The 21 Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik: Your Ultimate Guide to Croatia’s Jewel

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Welcome to one of the most captivating cities in all of Europe—Dubrovnik, a place that will make you feel like you've stepped into an episode of Game of Thrones. We loved exploring the best things to do in Dubrovnik, especially strolling through its well-preserved old town.


But there's more to do here than just enjoying the medieval architecture. It's a city with the perfect mix of history and fun, an area where you can get lost in the quaint streets, but then party in a fortress.


Come see why we fell in love with Dubrovnik over and over again, and why we just can't sick of visiting the pearl of Croatia. Here is everything you need to know from the best things to do in Dubrovnik, to what to expect for your budget.

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📍 Where is Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik is located all the way in the south of Croatia, along the Dalmatian Coast. Being at the tip of the country, it is also very close to both borders of Bosnia & Herzegovina to the East, and Montenegro to the South.

where is Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is all the way at the southern tip of Croatia.


How to Get to Dubrovnik, Croatia

Before going over the best things to do in Dubrovnik, let's look at the different options to get you there!


✈️ What Airport Do You Fly Into for Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik has an airport conveniently located just down the coast from the city. There are local buses, Ubers, and taxis that service the trip, which is about a 25 minute (very scenic) drive.


Want to book your airport transfer? Here are a few different public and private options:


🛩 Who Flies to Dubrovnik

The Dubrovnik airport is pretty small, but has quite a few flights from other European cities,  one from Dubai, and one from Newark, New Jersey! From Ireland and the UK you can fly into Dubrovnik from Belfast, Cork, Dublin, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, London, Manchester, and Newcastle.


The Scandanavian cities that fly to Dubrovnik include Bergen, Copenhagen, Helsinki, and Oslo. Additionally, there are a ton of other European cities that fly into Dubrovnik, which include Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Belgrade, Brussels, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, Istanbul, Krakow, Madrid, Marseille, Munich, Naples, Nantes, Rome, Paris, Toulouse, Vienna, Warsaw, and Zurich.


It is important to note that most cities don't have daily flights, so if you can't find a direct flight from your city for a certain date, simply check a day or two after.

Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can put from "your city" to "Croatia". This way you can see which is the cheapest airport in the area to fly. Also, you can check the calendar to see which are the cheapest dates for getting straight to Dubrovnik.

Search for a flight to Dubrovnik or around it:

🛬 Getting to Dubrovnik by Surrounding Airports

If flights to Dubrovnik are very expensive, you can fly into Split, and get a 3 hour bus down to Dubrovnik, or you can fly into Kotor, Montenegro, which is a 2 hour drive away.


Here are some routes you can choose from surrounding airports:


⛴ Sailing to Dubrovnik

Although this isn't the most popular option, there are in fact ferries that run to Dubrovnik form a few other coastal cities, both domestic and International.


During the warmer months of the year (from April to October) there are domestic ferries running from the touristic areas of  Split, Brac, and Hvar. The ferries that run year round include Lastovo, Korcula, Sipan, Lopud, Kolocep, and Mljet island.


Additionally, there is one route from Dubrovnik to Bari, Italy, with the company Jadrolinjia (April-October only). If you'd like to travel elsewhere from Italy, you can always take the ferry from Ancona to Split, and then get a bus or ferry down to Dubrovnik from there.

port of Dubrovnik

You can sail to Dubrovnik from Bari, Italy.


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Entry Requirements for Croatia

Traveling in Europe can be quite confusing, as there are different requirements for each country, within the EU, and within the Schengen Zone. We're here to clarify a few things.


🛂 Visa Requirements for Croatia

In many European countries, the 90/180 rule applies for those that are not European. This means that in a 180 day period, tourists can only stay in the Schengen Area for a total of 90 days.


Some countries are in the EU but not part of the Schengen Zone, some are in the Schengen Zone but not part of the EU, some are in both, and some are in neither. This can be extremely confusing when trying to calculate your travels! 


When we last visited Dubrovnik, Croatia was not part of the Schengen Zone. Now it  part of the Schengen Zone, so the 90/180 rule applies.

things to do in Dubrovnik

The City of Dubrovnik is back to normal, with all operations running, and no restrictions.

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Local Adjustments for Visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia

Whenever you travel somewhere new, there are things that you may forget about. These things may be different from where you are coming from, and are what we call local adjustments. Here are a few of them to keep in mind while traveling to Croatia.


🗣 What is the Language Spoken in Dubrovnik?

The official language in Dubrovnik is Croatian. However, as it is a very touristic city, it is common to hear locals speaking English. Croatians really appreciate when you try to speak even a few Croatian phrases, so we definitely suggest learning the basics.


💶 What is the Best Currency to Take to Dubrovnik?

The currency that used to be used in Croatia was the Kuna. Now, the currency used in Dubrovnik and the rest of Croatia is the euro.


💳 Do You Need Cash in Dubrovnik?

Credit card is accepted in many places. We do suggest carrying some cash for tips, as well as drinks if you are going out.


🔌nWhat Plug Adapter for Dubrovnik Do I Need?

Dubrovnik uses the same plug types as the rest of Croatia and Europe, which are types C & F. The standard voltage in Croatia is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.


🚰 Can You Drink Dubrovnik Tap Water?

The tap water in Dubrovnik and all over Croatia is potable. If you go to a restaurant and ask for water though, they will automatically bring bottled water. 


We asked for tap water at a restaurant and they refused to give it to us, and then charged us 6 euros for a bottle.


Meanwhile, there is a huge fountain in the center of Dubrovnik that spews extremely cold and fresh water. We suggest getting a refillable water bottle and visiting the fountain. If you're going to overspend on a drink, it may as well be a cocktail or beer!


💸 Is Tipping Expected in Croatia?

The tipping culture in Croatia is typically 10% of the bill. Being that Dubrovnik is very expensive and touristy though, you will notice that many people leave more than 10% (although it is not mandatory).


Also make sure to check your bill, because sometimes in fancier restaurants they will already include the service charge.


If you are taking a tour, it is highly encouraged to leave a tip. If you sign up for a free walking tour, it is assumed that you will leave something, so please support the hard working locals with at least 5-10 euros.

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The Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Now let's jump into all of the fun things to do in Dubrovnik! This city is great for all ages, and all types of travelers. Here are the best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia.


live music in Dubrovnik
best things to do in Dubrovnik
old city of Dubrovnik, best things to do in Dubrovnik

There are so many amazing things to do in Dubrovnik.


❣️ Discover the Old Town

The first thing you'll want to do when you get to Dubrovnik is to simply soak up the vibes and explore the old town. The old town is very well preserved, clean, and picturesque.


The Old Town has three different gates- the North gate, which crosses a small draw bridge, the South Gate which comes from the port, and the East Gate which will lead you from up above the port area.

north gate of Dubrovnik, best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia

The north gate has a drawbridge into the old city.

Take time to climb the long staircases, and get yourself lost in the small alleyways. There is so much to explore in the city, and simply enjoying the atmosphere is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik.


Old Town of Dubrovnik, best things to do in Dubrovnik
Old Town of Dubrovnik, best things to do in Dubrovnik
Old Town of Dubrovnik, best things to do in Dubrovnik

The Old City of Dubrovnik has stunning architecture.


Note: It can get extremely crowded in Dubrovnik during the day time, making it much less pleasurable to wander around. We suggest going very early in the morning or late in the evening to really get a good feel for the city.

Old Town of Dubrovnik, best things to do in Dubrovnik

These pictures were taken at 6 am, before the crowds started pouring in.

🚶🏻‍♀️ Walk the City Walls

The city of Dubrovnik needed to be protected, and because of that, the entire old town is a fortress, surrounded by large stone walls.

City Walls of Dubrovnik

Walking the city walls allows you to have great views of the Old City.

The city walls extend around Dubrovnik, totaling 2 full kilometers! You can walk across the top to get some beautiful views of the old town below, as well as feel like you are really a part of history.

Old City Walls, best things to do in Dubrovnik
Old City Walls, best things to do in Dubrovnik

The Old City Walls are also lit up beautifully at night.

The City Walls ticket has increased exponentially since the first time I visited Dubrovnik (back in 2015), and keeps climbing up unfortunately. The current price (October 2024) is 35 euros during high season, and 15 euros in the off season.


The good news is though, if you get the Dubrovnik Tourist Card (35 euros for one day) the walls will be included, as well as several other of the best things to do in Dubrovnik.

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⛪️ Check Out the Many Churches

Did you know that there are 47 monasteries and churches built in just the old town of Dubrovnik? That's a lot for only an area of 2 square km! 

monastery in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik church

There are 47 monasteries and churches just in the Old City of Dubrovnik!

We're obviously not going to name every single church and monastery to the list, but we definitely suggest you walk around and admire some of them. A few of our favorites are St. Blaise Cathedral, Saint Saviour, and Church of the Holy Annunciation, where you will find a bunch of napping cats.


best things to do in Dubrovnik, churches
best things to do in Dubrovnik, churches
best things to do in Dubrovnik, churches

One of the churches is full of cats staying there.


🪜 Walk the Jesuit Stairs

This is where one of the famous Game of Thrones scenes occurred- "shame", and attracts tons of tourists. However, locals explain that the reason it is actually a place of interest, is because it resembles the Spanish steps in Rome.


Regardless of why you visit, it's undebatable that the stairs and churches around are stunning and worth checking out.

Jesuit Stairs, best things to do in Dubrovnik

The Jesuit stairs resemble the Spanish Steps of Rome.

🛍 Visit the Market

Every day early in the morning there is a large open market where local vendors come to sell their produce, oils, homemade souvenirs and more. If you're looking for something to take home, or to grab some fresh ingredients to cook with, then this is a great thing to add to your list of things to do in Dubrovnik.


We love local markets because it's a great opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the destination, as well as support local businesses. Even if you don't want to buy anything though, it's nice to walk around and browse through the different local goods.

Market, best Things to Do in Dubrovnik

Every morning there is a market where locals sell their goods.

🐦 Watch the Swarm of Pigeons

In the exact place that the market lies, there is another thing that goes on. Each day at 12:00 there is an old man that comes to feed the pigeons. Hundreds swarm the area, making it quite the sight!


🚶🏻‍♀️ Join a Free Walking Tour

We don't always do walking tours, but we do feel like the one in Dubrovnik was well worth it. We got ours on a website, that actually sets you up with locals who run the tours- Guru Walk.


Pedra do Telegrafo


You can chose between a 90 minute or 3 hour tour. We did the 90 minute one, and really felt like we learned a lot.


The Free Walking Tour is a great option because you learn a lot about small parts of history throughout the city that you would have no idea otherwise! Here are a few things that we learned:


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Things to Do in Dubrovnik Pin
Things to Do in Dubrovnik Pin
Things to Do in Dubrovnik Pin

◼️ The Square Tile

The entire city of Dubrovnik is made from rectangular tiles, except for one small square tile. This marks the exact center of the main passage across the old town of Dubrovnik.

square tile in Dubrovnik

There is one sole square tile marking the center of Dubrovnik.

🏰 The Style of the Fortress

From the small square, you can see both the north and south gates of the fortress. The north gate looks much further, but it is actually an illusion. The locals actually narrowed the passage on the north side, so that invaders from the south would think that it was much further than the distance from the port area.


👶🏻 The Hidden Orphanage

There is a small street where there is an ancient orphanage. A few centuries ago it was considered a sin to have two people getting pregnant together from different classes. so when this happened, the baby would be taken to this orphanage to be taken care of. It was a hidden place, so that babies could be left discreetly.

hidden orphanage of Dubrovnik

The hidden orphanage is a great spot to learn about on a walking tour.

✍🏻 The Inscription

Further down the same street as the orphanage, there is an inscription on the wall. While the kids were playing down the street, and old man wrote on the walls a message for them that was rather aggressive, and it still remains today.


There are plenty of other things that we learned on our free walking tour, but we'll save it so that you can learn a bit more when you do yours. Also, remember that tipping is really a must, as this is how the locals make a living.

Inscriptions Dubrovnik walls

Down the street from the orphanage there is an inscription from a few centuries ago!


⚓️ Explore the Port Area

The port of Dubrovnik isn't just a great place to get a boat trip, but it is beautiful to walk around, grab an ice cream cone, or even enjoy a beautiful sunrise.


port, best things to do in Dubrovnik
port, best things to do in Dubrovnik
port, best things to do in Dubrovnik

The port of Dubrovnik is a beautiful area to enjoy in Dubrovnik.


🗡 Take a Game of Thrones Tour

Many people like to say that Dubrovnik is famous because of The Game of Thrones. However, locals beg to differ. "Dubrovnik is not famous because of Game of Thrones, but Game of Thrones is famous because of Dubrovnik" is exactly what our guide said, and we couldn't agree more.


Whether you're a GOT fan or not though, this tour is definitely an interesting one. Game of Thrones tours in Dubrovnik cover all of the different scenes shot throughout the city, as well as much of the details that you'd never learn unless you did a tour.


The tours can be quite expensive. However, most include tickets to the City Walls or Lokrum. So if you plan on exploring all the best things to do in Dubrovnik, then these packages are actually not such a bad deal.

Game of Thrones, best things to do in Dubrovnik

Want to book a Game of Thrones Tour? Here are a few different options to choose from:


🚡 Ride the Cable Car

Dubrovnik is such a beautiful city, but our favorite part about it, is actually seeing it from above! The Dubrovnik cable car goes from right outside the city walls, up to a super epic viewpoint.


The Cable car runs from 9 am to midnight, and tickets cost 27 euros per person round trip, or 15 euros for a one-way ticket.


Cable Car, best things to do in Dubrovnik
Cable Car, best things to do in Dubrovnik
Cable Car, best things to do in Dubrovnik

The Cable Car gives you the best views of Dubrovnik.


🍴 Panorama Restaurant

Not only is there a great viewpoint here, but a restaurant that is rated one of the best in Dubrovnik. We actually spent hours working there and having lunch (they don't have a breakfast menu). While the food isn't exceptional, and is a bit overpriced, it's definitely worth at least grabbing a drink. 


In addition, we have to say that the service was outstanding. They give you a button to press in case you need anything, and they also have powerbanks to charge your electronics.


The servers were all super friendly and helpful, and didn't make us feel weird for spending a few hours there. Something to note is that reservations are necessary for dinner, as this is also one of the best spots for sunset in Dubrovnik.

Panorama restaurant, Dubrovnik

The Panorama restaurant has great views around it.

👀 Zipline Over the City

Right at the same spot as the cable car, is another super fun activity to add to your list of best things to do in Dubrovnik. Tickets for the Zipline cost 50 euros, and it includes 2 rides, the transfer, and a history brief. If you want to go at sunset then it is an extra 5 euros.


zip lining, best things to do in Dubrovnik
Panorama zip line, best things to do in Dubrovnik


🌅 Watch an Epic Sunset

While many people flood the cable car area to enjoy a magical sunset, there is actually a spot not too far with equally gorgeous views. Just walk a bit down the road and you'll find a rocky area where there are far less people, and plenty of room for your own little spot to have one of most beautiful sunsets you'll ever witness.

best sunset in Dubrovnik

This spot has the best sunset in Dubrovnik.

🦇 Take a 3 Cave Tour

Croatia has a lot of cool caves, and a lot of fun boat trips, which is why this tour particularly caught our attention. Going right from the old port, there are kiosks lined up along the port that sell this excursion for 40 euros. Another perk is it includes food and drinks!

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⛵️ Sail to Lokrum Island

If you visit the cable car or sunset viewpoint, you'll look down and notice a large island right near the old town. This is the island of Lokrum, and can be visited as a quick trip from the port of Dubrovnik.

ferry to Lokrum from Dubrovnik , best things to do in Dubrovnik

There is a regular ferry going from Dubrovnik to Lokrum Island.

A national park, Lokrum is perfect to walk around the trails and enjoy the beautiful nature that the island has to offer. There are a few swimming spots, and the area is protected, so everything is natural.


There is one ferry company that does trips here, and they run every half hour from 9 am to 7 pm. It is 200 Kuna per person for a standard adult ticket, and there are also some discounts available if you have the Dubrovnik pass, or are going with a tour group. Click here for a full list of prices.