22 Coolest Things to Do and See in Dubrovnik
The historic walled city of Dubrovnik is Dalmatia’s most prized jewel. Towering over the azure Adriatic Sea, it’s not hard to see why hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers flock to this handsome maritime town every year. Bolstered by the recent popularity of HBO series Game of Thrones which sometimes films here, Dubrovnik has been gifted a bucket-list destination status, and the city has cultivated a tourist industry to go with it – there is lots to see and do here.
Walk the City Walls
Natural Feature
A ramble along the city walls tops the list of essential things to do in Dubrovnik. These impressive fortifications thread around the Old Town for 1,940 meters, and for first-timers, it’s a great way to get your bearings on the layout of the city. The walk also has some of the best photo opportunities in Dubrovnik, with epic sea views at every turn. You can take the journey at your own pace – people usually complete the walk in a couple of hours, but a laid-back stroll along its meandering paths could take a lot longer. Things get considerably less tourist-laden towards late afternoon, and the journey is more enjoyable away from the searing midday sun. Visitors enter the Old Town through the Pile Gate, where the entrance and the ticket office is.
Take a cable car up Mount Srđ
Architectural Landmark
The bright orange cable car that zooms up Mount Srđ isn’t just a kitsch tourist attraction: it’s a veritable piece of history. Mount Srđ was an important military asset during the Croatian War of Independence, providing a strategic frontier against Serb forces in 1991. These days, the mountain’s primary purpose is to ferry tourists up and down to enjoy the view – but it’s a spectacular ride. As it climbs erratically above the city, Dubrovnik disappears into a hazy vista, engulfed by swathes of Adriatic blue. At the cable car station, the Panorama restaurant provides refreshments and more stunning views.
Discover Lokrum Island
Natural Feature
Feast on Seafood
Restaurant, Mediterranean, European, Seafood
Seafood is at the heart of every menu in Dubrovnik, and must-try Dalmatian specialities include black cuttlefish risotto, fried squid and octopus salad. The best restaurants for seafood are the more high end Nautika and Proto, while Orhan and Pantarul are good mid-range restaurants, but Lokanda Peskarija remains the top table in town for bargain caught-that-day fish and seafood, located on the main port.
Sample Croatian Wine
Wine Bar, Wine, Croatian
A short walk from the Old Town’s buzzing thoroughfare Stradun, D’vino is the place to try Croatian wine in Dubrovnik. Much of the wine will come from nearby vineyards on the island of Korčula or the Pelješac peninsula, and look out for the internationally renowned red from Frano Miloš winery. With over a hundred domestic wines to sample, you could spend an enjoyably boozy evening on the terrace appreciating the finest Croatian grape.
Dive into Dubrovnik’s beaches
Natural Feature
Seek refuge in a monastery
Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark
Take a break from the blazing heat and the crush of sightseers and spend an afternoon exploring the Franciscan Monastery and its Old Pharmacy museum. Adorned with beautiful cloisters, the monastery is home to one of the world’s oldest pharmacies. Stuffed full of curios and old jars, it’s still very much in use, and you’ll see locals collecting prescriptions from the chemist while tourist gawp at the antiquities. The monastery also houses a museum where you can see artefacts from the pharmacy, alongside manuscripts and a collection of medieval artworks. An attractive courtyard sprinkled with orange blossom trees provides a peaceful retreat. Visit during the late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Understand modern history
Kayaking
Architectural Landmark
Tired of pounding the streets by foot? Take in another side of the Old Town by kayak. There are plenty of outfits renting kayaks throughout the city, and many routes paddle around the walls of the Old Town, passing near Buza, Sveti Ivan tower, Porporela, Old Harbour, before crossing the bay to the idyllic Lokrum island for sunbathing, snorkeling, picnics and more. Recommended by Orfhlaith Kearney.
Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola
Architectural Landmark
Built in the 18th century, this beautiful church is a welcome change from the buzz of Dubrovnik’s town center. Located in the center of the Old Town, the Church of St Ignatius of Loyola has a stunning interior of baroque style décor. With white arched columns, lovely frescoes and a painted dome depicting Jesus in Heaven, it’s a spectacular but serene sight. With so much history, including a 14th-century tower bell, this is one of the city’s greatest attractions. Recommended by Orfhlaith Kearney.
Rector's Palace
Architectural Landmark
Also known as the Knezev Dvor, the Rector’s Palace is a beautiful Gothic and Renaissance building on the edge of the Old Town. Originally, it was a site of defense in the Middle Ages, but when it was destroyed by fire in the 15th century, it was rebuilt as a palace to serve as the seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa. Although parts of the building have been renovated and restored over the years due to gunpowder explosions, fires and earthquakes, it has lost none of its charm and remains a collection of some of the finest architecture in the area. Recommended by Orfhlaith Kearney.
Lovrijenac
Architectural Landmark
Now used for the traditional al-fresco performance of Hamlet during the Dubrovnik Festival, the stand-alone fortress of Lovrijenac was once manned by 25 soldiers under an elected commander. Rebuilt after the 1667 earthquake, its walls feature the motto, ‘Liberty Should Not Be Sold for All the Gold in the World’. Recommended by Peterjon Cresswell.
Orlando's Column
Architectural Landmark
From this landmark outside Dubrovnik Cathedral, all major state declarations were announced to local citizens. Built in 1418, Orlando’s Column symbolised the city’s independence for nearly 400 years. The figure depicted is Roland, known here as Orlando, a military leader under Charlemagne and inspiration for early medieval literature. Recommended by Peterjon Cresswell.
Church of the Holy Annunciation
Church, Museum
Revelin Fort
Memorial
Memorial Room of the Dubrovnik Defenders
Memorial, Building
Rupe Ethnographic Museum
Museum
Housed in a former granary store of four floors, the Rupe Ethnographic Museum shows the traditional way of life in the countryside surrounding this former maritime power. Textiles, handicrafts, tools and festive costumes are displayed, along with photographs demonstrating that little has changed in villages a short distance away. Recommended by Peterjon Cresswell.
Dubrovnik Synagogue
Synagogue
Historic evidence of the tolerant nature of this former maritime power, the Dubrovnik Synagogue is one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to the 14th century. Still a functioning place of worship on holy days, the synagogue is mainly used as a museum, displaying medieval objects of ritual. Recommended by Peterjon Cresswell.
Sponza Palace
Memorial, Building
Homeland War Museum
Museum
Onofrio’s Great Fountain
Architectural Landmark
Just inside the Pile Gate as you enter the Old Town, Onofrio’s Great Fountain is one of two that served the medieval city. Still functioning 550 years after it was built by Onofrio della Cava in 1438, the fountain was connected to an aqueduct 12km (7.5 miles) in length. Recommended by Peterjon Cresswell.
Dominican Monastery
Monastery, Museum