On my Croatia road trip, I met everyone who mentioned why Dubrovnik was such a special city but at the same time there were people who were already planning for ways to not stay in the Old Town for too long.

One of the best things about Dubrovnik are its walled cities and the old city gates with also plenty of day trips that you can do from here like Korcula or even hopping over to Montenegro.

It is a reason why it is a UNESCO world heritage site. The fortifications are impressive and then you have the Adriatic ocean and mountain views.

Ofcourse it is touristy but it is honestly not that bad if you’re strategic about the places you are about to visit.

You should spend atleast 2-4 days and from here and move on to other islands like Korcula to spend some time there, especially if you love nature. Here are my list of the best things to do in Dubrovnik Old Town Croatia.

Where To Stay in Dubrovnik?

Old Town (Night 1)

So what’s not to like about Old Town? This is a miedieval town with stone alleyways. In my opinion, worth one night for the experience but no cars, lots of stairs, and crowded by mid-morning. Banje and Šulić beaches are walkable and this is best for first-timers and history lovers.

My recommended stays: Ida Old Town Rooms (mid-range) or Live Laugh Love (mid-range)

Lapad (Nights 2–3)

Green, spacious, and well-connected: there’s even a a direct bus takes you to Old Town in 15 minutes. Coastal walking trails, a beach promenade called Lungo Mare, seaside cafes, and actual breathing room. Far enough from the tourist crush to feel like a completely different Dubrovnik. Best for families, groups, and anyone who wants beach access with less crowds.

My recommended stays: Dubrovnik Luxury Residence - L’orangerie (Luxury) or Dubrovnik Spectrum rooms (mid-budget)

Pile (Short Stays)

Right outside the western city gate but two minutes from the walls. Cars and Ubers can reach you, fewer stairs than Old Town, easy bus access. A solid middle ground for those who want the historic feel without being completely swallowed by crowds.

My recommended stays: The Byron (luxury) or Shanti Dubrovnik (mid-range)

Also read my deep dive on where to stay: Where To Stay In Dubrovnik, Croatia? The Snazziest Places To Stay Near Beaches!

Day Trips Worth Taking

a view of kotor in montenegro - on a day trip from dubrovnik

Here are three of the best day trips from Dubrovnik also let you tick off a new country & you get to visit an awesome island!

Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

I highly recommend checking out Mostar if you have time. The iconic Stari Most bridge, Ottoman bazaars, mosques, churches, and some of the best food in the region. You can book a day trip here.

Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

The Bay of Kotor is worth a visit but the bus can be very long because of the border crossing and by the time you reach Kotor it can be exhausting so to break it up, the boat tour is also a nice way to see Kotor and the medieval town.

Korcula

You can take a catamaran from Dubrovnik to Korcula which takes around two hours (book it here). It is best to stay in Korcula for two nights instead of coming back to Dubrovnik and then end your trip in Split.

Practical Notes Before You Go

in dubrovnik old town on a hot sunny day during summertime

The stairs can be annoying: Old Town Dubrovnik is not a place for wheeled luggage or anyone who struggles with steps. If you’re staying inside the walls, pack light and take it seriously.

Budget at least 2-4 days: Two days is technically doable, but you’ll spend half of it queuing and the other half realising you missed things. Four days lets you do the walls, the viewpoint, the sea cave kayak tour, and the lazy morning on the beach.

Wear shoes in the sea. Rocky sea floors and sea urchins are a serious concern at Banje and other pebble beaches.

Things To Do in Old Town Dubrovnik

1. Walk the City Walls

a view from above when walking in dubrovnik

This is non-negotiable. Coming to Dubrovnik and skipping the city walls is quite a crime. The full loop runs about 2km around the Old Town and I love the views from here especially the fortresses, the sea, and those famous terracotta rooftops at every turn.

You could walk it alone, but the walls genuinely benefit from some context

This early morning guided tour or sunset tour is worth it! This is important as you get to understand the important defense forts of Minceta Tower, Bokar, Revelin Fortress and St. John Fort.

2. Hike (or Cable Car) Up Mount Srđ

For the best views of Old Town, you have to hike Mount Srđ. You can take the cable car for around 27 euros, drive up if you have a hire car (nerve-racking but doable), or hike the trail for free if you have good legs and don’t mind earning the view.

If you’re not sure-footed, and want someone to go with you then a guide is also an option.

You can also rent a car in Dubrovnik and go up here for a nice drive instead of doing the 45 minute hike.

On a clear day the views stretch across the entire coast and I think it was definitely one of my highlights in Dubrovnik.

3. Get Lost on a Walking Tour of the Old Town

All the alleyways, stairways, and hidden courtyards can be genuinely disorienting and sometimes I just wanted a bit more details about what I am looking at.

A walking tour early in your stay gives the whole place a frame. You’ll hear about the 1667 earthquake that reshaped the city, the centuries of Republic of Ragusa diplomacy, and the 1991–92 siege that damaged over two-thirds of Old Town’s buildings. Atleast there’s some context to what you are looking at!

Another cool tour that’s more Game of Thrones oriented is the one paired with Lokrum Island. This is a highly rated tour in Dubrovnik simply because the guide Bobby is hilarious and so engaging.

If you choose the Lokrum Island Option, you can stay there after the tour ends. The island is a gem and offers numerous opportunities for swimming, cliff jumping, hiking and also restaurants and bars.

4. Buža Bar — The Cliff Bar Cut Into the Walls

There’s a hole in the ancient city wall. Behind it: a bar built directly into the rock face above the Adriatic, with nothing between you and the open sea. This is Buža Bar, and it is one of the most “secret spots” in Dubrovnik.

You have to come here late afternoon in your swimsuit, have a drink, sit on the rocks and do nothing.

One warning: There’s a bigger jump that regulars will casually point you toward once you’ve done the main one. Take your time. It’s higher than it looks.

5. The Franciscan Monastery & Its Ancient Pharmacy

There is more ancient things you should do if you want to learn more about Dubrovnik and how it so unique.

The Franciscan Monastery on Stradun houses one of the oldest continuously operating pharmacies in the world, dating back to 1317.

The pharmacy still operates today and sells handmade creams, oils, and beauty products made from traditional recipes such as lavender, rose, and local botanicals.

They make genuinely lovely souvenirs and gifts that you should check out. The monastery’s Gothic cloister is beautiful too, one of the few things in Old Town that survived the 1667 earthquake!

6. Sunset Kayak Tour Around the Walls

kayaking in dubrovnik — you must do this

You need to do this sunset kayak tour with wine. You don’t even need to know how to kayak and just seeing the sunset was such a special experience!

A sunset kayak tour typically takes you through sea caves, past the rock formations below Buža Bar, and along the full southern face of the city.

It is a proper workoutas you’ll cover more distance than you expect but I loved the vibes and it felt like a nice touch to see Dubrovnik this way.

7. Climb Fort Lovrijenac

Fort Lovrijenac sits just outside the western city walls, perched dramatically on a 37-metre cliff above the sea.

It’s most famous mainly because for its appearances in Game of Thrones, but the fort has a genuinely fascinating history as the republic’s most important defensive fortification. The inscription above the gate reads: “Freedom is not to be sold for all the gold in the world” which is pretty powerful thing to read!

The views of the sloping city walls from up here are some of the best anywhere. Try to visit on the same day you walk the city walls, as tickets are connected.

8. Banje Beach

I can’t do Dubrovnik without visiting a beach, and if you stay here in Banje it is perfect.

Banje is Dubrovnik’s most iconic beach set just east of the Old Town walls with amazing views of all the fortifications rising from the sea.

It’s busiest in the middle of the day during summer. It is much better to go for a swim in the morning or late afternoon session all before the cruise ship crowds come in.

9. Stradun at Dawn (or After Dark)

So night time and morning time is really where you should soak in Dubrovnik’s main promenade aka Stradun, or Placa.

The marble underfoot has this mirror-like sheen and the baroque facades are floodlit at night.

Do yourself a favour and set an alarm. The early morning walk before the crowds arrive is one of the best free things you can do in Dubrovnik.

Also read my other Croatia posts:

Where To Stay In Dubrovnik, Croatia? The Snazziest Places To Stay Near Beaches!

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