Croatia is a country of unspoiled coastlines, charming old towns, and warm hospitality. Along the Adriatic Sea, its landscapes are dotted with Venetian-style architecture and lush hillsides that meet crystal-clear, cobalt waters.
At the southern tip lies Dubrovnik, one of Croatia’s most iconic destinations. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” this historic city is famous for its medieval walls and red-roofed buildings along the Dalmatian Coast. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, Dubrovnik offers a captivating mix of history, architecture, and seaside charm.
If you’re here for a quick visit, you’ll want to make the most of your time. Enter through Pile Gate and into a walled city filled with centuries-old landmarks, lively squares, and narrow alleys. Despite the crowds from cruise ships and tourism, Dubrovnik’s old world authenticity still remains intact.
Follow this one day guide to make the most of your time in Dubrovnik. Starting early will help you beat the heat and crowds as you explore one of Europe’s most magical medieval cities.
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Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls
Walking the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik is a must-do experience. It offers panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the city’s historic architecture. The walls stretch 1.25 miles and can be accessed through three main entrances: near Pile Gate, Ploče Gate, and by the Maritime Museum at St. John Fortress. Along the walk, you’ll enjoy observing daily life in the Old Town. From locals hanging laundry to children playing on terraces and landmarks like Fort Lovrijenac and the island of Lokrum.
The walk goes in one direction and ends at Minčeta Tower, the highest point of the walls. Here you’ll get sweeping views of Dubrovnik’s red rooftops, the bustling Old Port, and the surrounding blue waters. The walls are open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours until 7:00 PM from May to mid-October. Admission is €40 for adults and €15 for children aged 5–18; children under 5 enter free. Tickets can be purchased at any of the entrances or you can purchase the Dubrovnik Pass for €40 which includes entrance to Dubrovnik’s city walls.
For the best experience, we recommend starting early in the day to avoid crowds and the midday heat. The walk offers a unique perspective of Dubrovnik’s blend of medieval, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture.
Explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town
As soon as you walk through Pile Gate, you’re right in the heart of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. The cobblestone stretch of Stradun is lined with cafés, souvenir shops, and plenty of gelato spots.
This pedestrian only street runs straight through the center, connecting both ends of the walled city. Hard to believe it was once a canal that divided the town before it was filled in during the 11th century. Now, it’s where locals and visitors alike enjoy coffee, and soak in beauty of the city.
While exploring the old town you’ll spot some incredible landmarks. The Franciscan Monastery is home to one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, and the Sponza Palace is a beautiful mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles. At the far end of Stradun, the tall clock tower watches over Luža Square. It was rebuilt in the 1920s after the original started to lean a little too much.
The more you wander the more you’ll find. Getting off the beaten path you’ll stumble upon St. Blaise’s Church, Rector’s Palace and the Orlando Column.
Grab a drink at Buža Bar
One of the best things to do in Dubrovnik is wander through the cities narrow side streets . This offers a much needed escape from the crowds and a chance to discover one of the city’s best kept secrets.
Tucked along the outer edge of the city walls, you’ll find the hidden cliffside bar known as Buža bar. Look for a small sign that reads “Cold Drinks” and follow it through an unassuming stone passageway. Eventually you’ll step out onto a rocky terrace with nothing but open sea views ahead.
This bar, which translates to ‘a hole in the wall’, is literally built into the cliffs. It offers a one-of-a-kind spot to relax with a cold drink while watching out over the Adriatic Sea. It’s the perfect place to take a break, soak in the scenery, and feel like you’ve found a little hidden treasure.
Ride the Dubrovnik Cable Car
Riding the Dubrovnik Cable Car is a must-do for panoramic views over the city’s terracotta rooftops, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands. The journey to the top of Mount Srđ takes just under four minutes, but the vistas from 405 meters above sea level are spectacular.
On a clear day, you can even see as far as 60 kilometers. Once at the top, you can explore Fort Imperial, a 19th-century fortress housing the Museum of the Homeland War, or enjoy a meal with a view at the Panorama Restaurant & Bar.
Entry Fees & Hours of Operation
Tickets for the cable car cost €27 for a round trip and €15 for a one-way trip for adults. Children aged 4–12 pay €7 for a round trip and €4 for one way, while kids under 4 ride for free. The cable car operates seasonally: it reopens on March 15, 2025, with hours varying by month.
Typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in March, extending to midnight during peak summer months. Tickets can be purchased at the lower station using euros or credit cards. Keep in mind that operations may pause during high winds or storms for safety reasons
Visit Fort Lovrijenac
Situated on a cliff just outside the city walls, Fort Lovrijenac offers some of the best views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. Often called “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar,” this fortress is full of history. It also happened to double as the Red Keep in the hit TV show, Game of Thrones.
Entry is included with the Dubrovnik Pass, but if you’re paying separately, it’s €15. Visiting Fort Lovrijenac is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik. After your climb, stop into Restaurant Orhan for a cold beverage and sit along the Dubrovnik West Harbour.
Relax at Banje beach
Banje Beach is Dubrovnik’s most popular and conveniently located beach is just a short walk from the Old Town. Exit through Ploče Gate and head east for about five minutes. You’ll find a staircase on your right leading down to the beach . The beach offers stunning views of the city walls and Lokrum Island, making it a perfect spot to relax after exploring the historic center.
The beach features a mix of pebbles and sand, so water shoes might be helpful. You can rent sun lounge chairs and umbrellas, and enjoy drinks and meals at the beachfront restaurant and bar. Banje Beach also offers water activities like kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing . In the evening, the area turns into a lively beach club for a fun nightlife experience. Whether you’re looking to sunbathe, swim in the Adriatic, or just enjoy the atmosphere, Banje Beach is one of the best things to doin Dubrovnik.
Discover Game of Thrones filming locations
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, walking through Dubrovnik feels like stepping straight into Westeros. The city served as the primary filming location for King’s Landing, and a guided Game of Thrones tour brings those iconic scenes to life.
As you wander through the Old Town, your guide will point out exact spots where key moments were filmed. These include Cersei’s infamous walk of shame down the Jesuit Staircase, or the scene at Pile Gate where Jaime Lannister returns to the Red Keep.
You’ll also visit Fort Lovrijenac, which doubled as the Red Keep and served as the backdrop for many intense scenes throughout the show. Some tours also include Trsteno Arboretum (a short drive away), the lush palace gardens of the Tyrells.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious, a Game of Thrones tour is a fun way to explore Dubrovnik’s history while spotting some of the show’s most memorable locations.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik
If you’re looking for an authentic experience it is best to stay in the heart of it all. There are plenty of hotel options in Old Town, but be prepared to pay a bit more. Also, the Old Town Dubrovnik is not accessible by car so you will have to carry your luggage up and down many stairs.
If you’re looking for a room that’s a bit more spacious and budget friendly, there are many places just outside the historic old town. Another option is a camper van. We rented a camper van through Your Way Campers and stayed at a nearby campground, Camping Solitudo.
Where to eat in Dubrovnik
There are loads of delicious restaurants located in the heart of the city center so you shouldn’t have any problem finding a delicious and fresh meal!
Here’s some of our favorite places to eat in Dubrovnik:
- Cafe Festival
- Holy Burek Dubrovnik
- D’Vino Wine Bar Dubrovnik
- Stara Loza
How to get to Dubrovnik, Croatia
Getting to Dubrovnik, Croatia is relatively straightforward, though the city’s southern coastal location means it’s somewhat isolated from the rest of the country.
By plane
The easiest way to get to the city is by flying into Dubrovnik Airport (DBV). The airport is about 20–30 minutes from the Old Town by taxi, shuttle, or rental car. Direct flights are available from many major European cities, especially during the summer season. Even United Airlines has some direct flights from the east coast of the US during the summer months.
By Car
If you’re already in Croatia or nearby countries, you can also reach Dubrovnik car. Just know that you’ll briefly pass through a small stretch of Bosnia and Herzegovina along the way. Once you arrive in Dubrovnik you can’t park in the Old Town. There are plenty of parking lots surrounding the area and then you can take a local bus into the city center. Keep in mind that the closer you get to Old Town, the busier traffic will be.
By public transport
While there’s no direct train service, ferries from other Adriatic coastal towns, like Split, Hvar or Brac, offer a scenic way to travel to Dubrovnik by sea. You can also take a bus directly from Split, which takes about 4 hours.
How to get around Dubrovnik
Once you enter Dubrovnik’s old town it is very easy to get around. It is a car-free zone within the walls so therefore the only way to explore is by walking.
If taking a taxi to Old Town, you’ll want to know ahead of time which gate you’d like to enter through. The good news is that it doesn’t take long to walk from one end to another so it doesn’t make too much of a difference which gate you enter through.
Whenever we are abroad we always purchase an eSIM so we can stay connected during our travels. We tested out quite a few but our favorite is Airalo. There is a large selection of plans to choose from for affordable prices and set up is fairly easy.
Best time of year to visit Dubrovnik, Croatia
Late Spring (May to early June):
- Pleasant weather with warm but not hot temperatures. Perfect for walking the city walls or enjoying outdoor cafés.
- Fewer tourists compared to peak summer months.
- The Adriatic is starting to warm up for swimming, but is still pretty chilly.
Early Fall (September to early October):
- The sea is still warm from the summer, making it great for swimming and boat trips.
- The summer crowds begin to thin out, but most attractions, restaurants, and tours are still running.
- Ideal temperatures for hiking and exploring nearby islands.
Summer (Late June to August):
- Best for beach time and water activities, with long, sunny days.
- Expect high prices and large crowds, especially from cruise ships. Go early in the day for popular spots.
Winter (November to March):
- Quiet and peaceful, great for seeing a different, more authentic side of Dubrovnik.
- Some attractions and restaurants may be closed or have limited hours.
- Not ideal for swimming, but perfect if you want to avoid crowds entirely.
