a small commission when you make a purchase using the link. This is at no extra cost to you and it allows the site to keep running.
Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!