Top 10 Things To Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Overlooking the Adriatic Sea in southern Croatia, Dubrovnik never fails to enchant with its stunning architecture and picturesque coastal setting. It centers around a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town encircled by imposing stone walls dating back to the 16th century.
While wandering between its ornate Baroque and Renaissance buildings is definitely a “must-do”, there are so many other ways to experience Dubrovnik. Whether you’re strolling the limestone paved thoroughfares, soaking up the sun on the nearby beaches, or enjoying elevated coastal views from the surrounding mountains, Dubrovnik promises to captivate with its timeless beauty and rich cultural heritage.
1. Admire the historic Pile Gate
At the western entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town is the historic Pile Gate, which serves as a logical starting point for explorations. Built in 1537, this imposing stone gate features a graceful Renaissance arch flanked by sturdy medieval fortifications. The Pile Gate was once part of an elaborate defense system including a drawbridge, moat, and outer gate, designed to protect Dubrovnik from invaders.
As you pass through the gate, take note of the statue of St. Blaise, the city's patron saint, standing guard in a niche above the arch. On the other side of the outer gate, stairs lead down to an inner gate, which was built earlier still in 1460 and is also topped by a statue of St. Blaise, created by the Croation sculptor Ivan Meštrović.
Just inside the Pile Gate, you'll find yourself in a large open square where Dubrovnik's main street, the Stradun, begins. Take a moment to appreciate the gate's architectural details and contemplate the centuries of history that have passed through this portal before continuing through Dubrovnik's Old Town.
2. Stroll along the Stradun
Also known as Placa, the Stradun is the main street that runs through the heart of Dubrovnik's picturesque Old Town. Paved with smooth white limestone that glistens in the sun, this 300-meter-long promenade stretches from the Pile Gate at one end to the Ploče Gate at the other.
The Stradun is lined on both sides by 17th-century Baroque stone buildings, many of which are now occupied by boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Locals gather at the open-air eateries to sip strong Croatian coffee, catch up on the latest news, and enjoy the Dalmatian people-watching.
One of the prime spots to sit and take it all in is Gradska Kavana, a popular cafe situated on a raised terrace near the end of the Stradun. Here, you can enjoy locally caught seafood dishes accompanied by wonderful views across Dubrovnik’s historic harbor.
3. Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls
Walking Dubrovnik’s centuries-old walls is a “must-do” experience, offering panoramic views across the terracotta rooftops and church steeples of the Old Town. Originally constructed in the 13th century, these imposing walls served as the city's primary defense against invaders when Dubrovnik was a prosperous maritime republic known as Ragusa.
The main entrances at Pile Gate and Ploče Gate were sealed shut each evening, with wooden drawbridges raised to bar entry and keep the city secure throughout the night. In the 15th century, as the threat of Ottoman invasion loomed, the fortifications were significantly expanded and reinforced, with mighty towers, sturdy bastions, and over 120 cannons added.
Today, the most popular starting point for the 1.25-mile (2-kilometer) walk along the Dubrovnik City Walls is a stone staircase just inside of the Pile Gate. During the peak summer months, visitor numbers are capped to prevent congestion, so booking ahead online is wise.
4. Explore the Lovrjenac Fortress
Perched atop a 37-meter high cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the Lovrjenac Fortress stands as a testament to Dubrovnik's strategic importance in times gone by. Dating back to the 11th century, this monumental structure was built to protect the western entrance to the city, guarding against potential invaders and ensuring the safety of its inhabitants.
As you approach the fortress, it’s hard not to be impressed by the massive stone walls, which measure up to 12 meters thick in some places. The Lourjenac Fortress has a distinctive triangular shape and was designed to withstand even the most determined attacks.
Once inside, you can explore the fortress's spacious courtyard and historic cannon emplacements, as well as enjoy breathtaking views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and the nearby island of Lokrum. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply love a good view, a visit to "Dubrovnik's Gibraltar” should be high on your list of things to do.
5. Take a day trip to Lokrum Island
Lokrum is a picturesque island located just a 10-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Harbour, making it a popular day trip destination. The island is densely forested with holm oaks, black ash trees, and fragrant pines, as well as beautifully gnarled olive trees.
While the island's beaches are rocky rather than sandy, Lokrum remains an incredibly popular swimming spot for both locals and tourists alike, with the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea lapping its shores. Ferries to the island run approximately every hour during the summer months, with service increasing to every half hour during the peak months of July and August.
The island's crown jewel is its medieval Benedictine monastery, which now houses a restaurant and exhibits on the island's history, as well as a display dedicated to “Game of Thrones”, which filmed several scenes on Lokrum. The monastery also boasts an impressive botanical garden showcasing plants from as far afield as South Africa and Brazil.
6. Ride the Dubrovnik Cable Car
This modern cable car whisks you from the northern part of Dubrovnik up to the top of Mount Srd, which rises 1,329 feet (405 meters) above the city. During the four-minute ascent, you’re treated to magnificent views across the Old Town and the shimmering waters of the Adriatic Sea, as well as the pine-studded rocky slopes of Mount Srd itself.
Once you reach the summit station, you can explore the Homeland War Museum, which occupies the Imperial Fortress. Built by the French in 1810, this historic fortification now houses exhibits that chronicle the city's defense during the 1991 to 1995 war.
Also at the summit is the Panorama Restaurant & Bar, which boasts a multi-level outdoor terrace with jaw-dropping views. From here, you can get a bird’s eye perspective of the red rooftops of Dubrovnik and the nearby Elaphiti Islands.
7. Savor the local cuisine
Dubrovnik's culinary scene offers an enticing blend of Mediterranean flavors with a unique Croatian twist. One must-try dish is the famous black risotto, known locally as crni rižot, made with tender cuttlefish and its ink, which gives the rice its distinctive dark color and rich, briny flavor.
Seafood lovers should also keep an eye out for menus offering “fish of the day”, which is usually grilled to perfection with Mediterranean herbs. For a hearty meal, try the traditional pašticada, a slow-cooked beef dish marinated in wine and served with homemade gnocchi. Also not to miss is the local pršut, a dry-cured ham that pairs perfectly with a slice of aged Pag cheese.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, look out for irresistible rožata, a creamy custard pudding infused with rose liqueur and caramel, or try the flaky, almond-filled pastry called bruštulani mjenduli. Wash it all down with a glass of Croatian red wine like Plavac Mali or a refreshing white Pošip, and you'll have experienced the true essence of Dubrovnik's gastronomic delights.
8. Step back in time at the Red History Museum
Immerse yourself in the world of 20th-century Yugoslav design at the captivating Red History Museum. This unique museum, which first opened its doors in 2019, offers an intriguing glimpse into the daily lives of Croatians between 1945 and 1991 when the country was part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
As you explore the museum's eclectic exhibits, you can admire authentic period furniture and retro decor that will transport you to another era. In addition to bold and colorful ceramic pieces, there are vintage magazine covers and record sleeves on display that capture the essence of Yugoslav popular culture.
The Red History Museum also addresses the more somber aspects of this complex period in Croatian history. Thought-provoking exhibits shed light on the activities of the Yugoslav secret police and the notorious Goli Otok political prison.
9. Relax on Šunj Beach
Tucked away on the southeast coast of Lopud Island, Šunj Beach is one of the most accessible stretches of sand near Dubrovnik. To reach this slice of paradise, simply hop aboard one of the white-and-blue Jadrolinija ferries that depart from Dubrovnik's Gruž port and make the short journey to Lopud.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a charming town with a fortified Franciscan monastery that has been transformed into a luxury retreat, Lopud 1483. Once on shore, make your way along the seafront promenade and embark on the scenic two-kilometer hike that leads through fragrant Mediterranean vegetation. Alternatively, you can catch a ride on a golf buggy to reach the beach.
Šunj features a crescent of sand gently sloping into a sheltered bay that’s lapped by the warm waters of the Adriatic Sea. During the summer months, you'll find a handful of seasonal beach bars dotting the sand, together with comfortable sun loungers and umbrellas available for rent.
10. Visit the War Photo Ltd gallery
If you want to learn more about the events that took place in Croatia during the dissolution of Yugoslavia, pay a visit to the War Photo Ltd gallery. It provides a sobering reminder of the human toll of war through the lenses of courageous photojournalists, who often risked their lives to capture the images.
The photographs on display in the upper floor gallery document everyday life amidst the conflicts that ravaged Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Kosovo in the 1990s. By presenting the brutal realities of this period in history, War Photo Ltd serves as a forum for understanding the human cost of conflict.
On the ground floor, you will find the gallery's temporary exhibition space, which showcases photojournalism from war-torn regions around the globe. Previous exhibitions have covered the turmoil in Syria, the Darfur genocide in Sudan, the ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the decades-long sectarian strife in Northern Ireland.
