Discover the best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia, from the Old Town and city walls to Mount Srđ, Lokrum Island, Game of Thrones spots, sea views, and charming cats 😀

I visited Dubrovnik during my autumn trip to Croatia, where my two key destinations were Plitvice Lakes National Park and Dubrovnik. Plitvice gave me the dreamy nature side of Croatia, while Dubrovnik gave me the cinematic, medieval, fortress-city feeling that I had imagined for years.

To be honest, I first knew Dubrovnik because of Game of Thrones — too famous, right? But even before visiting, I was already impressed by photos of its massive stone walls, red rooftops, and beautifully preserved Old Town. Then, when I finally stepped inside the city centre, I felt like I was lost in the movie again. The narrow stone streets, stairways, old churches, fortress walls, sea views, and cats everywhere made it a true love-at-first-sight destination for me.

Dubrovnik is not just beautiful because it appeared on screen. It is one of the most impressive medieval coastal towns in Europe, with a perfectly preserved Old Town, dramatic city walls, and breathtaking views over the Adriatic Sea.

Why Visit Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik is one of those places that feels almost unreal when you see it in person. The Old Town is surrounded by massive stone walls, the streets are made of shiny limestone, and the orange rooftops contrast beautifully with the blue sea.

If you are a Game of Thrones fan, Dubrovnik feels even more special because many parts of the city were used as filming locations for King’s Landing. But even if you have never watched the show, the city is still magical on its own.

For me, Dubrovnik had everything I love in a travel destination: history, sea views, medieval streets, fortress walls, beautiful viewpoints, and a very cinematic atmosphere.

And one more personal reason why I loved Dubrovnik: there are cats everywhere. You can see them relaxing on stone steps, walking around the Old Town, sleeping near restaurants, or hiding in small corners. For a cat lover, this made Dubrovnik feel even more charming.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik?

In my opinion, the best time to visit Dubrovnik is spring or autumn.

I visited in autumn, and I think it was a great choice. The weather was still pleasant for walking around, but the crowds were much more manageable than in peak summer. Dubrovnik can get very busy in July and August, especially when cruise ships arrive, so visiting outside the high season makes the experience much more enjoyable.

For sightseeing, walking the city walls, taking photos, and exploring the Old Town slowly, May, June, September, and October are usually the best months. The weather is still nice, but it is not as hot or crowded as the middle of summer.

Summer is still beautiful if you want beach time, island trips, and swimming, but be prepared for higher prices, strong sun, and more tourists.

Winter is the quietest season. It can be peaceful and cheaper, but some tours, restaurants, or boat services may have reduced schedules.

How to Get to Dubrovnik

I took a flight from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, and honestly, it was a pretty cool experience. The plane was small, and when we were landing, I could see the sea underneath. That view from above was very, very nice — one of those small travel moments that makes you excited before you even arrive.

From Dubrovnik Airport, you can take either a shuttle bus or a taxi to the city. The shuttle bus is usually the cheaper option and is convenient if you stay near the Old Town or the main bus station.

I took a taxi because I booked a stay on the hill with a sea view. It would have been quite tiring to move around with my suitcase, especially because Dubrovnik has many stairs and slopes. For me, taking a taxi was worth it, and I found taxis quite affordable compared to the effort of dragging luggage uphill.

If you are already travelling around Croatia, you can also reach Dubrovnik by bus, car, or ferry from some coastal destinations. However, if you are coming from Zagreb, flying is definitely one of the fastest and easiest options.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

For me, the two best areas to stay in Dubrovnik are inside or near the Old Town, or on the hill overlooking the sea.

Staying inside or near the Old Town is the most convenient option if you want to be close to the main attractions, restaurants, city walls, and the full medieval atmosphere. You can walk everywhere easily and enjoy the city early in the morning or late at night when it is quieter.

Staying on the hill is perfect if you want a beautiful sea view. This is where I stayed, and I really loved waking up with the view over the Adriatic Sea. The only downside is that you may need to climb stairs or take taxis, so consider this if you travel with heavy luggage.

If it is your first time in Dubrovnik and you only stay one or two nights, staying near the Old Town is the most practical choice. If you prefer peaceful views and do not mind some walking, the hill area can be very rewarding.

Top Things to Do in Dubrovnik

1. Walk Around Dubrovnik Old Town

The first thing you should do in Dubrovnik is simply walk around the Old Town.

Enter through one of the old gates, wander along the stone streets, and let yourself get lost a little. Dubrovnik’s Old Town is not very big, but every corner feels photogenic: narrow alleys, old staircases, stone houses, small churches, little restaurants, cats sleeping on windowsills, and laundry hanging between buildings.

The main street, Stradun, is the heart of the Old Town. It is wide, shiny, and beautiful, especially early in the morning when it is still quiet. Later in the day, it becomes much busier, so I recommend going early if you want peaceful photos.

For me, walking inside Dubrovnik felt like stepping into another world. It really has that “I am inside a movie” feeling.

2. Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls

Walking the city walls is probably the most iconic thing to do in Dubrovnik.

From the walls, you can see the red rooftops of the Old Town, the blue Adriatic Sea, hidden courtyards, churches, towers, and boats passing in the distance. It is one of the best ways to understand how impressive Dubrovnik’s fortress system really is.

The full walk around the walls usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how often you stop for photos. And trust me, you will stop a lot because the views are amazing from almost every angle.

My tip: go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. There is not much shade on the walls, so midday can be very hot and bright, especially in summer.

3. Visit Fort Lovrijenac

Fort Lovrijenac, also known as St. Lawrence Fortress, sits dramatically on a rock just outside the western wall of the Old Town. It is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Dubrovnik.

From here, you get an amazing view of the Old Town walls, the sea, and the small bay below. If you are a Game of Thrones fan, this place is even more exciting because Fort Lovrijenac was used as one of the filming locations connected to King’s Landing.

Even without the movie connection, it is worth visiting for the view alone. It also gives you a different perspective of Dubrovnik, especially when you look back at the massive city walls from outside.

4. Take the Cable Car to Mount Srđ

For the best panoramic view of Dubrovnik, take the cable car up to Mount Srđ.

From the top, you can see the entire Old Town surrounded by its walls, the Adriatic Sea, Lokrum Island, and the coastline stretching into the distance. It is especially beautiful around sunset, when the rooftops turn golden and the sea changes colour.

If you love photography, this is one of the best spots in Dubrovnik. You can also visit the viewpoint by car, taxi, or hiking trail if you do not want to take the cable car.

5. Join a Game of Thrones Walking Tour

Since I first knew Dubrovnik through Game of Thrones, seeing the filming locations was one of the most exciting parts of visiting.

Dubrovnik was used as King’s Landing in the series, and many places around the Old Town appeared in the show. Some popular filming spots include Pile Gate, Ploče Gate, Bokar Fortress, Minčeta Tower, Fort Lovrijenac, and the famous Jesuit Stairs.

You can join a guided tour if you want behind-the-scenes stories, or you can walk around by yourself and recognize the places from the show. Even if you are not a hardcore fan, it is still fun because these locations are also some of the most scenic corners of Dubrovnik.

6. Visit the Jesuit Stairs

The Jesuit Stairs are one of the most famous staircases in Dubrovnik, partly because of their appearance in Game of Thrones.

But even outside the show, the stairs are beautiful. They lead up to a quiet square and create a very classic Dubrovnik view with stone steps, old buildings, and a dramatic sense of height.

It can get busy during the day, so come early if you want a cleaner photo. This is also a nice place to stop while wandering around the Old Town.

7. Explore the Old Port

Dubrovnik’s Old Port is one of my favourite places to slow down.

After walking through the crowded Old Town streets, coming out to the port feels refreshing. You can watch boats going to Lokrum Island, see the city walls from another angle, and enjoy the contrast between the stone fortress and the blue sea.

It is a lovely place for photos, especially in the morning or late afternoon. You can also start boat trips from here, including short trips to nearby islands.

8. Take a Short Trip to Lokrum Island

If you have more than one day in Dubrovnik, consider visiting Lokrum Island. It is a small green island just off the coast, perfect for a half-day escape from the Old Town.

Lokrum is great for walking, relaxing, swimming, and enjoying nature. You can find peacocks, quiet paths, rocky swimming spots, gardens, and old monastery ruins. It also has Game of Thrones connections, so fans may enjoy visiting it even more.

The island is close to Dubrovnik, so it is very easy to include in your itinerary if the weather is good.

9. Look for Cats Around the Old Town

This may not be on every travel guide, but for me, it was one of the sweetest parts of Dubrovnik.

There are cats everywhere in the Old Town. Some sleep beside souvenir shops, some sit confidently on restaurant chairs, and some walk around like they own the city — which maybe they do.

As a cat lover, I found this so cute. It made the old stone city feel warmer and more alive. If you love cats too, keep your camera ready.

10. Visit Dubrovnik Cathedral and the Old Churches

Dubrovnik has many beautiful religious buildings hidden inside the Old Town. The Dubrovnik Cathedral, St. Blaise Church, and several monasteries are worth seeing while you walk around.

You do not need to plan too strictly. Part of the fun is discovering them naturally while wandering through the Old Town.

These churches and monasteries are part of what makes Dubrovnik feel so historically rich. They add to the elegant and timeless atmosphere of the city.

11. Watch Sunset Over the Adriatic Sea

Dubrovnik is very beautiful during the day, but sunset makes it even more magical.

You can watch sunset from Mount Srđ, from the city walls, from a seaside bar, or from a hill-view accommodation like I did. Seeing the sun go down over the Adriatic Sea is a perfect way to end the day.

If your hotel or apartment has a sea-view balcony, take some time to just sit there. Sometimes the simplest moments become the most memorable.

12. Go Sea Kayaking or Take a Boat Tour

If you visit during warmer months, sea kayaking around Dubrovnik is a popular activity. You can paddle along the city walls and see the fortress from the water.

Boat tours are also a great option, especially to Lokrum Island or the nearby Elaphiti Islands. This is a nice way to enjoy the coastline and escape the busy Old Town for a few hours.

If you love the sea, this is a great way to experience Dubrovnik from a different angle.

How Many Days Do You Need in Dubrovnik?

I think 2 days is a good amount of time for a first visit to Dubrovnik.

With one full day, you can explore the Old Town, walk the city walls, visit Fort Lovrijenac, and enjoy sunset. With two days, you can add Mount Srđ, Lokrum Island, a Game of Thrones tour, or some relaxed time by the sea.

If you want to do island trips, kayaking, beach time, and day trips nearby, then 3 days would be even better!

Suggested 2-Day Dubrovnik Itinerary

Day 1: Old Town and City Walls

Start your day by walking around the Old Town early in the morning before it gets too crowded. Explore Stradun, small alleys, churches, stairways, and hidden corners.

Then walk the Dubrovnik City Walls for the best views of the rooftops and the sea. After that, visit Fort Lovrijenac for another beautiful viewpoint.

In the afternoon, relax around the Old Port or join a Game of Thrones walking tour. End your day with sunset from Mount Srđ or from a sea-view spot.

Day 2: Lokrum Island and Viewpoints

On your second day, take a short boat trip to Lokrum Island if the weather is good. Spend a few hours walking, relaxing, and enjoying the sea.

After returning to Dubrovnik, spend more time exploring the Old Town slowly. Visit the Jesuit Stairs, Dubrovnik Cathedral, and any small streets you missed on the first day.

In the evening, enjoy dinner near the Old Town or simply sit somewhere with a sea view and enjoy the atmosphere.

Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?

Absolutely yes. For me, Dubrovnik is one of those places that feels even more impressive in real life than in photos. It is cinematic, romantic, historic, and very easy to fall in love with.

If you are planning a Croatia trip, I highly recommend 2 must-see places: Plitvice Lakes National Park and Dubrovnik. One gives you breathtaking nature, while the other gives you one of the most beautiful medieval coastal cities in Europe.

Learn more: How to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park from Zagreb

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