Are you looking for a destination that offers rich history, stunning beaches, and breathtaking architecture? Look no further than Dubrovnik, Croatia. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is a charming city located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. With a history dating back to the 7th century, Dubrovnik boasts a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, and a wide range of activities that appeal to travelers of all interests.
At our website, we believe that smart travel is about more than just finding a cheap flight or a good deal on accommodations. It’s about finding value for your money, and experiencing a destination in a way that allows you to avoid crowds and get the most out of your trip. In this guide to the best things to do in Dubrovnik, we’ll show you how to experience this amazing destination in a way that allows you to travel smart, avoid the crowds, and get the best value for your money. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or simply relaxing on the beach, Dubrovnik has something for everyone. So, let’s dive in and explore this beautiful city together!
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10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a city of stunning beauty and rich history. With its iconic Old Town, world-famous city walls, and crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik offers a wide range of activities for every type of traveler. From cultural tours and beach relaxation to outdoor adventures and exquisite cuisine, here are 10 unforgettable things to do in Dubrovnik.
Walk the City Walls: Dubrovnik’s city walls are one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit attraction for any tourist. These walls were built in the 13th century to protect the city from invaders, and they offer fantastic views of the Adriatic Sea and the old town. A walk along the walls takes around 2 hours, and it’s best to do it early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Explore the Old Town: The old town of Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to some of the city’s most beautiful landmarks, including the Onofrio Fountain, St. Blaise Church, and the Sponza Palace. You can wander through the narrow streets and alleyways, explore the local markets and boutiques, and enjoy the many cafes and restaurants.
Take a Cable Car to Mount Srd: A ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car is one of the best ways to see the city and its surroundings. The cable car takes you to the top of Mount Srd, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, the Adriatic Sea, and the nearby islands. You can also visit the museum and exhibition center, which tells the story of the Croatian War of Independence.
Visit Dubrovnik Cathedral: The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a stunning baroque church that dates back to the 18th century. It houses a number of important religious relics, including a fragment of the True Cross and a painting by Titian. The interior of the church is decorated with beautiful frescoes, sculptures, and stained-glass windows.
See the Views from Lovrijenac Fortress: Lovrijenac Fortress is one of the city’s most impressive defensive structures, built on a rocky outcrop that juts out into the Adriatic Sea. The fortress offers spectacular views of the city and the sea, and it’s a popular spot for taking photos. You can also visit the interior of the fortress, which houses an exhibition on the history of Dubrovnik.
Visit the Franciscan Monastery and Pharmacy: The Franciscan Monastery is a beautiful complex of buildings that dates back to the 14th century. It houses a stunning cloister, a baroque church, and one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. The pharmacy, which has been in continuous operation since 1317, contains a collection of antique medical equipment and old-fashioned remedies.
Go on a Game of Thrones Tour: Dubrovnik was one of the main filming locations for the hit TV series Game of Thrones, and many of the city’s landmarks were used as backdrops for scenes. A Game of Thrones tour will take you to locations like the Red Keep, the House of the Undying, and the Walk of Shame. You’ll also learn about the history and culture of Dubrovnik as you go.
Sample Croatian Cuisine: Croatian cuisine is a delicious blend of Mediterranean and Central European flavors, with plenty of fresh seafood, grilled meats, and locally grown vegetables. Some of the local specialties you should try include grilled octopus, black risotto, and peka, a slow-cooked meat or seafood dish. You can enjoy Croatian food in many of the city’s restaurants and cafes.
Swim at Banje Beach: Banje Beach is the closest beach to Dubrovnik’s Old Town and a great place to swim, sunbathe and relax. The beach offers beautiful views of the Old Town walls and the sea, and you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas for a fee. If you’re feeling more adventurous, there are plenty of water sports activities available, such as jet skiing, parasailing, and water skiing. There are also several beach bars and restaurants, so you can enjoy a drink or a meal with a stunning view.
Take a Day Trip to Lokrum Island or Montenegro: If you have more time in Dubrovnik, don’t miss the opportunity to take a day trip to the nearby islands or countries. Lokrum Island is just a short ferry ride away and offers beautiful nature, hidden bays, and a botanical garden. You can also visit the 15th-century Benedictine monastery, which has been turned into a museum.
Another great day trip option is Montenegro, a small Balkan country known for its stunning coastline and mountains. You can join a guided tour or rent a car and explore the stunning Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful medieval towns and crystal-clear waters. You can also visit the old royal capital of Cetinje, the famous Sveti Stefan island, and the vibrant city of Budva.
Dubrovnik is a city that truly has it all – from its rich cultural history to its breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re looking to explore its historic landmarks, relax on the beach, or indulge in its delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Dubrovnik. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in this stunning Croatian gem.
The 5 best tours and excursions in Montenegro
If you’re looking to explore more of the Balkans during your trip to Dubrovnik, you should definitely consider taking a day trip to Montenegro. This small but incredibly diverse country offers stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. There are plenty of guided tours and excursions available from Dubrovnik that will take you to the best spots in Montenegro and show you the highlights of this fascinating destination.
Many of these tours also include some of the activities on our top-10 list for Dubrovnik, such as swimming in crystal-clear waters, visiting historical sites, and exploring medieval towns. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or a foodie, there’s a tour that will suit your interests and preferences. In this section, we’ll highlight the top-5 excursions and tours in Montenegro that we think are worth considering, especially if you’re looking for a well-rounded and immersive experience that combines the best of Montenegro and Dubrovnik.
The Old Town of Dubrovnik is an iconic and culturally significant location, and a walking tour is one of the best ways to fully appreciate its grandeur and beauty. With so much history and stunning architecture to see, a local licensed guide is the perfect person to show you around the highlights and share the city’s mesmerizing stories. This tour is an excellent opportunity to explore the heart of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and learn about its impressive achievements and significant role in world history.
This walking tour is an excellent addition to our previous top 10 list of things to do in Dubrovnik, as it provides a fantastic introduction to the city and its history. It is also an excellent alternative for those who prefer a private excursion and would like to see the city walls, as this walking tour does not include entry into any churches or museums. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour is a must-take excursion for anyone who wants to fully appreciate the grandeur and beauty of the Old Town of Dubrovnik.
If you want to add a little more adventure to your walking tour, you can also take a private excursion that includes walking along the Old Town walls. Walking along the walls will give you breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape, and is an excellent addition to this walking tour.
- The Old Town Walking Tour is an excellent way to explore the heart of Dubrovnik and learn about the city’s rich history and cultural significance.
- The tour is led by a local licensed guide who will share fascinating stories and insights into Dubrovnik’s past and present.
- This tour covers many of Dubrovnik’s most significant historical landmarks, including Large Onofrio’s Fountain, Orlando’s Column, and Rector’s Palace, making it a comprehensive and informative experience for visitors.
Are you a Game of Thrones fan? Then, this is the tour for you! Step into the Seven Kingdoms and become part of the action with the Ultimate Game of Thrones Tour in Dubrovnik. This two-hour tour will take you to the very spots where your favorite characters walked, talked, and plotted their next moves. Follow in the footsteps of Tyrion Lannister and Varys as you stroll through the Lovrijenac Fortress (Red Keep), or stand in the very spot where Cersei Lannister started her infamous Walk of Shame.
As seen in our top-10 list of things to do in Dubrovnik, the Ultimate Game of Thrones Tour is a must-do activity for any fan of the show. Join an expert local guide and visit some of the most famous filming locations and hear behind-the-scenes stories of the production. Instantly recognize the settings from the show, and learn how the city was transformed into the capital of Westeros. Discover where the King’s Landing riots took place and take a walk through Dubrovnik’s Old Town, which was the primary location for King’s Landing in the series.
Don’t miss your chance to sit on the Iron Throne and become part of the Game of Thrones legend. Whether you’re a fan of the books, the TV show, or both, the Ultimate Game of Thrones Tour in Dubrovnik will transport you to a magical world of dragons, knights, and intrigue. And, if you’re looking for a more private and personalized experience, consider booking a private tour, where you can visit the city walls or other sites featured in the series.
- Experience the world of Westeros in real life by visiting famous filming locations throughout Dubrovnik’s Old Town, and relive some of the series’ most memorable moments.
- Get exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and fascinating anecdotes about the making of Game of Thrones from your expert guide, who may have even been an extra or stand-in on the show.
- Explore Dubrovnik’s historic landmarks and impressive fortified walls, and see how they were transformed into the fictional city of King’s Landing for the series.
Explore Dubrovnik’s stunning Old Town from a unique perspective with a guided sea kayaking tour. On this tour, you’ll see the medieval city walls and Lokrum Island from your sea kayak, relax and sunbathe on an isolated beach, and swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic.
Throughout the tour, your expert guide will take you on several on-sea stops to take in the scenery and learn about the history of Dubrovnik, previously known as Ragusa. You’ll also discover one of Dubrovnik’s swankiest areas and the city’s first quarantine zone. This tour is perfect for those looking for an adventure, as well as an opportunity to see and experience the beauty of Dubrovnik from a different perspective.
This tour includes a 30-minute break at the only beach in Dubrovnik that’s not accessible on foot, where you can swim, snorkel, explore, relax, eat, or sunbathe. During the tour, you’ll also learn about the curse of the Island of Lokrum, and stop at one of the only hotels that was not rebuilt after the war. The hotel was the site of hand-to-hand combat between the Serbian and Montenegrin armies and the Dubrovnik defenders during the war. So, grab your sunscreen, your sense of adventure, and your camera, and join this thrilling guided sea kayaking tour of Dubrovnik.
Here are three reasons why this tour is a must-do in Dubrovnik:
- You’ll get to see the beauty of Dubrovnik’s Old Town from a unique perspective on the Adriatic sea.
- You’ll be able to relax, swim and sunbathe at an isolated beach that’s only accessible by kayak.
- You’ll learn about the history of Dubrovnik and the curse of the Island of Lokrum, as well as discover one of Dubrovnik’s swankiest areas and the city’s first quarantine zone.
Embark on a breathtaking day trip from Dubrovnik to Montenegro and discover the country’s most iconic, historical, and important towns in one day. This full-day excursion will take you on a scenic drive through the picturesque Montenegro coast, with stops at charming towns like Kotor, Perast, and Budva, and a sightseeing ferry across the Boka Kotorska Bay.
During the drive through Boka Kotorska Bay, your guide will regale you with tales of Montenegro’s rich cultural heritage, important monuments, and fascinating history and legends. Enjoy free time to explore the old town of Kotor, famous for its imposing city walls and nautical tradition. In Budva, another sightseeing tour and free time await you, where you can discover the town’s old city core and beautiful sandy beaches. From Budva, return to Dubrovnik in the afternoon, by van and a short ferry trip across the Boka Kotorska Bay. This is an excellent way to see the highlights of Montenegro while enjoying the comfort of being driven by a professional guide.
- Discover the beautiful Montenegro on this day trip from Dubrovnik, which covers some of the most iconic, historical, and important towns of the country in just one day.
- Walk through the charming old towns of Kotor and Budva, both of which have rich histories and unique character that set them apart from other destinations in the region.
- During the drive, enjoy spectacular views of the Montenegro coastline and stop at Perast, where you can opt to visit the island of Our Lady of the Rocks, before embarking on a sightseeing ferry across the picturesque Boka Kotorska Bay.
Experience the beauty and history of Bosnia and Herzegovina with a day trip from Dubrovnik to Kravica Waterfalls, Mostar, and Počitelj. With your English-speaking driver, take a scenic 2-hour drive through the picturesque countryside and cross the border to explore some of the most stunning sights in the region.
At Kravica Waterfalls, experience the natural beauty of the cascading falls created by the river Trebizat. Swim, stroll, or simply relax in the tranquil surroundings of the falls, which provide a perfect background for a picnic in the summertime. After this refreshing stop, head to Mostar, a city known for its blend of cultures and stunning architecture. Explore the narrow, cobblestone streets of the old town, and marvel at the iconic Old Bridge that crosses the river Neretva. Finally, visit Počitelj, a beautifully preserved medieval town with a rich history.
This day trip is the perfect opportunity to learn about the region’s culture and history, with informative commentary from your driver. Don’t miss the chance to discover the stunning natural beauty and captivating history of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Highlights:
- Explore the picturesque countryside of Bosnia and Herzegovina on a day trip from Dubrovnik
- Visit the stunning Kravica Waterfalls and take a refreshing swim
- Discover the historic city of Mostar, with its blend of cultures and stunning architecture
- Marvel at the iconic Old Bridge that crosses the river Neretva
- Visit Počitelj, a beautifully preserved medieval town with a rich history
