Things to Do in Dubrovnik Croatia: An Insider’s Guide

If you are looking for tons of cool things to do in Dubrovnik that involve views, sunset spots, restaurants, accommodation, shopping, swimming, cliff jumping, and maybe a cheeky drink or two – you found the right blog!

I’ve been to Dubrovnik over 30 times, and am fairly confident that I’ve covered all the interesting, insta-worthy, unique, and fun things to do in Dubrovnik (as well as a few more travel tips too)! Here, you will find all both popular and off-the-beaten-track things to do in Dubrovnik from an insider’s point of view.

Quick Overview of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s castle-like walled old town with a lasting 15th century medieval vibe presents a perfect setting for an adventurous escape. Once the independent Republic of Ragusa, Dubrovnik has a fascinating history. Like most old town areas in Croatia, Old Town Dubrovnik is comprised of spotlessly clean pedestrian passageways with high walls made of smooth light stone.

Cars aren’t allowed in this area, and foot traffic crowds the narrow bustling streets during the day and night alike. Locals and visitors enjoy pubs, shops, gelato parlors, and tiny seafood restaurants ie alleyways along the main street of Old Town, Stradun.

There are a few beaches nearby, and more if you’re willing to get on a bus or even boat to a few small islands off the coast. Go in early July and you might catch the annual Summer Festival, with fireworks and traditional Croatian dance rituals. Although I don’t really recommend July, to be honest 😛

Getting To Dubrovnik from the Airport:

Shuttles from the Airport to the main Bus Station (in port Gruž where the boats dock) are no more than 5-10 euro. Taxis from the airport would be about 40-50 euro.

They now have Uber in Croatia which seems to be the cheapest non-bus option. You can also easily book a private transfer to your accommodation for cheaper than a taxi.

Busses: 1A, 1B, 1C, and 3 go between the main gate of old town (Pile – pronounced ‘pee-lay’) and the port/main bus station. Other busses can take you to the hospital and other places in town and maps at bus stations should tell you this.

Getting to Dubrovnik from Anywhere Else:

You can take a ferry to Dubrovnik from Mljet, Korcula, Split, and more. Or, you can take a bus from Split, Makarska, Kotor/Budva in Montenegro, or Mostar in Bosnia. Book any land or sea route in advance on Bookaway.

Not staying long? See this one day Dubrovnik itinerary to make the most of a shorter time. I’d recommend at least 2-3 days though, and seeing other places in Croatia as well! Dubrovnik could also be the start of a ten day Croatia itinerary or my 3 week Balkan Road Trip if you are looking for ideas of other places to visit in Croatia!

Things to Do in Dubrovnik in/Around Town

Here are the best things to do in and around the old town of Dubrovnik. I’ll always explain the most unique parts and where the most amazing views and photo-ops are.

Go Up the Cable Car/Hike to Fort Imperijal

If you want an easy adventure, you can pay a small fee to take a cable car to this fortress. Or you can be like me and spend the entire morning searching for and hiking the switchback trail that leads up to it.

I definitely recommend hiking at least one way, though! Why? Because this hike presented me some of the best views I have ever seen and a picture-perfect view of old town. A necessary Dubrovnik Instagram moment if you ask me!

You can reach the cable car just outside Buza gate, at the top/inland wall of old town. You will see the signs for the cable car on the walls, or just ask anyone if you get confused (it’s prob one of the most prevalent questions here). Fort Imperijal was actually the last stronghold for Croatia during the seige of Dubrovnik in the early 90’s, after the breakup of Yugoslavia. I’ll go more into that just below!

Visit the Homeland War Museum While Up There

If you’re so inclined, there’s also a museum inside Fort Imperijal that tells you all about Dubrovnik’s recent history and how it was engulfed in war in the early 1990s.

Previously the Museum of the Croatian War for Independence, it costs a few euros to go in, and has loads of videos, newspaper articles, and history written out about the Croatian War for Independence. If there’s one of the historical thing you do in Dubrovnik, it should be this.

Croatia is a fairly new country, gaining independence from Yugoslavia in the early 90’s. That’s right, just under 30 years ago. This museum has lots of footage and info about that terrible time, which is very important to learn while here – not to mention an amazing view.

Explore Everywhere in Old Town – Get Lost!

One of my favorite things to do in Dubrovnik is to get lost wandering around the streets of Old Town. You can take a top-rated walking tour or simply explore by yourself. You never know what treasures you might find!

Be prepared for a workout, though! It may not look like it, but this little city is as hilly (and stair-y) as it is small. The stairs seem almost vertical at times and can be deadly in the rain, but they give old town its enchanting character.

Remember that Dubrovnik is a fabulous cruise destination in the Adriatic – which is great if you are on a cruise but not so much if you are not. Try not to walk around town on the same days that cruises arrive – it will be VERY crowded!

Game of Thrones Tours

For Game of thrones fans, you pretty much have to go on a Game of Thrones tour while in Dubrovnik.

The show was filmed all over the town, and if you get a guide like my friend Ivan Vukovic, you’ll be shown everything in great detail. Ivan has been a GoT tour guide since the first season, and he knows aaaaall the ins and outs of the show and the happenings in each season and locations throughout Dubrovnik. You can check out his website here!

In GoT, you’ll see King’s Landing, the shame steps, and many more, and end the tour with a photo on the iron throne. I haven’t watched it yet (mostly because I think I’ll get addicted real quickly if I do) but I still enjoyed the tour and comparing his photos of all the scenes from the show against the sites of filming. You can also book on Viator if you prefer.

Cliff Jumping and Beer Drinking a the Buža/Cliff Bars

 

Buža (boo-shuh) means ‘cliff’ in Croatian, and there are actually two cliff bars perched outside the old town walls.

One is the famous cliff-jumping one that you might have heard about (the one I’m not supposed to tell my passengers about but sometimes do ‘as a friend’ because I’m a cool tour guide :P). The other bar is more for lounging and swimming where stairs lead into the water – no jumping required.

Either way, they’re some of the most famous things to do in Dubrovnik and best swimming spots in Dubrovnik too. They are pretty much right around the corner from each other right above the Adriatic outside the southwest wall of Old Town. You get to them both by walking through a slightly non-obvious doorway through the stone walls of old town that opens up to a majestic and sweeping view of the clear blue sea.

Just be careful getting back up onto the rocks! More people get hurt trying to get back up in rougher seas than they do jumping in.

Walk the Old City Walls

This one is a no-brainer – one of the MUST-DOs in Dubrovnik is to walk the walls of Old Town. Pay a small fee (even smaller if you bring your student ID) and then you’re free to roam around the walls (well – in a counter-clockwise direction).

I recommend getting your ticket and climbing up next to the main entrance to old town (Pile Gate – pronounced like Pee-lay not pile :P) near the big fountain. The walls present some of the BEST views in Dubrovnik.

Depending on what time of year you’re here, you can catch a lovely sunset complimented by the Adriatic sea. The red roofs of buildings spreading from one plant-covered stone wall to the other.

Lovrijenac Fortress

You can explore fort Lovrijenic as an extension of the city walls. It’s right across the bay from the Old Town and has some of the BEST views from there.

Learn Some History at the Sponza Palace & Rector’s Palace

The Sponza Palace is right near the entrance to the small port/harbor of old town. It used to be where they dealt with the logging and taxation of goods coming and going from there. But today, it is a lovely courtyard and museum where you can view the “Memorial Room for the Defenders of Dubrovnik” and other historical artifacts.

The Rector’s Palace is where the rector (leader) of Ragusa (what Dubrovnik used to be called when it was an independent state for 450 years) used to live.

Fun Story: they used to keep the artillery and gunpowder in the basement of this palace, and it exploded to the ground twice before they decided it might be a better idea to keep the gunpowder somewhere else!

Today, the Rector’s palace is home to three museums: a maritime museum, an ethnographic museum, and a cultural history museum. You can visit all with one ticket called The Dubrovnik Card along with a few other museums in town.

Get a Bit More History in St Blaise’s Church + Learn About St Blaise

Any savvy traveler knows the importance of taking away some interesting tidbits of history from each destination they visit! And this is a fun one. Blaise is the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and if you keep your eyes peeled you will see him all over the old town.

Legend has it that he came to a priest in a dream to warn him of an imminent Venetian attack, and through this knowledge, the priest was able to warn the city so they could fend off the Venetians.

Nowadays you will see him above Pile Gate, scattered around the old town, and also atop his very own church in the center of town. On the right day, you can go inside and see the 17th-century church with a few remaining artifacts from the original church in the 1400s.

Get Dirty on a Buggie Safari

One of the most popular things to do in Dubrovnik is going on a buggy tour up at the top of Mt. Srd – the same mountain that the cable cars go up. You might get dirty, but it’s a great adventure!

You can get the tour with or without the cable car, and you basically drive 4-person buggies around the dirt up there. It’ll enable you to learn some history and explore a part of Dubrovnik that not everyone sees!

Explore Lokrum Island

For one of the less-crowded and more unique things to do in Dubrovnik, take the boat over to Lokrum island. You can see Lokrum from almost anywhere in Dubrovnik, and can catch a boat from the old port (in old town). The trip costs 7 euro each way.

Lokrum is actually home to a huge botanical garden! There’s some walking trails up to an old fort, a restaurant, a strangely high population of peacocks, beautiful rock formations and a clear swimming area. There’s even a little rock pool you can cliff jump into.

It’s a bit of a getaway from the bustle of Dubrovnik, especially if you’ve done all the touristy things and have extra time. You can also visit Lokrum from an adventurous Sea Kayaking Tour, explained below!

Things to Do in Dubrovnik Up and Down the Coast

If you adventure up or down the coast from Old Town Dubrovnik, you are sure to find some amazing swimming spots and often some great views of the walled town from afar. South of the old town, there’s a pretty cool hotel sea pool, and also a big cave that is visited on most kayak tours! In the photo above, you can just see the old town in the distance.

Do a Croatia Sailing Tour

The number one BEST way to see Croatia is on a sailing tour. You can see a few different places each day while never having to pack up your suitcase ONCE! Check out my guide to picking the best Croatia sailing tour for you to choose one.

Go Sea Kayaking + Try Water Sports

Sea Kayaking must be one of the most popular touristy things to do during your Dubrovnik travel. As soon as you get off at the main bus stop, you are pretty much assaulted by millions of Croatians in colored shirts stuffing sea kayaking brochures in your face. Once you get past their aggressiveness, it’s actually a really cool activity to do.

You stop at the cave I mentioned above, and a few places on Lokrum island too. You get a little meal and even some wine if you book a sunset tour! It’s not for the faint of heart, though; it’s a pretty long way!!

You can also go jet skiing in Dubrovnik. It’s a bit on the expensive side, given that you are pretty much in the most expensive town in Croatia, but the views of the old town walls from outside make the extra price worth it.

Pop Down the Coast and Explore Cavtat

If you take bus number 10 to the end of its line (or a boat tour), you’ll reach the ‘Monaco of Dubrovnik” town called Cavtat. Now it’s definitely not as huge as Monaco, but it’s definitely a stylish little peninsula on the sea about 30 minutes south of Dubrovnik and is lovely to visit. There are lots of fancier restaurants and resorts here, too!

Take an Amazing Elafiti Islands & Caves Tour

Just north of Dubrovnik, there are a few little islands known as the Elaphite Islands. Many people take day tours to explore them or hire boats to come and check them out. It’s one of my favorite day trips from Dubrovnik and perfect to escape the crowds and get into the true island vibes of Croatia.

Some of the main points of interest on the Elafiti Islands are lovely and tiny car-free villages with a slow pace, the only sandy beach for miles around on Lopud Island, a fortress hike on Šipan, and swimming and snorkeling inside secluded caves and a blue cave on Koločep island.

There are a few different styles of tours you can take. One is a slower boat that visits all the villages, and the other is a speedboat that takes you to all the caves and beaches (my recommended tour). Or you can rent a private boat to do whatever you’d like! 

Read my post comparing the three tours below, or go straight to my favorite and most adventurous caves tour below.

Watch Some Amazing Sunsets in Dubrovnik

Who doesn’t love a good sunset?! Here they are amazing due to the west-facing coast. As it’s truly one of the most rewarding things to do in Dubrovnik, I’ve split it into 3 different sections of places to watch the sunset.

Take a Sunset Boat Cruise on a Pirate Ship

There are lots of different Sunset Boat Cruises in Dubrovnik. From the gentle rocking of a boat, you can enjoy the sunset behind an island-dotted coast. What could be better? But there’s nothing quite as iconic as enjoying a sunset cruise on the super-legit pirate ship Karaka.

Everyone in Dubrovnik knows this massive wooden ship (often accompanied by traditionally-dressed workers), and you can spot it out at sea when you walk the walls or are up on the cable car. Taking a boat cruise is definitely the best way to see the old town walls! This one even comes with champagne and a Croatian buffet-style meal.

Sunset from Port Gruž

This is where my boats would dock in Dubrovnik, and I won’t lie, I have seen plenty of top-notch sunsets right from my boat. Gruž looks out in the perfect angle out to the sea where you can see the big fiery ball of sun dip below a watery horizon.

Watch the Sunset from Any Seaside Bar/Restaurant

Croatia is lucky enough to face the sea on the west – and you know what that means – sunsets over the sea!! (Am I the only one that comes right to that conclusion when I travel somewhere?!) So if you get to the coast, chances are that you’ll be able to see the sun set over the sea, behind an island-dotted horizon if you’re lucky.

Watch the Sunset From Panorama Restaurant/Cafe

Remember when I was talking about taking the cable car up to the top of the hill? Yeah, the restaurant up at the top is fittingly called Panorama because of its, well, ‘panoramic’ views of Dubrovnik, ha.

See if you can get a table right on the edge of the hill, and catch a phenomenal sunset from up at the top of the world. If you’re active, you can even do a sunset hike up to the best view in town. It’s truly one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik. The cafe is a bit pricey but the view is worth it!

Eat Some Authentic Croatian Food in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is home to some of the best of Croatian food, and trying a classic Croatian meal is one of the most important things to do in Dubrovnik! I have tried some restaurants MANY times on my tours and have listed a few other recommendations from a born-and-bred local below. You can also try an all-encompassing food and wine tour that people always love.

Veritas

This is where I go every time I take a group to dinner in Dubrovnik – it’s fast, reliable, amazing Croatian food, every time. Veritas has fantastic meat and seafood, and pretty much anything Croatian, really.

They have a famous ‘kiss of Dubrovnik’ dish which is breaded chicken stuffed with ham and cheese, and their ‘beefsteak Veritas’ with gorgonzola is gorgeous. The cevapi is great, as is the seafood platter… so many options.

Gelato

Right in the middle of the main street of old town is one of the best gelato places I’ve ever tried. You’ll probably know it when you see a massive line out the door and heaps of happy people eating away at massive cones of colorful scoops. They’re only a few euro per scoop, so you can’t really pass it up.

Bona Fide Mexican Cantina

If you have already tried lots of Croatian food and are looking for something different, this Mexican place is actually pretty decent. I once made a vow to myself to never try Mexican food too far abroad out of California again, but I gave this place a chance and was impressed.

And, although it wasn’t the most amazing Mexican I have ever had, it was actually really not bad. Dare I even say, it was… GOOD. And coming from California, that’s saying something. They put their own little twist on Mexican favorites, have great margaritas, and serve tequila as well!

Lady Pipi

This is a famous restaurant right at the top of old town, with a view! It has quite a provocative statue/fountain out front that will give you a good idea of where its name came from, too.

Other Suggestions

My friend who was born and raised in Dubrovnik and works as a guide there has suggested the top three restaurants to go to:

Restaurant Gusta Me

Restaurant Pantarul

Traditional Dalmation Cooking Class

Of you can always take your food skills to the next level and cook some yourself – this is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Dubrovnik!

Go on a Real Dubrovnik Night Out

I have a whole guide to Nightlife, Bars, and Nightclubs in Dubrovnik, so I’ll keep it short and sweet here. Click the link below to read my whole guide!

Wine Bars – Malvasija Wine Bar, D’Vino Wine Bar

Unique Dubrovnik Bars- Cave Bar More (inside a cave), Onofrio Ice Bar

Pre-Drinks Bars – Trocadero Bar (where you can drink buckets), Sky Bar

Nightclubs – Culture Club Revelin (huge famous super-club inside the fortress walls), Sky Bar (also a crowded club), Banje Beach Club

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik:

When visiting Dubrovnik I will always recommend staying as close as you can to the old town, especially if you only have a day or two. But because it’s so small, there really aren’t many! If leaving on a sailing tour or cruise, you might want to look into a hotel at the port, Port Gruž.

I love to recommend the most unique + boutique accommodation options I can find, in all my destinations. I’ll always list a few budget options and the coolest most worthwhile splurge(s) for special occasions!

Budget Option Villa Angelina – My most recommended hostel in Dubrovnik. It’s INSIDE old town (which is hard to find), has an amazing view, good prices, a great sense of community (I have met some lifelong friends here), and all the comfortable fittings like kitchen etc.

Cheap Hotel: Hotel Petka – This is an affordable and basic hotel in the port.

Budget AND Unique Old-Town Gem for Couples: Historic Elegance in the Heart of Old Town – this is a great romantic loft inside the old town. I love when you find Croatia accommodation that still has the authentic old stone walls inside, and this apartment is a great and well-located example.

Great Value and View Apartment Rental for Groups/Family: Sea and Island Views – this apartment sleeps up to 6 and has a view above the old town. It’s not IN the walls, but sometimes you can sacrifice that for a good view of them (and the sea)!

Well-Located Splurge-Worthy Hotel: Hilton Imperial – Okay, I wouldn’t normally recommend a Hilton, but this one is different. It’s in a unique building RIGHT outside the Old town gates, with an indoor pool, gym, and some great amenities. It’s a 5-star splurge, but you can get some good views out of it.

Splurge-Worthy Seaside Resort: Rixos Libertas Hotel is a fancier and more secluded resort with a huge swimming pool right on the cliffs of the sea. There are spas and baths, restaurants, bars, and more for the romantic getaway or 5-star vacation. It’s secluded but close though to walk to old town.

Final Things to Do In Dubrovnik

Not too much time? Luckily Dubrovnik is one of best places to take day trips all over the country, and even to neighboring countries like Bosnia&Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

Other Destinations in Croatia

Check out my Croatia Destinations guide for all sorts of Croatia inspiration and all possible destinations.

Need Help Planning Your Trip to Croatia?

Contact me! I have spent many summers here, have seen the tourism grow with my own eyes, and know the in’s and out’s of most of the country. I would love to help plan private tours, sailing trips, or any general Croatia consulting!

Pop me an email at kimmie@adventuresnsunsets.com and I’ll help you plan your perfect Croatian getaway!

—

If you enjoyed this, please PIN it 🙂

DUBROVNIK TRAVEL ESSENTIALS: