Choose from 32 Fun Things to Do in Dubrovnik
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Pile Gate
Constructed in 1537, this sturdy gate on the west wall of Dubrovnik’s Old Town was once locked nightly—and the wooden drawbridge leading to it was raised—to prevent intruders from gaining access to the city. More recently, the gate served as a filming location for Game of Thrones, as the site where King Joffrey was unceremoniously pelted with cow dung.
The Basics
As the main entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Pile Gate is a natural starting point for any traveler exploring the city on foot. A stone bridge links the outer and inner gates, both of which feature statues of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik’s patron saint. Most walking tours of Dubrovnik Old Town pass through the gate.
Some Game of Thrones tours also stop at the gate, as well as other filming locations on Croatia’s Adriatic Coast, including Fort Lovrijenac, which doubles as the Red Keep, and Trsteno Arboretum, which serves as the gardens of King's Landing.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Pile Gate is a must-see for first-time Dubrovnik visitors and history buffs.
- A tourist information center is located on the Stradun, just past the gate.
- Pile Gate is one of several access points for Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls.
- The gate has a ramp and is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.
How to Get There
Pile Gate is situated in the western wall of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, and most city buses stop here. The gate is a 3-minute walk from Dubrovnik West Harbor and a 5-minute stroll along the scenic Stradun, the Old Town’s main thoroughfare, from the Old Port. Gruž Port, where many larger cruise ships dock, is about 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) away.
When to Get There
Dubrovnik is busiest in July and August, with Thursdays through Sundays drawing most crowds. During these times, bottlenecks do form at Pile Gate, especially when crowds of cruise ship passengers arrive en masse. To avoid getting stuck in one of these, come before 10am or after 4pm.
The Gates of Dubrovnik
Pile Gate is one of three entrances to Dubrovnik Old Town. On the eastern wall stands Ploče Gate, which is approached via a drawbridge that—as with Pile Gate—was once raised at night to defend against potential invasions. The walled city’s northern entrance, Buža Gate is not as dramatic as Pile or Ploče, but still worth a visit. Be aware that from Buža Gate you’ll have to navigate down a lot of steps to reach the Stradun.
Address: Old Town, Dubrovnik, Croatia
From $ 19
St Mark's Cathedral
Situated in the center of Korcula’s old town, and hemmed in by a web of streets, is Korcula’s St Marks Cathedral. The Gothic-Renaissance style church was completed in the 15th century at the hands of local artisans and with the help of Italian masters. The result is a façade featuring a handful of curious characters — such as a squatting Adam and Eve, and a wide-eyed elephant — and an interior filled with a collection of impressive artwork, including two paintings by Tintoretto.
Given the tight city quarters, it can be hard to grasp the cathedral’s grandness from just beyond its front doors, or even from within. With that in mind, get a better perspective — a 360-degree one, in fact — by heading up to St Mark’s cupola-topped bell tower. There, you can take in unparalleled views of the town below, coast beyond, and even islands dotting the crystal blue sea in the distance.
Practical Info
To reach the top of the bell tower, you must ascend quite a few flights of narrow, stop-light-controlled steps, so it may not be an ideal activity for little ones or those with any physical limitations. Also, a heads-up: the bell tower chimes regularly and very loudly, so prepare to be startled.
Address: Trg Sv Marka, Korcula 20260, Croatia
Admission: 20kn
From $ 64
Onofrio's Fountain
Just through the main Pile Gate into Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Onofrio’s Fountain stands to the right of Stradun, the main thoroughfare through the cobbled streets. The fountain was constructed between 1438–40 and it is the ingenious end point of an aqueduct that traveled 12 km (7.5 miles) from a spring at Šumet – which still supplies Dubrovnik’s water today – into the city. Both fountain and aqueduct were designed by architect Onofrio della Cava; the latter has a huge brick central dome, originally topped by a dragon, and 16 elaborately carved water taps spouting over a stone trough. Although the dragon was destroyed in the earthquake of 1667, the fountain is one of the city’s most important landmarks and provides shade and respite for weary visitors. A smaller fountain, decorated with leaping dolphins, stands at the opposite, eastern end of Stradun; this was also designed by Della Cava and originally supplied water to the market traders on Luza Square in front of St Blaise Church.
Practical Info
Stradun, Dubrovnik. Open to all free of charge. Best accessed on foot in Dubrovnik’s pedestrianized Old Town.
Address: Stradun, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia 20000, Croatia
From $ 14
Trsteno Arboretum
Built by nobles in the late 15th century, this verdant arboretum is one of Dubrovnik’s top tourist attractions. In addition to plants sourced from the four corners of the globe, the garden also has a 50-foot-long (15 meter) aqueduct used for irrigation purposes, a baroque Neptune fountain, and a pavilion overlooking the Adriatic.
The Basics
The Trsteno Arboretum is a tranquil getaway for travelers based in Dubrovnik. Many guided tours of Dalmatia combine a visit to the garden with trips to nearby sights, such as the walled village of Ston and its salt ponds.
The HBO series, Game of Thrones, used the gardens as a filming location, serving as the on-screen Red Keep Palace garden. For this reason, Trsteno Arboretum is often visited on Game of Thrones-themed tours, which typically go to other filming locations, such as Dubrovnik Old Town and Lovrijenac Fortress. Some Game of Thrones experiences venture as far north as Split to visit additional filming sites, such as Klis Fortress and Diocletian’s Palace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Trsteno Arboretum is a must for nature lovers.
- Though the foliage provides ample shade, bring along sunscreen as the sun’s rays can be strong here, especially in summer.
- Pick up a map of the garden at the ticket office to help you find your way around.
- Some, though not all of the paths, in the arboretum are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The drive to Trsteno Arboretum, situated about 12 miles (19 kilometers) from Dubrovnik, follows a scenic coastal road and should take about 25 minutes. Bus numbers 12, 15, 21, 22, and 35 all depart from Dubrovnik bus station.
When to Get There
Trsteno Arboretum is busiest in summer. Yet, even in the peak months of July and August, the gardens are calm and quiet when compared to bustling Dubrovnik. They are open year-round and are especially pretty in autumn, when the fall colors set in.
Highlights of the Arboretum
Among the most striking—and unmissable—plants at Trsteno are the pair of 500-year-old plane trees near the entrance. These two leafy giants tower to a height of more than 195 feet (60 meters). Within the garden itself, you’ll find a hedge maze to puzzle your way out of, as well as exotic palms and ponds filled with fish, frogs, and lilies.
Address: Potok 20, Trsteno, Dalmatia 20233 , Croatia
Admission: Varies
From $ 67
Rupe Ethnographic Museum
Part of a quintet of civic museums in Dubrovnik, the Ethnographic Museum celebrates life in a Croatia fast disappearing. In a former life, its present home was a three-story, brick-built 16th-century granary used for storing grain for the residents of the city, but since 1980 the city’s collection of local memorabilia and decorative arts has been beautifully displayed in its spacious galleries. Three of the granary’s grain silos have been opened up and incorporated into the exhibition of tools and household implements on the ground floor.
The museum showcases traditional methods of grape harvesting, wine making, fishing and weaving alongside displays of storage bags made of hide and hand-painted Easter eggs. Highlights of the exhibition on the second floor trace rural life in the Dalmatia region, with displays of colorful peasant costumes, embroidered textiles and hand-made lace shawls.
Practical Info
Od Rupa 3, Dubrovnik. Open Wed–Mon 9am–4pm. Admission (also includes entrance to the four other civic museums, Natural History and Modern Art museums, House of Marin Drzic, and Gallery Dulčić Masle Pulitika) adults 100 KN; students & children younger than 18 25 KN. Free with the Dubrovnik Card. Best accessed on foot through the pedestrianized streets of Dubrovnik Old Town.
Address: Od Rupa 3, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia 20000, Croatia
Hours: Open Wed–Mon 9am–4pm
Admission: Adults: 100 KN; Students & Children: 25 KN
From $ 76
Orlando's Column
Standing on Luza Square among some of Dubrovnik’s most impressive architecture, including St Blaise Church and the lovely Sponza Palace with its appealing mixture of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, Orlando’s Column was erected in 1418 at what remains the political and social heart of the city. Here public meetings and executions were held on the small stone platform guarded by wrought-iron railings that tops the column. The stone carvings adorning the four sides of the column were created by master craftsman Antun Dubrovcanin and represent the heroic knight Orlando, who was the nephew of Frankish Emperor Charlemagne; according to legend he was credited with saving Dubrovnik from Saracen pirates in the eighth century and here he is depicted surrounded by figures of minstrels and balladeers. As well as the length of Orlando’s arm becoming a common measurement in the city, the column has come to represent the freedom of Dubrovnik and the white flag of the Republic always flies above it on public occasions, including the opening of the annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival in July.
Practical Info
Luza Square, Dubrovnik. Open 24/7 and free to all; best accessed on foot in the pedestrianized Old Town.
Address: Luza Square, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia 20000, Croatia
From $ 14
Peljesac Peninsula
Revered for its endless beaches, idyllic coves, scenic valleys, fine wines, and seafood, Croatia’s Pelješac Peninsula juts out of the center of southern Dalmatia. Without the tourist-oriented resorts and the crowds of other coastal Dalmatian destinations, the Pelješac Peninsula is the perfect spot for a relaxing holiday.
The Basics
The Pelješac Peninsula is a popular day-trip destination from Dubrovnik for those wanting to experience a bit of the coastal countryside. Nature lovers will adore the endless walking trails along the coast, sun worshippers can beach hop across both sides of the peninsula, and wind surfers will find some of the best conditions in Croatia on the southwest shores.
Tours of the Pelješac Peninsula often include a visit to the fishing village of Ston to view its 14th-century walls, a stop at a family-run winery to sample local Pelješac wine, and a stroll along the sea to revel in some of the peninsula’s finest coastal scenery.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Pelješac Peninsula is a must for foodies and wine lovers.
- Book a wine-tasting tour to discover the peninsula’s best wineries.
- Public transportation is limited on the peninsula so book a guided tour to ensure you see the highlights.
How to Get There
If you have car, the Pelješac Peninsula is an easy 1-hour drive from Dubrovnik. Otherwise, you can book a guided tour of the peninsula from Dubrovnik or the Makarska Riviera. There is also daily bus service from Dubrovnik to Ston and Orebic. Public buses exist on the peninsula but are infrequent.
When to Get There
With endless sunshine and dry weather along the coast, Croatia sees the most visitors during the peak summer months of July and August. The Pelješac Peninsula sees fewer tourists than other destinations along the Dalmatian coast, so during the peak season it’s a more peaceful experience. With even fewer tourists and pleasant weather, the shoulder months of May and September are also great times to visit.
Pelješac Peninsula Wine Tours
The Pelješac Peninsula is one of Croatia’s most prolific wine-producing regions. Renowned for its plavac mali–based red, Pelješac wine is intensely rich and full of flavor. Visit the region as part of a private wine-tasting or small-group tour to learn more about Croatia’s winemaking traditions while visiting several family-run wineries and tasting unique Pelješac varietals.
Address: Southern Dalmatia, Croatia
From $ 53
Sponza Palace
At the end of the Placa - or Stradun - in Luza Square stands the gorgeous Gothic-Renaissance Sponza Palace.
Built in 1516-1522 to serve as a customs house, Sponza is one of the few buildings to have survived the 1667 earthquake that levelled much of the city. Designed by chief architect Paskoje Milicevic, the Palace is a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles popularized in the 16th century.
The exquisite Renaissance porch and the sculptural ornaments of the building were carved by master stone-cutters, the brothers Andrijic, in 1516.
Sponza Palace has had many lives since its beginnings as a customs house: the mint, the State treasury and a bank. It now houses the State archives, a significant collection of manuscripts dating back nearly a thousand years.
Practical Info
The palace courtyard, historically a meeting place for Dubrovnik’s artists and intellectuals, regularly hosts art exhibits and concerts and plays a unique role in the opening ceremony for the city’s Summer Festival.
Sponza Palace is in Luza Square at the end of the Placa Stradun, in the Old Town.
Address: Luza Square, Old Town, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Hours: Open daily
From $ 14
Rector's Palace
The elegant Rector’s Palace was built on the site of an old fort near the harbor in Dubrovnik’s Old City.
The Rector was the town’s puppet ruler, set up to project an image of order and importance to the outside world. Elected for only one month, the Rector was not allowed to leave the palace except on official business.
In addition to the Rector’s office and private chambers, the palace was the seat of the minor council and state administration and contained a watch-house, a prison and an armoury.
It was in that armory that a major explosion took place in 1463 destroying much of the Gothic architecture that had only been completed 25 years before by Onofrio di Giordano della Cava of Naples. What we see today is a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and baroque styles that were added to the building over the years as a result of subsequent explosions and earthquakes.
Today the Rector's palace is the home to the City Museum, which attempts to recreate the original atmosphere of the palace quarters. Here you’ll find the orginal keys to the city, coins minted by the Republic, paintings and coats of arms and a number of important state documents.
You'll find the Rector's Palace between the Town Hall and the Cathedral on Pred Dvorom in the Old City.
Address: Pred Dvorom 3, Old Town, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Hours: Closed Sundays in winter
From $ 14
Museum of Croatian War of Independence
Dubrovnik’s Museum of Croatian War of Independence (often known as the Museum of Homeland Wars) has a panoramic setting at the top of the cable car up Mount Srđ, which shadows the city from the north-east. Found in a wing of the battle-scarred Napoleonic Fort Imperial, the museum honors the 25,000 soldiers and civilians killed in the conflicts and sieges of the Balkan wars of the early 1990s. The fort was used to house Croatian troops during the war and was itself scene of fierce fighting; its stone walls are still pockmarked with bullet holes and fire damage. Inside its stark interior four hard-hitting themed exhibitions on the Balkan struggles feature TV news reels of the shelling of the city, recorded interviews with eyewitnesses to the destruction, war maps, explosives, weaponry and a collection of graphic war images. Most displays are well labeled in English and there is plenty of information on tap about the progress and aftermath of the war.
After visiting the museum, climb to the top of the fort for views over the red roofs and ancient city walls of Dubrovnik to the twinkling Adriatic Sea and the forested island of Lokrum just offshore. A large stone cross, erected in 1935, and a memorial plaque bearing the names of soldiers who died defending Dubrovnik are both close to the museum. As well as the cable car, a steep hiking path leads up to the summit of Mount Srđ, which is also the starting point of buggy safaris into the forested Croatian countryside.
Practical Info
Fort Imperial, Mount Srđ, Dubrovnik. Open daily Mar 22-Nov 2 8pm-6pm; Nov 3-Mar 21 8am-4pm. Admission adults 30 KN, children 15 KN. The museum can be reached by cable car (bottom station is five minutes from Buža Street exit of the city walls) or by path up Mount Srđ.
Address: Fort Imperial, Mount Srđ, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia 20000, Croatia
Hours: Daily Mar 22-Nov 2 8pm-6pm; Nov 3-Mar 21 8am-4pm
Admission: Adults 30 KN, Children 15 KN
From $ 22
Split Cruise Port
Split is the largest city on the Dalmatian coast and Croatia's second biggest city. It is famous for the well-preserved Diocletian Palace, a Roman Emperor's retirement palace dating from the 4th century AD which still forms the city center. Split also has wonderful beaches and an exemplary cafe life.
In front of the palace walls along the waterfront is the Riva, which is lined by outdoor cafes and always teeming. During summer, Split becomes a focus for music and dance festivals. The city is also a major ferry port for the popular nearby islands such as Hvar, Brač and Vis.
How to Get to Split
Smaller ships will dock near the ferry terminals, larger ships will anchor offshore and provide tender transport. From the ferry terminal it is an easy walk around to the city center along the waterfront to the Riva. The city center is tucked in behind the palace walls and there are plenty of gates and entrances leading you inside. If you would rather beach than history, turn right from the ferry terminal and follow the crowds to Bačvice, the main city beach which also has cafes and restaurants.
One Day in Split
The historic center of Split is small and easy to explore on foot in a few hours. Head into the Diocletian Palace and wander the marble streets which are lined with all the major shops and lots of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops and churches. Don't miss the Cathedral and if you have a head for heights, climb the bell tower for wonderful views over the city to the islands. A small musuem inside the cathedral is worth a visit.
Across the middle square, the Peristil, and down a small passage is Jupiter's Temple – don't miss it. From the Peristil head up to the archaeological museum and wander around and behind it to fully explore the palace remains and how people still live there today. The main street is Marmontova, a wide pedestrian-only strip of shops.
If you like art, don't miss the Meštrović Gallery on Marjan hill, dedicated to the work Croatia’s most famous sculptor, Ivan Meštrović (a taxi is your easiest way). Below this is another lovely beach. Just outside the city walls is the market where you’ll find hats, sunglasses, clothing and lots of souvenirs.
Port Information
Split is a tender port so allow transfer times. The language is Croatian but nearly everyone speaks excellent English and most menus are in Croatian, English and Italian, some also German. The currency is the kuna but many places also accept euro. Taxis are easily found between the port and the city center.
In front of the palace walls along the waterfront is the Riva, which is lined by outdoor cafes and always teeming. During summer, Split becomes a focus for music and dance festivals. The city is also a major ferry port for the popular nearby islands such as Hvar, Brač and Vis.
How to Get to Split
Smaller ships will dock near the ferry terminals, larger ships will anchor offshore and provide tender transport. From the ferry terminal it is an easy walk around to the city center along the waterfront to the Riva. The city center is tucked in behind the palace walls and there are plenty of gates and entrances leading you inside. If you would rather beach than history, turn right from the ferry terminal and follow the crowds to Bačvice, the main city beach which also has cafes and restaurants.
One Day in Split
The historic center of Split is small and easy to explore on foot in a few hours. Head into the Diocletian Palace and wander the marble streets which are lined with all the major shops and lots of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops and churches. Don't miss the Cathedral and if you have a head for heights, climb the bell tower for wonderful views over the city to the islands. A small musuem inside the cathedral is worth a visit.
Across the middle square, the Peristil, and down a small passage is Jupiter's Temple – don't miss it. From the Peristil head up to the archaeological museum and wander around and behind it to fully explore the palace remains and how people still live there today. The main street is Marmontova, a wide pedestrian-only strip of shops.
If you like art, don't miss the Meštrović Gallery on Marjan hill, dedicated to the work Croatia’s most famous sculptor, Ivan Meštrović (a taxi is your easiest way). Below this is another lovely beach. Just outside the city walls is the market where you’ll find hats, sunglasses, clothing and lots of souvenirs.
Port Information
Split is a tender port so allow transfer times. The language is Croatian but nearly everyone speaks excellent English and most menus are in Croatian, English and Italian, some also German. The currency is the kuna but many places also accept euro. Taxis are easily found between the port and the city center.
Address: Gat Sv. Duje 1, Split, Dalmatia 21000, Croatia
From $ 24
Stradun
The Stradun - also known locally as Placa - is the main street in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, running west from Pile Gate to Ploce Gate and the harbor in the east.
The city's biggest and most iconic street, the Stradun is also the town’s busiest. There’s a constant shuffle of feet along its limestone and marble pavings as locals go about their business and tourists explore the architectural treasures of the Old Town.
The Stradun was once a shallow water channel that divided Dubrovnik. Filled and paved in the 12th century, this wide street was originally surrounded by Gothic and Renaissance buildings. These buildings were mostly destroyed in an earthquake in 1667, which devastated much of the town.
Practical Info
In what must have been a monumental rebuilding effort, the Stradun, and the baroque buildings we see along its length today, were rebuilt. There’s plenty to see as you walk along the Stradun – all the cities main sights are on or just off the main thoroughfare – stone houses, baroque churches and palaces, fountains and statues, and plenty of bars, shops and restaurants.
The Stradun starts at the Old Town’s main entrance, Pile Gate and runs directly west through the centre of the Old Town to Ploce Gate and the harbor in the east.
Address: Stradun, Old Town, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Hours: Open year-round
From $ 21