10 Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik, Croatia

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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10 Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik, Croatia

1. Walk the 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!)
More Info: wallsofdubrovnik.com

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.

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)
More Info: croatiaferries.com

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 birds-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 (26 USD)
More Info: dubrovnikcablecar.com

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.

5. Drink 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, this Old Town is especially enticing.

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 for more local knowledge!

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)
Hours: 9 am to 6 pm
More Info: dubrovnikcity.com

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 knowledgable 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.

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 was alone I would have done a group tour as they’re still affordable.