Known as the “Jewel of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is located in southern Croatia, overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The ancient city was created for maritime trade, once rivaling Venice in the Middle Ages. It is famous for its distinguishing Old Town, surrounded by the world’s most majestic stone walls in the 16th century facing the brilliant blue Adriatic. Its well-conserved structures vary from Baroque-style churches to Renaissance-style palaces.
Tiled with limestone, the pedestrian Stradun (also known as Placa)—the primary boulevard through Old Town and a filming location for Star Wars Episode IX—is lined with restaurants and shops. It is a marvelous city with a magnificent Old Town, which was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
Dubrovnik was once a hub of Croatian culture, home to many well-known physicists, playwrights, poets, mathematicians, painters, and scholars. Having once been built by trade, it served centuries with continual threats to its territory from Venice and the Ottoman Empire. By the 19th century, the rich and famous came to realize how stunning this place was. George Bernard Shaw once remarked, “those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it.” Today, Dubrovnik is still considered an exclusive destination and one of the most breathtaking towns in the Mediterranean.
Old Town is pedestrian-only and draws a vast number of visitors every year. The dazzling architecture and attention-to-detail can be observed in its monasteries, churches, fountains, sculptures, and museums. Travelers can enjoy day trips to nearby towns of Perast and Kotor in Montenegro or Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can explore the Elaphiti Islands, the Konavle valley, the town of Cavtat, Ston and Peljesac Peninsula, and Korčula Island.
One of the main bucket list items in Dubrovnik is to walk the walls. The experience is breathtaking and takes around two hours to walk the whole circle around the city. Features include going up the Minceta Tower, which overlooks the Old Town. Don’t forget to bring your camera! The views are fantastic the entire way.
Outside of the fortified walls, travelers can enjoy fine seafood restaurants, wine cafes, and five-star hotels. The pebble beaches are perfect for kayaking, swimming, and scuba diving. In fact, these are the best beaches on the peninsula. You could explore the Lokrum islet and its botanical garden or the pine-covered forests of the Elaphiti Islands.
This ancient fortress deserves a look for at least two reasons. First, the view of Dubrovnik is simply lovely. Secondly, Game of Thrones was filmed here for King Joffrey’s name day.
Speaking of Game of Thrones, King’s Landing was filmed in Dubrovnik. If you are a fan of the show, you can visit the site of many filming locations. For example, Cersei did her walk of shame on St. Dominia Street. Pile Bay is Blackwater Bay, and Minceta Tower was where Daenerys reclaims her stolen dragons.
Can you imagine visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia without taking a trip to see the famous Minčeta Tower? The 11th-century tower is one of the best-preserved towers along the old city walls. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is carefully protected for future generations to enjoy. Visitors are encouraged to climb up to the top of the tower for spectacular views over Dubrovnik and its surrounding areas.
Every corner of this beautiful structure is well worth checking out. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, be sure not to miss St John’s Chapel, located within Minčeta Tower itself! This 12th-century chapel now offers worship services every Sunday at 10:00 am in Croatian. The nearby scan cloister holds even more surprises for visitors. You’ll want to be sure to stop by its lovely garden, which is home to lots of interesting trees and flowers that are absolutely stunning in the spring months.
A popular day trip is the short ferry trip to this island. Spend the day enjoying the gardens, swimming at the beach, or watching the peacocks and rabbits that call this island home.
It’s difficult not to enjoy the limestone streets, the neverending gleam of Adriatic, baroque churches, or just taking a stroll within the ancient city walls. Visit in the summer to watch the world-famous Dubrovnik Summer Festival, with dance, theatre, and music performances.
Can’t Miss: Walking the famous ramparts of the Old Town and taking the cable car up to Srd mountain for sweeping views of the city and the Adriatic Sea is a must-do when visiting Dubrovnik. Also, check out the vibrant markets in the Old Town, where you can find fresh produce, Croatian souvenirs, and local handicrafts.
Insider Tip: Head to the Buža Bar, Dubrovnik’s favorite “hole in the wall.” You can get there by following the steps that lead down from the Pile Gate or by walking along the old city walls to find it easily. You’ll enjoy a spectacular sunset but make sure you get there early to get a spot–it can get busy!
Restaurants: Visit Restaurant Dubrovnik for wonderful food and excellent service; you’ll be treated like royalty as you enjoy their delicious menu that offers seafood, pasta, and meat entrees. Proto is a great place for upscale seafood, while enjoying city views from the restaurant’s rooftop. Visit Taj Mahal for Bosnian Čevapi; this restaurant has outdoor seating and reservations are accepted.