Top Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia (2026 Guide)

Dubrovnik, Croatia: The Ultimate 2026 Travel Guide

Dubrovnik, the 'Pearl of the Adriatic,' is a city that seamlessly blends historical grandeur with stunning natural beauty. Its iconic limestone streets, baroque buildings, and the endless shimmer of the Adriatic Sea make it a must-visit destination. This guide provides all the essential information, including prices, hours, and insider tips, to help you plan your 2026 trip.

Walk the Ancient City Walls

Walking the City Walls is the quintessential Dubrovnik experience. This magnificent circuit of defensive stone walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers unparalleled views of the Old Town's terracotta rooftops and the glistening Adriatic Sea.

• Length: The entire loop is approximately 1,940 meters (1.2 miles) long and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete at a leisurely pace.
• Price: A ticket costs approximately €35 per adult. This price includes one-time entry to Fort Lovrijenac (St. Lawrence Fortress) within 72 hours.
• Opening Hours: Hours vary by season. In peak summer (June-August), they are typically open from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM. In the shoulder season (April-May, September-October), hours are shorter, usually closing around 6:00 PM.
• Entrances: There are three main entrances: near Pile Gate, Ploče Gate, and the Maritime Museum.

> Insider Tip: Start your walk at the Pile Gate entrance as soon as it opens at 8:00 AM. You'll avoid the worst of the summer heat and the large crowds from cruise ships. Walking counter-clockwise gives you spectacular views of the Old Town early in your walk.

Explore Dubrovnik's Old Town (Stari Grad)

The pedestrian-only Old Town is a living museum. Every corner reveals a new historical gem, charming alleyway, or bustling square. It was heavily used as the filming location for King's Landing in Game of Thrones.

Stradun (Placa)

The main street of Dubrovnik, the Stradun, runs for 300 meters through the heart of the Old Town. Lined with polished limestone, it connects Pile Gate in the west to Ploče Gate in the east. It's the perfect place for a stroll, with numerous cafes, shops, and historical landmarks along the way.

Rector's Palace

This Gothic-Renaissance palace was once the seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa. Today, it houses the Cultural History Museum. The architecture alone is worth the visit.

• Price: €15 for an adult ticket.
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily (summer hours).

Jesuit Staircase

Instantly recognizable to Game of Thrones fans as the setting for Cersei's 'Walk of Shame,' these elegant baroque stairs lead from Gundulić Square up to the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola. It's a popular photo spot.

Ride the Dubrovnik Cable Car for Epic Views

For the most breathtaking panoramic view of Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands, take the cable car up to the summit of Mount Srđ.

• Altitude: The upper station is at an altitude of 412 meters.
• Ride Duration: The journey takes just under 4 minutes.
• Price: A round-trip ticket for an adult costs €27. A one-way ticket is €15.
• Features: At the top, you'll find the Panorama Restaurant & Bar, a souvenir shop, and the Fort Imperial, which houses a museum dedicated to the 1991-1995 Croatian War of Independence.

> Insider Tip: Purchase your tickets online in advance to skip the often-long ticket queue at the lower station, especially during peak season. For the best photos, go an hour before sunset to capture the golden hour light over the city.

Discover Lokrum Island

Escape the city bustle with a short ferry ride to Lokrum Island, a lush nature reserve just 600 meters off the coast. The island is a tranquil paradise of pine forests, botanical gardens, and rocky beaches.

• Ferry: The ferry departs from the Old Town port every 30 minutes in the summer. The journey takes about 15 minutes.
• Price: A return ferry ticket is approximately €27, which includes the entrance fee to the nature reserve.
• Highlights: Visit the Benedictine monastery, see the 'Dead Sea' (a small salt lake perfect for floating), and encounter the island's resident peacocks. You can also find an Iron Throne replica in the monastery's visitor center, a must-see for GoT fans.

Best Beaches In and Around Dubrovnik

While the Old Town is rocky, Dubrovnik boasts several stunning pebble beaches nearby.

Banje Beach

This is Dubrovnik's most famous beach, located just east of the Ploče Gate. It offers a spectacular view of the City Walls and Lokrum Island. Part of the beach is public, while the other section is a private beach club with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent (around €30-€40 per day).

Sveti Jakov Beach

Considered by many locals to be the most beautiful beach in Dubrovnik, Sveti Jakov is located in a secluded cove about a 25-minute walk (or a short bus ride) from the Old Town. The 160 steps down to the beach are well worth the effort for the pristine water and relative tranquility.

Join a Game of Thrones Tour

Dubrovnik's role as King's Landing has made it a pilgrimage site for fans of the series. Numerous guided walking tours are available, taking you to key filming locations.

• Key Sites: Fort Lovrijenac (The Red Keep), the Jesuit Staircase (Walk of Shame), Pile Gate (Blackwater Bay riot), and the Ethnographic Museum (Littlefinger's brothel).
• Price: A standard 2-hour walking tour typically costs between €25 and €40 per person.
• Value: Guides offer behind-the-scenes stories and show stills from the show to compare with the real-life locations, providing context you'd miss on your own.

Day Trips from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik's location makes it an excellent base for exploring the region.

• Elaphiti Islands: Take a boat trip to the nearby islands of Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan for a day of swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
• Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: A popular tour that takes you across the border to see the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge). The journey is approximately 130 km and takes around 2.5-3 hours each way.
• Kotor, Montenegro: Explore the stunning Bay of Kotor and its charming, fortified old town. The drive is about 95 km and takes around 2 hours, but border crossings can add time.