Most tourists come to see Dubrovnik’s captivating UNESCO Heritage-listed Old Town. However, they leave without seeing the city’s other highlights. We share the best things to do when visiting Dubrovnik.
A short history
Roman refugees founded Dubrovnik (then called Ragusa) in the 7th century. It has passed through many hands, becoming the city it is today.
The city was under Byzantine and Venetian rule. Later it achieved self-rule as a major maritime power.
A major earthquake in the 17th century, followed by French occupation, then Austrian rule, before it was incorporated into Yugoslavia until its breakup.
The best things to do when visiting Dubrovnik
Franjo Tudman Bridge Lookout
On our first visit to Dubrovnik, we drove over the striking Dr Franjo Tudman Bridge. Named after the first President of modern Croatia, the cable-stayed bridge contrasts with Dubrovnik’s Old Town and all you would imagine of Dubrovnik.
On our second visit, we took a small-ship cruise; on a tour, we drove to the lookout on the far side of the bridge. From the lookout, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Gruz Harbour, the port and Rijeka Dubrovacka.
The dramatic mountain scenery and views down the inlet to the city’s marina show just how vast and varied this city is.
Vidikovac Lookout and Viewpoint of Dubrovnik and scenic walk Bosanka on Mt Srd
The top of Mt Srd undoubtedly provides the best views over Dubrovnik Old Town. We drove up and walked the Bosanka area on our first visit to Dubrovnik. If you are in Dubrovnik without transport, you can take a four-minute cable car ride up to the top.
On the drive up to the Mt Srd Lookout, you can stop at a couple of other viewpoints: Vidikovac Lookout and Viewpoint of Dubrovnik. Both offer equally stunning, close-up views of the Old Town.
Spend a day or two in Dubrovnik Old Town
Dubrovnik’s Old Town (the Pearl of the Adriatic) is the city’s draw card. A visit to Dubrovnik isn’t complete without walking through the Pile Gate into the magical world of a well-preserved medieval Old Town.
The Old Town, severely damaged during the 1667 earthquake and, more recently, extensive shelling in the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, has been restored under UNESCO.
Walk the City Walls
We’ve walked the walls on two visits to Dubrovnik, and nothing is more spectacular than looking down over the terracotta rooftops, into the town’s streets, and over the Adriatic Sea.
While walking the 2km stretch of walls, look out for:
- The Stradun, the town’s main street. It’s the first thing you’ll see from the Wall.
- Fort Lovrijenac (St Lawrence), the fortress, on a rocky cliff face across the water on the western side of the City Walls. It is known as The Keep in the Game of Thrones television series.
- Views of Lokrum Island.
- Watchtowers that appear at intervals as you walk on the walls. They’re perfect for photo opportunities.
- Dubrovnik Harbour.
- Evidence of daily life. The Old Town is home to some Dubrovnik citizens. You’ll find washing hanging on lines, pretty private gardens and balconies and maybe even a glimpse inside homes. It is important to show consideration and respect their privacy.
- Minceta Tower, the main and largest tower on the wall. Make the effort to climb the steps to the Tower; it’s the highest point on the walls and worth it to capture the best views over the Old Town.
Walking along the city walls is a must-do and a highlight of the Old Town.
A few things to remember
- The route around the walls is anti-clockwise.
- Set aside a couple of hours to savour the views and walk the walls at your own pace. Rest or enjoy the breathtaking views over a beverage or snack at one of the cafes or bars on the wall.
- The walls are exposed to the elements. It can be cold and windy in the winter or very hot in the summer.
- The path can be uneven; wear comfortable shoes.
- Purchase a Dubrovnik Pass. The Pass includes the walls, free public transport and museum entrances for the same price as a ticket to walk the city walls.
Visit the Franciscan Monastery and Pharmacy
Entrance to the church nave in the Monastery close to the Pile Gate is free. Many people miss the Monastery and Pharmacy and go straight to the Rector’s Palace.
However, there is more to experience. The Dubrovnik Pass includes entrance to the Monastery Museum, a beautiful 14th-century Romanesque cloister with its archways and frescoes and the Monastery’s famed Pharmacy, which has been part of the Monastery since 1317.
The Monastery is original, having survived the earthquake, and the cloister leaves a lasting impression.
Set aside 30-60 minutes for a visit.
Stroll Stradun Promenade
Originally a marshy sea channel, Stradun is one of Europe’s most well-known pedestrian streets. Strolling down this 300-metre polished limestone street connecting the Pile Gate to Dubrovnik Harbour feels special.
Entering through the Pile Gate, the historic 15th-century circular Onofrio Fountain is the first attraction to catch your attention. Named after its Italian architect, this famous landmark has supplied water to the city for centuries through an aqueduct system which transported water from 12km away. A modern water supply system was installed in the late 19th century. However, the fountain still functions, supplying fresh drinking water to visitors to the Old City.
You’ll find a smaller fountain, also designed by Onofrio, tucked into a niche in the wall at the harbour end of Stradun. Few people notice it as they hustle past on their way to the harbour or the Rector’s Palace.
Visit inside the Rector’s Palace
The Rector’s Palace is one of the most visited sites in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Built in the 15th century, the Palace was the official seat of the Rector who ruled the Republic of Ragusa.
The main features are the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, striking staircase and ornate columns. The building now houses the Cultural-Historical Museum of Dubrovnik.
The Dubrovnik Pass includes entrance.
Walk up the Jesuit staircase
The famous Baroque staircase, modelled on Rome’s Spanish Steps, leads you up from Gundulić Square to the Church of St Ignatius Square.
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll know the staircase as the Walk of Shame.
The steps have always been a photo hot spot, but they’re more popular because they featured in the show. Be prepared to share your space with plenty of others.
Cathedral and Treasury
Have a look inside Dubrovnik Cathedral (Also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary). The original Romanesque Cathedral, built in the 12th century, was destroyed in the 1667 earthquake, and the Baroque building that replaced it stands on the site today.
Visiting the Cathedral is free and worth it to view the artwork. There is a small charge (not included in the Dubrovnik Pass) to visit the Treasury to view the artefacts and other relics.
Stroll the lanes and alleyways and harbour
One of our favourite things to do within the walls of Dubrovnik Old Town was strolling the numerous lanes and alleyways.
Plenty of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and boutiques are there to stop at as you wander.
Most of the buildings and the streets have been repaired after suffering intense shelling during the siege in the early 1990’s. However, keep an eye out for a few remaining bullet holes and evidence as you walk about.
Spend a day in Lapad and Babin Kuk
Away from Dubrovnik Old Town, there is plenty to enjoy. Quieter and with beaches, small coves and green spaces, Lapad and Babin Kuk are great areas away from the Old Town’s busyness.
- Swim at Uvala Lapad Beach. This beach, in a small bay, 3.5km from the old town, is a fantastic place to spend a few hours in the summer. Public transport makes it easy to access from the old city.
- Walk along the Promenada Lapada (also known as Lapada Run), a forested walkway that snakes around the coastline. Plenty of small beaches let you take a dip along the way. Take the hour-long walk earlier in the day, return in the evening for beautiful sunset views and dine at one of the restaurants on Uvala Lapad’s Sunset Strip.
- Hike along one of the many walking trails on Petka Hill to enjoy views out to the Elaphiti Islands
Where we stayed
We’ve been fortunate to visit and stay in Dubrovnik twice: once on a road trip, and again on a cruise of the southern Croatian Islands.
On our first stay, we stayed in a lovely studio apartment in Babin Kuk, overlooking the cruise harbour. It was a few steps from the waterfront and a bus ride to Dubrovnik Old Town; we could experience all that Dubrovnik has to offer and more.
On our second visit, our yacht slipped into the port and moored between Babin Kuk and Gruz. Again, it was the perfect place to revisit some of our favourite sights around Dubrovnik.
Our conclusion
Dubrovnik is a city full of history and character. Many tourists don’t realise that beyond the Old Town, Dubrovnik has other things to see and do.
We thoroughly enjoyed both our stays and look forward to returning to find more of its hidden gems.
In case you’re interested
We hope we’ve inspired you to do some of the best things to do when visiting Dubrovnik. And, if you’re looking for more …
On our road trip through Croatia, we had a spare day in Dubrovnik, so we took a day trip to Kotor in Montenegro. It’s an easy two-hour trip each way by car. Read more about Kotor through the link below
And if you’re ready to see more of Croatia, then you may be interested in reading our other posts on things to do in Croatia:
