10 Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik, Croatia

Here are 10 of the best things to do in Dubrovnik, one of Croatia’s most famous and beautiful coastal cities.

As one of the most visited cities in Croatia, chances are Dubrovnik has a spot on your Eastern Europe travel itinerary.

The hype is worth it. Dubrovnik is easily one of the best places to visit in Croatia.

This famous walled city has a charming Old Town full of impressive architecture, historic sights, and modern venues.

Surrounding the town lies towering mountains, lush islands, and the sparkling blue Adriatic Sea.

From hiking and kayaking, to sunbathing and sightseeing, here are 10 of the best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

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Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?

Dubrovnik is absolutely worth a visit. The city has an inviting Mediterranean ambiance thanks to its centuries-old buildings, towering medieval walls, picturesque streets, and coastal beauty.

Whether you’re looking to swim in the sparkling Adriatic Sea or eat fresh seafood at an outdoor cafe, don’t miss visiting Dubrovnik!

10 Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik, Croatia

There are so many amazing things to do in Dubrovnik! Croatia is full of wonderful places to visit, and this charming, historic city was one of my favorites.

It’s pretty touristy and expensive, but that’s because it’s so beautiful! Visit in the off season (outside the peak summer months of June – August) to escape the crowds.

1. Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls

Climbing along the towering City Walls is the most popular Dubrovnik attraction.

These massive stone walls encompassing the entire Old Town were built mainly in the 15th and 16th Centuries as a means of protection.

There are 6 fortresses along the walls, and a thorough walk along the entire route takes about two hours.

Walking the city walls provides travelers with spectacular views of the Old Town and the surrounding ocean. This is a must-do in Dubrovnik.

Cost: 200 Kuna for tourists (32 USD) (discounts available for students, bring your ID card!)
Find more info on the website

travel dubrovnik city walls Croatia — Dubrovnik City Walls offer some of the best views in town.

2. Sail to Lokrum Island

Easily one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island is an absolute treat.

Though the island is popular among tourists, it somehow still retains the serenity of a secret, wild place.

At only 0.31 square miles, Lokrum is small. You can explore the entire thing in a few hours, and if you visit early enough or during off-season, you may just have a good chunk of the island all to yourself.

Hike along the woodland trails, letting the local birds serenade you along the way. Find a secluded corner and go for a refreshing swim in the cold, turquoise water. Admire the tall native trees and be on the lookout for peacocks, rabbits, and other small creatures.

This was my favorite thing that I did in Dubrovnik by far!

How to Get There: Catch the ferry from the Old Town Port. The ferries leave consistently throughout the day and the journey takes 15 minutes.

Cost: 150 Kuna (23 USD)
Find more info on the Croatia ferries website.

Lokrum Island off the coast of dubrovnik Croatia travel — Take the ferry over to the remote and peaceful Lokrum Island.

3. Ride the Cable Car

For some of the best views in Dubrovnik, ride the famous Cable Car to the top of Mount Srd.

Set in the Dinaric Alps, the Cable Car whisks you up the mountain in just a few minutes so you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city.

From the rustic orange rooftops, to the impressive city walls, to the surrounding islands sprinkled throughout the cerulean ocean, Dubrovnik is very photogenic from above.

Cost: 170 kn round trip (27 USD)
Find more info on the Cable Car website.

4. Hike Mount Srd

For my fellow fitness enthusiasts out there, consider hiking Mount Srd instead of taking the Cable Car.

This is a slightly harder but more rewarding way to enjoy the panoramic views atop the mountain. Also, it’s free!

The hike is short but steep, so it generally takes around 30 minutes to an hour.

How To Get There: The trail begins in the forest near the Cable Car station. Ask the staff for directions or use Google Maps.

aerial views of croatian town surrounded by blue ocean — Hiking is a great way to get amazing views while traveling.

5. Try the local Rakija

Most countries in the world have their own special alcohol that the locals make, drink, and cherish.

In the Balkans, it’s rakija. This alcohol made from fermented fruit is similar to brandy, though a homemade batch can be much stronger.

Whether you’re staying with a local or eating out in a restaurant, ask to try some rakija.

Croatians love to serve it to their guests. I stayed in a hostel in Split where the owner served us homemade rakija in a glass skull. I also ate at a pizza place in Dubrovnik where the waiter gave us all complimentary shots.

Even if you’re not a big alcohol drinker, like me, it’s fun to give it a try!

6. Stroll Through the Old Town

Most European cities have an Old Town, and Dubrovnik is no exception. Full of steep staircases, narrow alleyways, and an abundance of stone infrastructure, the Dubrovnik Old Town is especially enticing.

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s easy to get lost while meandering through the maze of hilly streets. But you are sure to find beauty around every corner.

There are lots of bars, restaurants, and cafes scattered throughout the Old Town, so be sure to rest your legs and indulge in some local cuisine while exploring.

Consider a walking tour of the Old Town to gain some local knowledge!

old town best things to do in dubrovnik croatia — Dubrovnik Old Town

7. See the Franciscan Monastery

One of the coolest historic sights in Dubrovnik is the Franciscan Monastery.

Built in the 1300s, this large religious complex is home to one of the world’s oldest operating pharmacies.

It also has a library and a church. Even if you’re not religious or interested in history, it is a pretty fascinating spot to check out.

Cost: 30 Kuna (4.75 USD)

8. Kayak in the Sea

One thing you’ll surely notice while traveling through Croatia is the rich, mesmerizing hue of the ocean.

The Adriatic Sea is magnificent. It can appear anywhere from a light, tropical turquoise to a deep royal blue. But throughout Croatia, the sea provides a stunning backdrop for your exploration.

An amazing way to enjoy the ocean is kayaking. You can book kayaking tours in Dubrovnik for roughly 30-40 USD.

The ocean around the city is notoriously rocky, so you’ll want the security of being with a knowledgeable local guide.

On a warm sunny day, slicing through the clear waters on a kayak is a great way to spend a few hours.

9. Chill at Uvala Lapad Beach

In the summertime, Croatia’s beaches can feel like heaven. Though Dubrovnik is lined with water, the rocky coastline makes it hard to find nice sandy beaches.

The exception is Uvala Lapad Beach. Sand covers the beach, although it is slightly pebbly and not super fine. But it does the job!

Hang out here for the day and sunbathe, swim, relax, and grab some food and drinks at the nearby restaurants and bars.

turquoise sea next to hilly mountains and charming buildings — A beach day is heaven in Croatia!

10. Take A Day Trip to Kotor, Montenegro

Though this day trip takes you outside of the city, and outside of Croatia, I think it’s one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik.

Just a few hours from Dubrovnik lies Kotor, a stunning town surrounded by dramatic cliffs in the country of Montenegro.

It’s one of the most scenic places in Eastern Europe. From the town center, you can hike up the steep city walls and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Bay of Kotor.

Though I’m sure Montenegro deserves more than just one day, this is an easy way to see part of the country if you’re short on time.

How To Get There: From Dubrovnik’s Gruz bus station, buy a round trip ticket to Kotor. The journey takes around 2 hours and costs around 135 Kuna (20 USD) one way.

OR Book a Tour: If you want to skip the hassle of organizing your own transport, you can book a day trip with Get Your Guide. This is also a good option for solo travelers who want to make friends. Tours cost around 60 USD.

Personally, I didn’t book a tour because I had 2 friends to go with. If I were alone, I would have done a group tour as they’re still affordable.

So those are 10 fun things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia!

I had an absolute blast in this city! For my fellow budget travelers, here are some cheap accommodation options in Dubrovnik.

Is it expensive in Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik is one of the most expensive places in Croatia, but you can still enjoy this beautiful city on a budget.

Though most of Croatia and Eastern Europe is pretty affordable, Dubrovnik has prices similar to Western European cities like Rome or Madrid.

To save money in Dubrovnik, I recommend staying in hostels (which I’ll recommend shortly), cooking some meals at home in the hostel, and walking as much as possible!

Even if your accommodation isn’t in the UNESCO Heritage-Listed Old Town, enjoy the views and warm Croatian weather as you walk into town.

For more ways to save money in Dubrovnik, check out my ultimate list of 50 Budget Travel Tips!

Hostels in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is one of the more expensive cities in Croatia, so prices are higher here than elsewhere in the country.

However, hostels are still one of the cheapest places to stay, and they’re super fun!

If you pick a hostel right in the Old Town, it will likely be more expensive. I stayed in a cheaper hostel outside the Old Town to save money, then just walked into the main area every day.

All of these have at least an 8/10 rating on Hostelworld. Click the links to view them on Hostelworld and read past reviews!