Looking for the best things to do in Dubrovnik? We visited Dubrovnik in April, as part of a Croatia to Montenegro road trip. We spent time exploring the city’s famous walls, Game of Thrones filming locations, restaurants, viewpoints and nearby islands.
In this guide, we’re sharing our favourite experiences, practical tips and honest opinions to help you decide what’s really worth your time and money in Dubrovnik.
Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Before You Go – Get the Dubrovnik City Pass
- 2. Walk the City Walls
- 3. Explore the Game of Thrones Filming Locations
- 4. Take the Cable Car – But Consider Walking Up Instead
- 5. Visit the War Museum: Museum of the Homeland War
- 6. Kayak Around the City Walls
- 7. Lovrijenac Fortress
- 8. Visit Lokrum Island
- 9. Swim at the Beaches
- 10. Where to Eat and Drink
- Practical Tips for Visiting Dubrovnik
- Final Thoughts
- Related Posts
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Introduction
Dubrovnik has been on our list for a long time, but we were put off by the thought of battling large crowds. After all, Dubrovnik is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
Recently, we decided to go for it and, to avoid the busiest period, we visited in April for our 25th wedding anniversary.
So, did Dubrovnik live up to the hype? I would say a big fat ‘yes’!
I was particularly impressed with Dubrovnik. I’d previously been to Split, which I loved, and I was sceptical about whether Dubrovnik would be as good. But I have to say – it absolutely was.
That said, you need to know that we were there at a very quiet time of year. If you’re planning to visit Dubrovnik, timing matters. Visit during peak season and you could find yourself getting lost in a sea of cruise ship day-trippers.
This guide covers what we think are the best things to do in Dubrovnik from our experience. If you like incredible restaurants, breathtaking views and Game of Thrones, this list is for you! These are the places and experiences we’d recommend, in roughly the order we’d prioritise them.
1. Before You Go – Get the Dubrovnik City Pass
Dubrovnik is not a cheap destination and it’s definitely worth buying the Dubrovnik City Pass if you plan to walk the walls.
What it includes
- One entry to the City Walls
- Lovrijenac Fortress
- Several museums and galleries including the Cultural History Museum, Maritime Museum and Ethnographic Museum
- Public transport on Dubrovnik buses during the validity period
Where to buy it
You can buy it online before your trip or at official sales points around Dubrovnik.
Is it worth it?
Yes, especially if you’re doing the walls because it costs the same to do the walls as it does to buy a pass.
2. Walk the City Walls
This is the most popular thing to do in Dubrovnik. We weren’t sure if it was going to be worth the expensive entry price but I want to reassure you that it’s definitely worth doing – especially if you buy the city pass so you get other things included.
Best time to walk the walls
It’s best to go on a weekday either first thing in the morning as soon as it opens, or in the evening after the day-trippers have gone home. We went at 8am when it opened and there were very few people. The early morning light across the Adriatic was magical.
Why it’s worth every Euro
The views across the city and the surrounding coast are stunning. You can take the most wonderful photos across the cityscape: the terracotta rooftops and blue waters beyond the ancient walls.
A particular highlight for me was walking around the Minčeta Tower. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan you’ll recognise this as the place where Daenerys walks around, while searching for her stolen dragons.
Also, the views towards Lokrum Island and across the harbour, with the Adriatic sparkling in the sunshine were unforgettable.
How long does the walk take?
The distance around the walls is 2km. It takes around 1.5-2 hours, depending on how long you take for photo stops and coffee breaks.
You could rush the walk, probably in about 30-40 minutes depending on your fitness level, but the likelihood is that you’ll want to soak up every view and savour the moment.
Practicalities
Refreshments and Toilets
You’ll find three cafes and a couple of bars where you can have a refreshment, admire the views and use the toilets. We enjoyed a coffee and fresh orange juice.
Entrances
There are 3 official entrances where you can buy tickets and start your walk: St John’s Fortress, Ploce Gate and Pile Gate.
Fitness Level and Heights
The steps are steep in places and the walls are high, so you need a fairly good level of fitness to do the walk. And if you’re afraid of heights (like me) some of the sections are slightly terrifying but I wouldn’t let it put you off because the views are so fantastic – it would be a shame to miss out.
3. Explore the Game of Thrones Filming Locations
Dubrovnik was the backdrop for the infamous series Game of Thrones and hundreds of local residents had the fun of being extras during filming. The series has brought in millions of GOT fans. If you’re a fan (or even if you’re not) you’ll want to visit a few of the most famous locations.
Dubrovnik doubled as King’s Landing, the city of Qarth, the Red Keep and many more places during the series.
Walk of Shame
Don’t miss the Jesuit Stairs – the famous staircase beside the Church of St Ignatius is where Cersei’s Walk of Shame begins. It’s one of the most recognisable filming locations in Dubrovnik and a must-see for fans. It’s also worth visiting the cocktail bar next to it that has embraced their location and now serves cocktails and snacks such as Shamejito and Wok of Shame.
Rector’s Palace
The palace was used as the Palace of the Spice King in Qarth and a stunning building in its own right.
The Original Game of Thrones Film Locations Tour
We went on the original Game of Thrones Film Locations Tour, which was extremely detailed and fascinating – great if you want to learn all about how they filmed each scene and the insider scoops.
The tour options
The walking tour has 2 options:
2 hours: Includes all the main Game of Thrones filming locations in and around the Old Town and Lovrijenac Fortress. Highlights include Pile Gate, Blackwater Bay, Cersei’s Walk of Shame and the Red Keep.
You’ll either need to pay the entrance to Lovrijenac Fortress if you haven’t bought the Dubrovnik Pass or an entrance ticket to the walls
3 hours: Takes you across to Lokrum island to see a few more locations and the official Iron Throne. If you’re a hardcore fan, I’d recommend doing the 3-hour tour but only if you’re planning to visit Lokrum Island anyway.
The ferry to get to Lokrum is quite expensive (15 Euros return) and not included in the price of the tour. Lokrum is a lovely place to visit, so it’s really worth it if that’s on your list and you want to spend a few hours there.
Lokrum is where you’ll find the official Iron Throne – so you can have your Game of Thrones moment but there’s also a replica throne in the souvenir shop so you’ll get your photo opportunity, even if you don’t go to Lokrum.
Tour Guide
Our tour guide was fantastic – extremely knowledgeable and a huge Game of Thrones fan. He explained all of the locations in great detail from what was filmed and how they did it and he gave us plenty of time to take our photos. We loved his funny personal anecdotes, like his surprise at seeing his rather strict science teacher appear in GOT almost in the buff! He also gave us lots of recommendations for things to do and places to eat and drink.
👉 We booked our tour on GetYourGuide – check availability and prices for your dates here!
4. Take the Cable Car – But Consider Walking Up Instead
The views from the top of the cable car are genuinely spectacular so it’s definitely worth going to the top but the cable car is very expensive for a five-minute ride. Our apartment host had recommended we walk up or take a taxi and I was kicking myself that we hadn’t taken his advice.
Panorama Restaurant & Bar
Sitting high above Dubrovnik on Mount Srđ, Panorama Restaurant & Bar offers one of the most spectacular dining views in Croatia. Looking out across the Old Town, Lokrum Island and the Adriatic Sea, it’s easy to see why reservations are in such high demand.
We enjoyed a cocktail but if you’d like to have lunch or dinner there, book well in advance – it’s extremely popular and reservations get booked up quickly.
4×4 Vehicles & Panorama Ziplining
Alternative activities while you’re up there can be an off-road tour, or a panorama ziplining experience!
Walking
We didn’t do the walk but it looks quite steep, fine if you’re fit but if not take a taxi and you’ll still save money. The walk takes roughly 1hr 15 mins from the Old Town and you’ll need suitable footwear.
5. Visit the War Museum: Museum of the Homeland War
The Museum of the Homeland War is located at Fort Imperial on Mount Srd. It’s close to the cable car so its pairs easily if you’re going up to see the views. Our host recommended this museum and we felt it was very worthwhile.
What it covers:
The building itself was a Napoleonic-era fortress built in the early 1800s, which makes the contrast with the 1990s warfare inside even more striking. Inside are photography exhibits, artwork and video footage about the 1991–92 siege of Dubrovnik. It’s very emotive – especially if, like me, you remember the war. It certainly brought tears to my eyes.
The contrast of how Dubrovnik is now and the devastation during the siege stays with you, a stark reminder of how quickly life can change.
You can find more information about it on this website link here.
6. Kayak Around the City Walls
One of the best ways to see the walls from the water, we noticed that you can hire kayaks from the beach next to Lovrijenac fortress. We didn’t get the opportunity but we saw lots of people kayaking around and it looked really fun.
There are a number of guided or self-guided options to choose from.
I would recommend doing this on a calm day for the best sea conditions and during the early morning for cooler temperatures.
7. Lovrijenac Fortress
Perched dramatically on a 37-metre-high sea cliff, Lovrijenac Fortress is one of Dubrovnik’s most impressive landmarks.
Built to protect the city from Venetian invasion, the fortress offers fantastic views back towards the Old Town and the city walls. It’s often called Dubrovnik’s “Gibraltar” due to its strategic position overlooking the Adriatic. GOT fans will recognise it as the exterior of the Red Keep, where many scenes from King’s Landing were filmed.
Entry is included with the Dubrovnik Pass and also with a City Walls ticket if used within 72 hours, making it excellent value.
Kayak hire is available from the beach directly below, so if you’re planning to get on the water, this is a logical base for both.
8. Visit Lokrum Island
A short ferry from the Old Town harbour, Lokrum Island is a peaceful gem – a place to get away from the crowds in Dubrovnik. Here you’ll find secret coves, beautiful gardens and peacocks roaming free! We were told that the locals love to come to this nature reserve for relaxation and quiet time to escape from the tourists – and who can blame them?
What’s on Lokrum Island?
Lokrum is a place to walk through forest, swim and explore rocky coves. You’ll also find a lake, the Benedictine Monastery ruins, Botanical Garden, restaurants and of course the official Iron Throne.
We spent a few hours here walking and exploring. It’s definitely a place to relax and enjoy some downtime.
Ferry cost and timing
Ferries run from the Old Harbour (Stara Luka) roughly every 30-60 minutes in season, and the crossing takes about 15 minutes. We paid 15 Euros return but some city passes include a discount so it’s worth checking if yours does. (Timings and pricing vary by season).
9. Swim at the Beaches
The beaches near the Old Town are mostly rocky and pebbly rather than sandy. We find this is the case everywhere we’ve visited in Croatia and it’s a good idea to buy water shoes if you’re considering a beach day.
The best beaches close to Dubrovnik are:
Banje Beach
Banje Beach is the most accessible, a short walk from the Ploče Gate, and has sun lounger hire and a beach bar. It’s pretty rather than spectacular.
Sveti Jakov Beach
Sveti Jakov Beach is quieter and, in my opinion, even more beautiful, with incredible views back towards Dubrovnik.
For the best experience, arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially during summer when beach clubs and cruise visitors can make the area busy.
10. Where to Eat and Drink
Dubrovnik Old Town has over a hundred restaurants – I think our host said 150! So you’ll have way too many choices but these are some recommendations based on our experience.
Nautika Restaurant
Now, we were told not to go here because it’s only for show-offs! But I’d already booked it and it was too late to cancel and I was so glad we came.
Conde Nast Traveller named Nautika as the sixth most romantic restaurant in Europe and as this trip was for our 25th wedding anniversary we thought why not? Let’s blow the budget (the meal cost more than our plane tickets and accommodation combined) but it was extremely memorable.
What makes Nautika so special?
Located above the water, outside the Pile Gate, with a view to Lovrijenac and Bokar fortresses, the romantic setting is unparalleled.
You’ll be treated to exceptional white-glove service, which isn’t pompous – just kind and warm. You feel like a most special guest.
It is a Michelin-recommended restaurant and all of the dishes were sublime and came with plenty of extra bites and treats throughout.
Recommendations
- Book well in advance and choose a front tier seat for the best view.
- Time it for golden hour – 1 hour before sunset so you get to see the change of light and you can take the most romantic photos.
- Dress-up – after all, you’re dining at one of the most exquisite restaurants in Dubrovnik.
Oysters
Dubrovnik is one of the best places in Croatia to try fresh oysters from nearby Ston, a small town on the Pelješac Peninsula famous for oyster farming. Even if you don’t visit Ston itself, many of Dubrovnik’s seafood restaurants serve locally harvested oysters.
We tried oysters at a few restaurants and I much preferred them served on a bed of ice.
Micro Cafe
Micro Cafe was recommended to us by our GOT guide. He said that the locals refuse to pay the high prices in the Old Town and tend to skip it for cheaper eats outside of the historic centre but one place they do frequent is Micro Cafe.
Here you’ll find cheap coffee and well-priced alcoholic beverages. We spent a while here enjoying people-watching and sipping a few wines that were very reasonably priced.
Practical Tips for Visiting Dubrovnik
Best time to visit Dubrovnik
April, May, early June, September and October offer the best balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds.
How many days do you need?
Two to three days is enough to see the main highlights, although four days allows time for Lokrum Island, nearby beaches and day trips.
Is Dubrovnik worth it?
Absolutely. Despite its popularity and higher prices, Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The key is visiting at the right time and planning ahead.
Parking in Dubrovnik
If you’re visiting Dubrovnik by car, be aware that the Old Town is pedestrian-only and parking nearby is limited and expensive.
Also, a fine for driving in the historic centre has been introduced. We found it much easier to leave the car at our accommodation and explore on foot. If you’re staying overnight, I’d recommend choosing accommodation with parking included, especially during the busy summer months.
Accessibility
Dubrovnik is not the most accessible destination. The Old Town has some flat areas, but there are also lots of steps, steep streets and uneven surfaces. The city walls, fortresses and many historic buildings involve climbing stairs. If you have mobility issues, it’s worth checking both your accommodation location and any attractions you plan to visit in advance.
Final Thoughts
Dubrovnik completely exceeded our expectations. Yes, it’s popular and yes, it can be expensive, but there’s a reason so many people visit. From walking the city walls and exploring Game of Thrones filming locations to discovering hidden coves on Lokrum Island and enjoying unforgettable meals overlooking the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is one of those places that really does live up to the hype.
For me, the key is visiting at the right time of year and planning ahead. Do that, and you’ll experience the very best of this remarkable city without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds.
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