We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Dubrovnik is a historic city near the Adriatic Sea on Croatia’s southern coast. It is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” because of its breathtaking beauty and well-preserved medieval architecture. Its historic walls encompass a maze of cobblestone streets, red-roofed buildings, and hidden courtyards.
The Romans established the city in the 7th century. Over the centuries, it grew into a prominent maritime city-state and an important trading center. The city thrived as part of the Republic of Ragusa, achieving independence and remaining free for centuries.
Today, Dubrovnik is a lively town that attracts tourists from all over the world. It is a popular vacation destination for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts because of its mild climate, clear waters, and magnificent natural beauty.
Throughout the year, Dubrovnik organizes various cultural events, festivals, and
performances showcasing art, music, theater, and more. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival is particularly well-known for its comprehensive and high-quality program. If you can visit during these festival months, do not miss the chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant and enchanting atmosphere of Dubrovnik’s festivals.
To learn more about this beautiful city, I’ll walk you through the must-see attractions and must-try activities that you should do in Dubrovnik in this Port Guide! Whether you decide to book an excursion or explore on your own, there is lots to do in Dubrovnik!
What to See and Do in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s Old Town
The Old Town of Dubrovnik is the heart of this captivating Croatian city, and it stands as a beautiful tribute to its rich history and cultural legacy. The Old Town of Dubrovnik is enclosed by stone walls built between the 11th and 17th centuries.
The Old Town features a charming mix of architectural styles representing the city’s historical heritage. Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings coexist, containing intriguing museums, palaces, cathedrals, and monasteries.
As you stroll through the small streets, you’ll come across various restaurants, cafes, and konobas (taverns) serving excellent Croatian cuisine, ranging from fresh fish and luscious meats to locally grown vegetables and renowned Dalmatian wines. You can also wander the charming streets to find a wealth of stores selling traditional crafts, one-of-a-kind souvenirs, and handmade products that will serve as great souvenirs for your visit.
Walk the City Walls
When you visit Dubrovnik, don’t miss walking around the beautiful city walls surrounding its historic core! These walls were built between the 12th and 17th centuries and are still well preserved. They stretch for about 2 kilometers and have 16 towers, with the grand Sveti Ivan Tower guarding the entrance to the old harbor of Porporela. Dubrovnik City Walls were built entirely around the Old Town of Dubrovnik and along the beach to protect the city from pirates and other intruders.
You can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and the city from the walls. Along the way, you’ll find informative exhibits and signboards that share the history of Dubrovnik and the significance of the city walls in defending the city over the years.
A sunset walk along the walls is a truly magical experience. As the sun sets, it casts a warm glow over the Old Town, creating a charming and picturesque atmosphere that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Fort Lovrijenac
Fortress Lovrijenac is one of the most stunning places in Dubrovnik. It sits on a 37-meter-high cliff overlooking the sea. The people of Dubrovnik built the fort to protect the city’s western sea access from the Venetian fleet.
Construction of the fortress began in 1018 and took several centuries to complete. The walls facing the sea are incredibly thick, ranging from 4 to 12 meters. Above the main entrance, you’ll find a Latin inscription that reads “Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro,” which means “Freedom is not to be sold for all the gold in the world.” This motto represents Dubrovnik’s strong commitment to preserving its independence and freedom.
Today, Fort Lovrijenac is a versatile cultural facility. It hosts various events, plays, and concerts, making it a popular spot for theater and culture enthusiasts. The fortress is a historical gem and offers breathtaking views of the coastline, providing a mesmerizing experience where you can delve into Dubrovnik’s fascinating past.
Visit Lokrum Island
Lokrum is a charming island just a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik Old Town. Many locals and tourists love to take day trips here. Spending a day or even just a few hours on the island can be a delightful experience. It’s covered in lush greenery, like pine, cypress, and olive trees, offering a peaceful escape and shade, especially on hot summer days.
The island is a haven for nature lovers, with peacocks, rabbits, and other wildlife roaming freely. During your visit, you can explore the Benedictine Monastery and its beautiful grounds and hike along various trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Lokrum is a fantastic day trip destination from Dubrovnik, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical attractions.
Ride the Cable Car
The Dubrovnik Cable Car is a thrilling and popular attraction that offers stunning panoramic views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic coast. It’s an easy and exciting way to reach the summit of Mount Srd, which overlooks the city.
The cable car ride takes only three and a half minutes to reach the top of the hill, covering a distance of 778 meters and stopping at a station 405 meters above sea level. The cabins are spacious, seating up to 30 people, making the ride comfortable and enjoyable.
At the summit of Mount Srd, there’s a panoramic restaurant where you can enjoy drinks or a meal while taking in the breathtaking views. You’ll also find various viewing platforms and binoculars to immerse yourself in the scenery fully.
The cable car’s base station is conveniently located outside the Ploce Gate, just outside the Old Town. It’s easily accessible on foot, and public buses and taxis are available to take you to the cable car entrance. Some ticket options may include the cable car ride and admission to Fort Imperijal.
The Dubrovnik Cable Car operates throughout the year, so you can experience breathtaking views no matter when you plan to visit.
PRO TIP: Reserve your tickets using the app to avoid the long ticket lines!
Dubrovnik Cathedral
The Dubrovnik Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, was built in the 12th century. Legend has it that Richard the Lionheart donated funds for its construction after surviving a shipwreck off the coast of Dubrovnik in 1192. The current cathedral was built between 1673 and 1713, replacing the former cathedral destroyed in an earthquake in 1667.
The cathedral has a beautiful design with three naves and a domed roof. Its front facade
features a main entryway flanked by four Corinthian columns. Above the entry, you’ll find a wide Baroque window with a triangular roof and saint sculptures on a railing. Inside, there’s a high nave with two aisles and massive columns. The cathedral has three apses and a Baroque dome at the intersection of the nave and transepts. You’ll also find several altars.
One of the cathedral’s notable features is that it houses the relics of Saint Blaise, the city’s patron saint. The people of Dubrovnik deeply cherish Saint Blaise, and his feast day, February 3rd, is a significant event on the city’s calendar.
Game of Thrones Tour
A Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik allows fans of the iconic TV show to visit the real-life places that served as the backdrop for King’s Landing, Westeros’ capital city. Due to its characteristic red-roofed houses, old fortifications, and breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, it has also become known as King’s Landing, the capital of the seven kingdoms in HBO’s blockbuster TV show.
Join an expert local guide who will take you on an exciting journey through Westeros’ capital. Explore famous filming locations like Cersei’s Walk of Shame, Red Keep, Blackwater Bay, and more. Prepare for fantastic photo opportunities and chances to recreate your favorite show scenes. You can even sit on the Iron Throne replica, dress up in Game of Thrones costumes, and immerse yourself in the wonder of the series in real-life settings.
Game of Thrones tours usually last two to three hours, depending on the route and number of locations visited. You can choose between group tours, where you’ll join fellow fans, or private tours for a more personalized experience and flexible schedule.
Get ready to step into the world of Westeros and relive the magic of this epic TV show in the very places where it was brought to life!
Wine Tasting
If you’re up for a fun activity in Dubrovnik, don’t miss going on a wine-tasting adventure!
Dubrovnik boasts a rich tradition of wine production, making it the perfect place to sample some delightful wines.
Wine tastings are offered at various wineries and vineyards in and around the city. Some of these wineries have been in the same family for generations, adding a touch of history and tradition to the experience. Many wineries also use traditional wine cellars to age and store their wines, creating a unique and charming atmosphere for tastings and a chance to learn about wine-making.
During a Dubrovnik wine tasting, you’ll have the guidance of experts who will introduce you to the region’s wines, explain their unique characteristics, and share insights about the local wine culture. You’ll get to sample different types of wine, including reds, whites, rosés, and dessert wines. Each variety will have distinct flavors that showcase the region’s unique terroir.
Some wine tastings may even include food pairings, where local delicacies complement the wines, enhancing the overall tasting experience. So, if you’re a wine enthusiast or just curious about trying something new, don’t miss out on the wonderful world of Dubrovnik’s wines.
Kayaking
If you’re looking for a unique and exciting way to explore Dubrovnik’s stunning coastline,
kayaking is the perfect choice. Kayaking lets you get close to the city’s beautiful
shoreline, crystal-clear waterways, and hidden coves. As you paddle along, you’ll discover secluded beaches, hidden caves, and small rocky islets where you can swim or explore the area’s natural wonders.
Don’t worry about your skill level – whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, kayaking in Dubrovnik is suitable for everyone. Most tours are guided by trained experts who will provide safety tips and helpful kayaking advice. Consider a sunset kayaking tour if you want a romantic and unforgettable experience.
Kayaking in Dubrovnik is a fantastic way to stay active and witness the city’s natural beauty from a new perspective. It’s an adventure you won’t forget!
Betina Cave Beach
Betina Cave Beach is a hidden gem just twenty meters from the road, tucked away behind strong and majestic rocky coast vaults. Although the beach is small, measuring only thirty by thirty meters, it offers a unique experience with a mix of pebbles and fine sand.
The coastline boasts sparkling turquoise waters, making it a picturesque spot.
Be aware that the pebbles can be sharp, so wearing special shoes is recommended when entering the water. While this beach is perfect for lonely travelers and those seeking relaxation, it can get crowded during peak season.
On sunny days, the water is pristine and a beautiful shade of blue. However, swimming can be challenging due to the sharp rocky bottom and varying depths. It’s essential to be careful to avoid any problems.
To access Betina Cave Beach, you’ll need to take a boat or kayak from the sea, as there are no trails or steps leading to the beach.
Know Before You Go to Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Weather
Most cruises along the Adriatic Sea will take place from April to October. Keep in mind that July and August can be sweltering and crowded. I visited in early October, and the weather was perfectly mild and enjoyable.
Dubrovnik Currency
As part of the European Union, Croatia uses the Euro. Ensure you’ve exchanged your currency for some Euros to pay for entry fees and transportation. Credit cards are accepted in most places.
Getting Around Dubrovnik
Many cruise ships will offer some kind of shuttle to the Pile Gate, the start of your Old Town exploration. Several local buses stop near the Pile Gate to return to the cruise dock. A little ticket vendor sells bus tickets and can provide information on which bus to take to get back. This was the most straightforward public transportation to use on my Adriatic Cruise.
Those a little gun-shy about public transportation can opt for a taxi, which should cost about $15 each way. Make sure you negotiate the price in advance. Several passengers got together to split a cab to the Pile Gate so that we could divide the price amongst ourselves.
PRO TIP: The marble streets can be slippery and uneven, and there are a lot of steps outside of the main street of Old Town, making it a difficult spot to visit for those with mobility issues.
Final Thoughts on Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is just as pretty in person as it is in photos. The Old Town is magnificent, though getting around is difficult for those with mobility issues. The streets are made of marble (really!), so they can be uneven and slippery at times. But wow, what a fabulous stop along your Adriatic Sea cruise!
Check out these other related posts:
- A First-Time Visitor’s Guide to Venice
- What to Do in Trieste, Italy
- Port Day Guide to Saranda, Albania
- Port Day Guide to Civitavecchia, Italy
Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.