The Ultimate Guide to Things To Do in Dubrovnik

Few cities rival Dubrovnik for sheer cinematic beauty. Encircled by formidable medieval walls and poised between mountain and sea, this Adriatic gem has enchanted travellers for centuries, from Renaissance merchants and seafarers to today’s culture-seekers and sun worshippers. Within its honey-hued ramparts lies a city of polished limestone streets, Baroque façades and salty breezes. Whether viewed from a clifftop terrace, a passing boat or the stone lanes and stairways of the Old Town, Dubrovnik radiates a rare beauty.
 

When war struck the city in the early 1990s, more than two-thirds of its historic buildings were damaged. Yet, within a decade, the city rose again, stone by stone, roof by terracotta roof. International craftsmen were called in to meticulously restored frescoes, façades and fortifications using traditional methods, guided by UNESCO and local expertise. Today, faint shrapnel marks remain as silent witnesses to resilience, while the Old Town gleams more than ever. New builds and luxury resort hotels such as Rixos Premium Dubrovnik, are located outside the city walls, keeping the historic feel of the city seamless and intact.

Begin where Dubrovnik’s story truly begins: atop its magnificent city walls. Enter via the Pile or Ploče Gate and wander the 2-kilometre circuit at a leisurely pace, pausing at towers and bastions to gaze over terracotta rooftops and the glinting Adriatic below. Allow around 90 minutes to complete the walk.
 

Once you descend, step inside the Rector’s Palace, a graceful blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture that once housed the government of the Republic of Ragusa. Climb its grand staircase, explore the chambers and courtrooms, and linger among the artefacts of the Dubrovnik History Museum.
 

Sheltered around a peaceful, tree-filled cloister, the 14th-century Franciscan Monastery houses a small museum and one of Europe’s oldest working pharmacies. Locals still drop by for remedies sold from old-fashioned glass cabinets. Want a truly unique thing to do in Dubrovnik? Seek out the skincare labelled "Mala Braća": herbal creams infused with rose, lavender and rosemary, prepared from centuries-old monastic recipes.
 

Rector's Palace

• Ul. Pred Dvorom 3, 20000, Dubrovnik
• Open daily 9am-6pm

A five-minute walk from Ploče Gate brings you to the Dubrovnik Cable Car, which glides up Mount Srđ – 412 metres above sea level – in just a few minutes. The panorama from the summit, taking in the Old Town, the Adriatic and the Elaphite Islands, is one of Croatia’s most iconic views. There's also a small museum devoted to the War of Independence and a café with a terrace that invites lingering.
 

For another unforgettable perspective, take to the water. From the Old Port, boats shuttle every 30 minutes to Lokrum, a lush island nature reserve just 10 minutes away. Wander beneath pine and cypress trees, swim in secluded coves and climb to Fort Royal – a Napoleonic lookout with sweeping views across the sea. Tickets are available at the port from 10am.
 

You'll also love Dubrovnik Aquarium, located beneath the Maritime Museum. Its 30 seawater tanks showcase Adriatic marine life, from delicate seahorses to scorpionfish and moray eels – all in a cool subterranean setting that can be a welcome escape from the midday sun. Finish with gelato from Gianni, a local favourite opposite the entrance, and a lovely thing to do in Dubrovnik no matter the season.
 

AKVARIJ Dubrovnik Aquarium

• Kneza Damjana Jude 12
• Open Tue–Sun 10am-7pm (peak), 10am-4pm (off-peak)

Fans of socialist era ephemera and history will love the Red History Museum, a trip back in time to when Croatia formed part of Socialist Yugoslavia. Make yourself at home in a 1970s apartment, and peruse magazines, posters and everyday items from the era. Retro-tinged nostalgia aside, the museum also touches on the darker side of Croatia's socialist past.
 

Dubrovnik's magnificent Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary shouldn't be missed, but for many the Baroque landmark's unique attraction is its treasury. It displays over 200 gold and silver reliquaries; ornate urns and encasings said to safeguard the body parts of saints. The most revered piece is the skull of St. Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik.
 

Red History Museum

• Ul. Svetog Križa 3
• Open daily 10am-8pm

Eating out should be high on your list of things to do in Dubrovnik, and after a few days of hearty slow-cooked stews, succulent fried seafood and Croatian pastries, you will want to return for more!
 

The main thoroughfare of Stradun, connecting Pile and Ploče Gates, is the social heart of the city – a place for espresso-fuelled mornings and lively evenings. Locals sip coffee by Onofrio’s Fountain; visitors linger over gelato from Peppino’s (Ul. od Puča 9).

For authentic Dalmatian flavours, venture into the narrow side streets. Lucin Kantun (Ul. od Sigurate 4A), near Pile Gate, serves Croatian small plates paired with local wines, ideal for sharing. Bistro Tavulin (Ul. Cvijete Zuzorić 1), facing the Rector’s Palace, offers inventive regional cooking and cocktails, while Azur weaves Croatian ingredients into dishes touched by Asian and Middle Eastern influences.
 

For dining with a view, few settings rival Gradska Kavana Arsenal (Ul. Pred Dvorom 1), poised on the old harbour. Book a table on the terrace to savour modern Croatian brasserie fare accompanied by the soft clinking of boats in the marina.
 

No visit is complete without oysters from Mali Ston Bay on the Pelješac Peninsula. At Bota Šare (Peline ul. 4), order them raw or au gratin, with a glass of Pošip, the island’s crisp white wine. The seafood platters here are equally impressive.

Dubrovnik’s compact Old Town offers a handful of excellent boutiques and outdoor markets for local art, handmade lace and filigree jewellery. Start on Od Puča Street, then meander through the pretty side lanes of Palmotićeva and Antuninska.
 

Red coral jewellery is a local specialty, but authenticity varies. The exquisite pieces at Clara Stones (Nalješkovićeva 3) are responsibly sourced and crafted on-site; you can even watch the artisans at work. Just beyond the city walls, Life According to Kawa (Hvarska 2) combines a design shop and café, selling hand-thrown ceramics, olive oils and lavender soaps – the perfect place to find something both beautiful and useful to take home.

Like many coveted European destinations, Dubrovnik can feel crowded: in high season, there are an astonishing 27 visitors for every resident. To preserve the city’s balance, measures have been introduced – including limits on cruise ships and restrictions on coach arrivals.
 

Summer remains the busiest period, but spring and autumn are arguably the most rewarding times to visit. The weather is glorious, with temperatures hovering around 20°C, and the city feels more relaxed. Winter, meanwhile, has its own quiet enchantment, when the Adriatic turns dramatic and wild, and the cafes, shops and squares are reclaimed by residents.

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is blissfully car-free, a labyrinth best explored on foot. Do bring rubber-soled shoes, as the smooth limestone streets can become slippery after rain.
 

To reach neighbourhoods such as Lapad, Gruž and Babin Kuk, hop on the local buses: they are punctual, clean and inexpensive. The Dubrovnik Pass, available online, offers excellent discounts to major attractions and unlimited public transport. Alternatively, pick up a rechargeable Libertas card from tourist shops or the main bus station; it gives you lower fares than paying on board.
 

Dubrovnik is a city that rewards an unhurried pace. From the calm of the ramparts at dawn to the gentle bustle of the Old Town at dusk, its character reveals itself in quiet, authentic moments. It's a city that despite all odds, has always safeguarded its heritage, and will continue to do so in the future.
 

Continuing your Adriatic journey? Discover the best beaches in Croatia and the hidden gems of Zagreb.