Things to Do in Dubrovnik

One of the foremost landmarks of Dubrovnik’s atmospheric Old Town, the bell tower stands at the eastern end of Stradun, the main thoroughfare, and looms over Luza Square. The 31-m (102-ft) stone tower is topped with a stumpy dome and flanked by some of Dubrovnik’s most spectacular architecture, including the lovely Sponza Palace, St Blaise Church and Orlando’s Column. Constructed in 1444, the tower was badly damaged in the earthquake of 1667 and began to lean alarmingly; by the 18th century it had fallen into disrepair and it was not until the late 1920s that repair work began and the tower acquired its present shape and clock, the face of which resembles an octopus and also portrays the phases of the moon. Consequently, very little of the original tower has survived to the present day except the two-tonne bronze bell, which was cast by master metalworker Ivan Krstitelj Rabljanin from nearby Rab Island. The bell is bracketed by two bronze figures – now tinged green with age – known locally as the ‘zelenci’ or the ‘green ones’ and who strike the bell on the hour every hour – their much-restored originals are now on display in the Rector’s Palace along with the original clock mechanism.

One of many alleged birthplaces of 13th-century explorer Marco Polo, the island of Korčula is one of the largest in the Adriatic and within easy striking distance Dubrovnik by road and sea. Perched on a peninsula and well on its way to becoming the party town of the Adriatic, Korčula Old Town is a mini version of Dubrovnik, with several ornate entry gates and fortified walls punctuated with defense towers built by the Venetians in the 13th century. Within the walls are fine old Gothic and Baroque churches to unearth among the photogenic tangle of alleyways that lead off the main square of Strossmayerov trg, which are all now lined with stylish art galleries, shops, bars and restaurants. Along with a smattering of small museums, the Cathedral of St Mark is the Old Town’s principal attraction, a mellow Venetian-built church with a carved façade guarded by stone lions and an interior full of masterly stone carvings and even a painting by Tintoretto. 

Much of the island is covered in cypress, pine and oak trees, with a coastline of ragged cliffs and the occasional pocket-sized beach. To the southeast of Korčula Old Town is the tiny village of Lumbarda, blessed with a brace of tiny sandy beaches, while on the western tip of the island is the workaday town of Vela Luka, chiefly visited for the prehistoric cave dwellings on the southern slopes of the town. 

The island of Korčula is a popular overnight stop for yachties sailing the Adriatic; there is an expensive marina in front of the old town, moorings at Lumbarda and free anchorage off the archipelago islet of Badija, with fine views of a refurbished Franciscan monastery. 

Dubrovnik’s distinctive orange cable cars speed 2,500 feet (778 meters) in about three minutes, from the lower station just north of the city walls to the top of Mount Srđ. During the ride, you can enjoy peerless views of Dubrovnik’s terracotta rooftops, the coastline of Dalmatia, and archipelagos sprinkled across the Adriatic Sea.  

Originally opened in 1969, the cable car was destroyed in the 1990s during the Croatian War of Independence but reopened in 2010. A cable car ride is the best way to access panoramic views from the summit of Mount Srđ, 1,300 feet (405 meters) above sea level. Once you take in the lofty views, head to the souvenir shop for Dalmatian olive oils and landscape paintings, or to Panorama restaurant for traditional Croatian dishes. The Napoleonic-era Fort Imperial also lies on the summit—a historic structure that saw intense action during the Siege of Dubrovnik in 1991. 

A city highlight, the Dubrovnik Cable Car is featured on many city tours, including walking tours, buggy safaris, and shore excursions. You can also prebook round-trip tickets online to secure your spot and avoid the hassle of purchasing in destination. 

The lower station is located on Kralja Petra Krešimira IV. Travelers can leave Dubrovnik Old Town on foot through the Buža Street exit in the city walls and walk five minutes uphill. 

Operating hours vary depending on the month, and the cable car runs as soon as there are enough passengers. The last departure from the lower station is 30 minutes before closing time. Opt for an early evening ride to enjoy sunset views of the city and coastline. 

The 200-year-old fort on top of Mt. Srđ was built by Napoleon and finished on his birthday. The fort now houses the Homeland War Museum commemorating the 1991–95 Croatian War of Independence. Its ground floor has exhibits that chart the siege with the help of maps, graphic images, video testaments, and weaponry.

Mljet Island is Croatia’s most lush, forested island in the Adriatic Sea. The western cape contains Mljet National Park, where pine forests and spectacular saltwater lakes offer incredible natural scenery. On the nearby tiny island of St. Mary, not far from the southern shore of Veliko Jezero, there is a Benedictine monastery and St. Mary’s church.

The island of Mljet is easy to visit on a day trip from Dubrovnik or Korcula. Nature lovers will adore Mljet National Park, where you can stroll along the lakeside paths, hire a bike to explore the island via its many paths, rent a kayak to paddle the lakes, or simply swim in the lake’s pristine waters. Visitors can also opt for a private speedboat or yacht cruise to explore the area. The park is not the only draw to the island, as Mljet is also a hot spot for scuba divers, and plenty of sandy beaches and natural caves are found on the eastern tip of Mljet.

Mljet Island is 23 miles (37 kilometers) from Dubrovnik and is the southernmost of Croatia’s larger islands. Most visitors arrive by daily ferry and boat connections from Dubrovnik or as part of a guided tour from Dubrovnik or Korcula. The nearest major airport is in Dubrovnik.

Mljet Island and Mljet National Park can be visited year-round. In winter (from November through March), the ferries from Dubrovnik run less often, so you may have to spend the night on the island to ensure you have enough time to explore the park. Visiting Mljet Island on a guided tour from Dubrovnik is one of the most convenient ways to visit the island in winter.

Legend has it, Mljet is the ancient Ogygia from Homer’s Odyssey. After allegedly being shipwrecked, Odysseus swam to this cave where he met the beautiful Calypso and was so captivated by her that he spent the next seven years living on the island. You can visit the cave by boat or by walking from the village of Babino Polje.

A cluster of 14 islands along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, the Elafiti Islands (Elaphite Islands) are one of the country’s most popular destinations and a popular day trip from nearby Dubrovnik. The archipelago’s largest three islets—Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan—are the focal point of island-hopping tours.

The Elafiti Islands are easy to explore on a day trip from Dubrovnik. Speedboat tours of the three main islands are a popular choice, and  typically include stops for swimming, snorkeling, or sea kayaking, as well as free time to visit each island and lunch onboard. For a more personalized experience, choose a private tour and cruise the Adriatic Sea on your own personal boat or yacht. 

Located in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Dubrovnik, the Elafiti Islands are only reachable from the water. Ferries and taxi boats travel from Dubrovnik’s Gruz harbor to Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan.  You can also visit all three islands on a full-day trip from Dubrovnik. 

Summer—especially July and August— is the most popular time to visit. Boats can fill up quickly during this time, so be sure to book ahead. It’s possible to visit during winter, although ferries and tours are less frequent and may be weather-dependent. Visiting out of season means you’ll avoid crowds and have the sights to yourself, but be aware that most island hotels and restaurants will be closed. 

Koločep is the nearest island to Dubrovnik, celebrated for its dramatic coastal cliffs, tranquil pebble beaches, and shaded olive groves. Neighboring Lopud is best known for its well-preserved, 11th-century Benedictine monastery, 16th-century churches, and beautiful Sunj beach—the largest sandy beach in Dubrovnik. Sipan is the largest of the three islands, where highlights include the remains of a Roman villa, a 15th-century palace, and multiple walking and cycling trails along the coastline.

A cluster of 14 islands along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, the Elafiti Islands (Elaphite Islands) are one of the country’s most popular destinations and a popular day trip from nearby Dubrovnik. The archipelago’s largest three islets—Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan—are the focal point of island-hopping tours.

The Elafiti Islands are easy to explore on a day trip from Dubrovnik. Speedboat tours of the three main islands are a popular choice, and  typically include stops for swimming, snorkeling, or sea kayaking, as well as free time to visit each island and lunch onboard. For a more personalized experience, choose a private tour and cruise the Adriatic Sea on your own personal boat or yacht. 

Located in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Dubrovnik, the Elafiti Islands are only reachable from the water. Ferries and taxi boats travel from Dubrovnik’s Gruz harbor to Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan.  You can also visit all three islands on a full-day trip from Dubrovnik. 

Summer—especially July and August— is the most popular time to visit. Boats can fill up quickly during this time, so be sure to book ahead. It’s possible to visit during winter, although ferries and tours are less frequent and may be weather-dependent. Visiting out of season means you’ll avoid crowds and have the sights to yourself, but be aware that most island hotels and restaurants will be closed. 

Koločep is the nearest island to Dubrovnik, celebrated for its dramatic coastal cliffs, tranquil pebble beaches, and shaded olive groves. Neighboring Lopud is best known for its well-preserved, 11th-century Benedictine monastery, 16th-century churches, and beautiful Sunj beach—the largest sandy beach in Dubrovnik. Sipan is the largest of the three islands, where highlights include the remains of a Roman villa, a 15th-century palace, and multiple walking and cycling trails along the coastline.

Founded in the early 11th century on the island of Lokrum 600 meters from the mainland and the city of Dubrovnik, the monastery came to be after monks fled the great fire that destroyed the capital in 1023, vowing to honor Saint Benedict should he protect their lives and the island that offered them shelter. They, later on, started to cultivate exotic plants and sour fruits there and continued to do so until the 19th century. Many locals like to think that the island is haunted; rumor has it that after having been forced out of their beloved monastery upon orders of the French army, the monks put a curse on anyone who would ultimately try to seek and claim it as its own. And indeed, future owners all ominously met severe misfortune and calamities, from tragic shipwrecks to bankruptcies.

The monastery was built and expanded over several centuries, which explains the presence of a variety of architectural styles. Nowadays, however, only ruins remain of the original Romanesque structure, with rubbles of the two original churches along with some frescoes and stone reliefs. The cloisters of a later-built Gothic structure still exist and give a better sense of what it must have been like to live in the monastery back in the Renaissance days. The ruins are open to visitors, and a day trip to Lokrum shouldn’t take more than a few hours as the islet is barely over a mile wide. In fact, there are no hotels on Lokrum and, therefore, it is not possible to stay overnight.

Found at the University of Dubrovnik Institute for Marine and Coastal Research in St John’s Fortress, Dubrovnik Sea Aquarium is part marine zoo and part research center covering the sea life of the Adriatic Sea. This is a small, recently revamped aquarium showcasing the diversity of Croatia’s local marine life in 31 softly lit sea tanks containing turtles, groupers, eels and spiny lobster as well as tiny sea horses, starfish and sea sponges in small pools. Kids love the walk-through glass tunnel underneath the water, which gives glimpses of rare corals and sea urchins, plus bigger species of marine life such as octopuses, sea bass, darting eels and ugly dogfish. 

The aquarium’s spectacular location among the stone halls of St John’s Fortress is part of the attraction of a visit; the medieval fort was built in the mid 14th century and forms the south-eastern corner of the defence walls built around Dubrovnik’s Old Town to fend off invasion from the sea. On the upper floors of the fort is the Dubrovnik Maritime Museum, also worth visiting for its study of the city as a maritime trading power in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Located at the southern tip of Croatia, perched above the rocky coastline of the Adriatic Sea, the enchanting city of Dubrovnik attracts visitors with its medieval architecture and labyrinth of limestone-paved streets. Its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains surrounded by 14th-century fortified stone walls.

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia, thanks in part to the fact that it’s the filming location for the fictional city of King’s Landing in HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones. 

Visitors can take a guided stroll through the ancient city streets visiting such famous landmarks as the Rector’s Palace, Cathedral of the Assumption, and the Onofrio Fountain. Don’t miss a walk along Dubrovnik's ancient walls, which offer sweeping views over the maze of red-roofed Old Town buildings and out into the deep-blue Adriatic. 

Most visitors arrive in Dubrovnik by car, bus, cruise ship, or plane. The nearest major airport is Dubrovnik International Airport, located just south of the city center. Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a pedestrian-only zone, so most visitors arrive by local ferry shuttle, bus, or taxi from their Dubrovnik accommodations. 

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is busiest in July and August; if you plan to visit during that time, plan to arrive early in the morning or later in the day to avoid crowds. The best time to visit is September and October, when temperatures are still pleasant and fewer cruise ships dock. 

Delve into the fantastical world of Game of Thrones with a walking tour of the real-life Dubrovnik sites used as filming locations for this popular series. You’ll enjoy behind-the-scenes insight into how Old Town Dubrovnik became the fictional city of King’s Landing and hear little-known trivia about the cast and characters from a knowledgeable guide. 

Just 600 meters (1 kilometer) from Dubrovnik, the car-free island of Lokrum makes a peaceful escape from the city. At its center is a medieval Benedictine monastery complex that’s surrounded by botanical gardens planted with exotic trees, flowers, and bushes. Picturesque swimming spots abound on the island’s rocky shoreline.

Just 10 minutes by boat from Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island is an easy day trip from Croatia’s Adriatic Coast. While some visitors take the ferry from Dubrovnik’s Old Harbour and explore the island independently, others go as part of guided tours. Sea kayaking and snorkeling tours often circle the island, as do jet-skiing tours. Yacht and speedboat cruises departing from Dubrovnik will often sail around the island’s scenic shoreline. 

April through November, ferries depart regularly from Dubrovnik’s Old Harbour and dock at Portoc Bay in Lokrum. The journey takes 10 to 15 minutes. It’s also possible to get to the island by private charter boats or by kayak.

Lokrum Island is accessible from April through November, weather-permitting. July is the driest and sunniest month, making it an excellent time to visit. Lokrum tends to be more humid in the afternoon than in the morning, so plan more strenuous activities, such as hiking, for earlier in the day. 

A designated nature reserve, Lokrum features many tree-shaded walking paths. One highlight of the island is the star-shaped Fort Royal, which was constructed by the French in the early 19th century. Today the fort offers wonderful views of Dubrovnik and the town of Cavtat to the south. And be sure to check out the Dead Sea, a salt lake with calm, sheltered waters suitable for children and less-confident swimmers. 

With their startling turquoise waters fringed by pine forests and set against a backdrop of distant mountain peaks, the Bacina Lakes are one of Croatia’s most enchanting and still-undiscovered natural wonders. The postcard-worthy views are just part of the fun – the seven lakes, six of which are interconnected, and the surrounding Neretva River delta, also offer an idyllic setting for outdoors activities.

As well as hiking around the waterside, the Bacina Lakes are a prime spot for fishing, with the freshwater lakes teeming with fish. Alternatively, water sports like canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding have become popular in recent years, and make an excellent way to explore the lakes’ islands, swamps and fishermen’s villages.

The 16th-century Renaissance playwright Marin Držić is to Croatia what Shakespeare is to Britain and he is revered as the first person to write drama in Croatian; his comic plays are on every school syllabus. He lived a rackety life with little career success but his works were resurrected in the 19th century during the rebirth of Croatian cultural heritage; his plays regained popularity yet again in the 1930s and are still performed each year at summer’s Dubrovnik Festival.

The museum dedicated to Držić is located in the Gothic townhouse in which he was born in 1508. It offers a library of modern texts plus a few set-piece reconstructions using waxwork models of his major characters and period furniture. There’s also an audio-visual presentation of some of his texts; among the displays are temporary modern-art exhibitions and contemporary cartoons.

Built into the eastern flank of Dubrovnik’s fortified walls adjacent to Fort Revelin, the 14th-century Dominican Monastery is designed in a combination of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture that is seen in several of the city’s palaces and churches.

The monastery’s church was rebuilt several times over the centuries and was used as an army depot during Napoleon’s occupation of Dubrovnik in the late 18th century; today its single nave features a massive painted Gothic cross by Paolo Veneziano, dating from around 1384, St Dominic by 19th century painter Vlaho Bukovac — widely regarded as Croatia’s finest artist — and sparkling contemporary stained glass in the apse.

The elaborate 15th-century Gothic cloister of the monastery surrounds a shady garden that was used as stabling for French army horses and their troughs can still be seen between the cloister’s pillars. The well in the garden provided water for Dubrovnik’s residents when the city was under siege in 1991. An important collection of religious art hangs in the museum, including Titian’s sublime Mary Magdalene; other paintings of note are Nikola Božidarević’s altarpieces and triptych plus Lovro Dobričević’s bloodthirsty St Peter the Martyr, which portrays the saint with a hatchet in his head. The monastery can be visited when touring Dubrovnik’s defence walls and is included on several museum tours of the city.

Dubrovnik’s cathedral was originally built in the 12th century in Romanesque style and – according to legend – at the behest of King Richard the Lionheart of England after he was shipwrecked on the island of Lokrum along the Adriatic coast. This building was destroyed in an earthquake in 1667 and was replaced by today’s Baroque version, which is the work of Italian architects Andrea Buffalini and Paolo Andreotti. Approached up a grand flight of steps and with a landmark dome, the triple-aisled cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and has an imposing façade guarded by Corinthian columns and a Titian triptych sitting above the main altar; damage caused by a direct hit from a shell in the Siege of Dubrovnik (1991) has since been repaired.

The cathedral’s treasury (‘Riznica Katedrale’ in Croatian) is tucked away to the left of the altar and has a priceless array of gold and reliquaries squirreled together from medieval times onwards, creating an eccentric assortment of bones, relics and swaddling robes apparently once worn by Jesus. Masterpieces of the collection include the head and limbs of St Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik, encased in gold fashioned by local goldsmiths in medieval times, paintings by Italian Mannerist Parmigianino, a fragment of the True Cross and precious icons studded in gemstones.

South of Dubrovnik between the Adriatic Sea and Sniježnica mountain, Konavle Valley is a pastoral dreamland dotted with vineyards, farms, and traditional hamlets. Though just a short drive from Dubrovnik Old Town, the valley feels a world away with its peaceful rural character and strong folkloric traditions. 

Konavle Valley is a popular day-trip destination for those who want to escape the tourist-oriented resorts of the Dalmatian coast and get a feel for rural life in Croatia. A popular starting point for tours and the largest settlement in the valley is Cavtat, a seaside resort packed with historical attractions. 

Many tours of Konavle Valley focus on traditional Croatian culture and make stops at small villages such as Čilipi, where visitors can observe traditional dances and folk music performances and learn about local crafts, such as embroidery. More-active travelers may want to take part in a hiking tour of the valley, perhaps ascending Sniježnica mountain, while hungry travelers will enjoy wine-and-food tours, which usually include tasting sessions at Konavle Valley wineries. 

Konavle Valley stretches south from Cavtat all the way to the Croatia–Montenegro border. Driving from Dubrovnik, you can be in the valley in just 30 minutes via the D8 road, but reaching the southern parts of the valley, such as the coastal village of Molunat, may take closer to an hour. If you don’t have a car, it’s best to go with an organized tour. 

Tourism in Konavle Valley follows the same pattern as that of Dubrovnik, with the hottest weather and highest number of visitors between June and August. The valley is, however, much quieter than Dubrovnik. Even in peak season, it’s unlikely you’ll encounter crowds. 

Dotted with small-scale and family-run wineries, Konavle Valley is fast establishing itself as one of Croatia’s top wine-producing regions. The valley’s signature wine is Dubrovnik malvasia, a full-bodied white, though red varietals including merlot and plavac mali are also produced here.

The Adriatic city of Dubrovnik has a picturesque medieval district known as a filming location for the Game of Thrones television series. Dubrovnik shore excursions run the gamut, and include expeditions up and down the Dalmatian Coast, city and wine-tasting tours, and, of course, Game of Thrones-themed tours.

Compact with marble streets and a slew of UNESCO World Heritage sites, Old Town Dubrovnik is easy to see during one day in port. Many shore excursions begin at Pile Gate, one of Old Town’s main entrances dating back to 1537, and continue along the pedestrian Stradun to the city walls. Inside these old walls are incredible churches—including St. Saviour’s and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin—as well as Sponza Palace, a 16th-century Gothic-Renaissance structure that houses the State Archives. The Dubrovnik cable car offers excellent views of the city and coast from atop Mount Srd. Other shore excursions allow visitors to kayak in the Adriatic Sea or check out surrounding coastal towns such as Cavtat. Dubrovnik also serves as a jumping-off point for farther-flung adventures in the Mediterranean.

The port in Gruz, a neighborhood about two miles (three kilometers) north of Old Town, is the most common docking spot for arriving cruisers. Otherwise, the ship may dock in the Old Town harbor or anchor in the bay; from there, passengers will be tendered into Old Town. Buses or taxis are available outside both ports.

English is widely spoken in Dubrovnik. The Croatian currency is the kuna; euros are occasionally but not always accepted. Get cash from the Gruz port or the ATMs located around town.