March 21, 2023

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Ever since Video games of Thrones (GOT) aired, Dubrovnik has been flooded with vacationers all desirous to gaze upon the city that was the enduring setting of the sequence.

However Dubrovnik was, and nonetheless is, far more than that. There are such a lot of issues to do in Dubrovnik, from swimming within the turquoise blue waters to mountaineering up mountains, it’s one of many high locations in Croatia for good motive.

boat sailing into harbor in Dubrovnik

Even when you’re not right here for GOT causes, a go to might go away you overwhelmed with the sheer variety of sights in Dubrovnik to select from. The previous city has sufficient historical past and sweetness to occupy anybody fortunately for a few days, however once you enterprise outdoors the town partitions, you’ll discover there’s much more enjoyable available.

For those who’re unsure what to do in Dubrovnik and also you want a little bit assist planning your journey, this information lists all the perfect Dubrovnik sights and issues to see and do!

Issues to Do in Dubrovnik

Beneath are my solutions for the highest issues to do in Dubrovnik. Many of those sights we visited as a part of our 2-week itinerary for Croatia in the summertime, and we’re so excited to share with you our high locations!

1. Stroll Alongside The Partitions of Dubrovnik

cliffs next to the water

The entire metropolis of Dubrovnik was enclosed with partitions within the thirteenth century, that had been prolonged up till the seventeenth century.

Contained in the Previous City you’ll discover the Placa Sq., the place you possibly can actually take within the structure in its grandest state. Look as much as see the fifteenth century clock tower and stroll by means of the winding streets lined with Renaissance buildings.

The perfect place to see all of it although, is on the high of the town partitions.

With quite a few additions and modifications all through their historical past, the partitions of Dubrovnik are amongst the best fortification techniques of the Center Ages, and one of many largest Dubrovnik sights.

The Massive fountain of Onofrio is one other necessary a part of the town’s medieval fortifications, because it was the unique water provide system that carried water from the Dubrovacka river.

girl walking along the city walls of dubrovnik old town

You may expertise the perfect of the Previous City and the Metropolis Partitions on a guided tour which lets you study concerning the historical past whereas taking in unimaginable panoramic views of Dubrovnik previous city.

To stroll on the town walks, take the doorway on the Stradun from the facet of Pile gate proper in entrance of the Onofrio’s fountain. Right here you should purchase tickets for the partitions.

Even beginning with excessive expectations, the views of the Adriatic Sea and the previous metropolis unfold beneath, takes your breath away, and it’s among the finest issues to do in Dubrovnik. Particularly at sundown.

The previous city on one facet, and the bay within the center with Revelin Fortress at one finish and Lokrum Island within the distance – it’s the proper view to finish the day.

Contained in the tower, you stumble upon gems like these, from the ‘home windows’ inside the thick partitions.

2. Take A Kayak Tour of Dubrovnik

dubrovnik kayaking

For those who stroll outdoors Pile gate, in direction of St. Lawrence Fortress and take the steps all the way down to the ocean, you’d see a number of colourful kayaks floating round.

There are at the least seven or eight corporations that run sea kayaking excursions round Dubrovnik, and we had been very pleased with our alternative of Adventure Dalmatia.

Journey Dalmatia affords excursions each within the morning and within the night, and the tour lasts for about 2.5 hours.

Exertion aside, this was one other among the finest issues to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia. It was an effective way to rise up shut and private with the Adriatic Sea, see the partitions from outdoors, see a number of the spots across the previous city together with the Lokrum island and get the adrenaline going.

The golden rays lit up the Lokrum island and made the ocean look dappled. The most important plus, although, got here from our guides Frank and Eric, who saved up a really attention-grabbing narrative of the city, the nation, and, after all, GOT.

dubrovnik canoeing in water

We first rowed in direction of the Lazareti – a sequence of interconnected buildings situated outdoors the previous metropolis harbour.

House in the present day to a wide range of native cultural teams, the Lazareti advanced was constructed as a quarantine facility, to guard the Republic towards ailments that ravaged Europe within the center ages.

Additional on, from a distance we noticed the now derelict and deserted Resort Belvedere – as soon as a luxurious lodge that was destroyed within the Croatian Struggle of Independence.

The fight battle scene between The Mountain and Oberyn in Season 4 of Sport of Thrones was filmed at Resort Belvedere. Frank talked about that it’s dwelling to greater than 100 cats; and you might be welcome to take any cat dwelling totally free!

High tip: Convey your individual sunscreen and digital camera for the kayak tour. Journey Dalmatia does give a small plastic jar that may preserve your digital camera and shades dry. There’s additionally a big dry-bag accessible with them, for all of your valuables.

person sea kayaking in dubrovnik

We took a half hour cease in a cove, the place many individuals from different tour teams had been cliff leaping, swimming, and snorkeling.

Too many individuals in that house for my liking, however the cease set us up effectively for the exhausting rowing wanted to circle round Lokrum island.

We took a short detour into one other cove, smelling to excessive heavens with maybe what was hen poop.

Frank supplied (jokingly) 1,000,000 {dollars} to anybody who might inform the group what the cove was used for.

All of us had been left gaping, when my 6-year previous, perched on the kayak between my husband and me, piped up, “For the fisherman to get safety throughout sea storms.” Gradual clap!

Regardless of the necessity to catch our breath, we couldn’t wait to get out of the smelly cove.

3. Go to the Franciscan Monastery

monastery in a sea of orange roofed buildings

The monastery’s strong stone partitions transport you immediately from the hustle and bustle on the Placa to the medieval instances. The structure of the monastery

Enclosed inside is a mid-14th-century cloister, a historic pharmacy and a small museum.

The cloister is likely one of the most lovely late-Romanesque buildings in Dalmatia.

Enjoyable truth, the Franciscan order arrived in Dubrovnik round 1234. The rule of the Franciscan order was to maintain the sick brethren. At this time the Friars Minor pharmacy is the third oldest functioning pharmacy in your entire world.

My daughter was very curious concerning the reveals within the pharmacy.

There are a number of weights and measures, of all sizes, the ceramic bottles with potions inside, some previous manuscripts with maybe recipes for making medicines.

No images contained in the pharmacy or the museum are allowed.

4. Hike Up the Srd Hill, Dubrovnik

aerial view of cable car going up hill with orange roofed homes surrounded by the old city walls

Mount Srd offers a singular view of the previous city and the encircling areas.

The highest of the hill could be reached by way of the Dubrovnik cable automotive (you may hike up the hill as effectively, there’s an unmarked path).

Don’t be in an excessive amount of of a panic to begin clicking your digital camera within the cable automotive, there are sufficient and higher alternatives for that from the panoramic terrace above, and from the Imperial fortress roof.

Dubrovnik’s metropolis partitions give strategy to reveal the picturesque Adriatic shoreline and its many islands.

After getting had your fill of the spectacular panoramas, go to the Imperial Fortress.

Napoleon Bonaparte was the primary to identify the defensive potential of Srd hill. He started development of Fort Imperial in 1806, quickly after Dubrovnik capitulated to French rule, and accomplished it in 1812.

The Austrians took possession of Dubrovnik in 1815 and set about increasing the fort. The fort fell into disuse till the assault on Dubrovnik in 1991.

A bit of the Fortress on the bottom ground hosts the museum of the Croatian Struggle for Independence. In response to the ticket-vendor there, it has round 500 showpieces from the interval 1991 to 1995.

We noticed many paperwork, pictures, weapons, explosives, components of navy gear, mine maps, battle log books.

The Fortress now hosts the exhibition – Dubrovnik in Homeland Struggle. It’s effectively price a go to.

There’s good video materials protecting the Homeland battle, and we might have favored to see the entire documentary, besides that within the center, the scenes had been inappropriate for my 6-year-old.

After the panoramic views, this museum does put you in a sombre temper.

5. Take pleasure in Dubrovnik Previous City With out Vacationers

To expertise Dubrovnik previous city when solely cats are afoot and rubbish collectors are busy cleansing the town, get up early.

There have been a few enthusiastic photographers once I went at about 6:30 am, however that was about it.

Dubrovnik Cathedral loomed over us as we rolled our suitcases to step out of the Ploce gate at 4.50 am, to catch the flight again dwelling.

I appeared again at this lovely previous city resting and realized that this was the hour to see all of it, with out the throngs of vacationers and the stillness of the air.

For those who can pull your self off the bed for dawn, you’ll discover this to be probably the most rewarding factor to do in Dubrovnik.

6. Soak within the Ambiance of the Energetic Cafes & Bars of Previous City

Previous city Dubrovnik is touristy and clichéd in components, however all the time entertaining, and one of many common issues to do in Dubrovnik at night time.

The night vibe within the full of life cafes and bars is completely pleasing. Once you go to Dubrovnik, do keep an evening within the previous city and let its allure wash over you.

Soup, spinach and (Bosnian) cheese stuffed pastry, and kebabs in scrumptious bread.

After two weeks, we had been up for attempting some Indian meals, even in Europe. We obtained right into a restaurant named ‘Taj Mahal’ and did a double take trying on the menu.

Taj Mahal restaurant, regardless of its identify, serves finger-licking Bosnian delicacies. If you would like a change from Dalmatian or Italian cooking, head right here.

One other memorable expertise was on the Troubadour jazz cafe, with nice music and good cocktails, excellent for a full of life night.

If you wish to linger on the Srd hill, eating at Panorama restaurant is an efficient choice. You can not beat this mixture of excellent meals with picturesque views of Dubrovnik, the Adriatic Sea and its islands.

Stradun is a superb place to take a seat in a café if people-watching is your factor. And Poklisar is an efficient spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner, the place you possibly can sit going through the port and watch the boats.

7. Examine Out Fort Lovrijenac (St Lawrence Fortress)

remains of Fort Lovrijenac  on the cliffs by the water

Fort Lovrijenac is situated on the western facet of Dubrovnik and is usually known as Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar due to its necessary position within the defence of Dubrovnik.

Standing at 37 metres tall, and a few partitions 12 meters thick, the fort is a large construction that has deemed impenetrable because the early eleventh century.

As you enter by means of the gate, take notes of the inscription above, Non Bene Professional Toto Libertas Venditur Auro, which interprets to ‘Freedom is to not be bought for all of the treasures on this planet’

Most just lately, a stage was added to the grounds of the fort, the place every year the Dubrovnik Summer time Competition hosts a efficiency.

8. Take a Day Journey to Kotor, Montenegro

view of kotor

Only a quick 1.5 hour automotive journey away from Dubrovnik is the city of Kotor in Montenegro. Kotor is a singular city in that it’s medieval previous city sits on the backside of a fjord-like panorama.

The previous city is fairly small and could be seen in a few hours, however it is best to make time to hike up the previous fort path to see unimaginable views of the panorama and previous city beneath.

A visit to Kotor is the final word day journey from Dubrovnik because it’s simple to see all of the highlights in a day.

9. Take a Day Journey to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

river running through vilage of mostar

One other day journey you would possibly take from Dubrovnik is to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is barely a 2 hour drive away. This is likely one of the finest hidden gems in Europe.

Mostar is a small medieval city situated on the Neretva River, which has been made well-known over time for its previous bride, Stari Most, which is a reconstructed medieval arched bridge.

Sometimes, you would possibly see some courageous cliff divers leaping from this bridge into the ocean waters beneath, however we wouldn’t suggest it when you’re not an expert.

The city itself is quaint and cute, with winding alleys and bustling market stalls and boutique outlets. Take the steps as much as the Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque for some unimaginable views over the town.

10. Go to the Sport of Thrones Filming Areas

Followers of GOT shouldn’t miss a Sport of Thrones tour, which takes you on a stroll round Kings touchdown, the setting within the common TV and ebook franchise.

The tour takes you to probably the most well-known places of Westeros’ in addition to share some behind-the-scenes secrets and techniques of its manufacturing.

Go to the Purple Hold and see the place Tyrion Lannister and Varys walked and see the place King Joffrey met a riot of residents and was famously pelted with dung.

11. Loosen up within the Botanical Backyard of Lokrum Island

golden sand beach with lokrum  island in the distsance

Guests to Dubrovnik in peak season (the summer season) will undoubtedly be in search of some stress-free issues to do to flee the lots of different vacationers.

If that’s the case, you’ll discover some peace and solitude on the Botanical Backyard, also called Lokrum Island. It doesn’t matter what time of 12 months you go to, you. can all the time anticipate fewer crowds right here, because it’s situated on an island a brief ferry journey from the town.

Based in 1959, the botanic gardens are dwelling to greater than 800 unique plant species, and several other historic monuments. Proof means that the grounds by which the backyard has been constructed date again to prehistoric instances, however solely the stays of thirteenth century castles could be seen within the gardens in the present day.

That is the proper place to loosen up and luxuriate in being in nature.

12. Examine Out Rector’s Palace

courtyard of rector's palace

The Rector’s Palace was as soon as the house of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa, and was additionally the seat of the Minor Council and state administration.

It was in-built a Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque model and was used to accommodate the town’s armoury, a watch home, and jail.

It was initially a protection constructing however was rebuilt in 1435 as a palace. It has been broken and repaired a number of instances over time resulting from earthquakes, altering its structure to mix a mix of kinds and influences.

At this time, it homes the Cultural Historical past Museum, which incorporates reveals showcasing greater than 150 years of historical past.

13. Go to the Cathedral and Treasury

Virgin Mary cathedral and Dubrovnik stone street architecture
Virgin Mary cathedral and Dubrovnik stone road structure

The cathedral is likely one of the most necessary buildings within the metropolis and is commonly often called the Assumption Cathedral of the Virgin Mary.

The constructing you see in the present day stands on the identical spot that the unique Sixth-century cathedral stood, however sadly that construction was destroyed by earthquakes.

The brand new(er) cathedral is a Baroque-style cathedral by a Roman architect, Andrea Buffalini, and has been stuffed with lovely work and artistic endeavors by Italian and Dalmatian artists, together with works by Raphael from the 1600s.

The Cathedral Treasury has many necessary relics and artifacts, together with a chunk of the cross on that Jesus was crucified on. There’s additionally, somewhat morbidly, the pinnacle, leg, and arm of Dubrovnik’s patron saint, St. Blaise.

Remaining Ideas on Issues to Do in Dubrovnik

So there you’ve gotten it, these are the perfect issues to do in Dubrovnik, and as you possibly can see, there’s a whole lot of wonderful websites and sights to see.

Dubrovnik is all the time busy with vacationers, however hopefully you’ve gotten realized now that there’s extra to see than simply Sport of Thrones filming places.

We hope this information helped you propose your journey to Dubrovnik and gave you some concepts for what so as to add to your to-do listing!

Excursions of Dubrovnik

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Best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Tips on what to see and do, where to eat and stay.