12 Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia (From My Visit)
Looking for the best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia? With towering medieval walls, narrow stone streets, and the glistening Adriatic Sea, this historic coastal city is unlike anywhere else I’ve visited.
I spent one full day exploring Dubrovnik in July with my husband and our friends. Visiting historic fortresses, wandering through museums, and discovering a few unexpected favorites along the way. Although we packed a lot into our visit, I still wish we’d had more time to explore a few places.
In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite things to do in Dubrovnik, along with practical tips for making the most of your visit, whether you have one day or a little longer.
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My Top Picks in Dubrovnik
Short on time? My top things to do in Dubrovnik are walking the city walls, climbing Minčeta Tower, exploring Fort Lovrijenac, and wandering through Old Town. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, don’t miss the filming locations scattered throughout the historic center.
Is the Dubrovnik Pass Worth It?
Before you plan your time in Dubrovnik, consider purchasing the Dubrovnik Pass. It’s available as a one-day, three-day, or seven-day pass and includes admission to the city walls, museums, and several other attractions. Check the official Dubrovnik Pass website for the current list of included attractions.
For us, the pass was absolutely worth it. If you’re planning to walk the city walls and visit a couple of museums, it can easily pay for itself. We purchased the one-day Dubrovnik Pass and used it for several attractions, including the Rector’s Palace, Fort Lovrijenac, and more throughout the day without paying additional admission fees.
And yes, they really do check your pass! At every included attraction we visited, someone scanned the QR code on my phone. So don’t expect to sneak into any of the paid attractions without one.
Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
1. Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls and Climb Minčeta Tower
Walking the city walls is probably Dubrovnik’s most iconic activity. The walls stretch about 2 km around Old Town, offering incredible views of terracotta rooftops, historic fortresses, and the sparkling Adriatic Sea.
Plan on spending 1.5–2 hours exploring the walls. We used our one-day Dubrovnik Pass, which allowed us to access the walls once during the pass’s 24-hour validity period. We went in the morning, hoping to beat the worst of the summer heat.
Unfortunately, there was hardly a lick of shade, and the July sun was already beating down at 10 am. I was sweating within minutes! On the bright side, the walls weren’t nearly as crowded as I expected.
My favorite part of the walk was climbing Minčeta Tower, the highest point along the walls. The panoramic views were unmatched. The tower was also used as the exterior of the House of the Undying in Game of Thrones. If you’re walking the walls, don’t skip the climb to the top.
The views change as you make your way around the city. On the western side, you can see Fort Bokar and kayakers paddling below the cliffs. Along the southern walls, the views open up to the Adriatic, where we watched boats and kayakers making their way around Lokrum Island.
Emma’s Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and a hat, especially if you’re visiting in summer. There is very little shade along the city walls, and you’ll encounter plenty of stairs. You can refill your bottle at public drinking fountains throughout Old Town, which was a lifesaver during our July visit. We refilled ours at least three or four times throughout the day.
2. Explore the West Harbour and Fort Lovrijenac
The West Harbour is one of Dubrovnik’s most picturesque spots, and it was used as Blackwater Bay in Game of Thrones. People were swimming, and we could see little fish below in the crystal-clear turquoise water. We even stopped inside an art gallery built into the cliff overlooking the harbour.
From the waterfront, climb the stairs to Fort Lovrijenac, a historic fortress perched high above the Adriatic Sea. Admission is included with the Dubrovnik Pass, so we were able to explore the fortress without paying an additional entrance fee.
From the top, look west toward Gradac Park, where the Purple Wedding was filmed in Game of Thrones. Down below, we could see people swimming at Šulić Beach.
But my favorite view was looking east toward Dubrovnik’s Old Town. We’d already walked along the city walls, but I hadn’t fully appreciated how high the cliffs were until I saw them from this angle. The fortress offers an incredible side perspective of the walls, and it was easily one of my favorite viewpoints in Dubrovnik.
Fort Lovrijenac also served as the exterior of the Red Keep in Game of Thrones, making it another must-see stop for fans.
3. Cool Off With an Ice Cream Cone
Just outside Pile Gate, Dubravka 1836 Ice Cream serves up cones and cups. We stopped here after spending the morning walking Dubrovnik’s city walls and exploring Fort Lovrijenac. It was the perfect way to cool off in the sweltering July heat.
We found a shady spot near the children’s playground below the Pile Gate to savor our ice cream. From there, you can wander down toward the water and watch kayakers getting ready to paddle along Dubrovnik’s coastline.
It’s a simple stop, but after a hot morning of sightseeing, an ice cream cone and a little shade were exactly what we needed.
4. Visit the Franciscan Monastery Museum
We scanned our Dubrovnik Pass before entering the Franciscan Monastery Museum and were greeted by a gorgeous, lush courtyard. The architecture was stunning in the afternoon light, with intricate columns and exquisite details everywhere you looked.
Inside the museum, I especially enjoyed seeing the handmade lace, paintings, and historic pharmacy. You could easily spend quite a while here reading the informational plaques and examining the exhibits.
The Franciscan Monastery Museum wasn’t even on my radar before visiting Dubrovnik, but it ended up being such a pleasant surprise. I’d definitely recommend making time for a stop, especially if you have the Dubrovnik Pass.
5. Explore Rector’s Palace
I was especially excited to visit Rector’s Palace because of its appearance as the Spice King’s palace in Qarth in Game of Thrones. In fact, I had no idea there was an entire museum inside. I just wanted to walk down that iconic staircase.
Even if you’re not a Game of Thrones fan, Rector’s Palace is worth exploring. The museum has room after room of historical exhibits, and some of my favorites were the iron chests, old maps, and paintings. From the second floor, you can also get excellent views of Dubrovnik Cathedral.
We scanned our Dubrovnik Pass once again to enter Rector’s Palace without paying anything extra. See, I told you it was worth it!
6. Visit the Jesuit Staircase and Grab a Shame-jito
Many people recognize the Jesuit Staircase from Cersei’s infamous Walk of Shame in Game of Thrones. While we were there, people were walking down the stairs ringing bells and shouting, “Shame!” It was such a fun atmosphere, especially as a fan of the show.
At the base of the staircase, a sign advertising Cersei’s Shame Cocktail caught my eye. We ended up stopping at Zox Box for a cheese board, and I couldn’t resist ordering a Shame-jito.
The rooftop seating overlooked the staircase, so we could watch people reenacting the famous scene while chatting over the ringing of bells. It was the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing, enjoy a snack, and escape the July sun for a little while.
7. Visit the Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum was yet another unexpected stop in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. We were looking for somewhere to eat dinner when we stumbled upon the museum and decided to check it out.
Admission was included with our Dubrovnik Pass, so we wandered through the two-story museum, admiring the hand-blown glass, ceramics, paintings, and, of course, model ships.
I found the exhibits fascinating and could have easily spent more time exploring. Unfortunately, the museum was closing for the evening not long after we arrived, so our visit was cut short.
8. Watch Cliff Jumpers at Buža Bar
Buža Bar was THE spot for young people looking to hang out, grab a drink, and jump into the Adriatic. I’m not much of a cliff jumper myself, but my friends decided to give it a go.
It was entertaining watching everyone leap into the water, especially from some of the higher spots. The bar was busy, though, and there weren’t many places to sit. It’s not somewhere I’d want to spend hours hanging out, but I’m glad we stopped by to experience the atmosphere.
Part of the fun is finding the entrance, which is literally a hole in Dubrovnik’s city walls.
Emma’s Tip: Be careful if you decide to cliff jump. Some jumping spots are quite high, and rocks, changing water conditions, and other swimmers pose serious risks. Never jump without checking that it’s safe, and definitely don’t mix alcohol with cliff jumping.
9. Get an Ornament at Dubrovnik’s Christmas Shop
Whenever I come across a year-round Christmas shop while traveling, I can’t help but pop inside. Collecting ornaments from our travels is a special family tradition. Dubrovnik’s Christmas Shop had a lovely selection of handmade ornaments and other decorations.
I picked out a simple teal glass ball with glitter lettering as a souvenir. Unfortunately, it didn’t survive the journey home in one piece.
Even if you’re not shopping for Christmas decorations, this charming little store is worth stopping into while exploring Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
10. Wander Through Dubrovnik’s Old Town
Walking through Dubrovnik’s Old Town felt completely different from looking down on it from the city walls. From street level, the buildings seemed much taller, and the narrow stone streets made the city feel bigger than it did from above.
Take a stroll along Stradun, the main pedestrian street running through Old Town, but don’t limit yourself to the main thoroughfare. Wander down the smaller alleyways, pop into interesting shops, and take time to appreciate the historic architecture.
Some of our most memorable stops were completely unplanned. An itinerary helps, especially if you only have one day in Dubrovnik, but don’t forget to leave room for spontaneity.
West Harbour
11. Discover the Game of Thrones Filming Locations
Dubrovnik served as King’s Landing for much of Game of Thrones, and as a fan, I had so much fun spotting familiar locations while exploring Old Town.
I’ve already mentioned several filming locations in detail throughout this list of things to do in Dubrovnik, but if you’re interested in finding the most recognizable spots from the show, here’s a quick roundup:
- Fort Lovrijenac: The exterior of the Red Keep.
- West Harbour: Blackwater Bay, including scenes from the Battle of Blackwater.
- Minčeta Tower: The exterior of the House of the Undying in Qarth.
- Jesuit Staircase: Cersei’s infamous Walk of Shame.
- Rector’s Palace: The Spice King’s palace in Qarth.
- Pile Gate: Featured in scenes set around the entrance to King’s Landing.
- Fort Bokar: Featured in scenes overlooking King’s Landing’s defenses.
- St. Dominic Street: Used for street scenes in King’s Landing.
- Gradac Park: The filming location for Joffrey and Margaery’s wedding feast, better known as the Purple Wedding.
We decided to explore the filming locations independently because we only had one full day in Dubrovnik and wanted the flexibility to visit museums, shops, and other attractions along the way. It was easy to incorporate many of the locations into our sightseeing since they’re scattered throughout Old Town.
However, I do wish we’d booked a guided Game of Thrones walking tour. While it was exciting to recognize locations on my own, I would have loved to learn more about the specific scenes filmed at each spot and hear some behind-the-scenes stories.
If you’re interested in the filming history, I’d recommend considering a Game of Thrones walking tour in Dubrovnik. A guide can help you recognize filming locations you might otherwise walk right past and explain how Dubrovnik was transformed into King’s Landing.
12. Hike Mount Srđ for Panoramic Views
We packed a lot of things to do in Dubrovnik in one day, so unfortunately, we cut hiking Mount Srđ from the itinerary. My original plan was to hike to the top, watch the sunset over Dubrovnik, and then take the cable car back down.
Mount Srđ overlooks Dubrovnik’s Old Town and the Adriatic, offering some of the city’s most spectacular panoramic views. There’s even a restaurant near the summit where you can enjoy a meal with a view.
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can also take the cable car both ways. After climbing all those stairs along the city walls, I certainly wouldn’t blame you.
Although we didn’t make it up Mount Srđ on this trip, it’s one of the first things I’d prioritize on a return visit to Dubrovnik.
View from our room at Villa Banana Hostel
How Many Days Do You Need in Dubrovnik?
I recommend at least one full day in Dubrovnik, though two days give you more time to explore at a relaxed pace.
We had only one full day, but we managed to walk the city walls, explore several museums, visit Game of Thrones filming locations, and stop often along the way. It was a busy day, but we saw a surprising amount of the city.
In two days, I’d spend more time relaxing by the water, exploring Old Town, and hiking Mount Srđ for sunset. If you have the extra time in your Croatia itinerary, I think it’s worth staying a little longer.
Where to Stay in Dubrovnik
We stayed at Villa Banana Hostel, on a hillside outside Dubrovnik’s Old Town, with awesome views of the water and Elaphite Islands. One of my favorite memories was sitting on the balcony and watching a lightning storm roll through.
The hostel owners were very friendly, and the accommodations were a bargain compared to staying inside Old Town. We could walk into Old Town for sightseeing and even walked to Enterprise the next morning to pick up our rental car for the drive to Split.
If you’re traveling to Dubrovnik on a budget and don’t mind staying outside the historic center, I’d definitely recommend considering Villa Banana Hostel. Just be prepared for some uphill walking.
➡️ Need help planning and packing? See my things to do before traveling internationally post and my travel toiletries packing list.
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FAQs About Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Dubrovnik is one of the most memorable cities we visited in Croatia. Between the historic city walls, beautiful Adriatic views, museums, and Game of Thrones filming locations, there’s plenty to see and do. Even with only one full day, I felt like we experienced so much of what makes Dubrovnik special.
Can You Explore Dubrovnik Without a Car?
Yes! Dubrovnik’s walled Old Town is entirely pedestrianized, with narrow stone streets, alleyways, and staircases instead of roads. Walking is the only way to get around inside the historic walls.
We walked everywhere during our visit, but be prepared for plenty of stairs, especially along the city walls and around the fortresses. We didn’t rent a car until we left Dubrovnik for Split, so you definitely don’t need one for sightseeing in Old Town.
Is Dubrovnik Expensive to Visit?
Dubrovnik can be expensive, especially during the busy summer season. Accommodations inside Old Town and admission to popular attractions can add up quickly.
We saved money by staying at a hostel outside Old Town and purchasing the Dubrovnik Pass, which covered admission to several attractions we wanted to visit. You can also enjoy plenty of Dubrovnik’s beautiful streets and waterfront views without paying an entrance fee.
What Should You Not Miss in Dubrovnik?
If you only have time for a few attractions, I’d prioritize walking the Dubrovnik city walls, climbing Minčeta Tower, exploring Fort Lovrijenac, and wandering through Old Town.
The city walls and Fort Lovrijenac offered some of my favorite views of Dubrovnik, while exploring Old Town let us discover unexpected shops, museums, and restaurants along the way.
