Dubrovnik things to do – top 10 ideas!

Were you looking for things to do in Dubrovnik? Don’t be fooled by the size of the city. It’s not a one-day vacation destination. For us who live in Dubrovnik, there’s something exciting to do all year round. Since you probably can’t move to Dubrovnik immediately, here’s a list for you to do while you’re here. You’re welcome! 

Are you an adventure seeker, foodie, nature lover, cultural traveller, or fan of Game of Thrones? Maybe you’re travelling with family or in a group? You’ll make lifelong memories in the city often referred to as The Pearl of Adriatic.

Take your time to explore Dubrovnik’s historic center

We’re stating the obvious here, but if you’re in Dubrovnik, take your time to explore Dubrovnik’s historic center. We’ve made a detailed plan for you in our blog post How to spend a day in Dubrovnik Old Town.

We strongly suggest taking a guided tour through the city inside the great walls to get a real insight into Dubrovnik’s past and present. That will be the best 20 Euros you’ll spend in Dubrovnik!

Get incredible bird’s-eye views of the city and the islands from Mount Srd

Do not miss the mind-blowing panoramic sea views from Mount Srđ. Part of the Dinaric Alps mountain range, Srđ rises to a height of 1,352 feet. On clear days, you’ll see not only the beautiful Dubrovnik Old Town rooftops and the great City Walls but also as far as 35 miles away to the Elafiti Islands.

You can hike to the top, take a cab, join a group tour or enjoy a scenic ride with Dubrovnik Cable Car.

Along with the incredible scenery, there’s something for everyone – a great restaurant, a fascinating Museum of the Croatian War of Independence, and a buggy safari tour option.

If you’re up for an adventure, do not miss the Panorama zip line Dubrovnik experience. We’re the biggest fans of the one that goes during sunsets. 

Spend a day or at least a couple of hours on Lokrum Island

This beautiful uninhabited island right across Villa Leoni is something extraordinary. Regular boats run every half an hour, and when you step your foot on the island, you’ll feel like you’re walking through the garden of Eden.

Explore the gardens of the Benedictine monastery, dating from the medieval age. Take a sunbath on the island’s flat rocks (there’s a nudist beach as well), chill in the deep shade of the pine trees, and swim in the crystal clear sea. It’s an excellent adventure for all ages. Kids enjoy swimming in the calm waters of the salty lake Mrtvo more (direct translation would be the Dead Sea). Don’t be surprised if a male peacock comes to say hi while boasting with his colorful feathers.

Relax and unwind on the beach

It’s your vacation on the Adriatic Sea, so make sure to make the best of the turquoise blue sea and the natural pebble and sandy beaches in Dubrovnik. We’ve made the top 5 Dubrovnik beaches list just for you!

Explore Elaphiti islands

The small green islands of Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud have made it to the front pages of many travel magazines for their untouched natural beauty, unique historic sites, and beautiful beaches. You can reach them by regular ferry and explore one at a time, or take a private speedboat tour and visit them all in a day.

Koločep and Lopud are car-free islands with several sandy beaches. So, if you are traveling with kids to Dubrovnik, take them to one of these islands. They’ll love you for it, and you can enjoy your drink while they are running around in a safe environment.

Discover Dubrovnik’s night life

Dubrovnik has many bars and pubs where locals and travelers spend their nights. However, if you plan on going clubbing, the choice isn’t extensive, but the quality of the party is top.

Make sure not to miss Revelin club in the 16th-century fortress, part of the great Dubrovnik city walls, and Lazareti club, placed in ex-quarantine barracks. Check out Banje beach, Copacabana beach, and Coral beach for a beach party. Sunset beach also offers good music and one of the best sunset views in the town. Dubrovnik Beer Factory organises exciting night events. And for the gay community, there’s a newly opened gay bar called Milk.

Visit Trsteno Arboretum even if you are not a GOT fan

Arboretum Trsteno is known to Game of Thrones fans as a filming location for the Gardens of King’s Landing. However, this beautiful park is more than just an HBO series shooting location.

We strongly suggest visiting it if you are a nature lover, and even more, if you are traveling with kids. It’s very peaceful to visit if you want a break from the city.

Discover Dubrovnik from the sea

We strongly suggest exploring Dubrovnik by kayak if you’re up for a sea adventure. Through kayak tours, you’ll be able to explore some of Dubrovnik’s most famous attractions, such as Old Town, the City Walls, Lokrum Island, Bettina Cave, and more.

A more luxurious way to explore hidden bays, coved, and caves, is by private speed boat.

Immerse in Dubrovnik cultural scene

The bustling walled city of Dubrovnik hosts one of the oldest European festivals – the Dubrovnik Summer Festival (July to August). Expect vibrant theatre, ballet, opera, classical music, jazz, and folklore program.

The Midsummer Scene Festival (June) is a theatre event that celebrates the works of William Shakespeare performed in English.

There are plenty of other festivals and cultural events that you can always check on the Dubrovnik Tourist Board.

Take a day trip to Mostar or Montenegro

Mostar and Montenegro are the two most popular day trips from Dubrovnik.

Mostar brings an exciting combination of Eastern and Western cultures. On the other hand, Montenegro boasts a beautiful coastline with picturesque towns. Whatever your choice may be, make sure to book upfront since the group tours get full quickly.