Top 10 Places to Take Photos in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Photo Spots

Washed by the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, on the Croatian coast, and surrounded by impressive limestone city walls, the old city of Dubrovnik was once a maritime powerhouse as influential as Venice. Such a glorious past left its positive marks in countless beautiful places, and travellers from all parts of the world now flock here to marvel at this city’s breathtaking beauty and formidable history. We already have you covered with the best things to do while visiting the city, but now we’re rounding up the best places to take photos in Dubrovnik. ​​🇭🇷

Frequently voted as one of the top places to visit in Europe, Dubrovnik is one of the best preserved medieval cities in the whole world. Not surprisingly, it was a central filming location for the Game of Thrones series. Indeed, crossing its imposing gates and entering Dubrovnik’s old town is like taking a step back into a world of magic and wonder. 

Photo: Valentina in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Sophia and partner capture their couple’s trip to Dubrovnik at the Old Town with a couple photoshoot.

1. Sea & City Walls

Rising from the sea, the mighty Dubrovnik City Walls are roughly two kilometres long and 25 meters tall. Built between the 12th and 17th centuries to protect the city from pirates, they count on several towers and fortresses spread across the perimeter, such as the Minceta Tower and Lovrijenac Fortress, both very instagrammable places. 🏰

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you have seen these mesmerizing city walls and their fortresses featured as backdrops for the season’s episodes. This is genuinely the scenario of a fantasy tale!

While visiting Dubrovnik, you must go up and walk along these impressive walls and admire the breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and the old city with the exposed terracotta roofs.

Want a different perspective on things? Then go for a swim and admire this UNESCO World Heritage Site from the sea. The contrast between these medieval limestone walls and the vibrant blue sea waters will easily make you fall in love with this Croatian paradise. 😍

Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Lisa enjoys her solo tip to Dubrovnik at the Sea & Walls with a solo photoshoot.

2. Old Town Side Streets

Guarded by the walls, Dubrovnik’s old town is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval gems. Wandering around its lively cobblestone streets and busy tiny lanes will make you feel like you stepped back in history.

Start at Stradun, a limestone-paved pedestrian street, also known as the main street, and then lose your sense of direction in the maze-like side streets that grow from there. Explore the many cafes, art galleries, museums, and shops. Feel the aroma of local cuisine coming from the eateries and spreading through the alleyways. Don’t forget to look up to admire the patchwork of clothes hanging to dry — this is the best way to feel the vibe of this beautiful city. 👌

Here’s a hot tip: the hidden Buza Bar is accessible through a hole in the wall, and once you pass through it, you will find yourself on the edge of a cliff surrounded by medieval walls and the glittering blue ocean. The place is trendy during sunset, but if you’re looking for a less crowded experience, mid-day is ideal for relaxing, swimming, and even cliff jumping.

Whether you’re on your own or part of a walking tour (or, why not, a Game of Thrones tour), uncovering the history and hidden gems of the old city are essential when visiting the best places to take photos in Dubrovnik. 😉

Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Ashley and family capture unforgettable memories in Dubrovnik at the Old Town side streets with a family photoshoot.

3. Old Port

Surrounded by ancient structures, and representing how prosperous the city was — and still is — the old port of Dubrovnik exudes history and beauty! 🛥️

Don’t miss the Arsenal Building, also known as Orsan, located in the heart of everything with its large arches and striking facade. That’s where they used to build ships in the past, but today it houses a restaurant serving great Mediterranean cuisine. The best part is that you can dine while admiring the beautiful blue sea view framed by the arches.

The main entrance to Dubrovnik’s old town is not far. Built in the 14th century, the Ploce Gate, also known as Pile Gate, welcomes you with a stone bridge leading to the entrance. The bridge is a great vantage point for stunning views of the harbour and Lokrum Island.

Outside, two breakwaters shield the port and ease the intensity of the waves. They double as piers. One of them, Porporela, is particularly famous for being a nice place to relax and to listen to the seagulls calling one another. 🐦

During summer, it’s a hot spot, quite literally, for sunbathing and swimming. What could be better than a medieval port for taking great photos, right?

Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Keith and partner enjoy a morning together in Dubrovnik at the Old Port and side streets with a couple photoshoot.

4. Sponza Palace

The 16th-century Sponza Palace sits in Luza Square, the heart of Dubrovnik’s old town. The building houses the city archives with documents dating back to the 12th century. Even if the archives are not open to the public, you can still admire the building’s richly adorned façade. It has a statue of Saint Blaise, the city’s patron saint, and five intricate arches forming a lovely portico that welcomes visitors and provides them with some shade.

Admire the mix of gothic and renaissance styles in the architecture, most clear on the windows of the first and second floors. Everything becomes even more beautiful when the sun shines — it’s a superb golden vision! ✨

With its several elegant arches, the courtyard is also a unique and romantic spot for your photoshoot. This space is often a stage for several events, including open-air exhibitions, theatre, and musical performances making it one of the best places to take photos in Dubrovnik.

Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Chris and partner celebrate their anniversary in Dubrovnik at Sponza Palace with a couple photoshoot.

5. Rector’s Palace

Like the Sponza Palace, the Rector’s Palace has a unique combination of architectural styles, including gothic, renaissance, and baroque elements. This mix boasts an elegant colonnade that serves as a porch, also a delightful place to take a break from exploring and rest under the shade.

You’ll find that the interior is as beautiful as the exterior. The building was used for official state affairs in the past, but it now functions as the Cultural-Historic Department of the Dubrovnik Museum, with art and antique furniture on display, recreating the original setting.

Spectacular live concerts take place in the palace’s atrium, which is famous for its acoustics. The architectural features of the space are impressive. The web of arches, for example, is mesmerizing. Still, the superstar is the charming baroque staircase and its 15th-century fountain. ⛲️

This is another famous filming location for the Game of Thrones series and a must-go for fans who want to trace the dragon queen’s steps. 🐲 The Rector’s Palace served as the Spice King’s Mansion, where Daenerys went to ask for permission for her ships to cross the narrow sea. A fan of the series or not, the atmosphere of the place will undoubtedly sweep you off your feet.

Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Pamela and partner capture an amazing day together in Dubrovnik at the Rector’s Palace with a couple photoshoot.

6. Luza Square

Here’s one of our favourite places to take photos in Dubrovnik with amazing photo opportunities. The bustling Luza Square is a medieval plaza and a favourite gathering spot for hundreds of years. It hosts countless events throughout the year, including the opening ceremony of Dubrovnik’s Summer Festival, one of Europe’s oldest festivals.

Around the square, you’ll find some of the city’s most imposing and beautiful buildings, such as the Dubrovnik Bell Tower, the Sponza Palace, and the iconic St. Blaise’s Church with its exuberant Venetian-baroque features. Do as locals do and take a seat on its steps to watch life go by. Don’t forget to take a fabulous pic capturing all the beauty behind you. 😍

Luza Square is also lined with cafes and restaurants. They are ideal for relaxing, grabbing a cup of coffee, and feeling the vibe of this wonderful town. For a different and less crowded experience, you can visit the square at night, when the light effects on the facades make it even more charming. Like the Sponza Palace, the Rector’s Palace has a unique combination of architectural styles, including gothic, renaissance, and baroque elements. This mix boasts an elegant colonnade that serves as a porch, also a delightful place to take a break from exploring and rest under the shade.

Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Lenore and family capture their time together in Dubrovnik at Luza Square with a family photoshoot.

7. Lokrum

A stone’s throw away from Dubrovnik sits the small Lokrum island, a nature reserve that makes for a great day trip and a peaceful escape from the city. You can see it from many vantage points in the Old Town, and the island is very easy to reach. Take the short ferry leaving from the old port or kayak your way as part of a guided kayaking tour.

Once you reach this small paradise, you can enjoy a lazy day relaxing by the sea. Don’t miss swimming in the Dead Sea lake, a natural pond of crystalline waters surrounded by rocks and beautiful trees. 🌳

Not surprisingly, many people choose the island for a photoshoot, and some even take provisions for a picnic. The scenery is more than ideal, but if you prefer, there are also some cafes and restaurants around where you can grab a bite and a drink. However, be aware that prices can be steep, including bottled water prices. 

Take a stroll around and look for the Gothic-Renaissance Monastery built between the 15th and 16th centuries, then visit the Botanical gardens from the 19th century, where you can see incredible nature. You can spot tortoises, lizards, and owls, for instance. But the animals that really rule as kings are the majestic peacocks. 

Speaking of kings, there’s another reason many visitors flock to Lokrum. You guessed it. The island is also famous for being one of the many filming locations for the series Game of Thrones. 🎥

Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Janeen and partner celebrate their engagement in Lokrum, Dubrovnik with a couple photoshoot.

8. Mount Srd

For an incredible bird’s-eye view of Dubrovnik, head up to Mount Srd, a relatively low mountain behind the city. This is indisputably one of the most beautiful places to visit and one of the best places to take photos in Dubrovnik. 

There are three ways you can reach the top: hiking, which takes about one hour, taxi, or cable car. The cable car ride takes about five minutes, and it’s designed especially as an experience to make the most of the sweeping views on the way. 🚡

Once you reach the top, it’s all about the breathtaking views of the old town with its red rooftops, the walls of Dubrovnik, the Adriatic Sea, and beyond. You can even see two of Croatia’s neighbouring countries: Bosnia and Montenegro. 😮

Besides the many platforms, visit Fort Imperial, a structure built by the French during the Napoleonic wars. Today it houses the Museum of the Croatian War of Independence, where you can learn about the city’s recent history. 

After visiting the museum, take a break at Panorama, an exquisite restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious meal while admiring what a beautiful city Dubrovnik is!

Photo: Valentina in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Carter and partner capture their proposal in Dubrovnik at Mt. Srd with a proposal photoshoot.

9. Orsula Park

Another spot from where you can get gorgeous views of the old city, the Croatian coastline, and the Adriatic Sea with its crystal blue waters is Park Orsula, an archeological site once part of an ancient trade route.

Restored and open to the public in 2012, the site now has a unique aura that’s somewhat magical and romantic. This place is perfect for a visit in the early morning or evening since the sunsets and sunrises are stunning. 🌅

The highlight is the ruins of the 14th century St Orsula’s Church, destroyed in the 1800s. The remaining structure frames the view and serves as the best photo backdrop in the area — definitely a very picturesque place. Legend has it that this is where travellers used to say their prayers before arriving or leaving Dubrovnik. It doesn’t hurt to do the same, doesn’t it?

Nearby, an arena serves as an open-air, sea-facing music venue. During the summer months, it’s the stage for many international musicians that visit Dubrovnik, and things get particularly lively from June to September because of various music festivals. 🎶

Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Jesse and partner celebrate their engagement in Dubrovnik at Orsula Park with a proposal photoshoot.

10. Banje Beach

Did you know Dubrovnik is also a wonderful resort town? You don’t need to take a day trip to one of Europe’s great beaches for a seaside break. There are a few fantastic beaches in town, with beautiful rugged landscapes and crystal clear waters. 💙

The most famous is Banje beach, a favourite of locals and tourists alike. It’s a tiny pebble beach just outside the old town walls, near Ploče Gate, lined with sun beds and umbrellas, with splendid views of the sea and the medieval walls and fortresses of old Dubrovnik.

This spot is excellent for people-watching; you’ll get the sporty types skiing and kayaking on the sea and a fashionable crowd lounging in the cafes and restaurants on the other side to the sound of international DJs playing the latest tracks. 

Even though the beach gets a little crowded sometimes, you can always find your spot to relax, take some great photos, and soak in the delightful atmosphere in one of the very best places to take photos in Dubrovnik. 😌

Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Diana and partner capture their time together in Dubrovnik at the Banje Beach with a couple photoshoot.

Capturing Memories in Dubrovnik

If you want to make your social media feed pop with amazing photos, Dubrovnik is just the place to go! There’s a lot more to see and do: don’t miss the Jesuit Staircase, an elaborate staircase left almost intact by time, and the Dominican Monastery close to Ploce Gate, a religious building with beautiful porches and a very romantic courtyard. 

While in Dubrovnik, why don’t you book a local Flytographer to show you around and capture all this magic with you in it? 📸