10 Fun Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia (#2 is Perfect if You Just Have One Day!)
Whether you’re in port for the day or spending a whole week exploring this walled Croatian gem, here are the best things to do in Dubrovnik.
Few cities in Europe make a first impression quite like Dubrovnik.
The moment I first walked through Pile Gate and into the historic center on Round-the-World #2, I understood why this place is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic.
The broad marble avenue of Stradun glowed in the sunlight, framed by medieval stone buildings and backed by towering city walls that have protected the city for centuries.
In a word. Magic.
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Set along the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik anchors the south end of Croatia’s the spectacular Dalmatian Coast. This stretch of coastline is famous for its turquoise waters, historic port cities, and hundreds of islands scattered across the sparkling Adriatic Sea.
But Dubrovnik is the crown jewel of the region.
Encircled by massive defensive walls and filled with centuries of history, the entire Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marble streets wind past churches, palaces, and hidden alleyways while terracotta rooftops tumble toward the sea beyond the walls.
Despite earthquakes, empires, and even heavy shelling during the Balkan conflicts of the early 1990s, the city has been beautifully restored.
Today, Dubrovnik is once again one of the most captivating destinations in Europe.
Since that first solo trip many years ago, I’ve returned to Dubrovnik again and again. Once with my best friend, twice with my husband.
And most recently, last summer when I toured my entire family (a total of 8, including my parents) around the city while on a Mediterranean cruise.
In this post, I’m going to share all of my favorite things to do in Dubrovnik, along with little advice on how to get there, where to stay, and the best ways to get around this remarkable Medieval city.
How to Get to Dubrovnik
Getting to Dubrovnik is easy thanks to a busy international airport and frequent ferry connections along the Adriatic coast.
Fly Into Dubrovnik Airport
The main gateway to the city is Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), located about 30 minutes south of Old Town.
In the summer months, airlines operate direct flights from cities across Europe. Many travelers also connect through Zagreb, which offers year-round international service.
From the airport, you can reach Dubrovnik’s Old Town by taxi, shuttle bus, or rental car.
Arrive by Ferry Along the Dalmatian Coast
One of the most scenic ways to reach Dubrovnik is by ferry. Croatia’s spectacular Dalmatian Coast is dotted with beautiful islands, and ferry routes connect many of them to Dubrovnik.
On one of my visits, we arrived after a gorgeous two-hour catamaran ride from Korčula, watching the rugged coastline drift by from the deck. It’s one of those journeys where the ride itself becomes part of the experience.
During the high season, ferries run frequently between Dubrovnik and popular islands like Korčula, Hvar, and Mljet.
Several companies operate these routes, including Jadrolinija and Kapetan Luka.
Tip: The absolute best site for booking ferries in Croatia is FerryHopper.com.
Where to Stay in Dubrovnik
One of the first decisions you’ll face when visiting Dubrovnik is where to stay.
While it’s tempting to book a hotel inside the historic Old Town, the best views of Dubrovnik often come from hotels just outside the city walls. Here are a few of my favorites.
1. Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik
Located just steps from Pile Gate, this historic hotel is my favorite place to stay in Dubrovnik.
Originally built in 1895, the property hosted visiting royalty and dignitaries for decades. During the war in the early 1990s, the building was heavily damaged and later served as a refuge for displaced residents.
After a complete renovation, the hotel reopened in 2007 as the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik. The location just outside the city walls also makes it incredibly convenient for exploring Dubrovnik’s historic center.
2. Dubrovnik Colors Apartment
On our last visit, my husband and I stayed at this beautifully designed apartment overlooking the city. The one-bedroom apartment had all the modern conveniences, but the real highlight was the terrace view over the entire walled city.
Sitting out there in the evening watching the sun set over Dubrovnik was one of our favorite memories from that visit.
The walk downhill into the Old Town from the apartment takes about 10–15 minutes. The walk back up can be a bit steep. I’ll admit, we often opted for a quick taxi ride instead.
3. The Pucic Palace
If you’ve always dreamed of staying inside the medieval walls, this elegant boutique hotel is the best choice. Set inside a beautifully restored 17th-century baroque palace, The Pucic Palace sits right in the heart of Dubrovnik’s historic center.
The hotel blends historic architecture with modern comfort, and many rooms feature exposed stone walls, antique furnishings, and views over the rooftops of the Old Town. They also have a rooftop restaurant.
4. Hotel Dubrovnik Palace
If you’re looking for a luxury resort experience on the Adriatic Sea, this is one of the most spectacular places to stay near Dubrovnik.
Located on the quiet Lapad peninsula just outside the city, Hotel Dubrovnik Palace is a contemporary five-star resort built directly into the rocky coastline. Nearly every room faces the sea, with balconies overlooking the Adriatic.
The only downside to this hotel is that it’s not walking distance to the Old Town. However, there’s an easy local bus that runs into town every 20 minutes.
A Quick Tip About Crowds
Dubrovnik’s Old Town sees a steady flow of cruise ships during the summer months. You can actually watch the crowds ebb and flow throughout the day as ships arrive and depart. And those narrow Old Town lanes get crowded quickly.
If you’re staying nearby, the best time to explore Old Town is early in the morning or later in the evening, when the streets feel far more relaxed.
How to Get Around Dubrovnik
The nice thing about visiting Dubrovnik is that getting around is surprisingly simple. Most of the city’s top attractions are located within or near the compact historic center, so it’s an easy city to explore on foot.
Taxis and Uber are also both widely available in Dubrovnik if you need to go beyond the Old Town. There’s an easy-to-use local bus system as well, but you probably won’t need it (unless you stay at the Dubrovnik Palace).
Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik
With its medieval streets, dramatic coastal setting, and centuries of history, Dubrovnik offers no shortage of unforgettable experiences.
From exploring the historic Old Town to venturing out onto the sparkling Adriatic, these are the top things to do in Dubrovnik.
1. Explore Dubrovnik’s Historic Old Town
The heart of Dubrovnik is its beautifully preserved historic center, Dubrovnik Old Town.
Dating back to the 7th century, this walled city once served as a powerful maritime republic and an important trading hub connecting the Mediterranean with the Balkan interior.
Enter through Pile Gate and you’ll immediately find yourself standing on the city’s main thoroughfare, Stradun.
This wide marble street has been Dubrovnik’s central gathering place for centuries. Today it’s lined with historic churches, cafés, and shops, and it’s the perfect place to begin exploring the city.
While wandering the Old Town, don’t miss the Rector’s Palace, the former seat of government during Dubrovnik’s days as the Republic of Ragusa.
Be sure to wander beyond the Stradun as well. Some of the most charming corners of Old Town are hidden in the narrow stone alleys that branch off the main street.
2. Walk the City Walls
Without question, the most iconic experience in Dubrovnik is walking the historic city walls.
And if you just have one day (as we did last summer on our cruise stop), this is the best way to get a terrific overview of the city from every angle.
Tip: Save yourself the pricey cruise ship excursion and just book tickets directly on the City Walls Website. We did that and also booked shuttle tickets from the port to the Pile Gate through the ship. It was an easy and affordable day!
Dubrovnik’s historic City Walls completely encircle the Old Town and stretch for nearly 1.5 miles (about 2 kilometers).
Dating back in parts to the 9th century, the defensive system includes towers, bastions, and fortified gates that helped protect the city from invasion for centuries.
Today, visitors can walk the entire circuit along the top of the walls, enjoying sweeping views over the terracotta rooftops of the Old Town and the deep blue Adriatic beyond.
One of the most fascinating details you’ll notice from the walls is the patchwork of roof tiles across the city.
After the heavy shelling during the 1991 siege, many buildings required new roofs. Because the original tile factory no longer existed, replacement tiles were brought in from France and northern Croatia.
The brighter tiles scattered across the rooftops are a subtle reminder of the city’s more recent history.
Fair warning, in the summer months, it gets HOT up on those walls. Luckily, there’s a nice cafe about halfway around that makes the perfect pit stop to cool off with a cold drink and enjoy the sea views.
3. Ride the Dubrovnik Cable Car
For one of the best views in Croatia, hop aboard the Dubrovnik Cable Car.
The bright orange cable cars climb quickly up the slopes of Mount Srd, delivering visitors to a panoramic viewpoint high above the city.
From the summit, the entire Old Town appears like a miniature model surrounded by massive stone walls, with the Adriatic stretching endlessly toward the horizon.
It’s especially magical around sunset, when the golden light washes across the rooftops and islands offshore.
For hours and ticket prices, visit the Dubrovnik Cable Car Website.
4. Visit Fort Lovrijenac
Just outside the western walls of the Old Town stands the dramatic Fort Lovrijenac.
Perched on a rocky cliff 37 meters above the sea, this fortress once served as one of Dubrovnik’s most important defensive structures.
The fort dates back to the 11th century and played a key role in protecting the city from Venetian attack. Today it’s a fascinating place to explore and offers some of the best views looking back toward Dubrovnik’s city walls.
5. Relax at Banje Beach
Just a short walk from Pile Gate, Banje Beach is the most famous beach in Dubrovnik.
What makes this spot so special is the view. From the shoreline, you’re looking straight across the water at the massive stone walls of Dubrovnik Old Town and the island of Lokrum just offshore.
The beach itself is a mix of pebbles and sand, typical of the Croatian coast, with crystal-clear Adriatic water that’s perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot summer day.
You can either relax on the public section of the beach or rent lounge chairs and umbrellas at the stylish beach club, which also offers drinks, food, and water sports.
Even if you don’t plan to stay long, it’s worth stopping by for the iconic photo views of Dubrovnik’s city walls rising above the sea.
6. Seaside Cocktails at Buza Bar
If you’re looking for one of the most unique bars in Europe, head to Buza Bar. (Easier said than done, first you have to find it!)
Perched on the cliffs outside the southern city walls, Buza Bar feels like a hidden secret — though these days plenty of travelers know about it.
Finding the entrance is half the fun.
Look for a small, unmarked opening in the stone wall — literally a hole in the wall — and step through to discover rocky terraces overlooking the sea. Thanks to modern technology, Google Maps can help, too.
Grab a cold Croatian beer, find a seat beneath one of the umbrellas, and watch the waves crash against the cliffs as locals and adventurous visitors leap into the emerald waters below.
Just keep in mind that they are cash only, and there are no bathrooms (because it’s a cliff).
7. Take a Game of Thrones Tour
Even if you’re not a fan of Game of Thrones, you’ll quickly notice its presence throughout Dubrovnik.
Many scenes from the series were filmed around the Old Town, which served as the setting for the fictional capital of King’s Landing.
Guided tours take visitors to filming locations across the city, including staircases, fortresses, and viewpoints that appeared throughout the show.
For fans of the series, it’s easily one of the most popular things to do in Dubrovnik.
👉 This 3-hour Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Tour & Optional Lokrum Island Visit is the most popular tour to book.
8. Visit Lokrum Island
If you’re doing a Game of Thrones tour, you’ll have the option to visit Lokrum Island as part of the tour. If not, it’s still worth a visit.
Just a short boat ride from the Old Town harbor lies peaceful Lokrum. This small island nature reserve makes a fantastic escape from the crowds of Dubrovnik.
Visitors come here to swim in secluded coves, walk shaded forest trails, and explore the ruins of a medieval Benedictine monastery.
Peacocks roam freely around the island, adding to its slightly magical atmosphere. Regular ferries depart from the Old City Port and the ride takes 10–15 minutes.
9. Take a Boat Trip to the Elaphite Islands
If you have time for an island adventure, consider a boat trip to the nearby Elaphite Islands.
These small islands sit just northwest of Dubrovnik and are known for their quiet villages, pine forests, and beautiful swimming spots. Most tours visit a few of the main islands, including Lopud, Koločep, and Šipan.
Lopud is especially popular thanks to its rare sandy beach, something you don’t often find along Croatia’s rocky coastline.
👉 This Full-Day Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch and Drinks is the #1 tour and includes all three islands.
10. Take a Day Trip to Montenegro or Mostar
One of the best excursions from Dubrovnik is crossing the border into neighboring Montenegro. We did this on one of our earlier visits to Dubrovnik and absolutely loved exploring Kotor.
We took the local bus on that trip and spent a night in Kotor. The bus was fine. But for a day trip, I would highly recommend booking an organized tour like this Montenegro Full-Day Trip from Dubrovnik to keep things simple.
Many tours visit the stunning medieval town of Kotor, located deep within the breathtaking Bay of Kotor. With its fortified walls, dramatic mountain backdrop, and charming old streets, Kotor feels like stepping into another world.
Some tours also stop in the picturesque seaside village of Perast, famous for its stone palaces and views across the bay.
A day trip to Mostar and the Kravice Waterfalls in Bosnia & Herzegovina is another great trip. Navigating on your own here can be tricky, so a small group tour with a local guide is the best option.
👉 This Full Day Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls Tour from Dubrovnik is a terrific way to explore some of Bosnia & Herzegovina while you’re in the area.
Add Dubrovnik to your summer Bucket List!
Few places in Europe combine history, scenery, and atmosphere quite like Dubrovnik.
Whether you spend your time exploring the Old Town, island hopping along the coast, or taking a day trip to nearby Montenegro, Dubrovnik easily earns its reputation as one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe.
Read More: The Ultimate Europe Bucket List: 50 Unforgettable Cities, Towns, Islands & Experiences
And once you see those marble streets and glowing terracotta rooftops for yourself, it’s easy to understand why travelers have been falling in love with Dubrovnik for centuries.
Looking for more beautiful places in Croatia? Start here:
The Dazzling Croatian Island of Korcula Has a Walled Old Town And a Unique Claim to Fame
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia: This UNESCO Waterfall Wonderland is Europe’s Dreamiest National Park💦
Dazzling Dalmatia: The Best of the Croatian Coast in 7 Perfect Days
The Enchanting Istrian Town of Rovinj Has Seaside Italian Vibes (with Croatian Prices!)
Pula’s Stunning Roman Arena is One of the World’s Best Preserved (& It’s Not in Italy)
