Best things to do in Dubrovnik
Find out more about those top places in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik: The Jewel of the Adriatic You Won’t Want to Miss
Imagine a city so beautiful it practically feels like stepping into a fairytale. Dubrovnik, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is just that. Nestled beneath dramatic limestone cliffs, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place where medieval history, stunning seaside views, and modern-day charm collide. With its old town walls that have stood the test of time and a labyrinth of cobbled streets that will have you wandering through history, Dubrovnik is truly one of the most spectacular cities you’ll ever visit. But don’t let the beauty fool you—this city has a rich, colorful past that’s more than just picture-perfect.
Top Attractions in Dubrovnik: Where to Go, What to See
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The Old Town Walls: When visiting Dubrovnik, one of the top attractions you can’t miss is the city's iconic old town walls. Dating back to the Middle Ages, these towering walls were once the first line of defense against Ottoman invaders, and they still impress today. Whether you choose to walk the walls for breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea or just marvel at their impressive size, you’ll quickly understand why Dubrovnik’s defenses were so important. Game of Thrones fans will recognize this spot from the Red Keep – so get ready to channel your inner Cersei (just don’t start shouting, “Shame!”).
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The Stradun and the Old Town: No trip to Dubrovnik is complete without a stroll down Stradun, the city’s main thoroughfare. Lined with beautiful Renaissance villas, many of which once housed the city’s wealthiest families, this charming street will transport you back in time. As you walk through Dubrovnik’s medieval streets, you’ll encounter stunning architecture, quaint cafes, and unique shops that give the city its timeless character. And don’t forget to check out the city’s fascinating churches and historical buildings tucked into the alleyways—hidden gems you’ll want to snap a photo of for your travel sightseeing guide.
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The Doge’s Palace: Dubrovnik’s star attraction, much like Venice, is the Doge’s Palace, a stunning gothic building that towers over the main square. This iconic palace was once home to the city’s wealthy patricians, and today, it offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s luxurious past. From the grand architecture to the historical artifacts on display, the Doge’s Palace is a must-see for any traveler looking to understand the city’s glorious heritage.
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Fort Lovrijenac: For more incredible views and a slice of Dubrovnik’s military history, head to Fort Lovrijenac. This fortress, perched on a high cliff, was crucial in protecting the city from invaders and now offers visitors jaw-dropping views of the city and the sea. If you’re a Game of Thrones enthusiast, you’ll recognize it as the setting for King’s Landing’s Red Keep. And while you may not find any dragons, you can definitely find some amazing photo ops.
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Banje Beach: After a day of exploring Dubrovnik’s historic sites, take a well-deserved break at Banje Beach, located just outside the city walls. With its golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and views of the Old Town, it’s the perfect place to unwind. Whether you’re lounging in the sun, swimming in the sea, or enjoying a drink at the beach bar, Banje Beach is the perfect spot to kick back and soak in the Mediterranean vibes.
Why Dubrovnik Is a Must-Visit for Every Traveler
Dubrovnik is a city that has seen it all—invaders, wars, and even becoming a star in one of the world’s biggest TV shows (Game of Thrones). But despite its turbulent history, this Croatian gem has always managed to shine. Whether you’re a fan of history, architecture, or just need a great place to visit for some sightseeing, Dubrovnik has it all. The city’s old town, with its medieval charm, is an architectural masterpiece, while the surrounding landscapes are perfect for those who want to explore and unwind.
The fact that Dubrovnik was once a forgotten treasure only adds to its allure. It wasn’t until the Yugoslav Wars that the world realized how remarkable this hidden gem of a city truly was. And now, despite its newfound fame, Dubrovnik still maintains that magical, timeless quality that keeps visitors coming back for more.
Pro Tip: Dubrovnik can get pretty crowded, especially during the summer months, so try to visit early in the morning or later in the evening when the Old Town is less crowded. This will allow you to soak in the beauty without fighting through the crowds for that perfect Instagram shot.
Conclusion: Dubrovnik – The Fairytale City That’s Ready for Its Close-Up
From its majestic walls to its rich history and stunning views, Dubrovnik is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Europe. This city isn’t just about Game of Thrones fame—its medieval charm and breathtaking coastal views make it an unforgettable destination. So whether you’re exploring the Doge’s Palace, wandering through the cobbled streets, or lounging on Banje Beach, Dubrovnik is a place where history and beauty come together in the most magical way. Don’t miss out on this top attraction—it’s time to add Dubrovnik to your travel guide.
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City Walls
Catapulted to worldwide fame through their starring role in Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik’s awe-inspiring city walls, complete with 15 imposing forts, are now one of Europe’s most sought after destinations. No trip to the city would be complete without admiring the old town from the medieval bastions and for the best experience local guides can take you on a tour that will reveal the city’s rich history of repelling Ottoman invasion.
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Rector’s Palace
Comparable only to the Doge’s Palace in Venice, a trip to Dubrovnik’s 15th century Rector’s Palace is one of the best ways to experience first hand the riches of medieval Ragusa. Today the palace is the Cultural History Museum, which contains a treasure trove of Ragusan artifacts spread across the palace’s vast Gothic halls.
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Dubrovnik Cable Car
For a lofty view, take the cable car up to the top of Srd, a 400 meters high limestone crag that towers over the city. While the view may be one of the Adriatic’s most breathtaking, Srd has a dark history, as it was a key battleground in the Yugoslav Wars. To commemorate this bloody historical moment, a museum commemorating the conflict is located at the summit.
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Lokrum
Barely a 10 minutes ferry ride off the coast of Dubrovnik lies the oak-clad islet of Lokrum. The centerpiece of this tranquil island is the vast Benedictine monastery, which has a well-maintained gothic cloister and a lush botanical garden with plants from as far afield as Brazil. For Game of Thrones enthusiasts, the island will be a highlight of Dubrovnik as you can pose next to a full-size replica of the iconic Iron Throne.
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War Photo Limited
Showcasing the moving photographs taken by the New Zealand photojournalist Wade Goddard during the wars of the 1990s, War Photo Limited is Dubrovnik’s most moving attraction. Detailing the vicious shelling of the city, alongside the other conflicts that raged across the Balkans, the gallery provides a fascinating insight into the region’s harrowing history.
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Cathedral of the Assumption
Allegedly funded by England’s King Richard I, better known as Lionheart, the Cathedral of the Assumption was largely constructed in the 12th century. Renowned for its dazzling marble pieces and medieval art, the cathedral is undoubtedly Dubrovnik’s most impressive places of worship.
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Marin Držic Statue and Museum
Crafted by the famed sculptor Ivan Meštrovic, the statue of Dubrovnik’s most famous playwright Marin Držic adorns the Stradun. Držic, referred to locally as Croatia’s Shakespeare, was one of the Renaissance’s finest playwrights and tour guides can reveal locations in the city that relate to his most famous works. For those who want to know more about this great artist head to the insightful Marin Držic Museum.
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Sponza Palace
Sponza Palace, one of Dubrovnik’s most ornate Renaissance buildings, was built in the mid-16th century and thankfully survived the destruction wrought by the 1667 earthquake. Today, the interior of this dazzling building houses the Memorial to the Defenders of Dubrovnik, which preserves black and white photographs of the young men and women who gave their lives defending their hometown between 1991 and 1995.
