Dubrovnik

Written by Keith Roberts, Marika Maslanka
09/09/2025
Stunning aerial view of Dubrovnik's Old Town and Adriatic Sea in summer.
Diego F. Parra, Pexels

Dubrovnik is a historic coastal city famed for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, encircled by impressive city walls, and offers access to beautiful beaches with clear Adriatic waters.

The Old Town provides a vibrant nightlife scene, and numerous hostels facilitate socializing among tourists and backpackers through organized events and shared spaces.

Top 6 Things to do in Dubrovnik

Visitors to Dubrovnik can immerse themselves in historical exploration, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, unwind on picturesque beaches, and discover the natural beauty of nearby islands.

1. Walk the Historic City Walls

Walking along the ancient city walls provides a unique perspective of Dubrovnik's Old Town and the sparkling Adriatic Sea. These impressive fortifications, dating back to the 13th century, encircle the entire Old Town, offering a journey through history with breathtaking views around every corner. It is advisable to go in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and larger crowds.

Cost: Tickets typically cost around 35€ per person (adults), which often includes access to Fort Lovrijenac. Discounts may be available with a multi-day Dubrovnik Pass.

Transport: The City Walls are located in the heart of Dubrovnik's Old Town and are easily accessible on foot from any point within the Old Town. Main entrances are near Pile Gate and Ploče Gate.

2. Explore Dubrovnik Old Town

Stepping into Dubrovnik's Old Town feels like entering a living museum, where history resonates through its limestone streets and Baroque architecture. Wandering without a specific map allows for discovery of charming alleyways, hidden squares, and significant landmarks like the Stradun, the Jesuit Stairs (famous for Game of Thrones filming), Rector's Palace, and Sponza Palace. Visitors can absorb the local culture, admire the intricate details of ancient buildings, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Cost: Exploring the Old Town on foot is free. Entrance fees apply for specific museums or attractions like Rector's Palace or the Franciscan Monastery. Guided walking tours often cost around 20-30€ and can provide deeper historical insights, including Game of Thrones filming locations.

Transport: The Old Town is a pedestrian-only zone. Access is primarily through Pile Gate or Ploče Gate, which are easily reached by local bus services or taxis from areas outside the Old Town. Taxis or Uber rides from nearby hotels typically cost around 10-15€, and local bus tickets are approximately 1.50-2€.

3. Take the Cable Car to Mount Srđ

A ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car offers truly unparalleled panoramic views of the Old Town, the shimmering Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands. The short three-and-a-half-minute ascent to the top of Mount Srđ provides a magnificent perspective, especially during sunset when the light bathes the city in a golden glow. At the summit, visitors can also find the Imperial Fortress, which hosts a museum about the 1990s war, adding a historical dimension to the scenic experience.

Cost: A round-trip ticket for adults is approximately 30€, and for children (4-12 years) it is around 8€. A one-way ticket is also available if one prefers to hike down.

Transport: The lower cable car station is located just outside the Old Town, a short walk from Ploče Gate. Public buses frequently serve the area, and a taxi from the Old Town vicinity would be around 5-10€.

4. Day Trip to Lokrum Island

A short 10-15 minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik's Old Town port transports visitors to the tranquil Lokrum Island, a designated nature reserve. On the island, peacocks roam freely within botanical gardens, and visitors can explore an ancient Benedictine monastery, discover a small saltwater lake known as the 'Dead Sea' perfect for a swim, and even sit on a replica of the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones. It is an ideal escape from the city's bustle, offering beautiful nature walks, secluded swimming spots, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Cost: A round-trip ferry ticket, which includes entry to the nature reserve, typically costs around 30€ for adults and 5€ for children (aged 5-18). Tickets can be purchased at the Old Town port.

Transport: Ferries depart regularly (every 20-30 minutes in high season) from Dubrovnik's Old Town port. The island is entirely pedestrianized.

5. Relax at Banje Beach

Banje Beach is one of Dubrovnik's most popular beaches, renowned for its stunning views of the Old Town walls and Lokrum Island. Located just a short walk from Ploče Gate, it features a mix of pebbles and sand with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming. The beach offers a lively atmosphere with a nearby beach club and restaurants, providing options for both relaxation and entertainment. Visitors can rent sunbeds or enjoy water sports.

Cost: Access to the beach is free. Renting sun loungers and umbrellas can be pricey, typically around 20-30€ for a set. Water sports activities incur additional costs.

Transport: Banje Beach is easily reachable on foot, located a 5-minute walk from Ploče Gate, which is one of the main entrances to the Old Town.

6. Indulge in a Dubrovnik Food and Wine Tour

Exploring Dubrovnik's culinary scene offers a delightful way to experience local culture. A food and wine tour allows visitors to sample traditional Croatian specialties and regional dishes, often against the picturesque backdrop of the Old Town. These tours typically involve visiting multiple eateries, tasting local cheeses, cured meats, fresh seafood (like black risotto), and pairing them with exquisite local wines. Some tours even include cooking demonstrations, providing insight into the preparation of these beloved dishes.

Cost: Food and wine tours typically range from 90-180€ per person, depending on the duration and inclusions (e.g., number of tastings, wine pairings).

Transport: Most food and wine tours start within or just outside the Old Town, making them easily accessible on foot. For tours extending to countryside areas like Konavle or Pelješac, transportation is usually included in the tour price.

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