Dubrovnik, affectionately referred to as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’, is a city that often pops up when planning a visit to Croatia.
International flights land directly in this seaside city, so it’s easy to include at the beginning or end of a trip to Croatia. Whether capturing photos at the iconic places filmed in Game of Thrones or simply enjoying the fresh seafood and coastal lifestyle, Dubrovnik is an ideal holiday destination.
Here’s some inspiration for things to see and do to fill the days in this captivating Croatian city.
Day One: Explore Dubrovnik Old Town
Dubrovnik, Croatia by Urban Soban
The best way to see Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a walking tour — this up-close and personal experience takes the pressure off, with plenty of opportunities to stop, photograph and wonder at the sights.
A local guide can explain each location, the history and stories behind the architecture and the people who have and do live here. Plus a guide will ensure that none of the wayside attractions are missed, sharing local knowledge of interesting places off the beaten path.
Pile Gate
‘Vrata od Pila’ or the Pile Gate is one of two main entrances to the medieval city, built in 1537. In historical times, a drawbridge was once lifted every evening, the gate closed and the key handed to the rector.
Look up above the Renaissance arch to see a statue of St Blaise, Dubrovnik’s patron saint.
Rector’s Palace
This imposing building blends Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, dating back to the 15th century. The building was rebuilt and redesigned following earthquakes over the centuries by local craftsmen and renowned European architects, creating the blend of historical styles it features now.
Inside the Rector’s Palace are decorated rooms with original furniture, coats of arms and a museum.
Until 1808, Dubrovnik was a tiny self-governing republic where local councillors elected a different citizen to govern each month, preventing any one person from becoming too powerful. During their short term in office, the Rectors lived on the upper floor of the Rector’s Palace.
Dubrovnik Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
This Roman Catholic Cathedral is at the top of the steps featured in Game of Thrones, the design is modelled after the Spanish Steps in Rome. Built on the site of a 7th-century basilica, it’s said that the enlargement of the cathedral in the 12th century was funded by a gift from England’s Richard the Lionheart after he was saved from shipwreck on the nearby island of Lokrum.
The colours and artwork inside are vibrant, intricate and detailed. There are several fine altars, including a violet marble altar dedicated to St John of Nepomuk. The most striking painting inside hangs above the main altar, a depiction of the Assumption of Mary by 16th-century Venetian painter Titian.
Dubrovnik Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Dubrovnik, Croatia by Jeremy van Heerde
The most striking painting inside hangs above the main altar, a depiction of the Assumption of Mary by 16th-century Venetian painter Titian. The treasury to the left of the altar contains relics of St Blaise and over 150 items made by Dubrovnik’s goldsmiths between the 11th and 17th centuries.
Bell Tower Clock, Dubrovnik, Croatia by Urban Soban
Bell Tower Clock
Dubrovnik’s Clock towers 31 metres above the town square, a magnificent landmark that has been counting time since the 15th century. Take the time to listen to the bells chime at midday — it’s well worth pausing to hear the antique ring of the ancient clock marking the hour.
Orlando's Column
This monument is at the centre of Dubrovnik Old Town, in Luza Square near St Blaise’s Church. The column was erected in 1418 and features the armoured knight Orlando who, according to legend, helped the residents of Dubrovnik defeat invaders to remain a free trade city-state during the Middle Ages.
Sponza Palace
This building was originally a customs house, built between 1516 and 1522. Since then, it has served as a bank, a mint, a treasury and an armoury. Now it’s a popular place for weddings and photographs and one of the few buildings in the Old Town that survived the 1667 earthquake.
Architectural features range from a Renaissance portico resting atop six Corinthian columns to late-Gothic windows. Inside is a Memorial Room of the Defenders of Dubrovnik, displaying photographs of young men who perished between 1991 and 1995. The first and second floors contain State Archives, with priceless manuscripts dating back a thousand years.
Paintings inside the Dominican Monastery
The Dominican Monastery Museum is home to the most important works from painters at the Dubrovnik Painter’s School. There’s also jewellery, relics and manuscripts, icons and a large cross made by Paolo Veneziana.
The cloisters, stairways, garden and 14th-century water well provide ample opportunities for photographs that capture the reverence and dedication that informs this historic building.
Franciscan Monastery and ancient pharmacy
Franciscan Monastery, Dubrovnik, Croatia by Martina Orehek
From the outside, the Franciscan Monastery is a large, solid stone-walled complex alongside the main street of Dubrovnik. Inside, the key sights include a pretty mid-14th-century cloister, a museum and what might be Europe’s oldest pharmacy.
The pharmacy at the Franciscan monastery started operating in 1317 and is still in business today, making it the third-oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe and possibly the first pharmacy in Europe ever open to the general public.
The Friars’ Minor pharmacy enabled the monks to fulfil their calling to take care of the sick and also provided a steady income that solved the problem of material needs. The original pharmacy room is now part of the monastery museum.
The modern pharmacy is known for its handmade rose hand cream and has many other boutique beauty items, which are perfect travel gifts. The monastery also owns one of the richest old libraries in Croatia, with over 7,000 books, including more than 1,200 old manuscripts of extraordinary value and importance, and religious tomes from the 15th and 17th centuries.
Day Two: relax and soak up the town’s culture
After seeing all of the history of Dubrovnik, it’s time to enjoy the seaside peace and romance. Here are some recommendations to whet the palate.
Take a sunset cruise
An evening cruise brings a whole new perspective to this stunning coastal city. Drift the Adriatic, sip an aperitif and enjoy the views of the rocky islands and colourful coastline. As the sun sets, the Old Town lights up to sparkle against the dark starlit sky above.
Sunset, Dubrovnik, Croatia by Dennis Bunnik
Dine on fresh oysters or stewed mussels
Local cuisine, Dubrovnik, Croatia by Dennis Bunnik
Fresh seafood, including local oysters and mussels, are caught daily and served in local restaurants. Try the local ‘Black Risotto’, made with cuttlefish ink and simmered to develop a unique flavour with garlic and white wine.
Another iconic dish of Dubrovnik city is ‘Sporki Makaruli’, a macaroni-style pasta with beef stew to warm travellers and locals in wintertime.
Walk the city walls
By far the most popular activity in Dubrovnik is to walk the ancient city walls. Allowing a few hours leaves plenty of time to stop and take pictures, though the 2km walk can be done much more quickly.
It can be windy, so don’t wear a hat, or make sure it’s secured. Starting early will mean avoiding the hottest heat and the crowds disembarking from cruise ships that stop at the port.
Dubrovnik city walls, Dubrovnik, Croatia by Jeremy van Heerde
Take a cable car up Mount Srd
The cable car journey up Mount Srd provides stunning views of the city below and the islands in the sea along the coast. The green of the hillside contrasts with the red rooftops of the city and the brilliant blue of the ocean for an unforgettable vista.
There’s also a hiking trail for the energetic, it’s only two kilometres long and zigzags along a hillside path. At the top is a beautiful restaurant and bar, reservations are recommended, or a nearby cafe sells iced coffee and other snacks and drinks.
Cable car up Mount Srd, Dubrovnik, Croatia by Chloe Marshman
Dubrovnik’s history and beauty await — see it all on a small group tour of Europe
The best way to explore Europe and to see the historic seaside city of Dubrovnik is to join a small group tour. With everything taken care of, travellers are free to explore and enjoy each day.
Experience the coastal beauty, see the iconic architecture and delve into the history of Dubrovnik. All of this is made so much more memorable when accompanied by like-minded visitors exploring the city of Dubrovnik and a local guide to provide tips and tricks to make the most of the tour experience.
Questions about Dubrovnik
Can you walk the Dubrovnik walls for free?
There’s a fee to enter the area to walk the 2km length of the top of the Dubrovnik Walls — but it’s well worth it for the beautiful views and to fully appreciate the work of the skilled stonemasons who carefully restored the walls following the war over Croatia’s declaration of independence in 1991.
Are there guided tours available to explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town?
Yes, a small group tour is one of the best ways to see the Old Town. Bunnik Tours ensures the group is accompanied by a local guide who will share stories, secrets and insights into Dubrovnik Old Town during the walking tour.
Even so, it can’t hurt to learn some Croatian phrases to connect with local people during the day.
What are the best viewpoints in Dubrovnik for photography?
Dubrovnik’s city walls provided pretty views of the city’s terracotta rooftops against the blue Adriatic Sea. From the summit of Mount Srd, the panoramic views extend across Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands. And finally, an ocean cruise is an opportunity to capture Dubrovnik city images from the sea, from a different perspective.