Dubrovnik is the most popular destination in the whole of Croatia, famed for its historic sites, orange roof tops and striking views over the Adriatic – it’s one of those special places that actually lives up to the hype!
Looking for the best things to do in Dubrovnik? Don’t miss this hand-picked guide!
If I’m truthful, I became totally smitten with Dubrovnik old town, it’s exactly like a fairytale! Lime stone streets, elegant churches, historic squares and an abundance of terraces adorn the old town, while palm-trees, beach coves, harbours and cliff bars make up the surrounding scenery – I’m positive you will fall head over heals for this travel destination too!
Ready to explore Dubrovnik? Want to know where the hidden hotspots are? This is my collection of unmissable things to do and see.
THE 8 HIGHLIGHTS OF DUBROVNIK
1. WALK THE HISTORIC WALLS
I’m sure you’ve heard about the famous walls and might be wondering what they’re all about?! Well if you want to see the best view in town then this is the place to be! The ‘wall walk’ is an amazing way to take in the 13th Century history and soak up the beauty of Dubrovnik.
The wall itself is only 2KM long and there’s a one way system in place, but I would allow two hours to admire the epic 360 views of the magnificent town and coastline, which will definitely stop you in your tracks more than once!
TIP! Keep a look out for the guard towers, baroque architecture, bastions and the famous St John Fortress – it definitely feels like you’ve stepped back into Medieval times!
THE DETAILS
There are three entrances leading up to the wall: Pile Gate, Ploce Gate and St John Fort. Just be the first to arrive (around 8.30am) or wait until the late afternoon (around 5pm) to avoid shuffling behind crowds and cruise ship arrivals.
2. WANDER THE OLD TOWN
There’s just something special about the smooth limestone walkway of Strudun – the main thoroughfare of Dubrovnik’s old town, whether you’re visiting for a few hours or a few days, I can guarantee you’ll be walking up and down here many many times! The whole area is laced with attractive restaurants, shops and cafes, it’s very tempting.
Yes the old town can be busy and extremely hot in summer, but it’s not that difficult to slip away from the bustle and get lost in the narrow cobbled side streets! Choose any pathway off the Stradun and I can guarantee you’ll come across squares, terraces, romantic shutters, bougainvillea and some lesser known historic sites. It’s a great way to gather your bearings and catch a glimpse of the real Dubrovnik – the one that you wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
Want to know more? If you’re looking to see the landmarks and learn about the interesting facts and history of the old town, why not take a small inexpensive group walking guided tour? Check out: DUBROVNIK 1.5hr OLD TOWN WALKING GUIDED TOUR.
GOOD TO KNOW: Dubrovnik’s morning market takes place in Gundulic Square with stalls selling local produce such as sugared almonds, fruit and lavender. The location is very picturesque (where isn’t?) with fountains, ornate buildings and the famous ‘Game of Thrones’ Jesuit staircase.
READ: 5 BEST DAY TRIPS FROM DUBROVNIK
3. GRAB A MID-MORNING COFFEE
Fancy a mid-morning coffee? Dubrovnik is full of cute cafés and Croatian’s LOVE their coffee so you can usually find a good cup in most locations – if in doubt look for the smaller independent coffee houses with plenty of locals as a general rule!
One of my favourite finds is Soul Café! Tucked away off the main Stradun – if you go early in the evening there’s usually a musician playing something soulful! For a true coffee lover experience head over to quirky Cognito, a tiny place within an archway, it’s a good quick stop or take away option for old town walking! In the centre of Stradun, you can’t miss the terrace of traditional Café Festival – it’s been around since 1927, yes it’s not exactly a ‘hidden gem’ BUT the location is unbeatable and their lattes are excellent.
Wander outside the walls… Near the western entrance you’ll find Sesame, a 200-year-old family run café, popular with local’s and perfectly surrounded by orange trees and a view of the Adriatic. So there you have it, a little tick box list for the coffee lovers!
4. TREAT YOURSELF TO LUNCH WITH A VIEW
After spending a morning wandering the old town or walking the walls treat yourself to a fabulous Mediterranean alfresco lunch! Grandska Kavana Arsenal is favourably located right on the pier, a perfect spot for watching the harbour activity with a lovely scenic backdrop!
If you ask me, the big plus of a hot climate is being able to enjoy a long lunch on a breezy terrace with a view and this is one of the best – and in contrast to the bustling centre and narrow side streets! Try their poached seabass, you won’t be sorry!
5. CABLE CAR VIEWS OVER DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN
Did you even go to Dubrovnik if you haven’t got a collection of orange roof top aerial views? The Dubrovnik cable car is a popular way to see the entire panorama of the city walls, clear Adriatic and islands beyond. If you travelled from Dubrovnik airport you will have seen a glimpse of this from the taxi window, it’s a spectacular sight!
Take the car up just before sunset and watch the city turn golden – the journey itself is a really wonderful experience. You can also reserve as spot at the restaurant for drinks and dinner – it truly is the best seat in the house!
6. KAYAK DUBROVNIK’S OLD TOWN WALLS
What could be better than swimming around the old town walls? Kayaking is a fun way of viewing Dubrovnik and all it’s surrounds right from the bolt blue Adriatic! This is probably one of the most popular activities to do, so booking in advance is crucial!
I went on an evening small group tour from Pile Gate and spent three hours paddling over to picturesque Lokrum Island and then Batina Cave for swimming. One good thing to know is that you don’t have to be super fit – and this is from someone who took out a solo kayak, just ‘follow my leader’ and enjoy the scenery!
RECOMMENDED: DUBROVNIK SUNSET SEA KAYAKING TOUR
This is the exact tour I took from Get Your Guide, I’ve booked many times through this operator.
7. LOCAL WINE TASTING AT D’VINO
D’vino is a charming little place for getting to grips with Croatian wine, which is not too difficult given it’s excellent quality! You’ll find D’vino along a narrow cobbled path in the old town with plenty of seats, charm and an amazing selection of local wines.
Wine tasting is on offer all day, but it does get busy once the sun has set, I would recommend going a little earlier in the evening to claim an outside stool! You can also order a sharing plate to go with your wine – one of their ‘Divine platters’.
8. CATCH THE SUNSET AT A CLIFFSIDE BAR
“COLD DRINKS WITH THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VIEW”
There’s nothing quite like watching the sky turn from blue to pink at a cool bar with an epic view and Buza bar is one of those! Follow the yellow sign on the back wall of the old town that reads “cold drinks with the most beautiful view” – who could resist?
The sign leads you through a narrow door to the outside cliff and a bar called Buza (Buza meaning ‘hole in the wall’) for one of the best casual (bottles only) sunset experiences in Dubrovnik! Be sure to arrive well before the sun goes down as the seats fill up fast and the patrons stay for hours – because why wouldn’t you?
TIP: Buza bar has two locations, both have equally beautiful views, Buza and Buza II – DON’T MISS THIS – it’s one of the best things to do in the old town!
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WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK
Fancy spending the night within a historic town? Apartments and small boutique hotels are the way to go in Dubrovnik old town and what an experience to have! Yes you can expect higher than average prices staying in one of the top destinations in Europe, but fortunately there’s a huge choice.
Here’s my personal recommendations in the best locations!
ACCOMMODATION IN DUBROVNIK | BOUTIQUE GUIDE
SCALINI PALACE | Housed in a fully renovated 16th Century Manor, Scalini is set just a few steps from the Stradun, the heart of the old town. The rooms are modern with stone wall features and some have balconies.
DUBROVNIK COLORS NO3 | An apartment with a exceptional view of Lokrum Island the Dubrovnik Old Town. One bedroomed Dubrovnik Colors is situated in a gorgeous location with all the facilities you need and it’s just a ten minute stroll to the heart of Dubrovnik Old Town.
APARTMENT HOUSE LINA | Next to Pile Gate apartment traditional House Lina has modern and spacious rooms with perfect views over the city.
GUEST HOUSE FORTY-FOUR | An attractive guest house that looks like a five-star boutique hotel! Situated in the centre of Dubrovnik, Forty-Four has stone walls, high end décor a beautiful terrace and restaurant!
PALAZZO DE BONA | Set in a nice location just 200 yards from the Stradun, Palazzo De Bona rooms are modern with added details and views over the town.
ROOMS RAIC | Rooms Raic is a small guest house with four rooms and a central communal kitchen, its spotless and newly furnished, modern and bright. I was lucky to get the room at the front which opens out on to the balcony with spectacular views!
Check out the best prices and availability for boutiques and apartments in Dubrovnik using my favourite booking resource – HERE.
DUBROVNIK TRAVEL GUIDE | DUBROVNIK ESSENTIALS
WHERE IS DUBROVNIK?
Where exactly is the iconic walled city of Dubrovnik? The striking maze of orange roof tops and huge expanse of turquoise sea is probably the most famous sight in all of Dalmatia – Croatia’s sort after south east coastline.
Smaller towns, vineyards and rugged beaches make up the region’s surrounding area of Dubrovnik – and is well worth taking the time to explore! Check out my 5 WONDERFUL DAY TRIPS FROM DUBROVNIK post.
But you will find the majority of things to do located close to old town, which draws the biggest crowds in the whole of Croatia.
WHEN TO VISIT DUBROVNIK?
To see Dubrovnik at its lushest head over in SUMMER – although a bit more costly, it’s by far the best time to be visiting. You will want to swim in the sea, go on boat trips and dine alfresco – these are the benefits of a warmer climate!
THE BEST overall months are between the beginning of June to early July and September, you can expect sunny days, a good atmosphere, all the attractions open, but with fewer crowds.
I would avoid the peak summer months, which brings in mass tourism and unfortunately HUGE cruise ships.
HOW LONG TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK?
Dubrovnik is a fantastic city to visit and stay a while longer – at least a week to explore the region properly! Sleep, eat and drink in the charming old town and spend your free time exploring islands, bays and pretty heritage towns – THE DREAM VACATION!
READ: 5 BEST DAY TRIPS FROM DUBROVNIK
HOW TO GET TO DUBROVNIK
Dubrovnik is one of the easier destinations to travel in Croatia, not only does it have an airport you can fly directly into, it’s also just a short distance from the old town walls via jaw-dropping scenic drive, if it’s your first trip, you will be astonished!!
Between May and September the airport is served really well with airport shuttles (45KN/35minutes) dropping/picking up outside of Pile Gate. An UBER (the other feasible option) will cost you around 250KN one way.
FLIGHTS: Check the best flights and prices for Dubrovnik with Skyscanner HERE.
READ MORE ABOUT CROATIA
- 5 BEST DAY TRIPS FROM DUBROVNIK
- THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HVAR ISLAND
- 5 WONDERFUL ISLANDS OF CROATIA
- BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN SPLIT
Have you been to Dubrovnik? If you are planning a trip and want to know more please leave a comment below, it’s one of my most visited and favourite destinations to talk about!
Looking for more inspiration? How about tagging Montenegro on to your journey – it’s only two hours from Dubrovnik! Find out more in this post 6 REASONS TO VISIT KOTOR, MONTENEGRO
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