What Are the Best Things to See in Dubrovnik?
There are many attractions for visitors to see in Dubrovnik, Croatia. From the picturesque narrow cobblestoned lanes to the stunning views of the Adriatic Sea from the medieval fortifications, there is something for everyone. If you’re interested in architecture, the best things to see in Dubrovnik are:
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- Stradun
- Walls of Dubrovnik
- Old Port
- Church of St. Blaise
- Rector’s Palace
- Dubrovnik Cathedral
- Pile Gate
- Dominican Monastery
- Saint Dominic’s Church
- Large Onofrio’s Fountain
- Church of St. Saviour
- Sponza Palace
- Bell Tower
- Jesuit Stairs
- Church of St. Ignatius
- Franciscan Monastery
- Serbian Orthodox Church of the Holy Annunciation
- Ploce Gate
- Lovrijenac Fortress
We spent the month of June visiting the sights in Dubrovnik. Based on our experience, we compiled this list of the best places to see.
If you don’t have a month to explore, you can follow our suggested Dubrovnik Walking Tour and see all the best sights in less than 1hr 30min. This is enough time to stop for photos and take a peak inside the churches, but it does not include tours of the attractions. Also, the tour only requires a little more than 1 mile of walking!
We recommend you add the Walls of Dubrovnik tour into the mix. Even with the wall tour, the entire route should take less than 3 hours (depending on how long you stop to take photos)!
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Best Things to See in Dubrovnik
Stradun
The limestone-paved Placa aka Stradun is the main street through Old Town. It is the epicenter of sightseeing and a popular location for an evening stroll in Dubrovnik.
Walls of Dubrovnik
The Walls of Dubrovnik have been made famous by the HBO series Game of Thrones. The fortifications include:
- Fort Puncjela
- Fort Bokar
- Tower of St. Maria
- Fort St. Peter
- Fort St. Margaret
- Fort St. Stephen
- Tower of Saint Saviour
- Fortress of St. John
- Port Tower
- Ploce Gate
- Revelin Fortress
- Asimon Fortress
- Saint Luke’s Tower
- Saint Barbara Tower
- Buza Gate
- Minceta Fortress
- St. Francis Tower
Entrance to the City Walls is included in the Dubrovnik Pass.
There are a couple of bars on the wall that you need a ticket to gain access to and enjoy. If you would like to take a break on the wall, sit, have a glass of wine, and enjoy the views, you might want to consider your timing since your wall ticket is for only one entrance.
Old Port
The Old Port harbor is protected by Porporela, a pier and breakwater in front of St. John’s fortress, and Kaše, a breakwater going perpendicular across the bay. Ferries to the Island of Lokrum as well as many sunset cruises, leave from this port. It is also home to the Maritime Museum, which is included in the Dubrovnik Pass.
Church of St. Blaise
The Church of St. Blaise is dedicated to Dubrovnik’s patron saint. The beautiful baroque church is one of the architectural highlights in the Old Town.
Rector’s Palace
Rector’s Palace is home to the Cultural History Museum. This is a must-see attraction for everyone visiting Dubrovnik.
Entrance to the Rector’s Palace is included in the Dubrovnik Pass.
Dubrovnik Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary aka Dubrovnik Cathedral was reconstructed in the current style after the 1667 earthquake largely destroyed the original 12th-century Romanesque-style cathedral. The reconstruction project took three decades to finish.
The Treasury of the Cathedral contains 182 relics and many paintings.
Pile Gate
The Pile Gate is the main entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town. It is a well-fortified complex, including a stone bridge over a former moat, a wooden drawbridge, and multiple doors separated by stairs and a ramp.
Dominican Monastery
The Monastery was founded in 1225. It is the location of the Dominican Monastery Museum which contains 15th and 16th-century artwork, jewelry, and manuscripts.
Saint Dominic’s Church
Saint Dominic’s Church and monastery is one of the largest Gothic-style buildings on the Croatian coast.
Large Onofrio’s Fountain
Built-in the 15th century and is one of the first things you will see after entering the city from the Pile Gate. It is a functioning fountain where you can fill your water bottles with fresh, cold water.
Church of St. Saviour
The Church of St. Saviour was built in appreciation for the city being spared from destruction by an earthquake.
Sponza Palace
The Sponza Palace (aka Customs Palace Divona) is a Renaissance and Gothic-style building and was one of the few buildings to survive the earthquake of 1667. The Sponza Palace has provided different functions for the city over the years. Today, it houses the Dubrovnik Archives.
Bell Tower
The Bell Tower stands near the Customs Gate at the east end of the Stradun in Luža Square.
The Bell Tower was damaged in the earthquake of 1667. To prevent collapse, the old Bell Tower was rebuilt in 1929. Also, the original Zelenci, the two famous figures who strike the hours with their hammers, were replaced by copies. The originals are on display in the Rector`s Palace.
Jesuit Stairs
Beautiful Baroque-style stairs that a Game of Thrones fan will recognize as the filming location for the famous “Walk of Shame” scene.
Church of St. Ignatius
The Church of St. Ignatius is a Baroque-style church. Construction was completed in 1725.
Franciscan Monastery
The Franciscan Monastery is a complex of buildings that includes a friary, a church, a library, and a pharmacy.
Entrance to the Monastery is included in the Dubrovnik Pass.
Serbian Orthodox Church of the Holy Annunciation
The Serbian Orthodox Church was originally constructed in 1877 but suffered damage in the 1991 to 1992 Siege of Dubrovnik. It has been restored and is the home to a museum.
Ploce Gate
The Ploče Gate is the second major entrance to the Old Town.
This fortified entrance consists of inner and outer gates with stone bridges. The outer section also includes a wooden drawbridge that was pulled up every evening.
Lovrijenac Fortress
Fort Lovrijenac was originally constructed on a 37-meter high sea cliff to protect the western sea access to the City.
The fort reached its current form in the 16th century.
Fort Lovrijenac doubles as the Red Keep in King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms, and home of the Iron Throne.
If you’re still on the fence about visiting Dubrovnik, check out “Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting.” We review a long list of factors you should consider before reserving a room and booking your flight.
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Old Town is very small and easily walkable. If you have limited time, we suggest visiting the recommended sites in the following order:
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- Lovrijenac Fortress
- Pile Gate
- Walls of Dubrovnik
- Church of St. Saviour
- Franciscan Monastery
- Large Onofrio’s Fountain
- Serbian Orthodox Church of the Holy Annunciation
- Jesuit Stairs
- Church of St. Ignatius
- Dubrovnik Cathedral
- Rector’s Palace
- Church of St. Blaise
- Bell Tower
- Sponza Palace
- Stradun
- Old Port
- Dominican Monastery
- Saint Dominic’s Church
- Ploce Gate
Following the suggested route, you will pass every one of the best things to see in Dubrovnik on the list above. Additionally, you’ll go past the start of the Walls of Dubrovnik tour. The wall tour is approximately 2 miles long and takes about 1hr 30min.
It will take less than 3 hours to complete our proposed Old Town walking tour and the Dubrovnik City Walls tour. That’s time (and 30€ for the wall tour) well spent to see all the essential sights in Old Town Dubrovnik.
Map of Things to See on a Walking Tour of Dubrovnik
Our suggested Dubrovnik Walking Tour starts at the Lovrijenac Fortress outside the western walls of the Old Town, enters the Pile Gate, passes all the points of interest, and ends at the Ploce Gate on the eastern side of the city.
Guided Walking Tour of Dubrovnik
If you’re interested in the very best walking tour experience, consider hiring a professional tour guide. A private guide will bring the city to life with stories and insights, show you hidden gems, and personalize the experience to your interests.
Alternatively, a small group tour can also provide a great way to explore Dubrovnik with like-minded travelers. Whichever option you choose, having a knowledgeable guide will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the city.
Book a highly-rated guided tour of Dubrovnik to learn about its history!
Dubrovnik Information and Travel Tips
What is Dubrovnik Best Known For?
Dubrovnik is best known for its stunning Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Old Town is surrounded by ancient walls and contains numerous historic buildings, churches, and museums. The City of Dubrovnik is also famous for its picturesque location on the Adriatic Sea, with its crystal clear waters and stunning sunsets.
Additionally, Dubrovnik has gained international recognition as a filming location for the popular TV series Game of Thrones, with many of its iconic locations used as backdrops for scenes in the show. One of the most popular things to do in Dubrovnik for a Game of Thrones fan is to take a Game of Thrones tour. Dubrovnik was the main filming location for King’s Landing, and there are plenty of tours to choose from.
Is there a lot to see in Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik is a treasure trove for history lovers, boasting impressive ancient fortifications and rich historical architecture. The most iconic attraction is the Dubrovnik City Walls tour which offers spectacular views of the city’s Old Town. Don’t miss out on exploring the Lovrijenac Fortress outside the western walls of the Old Town, which played a vital role in defending Dubrovnik throughout its history. You can also discover many historical museums and monuments in the city’s old town. With so much to see and learn, Dubrovnik is undoubtedly a top destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in history.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik?
There are many great places to stay in Dubrovnik. For the best experience, we recommend staying near or in the Old Town (the castle marker on the map below is inside the Old Town Walls). The best bars and restaurants are located inside the Old Town as well as the best sites. The area outside the old city is hilly and has lots of steps up and down, which you might want to consider if selecting accommodation outside Old Town.
Here’s an interactive map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.
Book your stay now!
Is Dubrovnik Expensive?
Yes, Dubrovnik is very expensive. Since Game of Thrones used Dubrovnik as King’s Landing, the word is out, and Dubrovnik is a very popular destination for cruise ships and overnight tourists. Old Town Dubrovnik has a limited number of accommodations and restaurants, and everything is very expensive.
Is 2 days enough for Dubrovnik?
It depends on how much you want to see and do in Dubrovnik. Two days can give you enough time to explore the Old Town, walk along the city walls, visit museums and churches, and take a cable car ride up to Mount Srd for panoramic views. However, two days may not be enough if you also want to visit nearby islands or beaches or take day trips to other cities in Croatia. Remember that Dubrovnik can be crowded with tourists during peak season, so booking tours or attractions in advance may be helpful to save time.
How Many Days Do I Need in Dubrovnik?
You can explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town, walk the walls, and enjoy a glass of wine at one of the cliff bars during one very busy day. I recommend staying two to three days to fully explore the streets of the Old Town at a leisurely pace, taste Croatian wines at the wine bar, take the cable car to Mount Srd, go sea kayaking, take the ferry or boat trip to the botanical garden on Lokrum Island, and cool off with a swim at the public swim spots.
How To Get to Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik has an airport with connecting flights all over Europe. You can get from Dubrovnik Airport to the Old Town by shuttle or taxi.
To schedule a taxi or private transfer in advance, we recommend GetTransfer.
What is the Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik?
The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often referred to as the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Dubrovnik is March, April, October, and November. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit.
We spent the month of June in Dubrovnik and thought the weather was uncomfortably hot. The Old Town was extremely crowded, and the two combined made us regret our decision to visit Dubrovnik during the summer.
Is Dubrovnik Safe?
Yes, Dubrovnik is very safe. We spent a month in Dubrovnik and felt extremely safe.
Is It Safe To Rent a Car and Drive in Dubrovnik?
Yes, it is extremely safe to rent a car and drive in Croatia. The roads are very nice and easy to drive on. Be prepared to pay tolls, but they all take credit cards and are very easy to use. The major highways have high fences to keep the animals from crossing the highway and getting hit by cars. Every few miles, you will see land bridges for the animals to cross the roads safely on over-passes.
For a comparison of rental car offers from large, international brands and smaller regional brands, we recommend Discover Cars.
Do I Need to Speak the Local Language to Visit Dubrovnik?
No, speaking the local Croatian language is not needed to visit Dubrovnik. A very large percentage of locals speak English.
What Region is Dubrovnik in?
Dubrovnik is located in the Dalmatia region of Croatia.
What Do I Need on My Dubrovnik Packing List?
Your Dubrovnik packing list should include breathable clothing for the heat, lots of sunscreen for the sun, and non-slip shoes for the slick cobblestones when they get wet.
Best WIFI for a Dubrovnik visit?
Do you need wifi during your trip and don’t want to pay for roaming? We use eSIMs from Airalo during our travel and highly recommend them. They are cheap, easy to set up, and allow you to leave your primary sim card in your phone (so you don’t loose it). Click below for more info.
Where is Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik, formerly known as Ragusa, is a port town on the Adriatic Sea. It is a 3 hr drive southeast along the coast from Split, Croatia, a 1 hr 47 min drive northwest along the coast from Kotor, Montenegro, and a 2 hr 30 min drive south of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
FAQs About Best Things to See in Dubrovnik
How long does it take to walk across Old Town Dubrovnik?
Walking across Old Town Dubrovnik typically takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring the narrow streets, historical sites, and charming shops along the way.
Can you walk around Dubrovnik?
Yes, you can definitely walk around Dubrovnik. In fact, exploring the city on foot is one of the best ways to experience its beauty and charm. The entire Old Town area is pedestrian-only, allowing you to leisurely stroll through its narrow streets, admire the stunning architecture, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Whether you choose to take a guided walking tour or simply wander at your own pace, walking around Dubrovnik will surely delight your senses and create unforgettable memories.
Is it difficult to navigate the streets of Dubrovnik on foot?
While the streets of Dubrovnik’s Old Town can be narrow and winding, they are generally well-marked and easy to navigate. The city is compact, making it convenient for pedestrians to explore at their own pace. Just be prepared for some uphill climbs and uneven cobblestone paths.
Are there any guided walking tours available in Dubrovnik?
Yes, there are several guided walking tours available in Dubrovnik. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will take you on a fascinating journey through the city’s history, culture, and landmarks. They will provide you with interesting insights and stories about the architecture, the Game of Thrones filming locations, and other significant sights. Joining a guided walking tour is a great way to learn more about Dubrovnik while also having the opportunity to ask questions and interact with fellow travelers.
There are free walking tours available in Dubrovnik. The free tours are led by local guides who are passionate about sharing their love for the city. These tours generally cover the main highlights of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, including the famous City Walls, Stradun Street, and the Cathedral. While the tours are free, it is customary to tip your guide at the end as a token of appreciation for their time and knowledge.
If you prefer a more in-depth experience, there are also paid walking tours that offer specialized themes such as food and wine, history and architecture, or Game of Thrones. These tours provide a deeper insight into specific aspects of Dubrovnik and allow you to explore hidden gems that you might not discover on your own. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a Game of Thrones fan, there’s a guided walking tour in Dubrovnik that caters to your interests.
How do you walk the walls of Dubrovnik?
To walk the walls of Dubrovnik, you can start at the main entrance near Pile Gate. From there, you will follow the well-marked path that takes you along the top of the city walls. As you walk, you will be treated to stunning views of the city, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding landscapes. The walls are approximately 1.2 miles long and vary in height from 16 to 82 feet. Along the way, you’ll encounter several towers and fortresses that offer additional panoramic views.
It’s important to note that there are stairs and uneven surfaces on the walls, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Also, keep in mind that during peak tourist season, it can get quite crowded, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid large crowds. Overall, walking the walls of Dubrovnik is a must-do activity for visitors as it offers a unique perspective of this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site.