Dubrovnik, a Southern gem along the lengthy coastline of Croatia, boasts a rich heritage vibe and timeless Baroque architecture. Over the past two years, this city, home to 40,000 residents, has improved its livability for both locals and tourists.
Known as the stand-in for “King’s Landing” in HBO’s Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik remains an inviting destination, despite its coastal geography. To soak up the sheer beauty of this historical coastal city, you need more than a brief visit.
Understanding when and where to explore can make your Dubrovnik experience truly vibrant.
In this article, I’ll be showing how to make the most of your trip to Dubrovnik on a two-day getaway. Here you’ll find a handy list of 14 best things to do in Dubrovnik that goes beyond just the “Games of Thrones” cliche.
Let’s dive right in!
Dubrovnik At A Glance
Dubrovnik is an ancient city which holds UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status. It once ruled Venice from the 15th to the 16th century under the Ottoman Turkish Empire’s protection after the city was declared as the capital city of the Republic of Ragusa.
Location-wise, it’s nestled on the eastern Adriatic coast in southern Croatia. This strategic location allowed it to enter a period of robust financial resources.
Today, evidence of such a thriving era remains in the shadow of Dubrovnik’s iconic city walls and fortresses.
However, the city’s fortunes took a downturn after World War II. Transitioning from a powerful city-state to a Yugoslav Republic member, Dubrovnik quickly endured the Croatian War of Independence.
After all those years, Dubrovnik has now become a cherished tourist destination.
Read More: A 2-Day Guide To Venice: Getting There & Best Places To Visit
14 Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik On A 2-Day Visit
Walk The City Walls
Undoubtedly one of the most talked-about destinations in all of Dubrovnik, the ancient city wall transports you back to the mid-15th century and remarkably survived the 1667 earthquake unscathed.
The lengthy city walls have a total of 1,080 steps and demand a decent fitness level to complete the hike.
Spanning two kilometers, Dubrovnik’s ancient granite wall boasts a stunning protective barrier along the coastline, encircling the so-called Old Quarter.
Believe it or not, the walls retain their original color up to now and have never been bleached. For that reason, Dubrovnik’s city walls are now recognized as a source of local pride and are celebrated as Europe’s grand fortifications.
The walk offers a unique view of the cityscape, showcasing monolithic buildings among red rooftops leading to the deep-blue Adriatic Sea.
Spare at least two hours if you’ve decided to tackle this hike. Rest your worries as you shall find refreshments along the way whenever your cores need to be pampered.
Once four, visitors are now allowed to access the walls through three major gates.
Pile Gate and Ploče Gate originate from medieval times while the Buza Gate was built in 1908 by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Out of those three entrances, the Pile Gate welcomes the biggest crowds.
Tickets can be bought at entrances or in advance on the Ancient City Wall official website.
- 250 Kunas for adults
- 100 Kunas for kids from 7 to 18
- Free of charge for babies under 7 (cash only).
Alternatively, those obtaining the Dubrovnik Pass will receive a free entry.
During peak season from July to September, the walls are scrambled with travelers. If you wanna ditch the crowds, get there early in the morning to avoid congestion and capture the best light for photos. Otherwise, save the walls for last and be there before 5 PM which is the closing time.
You can also consider purchasing the Early Bird Ticket for the Ancient City Wall in advance.
Check Out Pile Gate
Pile gate is an attraction on its own, opened for the first time in the 15th century. Back in the day, the gate was once connected to a wooden drawbridge to secure the walled city at night.
As the days go by, a stone bridge replaces the drawbridge, connecting the Gate with the Old Town. Walk along the bridge and you’ll soon traverse down the main promenade of the town called Stradun.
Throw A Stroll Along Stradun Street
Serving as the bloodline of the Old Quarter, Stradun is the central pedestrian street where you can take a scenic stroll and check out chic cafes, stores, and restaurants.
Travel Back In Time With A Trip To Fort Lovrijenac
History buffs assemble! Jot down Fort Lovrijenac for a ticket back to 1018 when the fort was erected atop a hill for the first time, acting as a defense against the Venetian flees.
Today, you can enter the fort after conquering a steep set of stairs to the entrance and take in its grandeur. The panoramic views of the city and the sea make this a top activity in Dubrovnik.
Admission to Fort Lovrijenac is covered by the Dubrovnik Card.
Snap Some Shots At The Onofrio’s Large Fountain
Get your camera ready once you walk past the ancient wall and leave the Pile Gate behind. Onofrio’s Large Fountain offers drinkable water. Grab the chance to refill your bottles!
Be Amazed At The Church of St. Salvation
This majestic holy shrine is renowned as an outstanding piece of art steeped in gorgeous Gothic architecture.
The building was erected after a destructive earthquake, featuring a monumental inscription above the entrance testifying to its history.
Visit the Franciscan Church and Monastery
Right next door, the Franciscan Church and Monastery teams up with the Church of St. Salvation to create beautiful historical clusters.
The monastery was built in 1317, playing host to Europe’s oldest operating pharmacy which is still functioning today (with modern prescriptions, of course).
Other than the pharmacy, you can also explore the monastery’s library housing over 20,000 books, a captivating church, and a serene courtyard.
Pop Into Sponza Palace
Though not downright gigantic, Sponza Palace is a strong testament encased in a rustic beauty. It’s recognized as one of Dubrovnik’s oldest structures, initially serving as a customs office and warehouse.
Marvel The Orlando Column Upclose
For over 600 years, the quirky Orlando Column has stood prominently in the heart of Dubrovnik. The unique stone column features a statue of Orlando who was a German medieval knight aiding the city against the Saracens in an 8th century combat.
At the knight’s feet rested the Ragusan cubit, a fabric trading standard measuring 51.2 centimeters, boasting the same length as Orlando’s right forearm.
Check Out The “Walk Of Shame” Of Jesuit Stairs
Famous for its “Walk of Shame” scene in Game of Thrones, Jesuit Stairs is a Pinterest-ready Baroque piece of art where fans assemble to reenact Cersei Lannister’s memorable walk.
The stairs eventually lead to Bošković Square where you can pay a visit to the impressive Jesuit church of St. Ignatius.
Wander The Maritime Museum
On any given sunny day, the Maritime Museum is packed with families and kids exploring this insightful collection of marine relics, model ships, and paintings.
Though not extensive, the museum spanning two floors provides a wonderful exploration of Dubrovnik’s prosperous maritime past. Many of these relics were donated by the citizens of Dubrovnik during the early 20th century.
Entrance is included for Dubrovnik Card holders.
Hideaway To Old Port Dubrovnik
Take a leisure stroll towards the eastern part of Dubrovnik to immerse in the quaint beauty of the Old Port.
From above, the port is enclosed by two breakwaters. One of them is called Porporela which faces St. John fortress, while the other one, Kaše, sits on a perpendicular boundary across the port bay.
Explore The Dominican Monastery
Not far away from the Old Port and Ploce Gate, the Dominican Monastery has been standing tall since it first came around in the 14th century.
Today, the monastery serves multiple functions beyond religious purposes, housing a wide array of cultural and historical pieces. From old paintings to artifacts and even jewelry, you’re guaranteed an interesting discovery of the city’s mighty past.
One of my favorite things to do here is embrace the serenity in the monastery’s courtyard garden. It’s a showstopper that’s steeped in a meditative charm, flooded with sunlight when the weather is pleasant and when spring is around the corner.
Ride The Dubrovnik Cable Car
Last but not least, the Dubrovnik cable car system allows you to survey the entire city in the air, eventually taking you to the peak of Srđ mountain to soak up the breathtaking panoramic views of the Old Quarter.
Each of the two carriages has a maximum capacity of 30 passengers, leaving every three minutes.
Tickets can be purchased directly on-site in either cash or EUR. No foreign currency is accepted. The book-direct fare is reportedly the cheapest option.
Dubrovnik Card: Is It Worth Buying?
Yes and no.
First-timers planning to cover as many attractions within one day, three days, and seven days will find it handy to keep the cost low.
Let’s take the one-day pass for instance. It covers nine attractions at the fee of 250 kunas plus intercity bus rides. If you don’t think you can cover this number of travels within the given window (i.e: “I’m gonna visit just one museum a day!”), then give it a pass.
Amongst the three options, the one and three-day passes are the most popular calls.
Buy your Dubrovnik Card online in advance to reap the discounts and exchange purchased tickets at the service center near Pile Gate. The card is automatically activated after you enter the first attraction.
Final Words: Montenegro – Best Place To Visit Near Dubrovnik
A three-hour car ride east of Dubrovnik takes you to Montenegro, a fine gem perched atop the Balkan Peninsula. If you’re planning to hit Montenegro next, check out this handy travel guide and discover the best things to do to unveil its azure.
Read More: A One-Day Travel Guide To Montenegro: Perast, Kotor, Budva Riviera