12 Best Things to Do and See in Dubrovnik
Exploring Dubrovnik on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Dubrovnik, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Dubrovnik. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Dubrovnik City Walls
Dubrovnik’s city walls offer one of the most beautiful historic walks in Croatia. As you follow these fortifications around the Old Town, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the terracotta rooftops, the Adriatic Sea, and the nearby islands. The route also lets you admire towers, bastions, and remarkably well-preserved sections of the walls, while giving you a glimpse into the city’s defensive past. It is a must-see visit to understand Dubrovnik’s charm and identity.
2. Fort Lovrjenac
Dominating the Adriatic Sea to the west of Dubrovnik’s city walls, Lovrjenac Fort is one of the city’s most iconic historical sites. Perched on a rocky outcrop, this fortress offers a glimpse into the defensive architecture of the former Republic of Ragusa, with its thick walls, narrow stairways, and terraces opening onto spectacular views. A visit here reveals a place that is both military and heritage in character, now admired for its majestic atmosphere, views over the Old Town, and cultural significance.
3. Old Port of Dubrovnik
The Old Port of Dubrovnik is one of the most iconic places in the old town, on the Adriatic Sea. Discover a lively small harbor surrounded by city walls, stone quays, and historic buildings that reflect Dubrovnik’s maritime character. It is a popular starting point for waterfront walks and boat trips to nearby islands. The area also offers beautiful views of the fortifications and a lively atmosphere, with boats departing, cafés, and visitors passing through.
4. Pile Gate
Pile Gate is one of the most iconic entrances to Dubrovnik's Old Town. Arriving at this stone gate, visitors discover a passage steeped in the city's defensive identity, built into the western city walls. Its double-gate structure, with successive passages, reflects the role of control and protection it once served. The site is part of Dubrovnik's everyday historic landscape, between the Old Town and the edges of the fortifications.
5. Copacabana Beach
Copacabana Beach in Dubrovnik is a public beach loved for its pleasant coastal setting and views over the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. It offers a lively seaside atmosphere, with areas to relax in the sun, swim, or enjoy the sea with family or friends. Its shoreline often combines equipped areas with easy access to the water, making it a convenient spot for a refreshing break near the city. It is an ideal place to enjoy Croatia’s maritime atmosphere.
6. Dubrovnik Cathedral
Dubrovnik Cathedral is one of the most remarkable religious buildings in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, in Croatia. This Catholic church stands out for its harmonious architecture, elegant facade and peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the historic streets. Inside, visitors can discover a solemn place of worship, beautiful altars and a rich sacred decor that reflect the building’s spiritual role. A visit here makes for a pleasant addition to a walk through the historic center, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
7. Rectors’ Palace
Located in the heart of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, the Rector’s Palace is an iconic landmark that blends architectural elegance with local history. Former residence and seat of power of the Republic of Ragusa, it now houses a museum where visitors can explore historic rooms, art collections, period objects, and a refined atmosphere. Its inner courtyards, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque details, as well as its location on the main square, make it a must-see for understanding the city’s history and prestige.
8. Fortress Imperial
Fortress Imperial is an iconic fortress in Dubrovnik, perched on a hilltop with sweeping views over the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. A visit reveals powerful ramparts, preserved military spaces and a historic atmosphere shaped by the city's defensive role. The site also showcases the austere architecture of a strategic stronghold, while offering spectacular views of Dubrovnik's rooftops, the surrounding hills and the Croatian coastline.
9. Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park
Located in Dubrovnik, the Velika and Mala Petka forest park offers a pleasant nature escape close to the city. Visitors will find walking and hiking trails that pass through Mediterranean vegetation, pine forests, and wooded areas ideal for peace and quiet. The paths lead up to the heights of the Petka hills, where you can often enjoy beautiful views over Dubrovnik, the Adriatic Sea, and the nearby islands. It is a popular place to walk, run, or simply relax outdoors.
10. Walls of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s city walls surround the Old Town and offer one of the most impressive fortified complexes on the Adriatic coast. Walking along them reveals sweeping views over the terracotta rooftops, the sea and the nearby islands, as well as towers, bastions and gates that reflect the site’s defensive character. This walk also lets visitors admire Dubrovnik’s historic architecture from a unique perspective, blending urban heritage, spectacular views and a Mediterranean atmosphere. It is a must-see for understanding the city’s identity.
11. Onofrio’s Large Fountain
The Great Onofrio’s Fountain, located at the entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This monumental stone fountain attracts visitors with its circular design and numerous openings from which water flows, still drinkable today. It is both a refreshing stop, a popular meeting point, and a testament to Dubrovnik’s urban heritage. Its simple elegance and central location within the city walls make it a must-see stop on any walk through the historic center.
12. Red History Museum
The Red History Museum in Dubrovnik offers an immersion into the social and political history of the Yugoslav era, through everyday objects, reconstructions, and refined scenography. Located in Gruž, it reveals a different side of the city, centered on recent memory rather than the walls or the Old Town. Visitors discover a precise material world of furniture, household items, graphics, and cultural references that tell the story of life under a former regime. The museum provides a concrete look at an era that deeply shaped the region.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
