Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. With the towering stone walls, charming old streets, robust history, and sparkling blue sea, it’s easy to see why this is a favorite for travelers.
My husband and I had the most incredible time exploring Dubrovnik, a destination that quickly became one of our favorite places we’ve ever visited. Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is known for its breathtaking medieval architecture, stunning coastline, and rich cultural history. From wandering the cobblestone streets of Old Town to discovering hidden beaches and nearby islands, every corner felt like stepping into a storybook. Whether you’re a history buff, a Game of Thrones fan, or simply someone looking for a beautiful place to relax by the sea, Dubrovnik truly has something for everyone.
Dubrovnik tourism has seen many ups and downs and on this blog we typically do not get into history, but Dubrovnik has an interesting past that has shaped it and cannot be overlooked. In the 1900s when Dubrovnik was in the Austrian Empire, it was primarily European elites traveling to enjoy the beautiful coastline. When this area became part of Yugoslavia during WWII, tourism took a sharp decline and continued to decline through the 1990s until the Croatian War of Independence ended. Dubrovnik re-emerged as a travel destination by the early 2000s and has recently seen a tourist boom due to its role as the filming location for Game of Thrones and being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to do
As fans of Grame of Thrones, we naturally signed up for the GOT tour, which we found doubled as a city walking tour. WIN-WIN! Dubrovnik served as the primary filming location for King’s Landing. Some of the iconic sites we saw were:
- City Walls: You can’t miss these even without a tour. You can see them from the air before landing at the airport! There’s a walking trail on top of the walls, so if you want to get your steps in, this is a fun way to get a new perspective.
- Trsteno Arboretum: This beautiful 15th century garden is a car-ride away and we would have missed it without the tour. There are fountains, meandering pathways, and beautiful overlooks that should be on your short list of things to see in Dubrovnik. If you watched Game of Thrones, you’ll recognize this as the Palace Gardens.
- Fort Lovrijenac: Standing proudly on a cliff, this fortress doubled as the Red Keep. It’s a striking location even without the Thrones connection so if tour isn’t for you, you can still see this from an elegant dinner at Nautika.
Go to the Beach:
The beaches here are rocky, so make sure to bring some water shoes. I didn’t think I’d need them, but found myself very glad to have them! Thankfully, there are plenty of sleek and stylish options these days that don’t resemble the clunky water shoes of the 90s. Some hotels offer their own private beach access, but if yours doesn’t, Banje Beach is a great option just outside the city walls. With gorgeous views of Old Town and a sandy stretch for lounging, it’s the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon. If you’re feeling adventurous, cliff jumping is also a popular pastime here!
Ride the Cable Car:
For the best panoramic views of Dubrovnik and the sparkling Adriatic coastline, take the cable car from Old Town up to Mount Srđ. At the top, you’ll find a museum dedicated to the city’s history and Restaurant Panorama, which is the perfect spot for a sunset cocktail or dinner overlooking the city.
Visit the Other Islands:
One of the best parts about visiting Dubrovnik is how easy it is to hop over to nearby islands.
- Lokrum Island: Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Port, this lush island is perfect for a half-day escape. It’s home to a botanical garden, peacocks roaming the grounds, hidden swimming spots, and even filming locations from Game of Thrones.
- Koločep Island (Kalamota): About 30 minutes by boat, this small island is car-free, peaceful, and covered in pine forests. It’s ideal for hiking, snorkeling, or a quiet beach day away from the city crowds.
- Lopud & Šipan (Elaphiti Islands): These islands are popular for day trips, with Lopud boasting sandy beaches and Šipan offering charming fishing villages and olive groves. You can book a half-day or full-day boat excursion to explore both.
- Charter Options: For a more immersive Adriatic experience, consider chartering a catamaran or yacht. Options range from private day trips to multi-day adventures, including popular sailing events like Yacht Week. (Check out our full guide to Island Hopping in Croatia for more inspiration!)
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik: Built into a cliff, you’re immediately immersed with stunning views of the Adriatic as you walk into the lobby. This hotel also has its own beach, but make sure they’re allowed to use their lounge chairs they promote on the website! The city wasn’t letting them use them during our stay.
- Hotel Excelsior: Upscale hotel on the water with views of Old Town meets modern luxuries, such as a large indoor pool.
- Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik: Great location walking distance to Old Town in a beautiful historic building.
- Staying at a hotel or AirBnB within the walls is also an option, but cars cannot drive on the streets, so you will need to carry your luggage through town to your destination.
Dubrovnik is one of those destinations that stays with you long after you’ve left. Between the incredible food, fascinating history, cinematic views, and welcoming hospitality, it’s easy to see why travelers from all over the world fall in love with this coastal gem. Our time here was the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, and we left already planning a return trip. If Dubrovnik isn’t already on your travel bucket list, I can confidently say—it deserves a top spot.
