Welcome to Dubrovnik! A must visit city for anyone traveling to Croatia, Dubrovnik is located in the southernmost part of the country on the Adriatic Sea. Dubrovnik’s history as an early republic and established trading port can be seen in the museums coastal influence still present today. The thick city walls of Dubrovnik have surrounded the inner Old Town for centuries and are truly an architectural wonder. Although many parts of Dubrovnik were destroyed or badly damaged during the Siege of Dubrovnik in the early 90s, it has rebuilt itself and flourished ever since as one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. The city itself is not that big, therefore one needs no more than a couple days to see everything the city has to offer. Here is my list of all the must visit sights you need to see!

Before jumping into the list, I want to mention the Dubrovnik Pass. I would highly recommend getting this pass which gives you access to many of the city’s main sights such as the City Walls, Rector’s Palace, Franciscan Monastery, Fort Lovrijenac, and more! There is a single-day, 3-day, or 7-day pass you can choose from. You can buy the pass online or at one of the tourism centers in town. The price of the one day pass is the same price if you were to just buy a ticket to the city walls, so it’s a no brainer! The pass also includes public transportation. 

Now let’s dive into all beautiful sights of Dubrovnik!

City Walls

If you only do one thing in Dubrovnik, it should be the city walls. Walking around the old city walls was my favorite thing because it gave you endless views of the inner Old Town and incredible views of the sea on the south side. There are three different points of entry onto the walls, one is near Pile Gate, another close to Ploce Gate, and the third being tucked in by the Church of St. Carmen (in fact the best view of this church is from the walls). Give yourself a couple hours to really enjoy everything the walls have to offer. When visiting during the summer months, I would recommend going as early in the morning as possible, as the crowds will be lesser and the temperatures slightly cooler.

Stradun

The Stradun is the main street inside the walled city of Dubrovnik. What is amazing about the Stradun is the marble-paved street. It is so shiny and smooth and unlike any main street I’ve ever seen. It’s so smooth that it’s actually a little slippery so be careful! The white marble Stradun leads to the famous Clock Tower in Luza Square. It’s nearly impossible to avoid walking along the Stradun which is why it can be very crowded. Especially during peak season, expect the Stradun to be packed with people and all the restaurants to be full to the brim.

Rector’s Palace

The Rector’s Palace is a beautiful Gothic and Baroque style building in the Old Town. The Rector’s Palace was built for the rector of Dubrovnik in the 15th century and functioned as a governmental office and public hall. Today, it is the home of a very good museum displaying art, furniture, and even elaborate iron chests in what used to be the dungeon of the palace. It is a beautiful, worthwhile stop in the old town. 

Franciscan Monastery

This 14th century Franciscan monastery feels like you’ve stepped into a different world. It is located right off the Stradun by the Pile Gate, and is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a quiet setting tucked away from the lively main street. The cloister is a little oasis with its inner courtyard full of lush greenery. Beautiful frescos line the walls of the covered promenades and you will find a centuries old library and pharmacy in the monastery as well.

Jesuit Stairs

The Jesuit Stairs are one of the most iconic sights in Dubrovnik (made even more famous by Game of Thrones). The stairs were built in a Baroque architectural style and are Dubrovnik’s  equivalent to Rome’s Spanish Steps. At the base of the staircase is a small plaza with a bustling market and at the top you will find the Church of Saint Ignatius. 

Dubrovnik Churches

You can’t go far in the old town without coming upon an impressive church or cathedral. All of these are free to go into and they are just as magnificent on the inside as they are on the outside. A few of the most famous that you should be sure to check out are the Church of St. Blaise, Church of St. Ignatius, the Franciscan Church, and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (pictured above). 

Old Port

The Old Port is located on the eastern side of the Old Town. You can walk all the way out to the Porporela Pier to watch the boats go by and even go swimming! Inside the Old Port you will find people fishing and many cats that enjoy taking naps on the fishing nets. It is from this port where ferries and private boats will dock, making it a happening place for the city.

West Harbor

The West Harbor is a lovely area to visit right outside the city walls. If you’re planning on doing any kayaking while visiting Dubrovnik, you are likely to leave from here. There are also several seaside restaurants in this area, and a picturesque viewpoint of Old Town. Along with this, the harbor is easily recognizable for any Game of Thrones fan as Blackwater Bay and the point of entry and exit from King’s Landing for many characters throughout the series.

Fort Lovrijenac

Across the West Harbor outside of the city walls sits Fort Lovrijenac seated high on top of a cliff offering stunning views of the sea and Old Town. The Fort has three levels, you will enter on the first which houses a space where they have started to do live theater. On the top levels you’ll see numerous cannons and the thick fortress walls, and of course spectacular views. To get to the fort it’s important to note that there are quite a few stairs that are quite steep, so be prepared for a little hike.

Lokrum Island

You could easily spend an entire day on Lokrum Island. A lot of locals will come to the island to escape the tourist crowds and enjoy the beautiful natural setting the island has to offer. It is the perfect place to go swimming, with numerous beaches and even a mini dead sea! There are beautiful walking paths all around the island, with peacocks around every corner. That’s right, peacocks! Be sure to check out the Benedictine Monastery, roam around the gardens, and sit on the real Iron Throne!

For the most idyllic day, I would recommend taking a picnic out to the island and enjoying it on one of the many green spaces or beaches. There are a couple snack bars on the island as well. To get to the island, take the Lokrum Island Ferry from the Old Port. You can buy tickets online or at their in-person kiosk near the port. Ferries leave every half hour from the Old Port and the ride is about 10 minutes. 

Dubrovnik quickly became one of my favorite destinations in Europe! I’m sure you can see why… Whether your interest lies in architecture, history, Game of Thrones or you are just a lucky traveller getting to visit the city, Dubrovnik will not disappoint. I hope this inspires you to add Dubrovnik to your bucket list. Happy Travels!