Top 20 Things To See and Do in Dubrovnik
Your To Do List for Dubrovnik !
by Nina Briefel
Dubrovnik – The Pearl of the Adriatic
Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a stunning city on the southern coast of Croatia. With its medieval walls, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, the city is a popular destination for travellers from all over the world. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply soaking up the sun, or enjoying good Adriatic cuisine, Dubrovnik has something to offer everyone. Nina spent a couple of week there recently and has compiled a list of her favourite “must see” attractions – as well as her top 5 food and drink spots!
Here are Nina’s top 20 attractions in Dubrovnik:
Dubrovnik Ancient City Walls: Take a stroll along the ancient city walls that encircle the old town. From the walls you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, the red-roofed houses, and the charming alleys. The walls offer a fantastic viewpoint and provide an insight into the city’s rich history.
Stroll Along the Little Streets of the Old Town: Step back in time as you explore the charming streets and squares of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Admire the Baroque architecture, visit the historic churches, and discover hidden gems around every corner. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to numerous shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by.
Stradun: The main street of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Stradun, is a bustling pedestrian thoroughfare lined with shops and cafés. Take a leisurely stroll down this iconic street, soak in the lively atmosphere, and indulge in some people-watching. Don’t forget to try some delicious local ice cream!
Dubrovnik Cable Car: For panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic coastline, take a ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car. Enjoy a thrilling ascent to the top of Mount Srd, where you can admire the breathtaking vistas, visit the War Museum, and enjoy a meal at the mountaintop restaurant.
Lokrum Island: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a short boat ride to Lokrum Island. This nature reserve is a paradise for nature lovers, with lush gardens, hidden beaches, and peacocks roaming freely. Explore the island’s historic ruins and relax by the crystal-clear waters.
Fort Lovrijenac: Also known as the “Dubrovnik Gibraltar,” Fort Lovrijenac is a fortress perched on a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The fort offers incredible views of the city and is known for its role in Game of Thrones as the Red Keep. Explore the fortress and imagine yourself in the world of Westeros. A specific Game of Thrones guided tour is also available for those interested in seeing the rest of the filming locations used for the popular TV show.
Rector’s Palace Dubrovnik: Visit the magnificent Rector’s Palace, a Gothic-Renaissance palace that once served as the seat of the Republic of Ragusa. Explore the richly decorated interiors, including the museum that houses a collection of historical artifacts and artworks.
Dubrovnik Cathedral: Step inside the Dubrovnik Cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Admire the stunning Baroque architecture, intricate carvings, and a treasury filled with religious relics. Don’t miss the magnificent polyptych by Titian, a famous Renaissance painter.
Sponza Palace Dubrovnik: Discover the beauty of the Sponza Palace, a 16th-century Renaissance building that showcases Dubrovnik’s architectural heritage. Today, it houses the State Archives and displays exhibits on the city’s history and culture.
Franciscan Monastery: Explore the peaceful Franciscan Monastery, home to one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. Admire the elegant cloisters, visit the museum, and take a moment to relax in the monastery’s serene garden.
Banje Beach Dubrovnik: Enjoy some sun and sea at Banje Beach, located just outside the city walls. This pebble beach offers crystal-clear waters, stunning views of the old town, and a vibrant beach club atmosphere. Relax on a sun lounger or try various water sports activities.
Three-Island Tour: Take a boat trio from the harbour along 3 of the 12 main Elafiti Islands located near Dubrovnik. The three islands are called Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud, and throughout the tour there will be numerous opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, and exploring the islands’ natural beauty and cultural attractions!
Dubrovnik Maritime Museum: Dive into Dubrovnik’s maritime history at the Dubrovnik Maritime Museum. Discover ship models, navigational instruments, and historical documents that shed light on the city’s seafaring past.
St. Ignatius Church: Visit the Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius, a Baroque masterpiece with a stunning staircase that leads to a terrace with panoramic views of Dubrovnik. Marvel at the intricate ceiling frescoes and enjoy a peaceful moment in the church’s tranquil interior.
Sea Kayaking Dubrovnik: Paddle along the coastline and explore hidden caves and secluded beaches on a sea kayaking tour. You can even take a tour at sunset and marvel at the stunning sunset colors along the horizon from your seat out in the open water.
Onofrio’s Fountain: Admire the beauty of Onofrio’s Fountain, a 15th-century masterpiece located near the Pile Gate entrance to the Old Town. This ornate fountain once supplied the city with fresh water from a nearby spring. Take a moment to rest, snap some photos, and fill up your water bottle if needed!
Lapad Peninsula: Escape to the picturesque Lapad Peninsula, located just outside the Old Town. Enjoy beautiful beaches, seaside promenades, and a wide range of restaurants and cafes. The peninsula is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and leisurely walks.
Fort Bokar: Explore Fort Bokar, part of Dubrovnik’s impressive defensive system. This fortress was designed to protect the Pile Gate entrance and offers panoramic views of the city walls and the sea. Learn about the city’s fortifications and immerse yourself in its history.
Lokrum Island Botanical Garden: Immerse yourself in the lush beauty of the Lokrum Island Botanical Garden. Explore a wide variety of Mediterranean and subtropical plants, relax in the shade of pine trees, and enjoy the fragrant scents that fill the air.
Visit the Dubrovnik Aquarium: Discover the rich marine life of the Adriatic Sea at the Dubrovnik Aquarium, located in the historic St. John’s Fortress. Fresh sea water runs through all the tanks and you are able to see animals such as local fish, conger eels, sea stars, and much more.
Free Activities in Dubrovnik
While many attractions in Dubrovnik have an admission fee, there are also several free activities to enjoy. For example, walking along the beautiful promenade of Stradun, soaking up the sun at the public beach of Banje, or explore the charming streets of the Old Town are all enjoyable and free. You can also visit the local markets, such as Gundulićeva Poljana, to experience the vibrant atmosphere and sample fresh produce.
So whether you fancy enjoying a holiday in Dubrovnik or simply a day trip or a weekend break, this Croatian gem promises an unforgettable experience. The city effortlessly combines history, natural beauty, and a vibrant cultural scene. So pack why not your bags and get ready to discover the wonders of Dubrovnik? This enchanting old city offers something for all ages, and is a destination that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list!
Do also check out Nina’s top restaurant and bar recommendations here.
This article was written by Nina Briefel
Nina Briefel is a student at an international school in Zurich. She is passionate about journalism and photography, and is extremely keen to develop her skills in blog and article writing.
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