Things to do in Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik was historically known as the Republic of Ragusa, a maritime city-state that remained an independent republic for over 450 years until 1808.
- The city's Statute of 1272 included some of the earliest recorded urban planning and public health regulations in Europe.
- In 1416, the Republic of Ragusa became one of the first states in the world to officially abolish the slave trade.
- The city maintained its autonomy through complex diplomacy and a policy of paying annual tributes to the Ottoman Empire, allowing it to act as a neutral trade intermediary.
- Dubrovnik's iconic walls have never been successfully breached by a hostile army throughout their long history.
About Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a fortified Mediterranean city on the Adriatic coast, famously known for its intact 16th-century stone walls that encircle the historic Old Town. Visitors typically enter through the iconic Pile Gate to reach the city center, where the Onofrio's Large Fountain serves as a central landmark for exploring local architecture. The city's cultural heritage is anchored by sites like the Rector's Palace and the ornate Saint Blaise’s Church. Accessible by land or sea via the Porat Dubrovnik, the city serves as a primary hub for maritime travel in southern Dalmatia. Its strategic importance is reflected in high-altitude structures like the Fortress Imperial, which offers expansive views over the surrounding coastline.
Highlights of Dubrovnik
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
This detached fortress stands on a cliff 37 meters above the sea, serving as a historic defensive point for the city.
Historical places
This stone portal serves as the main western entry point into the historic walled city.
Temples
This cathedral houses a significant collection of gold and silver reliquaries dating back to the 11th century.
Museums
This building served as the seat of the Rector who governed the Republic of Ragusa and now acts as a cultural museum.
Historical places
Situated atop Mount Srđ, this location provides the most comprehensive panoramic view of the Adriatic coastline and city layout.
Places of interest
This landmark was built in the 15th century as a key part of the city's sophisticated water supply system.
Temples
This ornate church is dedicated to the city's patron saint and is a significant example of Baroque architecture.
Beaches and ponds
This pebbled beach offers a quieter swimming experience away from the central city harbor.
Top things to do in Dubrovnik
The 180 highest-rated places in Dubrovnik, ranked by travellers.
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Places of interest
Lovrjenac Fortress is a standalone fortification situated on a 37-meter-high cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea, separat...
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Temples
Hercegovačka Gračanica is a Serbian Orthodox monastery complex situated atop Crkvina Hill in Trebinje. It serves as a fa...
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Temples
Tvrdosh Monastery is a 15th-century Serbian Orthodox monastery located on the foundations of a 4th-century church in the...
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Places of interest
Porat, the historic Old Town port of Dubrovnik, serves as the maritime heart of the medieval city, framed by the 15th-ce...
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Amusement parks
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Beaches and ponds
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Parks
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Temples
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Beaches and ponds
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Temples
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Dubrovnik on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Dubrovnik
May to June or September to October, when the weather is mild and the intense summer crowds are reduced.
3 days, which allows sufficient time to tour the walls, explore the historic center, and take a cable car or boat excursion to nearby islands.
The historic Old Town is entirely pedestrianized, so walking is the primary way to get around; buses and taxis serve the areas outside the city walls.
Stay within the Old Town for immediate access to historical sites, or choose the Ploče district for proximity to beaches and coastal views.
Expensive, particularly during the peak summer tourist season.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 180 curated attractions in and around Dubrovnik, ranked by traveller ratings.
Tvrđava Lovrjenac / Lovrjenac Fortress is the highest-rated place to visit in Dubrovnik right now.
The largest category is temples, with 70 places to explore.
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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
