Things To Do
in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, sits along a jagged coastline encircled by imposing medieval walls. Its limestone streets, baroque churches, and red-tiled roofs rise above the azure sea. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Town invites exploration from the Stradun to Lovrijenac fortress.
From marble staircases to sunlit terraces, Dubrovnik blends history with island-hopping access to Lokrum and the Elaphiti archipelago.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a sunrise stroll atop the ancient city walls, taking in panoramic views of terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy a guided tour that highlights centuries of fortifications and hidden towers. Stop at Lookout Point for photos and a brief history lesson from a local expert.
Descend into the Old Town for a seafood lunch at a waterfront konoba, savoring freshly caught fish and local white wine. Wander through narrow marble streets to explore Onofrio’s Fountain, Rector’s Palace, and Sponza Palace. Pause at a café for a gelato break and people‐watching on Stradun.
Dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Banje Beach as the sun dips below the horizon. After dinner, catch a traditional klapa performance in a tucked‐away square for authentic Dalmatian harmonies. Conclude the night with cocktails at a seaside bar, listening to the gentle lapping of waves.
Join a small‐group walking tour through the labyrinthine streets of Dubrovnik’s Old Town to uncover hidden chapels, baroque facades, and medieval arcades. Your guide will share legends of pirates, patricians, and Church relics. Photograph gilded details in St. Blaise’s Church before sampling pastries at a local bakery.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Rector’s Palace museum and the Sponza archive, immersing yourself in Dubrovnik’s Renaissance heritage. Break for lunch at a courtyard café and try pašticada, a slow‐cooked beef dish in sweet wine sauce. Follow up with a self‐guided treasure hunt to locate historic plaques and inscriptions around town.
Book a table at a fine‐dining spot tucked beneath ancient stone walls for a fusion of Dalmatian and Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy a sommelier’s selection of regional wines from Pelješac and Korčula. After dinner, stroll along the city walls again under floodlights, admiring illuminated fortresses and silent ramparts.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🍷Glass of local wine | $4-8 |
| 🏨1 night in mid-range hotel | $120-200 |
| 🚖Taxi within city | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning medieval architecture and sea views; easy access to nearby islands.
- Rich historical sites and films-friendly locations.
- Walkable Old Town with dense concentration of sights and eateries.
- Crowds can be overwhelming in summer; prices are higher near the Old Town.
- Limited non-touristy corners within the Old Town; some sites require advance bookings.
- "Dobar dan" - Good day
- "Hvala" - Thank you
- "Molim" - Please / You're welcome
- "Gdje je WC?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Možete li preporučiti restoran?" - Could you recommend a restaurant?
- "Govorite engleski?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Dubrovnik
Visit one of these nice places.
A complete walk along the fortified walls offers dramatic sea panoramas and red roofs framed by the blue Adriatic.
The main marble street and the historic fountain provide symmetrical lines and soft lighting.
A dramatic cliffside fortress with the city and sea as a backdrop—great for golden-hour shots.
The iconic arched entrance to the Old Town with stone textures and light filtering through.
Baroque architecture, palm trees, and grand staircases for architectural photography.
Blue-green water and dense forest on Lokrum make for lush landscape photography.
Panoramic overlook of Dubrovnik’s walls and archipelago, ideal for sunset photos.
Seaside cave entrances and turquoise water provide moody, sea-born images.
Food in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-braised beef in red wine with prunes and spices, typically served with gnocchi or homemade pasta.
Must-Try!
Creamy squid-ink risotto with seafood such as cuttlefish or mussels.
Shellfish or shrimp cooked in garlic, white wine, olive oil, and parsley.
Fresh Adriatic fish simply grilled with olive oil and herbs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily seafood and produce stalls near the Gruž harbor—great for fresh buys and casual bites.
Fruit, vegetables, cheeses, and local specialties near the Old Town—perfect for picnic supplies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A courteous greeting such as Dobar dan is appreciated; handshakes are common in formal settings.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; light, breathable clothing is best in summer.
Croatian is spoken; English is widely understood in tourist zones; learning a few phrases helps.
Safety
Tipping in Dubrovnik
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, 5-15% is typical if service is not included; rounding up is common for taxi drivers.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash in HRK remains common for small shops; ATMs are plentiful; contactless payments are standard.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very warm with dry heat; peak crowds and higher prices. Water is comfortable for swimming; book activities and restaurants ahead.
Mild temperatures and fewer crowds; excellent light for photography and walking tours.
Cool and wetter, with occasional rain; many outdoor attractions closed but museums and restaurants remain open; lower prices.
Pleasant, blooming landscapes and comfortable temperatures; ideal for island-hopping and coastal walks.
Dubrovnik at Night
Hiking in Dubrovnik
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular route on Srđ Hill offering panoramic views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic; moderate difficulty.
Forest and lake circuits around Veliko and Malo Jezero on Mljet Island; reachable by ferry from Dubrovnik.
Green valleys, vineyards, and rural paths in the Konavle region just south of Dubrovnik; suitable for gentle to moderate hikes.
Airports
How to reach Dubrovnik by plane.
Located near Čilipi, about 15 km from Dubrovnik; transfers by bus, taxi, or shuttle to the city.
Resnik airport, about 210 km away; reachable by road transfer and sometimes combined ferry routes for multi-city trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant population with deep ties to the sea and tourism economy.
Hospitality staff and seasonal residents who bolster the summer economy.
Large seasonal influx, mainly from Europe and Mediterranean markets, with a growing share of long-stay visitors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The national sport, with local clubs and outdoor games along coastal towns.
A Dalmatian tradition with strong clubs and summer leagues.
Coastal waters support sailing, paddling, and guided blue-water trips.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dubrovnik.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Seasonal vegetables, grilled dishes, and pasta are widely available; ask for vegetable-based mains and olive-oil dressings.
Most seafood and grilled meats are gluten-free; choose gluten-free pasta or sides and request sauces without flour.