If you know of one city in Croatia, it’s probably the Pearl of the Adriatic... and there are plenty of reasons Dubrovnik is so iconic! While its skyline alone is remarkable enough to make it famous, there are so many incredible things to do in Dubrovnik that the city is easy to love once you’re there, too.
This gorgeous walled city is known for its brilliant rooftops, beautiful pebble beaches, and for playing the role of King’s Landing in Game of Thrones.
Whether you’re a fan of the TV show (we don’t have to talk about Season 8) or simply looking to visit one of the most gorgeous coastlines in the world, there are plenty of fun attractions in Dubrovnik just waiting to be discovered.
We’ve spent weeks exploring Dubrovnik in both the height of summer and the depths of winter (“depths” is a strong word given Dubrovnik’s mild weather, though), and adore the city.
Planning a trip to Dubrovnik and want to be sure that you’re making the most of it?
Here’s what to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia, plus our best tips for making the most of your limited time there!
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Planning your Dubrovnik trip at the last minute?
We will cover the best things to do and see in Dubrovnik in much, much more detail below… but if you’re short on time, here are the top excursions and tours we recommend in this blog post to make the most of visiting Dubrovnik:
- Kayaking Adventure to Lokrum Island (one of our favorite things we’ve EVER done in Croatia!)
- Walking the City Walls With a Dubrovnik Pass
- Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Walking Tour (or a dragon-free version)
- Karaka Sunset Cruise (amazing views on a replica 16th-century ship)
- Elafiti Islands Day Trip (3 islands + a full day on the water!)
Trying to decide where to stay? Here are our picks, including an apartment we loved:
- Old Harbour City Center Apartment (we loved this quiet apartment: close to the action but not in it!)
- Hotel Excelsior (amazing views, luxurious amenities, beachfront location)
- Guesthouse Dubrovnik (budget option with incredible views)
Don’t forget your Dubrovnik Pass!
Assuming that you’re visiting Dubrovnik between April and October, and that you want to walk the Dubrovnik City Walls (which you should), a Dubrovnik Pass should be a near-automatic purchase when exploring the best things to see in Dubrovnik.
I suspect that these numbers will continue to increase, but as of July 2026, a one-day Dubrovnik Pass costs 40 Euro per adult, which coincidentally is exactly what walking the City Walls during the high season costs.
Access to the Dubrovnik City Walls is included with the purchase of the pass.
And, while we’ve watched the cost of both steadily increase over the years, what seems to be consistent is that a one-day Dubrovnik Pass and a standalone Dubrovnik City Walls ticket are identical or near-identical in price.
Meanwhile, purchasing the pass also allows you to access several other attractions around town that are highlighted on this itinerary (like the Franciscan Monastery and Lovrjenac Fortress) and includes access to the city buses.
Whether or not you want you want to purchase a one-day pass only for the day you plan to walk the City Walls, or a 3-day or 7-day pass instead, depends mostly on how much you plan to utilize the bus system and whether you want to take a day trip to nearby Cavtat to see the Bukovac House.
You can check full inclusions and updated prices, as well as purchase the card online, here.
The Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Walk the city walls.
Perhaps Dubrovnik’s best-known attraction, no visit to Dubrovnik could be complete without strolling along Dubrovnik’s city walls.
The views defy words: Lokrum Island, the city itself, Fort Lovrijenac, the West Harbour, and more are all clearly visible, and a visit here is easily among the best things to do in Dubrovnik.
You can walk the walls in 45 minutes if you hurry along, but we spent nearly 3 hours here both times we visited and saw absolutely no reason to speed up.
Be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water! There’s basically no shade up there, and during the summer it gets very hot.
… And don’t forget to climb up the Minčeta Fortress while you’re up there!
Minčeta Fortress is the highest fort in Dubrovnik and is only accessible from the city walls.
Climb the extra steps for a jaw-dropping view of the city. This is where you’ll find one of the classic postcard images of Dubrovnik’s rooftops, and where we took the photo I used at the very top of this blog post.
Game of Thrones fans, also take note of the shape of the fort: it was used for the exterior shots of the House of the Undying.
Go kayaking for unique views of the city.
Kayaking tours are often at the top of visitors’ Dubrovnik bucket lists, and it’s easy to see why!
Personally, our kayaking tour around Lokrum Island and to Betina Cave ranks among our absolute favorite activities in Dubrovnik and one of our fondest travel memories from Croatia!
With the looming city walls, plenty of caves and inlets to explore, and Lokrum Island so close by, there’s plenty to enjoy on the water. You may even get to try out some cliff-jumping!
Be prepared to have aching shoulders the next day, but if you like to get outside when you travel, we highly recommend signing up for a kayaking excursion.
This kayaking tour is incredibly popular (book ahead of time if you can) and follows a very similar path to the one that we took. It’s an incredible experience!
Hunt down Game of Thrones filming locations.
The Minčeta Fortress is far from the only Game of Thrones location in Dubrovnik!
The city itself played King’s Landing for several seasons, and many iconic scenes were filmed here.
A few things to be on the lookout for include the Jesuit Staircase, where Cersei began her walk of shame, Blackwater Bay, which was the location of several scenes, Flea Bottom, the residence of the Spice King, the location of the Purple Wedding… and there are so many more.
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, the absolute best way to spot the scenes (and potentially jog your memory of some from the earliest seasons) is to take a Game of Thrones walking tour through the city.
They can be surprisingly affordable and a fun way to explore interesting Dubrovnik attractions.
This popular Game of Thrones tour is very affordable and has been reviewed almost 5,000 times!
Pay a visit to Lovrijenac Fortress.
Set on a sheer cliff and standing imposingly over the sea, Lovrijenac Fortress (also written as Lovrjenac Fortress or St. Lawrence Fortress) is one of the most visible features of Dubrovnik outside the city walls.
Its 1000-year history is impressive (it helped Dubrovnik stay free of Venetian rule, among many other things), and the views from the top are also incredible.
The views alone are gorgeous enough to earn Lovrijenac Fortress a spot on your list of fun things to do in Dubrovnik!
Take a day trip to Montenegro.
Stunningly beautiful towns in Montenegro like Kotor, Perast, and Budva are all reachable as a day trip from Dubrovnik.
If you want to see some beautiful locations while also adding another country to your trip, you definitely can!
However, don’t be tempted by the public buses: they regularly run 3-4 hours late during the high season, and even when we traveled by bus in February we arrived more than 2 hours behind.
If you’re trying to pull off a Montenegro day trip, either drive yourself (check the restrictions of your rental before crossing the border) or, better yet, go with a guide who knows the way.
… Or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The most popular day trip spot in Bosnia from Dubrovnik is Mostar, and it is an incredible place to visit.
The city was devastated in the civil war that took place in the ’90s during the breakup of Yugoslavia, and today is home to a fascinating combination of areas that are rebuilt and bustling (it is a quite popular tourism destination, after all), and areas that still bear the clear signs of war.
Mostar is hardly a light day trip–there’s a lot to unpack there–but it is a valuable one.
Mostar is quite far away from Dubrovnik, and the city requires at least a couple of days of attention in the best-case scenario.
However, if a day is all you have to spare, there is a lot of value in a day trip to Mostar!
We strongly recommend booking a tour for this one, though: buses aren’t really workable on a day trip schedule and driving can be quite a hassle when you combine a border check with a significant distance.
Plus, you’ll likely get a second stop out of the deal, usually the incredible Kravica Waterfalls!
This popular Mostar day trip is a wonderful introduction to the city!
Watch the sunset from a cliff bar.
There are two cliff bars in Dubrovnik: Buža Bar I and Buža Bar II, both accessed through small holes cut into Dubrovnik’s famous walls, and visiting at least one should absolutely be on your list of fun things to do in Dubrovnik.
The atmosphere is casual, the drink selection is limited but tasty enough (think primarily beer and wine, and not much food to speak of), and the views at sunset are utterly spectacular.
We loved our visit (and the feline friends we made there) and highly recommend adding it to your list of places to go in Dubrovnik!
Check out Lokrum Island.
Home to beautiful botanical gardens, a monastery, plenty of shady places to rest, and many swimming spots, Lokrum Island makes a fantastic quick getaway from Dubrovnik, Croatia.
It is also an incredibly easy one!
Lokrum Island is a mere 15 minutes away from the Old Town by ferry, and the ferries are near-constant during the summer.
Swim your heart out.
The crystal-clear Adriatic Sea beckons from all angles during a visit to Dubrovnik, especially if you happen to be there during the hot and sticky summer months.
The best remedy is also the simplest: go swimming!
There are beaches and swimming spots around every corner (“beach” isn’t exactly the term I’d use for the rocky cliffs near Buža Bar where people go cliff jumping, but it’s often noted on lists of Dubrovnik’s beaches).
The most popular beach in Dubrovnik is probably Banje Beach (pictured below), so be sure to head there at least once!
Keep in mind that Dubrovnik’s beaches are generally made of pebbles, not sand.
That helps give the water its characteristic bright color, but it’s not easy on the feet.
Definitely bring flip-flops or water shoes when planning to swim in Dubrovnik!
Once we switched to using water shoes on pebble beaches, we never looked back. It’s so much more comfortable (and easier to climb on rocks/cliffs, if that’s your thing).
(Carefully) try out cliff jumping.
Cliff jumping is popular along the Adriatic coast, where crystal-clear water framed by rocky cliffs creates a setting that practically demands adventure.
One of my favorite memories from our first months of full-time travel is cliff jumping in Dubrovnik, and I highly recommend trying it out. (I’m generally terrified of heights, but I pushed through it here and it was worth it!)
Just be very careful, understand the risks before you participate, and ideally do so under the guidance of a tour guide or local who can show you the safe spots!
Stroll through Pile Gate.
It’s pretty hard to skip Pile Gate on your list of fun things to do in Dubrovnik, as it is the main entrance to the Old Town… but it’s still worth slowing down to take a look at!
Once, you would cross a wooden drawbridge suspended over a moat to reach Pile Gate, but those days are long gone.
Today, a beautiful stone bridge set over a park will take you right through Pile Gate when visiting Dubrovnik.
… And then Ploce Gate.
The east gate of Dubrovnik may be a bit less ornamented than its western counterpart Pile Gate, but it also tends to be less crowded.
Swing by for pretty views, a statue of St. Blaise, and (possibly) also to catch a bus around Dubrovnik during your visit.
Take a walking tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town may be small, but it’s also densely packed with historical sights, beautiful views, and interesting stories.
If you’re trying to maximize the number of things to do in Dubrovnik that you’re able to complete, one of the best ways is to take a walking tour of the Old Town to ensure you see Dubrovnik’s most significant sights efficiently.
(In other words, one of the best ways to make sure that you don’t walk right past something cool several times without noticing it, which we’ve definitely done.)
I wouldn’t necessarily recommend taking both a Game of Thrones tour and a general walking tour, as there will be quite a bit of overlap, but opting for one or the other is a great choice!
If you’re looking for an inexpensive and fun introduction to Dubrovnik, this popular walking tour is a great dragon-free option!
Visit the Dubrovnik Cathedral.
In my opinion, Dubrovnik’s stunning Baroque cathedral is prettiest from the outside in… but it’s still worth a quick peek inside.
Also worth a look?
The Cathedral Treasury next door, which is home to, among other things, the skull, arm, and leg of St. Blaise, which are coated in gold.
Take an early morning or late night walk through Old Town.
Old Town is an incredibly beautiful, atmospheric place that can make you feel like you stepped back in time… that is, when you’re not sharing with thousands of other tourists who just got off a cruise ship.
Make it a goal on at least one of your days in Dubrovnik to take a stroll through town well before most people get up, or well after they go to bed.
You won’t be sorry that you made the extra effort to see some of Dubrovnik’s attractions at their best!
Explore the Franciscan Monastery.
Within the quiet walls of the Franciscan Monastery, it’s hard to imagine that the crowds of Dubrovnik’s Old Town are just outside the door.
The entrance to the monastery is easy to pass if you don’t know what you’re looking for, lurking just beyond Pile Gate.
Ithides, among other things, a beautiful cloister and a museum to the third oldest pharmacy in the world!
We loved our visit here and will almost certainly visit again in the future (after all, it’s included with the Dubrovnik Pass).
Take the Dubrovnik Cable Car to the top of Mount Srd.
Want an even higher viewpoint to admire Dubrovnik from than Minčeta Fortress?
Take a ride up the Mount Srd cable car to experience what is arguably the best view of Dubrovnik for yourself!
The views from the top are absolutely stunning, especially around sunset.
You can even eat at the restaurant near the top for an exceptional dining experience in Dubrovnik.
… And then hike down for extra beautiful views of the city.
The hike back down Mount Srd generally takes less than an hour, and if you want extra time with the beautiful views (and perhaps even the chance to enjoy them away from the crowds), definitely consider taking the slow way down.
Plus, as a bonus, you’ll save a bit of money on the cable car ride by only buying a one-way ticket.
Do keep in mind that the trail is steep in places, hot, and full of switchbacks, so come prepared with sturdy shoes and sun protection!
Duck inside the Church of St. Blaise.
Named for the patron saint of Dubrovnik, the Church of St. Blaise boasts a beautiful interior.
The altar is particularly gorgeous!
This beautiful church is definitely worth a quick stop inside as you walk along the Stradun.
Escape to the Elafiti Islands.
Made up of six islands set in an archipelago near Dubrovnik, the Elafiti Islands (also known as the Elaphiti Islands and Elaphite Islands) are the perfect quiet escape from the city!
Two of the three main islands are car-free, giving a completely different vibe than many other parts of Croatia.
The island of Lopud makes a great first stop and is home to gorgeous beaches.
You can visit the islands independently via ferry (just be careful to watch the schedule!), or book a full-day boat cruise Dubrovnik if you’d like to see several of the islands easily in one day.
Visit 3 Elafiti Islands and enjoy a boat day with this wildly popular day trip from Dubrovnik!
Take a bite of Ledo ice cream.
And ice cream brand may seem like an odd choice to include on a list of things to do in Dubrovnik, but Croatia’s famous ice cream brand is so tasty that it absolutely deserves a spot on this list.
How delicious are we talking, exactly?
Delicious enough that many years and several trips to Croatia later, we never quite feel like we’ve arrived in the country until we’ve had our first ice cream bar (and that includes the time we visited Dubrovnik in February).
Especially if you’re visiting during the summer, definitely try some Ledo ice cream during your trip to Dubrovnik.
Pay a visit to the Rector’s Palace.
Dating to the 14th century, the Rector’s Palace once served as the seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa.
However, it is better known these days for its beautiful Gothic facade and being yet another Game of Thrones filming location (it was the home of the Spice King).
Today, a visit to the Rector’s Palace includes seeing art, artifacts, an armory, and, perhaps most interestingly, an infamous prison known for its terrible conditions and intense punishments (think prisoners being drowned by the incoming tide).
Say hello to all of the adorable cats.
Like many Balkan cities, Dubrovnik is full of semi-stray cats that appear to be tended to by the locals.
We have passed many a pile of cat food and water bowl set out during our visits to Dubrovnik!
The cats are generally extremely friendly–one even jumped into my lap completely unprompted and took an hour-long snooze when we were watching the sunset at Buža Bar–and add a delightful layer to the city.
Dedicate a day to experiencing Croatia’s (delicious) wine.
Croatia is home to some incredibly tasty, and often surprisingly affordable by US standards, wine.
Don’t leave Dubrovnik without trying some!
While there are some great wine bars in town to try out, if you have the time, consider taking a day trip to the Peljesac Peninsula to taste the wine right where it’s grown and see part of Croatia outside of Dubrovnik.
Book your wine-tasting day trip to the Peljesac Peninsula today!
Stroll down the Stradun.
The Stradun is Dubrovnik’s main street, and a must-see when visiting Dubrovnik.
While the coffee shops and restaurants here tend toward being incredibly expensive, the street itself is beautiful and worth a stroll!
We especially recommend visiting around sunrise or sunset.
The light catches the Stradun beautifully at those times, giving everything a gorgeous glow.
Visiting during sunrise also comes with the bonus of seeing the street much more peaceful than it normally is!
Climb the Jesuit Staircase.
I have a hard time even looking at the Jesuit Staircase without hearing faint echoes of “shame” in the background.
But, even for those completely uninterested in Cersei’s fate, this Baroque staircase is beautiful and definitely worth visiting!
Some say that the staircase is similar to the Spanish Steps in Rome… what do you think?
Visit the local market in Gundulićeva Poljana Square.
Every day, a small fruit and vegetable market opens in this square.
It’s nothing enormous or fancy, but it does add charm to the square, and it is worth pausing for a quick look.
In a city as touristed as Dubrovnik, glimpses of true local life are a delight to come by!
Admire Dubrovnik’s epic sunsets from a boat.
Dubrovnik is home to some of the best sunsets we have seen in our lives… maybe even better than the sunsets on Santorini (controversial, I know).
What better way to admire one of these epic sunsets than to do it from a traditional Karaka sailboat?
Not only will you be able to have the best view of the sunset that way, but you’ll also get to experience gorgeous views of the city itself too, perhaps with a glass of Croatian wine in hand.
This sunset cruise on a (replica) 16th-century ship is a magical way to spend an evening in Dubrovnik, and also includes dinner!
Sip coffee slowly while enjoying the atmosphere in the Old Town.
Like many cities and towns in the region, Dubrovnik has a strong cafe culture.
Sitting outside in all seasons (we did it almost every day during our visit in February, and we’re far from alone) with a warm cup of coffee and a fun conversation partner is a staple of life here.
If you’re looking for the perfect way to start your days in Dubrovnik, this is it!
In Old Town, we can recommend Micro Caffe Bar, which is tucked behind the Dubrovnik Cathedral.
Here, you can find tasty coffee that is, while not inexpensive by any stretch of the imagination, half the price of the coffee served a short walk away on the Stradun.
Go see the Trsteno Arboretum.
Set about 30 minutes by bus outside of Dubrovnik, this 500-year-old arboretum is a beautiful, peaceful escape from the city.
Its position overlooking the Adriatic Sea is unbeatable, and like so many other places nearby, it also served as a Game of Thrones filming location: it was the set of the gardens of King’s Landing.
It also has beautiful, romantic vibes, and is an excellent spot to visit on a couples trip to Croatia!
Check out the interesting green doors at West Harbour.
These quirky doors situated in the West Harbour underneath Fort Lovrijenac make a great photo op no matter who you are!
But, for Game of Thrones fans, this is also where we see the Gold Cloaks hunting down some of Robert Baratheon’s children in Season 2.
Travel Tips for Dubrovnik, Croatia
Visit in the shoulder season if you can.
If this is your first trip to Dubrovnik, we definitely understand wanting to be around when the weather is warm enough for beach days and kayaking trips.
But, if you visit in July and August, the crowds will almost certainly take away from your experience somewhat.
If you want to swim, we recommend visiting in May or September if you can (but note that Dubrovnik is so popular that it will still be very crowded, just… a bit less than July and August).
If you’re used to swimming in cold temperatures or simply aren’t that invested in actually getting in the water, October would be even better.
Do your best to avoid cruise ships.
When the cruise ships come to town, Dubrovnik turns into a whole different city with literal Disney-World-during-summer-weekends levels of crowds.
If you can, plan your trip, or at least certain activities like walking the city walls, for when the cruise ships won’t be in port. And, barring that, when as few cruise ships will be in port as possible.
You can check the cruise ship schedule here, including an estimate of the number of passengers per boat.
Also, if you’re planning on taking a day trip to Kotor, Montenegro, it’s a similar story over there.
You can check Kotor’s cruise ship schedule here.
Be sure to pack your passport (and debit card) on day trips.
Dubrovnik is in a bit of a curious geographic position, cut off from the rest of Croatia by a tiny sliver of Bosnian coastline.
For that reason, even if you’re taking a day trip within Croatia, you may need to pack your passport with you.
And of course, if you’re visiting one of the surrounding countries, you most certainly will need it.
You’ll also need different currencies on day trips out of the country: Montenegro is on the easy-to-use Euro, but Bosnia uses the Bosnian Convertible Mark, which is nearly impossible to exchange outside the country.
Choose wisely when deciding how much to withdraw!
Wake up early (and stay out late).
One of the best ways to avoid the crowds of day-trippers in Dubrovnik?
Beat them out of bed.
The quiet, early-morning hours in Dubrovnik are some of the most peaceful and beautiful you can experience in the city, but if you’re not a morning person, a late-night walk is also an option.
Save your ticket for the city walls.
If you don’t opt to buy a Dubrovnik Pass, your (expensive) ticket for the Dubrovnik City Walls will still also get you into Fort Lovrijenac, so hold onto your ticket!
You’ll also need to show your ticket on the walls themselves a few times, as there are multiple entrances, so be sure not to misplace it.
Consider a Dubrovnik Pass.
I mentioned this above, but it’s such an obviously good deal that it bears repeating.
As of July 2026, a one-day Dubrovnik Pass (formerly called the Dubrovnik Card) costs 40 Euro.
Meanwhile, the Dubrovnik City Walls also cost 40 Euro, and access is included with the card.
This price structure makes at least a one-day Dubrovnik Pass almost certainly a win, as the card also allows you to access several other small museums around town, and includes public transport around the city.
Having the transportation included is incredibly useful if you’re not staying within walking distance of Old Town.
You can check full inclusions, updated prices, and get a discount for purchasing the card online here.
Don’t think of Dubrovnik as a budget destination.
Some outdated information is still floating around the internet touting Dubrovnik as an inexpensive destination, but that is definitely not the case today.
Dubrovnik is popular, easily accessible (hello cruise ships), and tiny, which is a recipe for price inflation if there ever was one. Post-2020 inflation and Croatia joining the Euro have also played a role in increasing prices in recent years.
During our first time walking the walls back in 2016, the Dubrovnik City Walls only cost 100 kuna, or about $15 USD, to visit. In other words, prices have more than doubled!
Coffee in the Old Town runs at Manhattan levels, which was made incredibly obvious when we visited both destinations almost back-to-back.
Hotel rates have soared to mind-boggling levels, especially in the summer.
Much of this fades during the winter months, when prices shrink and the cost of walking the walls is sliced in half, but not all of it.
Bottom line, if you’re looking for an inexpensive-for-foreigners backpacking or road trip destination in the Balkans, Bosnia and Montenegro are both right next door, and countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Albania have lots of beauty to offer at even more affordable prices.
That’s not to say Dubrovnik isn’t worth visiting, of course! It absolutely is, there’s a reason we plan to visit countless times in our lives, but it’s important to know what you’re getting when you book your trip.
Where to Stay in Dubrovnik, Croatia
The prices for Dubrovnik’s lodging fluctuate wildly with the seasons, with winter prices often coming in around 25% of high-season ones.
Meanwhile, during the summer, “budget” is a relative term in Dubrovnik.
If you’re budget-conscious, the absolute best way to cut costs in Dubrovnik is to visit during the offseason.
The good news is, from Dubrovnik’s boutique hotels to apartment rentals to larger hotel properties, there are plenty of places to stay in Dubrovnik, both in and outside of the historic center.
Here are a few great picks!
Budget
Guesthouse Dubrovnik — For travelers looking to visit Dubrovnik on a budget during high-season that covet more privacy than a hostel offers, privately run guest houses like Guesthouse Dubrovnik are an excellent option.
You’ll need to catch the bus to the Old Town (a must for staying on a budget in Dubrovnik), but Guesthouse Dubrovnik is the perfect retreat from the hecticness of the city center.
We stayed in a very similar property on our first trip to Dubrovnik (that one has since gone offline) and found the commute manageable and the views phenomenal.
Check rates & book your stay at Guesthouse Dubrovnik!
Mid-range
Old Harbour City Center Apartment — We adored staying in this apartment during our second trip to Dubrovnik!
It’s set on a quiet street but is a less than 5-minute walk from Pile Gate and the main entrance to the Old Town, and mere steps from the West Harbour.
The apartment was spacious enough, easy to live in, had a strong wifi connection (a must for us), and was a short walk from a grocery store and bus stop. We would definitely stay again.
Check rates & book your stay at the Old Harbour City Center Apartment!
Luxury
Hotel Excelsior — If you want to retreat to a luxurious setting and the height of convenience, check into the Hotel Excelsior for your trip to Dubrovnik.
With a beachfront setting that’s just a 5-minute walk from Old Town, Hotel Excelsior offers the best of both worlds in location.
Rave reviews, stunning rooftop views, spacious suites, private parking, and an excellent on-site breakfast all add to the experience!
Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Excelsior!
Getting Around Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s historic center is an extremely small place. You can walk from one end to the other in about 10 minutes, and that’s being generous.
So, if you’re staying within walking distance of the Old Town, you’ll probably be able to reach all the things to do in Dubrovnik that you want via foot (excluding day trips, of course).
However, staying in or near the Old Town during the high season is extremely pricey, so there’s a good chance you’ll end up staying a bit further out.
If so, the best way to get around is via bus.
Dubrovnik has a dense bus network that makes it easy to get to the Old Town and back, regardless of where you’re staying in town.
Keep in mind that tickets are a bit cheaper if you buy them at a kiosk, but you can purchase them from the driver as well.
If you think you’ll be using the bus on a regular basis during your trip to Dubrovnik, consider getting a Dubrovnik Pass.
How Long to Visit Dubrovnik, Croatia
On our first trip to the city, we were warned by many people that Dubrovnik was small and that one, maybe two days max would be plenty… and we walked away after our trip in complete disagreement with that statement.
If you have the time in your itinerary, would recommend spending 3 days in Dubrovnik, which should give you enough time to get through all the fun things to do in Dubrovnik that are a high priority for you while also getting out on the water at least once, either for a kayaking trip or to visit Lokrum Island.
If you’d like to take some day trips from Dubrovnik, you can easily fill up several more days in the city.
Read More About Visiting Croatia & The Balkans
Excited to visit Dubrovnik… and beyond?
If you found this guide to the best things to do in Dubrovnik helpful, we’d love to continue to be part of your trip planning here on Our Escape Clause!
You can browse all of our Croatia blog posts here, read more about who we are here, or check out these guides to other places on the Balkan Peninsula:
- 15 Best Things to Do in Hvar, Croatia
- A Quick Piran, Slovenia Travel Guide: Fun Things to Do!
- Split or Dubrovnik: Which Coastal Croatian City is Right for You?
- What’s it Really Like to Visit Mirror Beach in Albania?
- The Ultimate 3 Days in Santorini Itinerary
Wow ,its great post and very helpfull , I am planning to visit in mid october with 2 year Kid , any suggestion ?
Hi Vikram,
In October you probably won’t want to swim as an adult–but depending on the kid, they may want to put their feet in! 🙂 Just be sure to bring water shoes.
Other than that, October is a beautiful time of year to visit–enjoy!
Hey Kate & Jeremy!
Great post on Dubrovnik, thank you for the detailed information! I see you had a great time visiting the city!
My absolute favorite spot in Dubrovnik is the Lovrijenac Fortress with the great panoramic view of the city walls and the Adriatic.
Best wishes
Phil
Thanks, Phil! The view from the fortress is definitely amazing.
If I wake up early and go to bed late, how many days would you suggest staying in Dubrovnik to see most of the major parts of the city?
To see the major highlights of the city? One day is sufficient if you push it (I have a suggested one day itinerary for Dubrovnik on the blog, you can find it via the search bar in the top righthand corner if you’re interested!).
For us personally, we spent 2.5 days in Dubrovnik on our first visit and didn’t think it was enough, so it all comes down to personal style. Most people who are visiting Dubrovnik as part of a longer trip to the surrounding region stay 1-3 days.
Hope you have a great time!
I am a huge fan of Game of Thrones. I’m sure I’ll visit later this year.
Perfect way to celebrate the end of the show!