Best Things to Do and Places to Visit for Tourist in Dubrovnik

August 25, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 3444 Views

Dubrovnik is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Croatia. This beautiful coastal city faces the Adriatic Sea from south southwestern part of Croatia. The places to visit in Dubrovnik would seem very familiar to you if you follow pop culture. This city was showcased as King’s Landing and Qarth in the ultra-popular HBO series Game of Thrones. Dubrovnik has also made appearances in Star Wars: The Last Jedi and 2017 Robin Hood starring Taron Egerton and Jamie Foxx. Dubrovnik is an incredibly beautiful and picturesque location. It has been featured in several films and music videos. Even today the city transports you to the romantic medieval time of knights, princesses, castles, and love. The ocean side and the open bay just take your breath away. Even if you have explored all the things to see in Dubrovnik, the city will still pull you back with its quaint glamour. You would want to visit Dubrovnik again and again.

Game of Thrones tour is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The two-hour-long walking tour covers several Dubrovnik tourist attractions which were featured in the popular series. There are two particular destinations in the series which were represented by Dubrovnik. The Old Town, one of the biggest Dubrovnik attractions, played the role of King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. You will also see the famous Fortress Red Keep, played by Lovrijenac Fortress. The tour also includes several other places for Dubrovnik sightseeing. You will be accompanied by a guide showing you references of the scenes from the series. These places are must-see in Dubrovnik for fans of the famous series. As the tour doesn’t take too much of your time, you can also include it in your itinerary even if you are visiting for a Dubrovnik day trip.

This is not where Dubrovnik sightseeing ends. There are several destinations on the Dubrovnik travel guide you can explore. You can start the journey with the city walls. The walls overlook the city as well as the bay and the ocean. You will also come across a few Dubrovnik attractions along the trail including the Tvrdava Minceta Fort. In the evening time, you can explore various beaches in Dubrovnik. The city has some of the most scenic beaches in all of Europe. Some of the beaches are adjacent to historical places to visit in Dubrovnik. You can explore the old town on foot and enjoy interesting museums and iconic churches and cathedrals. Stradun Street in the old town was one of the locations for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. The street has everything you can expect in Dubrovnik travel. The old town area bristles with Dubrovnik tourist attractions. You will also find some of the best restaurants, bars, and cafes in this area. The old town is also a great place for shopping.

If your budget allows, you should definitely go for a coastal cruise around Dubrovnik. It will be a memorable experience. You can even pick a medieval-style boat or a luxury yacht for the cruise. It is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik. You can even take a boat ride to the nearby islands and explore some of the places to visit in Dubrovnik residing in the Adriatic Sea. The most popular island among things to see in Dubrovnik is Lokrum Island. You will find several leisure spots for hiking, swimming, and more. There are also several resorts on the island to enjoy a relaxing time when you visit Dubrovnik. Even if you don’t take a boat ride, you must absolutely visit the city’s bay and docks. They too are major Dubrovnik tourist attractions.

Dubrovnik is one of those places which has a romantic charm to it. You won’t want to leave the city at all. Considering the sheer number of places to visit in Dubrovnik, you would need more than a couple of days to explore the city and the places around it. Many tourists visiting Croatia include the Dubrovnik day trip only in their itinerary. I think that wouldn’t do justice to Dubrovnik travel. You should at least take two or three days to enjoy Dubrovnik. This is a tourist attraction you wouldn’t want to rush through. Take your time and savor the flavors of the majestic city.

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Table of Contents

The Best Tourist Places to Visit in Dubrovnik in 3 Days

This sections explores Dubrovnik travel guide for a span of 3 days which covers majority of the city’s attractions. If you wish to explore more attractions or activities to enjoy in Dubrovnik or around it, you should check out the section after this one. It has extensive Dubrovnik tourist information about things to do and places to visit.

Day 1

1. Pile Gate

This is where the city begins. This gate is also a historically significant monument and one of the first places to visit in Dubrovnik. The gate was built in 1537 to defend the western front of the city. You will need about 20 minutes to admire this gate.

2. Walls of Dubrovnik (Dubrovačke gradske zidine)

These walls are almost as old as the city itself. They date back a little beyond 7th century and are among the most marvelous things to see in Dubrovnik. Certain parts of the wall are also listed for UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can easily spend a couple of hours walking along the walls of the city. It is truly a blissful experience.

3. Franciscan Church and Monastery

This church belongs to the order of Friars Minor and has a history going back to 13th century. It is one of the most interesting Dubrovnik tourist attractions. The Monastery also houses the 3rd oldest pharmacy of Europe. You will need about an hour to explore this monastery.

4. War Photo Limited

This photo exhibition gallery showcases photographs about war and conflict by several renowned photojournalists across the world. You will need about 30 minutes for this photo gallery.

5. Stradun (Placa)

This is one of the most popular places among public Dubrovnik attractions with locals and tourists alike. This is the main street of the old town of the city is surrounded by historical buildings. You will need about an hour to explore this street.

6. Old Jewish Synagogue

This is one of the most important historically and culturally significant places to visit in Dubrovnik. It is the oldest Sephardi synagogue in the world as well as the second oldest active synagogue in all of Europe. You will need about an hour to explore it.

7. Sponza Palace (Palača Sponza)

This 16th century palace is one of the most opulent Dubrovnik tourist attractions. It was designed by Paskoje Milicevic. The palace exhibits a great blend of gothic and renaissance style of architecture. You will need an hour or so to explore this palace.

8. Orlando’s Column

This column is the oldest preserved public sculpture to explore during Dubrovnik sightseeing. You would need 15 to 20 minutes for this column.

9. Onofrio’s Fountains

These fountains are named after and were built by Onofrio Giordana della Cava who is also known for designing the aqueducts of the city. You will need about 15 minutes for these fountains.

10. St. Blaise Church

This church honors St. Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik. From architectural perspective, it is among Dubrovnik must see places. It was originally built with romanesque style of architecture and was rebuilt with baroque style after incurring damage from earthquake. You will need about an hour for this church.

11. Rector’s Palace (Knežev dvor)

This 14th century palace serves as Culture History Museum of the city. The palace is well known for several beautiful sculptures and statues. You will need about an hour to explore this palace.

12. Dubrovnik Cathedral

Also known as Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin and dates back to 6th to 7th century. This cathedral exhibits a blend of several styles of architecture. It is one of the most beautiful structures to explore when you visit Dubrovnik. You will need about an hour for this cathedral.

13. St. Ignatius of Loyola Church

This Jesuit church was designed by Andrea Pozzo. It is one of the most photographed places on Dubrovnik travel guide. You will need about half an hour for this church.

Day 2

1. Dominican Monastery & Museum

This monastery was built in the 13th century and exhibits great blend of gothic and renaissance style of architecture. It is one of the most important historical monuments to see during Dubrovnik travel. You will need about an hour for this monastery.

2. Fort Lovrijenac

This fortress stands atop a cliff overlooking the ocean on one side and the city on another. It is one of the best places for Dubrovnik sightseeing. It is an elaborate fortress and has quite interesting interiors. You can also see coast and beach of Dubrovnik from the fortress. You will need 2 hours to explore this fortress.

3. Dubrovnik Cable Car

This cable car takes you atop Mount Srjd. It is one of the top things to do in Dubrovnik. You will need 2 hours to enjoy great views while going up and from atop.

4. Banje Beach

This is one of the most beautiful Dubrovnik beaches. It is located in old town part of Dubrovnik and is known for its blue shores and golden sands. It is one of places you would see on Dubrovnik tourist information posters. You can easily spend a couple of hours at this beach.

5. Lokrum Island

This is one of the best places for Dubrovnik day trips. This picturesque island sits in the Adriatic Sea and is known for its natural beauty and incredible ocean views. You will need a couple of hours for this island.

Day 3

1. Trsteno Arboretum

This is the oldest arboretum in the country, built in the 15th century. It is one of the most well known places to visit in Dubrovnik for being featured in popular TV series Game of Thrones. You will need about 2 hours to explore it.

2. Elaphiti Islands (Elafitski otoci)

This archipelago consists of 13 islands and are just amazing destinations for Dubrovnik day trips. The boat ride to the islands itself is a mesmerizing site, but spending some time exploring the islands is among the best things to do in Dubrovnik. You can easily spend half a day or more enjoying Elaphiti Islands.

If you already seen above mentioned all tourist attractions in Dubrovnik or you are staying in Dubrovnik for more than 3 days and want to do and see something more in Dubrovnik then please check our below listed other things to do and see in Dubrovnik

Things to do in Dubrovnik

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Dubrovnik

Walls of Dubrovnik
Rector’s Palace
Lovrijenac Fortress
Cathedral of Assumption of the Virgin
Tvrdava Minceta Fort
Saint Blaise Church
Sponza Palace
Franciscan Church & Monastery
Pile Gate
Gornji Ugao Tower
Dominican Monastery
Large Onofrio’s Fountain
St. Savior Church
King’s Landing Dubrovnik
Orlando’s Column
Revelin Fortress
Vrata od Ploca
Dubrovnik Clocktower
Daksa Lighthouse
Dubrovnik Synagogue
Saint Ignatius Church
Bokar Festung Fortress
Maritime Museum
Fort Imperial
MOMAD Museum of Modern Art
Fort St. Ivana
Church of Holy Annunciation
Red History Museum
Homeland War Museum
Small Onforio’s Fountain
Foundry Museum
Ethnographic Museum
Fort Royal
Love Stories Museum
Franjevacki Samostan Monastery
Vrata od Buze Fort
Dubrovnik Natural History Museum
Hridi Grebeni Lighthouse
Galeria Dulcic Masle Pulitika Art Museum
Kolorina Fort
Marin Drzic Statue
Trsteno Arboretum
Columna de Orlando
Hotel Goricina Ruins
Napoleonic Fort

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Dubrovnik

Srđ Hill
Dead Sea Lake
Ombala River
Velika Forest Park
Eliphiti Archipelago

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Dubrovnik

Game of Thrones Tour
Lapad Resorts
War Photo Limited
Gruz Port
Dubrovnik Aquarium
Skar Winery
Porporela Pier
Puzzle Punks Escape Room
Lokrum Botanical Garden
Merit Casino
Rijeka Dubrovacka Marina

Shopping in Dubrovnik

Gruz Market
Gunduliceva Poljana Market
Bazaar Kujundziluk
Stradun Street
DOC Shippong Mall
Dubrovnik Old Town
Dubrovacka Kuca
Dubrovnik Downtown
Lapad Market
Minceta Shopping Center
Pemo Supermarket

Beaches & Island in Dubrovnik

Otok Lokrum Island
Banje Beach
Adriatic Pearl
Lapad Beach
Uvala Lapad Beach
Bellevue Beach
Dance Beach
Plaza Sveti Jakov
Sulic Beach
Kolocep Island
Copacabana Beach
Lokrum Beach
Eliphiti Island
Kolorina Bay
Mlini Brach
Kupari Beach
Srebreno Beach
Supetar Island
Sveti Andrija Island

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Cable Car Ride
Buggy Safari
Dubrovnik Shore Boat Tours
Segway Tours
Dubrovnik Kayak Tour

Sightseeing in Dubrovnik

Stradun Street
Dubrovnik Old City
Casco Histórico de Dubrovnik
Gradac Park
Guduliceva Poljana
Kalelarga Street
Park Orsula
Franjo Tudjman Bridge
Luza Square
Brsalje Ulica Street
Prijeko Ulica Street
Dubrovnik Observation Deck
Porat Harbour
Dubrovnik West Harbour Bay

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Dubrovnik

Panorama Restaurnat
Cave Bar
Nautika
Above 5
360
Taj Mahal
Glorijet
Komarda
Copacabana Beach Restaurnat
Nishta
Ragusa
Pivnica Dubrava
Takenoko Dubrovnik
Dubravka 1836
Zenith Bar
Klarisa Restaurant
Pantarul
Pizzeria Mirakul
Konobo Vinica Monkovic
Gossip Ice Cream
Gradska Kavana
D’vino Wine Bar
Bowa Restaurant
Buza Bar

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Dubrovnik. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Dubrovnik.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Dubrovnik

How to Reach Dubrovnik?

By Air

Dubrovnik city has its own international airport located about 20 km far away from the city. It is your best option for Dubrovnik travel. The airport is served by several domestic and international airlines. You have options like Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Croatia Airlines, Aer Lingus, Easy Jet, Germanwings, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, American Airlines, and more. All these airlines would take you to visit Dubrovnik. You can direct flights from several major cities in Europe to enjoy the best things to do in Dubrovnik. American Airlines provides direct flights from Philadelphia in Pennsylvania state of the United States of America.

You can get direct flights for Dubrovnik to travel from European cities like Vienna, London, Dublin, Amsterdam, Athens, Belgrade, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, Paris, Rome, Zurich, Zagreb, Geneva, Barcelona, Liverpool, Milan, Manchester, Berlin, Luxembourg, Warsaw, Stockholm, and many more. Basically, if you want to visit Dubrovnik, just get to any major city in Europe and you will have a direct flight to this Croatian city.

Once you reach the airport you either take a bus or a cab to go for Dubrovnik sightseeing. The buses will take you to Kantafig, Old Town, and Port Gurz. There are numerous places to visit in Dubrovnik at each of these spots. So you will be able to cross out some itineraries from the top things to do in the Dubrovnik list just as you get to the city. The buses are also the cheapest mode of transport for Dubrovnik travel. The cabs will cost you way more than the bus fare. Though it is more convenient, you can directly head to your hotel or any other Dubrovnik tourist attraction.

By Road

There are no train stations within Dubrovnik. The nearest train station for Dubrovnik travel is Ploce, located about 100 kms away from the city. You will get buses to visit Dubrovnik from Ploce, which will get you there in about 2-3 hours.

If you are taking a bus or a private vehicle for Dubrovnik travel, you will most likely go along coastal route D8. The road runs along the coast facing the Adriatic Sea. A road trip along this road is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik Croatia. You will come across beautiful beaches and charming villages. It’s a great way to begin Dubrovnik sightseeing.

The buses are best means for Dubrovnik travel. You can get a bus to visit Dubrovnik from almost every city and town in Croatia. You can also get direct buses from Bosnia and Montenegro during tourist seasons. Even when traveling by bus for Dubrovnik day trips you can enjoy several attractions along the way. The buses have a few stops you can explore among top things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

By Water

Dubrovnik is a historically significant port and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia. So it is not surprising that many cruise tours in the Adriatic Sea visit Dubrovnik as a major attraction. Many of these cruise ships even allow for Dubrovnik day trips when docking at Port Gruz. Even you are passing by, you can view several things to see in Dubrovnik from the ships as the city quite evident in the mountain.

Besides you can get a ferry boat to visit Dubrovnik from many coastal cities of Croatia including Split, Stari, Grad, Korcula, and Sobra. You can also get ferry ride from Italy for Dubrovnik travel.

Image Reference

Pile Gate – leiris202 / Flickr
Walls of Dubrovnik (Dubrovačke gradske zidine) – SharkLin / PixaBay
Franciscan Church and Monastery – neufal54 / PixaBay
War Photo Limited – thomas.leuther / Flickr
Stradun (Placa) – Filip Filipović / PixaBay
Old Jewish Synagogue – Matt Zimmerman / Flickr
Sponza Palace (Palača Sponza) – serena_tang / Flickr
Orlando’s Column – noramojas / PixaBay
Onofrio’s Fountains – Jennifer Boyer / Flickr
St. Blaise Church – mariusz kluzniak / Flickr
Rector’s Palace (Knežev dvor) – Isabell Schulz / Flickr
Dubrovnik Cathedral – neufal54 / PixaBay
St. Ignatius of Loyola Church – Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Dominican Monastery and Museum – Richard Mortel / Flickr
Fort Lovrijenac – Nick Stafford / PixaBay
Dubrovnik Cable Car – Paulo O / Flickr
Banje Beach – dronepicr / Flickr
Lokrum Island – Filip Filipović / PixaBay
Trsteno Arboretum – Ivica Vlahović / Wikimedia Commons
Elaphiti Islands (Elafitski otoci) – Tim Rawle / Flickr