12 Best Places to See in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik on the Croatian Adriatic attracts countless travelers from all over the world every year and has now mutated into an absolute hotspot. But not without reason: the old town of Dubrovnik is simply beautiful and, for me, one of the most romantic cities in Europe. I’ll show you the most important sights you need to see in Dubrovnik. And I still have one or two insider tips in store for you.

1. Old Town of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is an absolute gem. Like a massive fortress, it stands proudly on the rugged coast of the Croatian Adriatic and will impress you even as you approach it along the coastal road. Dubrovnik’s origins date back to the 7th century: thanks to its strategically important location in southern Croatia, Dubrovnik was once a major trading hub in the region.

The old town of Dubrovnik has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and is packed with sights. It is completely car-free and is best explored on foot: Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll through the narrow streets and enjoy the Mediterranean vibe of Dubrovnik!

2. Stradun

The magnificent main street, Stradun, is impossible to miss: The long street is lined with elegant palaces, cafés and stores and forms the main artery of Dubrovnik’s old town, so to speak. The Stradun runs directly from the western Pile Gate to the Ploče Gate and the city harbor in the east.

The Stradun also divides the old town into two halves, so to speak: Towards the sea, the old town is relatively flat; on the other side of the Stradun, the houses are situated on a slope and there are often narrow, steep steps to climb. (You should bear this in mind when choosing your accommodation. But more on this at the end of the article!)

3. Lovrijenac Fortress

The Lovrijenac fortress is enthroned high on a rock and impresses with its imposing appearance. The history of this fortress dates back to the 11th century! It once served as a defensive fortress and symbol of Dubrovnik’s power. Today, the fortress offers visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the old town and the glittering sea. Cultural events and theater performances are also held here, combining the historical ambience with contemporary art.

Incidentally, you can visit Lovrijenac Fortress for free with the Dubrovnik Card.

4. Pile Bay

Below the Lovrijenac fortress there is a small, yet very atmospheric bay. Pile Bay will probably also look familiar to you if you’ve followed the series“Game of Thrones“: it was used as the filming location for Blackwater Bay. Located outside the bustling old town directly behind the Pile Gate, you can relax from sightseeing in one of the pubs here. In winter it is quieter and pleasantly mystical here.

5. Walk of Shame / Jesuit Staircase

There is this one staircase that is probably partly responsible for the huge tourist boom of recent years: the Walk of Shame in Dubrovnik is probably the most famous filming location for “Game of Thrones”. This staircase has achieved worldwide fame and is now a place of pilgrimage for all fans of the series.

In the series, especially in the dramatic scene of the “Walk of Shame”, Cersei Lannister is forced to descend these stairs – exposed and exposed to the mockery of the crowd. This scene was not only a turning point for Cersei’s character, but also a defining moment in the entire series. I’ve never actually seen Game of Thrones, but even I can remember this scene because it was so impressive.

In reality, however, this staircase is known as the“Jesuit Staircase“. It is located near the Church of St. Ignatius and the Jesuit College. Built in the 18th century, it belongs architecturally to the Baroque era and bears witness to Dubrovnik’s former wealth. At the time, the construction was intended to compete with other European metropolises – and I think it was quite successful, because the staircase is really very impressive. A huge show staircase that is not only historically interesting, but has also become part of pop culture.

6. The Rector’s Palace

The Rector’s Palace immediately catches the eye in the old town of Dubrovnik. From the 14th century until 1808, today’s Dubrovnik was part of the Republic of Ragusa, a maritime city-state that was particularly wealthy. You can also see this in the Rector’s Palace, which was the seat of government at the time. From the outside, the Rector’s Palace is really very impressive and is somewhat reminiscent of Venice: Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements come together here. It is also considered one of the most important sights in Dubrovnik and is quite well visited.

But before you stand in line or have to spend extra money: In my opinion, the Rector’s Palace is pretty overrated. I had a Dubrovnik Pass and the entrance is free, but I wouldn’t spend any extra money. The permanent exhibition shows exhibits about the history and culture of the region, but I wasn’t that impressed.

7. Sponza Palace

The Sponza Palace is only a few steps away from the Rector’s Palace – and in my opinion much more interesting. The customs house used to be located here, and weapons and coins were also forged here. The impressive courtyard gives an idea of the important role the Republic of Ragusa must have played in the region in its heyday! As most tourists tend to rush into the Rector’s Palace, it is wonderfully relaxed here.

Tip: Directly to the front left is a hall in honor of the defenders of Dubrovnik in the 1991 Yugoslavian war, when Dubrovnik was besieged and massively shelled for months. In the small exhibition you can find out more about this difficult time and the background of individual Dubrovnik residents. Very moving!

8. Lokrum Island

A paradise just outside Dubrovnik is the island of Lokrum, which is only a short boat trip away. This green oasis attracts nature lovers with its impressive botanical diversity, which has been cultivated by monks and researchers over the centuries.

The botanical garden on Lokrum is home to rare plant species and actually offers a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city – but due to its proximity to the old town, you won’t really be alone here in summer. The boat trip from the old harbor takes just under ten minutes! But you can do a lot here. There are hiking trails, beautiful bathing spots and even a nudist beach!

Lokrum is also home to the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones, where you can even take souvenir photos!

9. Cable car up the Srđ mountain

To enjoy an incomparable panoramic view over Dubrovnik, the cable car ride up Mount Srđ is an absolute must. From the top station, you have a breathtaking view of the red roofs of the old town and the sea in the background. A trip there at sunset is particularly spectacular. And if you want to highlight the view with a culinary experience, you will also find the perfect location at the top of the panorama.

10. Dubrovnik City Walls

Admission is quite high during the summer season, but I think it’s really worth biting the bullet. In the season, admission with the Dubrovnik Pass now costs €35 (a few other sights are still included), in winter only €15. There is no option to buy a ticket for the city walls only.

Incidentally, I once read that the entrance fees were raised so exorbitantly in order to cope with the masses of visitors – the hope was probably to deter many tourists with high prices. But I can tell you: it didn’t work! In summer, however, the city wall is still very busy, so it’s best to get there early in the morning to avoid the crowds of tourists. But the view of the old town is worth every effort!

11. Buža Bar

One of the most unique bars in Dubrovnik is the Buža Bar, which is literally located in the rock walls of the city walls. The name “Buža” means “hole” in Croatian, and the name says it all – access to the bar is through a small hole in the wall. In this relaxed and casual setting, you can sip cold drinks while watching the brave plunge into the water from the rugged cliffs.

Although the view of the sunset here is not quite as good, the Buža bar is still a great place for a chilled drink at the end of an eventful day in Dubrovnik.

12. Old Harbor

As befits a coastal town, Dubrovnik also has a harbor. The Old Port in Dubrovnik is located in the east of the Old Town between Ploče Gate and Stradun. It is protected almost all around by the massive city wall and a long pier.

The long pier in the old harbor is called Porporella and has a special significance among locals: it is a popular meeting place for newlyweds. If a couple who have just fallen in love arrange to meet here, it is a sign that they are serious about love and ready for something more permanent.

This is also where the boats to the island of Lokrum depart. However, the many cruise ships that stop in Dubrovnik during the season have not anchored here for a long time. The port of Gruž, located a few kilometers to the north, was built for large ships just outside the old town.

What you can do in Dubrovnik & the surrounding area

Not only Dubrovnik is worth seeing, but there is also a lot to see all around. There are many interesting places along the Croatian Adriatic coast or you can simply hop from one Croatian island to the next. There is a good reason why Croatia is a good place for a vacation! Trips to neighboring countries are also popular.

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Spend the night in the old town of Dubrovnik

Staying overnight in Dubrovnik is a topic in itself. On the one hand, Dubrovnik is an expensive place, and on the other, you should really think carefully about where you choose your accommodation. The old town is completely car-free, which means you can have your Uber or cab drop you off in front of one of the three city gates and have to walk from there to your accommodation. Depending on your luggage, this can be more strenuous, as most of the old town consists of cobblestones. There are also a lot of stairs, especially in the upper part of the old town.

The maze of alleyways doesn’t make it any easier to find your way around, so you should ask for directions to your accommodation beforehand. If you don’t want to carry your luggage yourself, you can also use one of the luggage services. At the Ploce Gate, for example, you will find several providers who will bring your luggage to your accommodation by handcart.

The best places to stay in the Old Town (my recommendation)