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The glorious city of Dubrovnik offers an abundance of exciting activities to get up to in the dreamiest of settings. Lying along the southerly shores of Croatia, it is one of the most enchanting walled cities in the world and well worthy of a place on your travel bucket list.
A highlight of the city has to be its Old Town, where you can meander along ancient cobbled streets with grand palace buildings on one side and exquisite eateries on the other. What’s more, you will be treated to angelic shorelines that offer the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
For anyone craving a trip to this wondrous city, we have collated a list of the best places to go in Dubrovnik so you have a tip-top guide of the best sights to see in this marvellous part of the world.
The mediaeval City Walls are certainly one of the best places to go in Dubrovnik. A must-visit for anyone in the area, these formidable fortifications played an important role in protecting the city from any and all attacks back in the day.
Upon entering the Old Town, you will pass through the Pile Gate, which is the main entrance to the City Walls and the place where you can buy a ticket. Wander along this enchanting historic UNESCO site, picking out while looking out for familiar spots from the iconic Game of Thrones series.
Pay special attention to St John Fortress on the southeastern side of the walls which you can go inside where you will find a little aquarium on the first floor before making your way upstairs to a maritime museum.
The best place to go in Dubrovnik for a world-class view over the city, take the cable car to the crest of Srd Hill Mount Srd. Perched 412 metres above the ground. You will be treated to a breathtaking vista over the historic monuments, walls and azure waters of the Adriatic sea.
Another great idea is to take the cable car just before dusk to see the sun set over the landscape and enjoy magnificent blends of colours taking over the sky.
While the journey itself lasts around 10 minutes, once there, you will be able to explore the stunning landscape which is even home to a 19th-century Imperial Fortress.
A spectacular 37-metre high defensive installation, Fort Lovrijenac, aka St Lawrence Fortress, lies upon a giant rock surrounded by Croatia’s turquoise waters. While it was originally constructed to protect the city, it now serves as one of the most popular and famous tourist attractions in the area.
Along with being simply stunning, Fort Lovrijenac boasts jaw-dropping views over terracotta roofs of the city and its turquoise waters. In recent years it has also drawn fame from playing host to the iconic King Joffrey battle scene in the Game of Thrones series.
Being such a stunning sight to see, Fort Lovrijenac is easily one of the most beautiful places to go in Dubrovnik.
Lokrum Island is a whimsical oasis just a 15-minute boat ride from Dubrovnik Harbour. With a fascinating past, this divine slice of paradise has been kicking about for over 1,000 years and is believed to have housed Richard the Lion-Heart when he got shipwrecked while returning from the crusades.
What’s more, 15th-century Benedictine monks also resided on the island until they were made to leave, to which they responded by cursing the landmass. Don’t worry, no one has reported any supernatural sightings on the island (yet)!
Instead, you will encounter an unspoilt paradise home to an array of wonderful creatures including peacocks and rabbits in what is one of the best places to go out in Dubrovnik.
Wander along the beautiful cobbled streets of Stradun, a 300-metre-long pedestrian street right in the heart of the Old Town.
Frequently referred to as Placa, the street is full of the buzzing hubbub of locals going about their day-to-day life and tourists on an adventure. Not just a pretty face, Stradun is one of the best places to eat in Dubrovnik, as it is brimming with fantastic eateries, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants.
Dating back to 1468, while dining on the street you will see that the history of the area is wrapped up in every limestone brick around you during your meal.
Expect to be surrounded by spectacular baroque architecture in the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury. Beyond the building, it is home to sensational art pieces.
Keep a special eye out for a triptych of the Ascension of Mary by the main altar. Dating back to 1550, this is one of the most fascinating pieces in the cathedral. Now onto the treasury.
You will find many significant relics lurking about in this section, the most stand-out of which is the 13th-century head, left and arm of St. Blaise who is the patron saint of the city. With such an outstanding collection of pieces to see, it has to be said that Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury is one of the best places to see in Dubrovnik.
The incredible architecture of the Franciscan Church and Monastery makes it another of the best places to visit in Dubrovnik. Although the complex dates back to the 1300s, a 17th-century earthquake damaged the church, rendering some sections in need of rebuilding.
As a consequence, the architecture represents a hybrid of baroque and gothic styles. It is also home to one of the most precious libraries in the country.
Feast your eyes on 21,000 rare book manuscripts before investigating the mediaeval pharmacy. Here you will find a plethora of ancient decorated jars and traditional measuring devices in a fascinating display of some of the country’s earliest forms of medicine.
While it is a well-known fact that Dubrovnik is blessed with dazzling shorelines, Banje Beach delivers a tropical paradise within walking distance from Ploče Gate. A fantastic array of amenities also lie on these gorgeous golden sands such as showers, sun loungers and deck chairs.
You will also be able to rent jet skis and inflatables if you’re partial to a watersport adventure. Along with being one of the best places to go in Dubrovnik, Croatia, it is also super easy to get to.
Choose between a 20-minute walk along idyllic tree-lined streets or a short bus ride. Either way, you will end up at this gorgeous beach which despite its reputation, rarely feels overcrowded or busy.
Lying along the ancient street of Stradun is Sponza Palace, a sensational Gothic and renaissance-style building going way back to the early 1500s. The rectangular-shaped building is home to the city’s archives having once served as the commercial heart of the city.
Certainly one of the most remarkable places to see in Dubrovnik, Sponza Palace was traditionally frequented by the Academy of the Learned, who would have rendezvoused here to discuss high-brow topics such as science, art and literature.
Despite its scholarly history, it costs a mere 25 kuna to explore this wonderful building that was once favoured by the city’s academic elites.
Dubrovnik is a stunning mediaeval metropolis in the gorgeous country of Croatia. Despite having made a name for itself on the world stage thanks to playing host to loads of the scenes of the famous HBO series, Game of Thrones, the accolades of this remarkable city extend far beyond its on-screen appearances.
From Lokrum Island, an unspoilt paradise of bunnies and peacocks just a mere stone’s throw away, to dramatic city walls that beautifully encircle the area, Dubrovnik is one of the most magical places to visit.
For more information about planning a holiday to Dubrovnik, why not read our guides on the best time to visit and the best things to do in the town?
If you’re planning a visit to Dubrovnik and are looking for somewhere to stay in the area, Vida Villas has a fantastic selection of accommodation to choose from. Browse our range here, or get in touch and talk to our team about what you’re looking for.
