A WELL TRAVELED PAIR
6 Must-See Sights in Dubrovnik
by Katie McCabe | @awelltraveledpair | October 20th, 2018
Situated on the dramatic Dalmatian Coast is a captivating Croatian city filled with rich history, tasty cuisine, and an abundance of gorgeous sights. Dubrovnik was nicknamed 'The Pearl of the Adriatic' and it's easy to see why. This amazing city's tourism has soared in the past few years, mainly due to its pristine beaches, majestic architecture, and one famous TV show. If you're planning a visit to Dubrovnik, here's a list of six must-see sights.
The City Walls
If you only have time to do one thing in Dubrovnik, you must walk the City Walls. Whether you opt to walk on your own or take a guided tour, this is an experience you don't want to miss. The medieval structures will take you back in time and the ever-changing views will blow your mind. From the epic seascapes to the towering views over Old Town, the City Wall walk is the main reason why thousands of tourists flock to Dubrovnik every month.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket booth located at the beginning of the Stradun (Old Town's main square). There are three entrances to the Walls, but I recommend entering at the Stradun ticket area. Tickets cost around $23 USD / per adult, and only credit card and Croatian kuna are accepted. It will take one to two hours to walk the entire circumference of the Walls depending on how long you spend sightseeing, taking photos, etc.
Old Town
Circularly protected by the fortified City Walls, Old Town sits beautifully in the center of this enticing city. Well-preserved stone buildings, narrow streets, and bustling squares make Old Town the place to be while in Dubrovnik. The second you arrive, you will feel as if you were transported back hundreds of centuries. It's a feeling that most everyone gets while visiting Old Town and why everyone returns time and time again.
Tip: Don't forget to indulge in the local cuisine, as this is where you'll find the freshest seafood and most delicious homemade dishes.
Mount Srd
There are three ways to get to the top of Mount Srd - by hike, car/taxi, or cable car. John and I opted to hike and I highly recommend it, the views did not disappoint. Oh, and it's free! The trek up will take you about an hour, and about forty minutes back down. The trail is a well-maintained pebbly path, and the trailhead is near Jadranska Cesta.
If you prefer to take a taxi or drive yourself there is ample parking at the top.
Lastly, you can take the cable car up. Tickets for adults cost around $13 USD one-way or $23 USD round-trip, and can be purchased online or at the cable car entrance. Some people hiked up and then took the cable car back down, or vice versa. Visit the official website for hours of operation (they change throughout the year), current prices, ticket sales, and general information.
Once you arrive to the top of Mount Srd, take in all the beautiful aerial views. We found the best times to visit were during sunrise and sunset when Dubrovnik's signature terra-cotta rooftops warmed in the sun's glow.
Fort Lovrijenac
Fort Lovrijenac, often called 'Dubrovnik's Gibraltar', sits high on a cliff overlooking the glistening Adriatic. Built in the 11th century for protection from land and sea invaders, the fortress now serves as a tourism sight and theater. Entrance to Lovrijenac is included in the City Walls ticket price and a visit to this exquisite place is a must! During Dubrovnik's Summer Festival you can even catch a Shakespearean production or other classic theatre performance inside the fort.
Banje Beach
When in Dubrovnik, be sure to reserve a day to lounge on the lovely Banje Beach. During the day, Banje attracts beach-goers looking for surf, sun, and sand. Visitors relax in sunbeds, enjoy jet skiing and paragliding, and swim in the refreshing waters. During the evening hours, Banje becomes the happening nightlife area of Dubrovnik. Music gets pumping, drinks get flowing, and people from near and far arrive for a fun night out.
Game of Thrones Tour
Game of Thrones put Dubrovnik on the map as one of the world's must-see cities. Due to the popularity of the show, more and more viewers are interested in seeing the filming locations in person. Doubling as King's Landing (the capital of Westeros in the show), Dubrovnik now offers guided tours to the main filming locations. Whether you're a fan of the HBO hit or not, taking a tour to some of the city's most breathtaking sights is a fantastic way to see more of this Croatian gem.
Photo ©Home Box Office, Inc.
Additional Tips
When to Visit: The best months to visit are April, May, September, and October when the weather is warm and the crowds are low. The summer months of June, July, and August bring large crowds and sweltering heat. The winter months of November through March can be a nice time to visit if you like cooler temperatures and small crowds.
Money: The unit of currency in Croatia is the Croatian kuna. $1 USD is equal to 7 HRK. Credit cards are accepted at all attractions and most restaurants and shops.
Parking: Driving around Dubrovnik is not easy, the streets are narrow and winding, and parking is scarce. There are many accommodations close to Old Town that offer free parking. I recommend leaving your car at your accommodations and walking around Dubrovnik. All of the sights are easy to get to by walking. If you prefer not to walk, I recommend buying a 24-hour unlimited bus pass for $5 USD.
Accommodations: Dubrovnik has some fantastic hotel options to choose from, but I really enjoyed our stay in a beautiful Airbnb apartment rental. Be sure to check both TripAdvisor and Airbnb for lodging options.