The 12 things to do in Dubrovnik

Are you going to stay in Croatia or make a stopover? So don’t pass next to “The Pearl of the Adriatic”, go to Dubrovnik!

Croatia attracts travellers looking for breathtaking landscapes, as well as those looking for relaxation. And whether in the summer or in the winter, everyone finds his account. Natural reserves, beaches, lakes, mountains, waterfalls, fortified cities... everything is gathered to spend a pleasant stay. Located by the sea, with its beautiful historic old town, Dubrovnik is one of the most interesting places to visit in Dalmatia. Bordered by the Adriatic Sea, the city is full of cultural and historical monuments testifying to its millennium existence. Visiting Dubrovnik will not leave you indifferent to its poignant history, as to its breathtaking beauty.

Here are the 12 essentials to see or do in Dubrovnik!

1. The ramparts of the fortified city

No way to visit Dubrovnik without making the city walls. Built in the 10th century and modified in the 13th and 14th centuries, the walls, some of which make up to 6 meters thick, have secured a solid line of defense against the invaders. Imposing and unavoidable, they are today an obligatory passage for tourists. Ceinurant almost entirely the old city (except at the level of the port), the ride is almost 2 kilometers away. It is one of the few places in Europe where almost all the walls are still preserved.

To visit Dubrovnik by the ramparts, count 200kn (27€) for an adult and 150kn (20€) For a child. The walls are open all day between 8 and 7:30, However, we advise you to visit them as long as it is not too hot and there is little affluence. We have to count 2 good hours to go around without rushing.

2. The Fortress Lovrijenac

Located west of the ramparts, more than 37 metres above the water, the fortress, dating from the 11th century, protected the city. It is one of the monuments to be made in Dubrovnik. Vestige of a part of history, the chapel of Saint-Lovro is located in the inner courtyard as well as many canons. You must have seen these monuments in the success series Game of Thrones since the entire city serves as a decor in Port-Réal.

In terms of prices, entry is at 50 kn (7€), so accessible for all scholarships. Note that your ticket to the ramparts is valid for the fort which will save you a small sum. Plus, schedules are the same as the fortified city.

3. La Stradun

Visiting Dubrovnik without exploring the Stradun is unthinkable. The main tourist artery of the city by its shops, its cafes and restaurants, it is often crowded and even more in the summer. Note that Stradun stores offer low-quality souvenirs and often at excessive prices. To find a typical gift, don’t hesitate to explore the small streets in search of jewelers and craft shops.

By wandering through the streets of Dubrovnik, you will discover many shops, as well as some monuments like churches or fountains. Do not hesitate to take an ice at the turn of a street or by joining the port.

4. The Cathedral of the Assumption

To visit Dubrovnik, you have to make its cathedral. Built on the site of a 7th century basilica, the cathedral was enlarged in the 12th century, allegedly financed by a donation of King Richard the Heart of Lion saved from a shipwreck on the nearby island of Lokrum. Unfortunately, destroyed in 1667 by an earthquake, it will take a century to rebuild it. His baroque style, altars and paintings are part of his fame.

5. The Rector Palace (Knežev dvor)

Emblem of a former government, the Rector’s Palace illuminates by its Gothic style with some Renaissance touches. Today, the grand building houses a museum of cultural history and many relics of Dubrovnik’s political past. At the time of the visit you will find apartments decorated with portraits and a courtyard sheltering the bust of Miho Pracat , former rich merchant of the island of Lopud.

For this monument, open daily from 9am to 6pm in season, and from 9am to 4pm in winter, count 120 kn (16€) entrance for an adult and 25 kn (4€) for a reduced rate.

6. The Dominican monastery

Probably one of the most beautiful monuments to make in Dubrovnik, the Dominican monastery is part of the city walls. Famous for its courtyard and sacristy, the building also houses a museum and a library. Thus, at the turn of the monastery, you can admire the incredible collection of religious art and the numerous paintings of the 15th and 16th centuries. Don't miss the great crucifix painted by Paolo Veneziano.

The monastery is open 9am to 6pm from May to October and from 9am to 5pm the rest of the year. Admission is affordable since it costs only 30 kn (4€) for adults and is free for children under the age of 13.

7. The Franciscan monastery

Visiting Dubrovnik without making its religious monuments is a sacrilege. The fortified city houses the Franciscan monastery, located at the very beginning of the Stradun, on the left of the inner gate of the Pile, next to the church of the Saint-Sauveur. Perceivable from the ramparts, it contains one of the most valuable libraries in Croatia, as well as a centennial pharmacy.

The cloister of the Monastery Brothers Minor is one of the most beautiful places you can visit in Dubrovnik. As a must-see attraction of the city, the monastery welcomes various exhibitions as well as a museum.

Accessible 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. summer and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. In winter, you must count 30kn (5€) for an adult and 20kn (3€) For a student. Please note that access to the church is free of charge.

8. Mont Srđ and its fort

To have the best view of the entire city of Dubrovnik, its roofs in tiles, the Adriatic Sea, the island of Lokrum and those of the Elaphites, nothing is worth the view of the summit of Mount Srđ. In less than four minutes, the cable car from Dubrovnik transports you from the north of the city walls to Mount Srđ, for a fee 100 kunas(13€) the return trip. However, the latter rarely works because of the weather or work.

However, you can also climb to the top of the 405 metre mountain by foot through a trail. You just have to plan good walking shoes and a windbreaker for the top finish. Choose a day when the sky is clear to have beautiful colors under your eyes and to see far on the horizon.

At the top, you will be amazed by the view of Dubrovnik, but also on its neighbor: the Bosnia and Herzegovina . To rest a little before descending, don’t hesitate to visit the old imperial fort converted into a museum of war.

9. Lapad district

Lapad is known for its large number of hotel complexes, located on the coast. However, you will also find beautiful natural places such as the Forest Park Velika and Mala Petka and Lapad Bay. Visiting Dubrovnik by walking in the forest or along the coast is very pleasant.

For a relaxing moment, we recommend the beach of Copacabana where you can swim as well as enjoy the sun, or drink a glass on a terrace of a coffee.

10. Lokrum Island

Lokrum is one of the islands off Dubrovnik, about 600 metres from the coast. Peated with trees and therefore shaded, the beaches are clean and secure. Moreover, they are less populated than the few beaches of Dubrovnik, which is why you can find them reserved for nudists.

To get there:

• Take a boat from the old port and go explore this island.
• Going by kayaking, which will allow you to admire the landscape, but also to stop in creeks or caves inaccessible by pedal.

11. The Elaphites

You want to take a break in your visits to Dubrovnik? Take the sea, and visit the Elaphites Islands! Not far from the city, the archipelago stretches along the west coast of Dubrovnik and contains 14 beautiful islands, 3 of which are inhabited: Sipan, Lopud and Kolocep. You can go by boat easily from the port. Many tour operators offer cruises. With stops, you can swim in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic and admire a lush nature.

Prices of excursions vary between 20 and 100 euros depending on the time spent on board.

You can also decide rent a boat in Dubrovnik if you want to visit these islands with more tranquility. With or without a permit, with the help of a skipper or not, you will undoubtedly spend one of the most soothing afternoons of your stay!

12. Local gastronomy

How to visit Dubrovnik without tasting Dalmatian gastronomy? Forget the tourist restaurants with pictures on the menus and go to the small local restaurants where they serve fish and seafood like the tagliatelles in the ink of seiche or oysters. To accompany your meal, don’t hesitate to ask for a drink of Malvasia, a typical alcoholic grape juice from Dubrovnik.

You can find a meal for all scholarships in Dubrovnik! Indeed, if you prefer to eat fast and cheap, opt for cevapcicicis, a sort of Croatian grilled sausages.

How to get to Dubrovnik?

By plane from France

The aircraft is the fastest way to reach Dubrovnik. You can leave the largest cities in France like Paris, Lyon or Marseille. The journey is fast enough since, without a stopover, it lasts less than 3 hours. With a stopover you will find many other possibilities. Indeed, low-cost companies offer several opportunities to get to Dubrovnik. Do not hesitate to use the flight comparison Ulysses to choose the cheapest or best flight for your stay dates. Dubrovnik International Airport is located in Čilipi, 20 kilometres south of the city.

Join Dubrovnik from the airport

• Rent a car when you arrive at the airport thanks to Rentalcars.
• Take a shuttle: A shuttle bus connects Dubrovnik Airport to the city centre. Very economical, the ticket will only cost you 40 Croatian kunas, or 5,41€ and is probably the best solution to leave the quiet mind. It is possible to book tickets in advance on the Internet or to buy them on site. There, you can either take it upon arrival at the airport or at the bus station. For the journey time, count about 30 minutes.

Where to stay in Dubrovnik?

To visit Dubrovnik, the best is to sleep in the old town or around. If you rent an Airbnb, count up to 20 minutes of walking to fortified city. Remember that Dubrovnik is on the side and has many steps. The ideal is to be found between the Lapad district and the historic centre. For more services, you can stay in a hotel that will provide you with the desired comfort. The most famous are in the chic Lapad district. Whatever the neighborhood, don’t hesitate to check prices on a Compare hotels .