Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Dubrovnik

Croatia’s premier destination, Dubrovnik boasts a compact old town nestled within formidable medieval fortifications, presenting enchanting views of the deep blue Adriatic Sea. The old town is rich with historical attractions, including elegant Baroque architecture, numerous museums, and galleries. Beyond the fortifications, an array of beaches, islands, and a stunning coastline await exploration.

1. Walk a complete circuit of the City Walls

Among the myriad activities in Dubrovnik, one experience stands out as essential: traversing the battlements of the medieval city walls. A full 2 km (1.25 miles) perimeter provides breathtaking perspectives over the old town’s terracotta rooftops and the azure waters beyond. Constructed in the 13th century, these walls served to fortify the city—then referred to as Ragusa—against external threats. At night, the two entrances to the city, Pile Gate and Ploče Gate, were secured, with wooden drawbridges raised to deter intruders.

In the 15th century, as the Ottoman Turks posed a threat to the Balkans, the walls were further enhanced with robust towers and bastions, complemented by approximately 120 cannons. Visitors access the battlements via a staircase on the left when entering through Pile Gate. During the summer, daily visitor numbers are limited to mitigate overcrowding; thus, early arrangements are advisable. Conversely, winter offers a chance to enjoy the walls with significant solitude.

Local tip: Dubrovnik endured significant upheaval during the war that ensued after Croatia’s declaration of independence in 1991. Presently, the town walls remain intact, its polished marble streets rejuvenated, and historical monuments meticulously restored, thanks to assistance from an international group of skilled stonemasons.

Checking In: Hotel Dubrovnik Palace

2. Drink morning coffee on the Stradun

Consuming coffee is a cherished morning custom in Dalmatia. In Dubrovnik, the favored location for this ritual is the Stradun (also known as Placa). This 300 m-long (984 ft) polished limestone-paved thoroughfare serves as the main artery through the old town, effectively linking Pile Gate and Ploče Gate. The 17th-century Baroque edifices bordering the Stradun accommodate quaint shops and outdoor cafes at street level. Locals congregate here to sip coffee, peruse the morning news, and observe the flow of life. A particularly popular spot is Gradska Kavana, situated atop a terrace at the Stradun’s conclusion. Interestingly, the Stradun was once a shallow maritime channel; it was filled in during the 12th century, giving rise to the contemporary city.

Local tip: The entirety of the old town is pedestrian-friendly, while public transportation is efficient; parking can be costly. Therefore, refraining from renting a car until departure is advisable.

3. See how local aristocrats once lived at the Rector’s Palace

Until 1808, Dubrovnik operated as a small yet sophisticated autonomous republic known as Ragusa. Each month, local council members would elect a different citizen to serve as Rector—a practice designed to avert the consolidation of power in a single individual. During their tenure, Rectors resided in the upper level of the 15th-century Gothic-Renaissance Rector’s Palace.

Today, these chambers house the Cultural History Museum, showcasing the opulent lifestyle of local aristocracy, featuring Baroque furnishings, gilded oil paintings, luxurious garments, weaponry, and even a sedan chair.

On the ground floor, off the inner courtyard, observe the entrance to the former assembly halls of the Great Council and the Senate. A plaque above the threshold reads Obliti privatorum publica curate (Forget private affairs, and focus on public matters). The site also includes a prison cell and a chapel.

Local tip: Game of Thrones enthusiasts may feel as though they have entered Qarth when visiting the grand atrium.

4. Encounter Adriatic marine life at the aquarium

Located beneath the Maritime Museum, on the ground level of St John’s Fortress, the aquarium offers a tranquil retreat from the summer heat, providing a welcome respite, particularly for tired children. The facility features a diverse array of marine life from the Adriatic in 31 saltwater tanks. Watch for delicate seahorses, intriguing scorpionfish, formidable conger eels, charming starfish, and transformative octopuses. Following your visit, indulge in homemade ice cream or savor traditional Dubrovnik pastries at Gianni, situated in the narrow alley outside.

5. Taste raw oysters at Bota Oyster & Sushi Bar

For centuries, the culinary elite of Dubrovnik have enjoyed oysters harvested from Mali Ston Bay on the Pelješac peninsula, previously part of the Republic of Ragusa. Should you wish to sample these delicacies, Bota Oyster & Sushi Bar provides a delectable option in the old town, where the proprietor cultivates his own oysters in Ston, delivering them fresh to the city each morning. Regarded as a potent aphrodisiac, they are typically served on crushed ice, still in their shells, alongside a wedge of lemon. If the texture proves challenging, consider ordering oyster tempura, which is lightly fried in batter.

6. See medieval golden reliquaries at the treasury

While it may seem macabre, the belief in the Middle Ages was that relics—body parts belonging to long-deceased saints—could inspire divine intervention. As these remains were revered, they were often encased in gold plating and adorned with elaborate filigree and precious gemstones. The treasury adjacent to Dubrovnik’s Cathedral displays an extensive collection of 138 gold and silver reliquaries; the highlight being the skull of St. Blaise (Dubrovnik’s patron saint), adorned with a golden crown. Many of these relics trace their origin to the Byzantine Empire, brought back to Dubrovnik by local sailors returning from expeditions to the East.

7. Shop for quirky designer gifts at KAWA

Just beyond Ploče Gate, KAWA is a unique retail space featuring one-of-a-kind garments crafted by emerging Croatian designers, along with jewelry, tote bags, ceramics, well-packaged cosmetics, olive oil, and rakija (a strong local spirit). It serves as an excellent venue for authentic gift purchases and supports local artisans.

8. Watch the sunset over a drink at Buža bar

Perched on cliffs above the sea, beneath Dubrovnik’s southern walls, lie two open-air bars, both named Buža: Buža I and Buža II. Each offers a delightful experience, so patrons are encouraged to visit both. The atmosphere is relaxed and vibrant, with rocky terraces decorated with large white umbrellas.

The menu is straightforward, featuring just beer or wine (cash payment only), yet the views across the expansive Adriatic are spectacular. Visitors can choose to swim in the morning or return in the evening to relish the sunset, followed by the magic of a starry night sky.

9. Discover 20th-century Yugoslav design at the Red History Museum

Inaugurated in 2019, the eclectic Red History Museum illustrates the living conditions in Croatia during the era of Socialist Yugoslavia (1945-1991). The displays feature rooms styled after a typical 1970s apartment, complete with period furnishings. The vintage aesthetics extend to ceramics, posters, and graphic designs of magazine and record covers. Moreover, darker narratives, such as references to the Yugoslav secret police and the Goli Otok political prison, are also included.

10. Buy natural cosmetics at the Franciscan Monastery pharmacy

Accessible from the Stradun, the Franciscan Monastery surrounds a 14th-century Romanesque cloister featuring a garden of palm and citrus trees. Here, one of Europe’s earliest pharmacies was established by the monks in 1317. A small museum exhibits historical laboratory instruments and storage jars, while the Franciscan Pharmacy lies just inside the monastery’s archway. Its glass-fronted cabinets are filled with well-known international medications.

On the marble counter, visitors will find several jars of natural face creams infused with rose, lavender, and rosemary, each labeled “Mala Braca 1317 AD.” These products continue to be prepared within the pharmacy, adhering to centuries-old secret recipes known exclusively to the monks.

11. Learn about Dubrovnik sea power at the Maritime Museum

Dubrovnik experienced its Golden Age in the 16th century, during which it amassed extraordinary wealth through shipping and trade. At that time, this small republic of Ragusa possessed one of the largest fleets globally, comprising 180 ships and 4,000 sailors. At the Maritime Museum, located in St John’s Fortress, visitors can delve into the heritage of Dubrovnik’s naval strength. The exhibits showcase model ships, paintings, maps, navigational tools, and attire worn by sailors.

12. Reflect on the horror of conflict at War Photo Ltd

Dubrovnik is acutely aware of the ravages of war, having endured an eight-month siege between 1991 and 1992. At War Photo Ltd, witness the human toll of the Yugoslav conflict. The upper floor showcases scenes of daily life amidst the turmoil affecting Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Kosovo, captured by photojournalists. The ground floor hosts temporary exhibitions featuring photojournalism from conflict zones worldwide. Previous exhibits have highlighted crises in Syria, Sudan, Congo, and Northern Ireland.

Day Trip to Lokrum Island

13. Paddle to Lokrum Island by sea kayak

Lokrum, a small island located just a 10-minute boat ride from Dubrovnik’s old harbor, offers a more memorable experience by joining a sea kayaking tour departing from a small beach near Pile Gate. Participants paddle around Dubrovnik’s fortifications, afterward heading to Lokrum for swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and cliff diving.

Rich in greenery, Lokrum features an abandoned 11th-century Benedictine Monastery, a botanical garden inhabited by peacocks, and a fort constructed by Napoleon in 1806. Local lore suggests that the monks, angered by Napoleon’s closure of their monastery, placed a curse on anyone attempting to possess the island. Although this may be superstition, it remains true that overnight stays on Lokrum are prohibited.

Local tip: To access the nudist beach (often dubbed the best nudist beach in the world), head left from the ferry and follow the FKK signs; the rocks at the far end serve as Dubrovnik’s unofficial gay beach.

14. Hike up Mt Srđ for a panoramic picnic overlooking Dubrovnik

Undoubtedly, one of the most scenic views of Dubrovnik can be experienced from Mt Srđ, which rises directly above the old town. To prepare for a delightful outing, contact Piknik Dubrovnik a day in advance and request a packed lunch in an insulated backpack, complete with a map and blanket. The hike to the summit involves a 2 km winding path, following the Stations of the Cross. Upon reaching the top, you will find a 19th-century fortress, a bar-restaurant, and an observation deck that provides stunning panoramic vistas of the town and the Adriatic Sea. If desired, a modern cable car is also available for ascent, with an option to hike down afterward.

15. Swim and sunbathe at Šunj beach on Lopud island

Sandy beaches are a rarity in Dalmatia, but one notable exception exists near Dubrovnik: Šunj on Lopud. Catch a white-and-blue Jadrolinija ferry from Gruž port to reach Lopud. As your vessel approaches the bay, take note of the fortified Franciscan monastery high above the water; recently rehabilitated, it now operates as an upscale retreat called Lopud 1483.

From the palm-lined promenade, a 2 km pathway through verdant Mediterranean foliage leads to Šunj (golf-buggy rides are also available). Distinguished by its beautiful stretch of sand that opens onto a sheltered bay with warm shallow waters, Šunj is equipped with several seasonal bars offering beverages and snacks, along with rental options for sun loungers.

Local tip: Lopud hosts the Ponta Lopud film festival every June.

This article was first published May 20, 2022 and updated Nov 21, 2023.