09 Top-Rated Things to Do and Attractions in Dubrovnik
1. Take a Game of Thrones walking tour
Whether your Dubrovnik sightseeing itinerary is on a tight schedule or you have plenty of time to explore this stunning Croatian city, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to catch the best parts of the popular TV show Game from the panels.
The Game of Thrones walking tour of Dubrovnik is one of the most popular things to do here, and it includes many of the major locations used to film the show. It includes running commentary from a professional tour guide who specializes in the real and imagined history of the site in question.
Highlights include getting some of the best views available of the city skyline known to many as King’s Landing, as well as the historic Lovrijenac Castle , which features prominently in Game of Thrones.
Hearing these guides tell behind-the-scenes stories is part of the fun, and an optional upgrade includes a visit to the Trsteno Arboretum, which appears in the show as the Royal Gardens.
2. Ride the Dubrovnik cable car.
Another fun thing to do when visiting Dubrovnik is to take the cable car up into the hills. The Dubrovnik Cable Car takes visitors up Srd Hill, above the Old Town, with views that get better and better as you climb (on clear days, it’s said you can see up to about 50km). The ride takes less than 10 minutes, and once you build up, you can explore the area freely.
Must-see attractions include the 19th-century Royal Citadel, which was built during the French occupation of the area and now houses a fascinating exhibition on the 1991-1995 Homeland War, when the city was defended against an enemy. There is also a restaurant with stunning views of the Old Town, along with unique shopping, including an interesting traditional coin-making blacksmith shop.
3. Dominican Monastery
Built in the early 1300s, Dubrovnik’s Dominican Monastery was so large that parts of the city walls needed to be moved for construction. Badly damaged in the earthquake of 1667, the abbey was completely rebuilt in its present form with special attention given to the magnificent late Gothic cloister ( originally designed by Michelozzo). Dr Bartolomeo of Florence in the fifteenth century).
A highlight is a visit to the Abbey Museum, which contains many 15th- and 16th-century religious paintings in the style of the Dubrovnik (also known as Venetian) School, along with interesting gold and silver objects and other antiquities.
4. The Franciscan Church and Monastery
Another important historical site to add to your Dubrovnik itinerary is the city’s Franciscan Church and Monastery. Built in the late 17th century on the site of an original 11th-century monastery, this well-preserved building now houses one of the most valuable libraries in Croatia.
Founded in the 17th century and housing a collection of over 21,000 rare book manuscripts, it is also home to a charming medieval pharmacy that has been in use since 1317 (making it the oldest pharmacy in the world) and famous for its many ancient manuscripts. Decorative jars, measuring tools and mortars.
There is also a museum on site that houses a collection of objects of historical interest and fine art.
5. Rector Palace and Museum of Cultural History
Designed by Onofrio de la Cava , the Rector’s Palace ( Knežev dvor ), which is now home to the city’s cultural history museum, has changed a lot over the centuries. A beautiful blend of late Gothic and early Renaissance styles, this splendid old palace was badly damaged by a gunpowder explosion shortly after its completion, later by fire, and then by an earthquake in 1667.
These days, this well-preserved building is a joy to explore, especially its pleasant central courtyard. If possible, try to coincide your visit with one of the regular summertime classical music performances.
Also interesting is the statue of Mehu Prakat , a former merchant of Lopid Island . Highlights of the museum’s 15,000-piece collection include several fascinating exhibits detailing life in the Republic of Ragusa during the Middle Ages, as well as many fine paintings by Venetian and Dalmatian artists.
6. Fort St. John
On the eastern end of the old town is Fort St. John, known locally as Fort St. Ivan. Once an important part of Dubrovnik’s defenses, this imposing structure now houses several modern attractions to entertain visitors.
In the upper area is the Dubrovnik Maritime Museum, which showcases Dubrovnik’s maritime past through boat models and marine artifacts, while in the lower area is the Dubrovnik Aquarium with many interesting exhibits of local and exotic fish, as well as an impressive collection. of sea horses
Also worth a visit is Bowker’s Castle, designed and built by Micheluzzo. Dr Bartholomew A great place to visit because of its great views of Michelozzi, the city and the Adriatic Sea.
7. Soak up the sun at Bungai Beach .
There is more to Dubrovnik than just sightseeing. This historic city is actually home to Banje Beach , considered one of the best beaches in Croatia. Located just a short walk from the historic Old Town, it’s a fun (if somewhat crowded) place to relax, splash your feet, or go for a swim.
Apart from water sports activities such as kayaking and surfing, it is also a fun place to hang out, especially after enjoying a meal at one of the many luxury restaurants or hotels nearby.
Although a little further, the beaches on the Lapad Peninsula are also worth a visit. Within a four-kilometer drive or bus ride from Old Town, you’ll find three main beaches to explore and relax: Cava, Oala Bay, and the tropical sound of Copacabana. These kid-friendly beaches are ideal for those traveling as a family, and although an entry fee is required, it’s well worth it.
Apart from sunbathing and swimming, other activities include snorkeling and water skiing.
8. Take the ferry to Lokrum Island .
Located just 600 meters from Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island is hard to miss. If you have time on your Dubrovnik sightseeing itinerary, take the short ferry ride to this enchanting island. Aside from the stunning views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, there are some interesting attractions you’ll find worth exploring here (and usually if there’s a crowd).
Head first to the Royal Citadel, a fortification built by Napoleon’s forces to defend the port city. It’s an easy climb, and the views in all directions are stunning.
Other points of interest on this tiny island include a small inland salt lake known as the Dead Sea, which is a popular spot for selfies and diving. An old Benedictine monastery dating back to the 11th century that now houses a museum about the island as well as a restaurant. and a delightful botanical garden with some 200 or more species of plants.
The island is also fun to get to by sea kayak, which can easily be rented on the mainland.
9. Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik
Founded in 1945, the Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik (MOMAD) is a great place to visit if art is your thing. Home to more than 3,000 works of art by leading Croatian and international artists, as well as an impressive collection of works by local artists, the building itself – once home to one of the city’s leading families – is quite impressive.
Highlights include modern art dating from the late 19th century to the end of World War II, as well as a large collection of contemporary art from the post-war period to the modern era. Dubrovnik locals are represented, including Nikko. Milian , Marco Mourad and Marco Rashica , to name a few.