Walled coastal city on the Adriatic Sea. UNESCO World Heritage Site with historic Old Town. Popular cruise stop and filming location for Game of Thrones.
Dubrovnik captivates visitors with its limestone-paved streets, medieval walls, and Adriatic coastline. In this Croatian city, you can walk through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, climb the Minčeta Tower, and sail to Lokrum Island. You'll find Game of Thrones filming locations like the Jesuit Staircase, taste local dishes such as black risotto at cliffside restaurants, and explore the Franciscan Monastery with its ancient pharmacy.
Exploring Dubrovnik's Old Town
The heart of Dubrovnik lies within its 13th century walls. As you enter through Pile Gate, you'll step onto the gleaming limestone-paved Stradun, the main thoroughfare lined with shops and cafes. Meander down narrow side streets to find secluded courtyards, centuries-old churches, and bustling squares. The Rector's Palace, once the seat of government, and the Franciscan Monastery with one of Europe's oldest functioning pharmacies, are two key landmarks within the Old Town.
Walking the City Walls
The nearly 2 km circuit atop the city walls provides views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic. The walls reach up to 25 meters high in places, offering a bird's eye perspective of the terracotta rooftops and limestone buildings below. As you make your way around, you'll pass defensive towers and fortresses like the Minčeta Tower. Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and intense midday heat.
Game of Thrones Locations
Dubrovnik served as the setting for King's Landing in the HBO series Game of Thrones. You can take a themed tour to visit key filming locations like the Jesuit Staircase where Cersei began her walk of atonement. Fort Lovrijenac doubled as the Red Keep, while the island of Lokrum served as the city of Qarth. These tours often provide interesting historical context about Dubrovnik's past, even for those unfamiliar with the show.
Riding the Cable Car
The cable car takes you up 405 meters to a viewpoint on Mount Srd in just 4 minutes. From the top, you can see Dubrovnik, the Adriatic, and surrounding islands spread out below. The Homeland War Museum at the summit provides information about Dubrovnik's role in the Croatian War of Independence. Many visitors time their trip for sunset to see the Old Town in the fading daylight.
Beaches and Islands
Dubrovnik has several beaches and nearby islands to explore. Banje Beach sits just outside the city walls and faces the Old Town. For a quieter experience, take a short ferry ride to Lokrum Island. Here you can swim in sheltered coves, explore a Benedictine monastery, and visit a small Game of Thrones exhibition.
Savoring Local Cuisine
Dubrovnik's coastal location means seafood is a staple in local cuisine. Try black risotto colored with cuttlefish ink or grilled fish drizzled with olive oil. For dessert, try rožata, a local flan-like pudding. Many restaurants have cliff-side terraces overlooking the sea. Visit the morning market near the Old Port to see locals selling seasonal produce, olive oil, and dried figs.
Day Trips from Dubrovnik
From Dubrovnik, you can easily explore the surrounding region. Take a boat trip to the car-free Elaphiti Islands to experience a calm atmosphere. Visit the town of Ston, known for its extensive medieval walls and oyster farms. You can even cross international borders - Montenegro's Bay of Kotor and Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina are both within day trip distance.
When to Visit Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik gets busy in July and August when cruise ships dock daily. For a more relaxed experience, visit in the shoulder seasons of May-June or September-October. The weather is still warm enough for swimming, but you'll encounter fewer tourists. Winter brings cooler temperatures and some closed attractions, but also a quiet atmosphere and potential hotel deals.
