Escape To The Elafiti Islands
Made up of six islands set in an archipelago near Dubrovnik, the Elafiti Islands are the perfect quiet escape from the city: two of the three main islands are car-free, giving a completely different vibe than other parts of Croatia.
The island of Lopud makes a great first stop and is home to gorgeous beaches.
You can visit the islands independently via ferry , or book a guided tour from Dubrovnik if youd like to see several of the islands easily in one day.
Pay A Visit To The Rectors Palace
Dating to the 14th century, the Rectors Palace once served as the seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa but is better known these days for its beautiful Gothic facade and being yet another Game of Thrones filming location .
Today, a visit to the Rectors Palace includes seeing art, artifacts, an armory, and, perhaps most interestingly, an infamous prison known for its terrible conditions and intense punishments .
Explore The Dubrovnik Cathedral Treasury
This place looks more like an elaborate anatomy museum than a Cathedral! The Cathedral Treasury holds 132 relics of saints dating from the 11th to the 19th centuries. The collection includes a head, arms and a leg of St. Blaise. These were crafted by Dubrovnik goldsmiths between the 11th and 12th centuries.
Address: Ul. kneza Damjana Jude 1, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
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Visit The Powerful War Photo Limited Museum
Situated within Dubrovniks historic Old City, War Photo Limited is a humbling, thought-provoking photography and photojournalism museum that showcases the stark reality of armed conflicts around the world. The exhibitions cast a raw lens on the misery and pointlessness of war, providing a powerful takeaway for any visitor. Photography lover or not, its a must-visit.
Try Your Hand At Cliff Jumping
Ever fancied the idea of jumping off a cliff? Perhaps you would if the scenery was enough to make your jaw drop! Istria is a cliff jumperâs dream location, especially if you head to Galebove Stijene Beach, which has some of the most imposing cliffs youâll ever set your eyes on.
The water below is translucent, and basically, the scene is something to grab your attention! Some of the cliffs have an altitude of around 13 meters, which is indeed enough to get the blood pumping.
Of course, if youâre not feeling the love for adrenaline, you can sit on the beach, with the water lapping at your feet, and watch everyone else get their dose of adrenaline the choice is yours!
Another cliff jumping spot is in Dubrovnik, head to Buza Bar, located on Dubrovniks southern side, to see what I mean.
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Catch A Film In An Open
Theres nothing better than outdoor cinema on a balmy evening. Throw in the picturesque backdrops of Dubrovnik and this is every film buffs dream. Two open-air cinemas screen films throughout summer Jadran is hidden away in a quiet corner of the old town , while Slavica offers stunning sea views . Films run throughout the warmer months, many with English subtitles. Check out the programme on Kinematografi.
Evening Cable Car Ride & Dinner
Finish off your first day in Dubrovnik with fun and, frankly, a must-do cable car ride to the top of SrÄ Hill. This steep gondola runs between the Old Town and the hill just behind it. The ride doesnt take any longer than four minutes.
From atop SrÄ Hill, youll have what can only be regarded as the absolute best view of Dubrovnik. This is a superb spot to watch the sunset behind the Adriatic Sea, painting the Old Town in wonderfully warm colors. To top it all off, theres a nice restaurant on the hill, the appropriately named Panorama Restaurant, offering cocktails, beer, wines, and a wide selection of meals.
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Y The Night Away At Tvrdava Revelin
From the outside, tourists marvel at Tvrdava Revelin, a historic fort that dates back to 1463 and hosts an archaeological museum. Yet as the saying goes, dont judge a book by its cover within its centuries-old stone walls hides one of Europes most coveted clubs.
With DJs spinning all night long, Culture Club Revelin is where medieval disco dreams come true.
Be Wowed By The Rectors Palace
European history sure isnt easy to wrap your head around with the way its totally changed throughout the last millennia.
Take Dubrovnik for example did you know that 200 years ago it was the capital of its own republic known as the Republic of Ragusa?
Not just for a hot minute, either the republic lasted from 1358 until 1808. Pretty amazing.
During this time, the Rectors Palace was the epicentre of political and social affairs in Ragusa. It functioned as a parliament, prison and armoury talk about multitasking.
Today, its one of the top things to do in Dubrovnik and a great place to learn about the history of southern Croatia.
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The Best Time To Visit Dubrovnik
The warm temperatures make visiting Dubrovnik in the summer the most popular. But travelers will have to prepare themselves to brave the crowds, especially in the small and cramped Old Town.
For this reason, you cant beat traveling here in the shoulder seasons. Late spring and early fall will still have beach-worthy temperatures and hotel room rates will also drop.
Budget travelers should consider April and October. Although it can be a bit colder, attractions and hotels wont be as expensive and you can experience the historic city with lower crowds.
Stone Flower In Jasenovac
Completed in 1966, this flower consists of five cement petals. It is dedicated to the Jasenovac concentration camp victims, which was operated by the Independent State of Croatia during World War II, who were allied with the German Reich.
Designed by famed sculptor Bogdan BogdanoviÄ, the stylized Stone Flower in Jasenovac is a cement structure you can enter at the roots of the extensive flower the idea being to help you remember those who died in the concentration camp which once sat on the same site.
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Admire The Many Old Buildings And Landmarks
As soon as you step inside the Old Town walls in Dubrovnik, youll be surrounded by all kinds of amazing historic landmarks and attractions. Take this Dubrovnik city and panorama tour to discover some of the best sites in the city!
Youll get to see some of the citys hidden corners, important buildings, and ancient landmarks. This is a must!
Take A Game Of Thrones Tour Through Dubrovnik
This is one for the fantasy fans because Dubrovnik was the setting for many of the most famous scenes in the hit TV show Game of Thrones. Dubrovnik stood in for Kings Landing, where much of the action took place over the shows eight seasons. If youve seen even a few episodes, youll recognize many of the locations as you wander through the old town!
These days, though, entrepreneurial locals have taken things a step further. Bowing to the demand of tourists, one of the top things to do in Dubrovnik is now a Game of Thrones tour. Even if youre not that into the show, its a great way to explore the old town on a lively, action-packed tour thats full of both local history and contemporary anecdotes.
Youll visit the Red Keep, see where the Walk of Shame was filmed, and learn about the practicalities of shooting a massive TV show in an ancient city. The best tours involve a quick trip over to Lokrum Island, where a replica Iron Throne is found on display in the monastery.
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Be A Beer Specialist In Zagreb
Zagreb is home to many activities to enjoy, but it also has a great beer scene, specifically beers of the craft variety! If you love a glass or two , then a beer garden drenched in the sun is the place for you.
The Garden Brewery in Zagreb is a small brewery and bar where you can sample some delicious beers in wonderful surroundings. There is a restaurant on-site, too, so you can line your stomach a little if need be! You can also check out Beertija, Craft Room , or Ro & Do
The Sinjska Alka: A Knights Tournament
If the sound of thundering hooves takes your breath away, this event is for you! Taking place each year on the 1st weekend of August in Sinj, the historical Sinjska Alka event was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2010. Essentially itâs an equestrian competition, where a device called the Alka is suspended 3.34metres on a rope above the main street.
Riders strive to hit the Alka directly through the center circle of 33mm with their iron-tipped wooden lance of only 32mm in diameter as they gallop, full speed down the main street. Music, feasting, street performers, and local crafts make this event great for the whole family!
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Work On The Tan At Copacabana Beach
Often considered one of, if not the best beach in Dubrovnik, the pebbled Copacabana beach makes for a relaxing day in the sun. Kick back at one of the beach bars, snooze on a deck chair and work on that Mediterranean tan, or try your hand at one of many adrenaline-pumping water sports. Whatever your summer rhythm, Copacabana is an unmissable outdoor destination.
And Dont Forget To Climb Up The Mineta Fortress While Youre Up There
Mineta Fortress is the highest fort in Dubrovnik and is only accessible from the city walls.
Climb the extra steps for a jaw-dropping view of the city. Game of Thrones fans, also take note of the shape of the fort: it was used for the exterior shots of the House of the Undying.
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Sink A Beer At The Cliff Bars
What is it? Far from the downtown flock, five minutes along a back alley, the bar table of your dreams is set on one of two panoramic terraces atop a rocky sea-view promontory propping up the city walls: Bard Bar and Bua II.
Why go? Find your niche, gawp at the awesome sunset and sip a by the sea beer. Bua, meaning ‘hole in the wall’, suits boozers, swimmers and sunbathers alike. Of the two, Bard Bar is the most basic but perhaps the most enjoyable – maybe because of easy access to and from the sea, via metal steps fixed to the rocks.
Don’t miss: From the cathedral, walk down Ilije Sarake as far as the dining destination of the Azur. Diagonally opposite is a doorway negotiate the stone staircase and behold! At differing levels according to the rock formation, tables appear – as does a bar counter and, occasionally, films projected onto the cliff face.
Head To A Haunted Island
What is it? Nobody goes to Daksa. Theres no boat schedule, no water taxis, no nothing. In fact, locals would rather not go there. And theres a reason for that. Those lucky enough to be staying at the high-end Dubrovnik President Hotel may look out its panoramic windows and see a verdant idyll of surrounding Adriatic azure but Daksa has long been left to decay.
Why go? Once occupied by monks, Daksa was where Titos war-time Partisans, who swept through Dubrovnik in 1944, took the Fascist sympathisers they had rounded up. After their mass execution, no graves were found. For decades, this chilling site was off-limits to the general public. A discovery of remains in 2009 led to a reburial and memorial ceremony. Today, you can pay a local to take you over in his boat from Dubrovnik and have the whole island to yourselves. Arrange a time for him to pick you up you wouldnt want to overnight here.
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Take A Day Trip To Lokrum Island
One of the best things to do in Dubrovnik with kids is to take a day trip to Lokrum. An activity that was also recommended by a local in our authentic local guide to Dubrovnik. Hop on a taxi-boat from the old harbour for a 10-minute journey to this lush island of pines, cypresses, and cacti. Children will love the strutting peacocks in the botanical gardens, as well as exploring the abandoned ruins of an old Napoleonic fort, or climbing the 19th-century Fort Royal. The pristine coastline offers hidden coves to explore, as well as excellent snorkelling and swimming.
Have you been to Dubrovnik and do you have any other recommendations of things to do in the area? Wed love to hear about them. And if weve convinced you that Dubrovnik should be the next place on your holiday hit list, then look no further. Weve got a huge selection of villas in Dubrovnik, from the quirky and characterful to the more minimalist!
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Climb Up To Fort Lovrijenac
Yet another Dubrovnik point of interest that may be familiar to GOT fans is Fort Lovrijenac. Not only is it one of the most picturesque sights in the city, but its also one of the oldest.
In fact, the base of the fort dates way back to somewhere between 1018 and 1038. Given how old it is, youve got to forgive the historians for being a tad fuzzy on the dates.
Throughout history there have been numerous additions and re-fortifications. My favourite is the installation of the very dramatic slogan NON BENE PRO TOTO LIBERTAS VENDITUR AURO freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world.
George R. R. Martin couldnt have written it better himself.
Read More: The Game of Thrones Guide to Dubrovnik
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Dine Classically At Proto
What is it? The Michelin-recommended Proto claims a tradition dating back to 1886, and it was here that Edward VIII entertained Wallis Simpson in the 1930s.
Why go? Executive Chef Boko Lonac oversees squid and lobster in simple, traditional but superbly balanced sauces as well as fresh shellfish from Ston up the coast and popular local meat dishes. Choose between restrained elegance in the 1930s-influenced dining room or the recommended first-floor terrace with great old town views.
Don’t miss: You can spend an enjoyable hour over the fish platter for two, and the extensive wine list covers just about every quality wine that Croatia has to offer.
Run A Marathon With Staggering Views
For fitness fiends wondering what to do in Dubrovnik, how about signing up for a marathon the views might distract from the pain, at the very least. In April, the 21km-long half-marathonstarts at Ploe, heads down to Gru harbour and then loops around to finish on the Stradun. However, if you want to tackle the full distance, theSton Wall Marathon heads north to Prina and south to Duba Stonska, tracing stretches of the medieval walls and coastline.
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Bathing At Local Beaches
Dubrovnik has a few beaches within walking distance of the historic center, but if you go in July or August, you are likely to be disappointed. If you still want to take off your overalls or need to cool off, then you can go to Lapad beach. There are several small beaches about 2.5 km from Dubrovnik. The good thing is that they are sandy and a little less crowded.
It would be hard to find a more beautiful place that Dubrovnik, Croatia
Or Bosnia And Herzegovina
The most popular day trip spot in Bosnia from Dubrovnik is easily Mostar. The city was devastated in the civil war that took place in the 90s during the breakup of Yugoslavia, and today is home to a fascinating combination of areas that are rebuilt and bustling , and areas that still bear the clear signs of war.
Mostar is hardly a light day triptheres a lot to unpack therebut it is a valuable one.
Mostar is quite a bit away from Dubrovnik, and the city requires at least a couple of days of attention in the best-case scenario. However, if a day is all you have to spare, there is a lot of value in a day trip to Mostar!
We strongly recommend booking a tour for this one, though: buses arent really workable on a day trip schedule and driving can be quite a hassle when you combine a border check with a significant distance.
This Bosnia day trip includes not only a trip to Mostar, but a stop at the stunningly beautiful Kravice Waterfalls as well!
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The Stradun Of Dubrovnik
As Dubrovniks main street, the Stradun is the centerpiece of the pedestrian-only Dubrovnik Old Town. For those who love to walk and wander, this is the place to start. Walking down the historic street is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik.
Also known as the Placa, the Stradun is where Dubrovnikans gather before making their way around town. Come here for some delightful people watching from your cozy cafe patio before enjoying a stroll.
The street may be short, but youll find a series of happening eateries, boutique shops, and the famous clock tower. Between them are rows of residential homes that stand beside each other in perfect symmetry. The interesting architecture will stop you in your tracks, so make sure to have your camera handy.
