Dubrovnik, Croatia Guide: The Best Beaches, Historic Sights, and Day Trips

Hardly any other town in the Mediterranean has the looks of Dubrovnik. Emerging from the blue sea in its walled glory, it’s as photogenic as it gets. The historic core here is a fascinating maze, the culinary scene is one-of-a-kind, the views are sublime, and you can never get enough of its timeless beauty. This UNESCO-protected gem is also a gateway to the South Dalmatian coast with stunning beaches, multiple Game of Thrones filming locations, historic treasures, laid-back islands, and pretty seaside towns.

No matter how many times I visit Dubrovnik, I am always astonished. I’ll guide you through all the important things to do in this fascinating Adriatic gem. Discover the best attractions, places to eat, and day trips to take in Dubrovnik. Also, you’ll find many insider tips that will help you plan a hassle-free holiday in one of Europe’s most visited towns. 

Dubrovnik has hot summers and humid, windy winters. Spring and autumn usually offer ideal conditions for exploring this beautiful Croatian destination. But choosing the best month to visit also depends on your personal preferences. 

June to August is the busiest time of the year in Dubrovnik. By busy, we mean congested City Walls, beaches full of people, packed narrow streets of the Old Town, lines for a cable car to Mount Srđ, and tourists everywhere. 

With the popularity of the Game of Thrones TV show (many scenes were shot in Dubrovnik), the visitor numbers to Dubrovnik skyrocketed. In summer, the tiny historic core (the town’s total population is only 41 thousand people) becomes the epicenter of action, and it’s quite hard to enjoy the experience surrounded by summer crowds. One huge advantage of visiting in high season is the weather—it’s sunny and the sea is warm. 

But the best time to visit Dubrovnik is the shoulder season. Come in late spring (late April to May) or early autumn (September and early October) for fewer crowds, great weather without heat, and more affordable accommodation prices. Spring and autumn see Dubrovnik calming down from the summer tourist craze, while remaining vibrant and spectacular. 

As for the beaches, September is the best month for all the water activities, as the sea is still warm, but there are fewer people on the stretches. Late spring is also pleasant, but the water will be colder. 

There are different ways people experience Dubrovnik. The town is among the most popular day trips in Croatia. It’s also the obligatory stop on Adriatic cruises. Short-term visitors usually only explore the walled Old Town. But there’s more to this Croatian UNESCO-protected jewel. Venture outside of the city walls to find the more relaxed neighborhoods, such as Lapad, Pile, and Ploče. Here’s where to go:

Best for sights and restaurants

Most visitors come here. The Old Town is that picture-perfect red-rooftopped historic core, encircled by the mighty fortifications. This neighborhood has the biggest concentration of sights, with such must-visit stunners as the City Walls, Stradun Street, Pile Gate, and Jesuit Stairs. It’s also where you find all the restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and nightlife establishments. In other words, the Old Town is Dubrovnik’s beating heart. 

Best for upscale accommodation and beaches

Starting behind the massive Ploče Gate on the eastern side of the Old Town, this neighborhood is the Dubrovnik Riviera. It’s home to luxury getaways, such as the five-star Hotel Excelsior, Villa Orsula, and Villa Argentina. There’s also one of the most scenic beaches in Croatia: the pebbly Banje, overlooking the epic silhouette of the Old Town. 

Best for dramatic views and affordable apartments

Starting behind the western Pile Gate, this area will be familiar to fans of Game of Thrones. Magnificent Dubrovnik West Harbour with the 16th-century Fort Lovrijenac is located here—a filming site for the Red Keep in King’s Landing. Also, Pile is a great base for a quieter and more affordable stay in Dubrovnik. There are many vacation rental properties around the neighborhood, so stay outside the city walls with a quick link to all the action. Šulić and Danče beaches are perfect for a quick dip. 

Best for a quintessential Adriatic experience

Almost three miles away from the Old Town, Lapad is a neighborhood to experience the alternative side of Dubrovnik—that of a beautiful Adriatic seaside town. Occupying a peninsula in the town’s eastern part, it’s home to Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park (a hiking paradise), many beachside resorts, and some of the most stunning stretches of the Dubrovnik coast. Uvala Lapad Beach is the ultimate family getaway, while Bellevue Beach is an idyllic cove hidden between high limestone cliffs. 

Although tiny, Dubrovnik is filled with unforgettable experiences and killer Adriatic views. It may well be among the world’s most photogenic cities. You can spend days just wandering around the UNESCO-protected labyrinth of streets within the city walls. But then, there are also islands to sail to, mountains to conquer, and secret beaches to visit. Here are the top Dubrovnik attractions:

Stretching for one and a half miles around the Old Town, the City Walls are basically one long viewpoint. Making a full circuit gives you the best views over the rooftops, gorgeous sea, epic fortresses, and the Lopud island. Tickets can be purchased online. 

Stradun is the Old Town’s main artery, connecting Pile Gate and Ploče Gate. It’s also the heart of the city and the epicenter of the terrace lifestyle. Sipping a coffee with a view of the Baroque palaces is a must. Take a shot of the 15th-century Onofrio’s Large Fountain near Pile Gate, visit the ancient Franciscan Church and Monastery and marvel at the ornate Baroque interiors of Saint Blaise’s Church. 

Dubrovnik was once a mighty maritime city-republic, Ragusa, which ruled over a big part of South Dalmatia. Immerse yourself in the town’s colored history at the Rector’s Palace—a fascinating blend of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture with thematic halls devoted to Ragusa’s past. 

The best view is always from above, and the Dubrovnik Cable Car takes you high in the sky for truly breathtaking ones. The journey in a panoramic gondola is an attraction on its own. You’ll reach the Srđ mountain viewpoint, with a restaurant offering an amazing vista of the walled Old Town and the infinite blue sea. 

Rome has the Spanish Steps, and Dubrovnik has the Jesuit Stairs. A beautiful Baroque gem, it became an international sensation when Game of Thrones filmed Cersei Lannister’s walk of shame scene in Season 5. 

Nicknamed “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar” for its position atop the rock, the 13th-century Lovrijenac Fortress is a sight to behold. Dramatically overlooking the cliffs of the Western Harbor, it’s a museum and an outdoor theater with spectacular Adriatic views. Also, it’s the Red Keep from Game of Thrones.

A visit to Dubrovnik comes with an island escape bonus. Lokrum is a small, uninhabited piece of paradise 10 minutes away from the Old Town on a ferry. An alternative (and more scenic) way to visit is on a kayaking or paddling tour. Lokrum is home to the abandoned Benedictine Monastery, a magical botanical garden and several pristine beaches (one of them is nudist-friendly).

Dubrovnik is one of the most vibrant centers of Croatian cuisine in the country. The city is an ideal place to get introduced to the Adriatic diet. The seafood is king of the table, the ingredients are always fresh, and the olive oil ties every dish together. And don’t forget about the wines: Croatia has become a major player on the European winemaking scene. Here are the top dishes to have while in Dubrovnik, along with the best restaurant suggestions.

Rice and cuttlefish ink. This Dalmatian food sensation is simple but incredibly delicious. The Old Town streets of Dubrovnik are an ideal setting for trying this iconic dish. 

Where to try it: hidden in one of the alleys off Stradun, Restaurant Marco Polo serves the modern take on Croatian dishes, and black risotto is among the menu highlights. 

A land of a thousand islands, Croatia is known for its fish. Locals love it grilled. You should try the brancin (European seabass) and orada (gilt-head bream)—the two most popular ones. The fish dishes are served with blitva (sautéed Swiss chard with garlic) and cooked potatoes on the side. 

Where to try it: order a seafood platter at the atmospheric Lucin Kantun. 

Šporki makaruli (translated as “dirty macaroni”) is a flavorful dish originating from Dubrovnik. It’s usually prepared for the Festival of Saint Blaise (the town’s patron saint), but you can find it on the restaurant menus year-round. Basically, it’s a mouthwatering pasta with thick beef ragu—the ultimate Croatian comfort food. 

Where to try it: savor the dish on a gorgeous terrace of Restaurant Kopun in front of the Church of St. Ignatius. 

The Croatians take pride in their wines. The drink of the Gods always accompanies meals. With over 300 wine regions, it’s time to take the country seriously. 

Where to have it: D’vino Wine Bar is the top local establishment for trying various Croatian wines in a beautiful Old Town setting. 

In October, Dubrovnik organizes the Good Food Festival: a multi-day celebration of local cuisine, with culinary tours, chef presentations, special menus at the restaurants, and fairs selling local products. 

The first thing to know about the nightlife in Dubrovnik is that it’s not a party town. While you have several dance floors and many bars, the vibe after dusk is calmer than in, say, Zrće in Pag (aka Croatian Ibiza) or Hvar Town. Also, be aware of the prices—getting a drink in the Old Town would often cost you the same you’d pay in London, Paris or Amsterdam. Bars and pubs dominate the nightlife landscape. 

Previously mentioned D’vino Wine Bar and the craft beer temple Glam Bar (just opposite) are two cozy spots to start the night. The Bar is for top-notch cocktails. Karaka and The Gaffe are two cheerful Irish pubs with a nice atmosphere and live sports. Check out Banje Beach Restaurant Lounge & Club for romantic seaside sunset parties. Buža Bar, on the City Walls, is another sublime spot for sunset-watching and drinking. 

Located just outside Ploče Gate, Culture Club Revelin is ideal for clubbing and dancing until the morning in a medieval fortress setting. A nightlife scene newcomer, Elyx Night Club offers a fancier dance floor experience, complete with neon lights and VIP tables.

With thousands of protected buildings and a rich maritime history, exploring Dubrovnik feels like being in an open-air museum. The azure Adriatic Sea is an essential part of the experience. An independent city-state for over 400 years, Dubrovnik has a unique local culture. The best way to immerse yourself in the traditions is by attending one of the festivities. 

The Festivity of Saint Blaise (the patron of Dubrovnik) is the most important event of the year. It’s organized annually on February 3. The saint’s relics are carried through the Old Town in a big procession. It’s protected by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. 

Kicking off in July, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival brings a rich cultural program to the city. Open-air theater performances, classical music concerts, cinema nights under the stars, showcases of traditional linđo dancing—the agenda is packed. The festival continues until August 25. 

There’s also the Dubrovnik Winter Festival in December for experiencing the Advent magic on the streets of the UNESCO-protected Old Town.