Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik (2026 Guide)

Dubrovnik earns its reputation as the Pearl of the Adriatic. The best things to do in Dubrovnik begin on the 2-kilometre city wall walk — completed in 1-2 hours, offering continuous views of terracotta rooftops, the Adriatic, and the island of Lokrum — and extend into the marble-paved Stradun (the main boulevard), the Rector’s Palace, and the Dominican and Franciscan monasteries. Beyond the walls, the cable car climbs Mount Srd for panoramic views of the entire city and the Elaphiti Islands. Kayaking around the base of the walls at sunrise, before the cruise ships arrive, is Dubrovnik at its most magical. Game of Thrones fans will recognise Fort Lovrijenac (the Red Keep) and Minxeta Tower.

Best time to visit

Dubrovnik is severely overcrowded July-August when cruise ship passengers and resort tourists combine to fill the walled city beyond comfort. May, June, and September-October are the optimal months: warm enough for swimming, with the Old Town manageable by 9am and after 6pm. April and November are pleasant for exploring the city but cool for swimming. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival (July-August), held in open-air venues within the walls, is worth the crowds for the right events. Winter Dubrovnik (December-February) is quiet, mild, and beautiful — locals reclaim the Stradun.

Getting around

Dubrovnik Airport (Cilipi) is 20 kilometres from the Old Town; the airport bus (€10) and taxis serve the centre. The Old Town is entirely pedestrianised within the walls. City buses serve the Pile Gate (Old Town entrance) and hotels outside the walls. Water taxis and ferries to Lokrum Island (15 minutes) depart from the Old Harbour. Ferries to the Elaphiti Islands (Kolocep, Lopud, Sipan) run from Gruz Harbour. Day trip ferries reach Korcula (2.5 hours) and Hvar (3.5 hours).

What to eat and drink

Dubrovnik’s restaurant scene serves the same Dalmatian staples as Split — grilled fish, octopus, peka — but at higher prices due to tourist demand. Konoba Kolona on the island of Sipan, and Nautika Restaurant by the Pile Gate, are the classic splurge choices. The Dolac market area just outside the walls has good value seafood. The Dubrovnik wine region is Peljesac peninsula (2 hours north), producing intense Dingac and Postup reds from Plavac Mali grapes. Grk, a white grown only on Korcula island, is Croatia’s most distinctive wine. Raki (local grappa) is the traditional finish.

Areas to explore

Old Town (Stari Grad) — The walled city contains everything: Onofrio’s Fountain, Franciscan Monastery pharmacy (one of Europe’s oldest), Sponza Palace, Fort Lovrijenac, and the Dominican Monastery with its Tintoretto painting.

Lokrum Island — A 15-minute ferry from the Old Harbour, Lokrum is a forested island with a botanical garden, a Benedictine monastery, and a saltwater lake (the Dead Sea) for swimming without waves.

Mount Srd — Accessible by cable car (rebuilt 2010) or a 2-hour hiking trail. The Croatian War of Independence Museum at the top explains the 1991-92 siege of Dubrovnik.

Lapad Peninsula — The neighbourhood where most hotels are located, west of the Old Town. Uvala Bay is the nearest beach to the Old Town; Copacabana Beach at the tip of Lapad is popular for swimming.

Elaphiti Islands (Kolocep, Lopud, Sipan) — A chain of car-free islands 30-90 minutes by ferry from Dubrovnik, with sand beaches (Sunj on Lopud is the region’s best), olive groves, and almost no tourists.