Located on the beautiful Adriatic coast in southern Croatia, Dubrovnik is a city with a rich and troubled history that was off-limits to tourists for much of the late 20th century.
Now that things have cooled off, it has once again become a popular destination for international travelers.
It’s full of historic buildings, vibrant food and art scenes, and some of the region’s most stunning natural beauty.
It’s also a magnet for Game of Thrones fans, and is often referred to as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic.’
Though the city abounds with worthwhile attractions, many visitors take advantage of day-trips to surrounding areas as well.
1. 1 1/2 -Hour Walking Tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town
Source: Ihor Pasternak / shutterstockDubrovnik’s Old Town is rich in historic monuments, medieval history, and stunning views of the nearby mountains and shimmering sea.
For those with limited time, this 1 ½-hour walking tour would be a great way to see lots of sights quickly and burn a few calories in the process.
Tour guests meet their local guide at Pile Gate before heading out to explore Dubrovnik’s maze of narrow streets, many of which harken back to ages long past.
Sites include the city’s impressive walls, Onofrio’s Fountain, the Royal Palace, and a Franciscan monastery from the 14th century, to name just a few.
2. 2-Hour Game of Thrones Tour
Source: Ihor Pasternak / shutterstockIf you’re a fan of Game of Throne’s, then places like Westeros, King’s Landing, and Pile Gate need no introduction.
Much of the HBO series was set in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, and on this short but value-packed tour, you’ll visit filming sites and learn backstory details from your guide, who may have actually been an extra on the set.
Though there are longer Game of Thrones tours out there, previous guests agree that two hours was more than sufficient to get their fill, and it still left plenty of time to explore the city’s other attractions.
Entrance to Lovrijenac Fortress isn’t included, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
3. 1-Hour Dubrovnik War History Tour
Source: Roman Babakin / shutterstockFor much of the last decade of the 20th century, the Balkan Peninsula was engulfed in Europe’s most heinous conflicts. Though the hostilities have long since ceased, the fallout still lingers in much of Croatia.
For many first-time visitors, it’s a fascinating if macabre segment of local history that’s definitely worth exploring with a professional guide.
Dubrovnik was ground zero for many of the conflict’s darkest moments, and this one-hour war history tour is a great way to get a historical overview of the country’s troubled past.
It may not be a good fit for children and the squeamish.
4. 3-Hour Sunset Kayaking Tour with Snack and Wine
Source: www.getyourguide.comKayaking into the sunset around an ancient city like Dubrovnik may be one of the most memorable experiences of your trip to Croatia.
During the summer months, the weather is often perfect for outdoor activities, and as the sun sets, the city becomes enveloped in a mesmerizing aura.
The tour lasts between 2 ½ and 3 hours and allows eager paddlers to see the city and its iconic walls from a truly unique perspective.
Guests will get all the training and equipment they need before heading out, and upon returning to terra firma, will enjoy complimentary snacks and a glass of wine.
5. Night Walking Tour of Dubrovnik
Source: canadastock / shutterstockDubrovnik is impressive by day, but according to those who’ve taken advantage of this night walking tour, it’s something extra special after dark.
The city features impressive architecture, bustling streets, and abundant historic attractions.
Guests will get to see scenic Pile Bay, the fort at Lovrijenac, and explore quaint bars and eateries, where they’ll have the opportunity to relax with a bite and a drink, rub elbows with some locals, and learn about the city’s fascinating past.
The tour only lasts 1 ½ hours, but it’s common for guests to head out in groups afterward to experience the local nightlife on their own.
6. Walls and Wars Historic Walking Tour
Source: Boris Stroujko / shutterstockCenturies ago, Dubrovnik was a thriving trading and merchant city that rivaled anything in Europe.
Its maritime location and proximity to other trading centers meant relative prosperity for many of its entrepreneurial citizens.
Though its status as an economic powerhouse took a turn for the worse in recent history, it’s full of amazing historical sites that are worth a look.
This tour includes the services of a professional tour guide licensed by the Ministry of Tourism and focuses on attractions in the city’s Old Town area, like Lovrijenac Fortress and Minceta Tower, both of which played significant roles in the conflict in the ‘90s.
7. Dubrovnik Old Town Cable Car and Walking Tour
Source: Melanie Sommer / shutterstockDubrovnik features significant changes in elevation from its coastline to the mountains just inland. For those interested in seeing them together from a bird’s eye view, there’s no better way to do it than by cable car.
The first portion of the tour gets kicked off in Old Town and gives guests panoramic views of the city and many of its most popular attractions.
After descending back to the station, your tour guide will lead you down narrow streets to palaces, historic markets, towers, and monasteries, all the while imparting tidbits of local lore and history that those seeing things by themselves will most likely miss out on.
8. Kojan Koral ATV Quad Safari
Source: www.getyourguide.comThough you won’t see lions, leopards, and giraffes like you will on an African safari, exploring Croatia’s Konavle region will definitely be just as awe-inspiring.
This tour takes riders through a number of distinct environments, all of which are steeped in incredible natural beauty.
The tour includes pick up at your Dubrovnik hotel, after which you’ll head to Kojan Koral, where the really fun part begins.
You’ll get a thorough overview of how to use your ATB safely, then don your helmet, crank your engine, and take off.
Expect to see centuries-old villages, spectacular rock formations, fields, forests, and wetlands before it’s all said and done.
9. Discover Dubrovnik Walking Tour
Source: Massimo Todaro / shutterstockSure, you could kill an hour or two seeing Dubrovnik’s sights from the comfort of an air-conditioned minivan, but in such a pedestrian-friendly city, it’d be a shame not to stretch those legs.
At just an hour, this is a short tour by any standards, but you may just be surprised at what you see along the way.
Old Town attractions like Onofrio’s Fountain, the historic seaport, and a number of medieval churches and fortresses tend to steal the show.
The tour starts at a convenient central location, so even though transportation to and from your hotel isn’t included, getting there won’t be a problem.
10. Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik
Source: www.getyourguide.comCroatian cuisine doesn’t often share the spotlight with its more popular neighbors on the continent, but visitors tend to agree that it’s vibrant, hearty, and tasty.
This traditional Dalmatian cooking tour explores all that makes the country’s food so tempting. Unlike most food tours where you just eat, this one allows you to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty.
Tours take place at a traditional country home just outside Dubrovnik city limits and vary slightly depending on what local ingredients are available at the time of your visit.
A few of the perennially favorite dishes include baked veal, cabbage stew, and fresh bread.
Oh, and there’s wine, too.
11. Lokrum Island and City Walls Kayak Tour
Source: lazyllama / shutterstockDespite what you may have seen on ESPN while late-night channel surfing, kayaking doesn’t necessarily include dangerous white water rapids and underwater barrel rolls.
In fact, sometimes it’s downright chill, even for those with no experience.
Everyone who signs up for this city walls kayak tour gets all the instruction needed, and they’ll be accompanied by a professional the whole way.
The tour’s highlights include some of the city’s ancient fortifications, the island of Lokrum, partially obscured grottos, and the opulent residence and magnificent gardens that were once a vacation retreat of Emporer Maximillian.
Tours include water, snacks, and snorkeling gear.
12. Blue Cave tour
Source: RnDmS / shutterstockLovers of culture and history could spend weeks in Dubrovnik exploring all its nooks and crannies, but getting out into nature for a spell is a great way to break things up.
Blue Cave is one of the area’s most enchanting natural attractions, and as such, can get crowded with large tours during the peak season.
For some, that’s just fine, but this four-hour small group tour is perfect for those who prefer a more intimate excursion.
The boat crew has figured out some pretty effective ways of avoiding the crowds, like starting at different times and taking alternate routes.
Guests will have time to swim and snorkel, and light snacks and refreshments are included.
13. Full-Day Tour to Elaphiti Islands
Source: WitR / shutterstockIsland-hopping.
Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?
The Elaphati Islands just off the Croatian coast have been described as charming, quaint, and sun-drenched. They’re largely undeveloped when compared with much of the area.
The islands are full of secluded beaches, historic villages, and comfortable cafes with stunning views serving local seafood and wine.
Tours also include stops at historic ruins, citrus and olive groves, and panoramic vista points overlooking the sea.
Guests will have time to explore on their own before reconnecting with their guide and group and heading back to town.
14. Total Game of Thrones Experience
Source: Javier Franz / shutterstockFor some visitors, spending a few hours visiting Dubrovnik’s Game of Thrones attractions is sufficient, but for true diehards, this 7 ½-hour may be a better match.
Some of the city’s landmarks you may recognize from the series, but with the aid of a local guide, you’ll see more of them.
Tour attractions include King’s Landing, Fort Lovrijenac, Lokrum Island, and Iron Throne, to name a few.
Much of the tour is spent walking, so it’s wise to wear comfortable shoes. Pack a few layers of clothing as the weather can change on a dime, even in the summer.
Tours include pickup and drop-off at your city center hotel.
15. Sunset and Dinner Cruise in a Traditional Karaka Replica
Source: viator.comThere may not be a more perfect way to end your trip to Dubrovnik than with a sunset dinner cruise onboard a historically accurate replica of an ancient Dalmatian sailing ship.
From the sea, you’ll discover many of the city’s most impressive attractions and get an understanding of why it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dubrovnik’s medieval walls and the nearby islands become more dramatic as the sun fades behind the Adriatic.
Guests will enjoy pre-dinner drinks, then dine on a variety of traditional Croatian dishes served buffet-style in the indoor dining room before heading back to port.