Dubrovnik attractions

Named after the patron saint and protector of Dubrovnik, the Church of St. Blaise (Crkva Sv. Vlaha) is one of the most beautiful—and locally beloved—buildings in Old Town. Venetian architect Marino Gropelli built the present-day baroque-style church in 1715, after the original was significantly damaged in the massive earthquake of 1667.

Discover one of the main attractions of Dubrovnik’s Old Town with a visit to the Bell Tower. Overlooking Luza Square, the stone tower is 102 feet (31 meters tall and dates back to the 15th century. It is near some of the city’s top architectural landmarks including Sponza Palace, Orlando’s Column, and St. Blaise Church. The bell is struck every hour, on the hour.

The Franciscan Church and Monastery is one of the few buildings in Dubrovnik that survived the devastating earthquake of 1667. Bordered by late-Romanesque arcades, the monastery’s inner courtyard provides a quiet reprieve from Dubrovnik’s bustling Old Town. The monastery houses a small religious museum as well as one of Europe’s oldest working pharmacies.

South of Dubrovnik between the Adriatic Sea and Sniježnica mountain, Konavle Valley is a pastoral dreamland dotted with vineyards, farms, and traditional hamlets. Though just a short drive from Dubrovnik Old Town, the valley feels a world away with its peaceful rural character and strong folkloric traditions.

Mljet Island is Croatia’s most lush, forested island in the Adriatic Sea. The western cape contains Mljet National Park, where pine forests and spectacular saltwater lakes offer incredible natural scenery. On the nearby tiny island of St. Mary, not far from the southern shore of Veliko Jezero, there is a Benedictine monastery and St. Mary’s church.

Begun in 1461 under the direction of Florentine architect Michelozzo, Fort Bokar (Tvrđava Bokar) was built to defend Pile Gate from assaults by land or sea. Along with the Old Town’s other forts, the cylindrical structure has become an iconic symbol of Dubrovnik, which keen-eyed travelers may recognize from HBO’sGame of Thrones.

The freestanding Revelin Fortress was built in 1463 to guard the Ploče Gate against invasion. After surviving the 1667 earthquake unscathed, the fortress became the headquarters of the Republic of Ragusa. Nowadays, its large stone terrace is used as a stage during the Summer Festival, and there are exhibits and a nightclub inside.

Built by nobles in the late 15th century, this verdant arboretum is one of Dubrovnik’s top tourist attractions. In addition to plants sourced from the four corners of the globe, the garden also has a 50-foot-long (15 meter) aqueduct used for irrigation purposes, a baroque Neptune fountain, and a pavilion overlooking the Adriatic.

Constructed in the 15th century by architect Onofrio della Cava, the circular Onofrio’s Fountain in Dubrovnik’s Old Town was designed as the end point of the city's 7-mile (12-kilometer) aqueduct system. Today, it serves as a landmark and resting place in the city center. Nearby is a smaller fountain designed by the same architect.

Perched along the Adriatic Coast just south of Dubrovnik, Cavtat is the coastal getaway of choice for affluent city dwellers. The historical port town has Roman ruins, beautiful villas, and chic restaurants, while luxurious yachts bob just off the sandy beaches a short stroll from the city’s center.

Part of a quintet of civic museums in Dubrovnik, the Ethnographic Museum (also known as the Rupe Museum) celebrates traditional Croatian folklife through exhibits on farming, handicrafts, and textiles. Game of Thrones fans may recognize the building—a 16th-century granary—as a recurring filming location featured in the show.

Begun in the 14th century and completed in the 1500s, St. John’s Fortress (Tvrđava sv. Ivana) defended Dubrovnik’s Old Port from seaborne assaults for hundreds of years. Today, the fortified tower is known for its Adriatic views and Ragusan history, and is home to the city’s aquarium and maritime museum.

Located in Bosnia and Herzegovina and within day-tripping distance of Dubrovnik, Croatia, the Vjetrenica Cave system offers a fascinating glimpse of what lies below the Dinaric Alps. Along with underground rivers and massive stalactites and stalagmites, the cave is full of over 200 types of cave-dwelling insects and other species, many of which aren’t found anywhere else on Earth.

Originally built in the 12th century, Dubrovnik Cathedral was destroyed in the 1667 earthquake that struck the city and rebuilt in the baroque style by Italian architects. The cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, and its treasury contains gold and other artifacts dating to medieval times.

Housed in a wing of the battle-scarred Napoleonic Fort Imperial, this museum—also known as the Homeland War Museum—honors the soldiers and civilians killed in the Croatian War of Independence and siege of Dubrovnik in the early 1990s. Its location atop Mount Srđ affords dramatic views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea.

This small museum in a historic Dubrovnik townhouse pays tribute to the 16th-century Renaissance playwright Marin Držić, often referred to as the “Croatian Shakespeare.” Scenes from Držić’s life and plays are recreated through set pieces and waxwork character models, alongside period furniture and modern art exhibitions.

Visit the island of Lokrum to see its Benedictine Monastery, dating back to the early 11th century. Located just 600 meters from the shoreline of Dubrovnik, Lokrum is easily accessed via a quick boat ride. Discover the history of the monastery, which was expanded over several centuries and displays several architectural styles.

Romantics will be in their element at Dubrovnik’s Love Stories Museum, an unabashedly sentimental collection of letters, mementos, and keepsakes, each one pivotal to a real-life love story. Classic love stories, on-screen romances, and heartfelt accounts from people all around the globe all appear in the exhibits.

With turquoise waters surrounded by lush pine forests set against a backdrop of soaring mountains, the Bacina Lakes (Bacinska Jezera) are one of Croatia’s most enchanting hidden wonders. The seven lakes, six of which are interconnected, are off the radar for most tourists, but they provide an idyllic setting for outdoor activities.

A small but charming bay just a stone’s throw from Dubrovnik’s Ploče Gate, Banje Beach offers views straight across to Lokrum Island. There’s a mix of sand, pebbles, and rocks to sunbathe on, with calm, clear blue water for a swim. Meanwhile, guests head to the Banje Beach restaurant, lounge, and club for fine Mediterranean dining by day and high-end parties by night.

Dubrovnik Cruise Port is historically a popular stop for cruises touring the Adriatic and remains one of the busiest cruise ports in Europe. Providing easy access to the picturesque medieval city of Dubrovnik—known as a filming location for the Game of Thrones television series—Dubrovnik Cruise Port is a frequent start point for expeditions up and down the Dalmatian Coast, city and wine-tasting tours, and, of course, Game of Thrones–themed excursions.

A tawny half moon of pebbles and fine shingle, nestled between forested promontories below a historic church, Sveti Jakov Beach may be small but it’s perfectly formed. In fact, many locals consider it Dubrovnik’s most attractive beach. The views across to Lokrum Island are ample recompense for the 150-odd stairs you need to descend to hit the strand.