How to get to Dubrovnik

Regular connections with other European and international cities makes Dubrovnik a great year-round destination. The airport is around 40 minutes from the old town, which is where most people choose to base their stay. My go-to for finding the best flight deals is to use Skyscanner.

If you are travelling from elsewhere in Croatia, there are numerous ferry journeys to other islands along the Dalmatian coast, with a regular connection running between Split and Dubrovnik stopping at Brač, Hvar, Korčula, and Mljet. Check the ferry timetables here.

The best time to visit Dubrovnik

While some might view Dubrovnik as exclusively a summer destination, there are more than a few reasons to visit outside the peak months. Located in the southern part of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is afforded mild temperatures and an enjoyable climate for much of the year. To avoid the throngs of summer crowds, the shoulder seasons from April - June and September - October make for a lovely time to visit, with plenty of sunshine but far fewer tourists.

1 | Walk the historic city walls

Taking in the views across the fortified city is by large an unmissable experience, affording you an opportunity to gaze into the pockets of this beautiful city. See the winding stone lanes unfurl from above, experience panoramic views across the Adriatic, and marvel at church domes rising above the iconic terracotta roofs.

UNESCO world heritage listed, the city walls that envelope Dubrovnik’s old town are some of the most well-preserved in Europe, having never been breached during battle. Originally built in the 9th century, the walls have featured a number of new additions throughout the centuries. Much repair work had to be done following the Croatian Independence War of the 1990s, however.

Completing the full circuit deserves several hours to appreciate every inspiring view the wall walk offers. Thankfully, it operates a one-way system anti-clockwise, with three entry points at Pile Gate, Ploče, and the Maritime Museum. Your entry ticket also gains you access to Lovrijenac Fort.

The details

Opening hours | 08:00-19:30 daily

Cost | 200KN (approx £22.70 / AU$42.70)

2 | Discover Saint Ignatius Church

Part of Jesuit College, this imposing church built in the early 18th century features stunning Baroque architectural detail. Connecting Gundulić Square with another, you may also recognise the staircase nearby that leads to the main thoroughfare of Dubrovnik old town from that where Cersei Lannister completes her walk of atonement in Game of Thrones.

The design consists of a single nave with several side chapels, the interior decorated with a semi-circular apse containing frescoes depicting the life of St. Ignatius de Loyol. Work was completed in 1725, opened to the public in 1729.

3 | Stroll down Stradun

The centre point of Dubrovnik’s old town, Stradun runs 300m through the city from Pile gate in the west to Ploče gate in the east. Behaving as the city’s main thoroughfare since the 13th century, a collection of bars, cafes, and shops line the street.

Take a look a little higher above street level and notice the uniformity of the buildings made from light limestone. Streets peel off from either side, staircases climb the hilly streets lined by leafy foliage, and washing dries strung from windows high above.

Throughout the summer months especially, when cruise day-trippers arrive in the city, Stradun can quickly become a sea of bodies. Instead, try exploring early in the morning before day guests arrive to make the most of the stunning beating heart of the old town.

4 | Wander the limestone streets of the Old Town

Step away from the bustling main street of Stradun to discover the quiet moments that the whitewashed laneways of Dubrovnik’s old town holds in secret. Time-worn stairways and twisting stone streets are a beautiful insight into everyday life beyond the tourist trail.

Local cats snooze in slithers of sunlight, locals greet each other as they pass by, and you’ll often feel as if you have pockets of the old town all to yourself. Crisscross your way from north to south, east to west to explore every nook and cranny because you’re sure to find a treasure trove of historic beauty.

5 | Admire the sunset from Mount Srd

If, like me, you love discovering the best vantage points of a city, then Mount Srd will not disappoint. Rising above the Dubrovnik coastline, sunset is a spectacular sight from one of my favourite locations in the region.

Offering panoramic views across Lokrum Island, Dubrovnik’s fortified city, the Adriatic, and even to the mountain range with Montenegro lying just beyond, this is one of the best places to be in Dubrovnik. In a brilliant display of orange and pinks that fade into violet and blue, the final hours of the day are easily most well-spent at Mount Srd.

Aim to catch a cable car from just outside the city walls at least one hour before sunset to ensure you make it to the top in time, as queues can become long with others sharing the same idea. We met locals and tourists alike sharing the vistas that quickly become a vibrant display of colour during golden hour, as the setting sun cast long shadows and golden light draped like honey over the terracotta rooftops below.

Before you head up, pick up a beer or cider from a local supermarket and bask in the magic that is a Croatian sunset with a budget-friendly sundowner.

6 | Catch the views from the Dubrovnik cable car

Whether you head up to Mount Srd for sunset, or just want to take in a birds-eye view any time of the day, the best way to get there is by the Dubrovnik cable car. Don’t just treat this like any old commute from A to B though.

A 778-metre journey takes only 5 minutes, but it’s the best way to reach the summit for those short on time. If you opt to take the cable car up earlier in the day, make it one way and hike back down into town.

The ticket may feel pricier than other attractions in Dubrovnik, but it is worth every penny for the views you are offered. Don’t forget to watch your journey on the way up too, as the fortified city below shrinks away while you rise above toward to top of Mount Srd.

The details

Opening hours | 09:00-22:00 May, 09:00-23:00 June - August, 09:00-21:00 September

Cost | 90KN (approx. £10.20 / AU$19) one way, 170KN (approx. £19.30 / AU$36.30) return

7 | Sea kayak at sunset

Set off around the waters along Dubrovnik’s coast for a half-day excursion of sea kayaking. We chose an afternoon excursion, taking us on a 7km journey around the island of Lokrum and to a secluded cove along the Dubrovnik coastline, taking around 3 hours in total.

I must reveal though, this is truly a proper workout. I hadn’t kayaked at sea before, so the endurance required to navigate the currents surprised me and left me with a brilliant upper body workout. Burning around 500 calories, you’ll have well and truly earned an extra scoop of gelato and all that delicious fresh bread and olive oil that proves so hard to resist.

Our guides, Matteo and Luciano, were brilliant and full of historical knowledge about Dubrovnik, giving us a better understanding of the goings-on in the centuries past. From explaining the history of an old quarantine facility to the numerous wars the city endured, the combination of exploring by sea and valuable details we would have otherwise never heard made this a highly worthwhile experience.

We completed several stops throughout the afternoon, most notably an option to cliff jump on Lokrum Island and enjoy a snack and a swim at the sheltered pebbly cove along the mainland coast.

The best part though was watching the sunset while gently bobbing up and down as the dips below the horizon. Watching as the old town is illuminated by the glowing golden light, take it all in and enjoy one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik.

The details

Tour | We booked through Airbnb for this sunset kayak tour

Cost | £29 (approx. AU$54.60)

8 | Breakfast at Congo

If you’ve been to neighbouring countries like Italy, you’ll know that breakfast isn’t quite as much of a thing in these parts of the world. If, like me, breakfast is your favourite meal of the day, then head down to Congo at the end of Stradun which serves up fresh, nutritious breakfasts that taste every bit as good as they look.

Pairing good coffee (iced, please!) with light, fresh produce, you can start your day fuelled before hitting the pavement, old town sites, or swimming at one of the wonderful beaches nearby.

The details

Opening hours | 07:00 - 23:30

9 | Take a Game of Thrones walking tour

Fans of the mega-series will recognise a number of filming locations across Dubrovnik’s old town. Acting as the capital of Westeros - King’s Landing - the location was selected after the first season was originally filmed in Mdina, Malta.

The filming offered a host of new jobs for locals, many of which now impart their knowledge and experience with visitors. Take a 2-hour Game of Thrones walking tour throughout the highlights of the city’s filming locations, with many offering other historical and cultural knowledge in addition to GoT details.

The details

Tour | I recommend this GoT walking tour with Davor

Cost | £18 (approx. AU$33.90)

10 | Get a boat to Lokrum Island

Easily spotted from a number of vantage points across the old city of Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island is a must-visit day trip during your stay. During the summer, the city can become overrun with tourists and somewhat stifling for those who prefer a quieter destination. For respite from the hustle and bustle of the tourist trail, a visit to Lokrum Island is one of the best things to do.

Just a short 15-minute ferry ride from the old town, you can purchase a journey that includes your boat fare and entry fee to the island. Once you reach Lokrum Island, there are many activities to fill your day.

Swimming
Simple but worthwhile, ensure you spend plenty of time making the most of the crystalline waters that surround the island. Mostly encircled by rocky outcrops rather than pebbled beaches, find a spot to perch and jump right on in!
Benedictine Monastery
What remains of the cloister and ornamental garden is worth a visit. Fans of Game of Thrones will be pleased to know that the cloisters of the Benedictine Monastery were part of the filming set, while Lokrum played home to the city of Qarth in the series.

Botanic Gardens
Planted in the 19th century, this collection of hundreds of plant and tree species mostly heralding from Australia and California is also home to a muster of peacocks that roam the island freely.
Dead Sea
A blue-green lagoon located in the island’s interior features high salinity levels that indulge swimmers to float (similar to the Dead Sea in Israel).

The details

Cost | 150KN (approx. £17 / AU$32) for boat fare and entrance fee

Departures | Every 30 minutes from Porporela Old Dubrovnik Port

11 | Discover the Old Town basketball court

If instagrammable is your style, then make way to one of two basketball courts located inside the city walls. Best spotted from the city walls above it, this red court has become somewhat of an insta hotspot thanks to the charming views across the terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic beyond.

While the best angles are taken from above, you can head to the court itself and shoot a few hoops if you prefer an active getaway. Regularly topping lists for ‘the best basketball courts in the world’, don’t miss the chance to see something a little different during your time in Dubrovnik.

12 | Sip sundowners at Buza Bar

You can forgive the tourist hype for this literal hole-in-the-wall bar built into the cliffside beneath the city walls, because it’s worth a visit. Open throughout spring and summer, the views overlooking the sea and across to Lokrum Island are most spectacular at sunset.

It’s important to note that Buza Bar operates as cash only and during the peak summer months, it can become crowded towards sunset. Head there an hour or two before to secure your place and watch the sun slip below the horizon while sipping an ice-cold tipple.

The details

Opening hours | Daily 09:00 - midnight

13 | Swim at Dubrovnik’s best beaches

You cannot visit Dubrovnik, especially during the summer months, without a swim in the glittering waters of the Adriatic. Lay down a towel and unwind under the warmth of the Mediterranean sun at the best beaches in Dubrovnik.

Banje Beach

The most popular beach in Dubrovnik deserves a mention. Just outside the city walls, this stretch of lightly pebbled shoreline is a quick and easy way to escape the midday heat. However, if crowds aren’t your thing, one of the quieter beaches might be a better option.

Beach Sulic

In a narrow cove just below Lovrijenac Fort, this beach offers bright blue waters, beautiful pebbled shores and a restaurant and bar to keep you well-fed while you frolic in the sea. Only a short walk from the old town, it’s easy to reach and also where many of the sea kayaking trips depart from.

St Jakov’s Beach

If seclusion and tranquillity are more your persuasion, St Jakov’s Beach is still a bit of a ‘secret’ compared to other Dubrovnik beaches. Located at the end of a coastal walk east from Dubrovnik old town, it’s worth taking the 163 steps down the cliffside to reach the exceptionally clear, blue waters below. Rent sun loungers and parasols to make the most of a day by the sea.

14 | Visit Lovrijenac Fort

Set atop a cliff some 37 metres above the sea, Lovrijenac Fort, also known as St. Lawrence Fortress, is located just outside the city walls of Dubrovnik. The fortress played an important role in protecting the city of Dubrovnik from falling to Venetian rule during the 11th century when they attempted to build their own fortress only to arrive a few months too late.

Taking just three months to build, Lovrijenac Fort’s interior was destroyed by a major earthquake in 1667 and repaired in the 17th century. While the fortress we now visit today feels somewhat sparse, one feature of note is the inscription reading ‘Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro’ which translates to ‘Freedom is not to be sold for all the treasures in the world’.

You may recognise Lovrijenac Fort as the set of the Red Keep from Game of Thrones, and with one of the best views overlooking west Dubrovnik, there’s every reason to pay a visit.

The details

Opening hours | Daily 08:00 - 19:30

Cost | 50 HRK (approx. £5.70 / AU$10.70) per person or included in a Dubrovnik City Walls ticket

15 | Day trip to the Elafiti Islands

If you have time, a trip to the Elafiti Islands could be one of the best things you can do during your stay in Dubrovnik. A charming archipelago of islands clustered northwest of the city, the islands are a collection of rustic Adriatic villages set among hilly, forested terrain.

Several of the Elafiti Islands can be easily reached by Jadrolinija ferries from Dubrovnik, servicing connections to Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan. First mentioned by Roman author Pliny the Elder in his book Naturalis Historica, there are a total of 13 islands, of which three are inhabited.

Kolocep Island | The closest island, Kolocep, is just 12 minutes from Dubrovnik by boat. Mostly covered in dense forest, vegetation is interspersed with olive groves, citrus trees, and vineyards. With a population of around 165, tranquillity is a given here.

Sipan Island | The largest of the Elafiti Islands, Sipan covers 16.5 sq km and is famed for its wine production. The only island that permits car travel, you can opt for a car ferry to help you make the most of your visit. Explore the sleepy village of Suđurađ to explore the 16th-century castle that once belonged to a wealthy Dubrovnik family and don’t miss the late-Gothic Rector's Palace and the ruins of archbishop's palaces.

Lopud Island | If beaches are what you’re looking for, Lopud is the Elafiti Island for you. Head to the fine, white sands of Sunj beach, skirted by lush, green hills to enjoy a day basking in the clear waters of the Adriatic. Explore the Franciscan Monastery located near the wharf or stop in for a visit to the Art Pavilion to uncover a remarkable fusion of art and architecture.

MAP | THE BEST THINGS TO do IN Dubrovnik, CROATIA

To make things easy for you, I’ve created this map with everything mentioned throughout this guide of the best things to see and do in Dubrovnik. Simply download it and you’re on your way!