Top 7 things to do in Dubrovnik

Have you just set foot in Dubrovnik and are looking for monuments, squares and places to visit? Don’t worry, Navaway will explain everything in detail. Every year, Croatia attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world, and Dubrovnik is no exception. Bordered by the Adriatic Sea, this little corner of paradise in Dalmatia is full of unusual places, monuments and squares to explore and learn more about its history and cultural heritage. Are you ready for a little tour, dear friends?

What to do in Dubrovnik

1. Lovrijenac Fortress

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Every city has its own symbol, generally reflecting its historical past. If you ever travel west of Dubrovnik, your eyes will inevitably be drawn to the great Lovrijenac Fortress. Perhaps it rings a bell? It’s no coincidence, as this gigantic structure was used as the setting for the famous Game Of Thrones series. Almost 40 metres above the azure sea, it’s a landscape worthy of an adventure film. The monument was built in the early 11th century to protect the city from the Venetian threat. This defensive bastion, or watchtower if you prefer, is just a few metres from the Porte-Pile, and is open every day from 8am to 6.30pm.

2. The Rector’s Palace

Category: €€/Cultural/Insolite

Description: Behind its Gothic architecture lies the Dubrovnik History Museum. Here you will find paintings, portraits and sculptures from the 13th century, the period during which the palace was built. Although today it has become an artistic place to visit, in the past it inspired fear and fascination among its inhabitants. It was here that all the armoury and arsenal for battle was stored, and it also served as a prison and a courtroom. It was also this immense palace that was home to Dubrovnik’s legendary vector during his time in office. You can visit the Rector’s Palace every day from 9am to 6pm, in “Pred Dvorom” street.

3. Stradun Street

Category: €€/Cultural/Sporting

Description: Yes, of course, it’s always interesting to discover historic monuments and buildings. But every now and then, it’s just as well to take a break and wander the streets with your family, on your bike, going shopping or sipping a drink on a shady terrace. Rue Stradun is one of Dubrovnik’s most popular tourist attractions. Every street in Dubrovnik leads to Stradun! It’s the city’s main thoroughfare and is regarded as its lungs, where you can almost hear the heartbeat of Dubrovnik pumping out one by one to the rhythm of the footsteps of passers-by. You’ve got plenty of time to explore every nook and cranny!

4. The Dominican Monastery

Category: €/Cultural

Description: This is one of Dubrovnik’s oldest monuments, whose construction took almost two centuries and was completed in the 14th century according to historians. Legend has it that Dominican monks settled in the city at the beginning of the 13th century, and set about building an imposing monastery. Anyone passing through these gates, with their distinctive Baroque and Gothic architecture, will be won over. It’s an electric place whose mysterious aura is enough to arouse a certain curiosity. Here you’ll find part of the city’s history: manuscripts, paintings and ancient religious sculptures. Just off the Pile Gate, it’s easy to get to every day from 9am to 5pm.

5. Sponza Palace

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Built in 1521, its exterior is reminiscent of the magnificent and majestic palaces of Venice. Its function? Under the Republic of Ragusa, it was seen as the “Mint, School and Customs House”. Today, it is a memorial to all those who lost their lives defending the city during the Croatian War of Independence. It is here that you will find all the historical remains of Dubrovnik. An important place that commands respect. The courtyard of the Palace sometimes hosts temporary exhibitions, and it is here that many weddings are celebrated, as well as concerts and other important events. At the end of Rue Stradun, you can explore the Sponza Palace from 8am to 6pm every day.

6. Visit the City Walls

Category: €€/Sporting/Insolite

Description: It’s best to start visiting the ramparts early in the morning, when the sun isn’t yet at its zenith. Built in the 10th century and modified a few centuries later, the walls can easily be up to 6 metres thick. Imposing, isn’t it? You can enjoy a panoramic view from ‘Mont Srdj’. Perfect if you visit the ramparts around 5.30pm to watch the sun set peacefully. You can count on at least 2 kilometres of walking, which is accessible to everyone, and makes an excellent walk with family or friends to learn more about the mythical city of Dubrovnik, whose ramparts served as a defence against potential danger, particularly from neighbouring armies.

7. The Island of Lokrum

Category: €€/Insolite/Sporty

Description: Nicknamed “Croatia’s green island”, this little jewel with its rich flora and fauna is a top destination by boat for all tourists arriving in Dubrovnik. Situated just 600 metres from the coastline, it’s an utterly charming spot with a heavenly feel that’s sure to win over young and old alike. Overlooking a perfect sea, you can learn more about the exotic plants that sit proudly on this land. As the island of Lokrum is fairly close to the coast, the more adventurous and sporty among you will enjoy accessing it by kayak. Peacefully rocked and guided by the waves. You’ll be able to explore the island’s caves and coves!