Dubrovnik Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do, See & Eat
Dubrovnik, known as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic,' offers enchanting medieval walls, Baroque churches, and the picturesque Stradun. Explore its UNESCO-listed Old Town, bask on pristine beaches, and sail through the crystal-clear Adriatic waters.
With 286+ hand-picked places to explore, Dubrovnik rewards travellers who look beyond the obvious. Here's our complete guide to the best of the city — organised by what you're in the mood for.
Must-See Attractions in Dubrovnik
The icons and landmarks no first visit is complete without.
Start with Big Onofrio's Fountain — a circular fountain adorned with sixteen stone masks, each pouring water, marks a significant historical site in Dubrovnik. Just as worthwhile is Fort Bokar: a 15th-century fortress with commanding views over the Adriatic Sea and Dubrovnik's Old Town. Orlando's Column completes the picture: a medieval stone column that marks both a historical measure and a symbol of Dubrovnik's independence.
Big Onofrio's Fountain
Dubrovnik • Monuments & Statues
A circular fountain adorned with sixteen stone masks, each pouring water, marks a significant historical site in Dubrovnik.
Fort Bokar
Dubrovnik • Historic Architecture
A 15th-century fortress with commanding views over the Adriatic Sea and Dubrovnik's Old Town.
Orlando's Column
Dubrovnik • Monuments & Statues
A medieval stone column that marks both a historical measure and a symbol of Dubrovnik's independence.
Statue of St. Blaise
Dubrovnik • Monuments & Statues
Located at Ploče Gate, this statue represents Dubrovnik's rich cultural and historical heritage.
Museums & Culture in Dubrovnik
Galleries, museums and cultural landmarks for a deeper look at the city.
Top of most lists is War Photo Limited: a unique gallery focused exclusively on war photography, showcasing impactful visual narratives from global conflicts. Locals will also point you to Dubrovnik Cathedral — located on Poljana Marina Držića, this Baroque cathedral is a key cultural site in Dubrovnik. And for something different, there's Dubrovnik Philharmonic Hall: exceptional acoustics and historic charm define this cultural hub for classical music in Dubrovnik.
War Photo Limited
Dubrovnik • Museums
A unique gallery focused exclusively on war photography, showcasing impactful visual narratives from global conflicts.
Dubrovnik Cathedral
Dubrovnik • Historical Sites
Located on Poljana Marina Držića, this Baroque cathedral is a key cultural site in Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik Philharmonic Hall
Dubrovnik • Theaters
Exceptional acoustics and historic charm define this cultural hub for classical music in Dubrovnik.
Fortress Minčeta
Dubrovnik • Historical Sites
A towering fortification with commanding views over Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea.
Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik
Activities and experiences to fill your days.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Adriatic Kayak Tours — explore Dubrovnik’s coastline with guided sea kayaking tours that combine adventure and cultural insights. Dubrovnik Climbing Gym earns its reputation too — ideal for climbing enthusiasts and active travelers, this indoor gym caters to all skill levels. Round out the shortlist with Dubrovnik Diving Center — incorporate a diving adventure into your Dubrovnik itinerary with access to the Adriatic's rich marine life.
Adriatic Kayak Tours
Dubrovnik • Outdoor
Explore Dubrovnik’s coastline with guided sea kayaking tours that combine adventure and cultural insights.
Dubrovnik Climbing Gym
Dubrovnik • Indoor
Ideal for climbing enthusiasts and active travelers, this indoor gym caters to all skill levels.
Dubrovnik Diving Center
Dubrovnik • Sports
Incorporate a diving adventure into your Dubrovnik itinerary with access to the Adriatic's rich marine life.
Dubrovnik Outdoor Adventure Park
Dubrovnik • Sports
Experience thrilling outdoor sports activities with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea at this adventure park.
Where to Eat in Dubrovnik
From local classics to standout modern kitchens.
Start with Restaurant Nautika — perfect for an evening in Dubrovnik, this restaurant offers stunning sea views and a memorable dining experience. Just as worthwhile is Peppino's Ice Cream: a street vendor known for its unique gelato flavors crafted from local ingredients. Restaurant Dubrovnik completes the picture: ideal for couples and food enthusiasts seeking authentic Croatian cuisine with a scenic view.
Restaurant Nautika
Dubrovnik • Local Cuisine
Perfect for an evening in Dubrovnik, this restaurant offers stunning sea views and a memorable dining experience.
Peppino's Ice Cream
Dubrovnik • Street Food
A street vendor known for its unique gelato flavors crafted from local ingredients.
Restaurant Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik • Local Cuisine
Ideal for couples and food enthusiasts seeking authentic Croatian cuisine with a scenic view.
Restaurant Pjerin
Dubrovnik • Fine Dining
Ideal for couples seeking a romantic dining experience with breathtaking sea views.
Dubrovnik After Dark: Bars & Nightlife
Where to go once the sun sets.
Top of most lists is Dubrovnik Beer Company: located in the Gruž area, this brewery is a top choice for craft beer enthusiasts in Dubrovnik. Locals will also point you to Barba Rija Cocktail Bar — ideal for couples and groups looking to unwind over inventive cocktails with scenic views. And for something different, there's Cafe Buža: end your day in Dubrovnik with live jazz and stunning Adriatic views at this cliffside café.
Dubrovnik Beer Company
Dubrovnik • Craft Beer Bars
Located in the Gruž area, this brewery is a top choice for craft beer enthusiasts in Dubrovnik.
Barba Rija Cocktail Bar
Dubrovnik • Cocktail Bars
Ideal for couples and groups looking to unwind over inventive cocktails with scenic views.
Cafe Buža
Dubrovnik • Live Jazz Venues
End your day in Dubrovnik with live jazz and stunning Adriatic views at this cliffside café.
Jazz Bar D'Artagnan
Dubrovnik • Live Jazz Venues
This cozy venue suits music lovers and couples looking for a romantic night out in Dubrovnik.
Where to Stay in Dubrovnik
Hand-picked hotels, hostels and B&Bs across every budget.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik — located on Marijana Blažića, this historic hotel combines 19th-century charm with modern luxury in Dubrovnik. Hotel Dubrovnik Palace earns its reputation too — stunning panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea characterize this modern spa hotel on Lapad Peninsula. Round out the shortlist with Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik — ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway with stunning sea views and direct beach access.
Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik • Luxury Hotels
Located on Marijana Blažića, this historic hotel combines 19th-century charm with modern luxury in Dubrovnik.
Hotel Dubrovnik Palace
Dubrovnik • Spa Hotels
Stunning panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea characterize this modern spa hotel on Lapad Peninsula.
Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik • Luxury Hotels
Ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway with stunning sea views and direct beach access.
Hotel Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection
Dubrovnik • Spa Hotels
A beachfront retreat, perfect for unwinding after exploring Dubrovnik's historical sites.
Shopping in Dubrovnik
Markets, boutiques and everything in between.
Start with Dubrovnik Treasures — ideal for those looking for unique souvenirs that capture local artistry and culture. Just as worthwhile is Green Market Dubrovnik: located just outside Dubrovnik's historic walls, this market offers a genuine local shopping experience. House of Nature completes the picture: natural products crafted from locally sourced ingredients define this Dubrovnik shop's appeal.
Dubrovnik Treasures
Dubrovnik • Souvenir Shops
Ideal for those looking for unique souvenirs that capture local artistry and culture.
Green Market Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik • Markets
Located just outside Dubrovnik's historic walls, this market offers a genuine local shopping experience.
House of Nature
Dubrovnik • Souvenir Shops
Natural products crafted from locally sourced ingredients define this Dubrovnik shop's appeal.
Ulica Stradun Boutiques
Dubrovnik • Luxury Shopping
Explore luxury boutiques along Stradun, Dubrovnik's main street, blending history with high-end shopping.
Parks & Green Spaces in Dubrovnik
Room to breathe when you need a break from the streets.
Top of most lists is Mljet National Park: ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility and unique ecosystems in Croatia's landscapes. Locals will also point you to Franciscan Monastery Garden — located on Placa, this botanical garden combines history and nature in Dubrovnik's Old Town. And for something different, there's Gradac Park: panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea set Gradac Park apart as a tranquil escape in Dubrovnik.
Mljet National Park
Dubrovnik • Nature Reserves & Wildlife
Ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility and unique ecosystems in Croatia's landscapes.
Franciscan Monastery Garden
Dubrovnik • Botanical Gardens
Located on Placa, this botanical garden combines history and nature in Dubrovnik's Old Town.
Gradac Park
Dubrovnik • Parks
Panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea set Gradac Park apart as a tranquil escape in Dubrovnik.
Gruž Bay Nature Reserve
Dubrovnik • Nature Reserves & Wildlife
Gruž Bay offers a tranquil escape with rich marine life and stunning coastal scenery.
78 Explorer Picks We Held Back
Every list above is our free tier. On top of it, our editors mark the roughly one-in-ten places in Dubrovnik that are genuinely special — standout stays, tables worth planning a day around, and rooms most visitors never find — as Explorer picks, with full write-ups reserved for members. A few currently on the Dubrovnik list:
- Villa Orsula Dubrovnik· Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurant 360· Secret Foodie Spots
- Buža Bar· Local Hangouts
- Kopun· Secret Foodie Spots
- Lucin Kantun· Secret Foodie Spots
Planning where to stay in Dubrovnik?
Our neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide covers the best areas and hotels for every budget.
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