Top 10 Things to Do in Dubrovnik

Last updated: October 2026

Dubrovnik is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, a perfectly preserved walled city of marble streets, terracotta roofs and baroque churches set above a sparkling blue sea. Its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s also one of Croatia’s busiest destinations, especially when cruise ships are in port. With some planning, though, you can enjoy its beauty without the worst of the crowds. This guide covers the top 10 things to do in Dubrovnik, plus practical tips. The Dubrovnik Tourist Board website lists events, opening hours and details of the Dubrovnik Pass.

Quick answer: What are the best things to do in Dubrovnik? Walk the city walls, ride the cable car up Mount Srđ, take a boat to Lokrum Island and swim at Banje Beach. Visit the Old Town early or late in the day to avoid cruise ship crowds.

Top 10 Things to Do in Dubrovnik at a Glance

1. Walk the City Walls

Walking Dubrovnik’s city walls is the number one thing to do in the city. The walls run for nearly 2 km around the Old Town, with towers, forts and views over the rooftops and the sea at every turn.

The full loop takes around one and a half to two hours. Go at opening time or in the late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and the biggest crowds. There’s little shade, so bring water, a hat and sun cream.

2. Stroll Along the Stradun

The Stradun (also called Placa) is Dubrovnik’s main street, a wide limestone promenade polished smooth by centuries of footsteps. It runs from the Pile Gate to the Old Port.

At one end is the Onofrio Fountain, a large domed fountain built in the 15th century. At the other is the Sponza Palace and the bell tower. Walk it early in the morning or after dark, when the stone glows under the lamps.

3. Ride the Cable Car up Mount Srđ

The Dubrovnik cable car carries you up Mount Srđ in a few minutes, offering the best panoramic view of the Old Town, the Elaphiti Islands and the coast.

At the top, there’s a restaurant with a terrace and a small museum about the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s, housed in an old Napoleonic fort. Sunset is the most popular time for good reason.

4. Escape to Lokrum Island

Lokrum is a small, forested island just 10 to 15 minutes by boat from the Old Port. It’s a protected nature reserve with botanical gardens, a ruined Benedictine monastery and peacocks roaming freely.

Swim in the Dead Sea, a small saltwater lake, or from the rocky shores. There are no overnight stays allowed, so the island feels peaceful in the evening as the last boats leave.

5. Visit Fort Lovrijenac

Fort Lovrijenac stands on a 37-metre rock just outside the city walls, guarding the western approach to Dubrovnik. Above its gate is a Latin inscription meaning “Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world”.

It’s a great spot for views back to the walls, and it’s used as a stage during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival of theatre and music. Your city walls ticket usually includes entry.

6. Take a Game of Thrones Tour

Dubrovnik was the main filming location for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. Fans can follow in the footsteps of the characters on guided tours or by exploring on their own.

Famous spots include the Jesuit Staircase (the “walk of shame”), Fort Lovrijenac (the Red Keep), and parts of the city walls. Even if you’re not a fan, the tours share interesting history about the city.

7. Explore the Rector’s Palace and Museums

The Rector’s Palace was the seat of government of the Republic of Ragusa, the independent maritime state that ruled Dubrovnik for centuries.

It now houses the Cultural History Museum, with rooms showing how the city was governed. Also worth visiting are the Franciscan Monastery, home to one of the oldest working pharmacies in Europe, and the Dominican Monastery with its peaceful cloister.

8. Go Sea Kayaking

Sea kayaking around the city walls is one of the best ways to see Dubrovnik from a different angle. Guided tours usually paddle around Lokrum and stop at a small cave or beach for snorkelling.

Sunset kayaking tours are especially popular. It’s a great activity for active travellers and offers a break from the busy streets.

9. Swim at the City Beaches

Dubrovnik’s beaches are mostly pebbly or rocky, but the water is crystal clear. Banje Beach, just outside the Ploče Gate, has views of the Old Town and is the most popular.

For something more unusual, look for the small doors in the city walls that lead to Buža bars, cliffside bars where you can swim off the rocks. Sveti Jakov Beach, a short walk east, is quieter and great at sunset.

10. Take a Day Trip

Dubrovnik is a great base for day trips along the coast and to the islands. Popular choices include:

• Cavtat, a charming harbour town reached by boat along the coast.
• Ston, known for its long medieval walls and fresh oysters.
• The Elaphiti Islands and Mljet, for beaches and nature.
• Kotor in Montenegro, a dramatic bay town about two hours away.

Lokrum is just the start, and our guide to Croatia’s best islands to visit explains which are easy day trips from Dubrovnik.

What Should You Know Before Visiting Dubrovnik?

Check cruise ship schedules. The Old Town gets extremely busy when several ships are in port. Plan your Old Town visits for early morning or evening on those days.

Buy the Dubrovnik Pass. It covers the city walls, several museums and public buses.

Stay outside the walls. Accommodation in Lapad, Ploče or Gruž is often better value and quieter, with good bus connections.

Visit in May, June, September or October. The weather is warm, the sea is pleasant and crowds are lighter than in July and August.

Wear good shoes. The marble streets are slippery and there are many steps.

Where Should You Stay in Dubrovnik?

Inside the Old Town you’ll be steps from the walls, the Stradun and the best restaurants. It’s magical in the evening after day visitors leave, but rooms are expensive and many involve plenty of stairs. Cars can’t enter the walls, so you’ll need to carry your luggage.

Ploče, just east of the walls, offers some of the best views of the Old Town and easy access to Banje Beach. Many hotels here have terraces overlooking the sea and city walls.

Lapad is a residential peninsula with a pedestrian promenade, beaches and plenty of hotels. It’s about 15 minutes by bus from the Old Town and offers better value, making it a good choice for families.

Gruž is close to the ferry port and the main bus station, which is ideal if you plan to island hop. It has a lively morning market and good local restaurants.

Cavtat, a short boat ride south, is a peaceful alternative with a harbour, beaches and a relaxed pace, close to Dubrovnik Airport.

Tip: Prices in July and August can be double those in May or October. If you can travel in the shoulder season, you’ll get better value and more space.

Discover the Pearl of the Adriatic

Dubrovnik’s beauty is worth the crowds, especially if you time your visits well. Walk the walls, ride up Mount Srđ and finish your day with a swim at sunset.

Continue your Adriatic trip by ferry to Croatia’s best islands, from Mljet to Hvar, or head south along the coast to the best beaches on the Albanian Riviera.

Featured image: Photo by Ivan Ivankovic on Unsplash