Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia is one of the best-known places in Croatia. Dubrovnik's historic old town, 2 km long city walls, lovely pebbly beaches, small islands in the vicinity, Game of Thrones filming locations, and wine-growing Konavle valley, make it one of the most visited places in Croatia.

A perfectly preserved old town gives endless Dubrovnik sightseeing opportunities. There are so many things to do in Dubrovnik that you can easily spend a week in this medieval town. Luckily for those who plan to stay only one day in Dubrovnik, the majority of Dubrovnik attractions are within Dubrovnik's Old town.

You can walk Dubrovnik Old Town, climb town walls, explore the town’s squares, streets, and alleyways, discover Game of Thrones filming locations, visit museums, churches, and monasteries, or take a boat ride to Lokrum Island, or a cable car up to Mount Srd.

And these aren’t the only things to see in Dubrovnik. The surroundings are as interesting as the old town is. You can plan many day trips from Dubrovnik if you decide to base yourself here during your Croatia travels.

Nicknamed the “Pearl of Adriatic”, a beautifully-preserved Dubrovnik medieval old town is full of must-see attractions.

If you are staying in Dubrovnik for more than two days, Dubrovnik is a great base to make day trips to the surrounding areas.

The most popular activities in Dubrovnik include sea kayaking, cycling, cliff jumping, horseback riding, and various water sports like diving, fishing, and jet skiing.

With the abundance of fresh seafood, yummy Ston Bay oysters, fresh veggies from the agriculturally rich Konavle Valley, and sun-drenched wine-growing hills of the Peljesac peninsula, Dubrovnik is a foodie's dream destination.

This list of the best things to do in Dubrovnik will help you plan what to do in Dubrovnik whether you are staying here a day or longer.

And now it’s time to discover the best of Dubrovnik.

5 Top things to do in Dubrovnik

With its historic old town, lovely pebbly beaches, tiny islands in the vicinity, and wine-growing Konavle valley, Dubrovnik is one of the best-known and most visited towns in Croatia. It’s a perfect place to visit either for a day or longer.

Our family lives near Dubrovnik, and we visit it often, at least two, or three times a year. Sometimes we are discouraged by crowds, and high prices, but all in all, we always find Dubrovnik lovely and inspiring to explore and walk. And besides, the weather down south is always better than in Istria where we live.

In this post, we share the best things to do in Dubrovnik including top attractions, activities, and day tours. 

Attractions in Dubrovnik

Nicknamed the “Pearl of Adriatic”, a beautifully-preserved Dubrovnik medieval old town is full of must-see attractions. 

The town was established in the 7th century, but it prospered the most during its independence years, from the 14th to the 19th century. During this time, Dubrovnik was one of the most important maritime and trade centers in the Mediterranean and the world. For Dubrovnik, these were also times of prosperity in various forms of art and culture including architecture, literature, music, and science. Today’s attractions and places to see in Dubrovnik all date back to these times. 

If you plan to visit only one of Dubrovnik's must-see attractions, then visit the old town walls. 

Fort Lovrjenac, the only old town fortress located outside of the city walls, is one of the interesting places to see in Dubrovnik. 

Take the time to explore Dubrovnik's old town, its palaces, churches, monasteries, GoT filming locations, and quiet backstreets and alleys. Stradun, Dubrovnik old town’s main street, is lined with cafes, bars, and shops. Two main Dubrovnik palaces, Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace, are both Dubrovnik must-see places. Dubrovnik also features many museums and galleries worth exploring.

For the best views of the town, the Adriatic Sea, and the islands, take a cable car to Mount Srd. A protected natural reserve and a monument of landscape architecture, Lokrum island is a must-see while in Dubrovnik. 

Here are the most important places to see in Dubrovnik!

Old Town Walls

If you plan to visit only one of Dubrovnik's must-see attractions, then visit the old town walls.

At 35 € per adult (18+) and 15 € per child (7+), the ticket is quite pricey, but in my opinion, it is a must-do in Dubrovnik and still worth the money. You can buy tickets at the ticket office, just at the entrance of the walls, or online through Dubrovnik city walls' official website.

Two kilometers long, and consisting of 16 towers, 6 bastions, two corner fortifications, and three fortresses, they are Dubrovnik’s main attraction.

City walls date back to the 13th century, although the walls were also constantly reinforced in later years. They encircle the entire Dubrovnik old town. 

The visit starts at the entrance just after Pile Gate, to your left. The walk goes only in one direction, toward the sea. 

Once you climb atop of the walls, the walk on the walls isn’t that difficult, especially the first part until the tower of St. Luke. After the St. Luke Tower, the climb gets more serious, especially the part from Revelin to Minceta Tower. This is also the reason why many tour groups finish their visit at the St. Luke’s Tower which also serves as an auxiliary entrance/ exit to the town walls. 

However, we encourage you to do the entire round of the walls. Do it slowly, at your own pace. The views on the other side are spectacular, especially if you have spare energy to climb atop Minceta Tower – the highest point of Dubrovnik old town walls.  

Plan your visit as early or as late as possible to maximally avoid the crowds, and the heat (besides, the lights for photography are much better at that time of the day). Don’t forget to wear a hat, and sunscreen at all times. Bring also enough water with you, and a camera to take awesome photos of Dubrovnik's red roofs, old town, and the sea.

Working hours for Dubrovnik city walls | Jan, Feb: 10 am-3 pm | March, Nov, Dec: 9 am-3 pm | Apr, May: 9 am-6 pm | June, July: 8 am-7.30 pm | August, 15 Sept: 8 am-7 pm | 15 Sept, Oct:  9 am-6 pm 

Fort Lovrjenac

Fort Lovrjenac, the only old town fortress located outside of the city walls, is one of the interesting places to see in Dubrovnik. 

Fort Lovrjenac is a self-standing fort constructed on a 37m high cliff, named after st. Lawrence, and overlooking the old town and the sea. 

The fort is popular for four reasons. It served as a filming location for GoT.  It offers wonderful views over the old town from a different angle and perspective. It also serves as a stage for theater plays during Dubrovnik Summer Festival. And last, engraved on its walls is the famous motto of the Dubrovnik Republic: “Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro”. This Latin phrase translates into “Liberty isn’t sold for all the gold in the world”. 

There isn’t much to see within the fort, but the views alone are worth a visit. Also, a visit to Fort Lovrjenac is included in the price of a ticket for the town walls. 

The climb is steep. 

Stradun Street

Stradun is Dubrovnik old town’s main street. Locals also call it Placa. This cobblestone street is almost 300 m long and it is also the widest street of the old town. 

It connects two Dubrovnik landmarks: Onorfio’s Fountain near Pile Gate and Orlando’s Column near Sponza Palace. Other Dubrovnik attractions along Stradun Street include Franciscan Monastery, Church and the oldest operating pharmacy in the world at one end, and Sponza Palace, Saint Blaise Church, and Rector’s Palace on the other end of Stradun. 

Stradun is the main Dubrovnik promenade and it is lined with cafes, bars, restaurants and shops on both sides. It’s also a place where people gather for various celebrations, like the celebration of the town's patron Saint Blaise, or the New Year’s Eve. 

The reason behind similarly looking Baroque buildings along Stradun Street is the planned reconstruction that took place in Dubrovnik after the devastating 1667 earthquake. 

Finally, don’t leave Stradun without trying your hand at a popular Stradun ritual, one of the unusual things from Dubrovnik to do list. Try to climb and then stand still atop of a small mascaron ornament attached to the Franciscan Monastery’s facade. This act is believed to bring good luck. The ornament used to serve as a gutter for evacuating the water from the monastery, but today its purpose is purely decorative. 

Dubrovnik Old Town

Take the time to explore Dubrovnik's old town, its palaces, churches, monasteries, GoT filming locations, and quiet back streets and alleys.  

Built entirely of white stones, polished with age, the old town abounds in Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque palaces, churches, and monasteries.

Walk up and down the Placa (Stradun), Dubrovnik’s main street.

Visit the Rector’s Palace, once the siege of the government and the most important public building in Dubrovnik.

A former custom building, the Sponza Palace, constructed in 1520, houses today the town’s archive that keeps the most important documents about Dubrovnik’s history.

Get away from the crowd in the back streets of Dubrovnik, or relax while watching the sea and small boats in Dubrovnik’s old port.

Visit museums, churches, and the oldest operating pharmacy in Europe.

You can do a Dubrovnik walking tour on your own or you can also check out a guided Dubrovnik city tour.

There is also a private guided tour if you want to learn more about the town. Find the latest prices and full itinerary here.

Franciscan and Dominican Monasteries

Dubrovnik old town is home to two beautiful monasteries. Each monastery has an adjacent church. 

Franciscan Monastery is the more interesting of the two. Located right on Stradun Street, an unassuming facade hides real wonders: wonderful cloisters, the oldest operating pharmacy in the world, and an amazing library. 

Cloister consists of 120 columns and it encircles the oldest garden in Dubrovnik. The pharmacy has been in continuous operation since 1317. The library contains over 75.000 works including 20.000 books, 10.000 song notes, and many manuscripts. 

The entrance to the Franciscan Monastery is included in the Dubrovnik Card. Otherwise, it costs 5.4€ (5.8 $, 4.8 £).

Dominican monastery, on the other hand, is more austere, and it blends with fortification walls and buildings surrounding it. 

Dominican friary was established in Dubrovnik in 1225, but the monastery and church were constructed later, in the 14th century. 

The monastery also features a lovely cloister, an interesting library, and a museum. The cloister showcases splendid stonework, and it encircles a lovely landscaped garden.

The library has the oldest books catalog, “Cupientes emere libros”, from 1480. It also keeps Thomas Aquinas' commentary on Paul's epistles. 

The museum has an enviable art collection on display, including works of world-famous artists like Titian, Paolo Veneziano, Francesco di Maria, Lovro Dobričević, and others. 

The stairs leading to the western entrance to the Dominican complex have a curious story. The lower part of the stairs is completely enclosed so the men, standing on the street below the stairs, can’t look at the women’s ankles while they climb the stairs toward the church. Showing female ankles at the time was considered morally unacceptable.

The admission fee for the Dominican Monastery is 5.4 € (5.8 $, 4.8 £). 

Rector’s and Sponza Palaces

Two main Dubrovnik palaces, Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace, are both Dubrovnik must see places. 

Rector’s Palace once was the siege of the government and the most important public building in Dubrovnik. But it also served as the Rectors residence, a courtroom, and the council hall. Additionally, it featured the administration offices, a prison and arsenal, and gunpowder storage. The latter caused two major gunpowder explosions in 1435 and 1463. 

The inscription above the main entrance still reminds us of the days when the Palace was an important Government and administrative seat. It reads Obliti Privatorum Publica Curate (meaning Forget your private business, concern yourself with public affairs). 

We loved our visit to the Rector’s Palace because we are always interested in period architecture, furniture and imagining the way people lived. And Rector’s Palace offers some of that. 

Mainly constructed in Gothic style with some Renaissance and Baroque details that have been added later, the palace is absolutely gorgeous and full of photo-worthy details. 

A lovely inner courtyard is enriched with an ornate staircase leading to the upper floor. 

The Rector’s Palace houses today the Cultural-Historical museum. 

A former custom building, the Sponza Palace constructed in 1520 today houses the town's archive that keeps the most important documents about Dubrovnik’s history.

It is a fine example of Renaissance and Gothic styles. An interesting inscription above the main arch reads Fallere Nostra Vetant et Falli Pondera. Meqve Pondero Cvm Merces, Ponderat Ipse Devs (meaning: We are forbidden to cheat on weights. When we measure goods, the Lord measures with us.).  

Sponza Palace is one of the rare buildings in Dubrovnik that survived the devastating 1667 earthquake. 

Today Sponza Palace is used for various exhibitions, and also has a room dedicated to those who died defending the city during the Croatian Homeland War.  

Dubrovnik Museums

Dubrovnik is full of history, visible at every corner of the old town. But Dubrovnik also features many interesting museums worth exploring.

Our favorite museum is the Ethnographic museum Rupe. Tucked away in the back streets of the old town, and housed in the ancient granary, the Rupe museum features over 5.000 pieces showcasing Dubrovnik's social life, customs, and traditions of its people throughout history.

The tower Gornji Ugao was an original cannon foundry. It spreads over 600 m2, and it has preserved all parts of the production process. The Gornji Ugao museum is super interesting, and the guide makes a visit even more worthwhile.

Ships from the Dubrovnik Republic sailed all over the world and played an important role in the maritime, shipping, and trading industry of the middle ages. The Maritime Museum features many artifacts from Dubrovnik’s long maritime history. They include sextants, model ships, various historical sailing maps, and much more. This is a great place to spend an hour, and it gives you an insight into Dubrovnik's shipping and trading industry, from its beginnings to the end. 

The Historical and Cultural Museum is housed in Rector’s Palace. Here you can visit replicated Rector’s private quarters, dungeon, courtrooms, and state offices. There are also permanent and visiting exhibitions on display, including a display of coins, medals, coats of arms, jewelry, and pharmacy inventory. 

A recently opened Love Stories Museum attracts visitors with its unique exhibitions of love and romance. Through a series of unique items, the exhibitions tell love stories from movies and TV shows that were filmed in Dubrovnik; from the music through the people who were the inspiration for famous love songs; then local love stories and myths as well as a global collection of love stories donated by various people from all over the world.

Red History Museum brings an insight into what life was like during the socialist times in ex-Yugoslavia. It does so in an interesting, interactive way combining augmented reality, interactive audio, and good old role-playing (if you wish). It does so also in a humorous way. Get more info here!

Dubrovnik cable car

For the best views of the town, the Adriatic Sea, and the islands, take a cable car to the Srd Mountain. 

A cable car takes you from downtown Dubrovnik 778 m up to Mount Srd. The ride takes less than 5 minutes. Views from the top of the old town are wonderful. There is a cafe/bistro Panorama where you can have a drink or a bite while enjoying the views.

A round-trip ticket costs 26.54 € for adults and 6.64 € for kids (4 to 12 years old). The cable car operates from April to November. 

You can also decide to ride one way and walk the other day. People usually take a ride up and take a walk down the mountain. 

More info here. Or check this combo tour: Cable Car and Walking Tour

Lokrum Island

A protected natural reserve and a monument of landscape architecture, Lokrum island is a must-see while in Dubrovnik. 

A small island, just 600 m off the coast of Dubrovnik, Lokrum is also the largest park in Dubrovnik. 

Lokrum is a popular swimming spot and a place to spend a day away from the city, for locals and tourists alike.

Lokrum is open to the public from April through October. The boat departs from the old harbor, and the crossing takes 10 minutes.

A return ticket costs 26.54 € per adult. Children 5 to 15 years of age pay 3.98 €. You can buy a ticket on the spot.

Tip: If you purchase a Dubrovnik Card, you get a discount of 20% (3-day card), or 30% (7-day card).

Game of Thrones Filming Locations

If Dubrovnik has already been one of the most visited places in Croatia, then the Game of Thrones series made it even more popular. 

Many scenes from the HBO series were filmed in Dubrovnik. 

Fort Bokar was used in all seasons whenever you see people walking along the city walls of Kings Landing.

Scenes from Red Keep were filmed in Fort Lovrijenac.  

Quarth was filmed in Minceta Tower, Rector’s Palace, and some scenes even on Lokrum Island. 

Walk of Shame took place in many locations in town, including Jesuit Stairs, Dominican Street, and Ploce Gate. 

The circular steps of the Dominican Monastery are easily recognized from the protest speech against the Lannisters scene. 

Pile Harbor was used as a filming location in any of the scenes with boats departing from King's Landing, while Pile Gate served as a filming location for the riot in season 2, episode 6. 

The Purple Wedding was filmed in Gradac Park.

You can roam the old town and look for the Game of Thrones filming locations on your own. There are many sources on the internet that can help you find them. Check this map of Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik. 

However, there are also guided tours that have their advantages. The guides on these tours have often been extras on sets and can tell a few anecdotes from behind the scenes. Some of these tours take you also out of the old town, to filming locations like Trsteno Arboretum, Lokrum Island, or the abandoned Belvedere Hotel. 

We highly recommend booking the Game of Thrones Dubrovnik tour in advance. Trust us, this is the best Game of Thrones walking tour available and it sells quickly. The cost is 20 € (21 US$, 17 £).

If you would like to visit out-of-town filming locations as well, this Got Tour & Cruise takes you to Trsteno and the island of Lokrum. This splurge will set you back 39 € (42 US$, 34 £) per person.

Day tours from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik's main attractions can all be seen within two days, even within a day if you are pressed with time. However, if you are staying in Dubrovnik for more than two days, Dubrovnik is a great base to make day trips to the surrounding areas.

A visit to Mostar in Bosnia, and Kotor in Montenegro are two single most popular day trips from Dubrovnik.

If you like sandy beaches, hiking, swimming, and getting away from hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik for a day, or if you look for a really good restaurant in the vicinity of Dubrovnik, then visit Elafiti Islands for a day!

Those searching for off-the-beaten-path destinations love visiting the Peljesac peninsula on a day trip from Dubrovnik.

Birthplace of Marco Polo, Grk, and Posip wines, yummy food, and secluded beaches, Korcula Island is a must-do excursion from Dubrovnik.

Dubbed Croatia's greenest island, Mljet Island is a great place to visit from Dubrovnik if you enjoy nature. 

Neretva Valley is a beautiful part of Croatia, with its rugged hills, olive groves, mandarin orchards, rivers, channels, and large Neretva River estuary.

Mostar and Kravica Waterfalls

We love visiting Mostar. The old town is small but nicely preserved. It’s full of history, interesting ottoman architecture, mosques, oriental stores, and lovely restaurants, many with river views. The central point of the old town is the old bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mostar is 150 km far from Dubrovnik, so a one-day visit to the town is still doable. You should take a whole day for this trip. While 150 km isn’t that far, bear in mind that you can have some waiting time at the border in Metkovic when entering and exiting Bosnia and Herzegovina. Border controls are even more enforced since Croatian joined Schengen.

Due to the distances, and multiple border crossings, actually the best way to visit Mostar from Dubrovnik is on a guided coach tour.

Kotor, Montenegro

If you stay in Dubrovnik for a couple of days, visit Montenegro. Kotor town and Kotor Bay are within easy reach from Dubrovnik, and well worth a visit.

The walled old town of Kotor is full of history, and lovely medieval architecture, including churches, palaces, narrow cobbled streets, lively town squares, and cozy cafes.

You can also consider visiting Budva, the most popular seaside resort in Montenegro, and Lovcen National Park.

You can easily visit Montenegro on your own. However, if you don’t fancy driving in a foreign country, through the narrow and winding roads, plus you are budget-minded, you might consider booking this GROUP TOUR TO MONTENEGRO.

Cruise Elafiti Islands

Elafiti is a small archipelago off the coast of Dubrovnik. The archipelago consists of several islands, but only three of them are inhabited: Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan.

If you like sandy beaches, hiking, swimming, and getting away from hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik for a day, or if you look for a really good restaurant in the vicinity of Dubrovnik, then visit Elafiti Islands for a day!

Kolocep’s Villa Ruza, the restaurant Obala on the island of Lopud, and BOWA on Sipan Island are all great restaurants to have a meal at by the sea.

A private speedboat tour of the islands is the best way to explore the Elafiti. We did that back in 2014!

Otherwise, check these two boat tours to Elafiti Islands: Elafiti Islands Day Trip with Lunch from Dubrovnik, and Elafiti Islands Day Cruise on a Karaka Ship.

You can also visit Elafiti on a ferry from the port of Gruz.

Peljesac Peninsula

Those searching for off-the-beaten-path destinations love visiting the Peljesac peninsula on a day trip from Dubrovnik. This region is one of our favorite parts of Croatia. It still remains under the radar of many tourists, despite its vicinity to Dubrovnik, its famed red wines, wonderful beaches, and serving as the main gateway to Mljet and Korcula islands.

If you wish to visit Peljesac from Dubrovnik on your own, you’ll need a car (you can rent one for a day here). Plan a full day for this visit, and two days would even be better.

However, if you are short on time, or prefer not to drink and drive, look into this small-group tour of Peljesac & Korcula.

Korcula Island

Birthplace of Marco Polo, Grk, and Posip wines, yummy food, and secluded beaches, Korcula Island is a must-do excursion from Dubrovnik. Korcula Island is easily accessible from Dubrovnik.

Medieval architecture, laid-back vibe, beautiful nature, hidden beaches and coves, great food, and great wines, make Korcula Island one of the most popular, and most visited Croatian islands.

If you stay in Dubrovnik for more than two days, don't miss Korcula!

You can reach Korcula from Dubrovnik on a catamaran (June, July, and August), by car through the Peljesac peninsula, and then by taking a car ferry or a passenger boat across to Korcula.

But, the stress-free way to visit Korcula from Dubrovnik is on a guided group tour from Dubrovnik.

Mljet National Park

Dubbed Croatia's greenest island, Mljet Island is one of the great places to visit from Dubrovnik if you enjoy nature. Mljet is a small, and quiet island in southern Dalmatia. Mljet’s main attraction is the national park of the same name that covers the northeastern part of the island.

Admission to the national park is 20 € per adult from June through September, and 10 € in other periods (5 € discount if purchased in advance via Park's website). The boat ride will set you back an additional 5 € per person (return ticket). You can also rent bicycles in the park (not included in the ticket price). Hiking and swimming are popular activities in the park.

You can reach Mljet from Dubrovnik on a catamaran (July, and August), by car ferry from Prapratno on Peljesac to Sobra on Mljet Island, or by booking a group tour through tour agencies.

Book this group tour if you want to see the island’s highlights, without the need to navigate the complex world of the catamaran, ferry connections, or transfers on the island.

Neretva River Safari

Vera comes from Neretva Valley, and we absolutely love this region. It’s underrated, undiscovered, mostly agricultural, and very little touristy. Yet, Neretva Valley is a beautiful part of Croatia, with its rugged hills, olive groves, mandarin orchards, rivers, channels, and large Neretva River estuary.

The area is famed among kite surfers and bird watchers. It’s also popular for its distinctive regional food including frogs, and eels.

You can explore Neretva valley on a traditional boat. Many local restaurants offer a boat ride and even serve a meal aboard a boat. Restaurant Neretvanska kuca is one of such places.

Activities in Dubrovnik

People sometimes forget that Dubrovnik is a coastal town, on the shores of the beautiful Adriatic Sea. Besides culture and history, Dubrovnik also offers a wealth of outdoor activities.

The most popular outdoor activities in Dubrovnik include sea kayaking, cyclings, cliff jumping, horseback riding, and various water sports like diving, fishing, and jet skiing.

Konavle Valley, an interesting region about 30 km south of Dubrovnik, is the center of outdoor activities for people staying in Dubrovnik.

Sea kayaking offers a unique perspective on Dubrovnik's old town.

Whether you travel as a family with kids or as a couple, horseback riding is a wonderful activity to do in Dubrovnik. ATV-Quad ride is a fun way to explore the Dubrovnik countryside, and so is a buggy safari. Kojan Koral offers all three activities. Jeep safaris provide lots of fun on the dirt paths of Dubrovnik's countryside.

There are two zip-line courses in Dubrovnik, Panorama on Mount Srd above Dubrovnik, and DU the Wire, along the D8 road south of Dubrovnik. 

Rock climbing aficionados will be happy to know that Brgat climbing site near Dubrovnik offers 21 climbing routes of various difficulty levels.

The island of Lokrum is the most popular Dubrovnik cliff-jumping spot. Fly boards, stand-up paddle boards, and jet skis are all fun activities to enjoy in Dubrovnik.

Caves, wrecks, walls, and reefs await divers in waters around Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is also the best place in Croatia for deep-sea fishing. Other popular water activities include stand-up paddle boarding, fly-boarding, and jet-skiing.

For an enjoyable bicycle ride in Dubrovnik, you’ll need to get out of town. You’ll find popular cycling trails on Elafiti Islands and in Konavle.

Sea kayaking

You haven't experienced Dubrovnik unless you have seen it from the sea. Sea kayaking offers a unique perspective on Dubrovnik's old town, and it is one of the most popular ways to see Dubrovnik from the sea.

Make a tour of the old town, and kayak along Dubrovnik shores toward Banje or Sv. Jakov Beach, or further south to sea cave Betina Beach, or paddle across to Lokrum Island.

You can rent a kayak on all beaches near the old town (Sulic, Banje, Sveti Jakov), or you can book half-day and full-day sea kayaking tours.

Expect to pay around 30 € (32 US$, 26 £) for a day tour, and around 40 € (42 US$, 35 £) for the sunset tour.

Here are the most popular sea kayaking tours in Dubrovnik:

• Guided Sea Kayaking Tour to Lokrum Island
• Dubrovnik Sunset Sea Kayaking Tour

Horseback riding

Whether you travel as a family with kids or as a couple, horseback riding is a wonderful activity to do in Dubrovnik. One of the best horse riding centers in Croatia, Kojan Koral, is located in the small village of Radocici, just 30 km south of Dubrovnik.

Their horses are beautiful, and well cared for. The tour lasts two hours. The trail is 11 km long, and it takes you through forests, and along the rocky coastline.

The tour is suitable for beginners. It’s super relaxing. The price starts at 112 € (122 $, 100 £) per person, and it also includes wine and snacks upon your return to the ranch and a transfer to and from your accommodation.

Pero, the owner of the Kojan Koral, used to work with us on a cruise ship back in time.

If you feel more confident booking this tour with Viator, you can do it here.

ATV-Quad Safari

ATV-Quad ride is a fun way to explore Dubrovnik countryside. Our friends at Kojan Koral, besides horseback riding, also offer ATV-Quad Safari through Dubrovnik's countryside.

The tour starts at their premises, in the village of Radocici. After brief safety instructions, you embark on a 2.5-hour ride through a swamp, a river, hills, and meadows. Fresh fruit is served upon return.

The price is 80 € (87 US$, 70 £) per person for a two-person quad, and 93 € (100 US$, 82 £) per person if only one person takes a quad. The price includes a transfer to and from your accommodation.

You can also book this tour through Viator.

Jeep safari

Jeep safaris provide lots of fun on the dirt paths of Dubrovnik's countryside.

This tour takes you sightseeing through the Konavle region, from the flat terrain of Konavle Valley across streams of Ljuta River to cliffs rising high above the Adriatic sea along with villages of Radovcici and Popovici.

The tour also includes an off-road demonstration ride on a polygon, a visit to old watermills on the Ljuta River, and a snack and drinks in a local tavern.

Find more info about Jeep Safari in Dubrovnik here.

Buggy Safari

Buggy safari is a great way to explore Konavle Valley. This 4-hour Konavle discovery tour is one of the top Dubrovnik things to do.

From swamps, a river, forests, and open plains, to vineyards, old villages, hilltops, and rugged coastlines this tour takes you throughout Dubrovnik's countryside.

The tour starts at the Kojan Koral with the safety instructions. The views all along the paths are awesome. The ride itself is only 2-hour long. It is interesting and suitable for people of all ages.

CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY.

Zipline

There are two zip-line courses in Dubrovnik, Panorama on Mount Srd above Dubrovnik, and DU the Wire, along the D8 road south of Dubrovnik. 

Panorama Zipline, located just above Dubrovnik's old town, atop Mount Srd, offers a zip line experience with amazing views over the old town of Dubrovnik and the sea. They have two wires and allow two rides on each of them. The price is 45 € (49 US$, 40 £) per person, including the transfer to and from the site. Check availability for the Panorama Zip Line Experience here!

Du The Wire, located in Dubac, 4 km south of Dubrovnik, offers the longest zip line experience above the Adriatic Sea. The wire is 900 m long, with an altitude of 175 m. The superman position ensures amazing views, and speeds of up to 100 Km/h. It takes you over the forest canopy, rocky cliffs, and the Adriatic Sea. The views are simply breathtaking. Prices and other information about DU The Wire!

Rock climbing

Rock climbing aficionados will be happy to know that Brgat climbing site near Dubrovnik offers 21 climbing routes of various difficulty levels. The routes are 9 m to 15 m long. Graded from 4A to 7B, they are suitable for beginners.

YOU CAN BOOK THIS EXPERIENCE IN ADVANCE THROUGH OUR PARTNER.

Dubrovnik cliff jumping

Dubrovnik cliff jumping attracts many young tourists in search of some adrenalin rush. The most popular cliff-jumping spot is near the Buza Bar. However, cliff jumping at Buza is also a cause of the majority of fatalities and injuries in Dubrovnik in the last years, as more tourists started taking a dive here. So, please be careful!

The island of Lokrum is the most popular Dubrovnik cliff-jumping spot. Clif diving here is also safer than in the town. The entire coastline here is rocky, and there are lots of spots for cliff diving. Cliffs range from a few meters to 20 m in height. And many have ladders to climb up from the sea.

Jet Ski

What better way to explore the coast around Dubrovnik than riding around on a jet ski?

Jet Ski Rental is located on the Lapad peninsula, and Gari transfer is just across the bridge toward Mokosica (Gari transfer, being out of the town, offers a pick-up and drop-off to your desired location).

The prices start at 80 € (87 US$, 70 £) for a 30-minute rent, to 215 € (233 US$, 190 £) for a 4-hour rent. If renting for a half-day or full-day, count on spending an additional 90-120 € for fuel.

Both companies also offer jet ski safaris. On these safaris, you join a group tour with a local guide who will show you all the highlights.

YOU CAN ALSO RENT A JET SKI OR JET SKI SAFARI TOUR THROUGH VIATOR.

Scuba diving

Caves, wrecks, walls, and reefs await divers in waters around Dubrovnik. The most popular sites include caves, walls, and house reefs in the sea near the hotel Dubrovnik Palace, Cape Bezdan, and Jabuka on the island of Kolocep, waters around Lokrum Island, and islands off the coast of Cavtat.

Blue Planet diving put together a list with a detailed description of all major diving sites in and around Dubrovnik.

You can check out here 1-Day Discover Scuba Diving Course or 1 Dive for Certified Divers.

Deep-sea fishing

If there is one place to go deep-sea fishing in Croatia, then it must be Dubrovnik. The Adriatic Sea is generally very shallow, and it only gets deeper in the southern part of Croatia. And this makes Dubrovnik the best place for deep-sea fishing.

The guys behind Dubrovnik's deep fishing tours know the area in and out. Their local knowledge helps increase the chances of successful fishing. The best time to go deep-sea fishing is from late August on, as it’s tuna and bonito fishing season.

Prices start at 120 € per person (with a full capacity of 4). Check availability and prices here.

Fly board

A fly board can add some fun to your Dubrovnik trip. Few places offer fly board experience in Dubrovnik: Jet Ski Rent, and Dubrovnik Water Sports, to mention a few.

The fly board propels you up to 15 m into the air, so you’ll feel like flying.

Prices start at 65 € (70US$, 57 £) for a 20-minute flight.

SUP

Paddleboarding is fun! However, it seems that stand-up paddles still haven’t hit Dubrovnik. We found SUP rentals in nearby Cavtat and Zaton. At 12€ (13US$, 10 £) per hour, there is no excuse not to take on paddleboarding while in Dubrovnik. You should be able to easily reach Cavtat and Zaton by public transportation.

Cycling in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik town doesn't offer lots of cycling opportunities. Dubrovnik is hilly and it also gets too much car traffic to enjoy cycling in town. The town doesn't have dedicated cycling paths. Thus, it is not easy to cycle in Dubrovnik. However, you can do some decent recreational cycling on the Lapad peninsula.

For an enjoyable bicycle ride in Dubrovnik, you’ll need to get out of town. You’ll find popular cycling trails on Elafiti Islands and in Konavle.

You can cycle both, the Elafiti islands and Konavle, on your own. Or, you can also book a group cycling tour to Elafiti, or get to know Dubrovnik countryside with this Konavle Biking and Culture Discovery Tour. 

Escape Room Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Escape Room offers two distinctive escape games. Both have similar rules: 2 to 5 players, a 60-minute time slot to find clues, solve the puzzle, and get you out of the room. However, themes differ: in one you are trying to save the kingdom, and in the other, you help find the hidden treasure while learning about the history of Dubrovnik.

The prices go from 24 € (26 US$, 21 £) to 30 € (32 US$, 26 £) per person, depending on the number of players, and season.

Cadmos Village Adventures

Cadmos Village Adventure Park is a perfect place in Dubrovnik for families with children to spend an active day out. Located in the forest near the village of Komaji, just a 30-minute drive from Dubrovnik, Cadmos Village offers a three-level adventure course, four zip lines, a giant swing, archery, and paintball. The place is run by two friends, and they built it from scratch.

Cadmos Village also offers accommodation in a tree house, constructed on a 50 m2 wooden platform of the oak tree. It’s fully equipped and comfy with its own bathroom and kitchen. The outdoor terrace is amazing, featuring deck chairs, but also a hammock (I am a big fan of hammocks!). Prices start at 100 € a night in high season, and the treehouse can accommodate 6 persons.

Best things to do in Dubrovnik for foodies

With the abundance of fresh seafood, yummy Ston Bay oysters, fresh veggies from the agriculturally rich Konavle Valley, and sun-drenched wine-growing hills of the Peljesac peninsula, Dubrovnik is a foodie's dream destination.

Embarrassed (NOT!) to say that more often than not Vera and I travel to eat. We love architecture, we love meeting locals, we love nature and outdoor activities, but above all, we really love to eat.

So if you are a little bit like us, below you will find a couple of ideas on what to do in Dubrovnik for foodies.

A variety of restaurants for all budgets and styles awaits those who like to explore the food scene in Dubrovnik.

Three wine-growing areas are within easy reach of Dubrovnik: Konavle Valley, Peljesac peninsula, and Komarna. When in Dubrovnik, don't miss tasting local wines.

If you would like to taste local craft beer from Dubrovnik, head to the Dubrovnik Beer Company.

The best way to enjoy summer in Dubrovnik is with a yummy ice cream in your hands!

The two cliff bars on the outer side of the town walls, Buza 1 and Buza 2, are really unique to Dubrovnik, so don't miss them!

Check daily offers, feel the pulse of the city, and observe locals as they go about their day at Dubrovnik's farmer markets.

Eat like a king

Indulge in the variety of cuisines, dishes, and foods while staying in Dubrovnik. The food scene in Dubrovnik is everything but boring. A variety of restaurants for all budgets and styles awaits those who like to explore local food offerings in Dubrovnik.

Typical Dubrovnik dishes include octopus, shellfish, squids, and various grilled or baked Adriatic fish, like John Dory, sea bass, sea bream, and greater amberjack. But, there are also various international cuisines to choose from.

Don’t miss fresh and elegant seafood at the Oyster and Sushi Bar Bota, a fusion of Croatian and Asian dishes at the Azur, great value for money and friendly service at The Gaffe Pub, the classical Mediterranean at the Proto, and laid back atmosphere and simple but tasty seafood dishes at Glorijet, or at no-frills Konoba Tabak locals' favorite places for a marenda (light lunch).

Read our full post on the best restaurants in Dubrovnik Croatia. Or check out this lovely food and wine tour of the town.

Taste local wines

Wine is super popular in all of Croatia. And Dubrovnik is no exception. Three wine-growing areas are within easy reach of Dubrovnik: Konavle Valley, Peljesac peninsula, and Komarna. When in Dubrovnik, don't miss tasting local wines.

Wine-growing Konavle Valley lies just 20 km south of Dubrovnik, and it's famed for the white wine Malvasija Dubrovacka.

Up north, 30 km from Dubrovnik, lies the Peljesac peninsula, famed for its Plavac mali grape, an offspring of Zinfandel & Dobricic. The best Croatian reds are Dingac and Postup, both made of Plavac mali grapes grown on the south slopes of Peljesac.

Komarna is the youngest Croatian wine region, and it lies just 70 km north of Dubrovnik. The wineries offer great reds and beautiful scenery.

When in Dubrovnik, you can taste local wines at Wine Bar D'Vino which has a good choice of Croatian wine by the glass. Skar Winery, a small winery near the marina in Lapad, is the only winery in the town and definitely worth a visit for all wine aficionados.

If you have time, we highly recommend visiting local producers in the wine-growing regions of Konavle Valley and Peljesac Peninsula. Our favorite wineries near Dubrovnik include Karaman Winery in Konavle, Milos Winery, and Saints Hills Winery in Peljesac.

Tour the brewery

If you would like to taste local craft beer from Dubrovnik, head to the Dubrovnik Beer Company. The brewery and the taproom are both located in the former salt storage in the port of Gruz.

The brewery offers organized guided tours of the facilities. It goes without saying that the visit ends with a tasting of DBC's four craft beers: Maestral, Goa, Fortunal, and Grego.

The price per person is 55 € (60 US$, 48 £) and it includes a brewery tour (approx. 40 min), followed by craft beer sampling accompanied by a light snack (charcuterie, cheese, bread).

This tour is available daily, at 5.30 pm, from February through October. The taproom is open daily from February through December.

Have a drink at Dubrovnik cliff bar

The two cliff bars on the outer side of the town walls, Buza 1 and Buza 2, are really unique to Dubrovnik, so don't miss them! You pass through a small passage, a hole in the wall really, and end up outside of the town walls. Bars are really just narrow cemented platforms, with tables and chairs. Service is not the best, drinks are expensive, and it is cash only. However, the location is cozy, and romantic with stunning views.

Have a drink, cliff jump in blue Adriatic (or better not for your own safety), or watch the sunset over the sea.

Have an ice cream

The best way to enjoy summer in Dubrovnik is with a yummy ice cream in your hands! You'll notice ice cream parlors on every corner of the old town. But Dolce Vita, in particular, is famed for its creamy ice creams, and yummy crêpes. Tucked away in a side street, just off the Stradun, Dubrovnik's main street, Dolce Vita is equally frequented by locals and tourists.

It offers 28 different flavors of ice cream, a selection of homemade cakes, and awesome pancakes with a choice of different toppings.

Visit Green Market

Check daily offers, feel the pulse of the city, and observe locals as they go about their day at Dubrovnik's farmer markets. Dubrovnik has two open-air green markets: one is in the Gruz neighborhood, and another one is in the old town, at Gunduliceva Poljana, just behind Stradun, the old town's main street.

The market is open daily until 1 pm. Go early in the morning to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. This can especially be handy if you are staying at an apartment in the old town.

Half-day tours and boat trips in Dubrovnik

If you don't stay in Dubrovnik long enough to take advantage of some full-day tours, you can still visit interesting places, and attractions, and have new experiences in and around Dubrovnik.

Don't miss boat trips to Dubrovnik! Panoramas are amazing, and so are the small islands, bays, and beaches around.

Sunset cruise

Dubrovnik is gorgeous from the sea. Whether you decide to sea kayak around the old town, rent a motorboat, or book a sunset cruise, you'll enjoy magnificent views of the old town, and the city walls.

We highly recommend a sunset dinner cruise aboard Karaka, a true replica boat, a galleon from the time of the Dubrovnik Republic, and its seafaring golden age.

The tour includes a 2.5-hour cruise around the old town, and the island of Lokrum, a glass of sparkling wine, and a buffet dinner aboard.

INTERESTED? SAVE ON THIS TOUR BY BOOKING EARLY!

Visit Dubrovnik’s haunted island

Well, if you like those bizarre stories, and like to visit off-the-beaten-path locations, Daksa, a small uninhabited island off the coast of Dubrovnik can be a real find. Yet, only if you find someone willing to take you there. As very few locals do.

If you are interested in Daksa, Darmon Richter shares his experience of visiting Daksa over at Ex Utopia Blog.

Enjoy Dubrovnik panorama from the sea

There is no view over Dubrovnik, like a view from the sea. There are a few ways to take a panorama of Dubrovnik from the sea.

You can book a cruise around the old town, preferably at sunset. However, this is the most expensive option.

Another idea is to hop on big boats, exclusively for panorama, or as a part of another boat tour (like one to Elafiti islands), and then enjoy Dubrovnik panorama as you sail away from the old port.

Third, and the cheapest option is to hop on a boat to Lokrum. This option will set you back 25 €, but the views are also limited, because the boat doesn’t make a ride around the old town, but rather southwest toward Lokrum. This way, you’ll only see the south part of the walls.

Capture the moment

Dubrovnik is a picture-perfect town, and it offers ample possibilities for photo shooting. However, with all those crowds, tricky light in the compact old town, and narrow streets, taking a nice photo of you can prove difficult. You can snap photos yourself, using a selfie pole, or you can simply make a professional do it for you.

Prices start at 250 US$ for a 30-minute photo shoot.

Trsteno Arboretum

This beautiful botanical garden dates back to the late 15^th century. Ship captains brought various plants from their worldwide travels and planted them in Trsteno Arboretum.

Protected as a monument of landscape architecture, Trsteno Arboretum is a peaceful oasis just 20 km north of the old town of Dubrovnik.

You can spend a couple of hours walking through the gardens and enjoying the views.

Trsteno Arboretum also served as a filming location for HBO’s Games of Thrones. It doubled as Red Keep Palace gardens in King’s Landing.

You can reach Trsteno by local bus on your own, or you can visit Arboretum as a part of the Game of Thrones walking tour.

Sokol Tower

A large, fortified tower, Sokol Grad lies just a 30-minute drive from Dubrovnik. It was first opened to visitors in 2013 after extensive restoration works.

The site has an interesting history; some artifacts found their date back to Bronze times. However, in 1420 the site became a part of the Dubrovnik Republic, and the tower was erected to today’s size.

The restoration is excellent. You can really easily imagine what the everyday life of the 15th-century soldiers stationed there looked like.

You can also see different weaponry including original canons.

Ticket costs 10 € per adult, and 5 € per child  (5 to 18).

Read our full post on our visit to Sokol Tower.

Explore Vjetrenica cave

Vjetrenica Cave is located in neighboring Bosnia & Herzegovina, just 40 km northeast of Dubrovnik. Full of stalactites, stalagmites, halls, galleries, corridors, and many underground streams, and lakes, Vjeternica cave is the largest cave in this area and one of the richest caves in the world in terms of biodiversity. The adult ticket cost 15 KM (around 7.7 € / 8 US$ / 6.6 £). The tour takes 40 to 60 minutes.

You can visit the cave on your own or on a private tour of Vjetrenica Cave from Dubrovnik.

Free things to do in Dubrovnik

When it comes to food, drink, accommodation, and activities, Dubrovnik is one of the most expensive towns in Croatia. However, not all things to do in Dubrovnik need to cost a lot. Sometimes it isn't even about the money. Sometimes you simply want to kick back and relax.

Whether you look for exploring Dubrovnik on a budget or you simply want to slow down and take it easy, here are a few more ideas on what to do in Dubrovnik for free.

Beach time

While many people visit Dubrovnik for its historical and cultural sites, don't forget that this Croatian gem is located right at the Adriatic.

Soak in the sun on many beaches in and around Dubrovnik. Here is our full post on the best beaches in Dubrovnik.

Art time with Stjepko

Among a load of shops in Dubrovnik's old town selling Game-of-Thrones-inspired t-shirts, other memorabilia, and cheap souvenirs, it's a real refreshment to stop by Stjepko Mamic's gallery. Stjepko is a sea captain, turned painter, whose paintings of fish and the underwater world are vibrant, and vivid.

This little gallery is worth visiting even if you don't plan to buy any paintings.

Where to find the gallery? Address: Celestina Medovica 2, Dubrovnik | Phone: +385 95 906 1703 | Website

People watch

The old port is our favorite spot to chill out, and people-watch in Dubrovnik.

Located in the east part of the town, the old port is an excellent place to relax, watch the world go by, and take a walk along the Porporela breakwater.

The old port was built in the 15th century and completed in the 16th century.

Chase the views

Dubrovnik simply calls for photos. And then, it calls for some more. However, good photos require some planning. And part of the planning is to find a perfect location for a photoshoot.

City walls are perfect for taking a lovely photo of Dubrovnik’s red roofs, the main street, some close-ups, and hidden spots that you normally don’t see but from the bird’s perspective.

Just out of the Pile Gate, past Hilton Hotel, and then up the hill, you’ll find Gradac Park. This is a lovely little park and a good place to chill out from the crowds. However, from the parking next to the park, you can also snap a few nice photos of Lovrjenac Fort. This fort is doubled as the Red Keep in HBO’s Game of Thrones series.

Park Orsula is our favorite place to enjoy panoramic views over Dubrovnik’s old town. We recommend taking a walk along the sea, via Vlaho Bukovac Street all the way to Orsula Park. Views are spectacular all along, but this Dubrovnik neighborhood is also interesting to explore.

Also, don’t forget the Srd mountain. The views from the top are spectacular. You can reach the top by walking, by car, or by cable car.

There are also a few restaurants in Dubrovnik that offer amazing views, like Stara Loza’s rooftop terrace, or Prora beach restaurant at the Hotel Excelsior.

Old Napoleon’s road

We love taking a small detour when driving down to Dubrovnik. In the village of Slano, we climb up the hill, to the old road built in the time of Napoleon. The road is narrow but asphalted throughout. It goes from Slano to Trsteno. It takes you up the hill where views over the sea and surrounding islands are spectacular.

Visit Konavle Valley

Despite a great number of visitors that visit Dubrovnik every year, Konavle valley manages to remain an authentic and peaceful place away from the crowds, yet only a 30-minute drive from the old town of Dubrovnik.

Here you’ll find quaint villages, beautiful nature, traditional architecture (pay attention to interesting conical chimneys!), good local restaurants, and wine and olive oil producers.

Konavle is also famed for its embroidery. It can only be made of local silk that has been produced in Konavle for centuries. You can actually buy some of it in Dubrovnik from a local lady – Kate who sells and demonstrates traditional Konavle embroidery on the stairs near Dominican Monastery.

Prevlaka Nature Park

The Prevlaka peninsula is the southernmost part of Croatia. It overlooks Montenegro and the town of Herceg Novi. The area is also a protected nature reserve.

Prevlaka sees very few visitors. But, it’s a lovely place to visit for nature aficionados, if you like hiking, cycling, or exploring old abandoned former military buildings and fortresses. Add to that complete peace and quiet, and wonderful views over Montenegro and you have a winning formula for a perfect day out not far from Dubrovnik.

You can reach easily Prevlaka by car from Dubrovnik. Just follow the signs for the border crossing to Montenegro. As you come closer to the border you’ll see multiple signs pointing to the Prevlaka peninsula.

Further reading

• Start planning your travel to Dubrovnik with our Dubrovnik Travel Guide.
• Find where to stay in Dubrovnik with our Dubrovnik accommodation guide.
• Find out the best Dubrovnik beaches here.
• Where to eat in Dubrovnik: our guide to the best restaurants in Dubrovnik
• Things to do in Dubrovnik beyond the city walls
• 14 Day Trips From Dubrovnik
• Best time to visit Dubrovnik
• A wine-tasting tour of Dubrovnik
• Exploring Dubrovnik's surroundings, the Sokol Grad Tower
• Elafiti islands, island hopping around Dubrovnik archipelago
• Planning to travel to Split? Here is our guide on how to get from Dubrovnik to Split.
• Split or Dubrovnik: Where to go first?

We hope you've enjoyed our post on top things to do in Dubrovnik. As always, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please leave them in the comments below.