What to See and What to Do? 12 Essentials!

Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic, is one of most visited destinations in Croatia. Are you going to Croatia soon and wondering what you absolutely must see in Dubrovnik? Through this article, I take you to discover the secrets of the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. Here is 12 must-sees in Dubrovnik which should not be missed!

1. The city walls

These ramparts represent the image of postcard from Dubrovnik… They belong to the ancient fortified city of the city. Now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they were built from the 10th century. During your stay, it will be possible to tour it on foot. This activity (partly paid) will also allow you to discover superb views of the Adriatic Sea. However, if you visit Dubrovnik in summer, it will be preferable to visit its walls at the start of the day, when the crowds are not yet there.

2. The Stradun

The Stradun corresponds to the main street from the historic center of Dubrovnik. A long straight street which extends from one side to the other of the ramparts, following the traces of an ancient swamp. There you will find numerous shops and café terraces where you can take a break.

In addition, do not hesitate to branch off from this main alley to discover less touristy restaurants or little flowery streets particularly photogenic. The charm of Dubrovnik is far from limited to this street!

3. The Pile Gate and the Ploče Gate

To access the heart of the old town, you will find two imposing doors which are among the most unmissable historical buildings in Dubrovnik: the Ploče Gate and the Pile Gate.

On one side, the Pile Gate was built in 1537. At its summit you will find a sculpture of Saint-Blaise, the patron saint of the city.

On the other hand, the Ploče Gate is also the most recent. In fact, it was built forty years after the first. Built in the eastern part of the ramparts, it is overlooked by the fort of Revelin. It was originally accessed by a drawbridge which was replaced by a stone bridge. But the charm is no less present: you will have the impression of dive into the heart of the Middle Ages passing by these monuments.

4. Games of Thrones filming locations

If you have watched the series Games of Thrones, you will be happy to discover throughout your visit to Dubrovnik, places seen in the series. Indeed, the fortified city was chosen as a filming location to embody the capital of the Kingdom of the Seven Kingdoms.

The success of this series has also instilled a new appeal for the city. So, during your trip, you will find many shops dedicated to the series, but also guided tours on the theme of Games of Thrones. A good opportunity to learn more about the secrets of filming!

Among the most famous scenes from the series filmed in Dubrovnik, we find the famous “Cersei’s walk of shame” during season 5 which takes place on the steps of the Jesuit church, then along Stradun.

5. The Assumption Cathedral

This cathedral is the seat of the diocese of Dubrovnik and also one of the most emblematic monuments of the city. You will inevitably pass in front of this monument during your visit and it will not leave you indifferent… Located in the heart of the old town, it is declared UNESCO world heritage like the whole of this historic district.

Dubrovnik Cathedral was built on the ruins of an ancient cathedral, which collapsed after an earthquake. Its construction in a baroque style took place during the 18th century. According to legend, it is Richard the Lionheart who would have financed this reconstruction to thank the inhabitants of Dubrovnik for having saved his life, following his shipwreck on the island of Lokrum.

When entering the interior of Dubrovnik Cathedral, you can discover several paintings by Croatian, Italian or Flemish painters. Nevertheless, the most precious element of this cathedral is kept in one of the chapels.

Indeed, it is here that the remains of Saint Blaise, patron saint of Dubrovnik, are carefully preserved. Every year, on Saint-Blaise, February 3, a procession is organized in his honor. It is one of the most important events in the city. Bishops, ambassadors and representatives of civil authorities are present there.

6. The Rector’s Palace

The Rector's Palace is located directly opposite the Assumption Cathedral. Built in the 13th century, he witnessed many historical events. It is generally remembered thanks to its architecture with varied architectural influences (Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque) which recalls the Doge's Palace in Venice.

The Rector's Palace served as an armory, prison and seat of government. Indeed, the rector had an important role at the time of the Republic of Ragusa (former Dubrovnik). During his term of office, he had to devote himself fully to his function and could only leave the palace for professional reasons. So much so that at the entrance to the building, you can read the sentence: “obliti privatorum publica curate » which means “to forget one's own destiny to devote oneself to public affairs”.

Today and since the end of the 19th century, the Rector's palace hosts the Dubrovnik City History Museum. There are thousands of objects from the end of the 16th century to the end of the 19th century.

7. The monasteries of Dubrovnik

The city of Dubronik welcomes two monasteries. At the heart of the ramparts, you will first find the Dominican monastery. It is renowned for being an architectural gem. This monastery is open to visitors and hosts a library, as well as a museum.

On the other hand, a little further, you will find the Franciscan monastery which also hosts exhibitions and a museum. It is also an ideal walk to take in summer to enjoy the cool of its interior courtyard.

Few visitors think of pushing open the doors of its monasteries during their visit to Dubrovnik. However, they constitute places of great cultural richness, very pleasant to discover.

8. The Lovrijenac fortress

Located to the west of the walls of Dubrovnik, the Lovrijenac fortress was built at the top of a rocky outcrop 40 m high. This monument is a fundamental element of the city's coastal defense. It was built from the 11th century to protect the city from the Venetians.

You can obviously visit it and in particular its interior courtyard, its chapel and its cannons.

9. Mount Srd and its cable car

The heights of the city of Dubrovnik welcome the Mount Srd. This offers a magnificent view of the orange roofs of Dubrovnik and its ramparts. This is the opportunity to be amazed by the superb contrast with the azure blue of the Adriatic Sea.

To get an overview, know that it is possible to climb the summit of Mount Srd in a few minutes, thanks to a cable car which takes place to the north of the old town.

10. Lokrum Island

You can see this island from Dubrovnik. It is located just 600m from the coast.

The small island of Lokrum seems ideal for a stay in a natural setting. However, it is not inhabited, because she would be cursed. Indeed, legend has it that a French general decided one day to seize it. To do this, he decided to expel the monks who had taken up residence there. Thus, these monks would have gathered just before their departure to send a curse to the island of Lokrum. Anyone who came to live there would experience great misfortune.

Info or fake? In any case, all the people who subsequently lived there experienced strange deaths, financial failures or illnesses. Nowadays, you can visit this island for the day and guards go around it every evening to make sure that no one stays there to sleep.

If crossing the land of Lokrum scares you too much, know that you can approach it by sea. In fact, it is possible to book a kayak excursion for a few hours accompanied by a guide. This is a good way to unlock your secrets without risk.

11. Banje Beach

Located a stone's throw from Dubrovnik's Old Town, the beach at the Banje resort is a essential to discover during your trip. Indeed, in general, we also come to Croatia to discover its superb beaches and its islands (there are more than 1000 of them!). Banje Beach is a small stretch of sand and gravel that offers a good opportunity to recharge your batteries just a stone's throw from the historic center of Dubrovnik.

If you are traveling in high season to Dubrovnik, it will be best togo there early in the morning to take full advantage of it. However, if the entertainment doesn't scare you, know that this pretty sandy beach also hosts beach bars. It is therefore a place where nightlife is in full swing!

12. Lapad Bay

This bay is located on the other side of the ramparts, far from the hustle and bustle of the city center. It also hosts a few beaches, as well as hotel complexes. It's a ideal place to stay during your stay in Dubrovnik, because it remains close to the center, but often less expensive. Enough to reduce your travel budget in Croatia!

You will be able to discover a more peaceful atmosphere and green spaces like the Velika and Mala Petka park.

The city of Dubrovnik is a true jewel of Croatia. Every year, more than a million travelers rush to discover it! I hope this article has enabled you to note the must-see attractions of Dubrovnik not to be missed during your stay. This city steeped in history promises you great surprises…