Photo: Contiki
Few places blur the line between a fairytale and a film set quite like Dubrovnik. This Croatian coastal gem has been stealing hearts for centuries, and after starring as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, it’s now one of Europe’s most talked-about destinations.
Whether you’re sea kayaking beneath its walls or wandering through museums, there are many incredible things to do in Dubrovnik. You need to discover why this “Pearl of the Adriatic” is one destination that really lives up to its legend.
1. Explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town
When you step through its ancient gates, you’ll fall head over heels for Dubrovnik’s Old Town. This UNESCO World Heritage site feels like stepping into a medieval fairy tale, minus the dragons (sorry, Game of Thrones fans).
The marble-paved Stradun serves as your main artery through the old city. This polished limestone street shines under your feet as you wander by cafes, shops, and centuries-old buildings. The city’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot.
Image source:Contiki
2. Visit the Franciscan Monastery & Old Pharmacy
You’ll find a true medieval treasure when you step into the Franciscan Monastery.
Built in 1317, the Franciscan Monastery has quietly survived earthquakes, wars, and the passing of centuries. Step into its shady cloister, and you’ll feel the city noise melt away. It’s one of those calm corners you’ll love.
The monastery’s Old Pharmacy has been operating since 1317, making it one of Europe’s oldest working pharmacies. Browsing their wooden shelves lined with glass jars feels like time travel. You can even buy handmade soaps and natural products crafted using centuries-old recipes.
3. See inside Rector’s Palace
A mix of Gothic grace and Renaissance detail, Rector’s Palace might just be the most beautiful history lesson you’ll ever walk through. This 14th-century gem sits next to the cathedral and served as the seat of the city’s government for centuries.
Today, it houses Dubrovnik’s main museum. Your visit begins in the inner courtyard, where different architectural styles blend together. Then, spend about an hour exploring the grand halls and learning how the city’s government operated during its most powerful era.
Walk through historic government chambers to see cultural artefacts from Dubrovnik’s golden age, and explore art collections showcasing local artists.
4. Climb the Jesuit Stairs to St. Ignatius Church
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll instantly recognise these Baroque-style steps as the setting of Cersei’s infamous Walk of Shame.
Built in 1735 and inspired by Rome’s Spanish Steps, this grand staircase connects Gundulić Square to the Church of St. Ignatius, completed in 1725. With 137 carved stone steps curling upward, the climb rewards you with sweeping views and maybe a quick workout, too.
5. Dive into history at the Red History Museum
This isn’t your typical stuffy museum; the Red History Museum is an interactive journey through life under Yugoslavia’s communist regime.
The museum is located in Dubrovnik’s last industrial complex, which dates back to 1953. It has an authentic factory atmosphere, and walking through it feels like stepping back in time to mid-20th-century Croatia.
During your visit, you’ll explore three main areas. First, you’ll learn about socialist theory and ideology. Then, you’ll see how people actually lived day-to-day under the regime. Finally, you’ll understand why it all ended with the Homeland War.
Whether you lived through this period or are curious about this unique chapter in Croatian history, the museum makes complex political topics easier to understand.
6. Walk Dubrovnik’s City Walls
You can’t visit the Pearl of the Adriatic without taking this iconic walk. The medieval walls surround the Old Town and give you some of the most unreal views of Dubrovnik.
You have three entry points along the wall: Pile Gate (the most popular), Fort St. Johns, and Fort St. Luke on Od sv. Dominika Street.
The walls stretch around the historic core for about 1.9 kilometres (1.2 miles). The walk takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and you’ll climb over 1,000 steps. Don’t rush it; you’ll stop every few minutes anyway, trying (and failing) to capture those terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic’s impossible shade of blue.
7. Kayak beneath the City Walls
If you don’t want to walk, sea kayaking around Dubrovnik’s city walls offers one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik. You’ll paddle along the coastline with those iconic walls rising majestically from the sea.
Never held a paddle before? You’re in good company. Most kayaking tours are designed for all skill levels, and the Adriatic is calm enough that you’ll be gliding like a pro before you know it. It’s a terrific way to finish your Balkans Escape itinerary!
Image source:Contiki
8. Step inside Fort Lovrijenac
You’ll feel like royalty as you climb the stone steps into this 37-metre-high (121 feet) fortress perched dramatically on a cliff outside Dubrovnik’s walls. Trust me, the views alone are worth every step!
Game of Thrones fans will immediately recognise Fort Lovrijenac as the Red Keep in King’s Landing. The fortress was the backdrop for some of the show’s most memorable scenes.
Inside, learn more about the fortress that has protected Dubrovnik since the 11th century. The fortress is easily one of the coolest places to visit in Croatia!
9. Take the cable car up Mount Srđ
Nothing beats soaring above Dubrovnik’s terracotta rooftops in a cable car. The Dubrovnik Cable Car whisks you up Mount Srđ in just a few minutes, delivering jaw-dropping views that’ll have your camera working overtime.
Each cabin holds up to 32 passengers and runs frequently throughout the day. From the top, you’ll get panoramic views of the Dalmatian coast.
The crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic stretch endlessly before you, dotted with the beautiful Elaphiti Islands. You can even spot cruise ships gliding into port far below. With two nights in the city on our Best of Balkans itinerary, you can find a way to fit in this excursion.
10. Relax on Banje Beach
Combining relaxation with convenience, Banje Beach is an essential stop on your ultimate Croatia itinerary.
Dubrovnik’s most famous beach is just a 10-15 minute walk from Pile Gate. Trust me, this is where you want to be when you need a break from sightseeing.
The blue waters of the Adriatic Sea stretch out before you, creating that postcard-perfect scene you’ve been dreaming about. The pebble beach has gorgeous views of Lokrum Island that’ll have you constantly reaching for your camera.
11. Escape to Lokrum Island
Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Harbor, Lokrum Island lets you escape from the crowds. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll recognise the monastery from Season 2’s Qarth scenes. Inside the 11th-century Benedictine Monastery ruins, there’s even a replica Iron Throne for photos.
This protected nature reserve has free-roaming peacocks and rabbits throughout the island. Different hiking trails lead to Fort Royal, which offers panoramic views.
The saltwater “Dead Sea” pool stays warmer and calmer than the open Adriatic, making it ideal for relaxing floats.
12. Sip a drink at Buža Bar (The Cliff Bar)
Buža Bar is one of Dubrovnik’s most unique drinking spots, tucked right into the city walls. The name literally translates to “hole in the wall”, precisely what you’ll walk through to reach this cliffside gem.
Don’t expect anything fancy here. The bar serves basic drinks like beer, wine, and soda, and if all the tables and chairs are taken, you might need to find a rock perch. But the jaw-dropping views of the Adriatic Sea and Lokrum Island are absolutely worth the hunt to find this place.
Arrive at least an hour before sunset for the best experience. The bar gets crowded during peak season, so don’t hesitate to claim a spot on the rocks if tables are full.
13. Sail the Adriatic Coast
The moment you see Dubrovnik from the water, it clicks; this city was built to be admired from the sea. On our Croatia Island Sail trip, we dock overnight in Dubrovnik.
Pass by the nearby Elafiti Islands, and jump off the boat for a swim. The Adriatic Sea around Dubrovnik stays calm most of the year, which is an ideal condition for nervous sailors.
Image source:Contiki
14. Enjoy Dubrovnik After Dark
Once the sun dips below the ramparts and daylight fades, Dubrovnik’s Old Town truly comes alive after dark. When the sun goes down, Dubrovnik trades its historic hush for a lively hum. If you didn’t need more reasons to visit the city, its club scene is small but mighty; each knows exactly how to throw a party.
In a 16th-century fortress just beyond the city walls, Culture Club Revelin is the go-to venue for all-night dance parties. It hosts international DJs and brings together history and energy in one space. Or, Elyx Night Club sits at the old town’s entrance, pulsing until morning with sleek décor and a lively dancefloor.
15. Take a Day Trip to Montenegro
On our Balkans Discover itinerary, you can check another country off your list with a little day trip.
Montenegro is less than an hour from Dubrovnik, making exploring beyond Croatia’s borders a great sidequest. This small Balkan country packs coastal scenery and medieval towns into an easy excursion.
Montenegro isn’t in the EU, so don’t forget your passport; you’ll need it at the border.
Every corner of the city tells a story; some centuries old, others unfolding right now. However you choose to explore it, you won’t run out of things to do in Dubrovnik.
