Things To Do In Dubrovnik

Things to do in Dubrovnik
Things to do in Dubrovnik

This is the most complete travel guide to things to do in Dubrovnik – written by a local!

The purpose of this guide is to make your life easier. There’re a lot of „Things to do in Dubrovnik“ articles on the internet but most of them are vague and they don’t give you any helpful tips.
So we wanted to make one useful and detailed guide with all the helpful information and a lot of insider tips from a local.
Prepare yourself, we’re taking you to the most beautiful city on Earth!

Dubrovnik, a city more famous than a country itself. It has been featured in many movies and TV shows, including the popular Game of Thrones series. In 1979 the city joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
George Bernard Shaw once said, “Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik”. And he could not be more right.
Located right on the Adriatic Sea in southern Croatia, Dubrovnik deserves it’s nickname “Pearl of the Adriatic”.
It’s a seaport, with extremely well preserved medieval Old Town, surrounded by magnificent defensive city walls and forts, overlooking crystal clear Adriatic sea, nearby picturesque little islands and bright red rooftops glowing in the sunlight, giving you the most beautiful sunsets and landscapes you will ever see.

Let’s get started, after all, who better than a local can give you advice on the best things to do in Dubrovnik?

1. Walk the Walls of Dubrovnik

Things to do in Dubrovnik | City Walls
Things to do in Dubrovnik | City Walls

Walking the magnificent city walls is number 1 on our things do in the Dubrovnik list!

The first thing we recommend you to do is to walk the city walls. Why?
Because being up on the walls helps you to see where everything is. You will be able to orientate yourself better after you see the entire Old Town and its streets from the above.
The view from the walls is STUNNING! Azur Adriatic Sea, cute nearby islands, red rooftops, forts and towers…
Ancient stone walls will offer you plenty of photo opportunities and if you like to take a lot of selfies you’ll be stopping a lot, so it will probably take you 2-3 hours if you want to make the most of it. It’s only 2 kilometers walk, but there’s a lot to see.

There are 3 entrances to the walls of Dubrovnik:

  1. Main entrance –  just across the Onofrio’s Fountain, the large fountain that can be seen upon entering the Old City via the Pile Gate.
  2. The entrance close to the Dominican Monastery.
  3. The entrance close to the Maritime Museum at the Fort of St. John.

If you don’t want to walk the entire length of the city walls, you can end the tour at any of these entrance points.
1940 meters long, walls were being built from the 13th to 17th century to defend the city from the invaders and they are very well preserved until nowadays. They consist of 16 towers, 3 fortresses, and 6 bastions. The height varies and in some places, it reaches 25 meters. The thickness also varies, on the landward side, the walls are 4 to 6 meters thick and on the seaward side only 1 1/2 to three meters.

If you’re a Game of Throne’s fan, you will recognize Minčeta Tower as it was used as the exterior of the House of Undying.

Fun fact: During the building of the Minčeta tower in 1464, there was a short supply of stone and it was ordered that every visitor to the city must bring a stone with them in accordance with their body’s constitution.

Tips for walking the walls of Dubrovnik:

  • Entrance fee: Adults ticket costs 200 KN, children’s ticket (5-18 years) costs 50 KN, children (5 and under) can go for free. The price also includes entrance to Fort Lovrijenac (50 KN if purchased separately), which gives you magnificent views of the Old Town. CASH ONLY and KUNA ONLY, despite what the entrance sign says. Student discount exists, you must have your student id with you.
    Many people complain it is expensive, but it’s definitely worth it.
  • Tickets purchase: You can buy tickets at any of the wall’s entrances.
    Do not throw your ticket away! They check it halfway through, and if you want to visit Lovrijenac Fortress or do Game of Thrones tour you can use it for free entrance to the fortress.
  • Best time to go: Go as early in the morning or as late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds from the cruise ships and heat.
  • How much time to spend: You can spend anywhere between a minimum of 45 minutes and 3 hours, depends on how fast you are walking and how many photos you are taking. 1,5 hours is the average time you will need and it should be enough to see everything.
  • Bring bottles of water: There are a few kiosks and cafes on the walls, but they’re expensive. You can refill your bottles at any fountain in the old town since anywhere in Croatia water is perfectly safe to drink.
  • Wear a hat and apply sunscreen. There is no shade at the walls.
  • The „closing time“ indicates when the walls shut down, not the last entry.

Opening Hours: 

  •  April 1st – May 31st: 08.00 – 18.30 h
  •  June 1st – July 31st: 08.00 – 19.30 h
  • August 1st – September 31st: 08.00 – 18.30 h
  •  October 1st – October 31st: 08.00 – 17.30 h
  • November 1st – March 31st: 10.00 – 15.00 h

You can explore the walls of Dubrovnik on your own or you can join a walking tour with a professional licensed guide who will reveal you impressive stories of how the walls protected the city of Dubrovnik from its powerful enemies for centuries, as well as many other stories.
Check out Dubrovnik City Walls Walking Tour.

2. Explore The Old Town

Things to do in Dubrovnik | Old Town
Things to do in Dubrovnik | Old Town

Get lost in the mystic labyrinth of narrow alleys paved with shiny marble and stone staircases of this ancient jewel.

You will feel like you are stepping back in time inside a medieval city or in the magical kingdom from fairytales.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is by far the most well preserved old city you will ever see.

Full of small alleyways with shops, cafes, and restaurants everywhere you turn.
The entire Old Town is a UNESCO heritage site filled with marvelous sights that bring you into the wonderful world of the past.
If you are a fan of Game of Thrones, you will notice many spots where the show had been shot.
There aren’t any cars allowed inside of the walls so that the whole part of the city is pedestrian-only.

Local tip: Always check the cruise ship times before visiting Old Town because it will get busy! Plan your visit after the crowd is gone and meanwhile, you can relax on the beach. If you are staying more than just one day, see which days are the busiest and you can do day trips from Dubrovnik to escape the crowds during these days.

Ignore the crowds (which there are) and just enjoy your vacation!

The Old Town attractions:

Stroll down the Dubrovnik’s main promenade, Stradun (Placa), from the Pile Gate.
Once inside the gate, you will see the Onofrio’s Fountain on your right. This 15th-century large water fountain still supplies fresh drinking water!
The big building across the fountain is the Franciscan Monastery, with the oldest pharmacy in Europe, operating since 1931.
At the end of the Stradun, in front of the Bell Tower, you will find Orlando’s Column, an ancient knight and a symbol of the city’s freedom. It was used as the pillory where people were publicly punished.
Orlando is looking towards the Sponza Palace, one of the most beautiful palaces, a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Behind Orlando’s Column is the Saint Blaise’s Church, dedicated to the patron saint of Dubrovnik. Legend says that a thousand years ago St. Blaise appeared to a local priest in a dream and told him that the Venetians would attack the city soon. The priest warned the authorities, who could then prepare for war. The prediction came true. St Blaise became the symbol of the city and the locals have disliked Venetians since then.
Down the street from the Saint Blaise’s Church is the Rector’s Palace, also known as the Knežev Dvor. In the Middle Ages, the Republic of Dubrovnik was ruled by a rector who was elected by the nobility. To prevent anyone from becoming too powerful the rector’s term was restricted to one month. During his term, rector lived in his palace.
On the left side of the Rector’s Palace is Dubrovnik Cathedral.
From there you can take a walk along the Old Port and breakwater Porporela, a place for lovers and couples to take some romantic selfies. (#romance #couplegolas)

If you are still curious and want to know more about the Old Town, read our What to do in Dubrovnik Old Town article.

Did you know that for centuries, Dubrovnik was an independent republic? It was a peaceful republic never planning to invade or conquer anyone, it lived from maritime trade and they paid tribute to retain the freedom and independence throughout the Ottoman Empire.

There are a lot of things to do in Dubrovnik Old Town.
A guided tour is the best way to see them all because Dubrovnik has really fascinating history and if you go on your own you will miss all the interesting and intriguing stories and facts that can’t be found on Google.
You can book Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour here.

Tip: If you purchase a Dubrovnik Card (250 KN), you get free entrance to museums, city walls and public transport. You can purchase it at the Tourist Information Office at the Pile Gate. If you are only want to walk city walls and don’t plan to visit museums or use public transport it’s not worth buying it.

3. Game Of Thrones Tour

Things to do in Dubrovnik | Game Of Thrones Tour Dubrovnik
Things to do in Dubrovnik | Game Of Thrones Tour Dubrovnik

Beware, Winter is Coming!

Welcome to the King’s Landing and explore the capital of the Seven Kingdoms!
The Game of Thrones tour Dubrovnik should be at the top of any fan’s bucket list and it is one of the top things to do in Dubrovnik even if you are not a fan.
On the Game of Thrones tour, you will be taken through the most iconic King’s Landing filming locations including Red Keep, Walk of Shame stairs, Docks of King’s Landing, Littlefinger’s Brothel, Sept of Baelor, Farmers’ Market, Spice King’s Palace in Qarth, the setting of the Purple Wedding, as well as many other locations.

You can even do your own walk of shame (or not)! There is a penalty for walking shirtless in the Old Town in the amount of 1000 HRK. So think twice before doing your own walk of shame!

Fun fact: The Walk of Shame was a real thing in the time of the Dubrovnik Republic. Criminals were often pelted with rotten eggs, fruit, and vegetables by their fellow villagers or citizens while being on a donkey, naked.

Visiting King’s Landing and not doing Game of Thrones tour Dubrovnik would be such a SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!
And when you come back home, watch again Game of Thrones season 4 and 5. You will so many familiar places.

You can book Game of Thrones Tour Dubrovnik here. We highly recommend it. Some of the guides worked as extras on the Game of Thrones set so you will get an opportunity to hear behind the scenes stories and gossips that can’t be found on Google. The guide will have a book with the screenshots from the show to remind you of the specific scenes, and you can compare them with real locations.

Valar morghulis!

4. Stand On The Stone Head

Things to do in Dubrovnik | Gargoyle Head
Things to do in Dubrovnik | Dubrovnik Maskeron

Dubrovnik maskeron that brings good luck.

As soon as you enter the Old Town from the Pile Gate you may see people trying to take a running jump at a wall, to your left, in front of the wall of the Franciscan Monastery.
Look carefully and you will spot a strange gargoyle head protruding from a stone wall.
The head stands half a meter above the ground, sticking out few centimeters.

Legend says that face waits and listens. If you manage to stand on it and take your shirt off while facing the wall, without falling, your wish will be granted!
Is it a myth or not we do not know, but it’s definitely worth a try.
If you look closer at the wall you’ll see a trace from the touch of thousands of bodies.
The gargoyle head was supposed to represent an owl. It was once the end of a pipe that drained rainwater from the top of the building. The pipes were rerouted a long time ago, and water doesn’t flow from its mouth anymore.

Can you climb this stone? We dare you!

4. Visit Lokrum Island

Things to do in Dubrovnik | Lokrum Island
Things to do in Dubrovnik | Lokrum Island

Island of peacocks and rabbits.

Lokrum is most definitely one of the top things to do in Dubrovnik.
This idyllic peaceful island is a perfect chance to get away from the crowds.
The island is teeming with pretty tamed rabbits and peacocks and you can feed or pet them.

How to get there
A short ferry trip from the old port will bring you to the lovely Lokrum Island. You can purchase tickets at the old port.
The boats go either hourly or half-hourly dependent on the season and the crossing takes about 10 minutes.

TICKETS: The adult return ticket costs 200 KN, children’s tickets (5-15 years old) costs 50KN while children under 5 years sail for free.

From cliff jumping, swimming, to playing with the roaming wildlife, this peaceful little paradise has a lot to offer.

The whole coast of Lokrum island can be considered a beach, it just matters where you can approach the sea, because of the rock formation.

Some of the attractions include Dead Sea lake, botanical garden, fort Royal, lovely walks under the shade of Mediterranean vegetation, a ruined monastery with an interesting exhibition on Richard the Lionheart who was shipwrecked there, beaches with the amazingly clear sea (including nudist one)…

My only advice is to take an early ferry ride over to make sure you have enough time to fully explore the island before the last ship. Also, bring some food with you because there are no shops there. Only the restaurant and cafe bar.

Fun fact: The island is supposedly cursed, by the Benedictine monks when they were told to leave their island home, and therefore no one lives on the island and everyone must leave each night.

Don’t miss the indoor exhibits about the history and the curse of the island and Games of Thrones locations.

The Game of Thrones production team used the island of Lokrum as a stand-in for the city of Qarth near the Jade Sea. You can sit on the replica of the Iron Throne and have a photo free of charge (unlike at the Game of Thrones shop in the old town).

Nudist beach
From the Lokrum harbor, it is 5-10 minutes’ walk to the nudist beach. Just follow the road to the left after arriving, there are clear signs showing you the way. Beach is quite popular amongst the male population, earning its nickname “Sausage Beach”.

5. St. Lawrence Fortress Aka Red Keep

Things to do in Dubrovnik | Fort Lovrijenac
Things to do in Dubrovnik | Fort Lovrijenac

Game of Thrones fan or not, check it out!

If you are a fan of the show, this is one of the top things to do in Dubrovnik.

If you are not, it’s still a must-see because the fort offers some incredibly photogenic views of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea.
Fort Lovrijenac or St. Lawrence Fortress, also known as “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar”, is a fortress and theater outside the western wall of the city of Dubrovnik, 37 meters above sea level.
The sea-facing side of the fortress has walls 12 meters thick but on the land facing side, the walls are only 60 centimeters thick. This was done so that fort was ever taken into enemy hands, the city’s cannons could break the walls.
Above the entrance to the fortress, there is a famous inscription carved in stone: “Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro” (“Freedom is not to be sold for all the treasures in the world”).

Entrance fee: Ticket for the City Walls includes the Lovrijenac Fortress. If you already have bought 50 KN ticket for the fortress, show it when buying your main walls ticket and you will only pay the difference.

Did you know: Dubrovnik did not participate in slavery and, in 1416, banned slavery by law, being one of the first countries in the world to do that. The law was created to send a clear message to the world that the Ragusans enormously valued human life. The Republic of Dubrovnik had a long history of fighting for justice, equality and freedom. For example, the USA banned the slave trade 450 years later.

Today the fortress is used for wedding ceremonies and theatre plays during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival.

Fun fact: You can rent the fort for a wedding at the moderate price of 4,000 euros.

Game of Thrones fans will recognize fort from the show since the number of scenes were filmed there.
Fort’s interiors are used as the halls of the Red Keep and the exteriors are seen in shots of Blackwater Bay, were Myrcella Baratheon is shipped off to Dorne.

6. View From The Mount Srđ

Things to do in Dubrovnik | Mount Srđ
Things to do in Dubrovnik | Mount Srđ

The view is always better at the top.

Top of the hill offers spectacular views of the entire Old Town and Dubrovnik coastline. It makes it an amazing place to take photos.
On a clear day, you can see up to 60 km, which made this a strategic location for the neighboring Dubrovnik Imperial Fortress which was famously built by Napoleon in the 19th century. Fort Imperial served as a disco for a while but now it houses the Museum of the Homeland War. It features a collection of photos, weapons, and film clips and it is interesting to watch the videos to see what was actually happening during the war. It is a must-see for everyone.
At the top, there are two panoramic terraces equipped with binocular telescopes, a panoramic restaurant, a souvenir shop and more.
How to reach the top of Mount Srd?

  1. Ride on the cable car
    The quickest way to get there is by cable car. It is a 3 minutes smooth ride, but it’s not very cheap.
    It doesn’t run at times if the weather is too windy so you should check the weather before you go.
  2. Drive to the top
    You can get to the top in your own car or get a taxi. If you are more than 3 it may be cheaper than the cable car too.
  3. Hike to the top
    If you have time and you’re in good shape, hike up. The path is very exposed to the sun so it is not recommended on hot summer days! The trail runs down the side of the hill that is out of view of the cable car. The views from the trail are great and offer unique photograph opportunities.

TICKET PRICES: adult round-trip ticket: 150,00 KN,  adult one-way ticket: 85,00 KN,  children round-trip ticket (4 – 12 years): 60 KN,  children one-way ticket (4 – 12 years): 40 KN, children up to 4 years of age: free of charge.

Check the Dubrovnik Cable Car website for the timetable.

7. Relax On The Beach

Things to do in Dubrovnik | Beaches
Things to do in Dubrovnik | Beaches

Summer breeze, pine trees shade, salty hair and sun-kissed skin – life is always better at a beach!

In Croatia, we are very lucky to have a crystal clear calm sea, perfect for swimming.
The temperature is warm enough to stay in for hours and cool enough to get refreshed from the heat.
Dubrovnik is located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, one of the world’s bluest and cleanest seas.

When someone says “beach” you probably think of white sand, rolling waves, and a fruity cocktail. But, here in Croatia, we have a little bit different definition of a beach. Croatian definition of a beach is any area where you can get into and out of the sea. Cliffs, rocks, concrete flat areas… Everything is one big beach. By that definition, the whole coast is the beach, and you can always find a private one, just for yourself and get away from crowds. Maybe you will need to climb a few cliffs to get out of the sea and step on a sea urchin, but it doesn’t matter. Because it’s your beach.
Most of the beaches are pebbly, but there are even a few sandy beaches.
There are plenty of beaches in and around Dubrovnik for every type of traveler. Whether you like adventurous water sports or just like to sit and stare at the sea, Dubrovnik has the perfect beach for every beachaholic.
You can enjoy swimming in the turquoise sea, sunbathing or hiding under the shade of pines and reading your favorite book.
So pack your sunscreen, put on a bikini, prepare your summer playlist, and find your perfect Dubrovnik beach in our list of best beaches in Dubrovnik.
The holiday mode is officially on!

8. Dubrovnik 3 Islands Tour (Elaphite Islands Hopping)

Things to do in Dubrovnik | Elaphite Islands
Things to do in Dubrovnik | Elaphite Islands

Enter the world in which it feels like time has stopped and experience true island life, Dalmatian style.

A trip to Dubrovnik isn’t complete without a day trip to the Elafiti islands (Elaphite Islands).
The name comes from the old Greek legend, claiming that they used to hunt deer on the islands. Nowadays, there are no longer deers on the islands but you can enjoy exploring the untouched nature of these picturesque islands.
Take a dip in the crystal clear sea, stroll across the promenade and meet the locals who will discover you local stories and legends about sailors and sea captains, soak up the sun or just relax under the shade of the old pines listening to crickets.
Elafiti islands used to be a favorite destination for Dubrovnik aristocrats during the time of the Dubrovnik Republic. You can still find numerous summer residences and villas of the nobility of the Dubrovnik Republic as well as the ruins of early medieval churches, and fortresses.
The Elaphite archipelago consists of 13 islands, of which only three are inhabited: Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud. Each island is surprisingly different and unique.

  • The island of Koločep (Kalamota) with its picturesque port with colorful fishing boats is the smallest of the three settled Elaphite Islands and is like a nearby dream. It is one of the favorite excursion spots of Dubrovnik locals. Photo opportunities abound.
  • The island of Lopud is the most visited island in the Elaphite archipelago, due to the amazing Šunj Beach, the ONLY sandy beach in Dubrovnik region and it’s listed by many guides as one of the best beaches in Croatia. The water is very shallow so it is perfect for children and the popular local ball game picigin. Despite the tourism expansion, Lopud has kept its authenticity and traditional atmosphere. Lopud and Koločep are both car-free.
  • Fun fact: According to a local legend, if you bathe with your loved one at Šunj, you’ll never apart… Be careful who are you swimming with!
  • The island of Šipan is the largest of the Elaphite islands and is covered with cypress trees and groves of oranges, with a long history full of stories and legends. The island is full of little traditional houses, old architecture and quiet bays.

These islands are great if you need a relaxing break away from it all and visiting them is one of the top things to do in Dubrovnik! There is no crowd on the islands, so you get to enjoy the peace and cleanliness of island life.

How to get there:
The best way to see 3 beautiful islands in one day is to take a day trip.
Book Elaphite Islands Boat Tour here.
If you only have time to do a 1-day trip from Dubrovnik, we highly recommend this one!

If you want to go on your own, Elaphite Islands are easily reached from Port of Dubrovnik. Jadrolinija company has daily ferries to the islands.
Ferry tickets for the Elaphiti Islands are bought at the main office of Jadrolinija in Gruž Harbor. Although there are usually seats left, in high season we recommend that you arrive at least 30-40 minutes before departure. You can check the ferry timetable and prices here or here.

9. Watch The Sunset From The Cliff Bar

Things to do in Dubrovnik | Buža Bar
Things to do in Dubrovnik | Buža Bar

It’s all about views!

Cliffs bars are a MUST SEE while in Dubrovnik.
Buža 1 and Buža 2 are two bars literally situated cliffside that you can walk down and jump in the sea.
Literally, Buža means ‘hole in the wall‘.
The cliff bars are a unique experience and yet, tourist brochures still neglect to even mention them.
Buža’s a great spot for beautiful views, seaside drinks, swimming, sunbathing and even cliff jumping for some of you adrenaline seekers out there. For your safety, we recommend you to just look at other people doing it. It’s more fun looking at them struggling if they will jump or not than actually doing it.
Tip: The sea in front of Buža can get pretty choppy due to strong winds. If you notice it getting too choppy, be cautious when swimming. For experienced swimmers only. Not recommended for young children.

How to find Buža?
The easiest way to find the Buža bar is to start on the Gundulić square, climb the Jesuit stairs, pass through the large courtyard and follow the street along to the right. When you see a sign “Cold Drinks With The Most Beautiful View“ just follow the arrow and the entrance should be on your left within the next 20-30 meters.

10. Sea Kayaking

Things to do in Dubrovnik | Sea Kayaking
Things to do in Dubrovnik | Sea Kayaking

Say yes to new adventures!

Sea kayaking is an ideal way to experience Dubrovnik from a different perspective.
See medieval city walls from the seaside, paddle your way to Betina cave, hidden cave reachable only by the sea, where you can swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic, or if you are brave enough, try cliff jumping.  Cliff is 9 meters height and the worst thing that could happen is that you end up on YouTube fail compilation! You will also see Villa Sheherezade, which is popular with celebrities and the price goes up to €7500 per night! Who knows, maybe you spot someone famous on the balcony.
The tour lasts around 3 hours and it is a top thing to do in Dubrovnik. No experience is necessary and it requires a low fitness level.
Tip: Tour company will provide you dry-bag and a waterproof barrel for all your valuables.
There is an option to do morning, afternoon, or sunset tour. We recommend the morning one because it is less hot and there are fewer people than on the sunset one. You can also rent a kayak and go on your own. Just watch out for speed boats and cruise ships. And sharks. Nothing serious.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat with you!

If you’ve got bored of sightseeing and want to do something fun and adventurous, we recommend you to do sea kayaking!

Book Sea Kayaking Tour here!

(We were joking, there are no sharks in the Adriatic. At least not the big ones.)

11. Cave Bar More

Things to do in Dubrovnik | Cave Bar More
Things to do in Dubrovnik | Cave Bar More  | Source: Cavebar More

Have a cocktail inside a cave!

Visit the unique natural cave and relax sipping your cocktail or enjoy the divine beauty of the best sunset in Dubrovnik while listening to the soothing sound of the sea.
Cave bar More, which has featured in a number of the ‘Best Bars in the World’ lists, is located in a natural cave split into 3 levels beneath the hotel More in Lapad, just outside of the old town.
You can sit inside or outside. To get full cave experience, there is a section with the glass floor so you can see both stalagmites and stalactites. It is a great place to get cool in the hot weather.
It’s also great to sit outside, there is a large balcony overlooking the stunning bay where you can sit right next to the water and watch the sunset.
If you are looking for unique things to do in Dubrovnik, this is a place for you!
Cave bar More is open from April 1st till November 1st.

12. Dubrovnik Summer Festival

Things to do in Dubrovnik | Dubrovnik Summer Festival
Things to do in Dubrovnik | Dubrovnik Summer Festival  | Source: Dubrovnik Festival

Let the games begin!

The Dubrovnik Summer Festival is one of the most prestigious cultural manifestations, not only in Dubrovnik but in all of Croatia. It is instituted in 1950 and is held every year between 10 July and 25 August.
A rich program of classical music, theater, opera and dance performances is taking place under the open sky in fortresses, squares, and streets of Dubrovnik. The whole of the city is transformed into a stage.
For those interested in seeing some of Croatia’s traditional singing, don’t miss the opportunity to attend a klapa performance − a type of unaccompanied Dalmatian singing.
Admission: ticket prices vary depending on the performance, venue and seating position.
You can check the official program and get tickets at the Dubrovnik Festival official website: dubrovnik-festival.

13. Taste Traditional Local Food

Things to do in Dubrovnik | Food
Things to do in Dubrovnik | Food

Dig into a mouth-watering plate of shellfish sauteed in olive oil, herbs, and white wine.

Croatian cuisine is known as a cuisine of the regions since every region of Croatia has its own distinct culinary tradition.
Since Dubrovnik is a coastal city, it has typical Dalmatian cuisine which is influenced by their Italian ancestry.
Dalmatian cuisine is known for fresh seafood, plenty of fish, locally grown vegetables and fruits, lots of olive oil and homegrown herbs.
Don’t leave Dubrovnik without trying locally sourced mussels, oysters, sea bass, grouper, scorpionfish, pilchards, squid, and octopus. Fish is usually grilled with local olive oil, garlic, and lemon. Fresh oysters are brought in from Mali Ston, a small town very famous for its oysters, located 60 kilometers from Dubrovnik.
For an unforgettable experience, check this Ston oysters and wine tasting tour with the boat drive.
But don’t think Dubrovnik’s cuisine is limited only to seafood. Besides seafood local specialties like black risotto (cuttlefish ink risotto), buzara (stewed mussels) and octopus salad which you shouldn’t miss, some of the authentic dishes include lamb peka (dishes under the bell), pašticada (a beef and gnocchi dish), šporki makaruli (dirty pasta) and many others.
For those with a sweet tooth, rozata, creamy caramel pudding similar to crème brûlée is a must. Its name comes from unique Dubrovnik liqueur rozalin (rose liqueur), which gives the dessert its special aroma.
You can read an entire article of Top food to try in Dubrovnik here.
If you don’t know where to eat, we prepared a list of Best restaurants in Dubrovnik for you.

14. Taste Local Wines

In vino veritas!

Just like any other Mediterranean country, Croatia enjoys a long tradition of winemaking.
Winemaking is an essential part of life on the Dalmatian Coast and the Dubrovnik region is one of the most productive areas.
A visit to Dubrovnik shouldn’t go by without a glass of local wine. You can do so at one of many wine bars, the most popular one is Wine Bar D’Vino. Or you can do so by going to the source: visiting wine producers in the region.
Located about 1 hour north of Dubrovnik, lies Pelješac peninsula, best wine growing region in Croatia. It produces some of Croatia’s finest wines, most famous is Plavac Mali and reds Postup and Dingač, both made of Plavac Mali.
Another wine-growing region is Konavle valley, located 30 minutes south of Dubrovnik. It’s famed for white wine Malvasia of Dubrovnik and red Merlot. Besides Malvasia, over 40 quality wines are being produced in Konavle. Among them autochthonous and international varieties such as “Maraština“, “Grk“, “Pošip“, “Plavac” and many more.
Wine tours are a great way to learn about wines, history, wine-making and wine tasting, see amazing scenery and taste great wines and food with other wine lovers.

15. Party At Revelin Fortress Club

Most unique party fortress in the world!

Located inside a 500 years old fortress in the city walls this unique nightclub is a must experience.
It is in the Old City, so it feels like you are partying in Kings Landing. Pretty cool, right?
The fortress was originally built to protect Dubrovnik from Turkish and later on Venetian invaders. Today, the Revelin operates as a museum, concert venue and Dubrovnik’s number one nightclub.
But let’s get real, there are only 2 nightclubs in the whole city so you don’t have much of a choice.
If you wanna party all night long, Revelin is one of the two places that are open until early morning hours and we don’t recommend another one.
There is always something happening at Revelin. Every year in the summer club becomes home to an electronic music festival. They have dancers, acrobats, and other cool performances to entertain you.
Until now Revelin has hosted many famous artists like Fatboy Slim, Paul Van Dyk, Martin Solveig, Afrojack, Mahmut Orhan, Fedde Le Grand, Axwell, Boy George, Benny Benassi, Sebastian Ingrosso, R3HAB, members of Swedish House Mafia and many others.
Local Tip: The drinks here are pricey. If money is no object, go for it. If it is, we still recommend going but pre-drink somewhere cheaper and arrive later on. There are plenty of nice pubs in the Old City for everyone’s taste, and all of them are 10 minutes walk from Revelin.

16. Day Trip To Mostar

Things to do in Dubrovnik | Day Trip To Mostar
Things to do in Dubrovnik | Day Trip To Mostar

“A little Istanbul in the Mediterranean”

A popular day trip from Dubrovnik is a trip to nearby Bosnia and Herzegovina to visit the city of Mostar, a place where East and West meet.
The Ottoman influence is so strong that you will forget you’re in the Balkans, right in the middle of Europe, and think you have been teleported to some oriental city.
The most famous attraction in Mostar is the Stari Most (Old Bridge), crossing the Neretva river, which is listed amongst UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
The bridge separates Catholics and Muslims and it was rebuilt after being destroyed in 1993.
Because of the fighting between them during the war in the 90s, Mostar is now a divided city. One side is Catholic only and the other side is heavily Muslim.
The bridge is also famous for it’s crazy and dangerous tradition of jumping off the 24 meters height bridge, which began in 1664. Don’t try it because many people have been injured or killed while jumping!
Another Mostar attraction is the Old Bazaar Kujundziluk with lots of shops where many local artisans sell their traditional handmade crafts. They sell everything from carpets, clothes, scarves to jewelry, pipes and other marvelously designed copper items. Be prepared to bargain for discounts off the initial prices. Plenty of places accept Croatian Kuna and Euros, so there is no need to exchange any currency for Bosnian Marks.
Foodies, attention! Food in Mostar is similar to Turkish cuisine, a legacy of 400 years of Ottoman rule.
So prepare yourself for complete satisfaction with Bosnian specialties like:
Ćevapi (grilled dish of minced meat), burek (meat pastry), baklava (sweet dessert pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened and held together with syrup or honey).
How to get to Mostar:
The drive from Dubrovnik to Mostar is about 2.5 hours with a car. You can either hire a car or take one of many private or group organized tours, where the guide will explain to you the country’s complex history. The third option is to go by bus, which takes about 3-3.5 hours.

Check out Mostar Day Trip From Dubrovnik here.
Do not forget to take your passport! Some countries require tourist visas.

17. Day Trip To Montenegro

Things to do in Dubrovnik | Day Trip To Montenegro
Things to do in Dubrovnik | Day Trip To Montenegro

Montenegro is one of the most popular day trips from Dubrovnik.

What’s there to see?
The Bay of Kotor, a butterfly-shaped bay that reminds of the Nordic fjord.
The city of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage.
One of Montenegro’s most popular attractions is Our Lady of the Rocks. It’s a unique island church set just in front of Perast – a UNESCO Heritage protected town.
Budva, known for its sandy beaches and diverse nightlife. Budva is also famous for the very pretty islet Sveti Stefan, which is now a glamorous 5-star resort.
Montenegro is less than 1 hour from Dubrovnik, not including waiting on the border pass. You can cross the border in 10-15 minutes or you can wait for 1-2hours, that you can’t predict. Driving along the Adriatic coast is very pleasant because you get to enjoy the really beautiful scenery.
How to get from Dubrovnik to Montenegro:

  • By car
    Renting a car will give you the most freedom. It’ll allow you to explore beyond where the bus or an organized tour will take you. If you drive, you must have a green card which will be provided when you rent a car.
  • By bus
    There are various daily bus departures from Dubrovnik to Montenegro. Expect the ride to take between 2 to 4 hours depending on the bus (this does not include the border wait times). This is the worst option you have as you will lose half of your day on the bus.
  • With organized tour
    There are plenty of companies offering private or group day trips from Dubrovnik to Montenegro. This is the easiest option with the least amount of thinking but you also have less flexibility and it’s less adventurous than going alone. In our opinion, 1 day for Montenegro is enough.
    Currency changes: The official currency of Montenegro is the Euro.

Don’t forget to take your passport!

If you want to know more about a day-trip to Montenegro, check out our complete Dubrovnik to Montenegro travel guide!

18. Jet Ski

“Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy a jet ski, and have you ever seen anyone sad on a jet ski?”

For all the thrill-seekers out there looking for some adrenaline, this is the activity for you.
Jet skiing is one of the most popular activities that take place on the water.
If you have had enough relaxation and looking for some adventurous things to do in Dubrovnik, this is absolutely your best choice.
It is also one of the best ways to experience Dubrovnik from the sea perspective, explore surrounding islands, hidden caves and beaches.
Racing across the water on a jet ski is an unforgettable experience and should be part of every warm-weather vacation.
You can rent a jet ski for 30 min, 1 hour, half a day or a whole day. Most companies charge about 120 euros per 1 hour. Be sure to check if the price includes the fuel!
You don’t need any boating license for jet ski rental. (However, if you want to rent a boat you will need a license, and if you don’t have it then skipper will go with you.)
There are single and double jet skies so if you don’t want to go alone you can ride with a friend or a partner. There is even the possibility to do jet ski safari, where you have a local guide showing you all the highlights.
What to bring with you? Your ID, swimsuit, camera, and sunscreen.
Enjoy a great day on the water!

19. Practice Living Like A Dalmatian

When in Croatia act as Croatians do!

Croatian people have an amazing custom (talent) of sitting in cafes for hours while talking about everything and anything. Surrounded by a group of friends they just watch the world go by. And it is normal to do this 2-3 times a day.
Coffee culture in Croatia isn’t really about the coffee, it’s about socializing.
You go to coffee to talk, meet, catch up on the news and gossips.
Don’t even consider going to coffee if you don’t plan on chatting for at least a couple of hours. You will insult your company if you don’t stay long enough.
To act as a true Dalmatian, learn to drink a single cup of coffee slowly sipping it for hours while watching the world passing by. Just enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

20. Learn To „Fjaka“ And „Pomalo“

Fjaka is a blissful state in which a human aspires for nothing. It cannot be learned, rather you fall into the mode of fjaka naturally while in Dalmatia.

Fjaka, pronounced “fyaka” is not to be mixed with laziness.

Fjaka expresses the spirit of the mentality and lifestyle on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast in one word.
It is Dalmatian state of mind – the art of doing nothing, and it has in many ways defined the character of Dalmatian people.
The Dalmatian fjaka is not so easy to translate. Even the Spanish siesta, taking an afternoon nap during the hottest hours of the day, doesn’t really explain it. Fjaka is like a mood where time stands still and mind and body are in a totally relaxed state. Any motion is merely too much effort.

Another concept similar to fjaka is pomalo. Pomalo is most commonly used when Dalmatians greet each other.
Literally, pomalo means to take it easy, to relax, no stress, but also slowly, slow down, no worries.
The word “pomalo” is a synonym for the laidback, relaxed Dalmatian lifestyle.
In Dalmatia, everyone lives in a slow pace. According to that, we have a saying „Hurry is the devil“ or „To hell with a rush“.
So, slow down, don’t hurry and when meeting someone arrive at least 20 minutes late because, pomalo!

Best time to visit Dubrovnik

The best time to visit Dubrovnik is late May and late September. Days are sunny with sea temperatures warm enough to dip into the sea but not too high like in the summer. All restaurants and tourist attractions are open but with fewer crowds.
During peak season, from July to August, the city is crowded with thousands of visitors from the cruise ships, restaurants, attractions and streets are packed. But from a positive side, you have Dubrovnik Summer Festival and party season is in full swing.
Dubrovnik is surely a place that is worth visiting all year long.
Be warned that if you are visiting in winter, the crowds are less but there are also fewer shops and restaurants open. There are so many things to do in Dubrovnik that are closed during winter, so if you have a choice don’t go in winter.

That was our list of top things to do in Dubrovnik.

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