Five Fantastic Things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia: Must-Do Activities and Experiences

Dubrovnik, a captivating city on the Adriatic coast, is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. With a myriad of things to see and do in Croatia, we’ve compiled a list of five fantastic activities and experiences in Dubrovnik.

Exploring Dubrovnik's Old Town

Make sure you plan to spend time meandering through Old Town Dubrovnik, a stunning piece of living history. Tucked within the walls are historical landmarks and windows into the past. One of the best ways to experience all that Old Town offers is on a guided tour with Context.

Your two-hour, expert-led experience will take you through the city’s Old Town, stopping at the Onofrio Fountain and exploring Stradun. With historical and cultural insights from your local guide, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Dubrovnik’s centuries-long legacy.

Walk the City Walls

One of the iconic experiences in Dubrovnik is walking along the ancient city walls surrounding the Old Town. The walls offer a glimpse into the city's past, with fortresses, towers, and gates that have protected Dubrovnik for centuries. Beyond the walls, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, red-tiled rooftops, and several historic landmarks.

Stroll Along Stradun

Stradun, the main street of Dubrovnik's Old Town, is a bustling promenade brimming with cafes, shops, and architectural wonders. Take a leisurely stroll along this limestone-paved street, soak in the lively atmosphere, people watch, and marvel at the elegant facades of the buildings decorating the street.

Visit Historic Landmarks

Within Old Town, several historical landmarks hold the stories of Dubrovnik's fascinating past. The Onofrio Fountain is a magnificent 15th-century structure whose 16 water taps still provide the city with fresh, free water from the aqueducts.

Sponza Palace, with its intricate Gothic and Renaissance architecture, showcases Dubrovnik's rich history as a trading hub. The Rector's Palace, an example of how Gothic architecture can blend with elements from Renaissance and Baroque, served as an armory, a prison, and a watch house. Lastly, stop by the Dubrovnik Cathedral, with its four Corinthian columns, large baroque window, and stature of Saint Blaise (the patron Saint of Dubrovnik).

Dive into Dubrovnik's Cultural Heritage

Dubrovnik's cultural heritage is part of its charm. Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant arts scene and explore its museums, churches, and, if you time it right, cultural events.

Dubrovnik's Museums

Dubrovnik is home to several museums that offer glimpses into the city’s history and artistic heritage. The Dubrovnik Museum is housed in the Rector's Palace and showcases artifacts and exhibits chronicling the city's fascinating past.

The War Photo Limited Museum provides a powerful look at war through the lenses of war and conflict photographers. The museum contains works that, at times, may be disturbing to some, but the exhibits feature powerful works from world-renowned photojournalists.

Located inside the 16th-century St. John’s fortress, the Maritime Museum looks at Dubrovnik's long history of maritime navigation with exhibits showcasing different ships and maritime objects, such as tools and flags. Although it is a smaller museum, more than 5,000 objects are housed in the museum’s collection.

Discover Dubrovnik's Churches

Although Old Town Dubrovnik isn’t a large area, it boasts an impressive and diverse collection of churches from across the centuries. The Church of St. Blaise, dedicated to the city's patron saint, has been standing since 1715 and is a stunning masterpiece of Baroque architecture.

The Franciscan Monastery is a serene oasis of spirituality. On the compound, you can see a friary, a church, two cloisters, a library, and Europe’s oldest continuously running pharmacy dating back to 1317. Perched atop a monumental flight of steps is The Church of St. Ignatius. While climbing, visitors can appreciate the Baroque architecture, but the biggest reward is at the top of the steps, where visitors enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Attend Festivals and Events in Dubrovnik

To truly experience Dubrovnik's cultural spirit, time your visit to coincide with the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. This annual event showcases performing arts, including drama, music, ballet, opera, and dance, against the backdrop of the city’s Baroque and Renaissance atmosphere.  It's a unique opportunity to experience the city's artistic soul and be captivated by world-class performances.

Embrace the Natural Beauty Surrounding Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is not just a city of historical significance; it is also blessed with breathtaking natural beauty. Take time to explore the picturesque surroundings and discover the wonders that lie beyond the city walls.

Visit Lokrum Island

Just a short boat ride from Dubrovnik's harbor, Lokrum Island awaits with its green landscape and hidden coves. Explore the island's botanical garden, stroll along scenic walking trails, and relax on secluded beaches. Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the ruins of the Benedictine monastery.

Enjoy Dubrovnik's Beaches

Dubrovnik offers beautiful beaches where you can soak up the sun and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic. Banje Beach, located just outside the city walls, is a popular choice with its fine pebbles and stunning views of the Old Town. For a more tranquil experience, head to Sveti Jakov Beach or explore the hidden gem of Betina Cave Beach.

Taste the Flavors of Dubrovnik

No visit to Dubrovnik would be complete without indulging in its delectable cuisine. Dubrovnik's culinary scene is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean and Dalmatian flavors, with a focus on fresh seafood, traditional dishes, and local delicacies.

Explore the city's food markets, such as Gundulićeva Poljana, where you can discover a wide variety of fresh produce, including regional fruits, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Visit local restaurants and cafes that showcase authentic Dubrovnik flavors, such as Proto, Nautika, and Pantarul. Don't miss the opportunity to savor traditional dishes like peka, slow-cooked meat and vegetables, and Dalmatian specialties like pasticada, a succulent beef stew.

Save room for dessert, as Dubrovnik offers some irresistible treats. Try rozata, a creamy caramel pudding, and sweet orange peel candies (called narancini or arancini) that perfectly complement a cup of strong Croatian coffee.

Visit Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, with its rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and natural beauty, offers a variety of fantastic experiences for every traveler.

From exploring the ancient city walls and wandering the streets of the Old Town to immersing yourself in the city's natural beauty to exploring history and savoring its culinary delights, Dubrovnik promises an unforgettable journey.

Enhance your time in this magical city with a guided tour of Dubrovnik. If you want to round out your Croatia trip with more tours, check out our complete list of Croatia guided tours. You’ll see the cities like a local with an expert guide who can offer deeper insights into history, culture, and architecture.