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Located in the southern part of Croatia is a coastal town famous for its dramatic walls surrounding the city, its medieval feel, lively night scene, and of course more recently, Game of Thrones. The city has an inviting feel to it. Whether it’s your first time exploring Dubrovnik or your tenth time, the city hosts an array of tourist attractions and things to do, covering culture, history, art, literature, music, food and wine tours, and many more.
With the Adriatic Sea hugging the city coastline, there are lots of things to do on the water even if you have just a day in Dubrovnik. These include classic boat tours from Dubrovnik and day excisions out on the ocean to the nearby secluded islands of Sipan and Elaphati. On top of that, the city is also a great base to enjoy more active and lively water-sports activities from. Enjoy speed boat trips, swimming in the warm waters or a sea kayak tour to undiscovered caves and secluded Dubrovnik beaches.
For those interested in food and wine, Dubrovnik is a city that offers a blend of local delicacies and Michelin-starred restaurants. Dubrovnik (in fact, most of Croatia) has exquisite fish and seafood on offer – often freshly caught that very morning from the local fisherman. For an authentic taste of Dubrovnik head to Gunduliceva Poljana Market in the Old Town. It’s a great place to pick up a beach picnic or to find gifts to take home (local dried fruit, candied nuts, fresh soaps, and local olive oil). Craft beer is also worth tasting and, with reasonable prices and lively bars, it will soon become a night to remember. There are delicious wines grown in the Dubrovnik region, including Plavac Mali and Pošip. Our travel experts can help you organize one of the great attractions of Dubrovnik, wine tours and wine tasting.
With so much to do, you could easily spend a week or two in Dubrovnik but, for most travelers, a few days is the norm on a Dubrovnik cruise or itinerary. We have put together some of the best things to do in Dubrovnik to accommodate the active travelers, the romantic couples, the Game of Thrones fans and the history enthusiasts. Our travel experts know everything about Dubrovnik and Croatia – many of whom live here – so please get in touch with any questions you may have.
From the air, flying over Dubrovnik will take you back to the foundation of the Dark Ages. The whole city is enclosed by the famous Dubrovnik city walls (a maximum height of 25 meters) which immediately gives it medieval characteristics. The wall extends almost 2,000 meters in length, encompassing forts, towers and bastions along the way. During the 13th century, the impressive walls of Dubrovnik were built as a defence barrier.
Today, the walls remain strong and sturdy. Walking the walls of Dubrovnik is regarded one of the best things to do in the city, and being a UNESCO world heritage site, these walls are carefully protected and restored if any damage arises. Ploče Gate was built in the 14th century and is the main entrance from Dubrovnik’s Old Town. As you leave the gate, you will see a spectacular fort (named St. John) on the right-hand side. Walking the walls of Dubrovnik can take anywhere between an hour and a half to two hours, depending on your pace. Walking the Dubrovnik City walls is a great starting place for a trip to Dubrovnik.
Along with fresh fish and seafood, Dubrovnik also boasts a fantastic local brewery scene. In particular, the city is a leading pioneer in craft beer with innovative brewers who have had years of experience in the industry. A name you will hear regularly during your stay is the Dubrovnik Brewery Company (DBC) who, over the last three years or so, have become the front-runners in Croatia’s craft beer and is one of the top attractions in Dubrovnik.
For those interested in the process and looking for activities in Dubrovnik, you can book brewery tours which give you an insight into the process and the science of breweries, as well as an insight into the local drinking scene. Although there are many cities across Croatia that offer lively night scenes, Dubrovnik is home to some of the most unique drinking hangouts in the country – if not, all of Europe. Cliff bars are somewhere you must visit (and drink at) when you are exploring Dubrovnik. With panoramic views of the city on one side, and the glistening Adriatic Sea on the other, these cliff bars are probably the most unique place you have ever had a beer at.
Although Dubrovnik was loved before the release of this series, the city definitely grew in popularity when Game of Thrones was released (2011-2019). The fantasy series with dragons, castles and scandalous medieval dramas could not have picked a more fitting location to film in. Dubrovnik’s Old Town is so captivating and tells its own story through the cobbled streets and dramatic defensive walls. Game of Thrones fans will love exploring Dubrovnik and Kings Landing filming locations.
Whether you have watched all of the Game of Thrones series, or have never seen an episode, a walking tour of Dubrovnik is a great way to learn about the location and how it was brought to light through film. On our Game of Thrones walking tours, you will see generic settings like the Dubrovnik coastline and walls through the series, but also more specific architectural gems which were used for Game of Thrones filming. For example, on the tour, you will see the trademark stone staircase which was the setting for a vital scene in series two – the meeting between the Daenerys and the Spice King in Quarth. Visit Lovrijenac Fortress, the iconic Red Keep.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is, arguably, one of the most charming and architectural interesting in all of Croatia, if not Europe. Within the walls, Dubrovnik’s old town has some fascinating features to look out for. From the main square, you can enjoy views of the Church of Saint Blaise, a dominant bell tower, and lots of unique hand-crafted fountains, sculptures and statues. Visit Dubrovnik Cathedral whilst you’re on a day tour in Dubrovnik. This church and monastery was built in the 12th century and has a beautiful iconic dome, making one of the top tourist attractions and one of the best places to visit in Dubrovnik.
On a day tour of Dubrovnik, you’ll notice much of the old town is pedestrianized and the charming cobbled streets will transport you back a couple of centuries. Although historic buildings and architecture are the focal point for a walking tour around Dubrovnik’s old town, the town has a cosmopolitan feel to it, with bars, open-air restaurants and ocean views at every angle.
Although views along the streets of Dubrovnik are stunning, the panoramic view across the city and out to the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea from the cable car (built in 1969) cannot be beaten. From a small enclosed glass box, you will glide over the city – getting a real feel for the size, shape and colours of the UNESCO-protected Dubrovnik. The first thing you will notice on the cable car ride is the terracotta rooftops.
It is estimated that almost 70% of these bright orange tiles were destroyed during the war in Croatian War of Independence but, thankfully, a restoration process was put in place for these famed rooftops. As you continue your cable car journey, you will see the crystal-waters of the Adriatic to one side – a sea responsible for separating the Italian peninsula and the Balkans. That said, the best views are from the top of Srd Hill. Here, nature meets man-made architecture. Views of old fortresses’ and castles have a backdrop of breath-taking mountains and the ocean.
The tiny island of Lokrum is just a stone’s throw from Dubrovnik and is a scenic and peaceful day or afternoon trip. Escape the hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik and take the short 15-minute ferry from Dubrovnik’s Old Port. The ferries run every half an hour and cost 40 Kuna (5 Euros).
This verdant island is a protected nature reserve with beautiful old trees, lots of wildlife and a church and monastery. It is forbidden to stay overnight on the island of Lokrum, but you are welcome to picnic on Lokrum Main Beach or amongst the trees, as long as you leave the area as you found it.
Legend has it that the brave English King, Richard the Lionheart sheltered on Lokrum on his way home from Palestine and the crusades. However Game of Thrones fans will know it as the city of Qarth.
As well as the mighty walls themselves, Dubrovnik is home to some independent architectural gems. The medieval pharmacy which was built hundreds of years ago is one of them. Despite its dated look, this pharmacy is still in use today. The Dominican Monastery, the charming alleyway of Cogito, and Rector’s Palace are a few others to experience on a tour of Dubrovnik.
This is just a taster of things to do in Dubrovnik. Along with activities on the water like a sea kayak tour, whetting your appetite in prestigious restaurants, relaxing on hidden Dubrovnik beaches and exploring the history and depth to Croatia’s loved city, there are more than enough things to do to keep you busy for weeks on end.
If you are spending more than a day in Dubrovnik, you might consider exploring the stunning surrounding area. It takes about 2 hours by private car to cross the border into neighbouring country Bosnia & Herzegovina and onto the beautiful and fascinating city of Mostar. From here your driver will take you to Kravice Waterfalls, a peaceful area of natural beauty.
Or take a day tour from Dubrovnik to visit Montenegro and its beautiful coastal towns like Budva and Sveti Stefan.
Get in touch with our experts to find out more.
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