*PR: Experience was gifted by Jet2Holidays

Sian Victoria © - Dubrovnik Old Town City Walls

Sightseeing & Tourist attractions in Dubrovnik

Referred to by many as one of Europe's most beautiful countries, Croatia is a tourist hotspot. Known for its idyllic beaches and paradisal tropical weather, it's no wonder that it's a popular holiday choice.

When planning a visit to the country, why not visit the most popular place to travel to in Croatia, Dubrovnik. With a rich history to discover, crystal clear waters to swim in and delectable local cuisine to try, there's an endless supply of exciting things to see and do in this beautiful city.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the sensational medieval architecture stretching across the city in Dubrovnik's Old Town makes this place an incredible spot to explore for history lovers. Or, if discovering the roots of the city doesn't take your fancy, you can go on an adventure around the city searching for the filming locations of the hit show Game of Thrones, filmed in Dubrovnik. Or go on a thrilling experience riding an off-road buggy high up in the mountains with scenic views of Lokrum and the Dalmatian Islands. You’ll be spoilt for choice with attractions in Dubrovnik.

Read below to discover my guide to visiting Croatia to ensure you experience the best of this beautiful city. I visited in October of 2019 courtesy of Jet2Holidays while staying at the luxury One Suite Hotel located in Srebreno Village just a 15-minute bus ride from the Old Town.

1. Sensational view out to sea from atop the Old Town Medieval City Walls

Sian Victoria © - Views from Dubrovnik Old Town City Walls

Sian Victoria © - Dubrovnik Old Town City Walls Port View

Sian Victoria © - Dubrovnik Old Town City Walls View of Lokrum

Sian Victoria © - Dubrovnik Old Town City Walls Views

Perhaps what Dubrovnik is most known for is its incredible medieval architecture. Surrounding the gorgeous Old Town, The City Walls tell historical tales of Dubrovnik, with building work stretching back to the 7th century, and the structure consisting of looming towers and bastions.

A trip to Dubrovnik is not complete without walking the walls. It takes around 2 hours to make your way around the winding city walls – but, as you'll likely be stopping for photos every couple of steps you take, you might want to account for a bit more time. The City Walls boast breath-taking coastal views that are worthy of filling up your phone’s memory since the sensational view can't be seen anywhere else.

As the city’s main tourist attraction, walking the Dubrovnik City Walls is a must. If you fancy discovering more about the history of the city, you can purchase guided tours to learn about how the walls protected against invaders and attacks coming from the sea in the 14th century.

2. Stroll along the famous Stradun – a limestone walkway paved with picturesque shops & cafes

Sian Victoria © - Stradun, Dubrovnik Old Town

The main street in the city, Stradun, is essentially the go-to promenade of Dubrovnik. Stretching from The Pile Gate, the entrance to the Old Town and to the Old Town port on the east side of the city. The Stradun is always buzzing with activity. Stroll along the 300-metre street and come across a whole host of quaint little cafes, enticing restaurants, souvenir shops and museums.

Another point of interest is the unique architectural style of the limestone-paved Stradun. As a result of a tragic earthquake in 1667 destroying the original buildings on the street that had been visited by locals since the 13th century, new laws meant buildings had to be reconstructed. Thus, all buildings on the Stradun appear identical, giving you an insight into the history of the city.

The Stradun is a tourist hot spot, it gets busy very quickly and you’re likely to see groups of cruise day-trippers everywhere. So, if you want to appreciate this historic landmark without crowds get there as early as you can in the morning.

3. Experience unbelievable Medieval architecture in Loggia Square

Sian Victoria © - Loggia Square, Dubrovnik Old Town

Right in the heart of the beautiful city, you'll come across Loggia Square. If you're a history lover, a visit to the square is a must as it is teeming with culture, fascinating architecture, and historical significance. Situated in the Old Town, the square is home to some of Dubrovnik's most iconic landmarks.

Notably, Orlando's Column, built by sculptor Antonia Ragusino in 1418 can be spotted just outside the beautiful Saint Blaise Cathedral and tells the story of a knight fighting for the safety of the Old Dubrovnik in Medieval times. If you're keen to learn more about the history of the city, the Church of St. Blaise is another must-see.

Dedicated to the patron Saint of the city, the Baroque church was built in the early 18th century and boasts a wide collection of art, as well as being a beautiful piece of Baroque architecture itself.

The sensational pieces of architecture don't stop there – also in the square, you'll come across a 15th-century clock tower and the Loggia of the Bells, which were used to alert residents of unrest, to name just a few. I'd recommend checking out Loggia Square to discover just some of the fascinating history of Dubrovnik.

4. Spot the locations and re-enact scenes from Game of Thrones

Sian Victoria © - Coastal view of Lokrum, Dubrovnik

Sian Victoria © - Dubrovnik Old Town City Wall

Sian Victoria © - Ancient staircase, Dubrovnik Old Town

Sian Victoria © - Stradun from Dubrovnik Old Town City Walls

Lovers of the screen, listen up. Dubrovnik has commonly been utilised as the filming location for the beloved drama show Game of Thrones since the show's inception. And, because of this, you'll be able to spot filming locations all across the city if you have a keen eye.

If you're a huge GoT fan, you might be interested in booking a Game of Thrones walking tour where you'll visit these locations and learn some fun facts about them, including the Lovrijenac Fort, the Pile Gate entrance to the Old Town and the Pile Harbour.

If you don’t fancy going on a guided tour, simply go exploring and see how many locations you can spot and re-enact a couple of scenes if you’re GoT obsessed like my best friend.

5. Ride the Dubrovnik Cable Car up to the City's peak and admire the views of Old Town

Sian Victoria © - Lokrum, Mount Srd Dubrovnik

Sian Victoria © - Views from Mount Srd Dubrovnik

Sian Victoria © - Cable Car, Mount Srd Dubrovnik

If you want to take in the unbelievable views of the city, the best thing to do is to hop onto a Dubrovnik cable car. Departing just outside the Old Town, the cable car takes you on a short journey right to the top of the Srđ Mountains, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views of the city and truly appreciate the beauty of Dubrovnik.

On top of the mountain, you can spot Fort Imperial, which was built in 1812 by the French and was used as a military building, but now is home to a museum revealing the history of the fortress and is worth a visit.

Have a bird's eye view of the sensational Old Town, the picturesque Adriatic Sea and even the Lokrum island – which you can hop on a ferry to. You can either take the cable car back down which is included in the price or walk. It takes just under an hour and allows you to bask in the beautiful environment of the city even more, so it's worth making the excursion and is certainly a lot less strenuous than walking up Srđ Mountain.

If you want to make sure you're going to get the best views possible of Dubrovnik from the peak of the mountain, getting there just as the sun is setting is sure to make some amazing pictures.

6. Enjoy breath-taking sights of the Adriatic Sea and Dalmatian islands from Mount Srđ

Sian Victoria © - Island views from Mount Srd Dubrovnik

Whether you decide to take the cable car, take a local bus, hire a car or walk popular hiking trails, the peak of Mount Srđ is an amazing spot to visit. Looking out to the beautiful Adriatic Sea, you'll be able to enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful Old Town of Dubrovnik. You'll also be able to spot the Dalmatian Islands just off the coast, which you can visit on a daily boat trip or cruise if you like.

When it comes to memorable sailing experiences, nothing beats the enchanting Split to Dubrovnik cruises. These cruises offer an excellent way to explore the stunning Dalmatian Coast in a relatively short timeframe, providing travellers with flexibility and convenience. Typically lasting seven days, these cruises include stops at various ports, including Split, Hvar, Korcula, and Dubrovnik. In addition to these captivating destinations, the cruises include features such as meals, activities, and transportation, making for a hassle-free and immersive experience.

A hike up to the top of the mountain would make for a great experience, especially with the beautiful views you'll be rewarded with when you arrive.

The mountain is part of the Dinaric Alps in Dalmatia, Croatia and has an elevation of 412 m. Regardless of if you want to sit up there peacefully and enjoy the sensational sights or experience an unforgettable adventure up in the mountains. It’s bound to be one of the many highlights of your holiday. It certainly was mine.

An experience that I had wish I’d known about so that I could have dressed appropriately for is an Off-Road Guided Buggy Tour up Mount Srđ and through the countryside and arboretum. Something that I have always wanted to do and will certainly be on my bucket list for next time.

If you would prefer to avoid public transport and reduce the amount of walking you’ll have to do, then booking car hire in Croatia is the best option for you to travel around Croatia on your terms and at the most convenient times for you, so you’re not waiting around for buses on holiday in the heat. Alternatively, it also means you can experience more scenic places, particularly hidden gems in Croatia that you otherwise may not be able to reach by public transport.

7. Sail to the lush green Island of Lokrum home to a botanical garden and 11th Century Benedictine Monastery

The Adriatic Sea is home to over 1000 islands, many of which can be reached by boat from Dubrovnik and are worth exploring if you get the chance. It only takes approximately 10 minutes to reach Lokrum island by boat, so it's no hassle to hop onto a ferry – boat rides to Lokrum island are approximately 200 HRK/26 EUR/£21.

From sensational natural scenery to amazing historical architecture, the Lokrum is worth a visit. On the island, you'll come across a botanical garden. Founded in 1959, the garden boasts an extensive variety of plant species, both native and imported, including palm trees and eucalyptuses. These gardens would be a perfect place to have a moment to relax and stroll around while taking in the beauty of your surroundings.

However, the main attraction of Lokrum are the ruins of the Benedictine Monastery – and with good reason. Originally built in the 11th century, the monastery was expanded upon throughout the years and is now an amazing example of historical architectural styles.

From Gothic-style Cloisters to the 12th and 13th-century Romanesque basilica, the Monastery tells a tale of the island's past. Even if you aren't a huge history buff, this monastery is a must-see.

8. Wonder the relics in The Dominican Monastery

Sian Victoria © - Dominican Monastery, Dubrovnik Old Town

Another example of the truly breathtaking historical architecture that Dubrovnik has to offer is the Dominican Monastery, located in the Old Town. Built in the 13th century, the monastery is a sensational piece of Gothic-Renaissance style architecture, boasting stained-glass windows, pointing arches and opulent décor inside the church - with the main attraction being an eye-catching golden crucifix.

Perhaps the most stunning part of the monastery is the 15th-century cloister, complete with columns, arches, and porches, as well as amazing sculptures and native plants dotted around the complex.

The sights to see at this monastery don't stop there, as you'll also come across a museum within the cloister, home to the cultural and artistic heritage of Dubrovnik. There's so much to see here, so you should pay a visit to truly appreciate what Dubrovnik has to offer.

9. Search for stolen dragons at Minceta Tower

Sian Victoria © - Minceta Tower, Dubrovnik Old Town

Featuring in both an important part of Dubrovnik's history and as a film location in Game of Thrones, the Minecta Tower is another must-see. Keen fans will recognise the tower as a major setting in episode 10 of season 2 of the show when Daenerys goes to search for her stolen dragons.

The tower can be found on one of the endings of the city walls, meaning you could plan to visit the tower after walking along the walls and taking in the sights of the city. Originally built in 1319 as a strong high-reaching fort, the tower was used as a defence system against invaders.

Utilising a new warfare technique, the looming tower was built and linked to low walls as a warning to enemies of the city's unconquerable qualities.

Today, the Minceta Tower and museum is an incredible insight into the history of Dubrovnik's Old Town and is worth a visit if you're holidaying in Croatia.

10. Enter the City Gates and admire the Fountain of Onofrio and St. Saviour Church

Sian Victoria © - Onofrio Fountain & St. Saviour Church, Dubrovnik

Sian Victoria © - Onofrio Fountain, Dubrovnik Old Town

Used as the main entrance to the Old Town, the 15th century Pile Gates give further insight into the rich history of Dubrovnik, with the fortified complex of the gates previously being home to a wooden drawbridge and a moat stretching around the city walls to keep out invaders. The looming gates were also used as a filming location in season 2 of Game of Thrones, as adoring fans of the show are sure to notice.

Enter through the regal gates into the heart of the Old Town, where you'll come across Onofrio's Fountains. Built in the 15th century, the fountain is one of Dubrovnik's most iconic landmarks for good reason. The sixteen-sided circular fountain will immediately catch your eye as you walk through the gates, and used to be a crucial water supply for the city – as you will see with the 16 water taps on the structure. The fountain is incredibly impressive and won't be hard to find.

After admiring the fountain, check out the 14th century St. Saviour Church, just behind the structure. Surviving the 1667 earthquake, you're fortunately still able to take in the beautiful Gothic-Renaissance style architecture of the church, with a cross-ribbed ceiling, pointed arches and plaques and sculptures on the façade. The church is an amazing example of historical architecture.

11. Grasp panoramic views from the historic fortress Fort Lovrijenac

Sian Victoria © - Fort Lovrijenac, Dubrovnik Old Town

Located on a 37-metre cliff just outside of the western wall of Dubrovnik, Fort Lovrijenac is simply breathtaking. Estimated to have been built around 1000 years ago, the thick walls of the fort defended against enemies, with 10 large canons decorating its exterior.

Throughout the centuries, the fort was used as a military base to defend the city of Dubrovnik and is now used as a theatre, where you can catch a performance of a Shakespeare play on historical grounds. It also features a frequent filming location in Game of Thrones.

The main reason for Lovrijenac's popularity is undoubtedly the views it offers. Overlooking the stunning Adriatic Sea, the fort offers panoramic views of the old town and the calming waters. It shouldn't be missed.

It’s here where you can watch or partake in a Pearl of the Adriatic adventure with a Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour to paddle past the medieval walls and visit an isolated beach cave along the coastline at sunset.

12. Dine with a view of Fort Bokar and Fort Lovrijenac

Sian Victoria © - Kayaking at Fort Bokar, Dubrovnik Old Town

Sian Victoria © - Fort Bokar, Dubrovnik Old Town

If you want to truly appreciate the sensational views of the numerous fortresses Dubrovnik has to offer, why not have dinner alfresco with a view?

On my unforgettable trip to Dubrovnik, I ate at the Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & café, where outside seating meant I could enjoy a bite to eat while overlooking Fort Bokar and Lovrijenac, as well as the beautiful waters of the Adriatic Sea – where you can spot people kayaking and enjoying water sport activities.

While the restaurant's main attraction was quite clearly the stunning views of Dubrovnik's most iconic landmarks, the Mediterranean-inspired menu was also deliciously tempting. The menu has an extensive range of authentic Croatian dishes that are truly delectable and should be appreciated when travelling to the city.

I ate a flavoursome authentic vegetarian pizza (with a side of French fries, of course) while I was there, and my experience was made even more special with the panoramic views I was able to enjoy. You’ll find many more restaurants nearby so visit whichever takes your fancy, we just couldn’t resist the views from this one and it looked like a popular choice of many other locals and tourists.

There are also food and drink tours in Dubrovnik to enjoy the flavours of local cuisine with an expert foodie who will take you to all the best food places for unique delicacies and hidden gems in the city.

13. Walk the Walls of Dubrovnik to Fort St. Margaret

Sian Victoria © - Fort St Margaret from Old Port, Dubrovnik

While strolling along the medieval city walls, you'll reach Fort St. Margaret. A three-minute walk from the Rector's Palace. Estimated to have been built in the 16th century, the Renaissance-style architecture of the building is simply beautiful and is worth taking a picture of.

While you're taking in the beauty of the fort, you can also appreciate the almost unbelievable views the fort offers, too. As well as providing panoramic views of the Old Town, you can also get a closer view of the island of Lokrum and the beautiful blue waters surrounding it from this scenic spot along the wall.

This spot is perhaps the most open of spaces along the wall too, so you can enjoy staying here for a while to take in the views. As on other sections of the wall, you feel that you need to hurry along to get out the way as during peak times in the high season it can get very busy. It’s here where you’ll find a place to enjoy food and drink too without having to leave the city walls.

14. Relax on the idyllic Srebreno Village beach

Sian Victoria © - Dubrovnik, Srebreno Village Beach

Although the city of Dubrovnik is filled with amazing historical architecture and iconic landmarks that are a must-see when you visit, there's also a variety of beaches for you to soak in the beautiful Croatian sun – in particular, the Srebreno Village Beach. Which is perhaps a lot less busy than the ones near the Old Town.

This partially sandy and pebbly beach can be reached via a 15-minute bus ride, departing from the old town, and stretches right along the coast. It's a perfect place for a spot of relaxation or a dip in the crystal-clear water after a busy day exploring the bustling city, where you can also take in gorgeous mountain views that turn a beautiful golden hue at sunset.

You'll also find a selection of quaint eateries if you fancy a bite to eat while walking along the beach, as well as a selection of water sports activities. There’s also a lovely lush green forested walk to discover past the row of restaurants too.

To conclude

So, there we go. Just a selection of some of the truly sensational things to see and do in the Old Town of Dubrovnik that I managed to squeeze into a 3-day press trip courtesy of Jet2 back in 2019.

Steeped in rich history, beautiful beaches and breath-taking views of the mountains and the Adriatic Sea, it's worth a visit when considering a holiday – you certainly won't be disappointed.

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14 Best Thing's to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia