Ah, Dubrovnik, the jewel of Southern Croatia. I spent three dreamy days here with my sister in September, and it truly lived up to its reputation. From the charming Old Town and shimmering Adriatic Sea to the impressive 16th-century city walls, every corner of Dubrovnik had me in awe.

Dubrovnik is a MUST VISIT on your European Bucket List! If you're planning a trip to this vibrant coastal city - I’ve got you! In this blog I’ll dive into where to stay, where to eat and drink and of course the top things to do in Dubrovknik.

Where to Eat & Drink in Dubrovnik?

One of my favourite parts of exploring Dubrovnik is definitely its food and drink scene. From cosy wine bars tucked down cobbled streets to cliffside bars where you can sip cocktails while watching the sunset over the Adriatic, there’s something for every kind of foodie (and photogenic moment!). Here are some of my top spots that you absolutely shouldn’t miss:

Buza Bar Dubrovnik: The perfect spot for a sunset drink and a swim. Watching people cliff-jump here is equal parts entertaining and terrifying!

Panorama Restaurant, Mount Srd: In terms of coffee with a view - it doesn’t get any better than this.
Oyster & Sushi Bar Bota: A must for a sushi lunch and a glass of wine. So fresh and so delicious.
D'Vino Wine Bar Dubrovnik: Your go-to for evening wine and charcuterie in a cosy setting.
Fish Restaurant Proto: An iconic spot for seafood lovers. I tried octopus here for the first time, unforgettable!
Peppino’s Gelato Shop: Do not leave Dubrovnik without trying the 100% pistachio premium gelato. Truly next level.
Dodo Beach Bar: For an Aperol Spritz and cool off with a swim at Sulic Beach, the vibe here is unbeatable.

Dubrovnik is one of those places that captures your heart from the moment you arrive.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik has a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels with jaw-dropping views to charming boutique stays in the heart of the Old Town. For panoramic views and top-tier pools, check out hotels near Mount Srđ or along the cliffs above Dubrovnik. If you want a more local experience, Dubrovnik has tons of boutique guesthouses and apartments throughout the city. Staying in a small apartment tucked away in a quieter street lets you live like a local, with easy access to markets, cafes, and hidden viewpoints.

Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the best spot for your trip:

1. Old Town Dubrovnik (Best for Location)

If you want to be right in the action, staying inside the Old Town is unbeatable. You’ll be steps from cobbled streets, historic landmarks, restaurants, and bars. Hotels and boutique stays here can be pricey, but the convenience and charm make it worth it. Perfect for those who want to explore on foot and soak up the city’s medieval atmosphere.

2. Near Lapad & Babin Kuk (Best for Views & Vibes)

This area is slightly outside the hustle of the Old Town but still close enough to explore. You’ll find resorts, hotels with pools, and more family-friendly options, perfect for travellers looking for a bit more space, calm, and sea views, while still being just a short taxi or bus ride from the Old Town.

My sister and I stayed at The Royal Ariston Dubrovnik in Babin Kuk, and honestly, it was a dream. It’s a coastal paradise, perfect for lazy poolside days, with the option to swim in gorgeous pools or even jump straight off the cliffs into the Adriatic. The sunset balcony views from our room were out of this world. And with the Old Town only about 10 minutes by taxi, it’s the ideal spot to mix relaxation with sightseeing.

Things To Do in Dubrovnik

1. Walk Through Dubrovnik’s Old Town

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a medieval treasure dating back to the **7th century**, once known as *Ragusa*.

Getting lost in this ancient city is an absolute dream with its cobbled streets, historic churches, monasteries, and baroque buildings, it’s a dream for history lovers.
The moment you pass through the city gates, you’re transported back in time and if you’re a ***Game of Thrones*** fan, keep your eyes peeled, several iconic scenes were filmed right here (more details below!)

2. Walk the Famous Dubrovnik City Walls

A visit to Dubrovnik wouldn’t be complete without walking its legendary City Walls, originally built in the 13th century to protect the city from sea attacks. Tickets are currently around €40 for adults, a bit of a splurge, but trust me, it’s worth every penny. From up here, the views over Dubrovnik’s iconic orange rooftops and the sparkling Adriatic coastline are absolutely breathtaking. Set aside at least two hours to wander the walls, take in the history, snap some photos, and soak up the unforgettable atmosphere.

Even if you’re not a history buff, the walls are a photographer’s dream, and the experience of strolling along them, feeling the breeze from the sea and soaking in the views, is unforgettable. Set aside at least two hours to wander, snap photos, and soak up the atmosphere, it’s one of those experiences that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

3. Take the Cable Car to Mount Srđ

For the **best panoramic view of Dubrovnik**, hop on the cable car to the top of Mount Srđ.

Round-trip tickets are now €30 (one-way €17), and the ride takes about 3-4 minutes each way. At the summit, the views over the Adriatic Sea and Dubrovnik’s orange rooftops are absolutely breathtaking.
Don’t miss a stop at Panorama Restaurant for a coffee (or a cocktail) with a view you’ll remember forever.

4. Explore Lovrijenac Fortress & Sulic Beach

Just an eight-minute walk from the Old Town gates lies **Lovrijenac Fortress**, another must-see historic landmark. A minute further, you’ll find **Sulic Beach**, one of my favourite relaxing spots in Dubrovnik.
Grab an Aperol Spritz at **Dodo Beach Bar** and cool off with a swim, the vibe here is unbeatable.

5. Kayak to Lokrum Island

For a fun and active way to explore Dubrovnik, I highly recommend a morning sea kayaking and snorkeling tour. Perfect for all levels, this 2–3 hour adventure lets you paddle along the stunning Dubrovnik coastline, taking in the city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town from a completely different perspective. As you glide over the turquoise Adriatic waters, you’ll have the chance to stop for a swim or snorkel, spotting marine life in hidden coves and around rocky outcrops. It’s a relaxing experience, combining sightseeing, exercise, and the kind of views that make Dubrovnik so unforgettable. This tour is an incredible way to see the city from the water and enjoy a quieter side of Dubrovnik away from the crowds.

BOOK THIS KAYAKING TOUR HERE.

6. Explore all of the Game of Thrones Filming Locations

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, Dubrovnik is basically your real-life portal into King’s Landing. As you wander through the Old Town and around its dramatic cliffs and fortresses, you’ll stumble across filming locations that make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into the show.

Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Tour: Relive all the action in King’s Landing with a walking tour through Dubrovnik. You’ll see all the famous filming locations, from the imposing Red Keep to the iconic Iron Throne, and hear insider trivia from your guide about how the show was brought to life. It’s such a fun way to explore the city if you love both history and a little TV magic.

BOOK G.O.T TOUR!

Or if you like to explore at your own pace, I’ve listed all the filming spots for you below!

Inside Dubrovnik’s Old Town

The Old Town is packed with GOT moments. First up: the Jesuit Staircase, yes, that staircase. These grand baroque steps became the Great Sept of Baelor and were the backdrop for Cersei’s unforgettable Walk of Shame. It feels surreal standing there knowing one of the most iconic scenes in TV history was filmed on those very steps.

Just around the corner, the stone exterior of the Ethnographic Museum Rupe doubled as Littlefinger’s brothel. Then there’s the beautiful Rector’s Palace, which transformed into Qarth for Daenerys’ meeting with the Spice King, honestly, it’s just as dramatic in person.

Wander down St. Dominic Street, a narrow little lane that featured in loads of King’s Landing’s market scenes, and then make your way to Gradac Park. This coastal park is where the Purple Wedding took place, the moment King Joffrey dramatically (and very deservedly) exited the series. Standing there, you honestly expect a royal feast to appear at any second.

Just Outside the Old Town Walls

Step outside the city walls and the GOT magic continues. Pile Gate, the main entrance to Dubrovnik, appears throughout the show as the gates to King’s Landing, you’ll recognise it instantly.

Perched high on a cliff, Fort Lovrijenac played the role of the Red Keep and gives you some of the most powerful views of the city. Down by the water, Dubrovnik West Harbour becomes Blackwater Bay, where huge battle scenes (including the Battle of Blackwater) were filmed. It’s wild seeing how small and peaceful it is in real life.

Then there’s Minčeta Tower, one of the city’s most recognisable towers, it became the haunting House of the Undying in Qarth and finally, Fort Bokar, one of my favourite viewpoints, was featured in multiple scenes showing the Red Keep’s outer walls with those sweeping cinematic shots over the bay. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just love seeing behind the scenes of TV magic, these spots make exploring Dubrovnik even more incredible.

The Ultimate 3 Day Travel Guide to Dubrovnik: Top Things to Do in Croatia’s Most Magical City