Dubrovnik is one of Europe's most dramatic cities — a medieval walled city on a rocky peninsula surrounded by the Adriatic. It rewards exploration, and the best experiences go well beyond the city walls. Here are the 8 best things to do in Dubrovnik in 2026.
✔ City walls — go at 8am before the cruise ships arrive
✔ Lokrum Island — half-day, underrated, genuinely peaceful
✔ Kayaking — the only way to see the walls from the sea
✔ Cable car sunset — the finest view of the city
City Walls Walk
The 2km circuit of Dubrovnik's medieval walls is the essential experience — terracotta rooftops, the Adriatic below and the old town laid out like a medieval map. Go at 8am opening to beat the cruise ship crowds and midday heat. Magnificent.
Check Availability →Lokrum Island Day Trip
Ferry (10 mins, runs every 30 minutes in summer) to a car-free island with a peacock colony, botanical garden, ruined Benedictine monastery and rocky swimming coves. A perfect half-day escape from the old town crowds.
Check Availability →Elaphiti Islands Cruise
Full-day boat tour to the three Elaphiti Islands — Koločep, Lopud (with the beautiful Šunj sandy beach) and Šipan. Swimming stops, lunch, local wine and island landings. The best day trip from Dubrovnik.
Check Availability →Game of Thrones Tour
Dubrovnik was King's Landing for 8 seasons. A guided GOT tour identifies filming locations across the city — the Red Keep stairs (Jesuit stairs), Blackwater Bay (Pile Gate area), the Purple Wedding and more. Excellent even for non-fans.
Check Availability →Kayak Tour Around the Walls
Sea kayaking around the base of the city walls — a unique perspective from the water, with swimming stops at rock coves accessible only by kayak. Usually a half-day morning tour. One of Dubrovnik's best active experiences.
Check Availability →Mount Srđ Cable Car
The cable car ascends 400m above the city in 3 minutes — the view from the top (Adriatic, old town, islands stretching south) is extraordinary. The Homeland War Museum at the summit tells the story of Dubrovnik's 1991 siege. Sunset is the best time.
Check Availability →Kotor Day Trip
Drive or join a guided tour south into Montenegro to Kotor — one of Europe's most beautiful medieval walled cities, on the fjord-like Bay of Kotor. Stop at Perast village and the island church. A full and rewarding day trip (2.5 hours each way).
Check Availability →Mostar Day Trip
Three-hour drive northwest into Bosnia and Herzegovina to Mostar — the iconic Stari Most bridge, the Ottoman bazaar and a genuinely moving post-war city. One of the most striking day trips from Dubrovnik.
Check Availability →Book Dubrovnik Tours Before They Sell Out
City walls early access and island cruises — compare now
View All Dubrovnik Tours →FAQs
How many days do you need in Dubrovnik?
2–3 days covers the main city thoroughly. Add a day for a Kotor or Mostar day trip.
Is Dubrovnik worth visiting?
Yes — the old town and city walls are genuinely extraordinary. Manage your expectations around July–August crowds and costs.
When is the best time to visit Dubrovnik?
May, June and September. July and August bring cruise ship overcrowding and peak prices.