Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Travel Guide

The walled 'Pearl of the Adriatic,' also famous as a Game of Thrones filming location. Stradun's marble-paved main street, the panoramic views from Mount Srd, and the secluded beaches of Lokrum Island offer varied experiences. Walking the city walls with the cobalt Adriatic shimmering below is unforgettable — the only city where you can enjoy medieval history and a Mediterranean resort at once.

Essential Dubrovnik Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Dubrovnik

★ 4.8

Dubrovnik City Walls

Completed in the 13th century, these 2 km-long medieval walls reach up to 25 m high and 6 m thick. A full lap delivers sweeping views of the cobalt Adriatic and the old town's terracotta rooftops. They gained global fame as the walls of King's Landing in HBO's Game of Thrones. Minceta Tower, Bokar Fortress and St. John's Fortress punctuate the route. Admission about EUR 35. Walk starts from the Pile Gate entrance.

Hours08:00-19:30 (varies by season; Oct-Mar 10:00-15:00)

LocationOld Town, Dubrovnik

TipsWalking the full circuit takes about 1.5-2 hours. In summer, start early and bring water and a hat.

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★ 4.5

Stradun

Running about 300 m east-west through the old town, Stradun's marble pavement has been polished mirror-smooth over the centuries. Baroque buildings rebuilt after the 1667 earthquake line both sides, alongside Onofrio's Fountain, the Franciscan Monastery (home to Europe's third-oldest pharmacy), and Sponza Palace. Strolling Stradun under its evening lights is a Dubrovnik highlight.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationOld Town, Dubrovnik

TipsThe marble gets very slippery after rain, so step carefully. Early morning or evening offers a quieter atmosphere.

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★ 4.6

Mount Srd

Rising 412 m behind Dubrovnik, Mount Srd is reached by cable car and offers panoramic views over the old town, the Adriatic islands and the surrounding coastline. The sunset vista is unforgettable, and a war museum at the summit recounts the 1991 Croatian War of Independence. On clear days you can see the Elaphiti Islands and even the Italian coast far in the distance.

HoursCable car: 09:00-24:00 (varies by season)

LocationSrđ, Dubrovnik

TipsAim to take the cable car about 30 minutes before sunset. Dining at the summit restaurant with the city lights below is a treat too.

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★ 4.5

Lokrum Island

Just a 15-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik's Old Port, Lokrum is an uninhabited nature reserve. The island is lush with Mediterranean plants and pine forests, and features Benedictine monastery ruins, a Napoleonic-era fort, and a small saltwater lake called the Dead Sea. Famous as a Game of Thrones filming location, wild peacocks roam freely. Crystal-clear waters make it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Ferry round trip about EUR 15 (includes nature reserve admission). 15-minute ferry from the Old Port.

HoursFerry: 09:00-19:00 (Apr-Nov; check last ferry time before going)

LocationLokrum, Dubrovnik

TipsBring water and snacks as shops are limited. Swimming in the Dead Sea lake is the highlight.

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★ 4.4

Rector's Palace

Once the residence and administrative center of the Rector (chief magistrate) of the Republic of Ragusa, this Gothic-Renaissance building is an architectural gem. The Rector served a one-month term and was required to live here, with restricted outside movement. Now the Dubrovnik History Museum, it displays medieval furniture, paintings, apothecary tools, and coins. The elegant atrium hosts Dubrovnik Summer Festival performances. Admission about EUR 12. 1-minute walk from the eastern end of Stradun.

Hours09:00-18:00 (winter 09:00-16:00)

LocationOld Town, Dubrovnik

TipsDuring the Summer Festival (Jul-Aug), open-air concerts fill the atrium. Visit alongside Sponza Palace next door.

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★ 4.3

Banje Beach

Dubrovnik's most famous beach sits just outside the Ploce Gate on the east side of the Old Town, offering the unique experience of swimming with the city walls and Lokrum Island as your backdrop. Pebbled shores meet crystal-clear Adriatic waters, and a beach club rents sun loungers and parasols while serving cocktails and food. Free and paid areas allow flexibility on budget. Sipping a cocktail with the walls in view is a quintessential Dubrovnik moment. Beach free (sun loungers about EUR 20). 3-minute walk from Ploce Gate.

HoursOpen 24 hours (beach club: 09:00-01:00, varies by season)

LocationPloče, Dubrovnik

TipsArrive in the morning for the best sun lounger spots. The free section is spacious — just bring a towel if you're on a budget.

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★ 4.4

Franciscan Monastery

Located at the western entrance of Stradun, this 14th-century Franciscan monastery houses a pharmacy operating since 1317 — Europe's third-oldest, still serving customers today. The beautiful Romanesque cloister, with its double columns surrounding a tranquil garden, is an oasis of calm. The museum displays old manuscripts, silverwork, and religious art alongside early pharmacy equipment. At the pharmacy, buy rose cream and lavender products made from original recipes as souvenirs. Admission about EUR 6. 1-minute walk from Pile Gate.

Hours09:00-18:00 (winter 09:00-17:00)

LocationOld Town, Dubrovnik

TipsThe pharmacy's rose cream is a popular Dubrovnik souvenir. Linger in the peaceful cloister for a quiet moment.

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★ 4.1

Onofrio's Large Fountain

Designed in 1438 by Italian architect Onofrio della Cava, this large 16-sided fountain is Stradun's western landmark. It was built to supply the city with clean drinking water via an aqueduct from a source 12 km away. Once richly ornamented, the 1667 earthquake destroyed most of the sculptures, leaving only 16 carved face reliefs. Water still flows, and visitors wash their hands or take a drink while using it as a meeting point. Free. 1-minute walk from Pile Gate.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationOld Town, Dubrovnik

TipsIt's the first landmark you see when entering through Pile Gate. Use it as your starting point for a Stradun stroll.

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★ 4.4

Sponza Palace

Built in the early 16th century as the customs house and mint of the Republic of Ragusa, Sponza Palace uniquely blends Gothic ground-floor arches with a Renaissance upper floor. One of the few buildings to survive the 1667 earthquake and later damage nearly intact, it now serves as the state archives, preserving medieval documents. Its courtyard holds the somber 'Memorial Room' honoring citizens killed during the 1991-1992 Siege of Dubrovnik. Free entry to the Memorial Room. 1-minute walk from the eastern end of Stradun.

Hours09:00-18:00 (varies by season; Memorial Room free)

LocationOld Town, Dubrovnik

TipsTake a quiet moment to view the war photographs in the Memorial Room. The courtyard's shade is a good place to rest.

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★ 4.4

Dubrovnik Cathedral (Cathedral of the Assumption)

Legend holds that England's Richard the Lionheart, shipwrecked off Dubrovnik while returning from the Third Crusade, funded the cathedral's construction in gratitude for his rescue. The current Baroque building was rebuilt after the 1667 earthquake and houses Titian's altarpiece of the Assumption of the Virgin. The cathedral treasury preserves a 12th-century Byzantine-style reliquary holding the relics of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik's patron saint, carried in procession each February on his feast day. Cathedral free (treasury about EUR 4). 2-minute walk from the eastern end of Stradun.

Hours08:00-20:00 (limited access during mass)

LocationOld Town, Dubrovnik

TipsDon't miss the reliquary of St. Blaise in the treasury. Visit on February 3rd (St. Blaise's Day) to catch the special procession.

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★ 4.5

Fort Lovrijenac

This triangular fortress sits on a 37m cliff west of Dubrovnik's Old Town, with records dating its origins back to the 11th century, making it one of the city's oldest defensive structures. Legend says citizens built it in a hurry to fend off a Venetian invasion, and the entrance bears the inscription 'Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world.' It gained fame as King's Landing's Red Keep in HBO's Game of Thrones, and in summer it hosts open-air Shakespeare performances. Ticket sold separately from the city walls (about EUR 10). 5-minute walk from Pile Gate.

Hours08:00-19:30 (varies by season)

LocationPile, Dubrovnik

TipsA separate ticket from the city walls is required, so check ahead. The summit view of the walls and sea is spectacular.

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★ 4.3

Revelin Fortress

Construction began in 1463 to counter Ottoman and Venetian threats, and the fortress was completed in 1549 as the key defense point on Dubrovnik's eastern side. With thick walls and a broad terraced design, it's considered the city's sturdiest fortress, positioned between Ploče Gate and the walls to guard the old harbor. Its spacious rooftop terrace serves as a major open-air stage for the Dubrovnik Summer Festival and offers views over the Adriatic and Old Town rooftops. Admission included with the city walls ticket. Near Ploče Gate.

HoursSame as the city walls (08:00-19:30, varies by season)

LocationPloče, Dubrovnik

TipsDuring the Summer Festival (Jul-Aug), check the outdoor performance schedule in advance. Combine with the city walls tour for efficiency.

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★ 4.4

St. Blaise's Church

Built in the early 18th century (around 1715) by Venetian architect Marino Gropelli to honor St. Blaise, Dubrovnik's patron saint, this Baroque church replaced an earlier Romanesque church destroyed by fire. Its stepped marble entrance and gracefully curved facade harmonize beautifully with Stradun, and the altar holds a silver statue of St. Blaise cradling a model of Dubrovnik's old town. Every February 3rd, the saint's feast day brings a major festival — recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage — to the square outside. Free entry. Right next to the eastern end of Stradun.

Hours08:00-19:00 (limited access during mass)

LocationOld Town, Dubrovnik

TipsThe church steps make a great photo spot overlooking Stradun. Look closely at the model of Dubrovnik held by the statue of St. Blaise.

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★ 4.5

Trsteno Arboretum

Begun in 1502 by the noble Gučetić family of Dubrovnik, this is the oldest Mediterranean arboretum, with over 500 years of history. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Adriatic, it features ancient plane trees, a Baroque Neptune fountain, and a garden filled with exotic plants. It gained fame as the royal gardens of King's Landing in HBO's Game of Thrones, becoming a pilgrimage site for fans, though a 2000 fire damaged part of the grounds before restoration. Admission about EUR 12. About 25 minutes by car from Dubrovnik.

Hours08:00-19:00 (summer), 09:00-16:00 (winter)

LocationTrsteno, near Dubrovnik

TipsThe Neptune fountain and giant plane trees are must-see photo spots. A rental car or tour is more convenient than public transport.

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★ 4.4

Cavtat

About 20 km south of Dubrovnik on the Konavle peninsula, this seaside town traces its origins to Epidaurus, founded by Greeks in the 6th century BC. Pastel-colored buildings line a palm-shaded waterfront promenade, offering a far quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than Dubrovnik itself. The Račić family mausoleum, designed by Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović, sits in the hilltop church cemetery, adding artistic interest. Dubrovnik Airport is nearby, and the town is also reachable by ferry. About 40 minutes by bus or 50 minutes by ferry from Dubrovnik.

HoursTown open anytime (individual sites like the mausoleum have separate hours)

LocationCavtat, Konavle

TipsTaking the ferry lets you enjoy Adriatic views on the way. The climb to the Račić mausoleum involves fairly steep steps.

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★ 4.5

Elaphiti Islands

This archipelago of 13 islands scatters across the Adriatic west of Dubrovnik, with only three — Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan — inhabited. With almost no cars, the islands offer a slow, quiet pace of life, and their clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Lopud's sandy beach is especially notable as one of the rare sandy shores in the Dubrovnik region. Most visitors join a popular 'Three Islands' boat tour departing from the Old Port, covering all three in a day. Tour about EUR 40-60. Boats depart from the Old Port.

HoursBoat tours depart around 09:00, lasting 6-8 hours (schedules vary seasonally)

LocationElaphiti Islands, near Dubrovnik

TipsTake a swim at Šunj Beach on Lopud Island. Book tours in advance during summer.

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★ 4.6

Mljet National Park

Designated in 1960 as Croatia's oldest national park, it covers the western third of Mljet island, featuring two saltwater lakes (Veliko and Malo Jezero) surrounded by dense pine forest. A 12th-century Benedictine monastery sits on a small islet in the middle of the Great Lake, reachable by boat, and cycling or walking the lakeside and forest trails is a favorite way to explore. The island is even thought to be where Odysseus spent seven years with Calypso in Homer's Odyssey. Admission about EUR 30 (summer, boat included). About 1.5-2 hours by ferry from Dubrovnik.

Hours07:00-20:00 (summer), 08:00-16:00 (winter)

LocationMljet, near Dubrovnik

TipsRenting a bike to circle the lakeshore trail is highly recommended. The boat to the monastery islet is included in the park admission.

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Things to Do in Dubrovnik

Culture

Dubrovnik City Walls Walk

Walk the 2km medieval walls for cobalt Adriatic views and terracotta rooftop panoramas — Dubrovnik's highlight experience. Spot Game of Thrones filming locations along the way.

Price About EUR 35Duration About 1.5-2 hours

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Nature

Lokrum Island Day Trip

Take a 15-minute ferry to uninhabited Lokrum Island for swimming, sunbathing, and nature exploration. Swim in the Dead Sea lake and explore Benedictine monastery ruins alongside wild peacocks.

Price Ferry round trip about EUR 15 (includes nature reserve admission)Duration About 3-5 hours

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Adventure

Mount Srd Cable Car Sunset

Ride the cable car to the top of Mount Srd (412m) and watch the sunset over the Adriatic. Panoramic views of the Old Town, Elaphiti Islands, and coastline are breathtaking.

Price Cable car round trip about EUR 27Duration About 1.5-2 hours

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Tour

Game of Thrones Filming Locations Tour

A guided tour of Dubrovnik's Game of Thrones filming locations, including King's Landing walls, Daenerys' throne, and Cersei's Walk of Shame route. Relive iconic scenes on location.

Price About EUR 30-50Duration About 2-3 hours

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Adventure

Sea Kayaking along City Walls

Paddle a kayak along the coast just outside the city walls, admiring them from the sea. Stop at a secluded beach for a swim along the way.

Price About EUR 35-50Duration About 2.5-3 hours

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Tour

Ston Oyster & Wine Day Trip

A day trip to Ston (about 1 hour by car) for fresh oyster tasting, Peljesac Peninsula wine sampling, and walking the world's second-longest defensive wall.

Price About EUR 60-90 (tour included)Duration About 6-8 hours

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Must-Try Food in Dubrovnik

Black Risotto (Crni Rizot)

🍱 Traditional

A signature Dalmatian seafood risotto made with squid ink. About EUR 12-18. Proto in the Old Town lanes is a celebrated seafood restaurant.

Rozata

🍱 Traditional

A traditional Croatian custard dessert flavored with sugar and rose liqueur.

Ston Oysters

🍱 Traditional

Fresh oysters farmed in nearby Ston, a Dalmatian coastal delicacy. About EUR 10-15 for 6. Squeeze lemon on them at a seafood restaurant in the Old Town.

Peka

🍱 Traditional

A Dalmatian dish slow-cooked under a metal lid over hot coals, typically lamb or octopus with potatoes and vegetables. About EUR 15-25. Pre-order at Konoba Jezuite.

Brodet (Fish Stew)

🦞 Seafood

A traditional Dalmatian seafood stew with mixed fish in tomato sauce. About EUR 12-18. Enjoy with polenta at a konoba (traditional eatery) in the Old Town.

Green Maraschino Liqueur

🍵 Drink

A Dalmatian liqueur made from Marasca cherries, traditionally enjoyed as a digestif. About EUR 3-5 per glass. Sample it alongside rakija at an Old Town bar.

Priganice (Croatian Donuts)

🍰 Dessert

Croatian-style donuts drizzled with honey or dusted with sugar, sold at Old Town stalls. About EUR 3-5. Best enjoyed warm and fresh.

Dubrovnik Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Dubrovnik?

May-June and September-October are ideal. July and August are very crowded and hot. The Summer Festival brings outdoor performances.

How much does it cost to travel in Dubrovnik?

Daily budget about $70-155 (lodging $45-100, food $20-35, transport and entry $15-20).

How do I get around in Dubrovnik?

About 30 minutes by Atlas shuttle bus from Dubrovnik Airport to the Old Town. Within the Old Town, movement is by foot only. Prepaid SIMs are available at the airport (A1, T-Mobile, etc., about EUR 7/week). Card payments are widely accepted (Croatia uses the euro since 2023). Tipping 10% at restaurants is standard.

Do I need a visa to visit Dubrovnik?

Korean passport holders may enter the Schengen Area visa-free for 90 days.

Is Dubrovnik safe for tourists?

Very safe overall, but watch for dehydration when walking the walls in summer. Always bring water and a hat.

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