Dubrovnik is a world-renowned tourist destination located on Croatia’s southern Adriatic coast, celebrated for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
Dubrovnik City Walls
The Dubrovnik city walls are the most prominent and recognizable feature of the city. In almost every photo of Dubrovnik, whether taken from a distance or above, the walls are the first thing you notice. Once built to protect the city from invaders, they now attract tourists from all over the world. Notably, they were used as a filming location for the famous TV series Game of Thrones. Walking along the walls offers spectacular views, making it a great spot for taking memorable photos. Tickets are required to enter, but if you have a valid EYCA card (available through the Croatian Youth Hostel Association), you can get a 75% discount during the tourist season or free entry off-season.
Stradun
Stradun is Dubrovnik’s most famous street and the heart of the old town. It’s the central point of orientation for anyone exploring the city. Landmarks like Orlando's Column, Pile Gate, and the Church of St. Blaise are all located on or around Stradun. It's the perfect place to sit down with a coffee and watch both tourists and locals, although locals are often outnumbered. If you’re on a budget, you may want to have your coffee in one of the side streets, where prices are lower, as Stradun’s cafés are among the most expensive in Croatia.
Fort Lovrijenac
Known as the "Gibraltar of Dubrovnik," Fort Lovrijenac stands atop a massive cliff overlooking the city. The fort hosts various theatrical performances, including Shakespeare’s Hamlet. It is also a popular wedding venue due to its breathtaking setting. Many scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed here, adding to its allure for fans of the show.
Rector's Palace
The Rector, who held the highest position in the Dubrovnik Republic, served for only one month to prevent any single person from accumulating too much power. Today, you can visit the Rector's Palace, which houses the Cultural History Museum. Some Game of Thrones scenes were also filmed inside the palace.
Dubrovnik Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Dubrovnik's most famous church is renowned for its collection of Renaissance art, including works by Titian and Palma il Vecchio. Art enthusiasts and those interested in sacred art will find this cathedral a must-visit destination.
Franciscan Monastery and the "Drunken Stone"
The Franciscan Monastery is located on Stradun, but the true treasure lies behind its walls—a beautiful garden and one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, still in operation. Here, you can purchase fragrant creams and rosewater made using 200-year-old recipes, making for an authentic and unique souvenir. However, the real tourist favorite, especially for younger visitors, is the "Drunken Stone"—a grotesque mask on the monastery wall. According to legend, standing on this stone could bring good luck in love, adding a fun challenge to your visit.
Cable Car
While many people associate cable cars with Zagreb, Dubrovnik also boasts its own, which was originally built in 1969 but destroyed during the Croatian War of Independence. Thankfully, it was rebuilt in 2010, and today it offers the best panoramic view of Dubrovnik from above. The cable car station is an 8–12 minute walk from Pile Gate or Ploče Gate, or a 6–9 minute walk from Stradun via Buža Gate.
Excursions: Šipan, Lopud, and Koločep
The Elaphiti Islands, a stunning archipelago located off the coast of Dubrovnik, consist of 13 islands, three of which are inhabited—Šipan, Lopud, and Koločep. These islands are popular for day trips due to their beaches and picturesque views of Dubrovnik. Koločep, also known as Kalamota, is a lush, green island with ancient pine forests, olive groves, and beautiful beaches. Lopud is the most tourist-developed island, historically known as the island of sea captains. Šipan, the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, is a peaceful escape with scenic bays, though it is less developed than the other two, offering private accommodations instead of hotels.
