![\"\"](\"https:\/\/croatialovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/best-things-to-do-dubrovnik-visit.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nThis opinion is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.<\/p>\n\n Walking on Dubrovnik’s ramparts is perhaps the most iconic experience the city has to offer. These medieval fortifications, whose construction dates back to the 14th century, encircle the entire old town for almost 2km. From the top of the walls, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the orange-tiled roofs, the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding islands. The looping route allows you to observe the city from all angles, both on the seaside and inland. We recommend an early-morning visit to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the favorable light on the rooftops. Find out more in our dedicated article!<\/a><\/p>\n\n Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels<\/p>\n\n\n\n Old Town<\/strong> – Lapad and Babin Kuk<\/strong> – North Shore<\/strong> – Plo\u010de District<\/strong> – See our complete selection of the best hotels in Dubrovnik<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, Dubrovnik\u2019s Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow streets paved with white limestone, bustling squares, and Baroque facades that display remarkable architectural consistency. As you stroll through it, you\u2019ll discover Renaissance palaces, historic fountains such as the Great Onofrio Fountain dating from the 15th century, and a multitude of small chapels. We loved getting lost in the narrow streets that wind up the hillside, far from the hustle and bustle of the Stradun. The Old Town, which is entirely pedestrian-only, reveals a different side of itself at every hour: quiet in the morning, lively during the day, and atmospheric at dusk. For history buffs, a guided tour of the historic center<\/a> offers a chance to uncover all its secrets. We also invite you to read our dedicated article here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n See all our tips<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n The Rector’s Palace<\/a> is one of Dubrovnik’s most representative monuments of Gothic-Renaissance architecture. This palace was the seat of government of the Republic of Ragusa, and was home to the elected rector, whose term of office lasted only one month. We were fascinated by the loggia with its elaborate columns adorning the fa\u00e7ade and the sculpted details of the capitals. Inside, the building now houses Dubrovnik’s Cultural-Historical Museum, whose collections retrace the history and splendor of the Republic of Ragusa: period furniture, official portraits, weapons and ancient coins. A visit you won’t regret if you want to understand the history of this city-state that has preserved its independence for centuries. <\/p>\n\n All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in Croatia<\/strong> a success will soon<\/strong> be available in a single ebook!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Perched on a 37m-high rock to the west of the old town, Fort Lovrijenac is one of the most impressive fortresses on the Dalmatian coast. Built in the 11th century to defend the town against Venetian attempts to seize the bay, it bears the Latin inscription “Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro” – “Freedom cannot be sold for all the gold in the world”. Fans of the Game of Thrones series will recognize it immediately: the fort served as the setting for the Red Fortress of King’s Landing in several seasons. We were blown away by the 180\u00b0 view of the sea and ramparts from its terraces. Every year, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival organizes open-air theatrical performances. To explore the old town from the perspective of the series, a Game of Thrones guided tour<\/a> is a popular option. <\/p>\n\n The Blue Grotto, or Modra \u0161pilja, is a sea cave on the island of Bisevo. It owes its name to the luminous blue reflection produced by sunlight through an underwater opening. The phenomenon is best observed in the middle of the day on a clear day, when the light reflects off the white cave floor, bathing the interior in an unreal clarity. The cave is only accessible by small boat, which gives it a unique character. We recommend reserving your place in advance, as departures are early in the morning in high season. Several operators offer half-day or full-day tours combining several islands and caves from Dubrovnik, making the sea journey more profitable. <\/p>\n\n The Cathedral of the Assumption<\/a><\/strong>also known as Velika Gospa Cathedral, stands in the heart of the old town on the remains of a former Romanesque basilica. Built between the 17th and 18th centuries in Baroque style, the building houses a treasure trove of exceptional value. We were impressed by the richness of this collection: gold and silver reliquaries, altarpieces and the famous polyptych attributed to Titian. Among the treasure’s highlights is the reliquary of the skull of St. Blaise, the city’s patron saint, whose history is intimately linked to that of Dubrovnik. A must-see to understand the past of the Republic of Ragusa. <\/p>\n\n Dubrovnik is not a beach destination in the strict sense, but the city does have several accessible swimming spots that are well worth a visit. Banje Beach<\/strong>, just outside the Plo\u010de Gate, is the most popular: it offers a direct view of the ramparts and the island of Lokrum, with particularly clear water. Bellevue Beach<\/strong>, nestled at the foot of the cliffs to the west of the old town, is quieter and also offers a beautiful view of the fortifications from the sea. We also enjoyed the landscaped rocks of Plage Bu\u017ea, accessible via a passage cut into the seaward ramparts. The wilder Sveti Jakov Beach, a 20-minute walk from the old town, offers a more authentic setting. Note that most of Dubrovnik’s beaches are pebbled. <\/p>\n\n A few nautical miles northwest of Dubrovnik, the Elaphiti Archipelago consists of thirteen islands, only three of which are inhabited: Kolo\u010dep, Lopud, and \u0160ipan. This boat tour is a wonderful way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the old town and discover a wild coastline, secluded coves, and villages with deserted alleyways. We were charmed by the tranquility of Lopud, whose sandy beaches\u2014a rarity in Dalmatia\u2014offer a welcome contrast to the pebbles that are ubiquitous along the Croatian coast. You can explore the archipelago by scheduled ferry or on an organized tour departing from the port of Dubrovnik, with stops on several islands in a single day. We find this to be one of the best ways to unwind between two busy days in Dubrovnik. <\/p>\n\n Just 600 meters off the coast of the Old Town, Lokrum Island is a natural haven designated as a nature reserve, accessible in about ten minutes by shuttle boats that depart regularly from the Old Town harbor. Covered in lush vegetation\u2014pine trees, centuries-old olive trees, and rare Mediterranean plants\u2014it is also home to a botanical garden founded in the 19th century by Archduke Maximilian of Austria. We were charmed by the peacocks that roam freely among the ruins of the Benedictine monastery and the visitors, without a hint of shyness. An inland lagoon offers a chance to swim in calm, uncrowded waters. The island is also well-known to *Game of Thrones* fans: the Throne Room of Qarth was filmed there. The island is the perfect nature retreat, just a stone\u2019s throw from the hustle and bustle of the Old City. <\/p>\n\n1. Walking the ramparts<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Ramparts](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Patrimoine\/Remparts-Dubrovnik\/i-DjR6PD2\/0\/NW3N2FKqqCbHjLBgdmPcxfmmtLBcsNRVzcC4WTgpn\/L\/IMG_7990-L.jpg\")
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![\"Dubrovnik](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Patrimoine\/Remparts-Dubrovnik\/i-kQ6RwGQ\/0\/NJB2DLB5vJBdn2BbCHm8xJgZ8GNNhhNgkG5qctG7L\/L\/IMG_8014-L.jpg\")
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WHERE TO STAY IN Dubrovknik<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n![\"Hotel](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Hôtels\/Hôtel-Ninon\/i-4z9Jjhk\/0\/KfnKmgwTPzP9WF8bCVHGBTvthfSwfTjNHFJcSXRhr\/S\/IMG_7435-S.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n2. Stroll through the narrow streets of the old town<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Dubrovnik](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Best\/i-ZpPLHDP\/0\/MzkShFbr4jBvC5R9jF6L7tfbTzr8P9zPgk2CgFBBK\/L\/IMG_7968-L.jpg\")
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![\"Old](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Best\/i-WHNg22V\/0\/NW37ZHJQC9DVwmDNVnj4fnXxWtQxTnmXwsQK9T2Xq\/L\/IMG_5020-L.jpg\")
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OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT \nCroatia<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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![\"car](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Paklenica\/Rando-entrée-1\/i-Tzg4V6J\/0\/KXmXjZbtGwDbJrgcqktnpnrkcSSch3cnNBDJHcqWg\/S\/paklenica%20parc%20enter%201%20and%20hike-004-S.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ArrowRight.webp\")
<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n3. Visit the Rector’s Palace<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Dubrovnik](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Musées\/Palais-du-Recteur\/i-WTdC4QZ\/0\/MFP7RPNCZ5M82djzqSSH72TSzQ5CMNHMRgGpBjP3D\/L\/palais-recteur-dubrovnik-02-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy visit?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Dubrovnik](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Musées\/Palais-du-Recteur\/i-xws7Nxp\/0\/KQzdrfxTxwjt8CPNmFrx5qSxSQ5ptC3ZbBMP6nTc9\/L\/palais-recteur-dubrovnik-20-L.jpg\")
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A LITTLE MORE patience<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Box](\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ebooks_CorseNormandie_FR.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n4. Discover Fort Lovrijenac (the Game of Thrones fortress)<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Fort](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Patrimoine\/Remparts-Dubrovnik\/i-ZGmKQ83\/0\/KVbjLsKWxrMb3p2k2PvvVD3C28mCdBGM5L9FvKbqx\/L\/IMG_4754-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy visit?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Fort](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Patrimoine\/Remparts-Dubrovnik\/i-grm6TKw\/0\/LpRrBSqK2xR3XhXdfKDQCcNGdgcq2RJP9sXhLHWKW\/L\/IMG_4778-L.jpg\")
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5. Discover the Grotte Bleue<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Best\/i-zXNGz4B\/0\/K9Lxq9bMC2m9tcJmZhJqT36FQ6S8vCSdSF8n7bHhr\/L\/IMG_4259-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy visit?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Best\/i-rphxdKn\/0\/KtdJ4BXdztdpT9GPZmFQSkHkXNF4n7VKG99prRBrW\/L\/dubrovnik-ulysse-cave-L.jpg\")
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6. Admire the treasures of Assumption Cathedral<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Dubrovnik](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Patrimoine\/Cathédrale-de-Dubrovnik\/i-MhC9LT5\/0\/MxfZBZhz5VMVjrHb442Q4VCcCx9kRP4ZtQ3HV9fzZ\/L\/cathedrale-dubrovnik-15-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy visit?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Dubrovnik](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Patrimoine\/Cathédrale-de-Dubrovnik\/i-dswz3mD\/0\/LVfnvncgtNFhbqmtHs6m3VmggQNhN6cmj8whD7Tpz\/L\/cathedrale-dubrovnik-10-L.jpg\")
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ACTIVITIES IN Dubrovnik<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Kayaking](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Lokrum\/i-7dGC69d\/0\/Lw3BTx5fNqf2928c7Vk3mqxkQ68D673t49Qd4FMcq\/S\/IMG_4667-S.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n7. Enjoy the beaches: Bellevue, Banje and other spots<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Beaches](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Nature\/Plage-Banje\/i-tJmqjxV\/0\/MrR9Fmc2QjwZ3rWsXR84BSqcxx79pLJXPvFPKPTfh\/L\/IMG_4355-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy visit?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Beaches](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Nature\/Plage-Bellevue\/i-Cbh73Mc\/0\/MmFtzcwFxq98HT7QWXDFC9cgkccw2LbrZjPrhkKQb\/L\/plage-bellevue-dubrovnik-05-L.jpg\")
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8. Escape to the three Elaphite islands by boat<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Elaphite](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Best\/i-jQT3Mfv\/0\/KRLvF2cPSd9vbB8cpBh3qMFpqRNmDtr7tv39bdZkC\/L\/dubrovnik-elaphiti-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy visit?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Elaphite](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Best\/i-2ZwpDgW\/0\/KjSk4QFQqjHZjQ6GN4JL4Qf8wTR2hshxK5XLHkFvK\/L\/IMG_3973-L.jpg\")
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DISCOVER Dubrovnik<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Dubrovnik\"](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Best\/i-ZpPLHDP\/0\/Kq3fM6kjPnkNQhKMjpwZ645bpH3J3kkSDQg4ztHJB\/S\/IMG_7968-S.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n9. Explore the garden island of Lokrum<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Lokrum](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Lokrum\/i-2xHDdS5\/0\/LX5358t7rbwWSv8SnngG2PhT3qd5RJ6GQ3MM3HS7c\/L\/IMG_4626-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy visit?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Lokrum](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Dubrovnik\/Lokrum\/i-pxXg9kz\/0\/MKPqfCGNZKkrH9SrBzRpzDLp9wjn4dK39qDzVTTjV\/L\/IMG_4641-L.jpg\")
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