15 Unforgettable Things To Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia!

Between its medieval walls and sparkling sea views, Dubrovnik might just be one of the most jaw-dropping cities in Croatia, or maybe in all of Europe. But it’s not just pretty, it’s also packed with incredible activities, tours, and landmarks to explore!

My best friend and I spent 3 nights in Dubrovnik and packed in as much as physically possible during our trip. Some of our favorite things we did included swimming in Pile Bay, walking the City Walls, and visiting Lokrum Island!

In this blog post, I’ll break down all the top things to do in Dubrovnik for first-timers, including popular sights and some hidden gems, so you can plan your perfect trip to Dubrovnik!

I’ve also included some other tips for visiting Dubrovnik like where to stay, how many days you need, and more. I promise you won’t regret visiting the Pearl of the Adriatic!

Quick Mini Guide to Croatia

Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Croatia to help plan your epic adventure!

Where to Stay:
– City Walls Irundo (our adorable seaside apartment in Dubrovnik!)
– Luxury Rooms Skyfall (gorgeous apartment in Split with perfect location!)

Best Time to Visit: Mid to late September for low crowds and perfect weather!

Things to Do:
– Blue Cave Tour from Split (see 5 islands in one day!)
– Epic Game of Thrones Tour (a must for GoT fans!)
– Krka Waterfalls with Boat Cruise (one of Split’s top day trips)

check out all of my croatia blog posts here!

#1. Walk the Old Town City Walls

If you only do one thing in Dubrovnik, this should be it!! Walking the Old Town City Walls is the best way to see the city’s layout, soak in panoramic views of the sea, and understand the history that shaped Dubrovnik into what it is today.

The walls were built between the 13th and 16th centuries to defend the city from invaders, and they’re incredibly well preserved.

The full loop wraps around the entire Old Town, stretching about 1.2 miles (2 km), and includes a series of towers and forts you can climb along the way, including Fort Bokar and the iconic Minceta Tower.

The main entrance to the Walls is right inside Pile Gate, but there are other access points near Ploče Gate and the Maritime Museum. Tickets cost around €35 per person, or you can get free entry with a Dubrovnik Pass, which also covers other attractions around town. More on that later!

We started our walk right when the walls opened (around 8am), and I highly recommend doing the same! Not only is it cooler before the midday sun hits, but you’ll also beat the crowds.

We had entire sections to ourselves, which made it easier to enjoy the views and take photos without other people in the background!

Walking the entire wall took us around 2 hours with lots of photo stops and one stop for cocktails! There are a couple of small cafes and drink stands along the route, but besides that, there’s almost no shade along the wall, so make sure to bring water and wear sunscreen.

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll recognize several filming locations along the walls, which brings me to my next section!

#2. Go on a Game of Thrones Walking Tour

If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, going on a Game of Thrones walking tour will be one of your favorite things you do in Dubrovnik! Walking around Dubrovnik truly feels like stepping straight into King’s Landing.

The show filmed dozens of scenes here, and taking a guided Game of Thrones tour will ensure you don’t miss any!

We booked this Game of Thrones walking tour and absolutely loved it. Our guide shared behind-the-scenes details about what it was like when HBO took over Dubrovnik for filming. Her aunt was even in the show!

Most Game of Thrones tours will visit these popular spots, but some include more than this! You can read about all the film locations in my Game of Thrones Dubrovnik Guide.

🏰 Fort Lovrijenac (aka the Red Keep)
⛪ The Jesuit Steps (Cersei’s walk of shame)
⛵ Pile Bay (Blackwater Bay)
🏛️ Old Town Dubrovnik (miscellaneous scenes)

Our tour also included visiting the nearby Lokrum Island, which HBO had to rent out for the Qarth scenes. When visiting Fort Lovrijenac, our guide also pointed out Minceta Tower, which is located along the City Walls and stood in as the House of the Undying.

What made the tour extra special was the guide’s flipbook with screenshots from the show, so we could see the exact scene filmed in each location.

It was such a fun way to explore the city and learn some fun anecdotes we would’ve never known otherwise! I highly recommend booking this Game of Thrones tour if you are visiting Dubrovnik and are a fan of the show.

#3. Explore Old Town & Its Medieval Gates

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is the highlight of visiting Dubrovnik and where all the crowds congregate, especially at night! As mentioned, all of the things to do in this blog post are within or just outside of Old Town.

Surrounded by huge stone walls (the same ones you can walk along) and only accessible through its three historic gates (Pile, Ploče, and Buža), entering Old Town feels like stepping into a medieval storybook.

Old Town is pedestrian-only and very compact – you can walk from one end to the other in less than 10 minutes. I highly recommend walking from Pile Gate to Ploče Gate during your first few hours in Dubrovnik to get a feel for the area!

Here is a quick summary of the three gates:

Pile Gate: The main entrance, especially for tours and day-trippers, located on the west side of Old Town. You’ll pass over a stone bridge and through a fortress-like entrance, drawbridge and all
Ploče Gate: Leads to the east side of town, Ploče, and is closest to Banje Beach
Buža Gate: The most hidden and least used, but closest to the cable car station

We loved just wandering around Old Town both day and night, exploring the little side streets, climbing staircases to hidden viewpoints, and stumbling into tiny shops and cafes. The main street, Stradun, is lined with shops and restaurants, but the magic is in the alleys that branch off from it.

If you want to see it without hordes of people, I highly recommend waking up at sunrise one morning. It felt like an entirely different area with the streets nearly empty.

You should also return at night at least once to eat dinner and explore! We loved dining outside at the restaurant terraces right in front of the Jesuit Staircase.

#4. See the Jesuit Staircase

If you’ve seen Game of Thrones, you’ll recognize this staircase immediately! It’s where Cersei began her “Walk of Shame”. But even if you haven’t watched the show, the Jesuit Staircase is one of the most impressive architectural spots in Dubrovnik!

Located just off Gundulićeva Poljana square in Old Town, the grand staircase leads up to the Church of St. Ignatius and looks like it belongs in Rome or Paris. It was inspired by the Spanish Steps and definitely has that dramatic, photo-worthy look. If you’re into photography or just love a good backdrop, this is one of the prettiest in town!

We ended up here multiple times, once during our Game of Thrones tour, once at sunrise to take photos, and again for dinner at one of the outdoor terraces nearby. Sitting at a candlelit table with the staircase lit up behind us was such a fun way to end the night!

You can also visit inside the church for free and see the gorgeous architecture up close!

#5. Watch the Sunset at Buza Bar (and Maybe Cliff Jump)

Right behind the Jesuit Staircase, tucked into the southern edge of the city walls, is one of Dubrovnik’s best hidden gems: Buza Bar!!

There are actually two locations, Buza and Buza II. Both are literally built into the cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

To find them, look for small signs near the top of the Jesuit Staircase that say “cold drinks with the most beautiful view.” You’ll pass through a little doorway in the wall and suddenly be staring at an open rocky terrace perched above the sea.

The vibe here is super laid back, including plastic chairs, cold beers, and front-row seats to incredible sunset views. It’s cash only and drinks are a bit pricey, but you’re paying for the location more than anything.

We came here after our Game of Thrones tour and ended up staying for hours jumping off the rocky ledge and swimming in the sea. It is a little scary when you get up there, but it’s so fun!

There’s a ladder to climb back up, but make sure the sea is calm before jumping in. If other people are swimming, you should be fine!

Tip: Get here about an hour or two before sunset to grab a good spot, especially in summer! When we visited in late September, it was pretty busy in the late afternoon!

#6. Swim in West Harbour (Pile Bay)

Speaking of swimming, the West Harbor, tucked between Old Town and Fort Lovrijenac, is one of Dubrovnik’s most scenic and underrated swim spots!! It also just so happens to be a Game of Thrones filming location too (Blackwater Bay!), so a lot of tour groups visit here.

Because we are huge Game of Thrones fans, we stayed in this adorable apartment overlooking the West Harbor and absolutely loved it. This area, which is a quick 5-minute walk to Pile Gate, feels so much quieter than Old Town, especially at night when the tour groups were gone.

The water here is crystal clear and usually calm, making it a great spot for a quick dip or a relaxing break between sightseeing!

There’s a rocky area with steps carved into the stone where you can climb in and out of the water. It’s not a beach (no sand or loungers here), but if you’re looking for an authentic, crowd-free place to swim right near Old Town, this is it!!

We felt like we were in a Game of Thrones episode, swimming next to the rocky walls leading up to the Fort.

Make sure to pack a towel and water shoes like these if you plan to swim! The rocks can be sharp, but the views are totally worth it.

#7. Lounge at Banje Beach

Just a short walk from Ploče Gate, Banje Beach is the most famous beach in Dubrovnik, and for good reason! It sits right at the edge of the Old Town with unreal views of the city walls and Lokrum Island. If you’re looking for a spot to relax, swim, and snap a few postcard-worthy photos, this is the perfect spot!

The beach itself is a mix of pebbles and small stones, like most beaches in Croatia, so water shoes are recommended. There’s a public area where you can lay down a towel, or you can rent a lounger from the beach club for a more comfortable setup (with drinks, snacks, and music).

We weren’t able to make it here during the day during our trip to Dubrovnik, but we did visit the beach in the evening to have dinner at Banje Beach Restaurant. We got to eat on their gorgeous patio right on the water, with unreal views of the sea and Old Town in the background.

The food and drinks we had here were delicious, including a signature Croatian dish – cuttlefish black risotto. I would definitely recommend eating here one night, and if you are visiting in the summer months, the restaurant also turns into a beach club after hours!

#8. Visit Lokrum Island

Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Port, Lokrum Island is the perfect half-day escape from the crowds of Old Town. It’s quiet, wild, and packed with cool spots to explore. Oh, and it’s another Game of Thrones filming location!

We visited Lokrum as part of our Game of Thrones tour, but ended up staying a few hours after to relax and swim! The island has shaded walking trails, rocky swimming areas, botanical gardens, and even a saltwater lake called the Dead Sea.

You’ll also run into free-roaming peacocks and rabbits, which gives the whole place a magical, untamed vibe.

If you’re into history, you can check out the ruins of a Benedictine Monastery, or climb up to Fort Royal for panoramic views of Dubrovnik. And if you’re a GoT fan, don’t miss the visitor center. It has behind-the-scenes info and a replica of the Iron Throne that you can sit on!!

We ate lunch right outside the Benedictine Monastery at Eden Garden Restaurant, and there a few other snack and drink stands around the island.

Ferries to and from Lokrum run regularly from the Old Port and tickets cost around €27, which includes entrance to the island nature reserve. You can buy your ticket at the dock before boarding!

I recommend bringing water, sunscreen, and a beach towel so you can stay awhile and swim in the sea here! It was so gorgeous and felt untouched compared to Old Town.

#9. Go on a Sea Kayaking Tour

One of the most fun and unique ways to see Dubrovnik is from the water, and sea kayaking is the perfect way to do it! These tours typically launch from Pile Bay (we saw plenty of them coming and going!) and take you along the city walls and to Lokrum Island.

You get to paddle right alongside the medieval walls with incredible views the whole time, and some tours even stop for a quick swim or snorkeling break in one of hidden sea caves you can’t access on foot.

There are a few different options depending on your schedule:

Morning tours for calmer seas and fewer crowds
Midday tours for warmest weather
Sunset tours for golden hour views of the city and sea (with wine!)

Most tours last 2–3 hours and include gear, a dry bag, and a guide. I recommend this kayaking tour which is reasonably priced and includes morning, afternoon, or sunset options!

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to do a kayaking tour on our trip, but it’s high on my list for next time!

Make sure to wear a swimsuit, water shoes, and maybe a long-sleeve rash guard or cover-up to protect from the sun. And don’t forget sunscreen!

#10. Ride the Cable Car to Mount Srd + Panoramic Lunch

If you’re looking for the best view of Dubrovnik, you have to ride the Dubrovnik Cable Car. The base station is located just outside Buza Gate and takes you to the top of Mount Srd in under five minutes.

The panoramic views from the top are absolutely next level. You’ll see the entire Old Town, Lokrum Island, and the Adriatic coastline stretching in both directions.

Once you reach the top, grab lunch at Panorama Restaurant! It’s pricey, but totally worth it for the setting. We were lucky enough to get seated at the edge, and eating lunch while looking down at the red rooftops of Dubrovnik is something I definitely won’t forget any time soon.

I highly recommend making a reservation here in advance, especially if you are visiting in high season!

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There are also hiking trails and a small museum up here, but the real draw is just soaking up the view. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try the zip line or book a buggy safari around the hilltop!!

The cable car costs about €27 round-trip for adults and runs from March through October, with varying hours depending on the season. You can buy tickets right at the base station or online in advance.

I recommend planning your visit for lunch or sunset. Sunset is stunning, but it’s also the busiest time, so go early if you want a more relaxed experience.

#11. Dine at Nautika Restaurant

If restaurants with incredible views are your jam, I have another recommendation for you!

Nautika Restaurant is arguably the most luxurious restaurant in Dubrovnik. Located just outside Pile Gate, the restaurant overlooks the West Harbor, with stunning views of the sea and Fort Lovrijenac.

The view isn’t the only thing that makes it special. You’ll be dining on a candlelit terrace perched above the cliffs, with waves crashing below and the city walls glowing in the evening light. It’s romantic, quiet, and a total contrast to the buzz of Old Town!

The menu focuses on fresh seafood and Croatian ingredients, with dishes like lobster, sea bass, and truffle pasta. It’s not cheap, but the service and experience make it worth the splurge. We saved this for our last night in Croatia to celebrate my best friend’s 30th birthday, and it did not disappoint.

They also have an inside section, but I highly recommend booking a table on the terrace. You’ll need to make a reservation in advance on the Nautika website and try to snag the “front row” seats!

#12. Explore Dubrovnik’s Cultural Landmarks

If you want a deeper look into Dubrovnik’s history beyond the walls and forts, these three landmarks are worth adding to your list. They’re all located within Old Town and easy to walk between in under 10 minutes!

Rector’s Palace:
Once the seat of the Republic of Ragusa’s elected rector, this Gothic-Renaissance palace now houses the Cultural History Museum. Entry is included with the Dubrovnik Pass or around 15 euros if you purchase individually.

The building itself is beautiful with arched courtyards, carved staircases, and preserved rooms that give a glimpse into 15th-century politics and life. We saw a couple taking wedding photos outside here one morning, and I can only imagine how beautiful they were!

Rector’s Palace is also (you guessed it) another Game of Thrones film location! It is the Spice King’s home in Qarth.

Dubrovnik Cathedral:
Officially known as the Assumption Cathedral, this Baroque church sits just off the main square and is built on the foundations of several older churches, including one reportedly funded by Richard the Lionheart.

Inside, you’ll find intricate altars and a treasury with relics dating back centuries. It’s a quick but impressive stop! And, it’s free!

Franciscan Monastery:
This monastery is best known for its 14th-century pharmacy, one of the oldest in Europe that’s still in operation.

The cloister is peaceful and shaded, with detailed stone columns and a small museum. It’s a nice escape from the sun and crowds for a little while.

Entrance is free with the Dubrovnik Pass, or around 6 euros if purchased individually!

#13. Climb Fort Lovrijenac

Fort Lovrijenac (also called St. Lawrence Fortress) sits on a massive rock on the other side of Pile Bay (West Harbor) and offers one of the most beautiful views of Dubrovnik!

Originally built to defend against Venetian attacks, the fortress has thick stone walls and multiple terraces you can wander through. It’s less crowded than the City Walls and feels like a hidden gem if you can visit at an “off” time.

We first visited the Fort as part of our Game of Thrones tour (it was used as the inside of the Red Keep in several seasons), but ended up coming back the next day on our own because the views were just too good to pass up!

The fort was only a few steps from our apartment in Pile Bay, so we walked over in the late afternoon and climbed up just as the sun was starting to set.

From the top, you get sweeping views of the entire Old Town, the city walls, and the sparkling Adriatic below. This is definitely one of my favorite spots in Dubrovnik! We stayed a while and soaked in the views, watching the kayakers head out to sea.

Entry to Fort Lovrijenac is included with your City Walls ticket or the Dubrovnik Pass, so be sure to hold onto your stub if you’ve already done the wall walk. You can visit the fort any time within 72 hours of your ticket being scanned.

If you don’t have either of those things, tickets for just the Fort are around 15 euros.

Again, I recommend going in the late afternoon for golden hour lighting and fewer crowds. It’s not a tough climb, but there are quite a few steps, so bring water!

#14. Stroll Through Gradac Park

Just a few minutes walk from Fort Lovrijenac, Gradac Park looks like one of the most peaceful places in Dubrovnik!

Unfortunately we didn’t have time to visit on our trip, but we saw it from the top of Fort Lovrijenac. Our tour guide told us it’s the perfect place to sit and watch the sunset without crowds. There are shaded walking paths, benches overlooking the sea, and beautiful views of both the fort and the coastline.

It’s a popular picnic spot for locals, but still mostly off the tourist radar.

And this park is also another Game of Thrones location! It was used for scenes during the famous royal wedding in King’s Landing where Joffrey (spoiler alert) dies.

#15. Swim at Beach Šulić & Grab a Drink at Beach Bar Dodo

If you’re looking for a relaxed beach vibe without the crowds of Banje, head to Beach Šulić, right below Fort Lovrijenac. It’s a small, rocky cove that feels more local, with calm, clear water that’s perfect for swimming or just dipping your feet after a long day of exploring.

Right above the beach is Beach Bar Dodo, a laid-back bar with bean bags, shaded tables, and a killer view of the water.

It’s the perfect place to cool off with a drink after swimming. The vibe is super casual! Enjoy cold beers, frozen cocktails, and a soundtrack of chill music playing in the background.

This is a great late-afternoon spot after visiting Fort Lovrijenac and/or Gradac Park!

Other Tips for Planning Your Trip to Dubrovnik

Overview of Dubrovnik

Located on the southern tip of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik is a historic walled city perched above the Adriatic Sea. It’s most famous for its stunning Old Town, a pedestrian-only zone filled with medieval stone buildings, cobblestone alleys, and iconic red rooftops, plus the huge walls that surround it.

Dubrovnik has also gained a ton of popularity in the last 10 years thanks to the hit TV show Game of Thrones, which filmed a lot of scenes there!

Despite its small size, Dubrovnik is packed with beauty, history, and tons of things to do. As someone who loves the ocean but also loves exploring European cities, Dubrovnik was the perfect combination, and I absolutely fell in love with it!

You can reach Dubrovnik via direct flights from many European cities, or by bus, ferry, or private transfer from other Croatian towns. For example, we arrived in Dubrovnik by private transfer, after spending 3 days in Split!

Note: Check out my full guide on 5 ways to get from Split to Dubrovnik for more on all the different transportation methods for this route!

And the great news? All of the activities in this guide are walking distance from Old Town, so no need to rent a car!

How Many Days Do You Need in Dubrovnik?

Depending on how much time you have in Croatia, you might choose to spend anywhere from 2-5 days in Dubrovnik. During our one week Croatia trip, we had 3 nights and 2 full days in Dubrovnik, but I wish we had a bit longer!

Three full days in Dubrovnik would be the sweet spot for most first-time visitors. It gives you enough time to walk the city walls, explore Old Town, visit Lokrum Island, do the cable car, and squeeze in a few tours or beach breaks without feeling rushed.

If you’re short on time, you can definitely hit the major sights in 1-2 days, but it’ll be a faster pace. And if you have longer, Dubrovnik makes a great base for day trips to spots like Cavtat, Montenegro, or the Elafiti Islands.

Tip: Check the cruise ship schedule if you want to avoid crowds in summer! Old Town gets packed when multiple ships are in port.

Getting Around Dubrovnik

One of the best things about Dubrovnik is how walkable it is! If you’re staying near or in Old Town, you can reach almost everything on foot. No need for taxis or public transport unless you’re heading to a beach outside the city or to the airport!

Old Town itself is pedestrian-only, and you’ll be walking a lot of stairs and uneven stone streets, so bring comfortable shoes. Most of the main attractions (city walls, forts, beaches, cable car) are clustered around Pile Gate or Ploče Gate, so it’s easy to hit multiple in one outing.

If you need to get farther, to somewhere like Lapad or the cruise port, local buses run frequently and are affordable. Uber is also an option!

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

For first-time visitors to Dubrovnik, staying near or inside Old Town is the best option. You’ll be within walking distance of nearly every major attraction, and you won’t have to worry about transportation logistics.

That said, there are a few neighborhoods to consider depending on your travel style and budget!

We stayed just outside Pile Gate, and it was the perfect balance for us, super close to the Old Town without being stuck in the middle of the crowds and noise. It also gave us quick access to Fort Lovrijenac and the West Harbour!

However, if you want to be right in the thick of the action, you can’t go wrong with an apartment inside the Old Town walls.

While most of these will be small and historic, there are some newly renovated options as well. When doing research for this blog post, I stumbled upon St. Joseph’s Boutique Hotel, which looks simply divine!

For a full breakdown of neighborhoods, pros and cons, and more hotel recommendations, check out my guide on Where to Stay in Dubrovnik!

Final Thoughts

Dubrovnik is one of those places that completely lives up to the hype! From the ancient city walls and turquoise coves to cliffside bars and epic sunset views, it’s loaded with unforgettable things to do that will make it extremely hard to choose from.

We packed a lot into our 2.5 days but were still left wanting more, which just means we’ll have to come back!!!

Overall, I promise you won’t regret a trip to Dubrovnik! And if you are a Game of Thrones fan, make sure to check out my Game of Thrones Dubrovnik Guide for more info on filming locations, tours, and more!

Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!