Looking for ancient walls, Adriatic views, and cinematic charm? Head to Dubrovnik! Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” this coastal Croatian city boasts medieval architecture, terracotta rooftops, and crystal-clear waters. Whether you're walking the famous city walls, island-hopping, or dining with a view, Dubrovnik is a magical blend of history, beauty, and Mediterranean hospitality.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Dubrovnik is from May through early October. Late spring and early fall offer warm weather and fewer crowds. July and August are peak months with festivals and ideal beach conditions, while shoulder seasons are perfect for sightseeing and relaxing strolls through the Old Town.

How to Get There

  • By Air: Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) offers direct flights from major European cities and seasonal service from some international destinations. It’s about 30 minutes from the city center.
  • By Sea: Ferry services connect Dubrovnik to nearby islands and cities along the Dalmatian Coast, including Split and Mljet.
  • By Car/Bus: Coastal highways and scenic bus routes connect Dubrovnik to other Croatian cities and neighboring countries like Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Where to Stay

  • Hotel Excelsior – Luxury seafront hotel just steps from the Old Town with spa services and stunning Adriatic views.
  • Villa Dubrovnik – A boutique retreat with private beach access and elegant rooms on the cliffs above the sea.
  • Guesthouses in Old Town – Charming rooms and apartments inside the historic city walls offer authentic local experience and walkable access to attractions.

Top Attractions

Walk in the Footsteps of Legends at Lovrijenac Fortress

Walk in the Footsteps of Legends at Lovrijenac Fortress

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Sitting austerely atop a 37-meter-high sheer rock and keeping watch over the coast is the Lovrijenac Fortress. It is arguably one of the most impressive historical attractions in Dubrovnik, and also one of the most key locations in the defense of the city’s western coast. Lovrinejac is estimated to have been built sometime between 1018 and 1038 and has seen several upgrades and alterations throughout the 15th and 16th century.

Explore the quadrilateral court with its mighty arches or stand on one of the three terraces to enjoy a scenic view of the sea. Better yet, get a first hand look at the canons and other marvels that made the fortress as dominant and daunting as it was.

Lovrijenac Fortress, UI od Tabakarije 29, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Soar Above the City with the Dubrovnik Cable Car

Soar Above the City with the Dubrovnik Cable Car

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Dubrovnik is a colorful and beautifully designed city with its bright orange rooftops and white structures that stand in sharp contrast to the vibrant blue sea at lavish greenery. In fact, it’s hard to appreciate the city’s beauty from the ground.

The only way to truly take in the magnificence of the is by getting a bird’s eye view of it from the Dubrovnik Cable Car. Built in 1969, Dubrovnik Cable Car is one of the most popular attractions in the city and has seen millions of enthusiastic visitors since its was first established. With ideal weather conditions, you can see as far as 60 kilometers around the cable car.

Dubrovnik Cable Car, Petra Kresimira IV bb, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia, Phone: +385-20-41-43-55

If you are traveling with kids:

Capture History at Orlando's Column in the Heart of Old Town

Capture History at Orlando's Column in the Heart of Old Town

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A beloved and iconic monument located in the very heart of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Orlando’s Column is a must-see for any traveler who finds his self or her self in the city. Erected in 1418, Orlando’s Column features the carved-out image of an armored knight by the name of Orlando. According to the folklore of Dubrovnik, Orlando helped the people of Ragusa (Old Dubrovnik) defeat invaders and retain their status as a free trade city-state. This resulted in the memorializing of the knight through a stone column carving. Today, Orlando’s Column is also the flag carrier of the Libertas Flag, which is flown during the down’s summer festival, and also the St. Blaise festival’s flag.

Orlando’s Column, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Stroll Along the Iconic City Walls for Breathtaking Views

Stroll Along the Iconic City Walls for Breathtaking Views

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Perhaps one of the most distinctive features of Dubrovnik are its city walls. 1,940 meters long and with 6 magnificent fortresses along its length, the Walls of Dubrovnik are a must-visit for first timers in the city. Walk along the City Walls while learning about the city’s history or participate in a City Walls Walking Tour or Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Tour of the Old Town. As visitors explore the walls, they can pay a visit to the Lovrijenac, Revelin, Miceta, Bokar, St. John or St. Lucas fortresses. Look out for the beautiful array of architecture styles that can be found nearby and around the fortress walls like the Renaissance designs of the Sponza Palace and the Gothic architecture of Rector’s Palace.

Poljana Paska Milicevica, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia Map

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Step Inside the Peaceful Church of the Holy Annunciation

Step Inside the Peaceful Church of the Holy Annunciation

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Built in 1877 within the Old Town’s Walls of Dubrovnik, the Church of Holy Annunciation is a historical icon and a popular landmark to explore. The church has withstood not only the test of time, but also a bombing in the 1900s during the Siege of Dubrovnik.

It was only in 2009 that the church was restored by the Ministry of Culture, and has since then, enjoyed a boom in interest and patronage. The Church of Holy Annunciation is home to a beautiful collection of valuable icons, some dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, and is home to important pieces of church history such as the Miroslav Gospels.

Od Pucha 8, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia, Phone: +38-50-20-32-38-87 Map

Explore Medieval Might at Revelin Fort

Explore Medieval Might at Revelin Fort

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Overlooking the Old Harbor and guarding the eastern entry point of the Old Town is the Revelin Fort. Magnificent in every sense of the word, the fortress is the largest of the old-town forts and is separate from the city walls. It is home to the Archaeological Museum, a haven for archaeology enthusiasts, and, unexpectedly, the Reveling Nightclub, one of the hottest night-time destinations in the city. Catch special performances at the fort, join in for spectacular parties, or simply sit and soak up the rich history within its walls. Whatever your cup of tea is, there’s no doubt that a visit to the Revelin Fortress will prove memorable.

Revelin Fort , Ul. Svetog Dominika 3, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia, Phone: +385-20-43-60-10

Honor Heroes at the Memorial Room of the Dubrovnik Defenders

Honor Heroes at the Memorial Room of the Dubrovnik Defenders

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Located just a few steps into the entrance of the city’s Sponza Palace is a heartbreaking memento of Dubrovnik’s history – the Memorial Room of the Dubrovnik Defenders. In this memorial lies a collection of portraits of the young men who passed away during the Battle for Dubrovnik. This long drawn out battle raged from 1991 to 1995 during the Croatian War of Independence. Although it’s a heart wrenching monument, it’s also a beautiful legacy and story of the resilience of man to fight for freedom. Visitors can see the faces of the Dubrovnik Defenders who gave their lives for the cause of independence and read a few short lines of information about these valiant men as well.

Memorial Room of the Dubrovnik Defenders, Sponza Palace, Stradun 2, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Discover Traditional Life at the Rupe Ethnographic Museum

Discover Traditional Life at the Rupe Ethnographic Museum

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Travelers eager to get a taste of Dubrovnik’s ethnic history ought to pay a visit to the Rupe Ethnographic Museum. Housed in a granary that was built in 1590, the museum is an incredible showcase of the city’s economic, cultural and spiritual development over the centuries. Guests can examine colorful folk costumes, take up close looks at various textiles, and even see recreations of what live would have looked like for a typical citizen in the past. The building of the museum itself is already a treat for history buffs and archeology fans as it was hewn out of living rock and was once used for the drying and storing the city’s imported grain.

Rupe Ethnographic Museum , Od Rupa 3, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia, Phone: +38-50-20-23-20-18

Visit One of Europe's Oldest Synagogues

Visit One of Europe's Oldest Synagogues

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Welcome to the world’s oldest Sefardic synagogue that’s still in use today – The Old Synagogue. Established in 1352, the Old Synagogue is located in one of the Old Town’s small and unassuming streets and is frequented by local Jews and foreign visitors alike. Worthy of pilgrimage, the Old Synagogue stands out with a mixture of designs from various eras as the result of numerous refurbishments and renovations through out the centuries. Although the Old Synagogue is an interesting visit whether you’re on a tour or not, the best way to get the scoop on all of the secrets and insider knowledge of this Jewish heritage site is by taking a private tour. Not only do you get to learn all about the history of the synagogue, the tour guides have some pretty quirky anecdotes to go with them, too.

The Old Synagogue, Zudioska ul. 5, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia, Phone: +38-50-20-32-10-28

Admire Gothic Grace at the Sponza Palace

Admire Gothic Grace at the Sponza Palace

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No trip to Dubrovnik is complete without a visit to the Sponza Palace, a monumental Gothic Renaissance structure and one of the most beautiful palaces of the city. Built during 1516 to 1522, the palace still retains its original architecture and is located at the end of Placa Street. As it was once the home of a number of state offices, explorers can get a taste of political and cultural history when visiting the palace. For guests who just want to appreciate the beauty of the palace, a trip to the large inner courtyard and a walk along the open porches is a must. Visitors can feast their eyes on spectacular sculptural ornaments added to the palace by master stone cutters in the 1500s.

Sponza Palace, Stradun 2, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

  • Old Town Dubrovnik – Wander narrow stone streets, historic churches, and bustling squares in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Lokrum Island – Just a short ferry ride away, this forested island features botanical gardens, peacocks, and cliffside swimming.
  • Mount Srd – Take the cable car or hike up for panoramic views over Dubrovnik and nearby islands.
  • Fort Lovrijenac – An impressive fortress outside the city walls, famously used as the Red Keep in *Game of Thrones*.

Where to Eat

  • 360 Dubrovnik – Michelin-starred fine dining with elevated Croatian cuisine and views over the Old Port.
  • Konoba Dubrava – Rustic restaurant on the hill above town serving traditional dishes like peka (meat and veggies slow-cooked under an iron bell).
  • Barba – A popular spot for casual street food like seafood sandwiches, octopus burgers, and craft beer in the Old Town.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Dubrovnik Summer Festival (July–August) – Prestigious arts festival featuring classical music, theater, and dance in open-air venues around the city.
  • Feast of Saint Blaise (February 3) – A historic religious celebration honoring Dubrovnik’s patron saint with processions, music, and tradition.
  • Good Food Festival (October) – Culinary event with cooking classes, wine tastings, food tours, and special menus across Dubrovnik.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–90 Minutes of Dubrovnik:

  • Elafiti Islands – Explore the car-free islands of Kolocep, Lopud, and Šipan with beautiful beaches, hiking, and local charm.
  • Cavtat (30 min) – A scenic harbor town south of Dubrovnik with relaxed vibes, historic sites, and seafront dining.
  • Pelješac Peninsula (1 hour) – Wine tasting, oyster farms in Ston, and quiet beaches await on this less-touristed coastal region.
  • Montenegro (Kotor & Perast) (1.5 hours) – Cross the border to visit medieval towns and fjord-like bay scenery along the Adriatic coast.
  • Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina (2 hours) – A cultural day trip to see the iconic Stari Most bridge and Ottoman-influenced architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What makes Dubrovnik a must-visit destination?
    • Inspiring awe and eliciting wonder from all those who visit, Dubrovnik is a vacation destination that you will likely never grow tired of. Whether you’re in this bewitching locale for the first time or coming back for your nth trip, there’s always something unique to experience at this glistening jewel in the Adriatic.
  • What are some things to do in Dubrovnik?
    • Stroll along the city’s limestone streets, walk into one baroque building after another, or just feast your eyes on the number of old town attractions that Dubrovnik, Croatia has to offer.
  • What if I’m not into sightseeing?
    • If sightseeing isn’t quite your thing, Dubrovnik boasts of a number of attractions suitable for art lovers and foodies. Of course, there’s also the option of simply soaking in all that the sun and sea has to offer.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and blooming landscapes. Hotel Excelsior – A luxurious waterfront hotel with stunning Adriatic views. Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls – Explore the historic fortifications for breathtaking views of the Old Town and sea.
Summer (June-August) – Peak season with warm weather and vibrant nightlife. Villa Dubrovnik – An elegant boutique hotel with private beach access. Take a Boat Trip to Lokrum Island – Enjoy nature, peacocks, and hidden swimming spots just off the coast.
Fall (September-November) – Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, perfect for sightseeing. Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik – A historic hotel just steps from the Old Town. Explore Rector’s Palace – Discover the rich history of Dubrovnik in this beautiful 15th-century building.

Map:


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