Things to do in 

Dubrovnik

Not every city has a soul like Dubrovnik; where ancient stone walls touch the sea and tales are caught in its narrow lanes. In your quest for things to do in Dubrovnik, you might find yourself wandering in the Old Town, drawn by the resonance of troubadour songs, clinking meals, or the serenity of the sun setting over the Adriatic Sea. It's a city where history and today walk hand in hand, offering an ever-changing palette of experiences and glimpses of a time that lives on within its walls.

Explore Dubrovnik off the beaten path

Skip the cruise rush and the main walls. With your private guide, slip into quiet corners and easy side trips where Dubrovnik slows down.

Cultural experiences:. On Sunday late morning, head to the village of Čilipi to watch folk dance on the square after mass, then browse stalls with Konavle silk and local honey. On a summer evening, catch the Linđo ensemble at Lazareti by Ploče Gate; the dancers whirl to the lijerica and you feel the city’s roots.

Small museums and galleries:. Drop into War Photo Limited in the Old Town for a focused hour with rotating exhibits; go mid-morning while it’s quiet. After lunch, ride or walk to the Red History Museum in Gruž, set in an old factory, to see how everyday life looked in Yugoslav times. Back by the walls, the Dulčić Masle Pulitika Gallery hosts small shows by Croatian artists and rarely feels busy.

Less crowded scenic viewpoints:. Walk to Park Orsula around golden hour for big views of Lokrum and the Old Town without the cable-car crowd. In the morning, hike the shaded Velika Petka trail above Lapad, or take the steps by Sveti Jakov church near sunset for a calm look back at the walls.

Shop for local products & souvenirs:. Be at the Gruž market around 8–10 am to taste olive oil, pick up dried figs and arancini (candied orange peel), and chat with fishmongers. Later, browse Life According to Kawa near Ploče Gate for Croatian coffee, hot sauces, and smart design you’ll actually use. For something lasting, stop at Clara Stones on Nalješkovićeva to see coral pieces being made and choose a simple pendant.

Popular neighbourhoods

The allure of Dubrovnik isn't just stowed away in its noble history, but it resides within its diverse neighbourhoods. To truly feel the city's unique pulse, let's journey through some of these charming neighborhoods.

Old Town: Delight in the perfectly preserved medieval walled city of Dubrovnik's Old Town. Walking along its narrow limestone streets, you encounter Gothic and Renaissance architecture, lively market squares, and quaint outdoor cafes.

Ploce: Appreciate stunning views across the Adriatic Sea from Ploce. This affluent area is known for its luxury villas, Banje Beach, and provides proximity to Dubrovnik's landmarks such as the City Walls and Fort Revelin.

Lapad: Enjoy a slower pace in the Lapad neighbourhood. Green peninsulas, secluded beaches, and pedestrianised streets with vibrant open-air cafes and shops define the mood in this area.

Lokrum Island: Catch a ferry to this forested island just off Dubrovnik. Lokrum Island is a nature reserve, inhabited by rabbits and peacocks. It's a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing dip in the Dead Sea lake.

Babin Kuk: Discover the modern side of Dubrovnik in Babin Kuk. As one of the city's newer districts, it is known for large resort hotels, green spaces, and the city's longest beach - Copacabana Beach.

Things to do in Dubrovnik by season

Spring: Stone lanes feel quieter, citrus trees scent hidden courtyards, and the city walls welcome unhurried walks. Sail to Lokrum for peacocks and pines, then return for seafood lunches and blue, clear views from Fort Lovrijenac.

Summer: Days run hot and bright, perfect for morning wall walks and afternoons at Lapad or Sveti Jakov beaches. Join sunset kayaks beneath the ramparts, then drift along the Stradun as street performers gather and families linger over gelato.

Fall: Sea temperatures stay warm, crowds thin, and day trips to Pelješac for wine and Ston for oysters become easy wins for food lovers. Hike coastal paths in golden light and time island ferries for relaxed swims.

Winter: A softer rhythm returns, with Advent stalls on the Stradun and clear days that suit seniors exploring museums. February centres on Saint Blaise, when banners, costumes and processions fill the Old Town.

Annual anchors include the Dubrovnik Summer Festival from July to August, with theatre and concerts in courtyards and on fort stages. The Feast of St Blaise each February and the autumn Good Food Festival add local flavour, while New Year fireworks turn the Old Town into a midnight stage.