On the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik was for a long time an important pole in Mediterranean maritime trade. This openness to the world has built its richness and the beauty of its architecture.. Today, many tourists come to enjoy its azure skies and the gentle waters of the Adriatic, but do they know what to do in Dubrovnik? The answer is here !
Stroll along the ramparts of the old town
Built in the XNUMXth century, the ramparts of the ancient city of Dubrovnik are among the best preserved in Europe. For around thirty euros per adult, you can walk around the city in two hours and enjoy the view of the Adriatic. An activity to do in Dubrovnik early in the morning or in the evening, to avoid the heat and the tourist crowds, particularly in summer.
Walk on the ramparts
Stroll on the Stradun
The main artery of the city is based on an old swamp, which was drained in the Middle Ages to meet the need for housing and traffic. Perfect for sipping a caffè latte While observing the comings and goings of passers-by, we still advise you not to be tempted by the Stradun souvenir shops, which are quite expensive and of poor quality.
Stradun
Go through the gates of Pile and Ploce
Respectively located to the west and east of the Stradun, the two gates that enclose the medieval town are among the finest structural buildings to do in Dubrovnik. The magnificent sculptures which adorn them have forged a reputation which sometimes hurts them, because the crowds are often daunting in summer. Get up early to enjoy it with peace of mind!
Porte Ploce de Dubrovnik
Visit the Lovrijenac fortress
West of the ramparts is the fortress of Lovrijenac. Dominating the waves on a promontory of nearly 40 meters, this monument is one of the essential visits to make in Dubrovnik. In the inner courtyard you can visit the Saint Lovro chapel and its cannons pointed towards the sea. You will take the time to admire what has been the keystone of the city's coastal defense since the XNUMXth century.
Fort Lovrijenac
Take the cable car to Mount Srd
From the northern part of the ramparts, you can take the cable car which will take you in less than four minutes to the heights of Mount Srd. This is where the most beautiful viewpoint in the region is located. You will discover the waves of the Adriatic as well as the many islands which pierce its mirror of water. You can even catch a glimpse of a good part of neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina. One of the most beautiful walks to do in Dubrovnik!
Dubrovnik cable car
Meditate in the Cathedral of the Assumption
Built on the ruins of a XNUMXth century basilica, the Assumption Cathedral is one of the most beautiful buildings to see in Dubrovnik. Its expansion in the 1667th century would have been financed by Richard the Lionheart, saved from a shipwreck on the neighboring island of Lokrum. Rebuilt in XNUMX after an earthquake, it nevertheless retains all the authenticity of its Baroque style and its inimitable paintings.
The Assumption Cathedral
Learn about Dubrovnik's history at the Rector's Palace
Its Gothic style mixed with some Renaissance elements, already makes the Rector's Palace a must-see for all architecture lovers. But if it is one of the buildings to visit in Dubrovnik absolutely, it is because it houses a cultural history museum and numerous relics, witnesses of the city's rich and eventful political past.
The Rector's Palace
Marvel at the wild nature of Lapad Bay
Lapad district home to a large number of resorts and leisure activities. But by pushing a little further, we discover preserved natural environments such as Lapad Bay but also Velika Forest Park or Mala Petka Forest Park. Perfect places to take time for contemplation in communion with the trees of the forest.
Lapad
Immerse yourself in the local religious and artistic culture at the Dominican Monastery
Nestled within the very walls of the city, the Dominican Monastery is renowned for the architecture of its courtyard and its sacristy. But what makes it a must-do in Dubrovnik is above all the hospitality it offers to its museum and library. There are masterpieces of local religious pictorial art and magnificent paintings from the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries.
Dominican monastery
Cool off in the cloister of the Franciscan Monastery
This monastery is another guardian of the culture of Dubrovnik with its library, museum and the many exhibitions held there. We particularly recommend the walk in the shaded and green cloister of the building. An activity to do in Dubrovnik when the mercury rises in the middle of summer!
The cloister of the Franciscan monastery
Row to Lokrum Island
Just 600 meters from the Dalmatian coast, Lokrum Island is a haven of peace. Here, the beaches are less frequented and the many wooded areas offer an appreciable refuge in the event of hot weather. Going there by kayak is an activity to do in Dubrovnik absolutely because along the way, you can stop at your convenience in the many coves or caves inaccessible by foot.
Lokrum Island
Take to the open sea towards the Elaphite Islands
This island chain includes no less than 14 islands of which only three are inhabited. To get there, contact the port, there you will find many tour operators offering cruises. On the program, a bucolic stroll on the waves, swimming in crystal clear waters and a visit to wild and lush nature. An excursion to do in Dubrovnik for all lovers of unspoiled sites!
Lopud Island
Taste the delicacies of Dalmatian cuisine
The Adriatic is not the Mediterranean, but it has the taste and the colors. When you have done all there is to do in Dubrovnik, take the time to sit on the terrace of a shady restaurant and Let yourself be tempted by the oyster and seafood wonders of Dalmatian cuisine. All washed down with a succulent dry white wine from the Konavle region… we touch the pinnacle of local gastronomic culture.
A restaurant in Dubrovnik
Taste a glass of Malvasia facing the sea
At the end of the afternoon, before the meal, we advise you to find yourself a small typical bar and to order a glass or two of Malvasia. This typical Dubrovnik alcoholic grape juice is perfect for cooling off after a long day of excursion and indulge in a sweet reverie, rocked by the surf of the waves of the nearby sea.
Have a drink by the water
Sunbathe on Banje Beach
Among the things to do in Dubrovnik, there is bound to be the beach. Even if in summer the crowds are sometimes too large for the small portions of sand offered by the Dalmatian coast to visitors, the detour is worth it because the beauty of the place is quite simply magical. Get up early to be the first in high season and enjoy the best spots!
Banje beach
Useful information
Here is some practical information to better prepare your stay in Dubrovnik:
- When to go? Check the monthly climate trends and you will know when is the best time to plan your trip to Dubrovnik.
- How to get there ? The best way to reach the Dalmatian coast is by plane. From Paris, it will take less than 2 hours of flight to land there and many low-cost companies allow you to do good business, especially out of season.
- Tourist information: we advise you to present yourself at the Dubrovnik Tourist Office as soon as you arrive. You will find a map, good addresses and many contacts there to organize your excursions.
- Dubrovnik Card : essential to consider visiting the many monuments of the city, the Dubrovnik Card will cost you between 250 Kn for 24 hours and 350 Kn for 7 days. It will allow you to visit the ramparts, access to which is very expensive, several museums and also provides free transport.
The essentials of Dubrovnik… and after?
The list of activities to do in Dubrovnik is long and deserves our attention to fully enjoy its rich history and its almost heavenly environment. But Croatia is full of beautiful places which are just as well worth the detour! The island of Hvar and its postcard beaches, that of Mjlet and its famous national park or even Split and its architectural wonders, Croatia is an inexhaustible reservoir of beauty!
