What to see & do
Discover the best things to do in Dubrovnik – roam the Old Town’s narrow lanes, admire the architectural wonders and bask on stunning beaches. Prepare to be captivated by the charm of Dubrovnik, where every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered.
Discover the best of Dubrovnik
Attractions
Things to see in Dubrovnik
When it comes to things to see in Dubrovnik, the city is full of landmarks that bring history to life. Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, admire the baroque churches, explore lively squares or climb the famous City Walls. These sights capture Dubrovnik’s timeless charm and make it one of the Adriatic’s most remarkable destinations.
Explore sights in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik City Walls
Walk the legendary walls with sweeping views of sea and rooftops.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dubrovnik City Walls are a monumental testament to medieval architecture and ingenuity. Stretching over 1,940 metres and reinforced by towers and fortresses, these walls offer unparalleled views of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. Walking along the walls, visitors step back in time, surrounded by history and breathtaking vistas. Early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
Type of attraction
historical landmark
Location
the walls encircle the Old Town of Dubrovnik. The main entrances are located on Stradun by the Pile Gate, near St John’s Fortress and close to St Luke’s Tower
The UNESCO-listed Old Town of Dubrovnik
Stroll cobbled streets and squares in Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed heart.
The Old Town of Dubrovnik, a jewel of Croatia, is celebrated for its exceptional historical significance and beauty. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient city centre captivates with its medieval architecture, including iconic sites like the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries, the Rector’s Palace and the famous Stradun Street. Walking through its narrow lanes and charming squares, visitors are transported to a bygone era, surrounded by monuments that tell the story of Dubrovnik’s rich past.
Type of attraction
historical site
Location
located in the heart of Dubrovnik. The main entrances are the Pile Gate (west) and the Ploče Gate (east)
Church of St Blaise (Sveti Vlaho)
Dubrovnik’s baroque church to its patron saint, a landmark of faith and tradition.
The Church of St Blaise, a splendid example of baroque architecture, stands as a tribute to Dubrovnik’s patron saint. Erected on the remnants of a Romanesque church, its ornate facade and imposing staircase make it a visual masterpiece. Inside, the marble altar and the revered 15th-century statue of St Blaise, miraculously preserved through disasters, highlight the deep spiritual and historical significance of this site. A visit offers insights into Dubrovnik’s resilience and devotion.
Type of attraction
religious site, historical monument
Location
in the heart of Dubrovnik’s Old Town
Franciscan Friary and Church
Visit a 14th-century friary with one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies.
Nestled between the iconic Stradun and the imposing Minčeta Tower, the Franciscan Friary and Church stand as a beacon of Dubrovnik’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Founded in 1317, this remarkable complex showcases Croatia’s most stunning cloister, a venerable church, one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies and a treasure-trove library with over 70,000 works. Visitors can explore a museum filled with rare books, archival materials and antique pharmaceutical items, tracing the legacy of the Republic of Ragusa.
Type of attraction
historical site, museum
Location
located on Stradun, the main street of Dubrovnik’s Old Town
Lovrijenac (St Lawrence’s Fortress)
Towering fortress on a cliff, famed as the “Gibraltar of Dubrovnik.”
Perched dramatically on a 37-metre-high cliff, the Lovrijenac Fortress, often referred to as the “Gibraltar of Dubrovnik”, is a breathtaking symbol of freedom and defiance. This historic fortress not only offers spectacular views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and the Adriatic Sea but also serves as an iconic venue for cultural events, including the famed performances of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Its strategic location and architectural grandeur encapsulate centuries of Dubrovnik’s storied past and resilience.
Type of attraction
historical fortress
Location
located outside the western wall of the Old Town
Local markets
Explore lively markets filled with fresh produce, flowers, and local life.
Dubrovnik’s markets offer a taste of everyday life beyond the city walls. In the Old Town, Gundulićeva poljana bustles each morning with stalls of seasonal fruit, vegetables, dried figs and local delicacies. Down by the harbour, the Gruž Green Market is where locals shop for fresh produce, fish and flowers, surrounded by the energy of the working port. Together, these two markets showcase Dubrovnik’s flavours, colours and traditions, offering visitors a chance to shop, taste and connect with local culture.
Type of attraction
market
Location
Gundulićeva poljana (Zelena pjaca), Obala Stjepana Radića 21 (Gradska tržnica Gruž)
Activities
Things to do in Dubrovnik
There’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do in Dubrovnik. Take the cable car up Mount Srđ for sweeping views, sail to the Elaphiti Islands, or spend a day exploring Lokrum’s gardens and beaches. From concerts in the Rector’s Palace to lively festivals, Dubrovnik offers experiences that bring the city’s culture and coastline to life.
Explore activities in Dubrovnik
Museums
Discover Dubrovnik’s art, history and culture in its many museums.
Dubrovnik, a city steeped in history and creativity, is home to a collection of museums that reveal its many layers. War Photo Limited captures powerful frontline stories, while the Homeland War Museum offers insights into Croatia’s fight for independence. The Red History Museum takes visitors back to life in socialist Yugoslavia, and the Love Stories Museum shares tales of romance and passion.
For art lovers, the Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik (MOMAD) showcases contemporary works, while the House of Marin Držić celebrates the legacy of Croatia’s greatest Renaissance playwright. Together, these museums provide a vivid and varied look at the events, art, and people that have shaped Dubrovnik and the wider region.
Type of attraction
museums
Concert in Rector’s Palace
Enjoy a magical evening concert in Dubrovnik’s historic Rector’s Palace.
The Rector’s Palace, once the heart of the Republic of Ragusa’s governance, now serves as a captivating venue for classical music concerts. Its atrium, renowned for its stunning architecture and exceptional acoustics, hosts performances by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra and acclaimed international musicians. Attending a concert here offers not just a musical delight but also a journey through history, all within one of Dubrovnik’s most illustrious settings.
Type of attraction
cultural event, musical performance
Location
the Rector’s Palace is located in the centre of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Closest entrance is from the Pile Gate
Contact information
+385 20 312 011, e-mail: tic.pile@tzdubrovnik.hr
Events
From summer to winter, enjoy concerts, plays and street celebrations.
Dubrovnik knows how to celebrate. Each summer, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival fills the city with open-air theatre, concerts and dance beneath the stars, turning palaces and piazzas into magical stages. When winter arrives, fairy lights, music and markets transform the Old Town into a festive wonderland during the Dubrovnik Winter Festival. From grand performances to intimate street events, every season offers a reason to join the city’s vibrant rhythm and experience its culture in unforgettable ways.
Type of attraction
events
Location
Dubrovnik
Cable Car & Mount Srđ
Ride to Mount Srđ for breathtaking views across Dubrovnik and the Adriatic.
The Dubrovnik cable car offers a swift and scenic ascent to Mount Srđ, presenting an unparalleled view of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea and the lush Dalmatian landscape. Reaching 405 metres above sea level, the summit welcomes visitors with a spacious amphitheatre, a cosy snack bar and a selection of souvenir shops. This journey promises not only a visual feast but also a serene escape, making it an essential experience for capturing Dubrovnik’s beauty from above.
Type of attraction
scenic viewpoint
Location
located at Petra Krešimira IV bb, Dubrovnik
Contact information
Lokrum Reserve
Escape to Lokrum, a green island of beaches, gardens and peacocks.
Lokrum Island, a serene oasis of greenery and history, lies a mere 10-minute boat ride from Dubrovnik’s bustling city harbour. This UNESCO-protected haven boasts lush forest vegetation, enchanting gardens and a rich tapestry of myths and legends. Visitors can explore natural wonders like the small Dead Sea lake, a vibrant botanical garden and historical sites, including an 11th-century Benedictine monastery. Fans of the “Game of Thrones” series will delight in finding a replica of the Iron Throne, paying homage to the show’s filming on the island. With its prohibition of overnight stays, Lokrum remains a pristine daytime escape.
Type of attraction
nature reserve, historical site
Location
accessible by a 10-minute boat ride from Dubrovnik’s harbour
Contact information
+385 99 476 5224, e-mail: prodaja@lokrum.hr
Elaphiti Islands
Discover nature, history and hidden coves on tranquil Lokrum Island.
The enchanting Elaphiti Islands, a cluster of eight islands and five islets with only Koločep, Lopud and Šipan inhabited, offer a slice of paradise near Dubrovnik. These islands are a haven for those seeking tranquillity, natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Koločep charms with its serene beaches and fragrant Mediterranean herbs, while Lopud boasts sandy shores and historical treasures. In contrast, Šipan is celebrated for its lush vineyards, olive groves and impressive collection of churches and summer houses. Accessible by boat, the Elaphiti Islands promise an unforgettable escape into nature’s embrace.
Type of attraction
natural
Location
accessible by a 50-minute boat ride from Dubrovnik’s harbour
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