The 12 Best Things To Do in Dubrovnik for Your Bucket List

Visiting Game of Thrones filming locations, walking the City Walls, and relaxing at Banje Beach are among the top things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Located in Southern Croatia, alongside the dazzling Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s most famous tourist destinations, and with good reason. Every year, over a million people visit its famous Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Because there’s so much to do, visitors struggle to fit everything into one trip. Luckily, though, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of must-do activities in Dubrovnik so you don’t miss any of the best attractions.

We combined personal experiences with insights from traveler reviews, local recommendations, and expert guides to create this list. Each activity was chosen to reflect the best of Dubrovnik’s history, culture, and stunning scenery.

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Top Places in Europe for Digital Nomads Dubrovnik Croatia © Boris Stroujko Adobe Stock 118455094 - This Balkan City Has Medieval Walls That Hug the Coast — and a Game of Thrones Connection You'll Want To Explore

Walk City Walls 1/5

Hot Beach Destinations Around the World in May Dubrovnik, Croatia

Banje Beach chill 2/5

Walkable Cities in Europe Dubrovnik Croatia

Stradun stroll 3/5

Top Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia Visit the Game of Thrones Filming Locations The Jesuit Stairs

Game of Thrones tour 4/5

Countries You Can Visit with a Schengen Visa Croatia Dubrovnik © JFL Photography Adobe Stock 212763832 - This Balkan City Has Medieval Walls That Hug the Coast — and a Game of Thrones Connection You'll Want To Explore

Cable car to Mt. Srđ 5/5

Results

Walk City Walls

3 6

Banje Beach chill

6 3

Stradun stroll

4 5

Game of Thrones tour

3 6

Cable car to Mt. Srđ

3 6

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Table of Contents

Best Hotels

Luxury: Stayeva 11
Mid-range: La Vita e Bella VI
Budget: San Rocco Palace

Best Activities

Visit the Game of Thrones filming locations – Dubrovnik’s Game of Thrones filming locations are perfect for fans of the iconic TV show.
Walk the City Walls – Dubrovnik’s City Walls offer incredible views of the city’s historic buildings and stunning coastline.
Relax on Banje Beach – Banje Beach is one of the best places to sunbathe and swim in Dubrovnik.

Visit the Game of Thrones Filming Locations

One of the most popular activities in Dubrovnik is visiting the Game of Thrones filming locations. If you’re a big fan of the hit TV series, you’ll likely already know that large parts of the show are filmed in Dubrovnik. If you didn’t, it’s worth knowing that Dubrovnik was used as the fictional capital city of Westeros, King’s Landing.

Many of Dubrovnik’s famous landmarks can be seen throughout Game of Thrones. Fort Lovrijenac was used to film the Red Keep, while the Jesuit Staircase was featured in the iconic “Walk of Shame” scene. On this Game of Thrones Walking Tour, you’ll visit every significant filming location and have the opportunity to sit on an Iron Throne replica.

Travel Tips

Bring comfortable shoes for uneven surfaces: Many of the filming spots, like Fort Lovrijenac and the Jesuit Staircase, involve steep steps and uneven cobblestones. Trust me, your feet will thank you!
Visit the walls of Dubrovnik late afternoon: The city walls were also featured in the show. I went after 4 PM, and it was less crowded with softer lighting for photos. Entrance costs about €35, and it’s totally worth it.
Book a guided tour: Take a guided tour of Dubrovnik’s Game of Thrones filming locations, where you’ll see iconic spots like the Red Keep, Pile Gate, and the Walk of Shame, while learning behind-the-scenes stories from local guides.

Walk the City Walls

Walking the City Walls of Dubrovnik is perfect for travelers who love history and epic views. The medieval stone walls surround the Old Town and were built mainly between the 13th and 17th centuries. They offer impressive views of the Adriatic Sea and the city’s iconic orange-tiled roofs while providing fascinating insight into its rich history.

Brilliantly, you can walk the entire length of the City Walls, which stand 82 feet (25 meters) tall and 6,364 feet (1,940 meters) long. You’ll come across towers, fortresses, moats, and drawbridges along the walls.

You’ll also find many cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can grab refreshments. I particularly enjoyed the views of Fort Lovrijenac and Lokrum Island from the City Walls.

Travel Tips

Start your walk early to avoid crowds: I began at 8 AM when the walls opened, and it was much quieter. Tickets cost around €35 and include entry to Fort Lovrijenac.
Enter at Pile Gate for the easiest start: This gate is the most popular starting point and close to cafes where you can recharge before or after your walk.

Relax on Banje Beach

Banje Beach is the best place to relax in the city. It is a beautiful golden-sand and pebblestone beach on the Dalmatian Coast, just outside Old Town Dubrovnik.

With crystal-clear emerald waters, postcard-perfect coastal views, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s an excellent place to sunbathe and swim. The views of Lokrum Island and the Old Port are also magnificent.

Banje Beach Club occupies one end of the beach. You can enjoy delicious wines, cocktails, and fresh seafood here. The club also offers live entertainment and cozy beachside sun loungers.

Travel Tips

Arrive early to secure a spot: I got there around 9 AM, and the best sunbathing spots were still available. The beach gets crowded quickly, especially in peak season.
Rent a lounger at Banje Beach Club: For about €20, I enjoyed a comfy lounger and shade while sipping on a cocktail. Totally worth it for a relaxing afternoon!

Get Lost in the Old Town

Iconic Movie Locations You Can Actually Visit Dubrovnik, Croatia - Game of Thrones — © zigres / Adobe Stock

It may sound strange, but one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik is to get lost in the Old Town. Dubrovnik Old Town is a maze of historic streets, some with architecture that dates back to the 7th century. While there are many fascinating landmarks to visit within the Old Town, part of the fun is meandering the narrow alleyways.

In doing this, you can see a more authentic side of the Old Town, away from the hustle and bustle of the famous attractions. You’ll pass traditional houses and quaint shops while also finding excellent viewpoints of the city.

You’ll often glimpse the city’s vibrant roofs and fortifications from the top of the Old Town’s steep streets.

Travel Tips

Explore early or late to avoid crowds: I wandered around at 7 AM, and the streets were empty—perfect for photos and soaking in the charm.
Look for hidden konobas (traditional restaurants): I stumbled upon a tiny konoba called “Taj Mahal” in an alleyway—amazing Bosnian cuisine. Keep your eyes open for spots like this!
Book a walking tour: Take a guided walk through Dubrovnik’s Old Town to learn about its rich history, including landmarks like Onofrio’s Fountain, Orlando’s Column, and Rector’s Palace, while hearing fascinating stories from over 1,400 years of the city’s past.

Ride The Dubrovnik Cable Car

Dubrovnik Cable Car is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubrovnik for travelers seeking the best city views. Leaving outside the city walls, this picturesque cable car journey takes travelers to Srđ, a small mountain standing tall above the city. Standing at 1,351 feet (412 meters) tall, Srđ offers unparalleled views of Dubrovnik and its Old Town from above.

The Cable Car itself also offers marvelous views of the Old Town. The 2,552-foot (778-meter) journey to the plateau only takes four minutes, so you’ll have to be quick with your camera. On a clear day, you can see up to 37 miles (60 kilometers).

Travel Tips

Buy tickets online to skip the line: I saved a lot of time by purchasing my round-trip ticket (€27) in advance. The line at the station can get long, especially midday.
Visit during sunset for the best views: I took the cable car around 5 PM and watched the sun dip behind the Adriatic—a stunning experience.

Have Fun at Mount Srđ.

While most people visit Mount Srđ to enjoy the views of the Old Town from above, there is also much to see and do. Mount Srđ is one of the best family-friendly places to visit in Dubrovnik. You’ll find something for everyone.

For starters, hiking enthusiasts could walk to the summit instead of riding the cable car. The walk from the mountain base takes approximately 50 minutes but is quite steep. Meanwhile, history lovers can learn more about the Homeland War at Fort Imperial’s Homeland War Museum.

Conversely, travelers seeking a more adrenaline-pumping activity can race across the summit on a buggy safari. Alternatively, enjoy a glass of wine and something to eat at Restaurant Panorama.

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Travel Tips

Hike early to beat the heat: I started the hike at 7 AM, and the cooler temperatures made the steep trail much more manageable. Bring sturdy shoes and water!
Book the buggy safari in advance: It’s a thrilling way to explore the summit. I paid about €60 for a 90-minute tour, and it was worth every cent for the views and fun.
Reserve a table at Panorama for sunset: I enjoyed a fantastic meal with unbeatable views of the Old Town and Adriatic. Make sure to book ahead, as it fills up quickly.

Walk Along Stradun

Stradun, also known as Placa, is one the busiest attractions in Dubrovnik, so arrive early if you want to beat the hordes of tourists. The name Stradun derives from the Venetian word “stradone,” meaning big or large road. With a name like that, you won’t be surprised to hear that Stradun is Old Town Dubrovnik’s main street.

It’s uncharacteristically large for the Old Town, which consists mainly of narrow streets and alleyways. Stradun runs for 984 feet (300 meters) through the center of the Old Town. The street is paved with beautiful limestone, which gives it a grand appearance.

Along Stradun, you’ll find breathtaking architecture, such as the Franciscan Church and Monastery, souvenir shops, and gelaterias.

Travel Tips

Stop for gelato at Dolce Vita: This spot became my favorite for a cool treat. Their pistachio gelato is a must-try and costs around €2.
Pop into the Franciscan Monastery: It’s right on Stradun and houses one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. Entry is about €5 and well worth it for the history.

Explore the Franciscan Church and Monastery

Considering you’re already walking along Stradun, explore the Franciscan Church and Monastery. Initially built in the 14th century, this magnificent structure consists of a friary, a church, a pharmacy, and a library. The complex looks spectacular outside, but I strongly recommend heading inside, too.

You’ll find grand hallways, beautiful carvings, and fascinating exhibits inside. The museum library was my favorite part of the Franciscan Church and Monastery. Built in the 17th century, it contains over 20,000 books, including ancient manuscripts and the old Friars Minor Pharmacy inventory.

The complex can be explored in an hour, so there is no reason not to visit.

Travel Tips

Visit mid-morning to avoid the rush: I went around 10 AM, just after the early crowds from Stradun moved on. It was peaceful and easy to explore.
Don’t miss the pharmacy museum: For €5, you can see one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies, with original jars and tools. It’s small but fascinating.
Look for the cloister courtyard: The serene garden with its Gothic arches was my favorite spot for a quiet moment and photos.

Admire the Views From Fort Lovrijenac

Fort Lovrijenac is one of the best places in Dubrovnik’s city center to find epic viewpoints. It’s also one of the city’s most interesting attractions. Also called St. Lawrence’s Fortress, it’s a hilltop medieval fortress on a 121-foot (37-meter) high rock outside the city walls. It’s believed the fortress was constructed in the early 11th century.

At Fort Lovrijenac, you can explore three terraces, learning more about how the tower defended the city at each level. However, I think you’ll be more drawn towards the fort’s impressive views. I certainly was.

From every terrace, Fort Lovrijenac offers spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea’s emerald waters and Old Town Dubrovnik. This is an excellent spot to photograph the City Walls.

Travel Tips

Use your City Walls ticket for free entry: The €35 ticket for the City Walls includes access to Fort Lovrijenac, saving you extra costs.
Visit in the late afternoon for soft lighting: I went around 4 PM, and the light over the sea and city walls was stunning—perfect for photos.

Watch the Sunset at Buža Bar

Top Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia Watch the Sunset at Buža Bar — © Jess_Ivanova / Adobe Stock

Buža Bar is among the best places in Dubrovnik to watch the sunset. It’s more popular now, but this cliffside bar located on the outside of the city walls is still somewhat of a hidden gem. Its once secretive location can be found by walking through a hole in the City Walls.

You can find it on Google Maps. Once you arrive, you’ll quickly understand why Buža Bar is one of the best places to watch the sunset. It offers sensational and unobstructed views of the Adriatic Sea and Lokrum Island.

At sunset, you can see the fiery Croatian sunset to the horizon. It’s also worth noting that Buža Bar is a popular cliff-jumping spot.

Travel Tips

Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset: I got there early to grab a good seat. The bar gets crowded quickly, especially in summer.
Bring cash for drinks: Buža Bar is cash-only, and a beer cost me about €5. The views are worth every penny.
Wear swimwear if you plan to cliff jump: I didn’t jump, but plenty of people were enjoying it. The water is deep and clear, perfect for a refreshing dip.

Visit Lokrum Island

Lokrum Island is one of the most popular day trips from Dubrovnik. This beautiful island only lies 1,968 feet (600 meters) from the city, so you can easily get there by boat. A local ferry departs from the Old Harbour of Dubrovnik.

Once the holiday home of Austrian Archduke Maximilian, Lokrum is a fascinating island with lush botanical gardens, natural pools, a monastery, and a 19th-century fort. Not to mention, the island also has several picturesque places to swim in the sea.

Start with a walk up to Fort Royal to admire the impressive coastal views. Then, spot the resident tortoise in the botanical gardens and visit the Benedictine Monastery. Afterward, relax in the refreshing waters at Mrtvo More.

Travel Tips

Take the first ferry at 9 AM to avoid crowds: I caught the ferry from the Old Harbour (about €20 round-trip), and the island was much quieter in the morning.
Wear sunscreen and a hat for the walk up to Fort Royal: The path to the fort is exposed, and it can get hot. I made sure to stay shaded and hydrated on the way up.

Kayak Around Dubrovnik

Epic Adventures for Solo Travelers in Europe Kayak in Dubrovnik, Croatia — © Marcin Michalczyk / Adobe Stock

Kayaking is one of the most entertaining ways to experience Dubrovnik and its pristine coastline. On a kayak tour, you can paddle around Dubrovnik’s city walls and towards Fort Lovrijenac. As you can likely imagine, the views are extraordinary.

This Dubrovnik Sea Kayaking tour also takes you to Lokrum Island to explore a hidden cave. You’ll even be able to swim and snorkel in Betina Cave before returning to the port. Tours leave in the morning, midday, and before the sunset.

Aside from being hugely exciting, kayaking offers a unique city perspective. From sea level, the city walls and its fortifications look enormous. I certainly wouldn’t want to be someone trying to attack the city.

Travel Tips

Book your tour in advance: Embark on a kayaking tour from Pile port, paddle along Dubrovnik’s city walls to Betina Cave for a swim and snorkel break, then head towards Lokrum Island before returning to the starting point. Choose from a morning, midday, or sunset tour for a unique perspective of the coast.
Go for the sunset tour for magical views: I chose the 6 PM tour, and paddling along the city walls as the sun set was unforgettable.
Wear a swimsuit and bring a dry bag: I was able to swim in Betina Cave, so I packed my phone and extra clothes in a dry bag. It kept everything safe and dry!