“If you want to see paradise on Earth, come to Dubrovnik.” – George Bernard Shaw
Best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubbed the “pearl of the Adriatic,” the Old Town of Dubrovnik is a magical, walled city unlike any other in Europe. ✨ If you’re an avid Game of Thrones fan eager to explore the fictional King’s Landing or an avid traveller seeking the best things this Croatian gem has to offer, we’ve rounded up our top tips straight from our local Flytographers! ✈️
“Living in Dubrovnik is like living a year long holiday. You are surrounded by the sea, beautiful beaches and nature, the weather is pleasant almost all year round. People are easygoing and kind, life is slower and calmer, there’s no rush like in the big cities…everyone is taking it easy. It’s the Mediterranean style of living I guess, and so you go with the flow. Just being inside the old city walls is like a step back in time, so I would say take it all in. You don’t have to have a plan, just roam the streets, maybe get lost, explore, because every street is a hidden gem. But definitely walk the city walls.” – Flytographer Božo
Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Francia and their partner capture memories in Dubrovnik with a couple photoshoot at Old Town.
Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Lauren and their partner capture memories in Dubrovnik with a couple photoshoot.
What are the best places to eat in Dubrovnik?
While it can be tempting to enjoy every meal on Stradun, the main street of Dubrovnik, there are many side streets and alleyways home to some of the best eats in the city! 🍽
- Pantarul. “A small, urban restaurant but with a personal touch and nice selection of local wine. The owner is a famous Croatian food blogger and you can buy her cookbooks in the restaurant. I highly recommend her cookbook What’s Cooking in Dubrovnik, so you can make your own traditional Dubrovnik dishes at home.” – Božo
- Kopun. Literally translating to “rooster,” Kopun is a family-owned restaurant serving up traditional fare inspired by recipes found in old Dubrovnik cookbooks. Its location off the main streets makes it feel like a hidden gem even in peak tourist season, and it’s the perfect opportunity to sample a variety of typical Dalmatian dishes.
- Konoba Dubrava. If you’re taking the cable car up Srd Hill, be sure to stop for dinner at this spot often frequented by locals for a celebration! Learn to sing traditional Croatian songs performed live as you indulge in meals made from home-grown ingredients. Don’t forget to order ahead to have your meal cooked under an iron bell; this process takes three hours and is the traditional and authentic way to enjoy your meal.
- Konoba KING. Located in the seaside village of Plat, about 20 minutes from Dubrovnik, this restaurant with a lovely terrace and open fireplace is known for delicious, fresh seafood like grilled shrimp and fish along with local ingredients. It’s a family-run spot where the hospitality is as amazing as the menu!
- D’Vino Wine Bar. Serving up the best wine from across the many regions of Croatia, spend an intimate and romantic evening snacking on an elaborate gourmet platter of local ingredients and traditional delicacies. The D’vino Antipasto platter is the reason this cozy wine bar is listed on our “eats” section!
Honourable mentions: Taj Mahal, Gossip Ice Cream Shop, Takenoko Dubrovnik, Panorama Restaurant
Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Emily captures memories with their partner with a couple photoshoot in Dubrovnik, Croatia near Old Town.
Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Amanda and their partner celebrate their babymoon in Dubrovnik with a maternity photoshoot at the sea wall.
Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Nicole and their daughter capture memories in Dubrovnik with a family photoshoot at the Sea Wall.
What are the best places to go for drinks in Dubrovnik?
- Ponat. “Ponat beach bar is situated near Mandrač beach, a great way to relax after a whole day of swimming and sunbathing. With nice views, natural shade coming from pine trees, great music, smell of the sea, and a little outside of the most popular touristic routes, you’ll find lots of locals here.” – Božo
- Soul Caffe. This spot effortlessly transitions from day to night. Opt for a spot on the outdoor terrace while you enjoy your coffee by day. By night, it transforms into a dimly-lit, jazzy spot for cocktails, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik’s thoroughfare.
- Cave Bar More. Set within a natural cavern underneath Hotel More, this bar is a visually stunning cafe that rocks. (We apologize for the pun – we had to! 😉) The natural rock walls are illuminated by a constellation of LED lights and leads out to a view of the ocean crashing along the shoreline.
- Lekri. A 17th-century shipyard was transformed into an amazing local winery just outside of the Old Town with stunning views of the sea. Take a tour to learn about the process of winemaking, sample a variety of wines and liqueurs, and snack on cheese as you enjoy the property.
- Buža Bar. When you find an unassuming sign hammered into the stone walls of Dubrovnik saying “cold drinks with the most beautiful view,” you’ll know you’re in the right place. Literally translating to “hole-in-the-wall,” this Insta-worthy bar built onto the cliffs has breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and Lokrum Island. While tables are limited, you can always enjoy your drink on one of the many nearby rocky outcrops.
Honourable mentions: Buzz Bar, Banje Beach Club, Bistro Izvor Dubrovnik, Caffe Bar Tinel
Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Daniel proposed to his partner in Dubrovnik and they celebrate their engagement with a couple photoshoot.
Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Heidi and their family capture memories in Dubrovnik with a family photoshoot.
Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Kristina and their partner celebrate their engagement in Dubrovnik with a couple photoshoot at the Sea Wall.
Capture memories with a Dubrovnik Flytographer
What are the best things to do in Dubrovnik?
- Lokrum Island. “Island Lokrum is just a 15-minute boat drive away from the old city walls and it’s a real treat to spend the day there avoiding the heat and crowds. The boat goes from the old city port every half and hour or so. You can spend the day bathing on small secluded beaches, lie on the grass beneath one of many olive trees and read a book, maybe even take a nap, visit the botanical garden, have lunch in a restaurant inside an old Benedictine Monastery, and visit the Game of Thrones museum (it was partly filmed on Lokrum). There are no cars there, you only hear the sounds of the sea, birds and peacocks which are roaming freely on the island. Just make sure to leave with the last boat since no one is allowed to spend a night there (except fireman that stay on the island). Legend says the island is cursed so better not stay the night and see for yourself!” – Božo
- Game of Thrones tour. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you could easily spend a full day visiting the many filming locations in Dubrovnik that make up the fictional King’s Landing. Walk along the streets to discover various spots from the show. While you may not learn as much about real Croatian history, this is likely your first walking tour that involves dragons!
- Dubrovnik cable car. Sightseeing for panoramic views is a must in a city as unique as this one, but for the best bird’s-eye view take the cable car up Mount Srd to see the city and Adriatic Sea from above. It’s a popular spot to watch the sunset paint the sky an explosion of colours.
- Sea kayaking tour. Sure, seeing the city from above is a must-do… but have you considered seeing it from the water via a kayak? Get away from the crowds, listen to the gentle waves, see Dubrovnik from below and even explore some sea caves along the way! Definitely a different experience than your normal walking tour.
- Dubrovnik city walls. “If you don’t have a lot of time (but also, if you do) and want to see as much as you can in one go, you must walk the city walls. It’s the best way to see the city in all its beauty. Just bring a hat, SPF and a bottle of water. It’s a long walk but oh so worth it. And if you get tired you can always have a coffee or an ice cream in a cafe on the walls. Also, if you are a Game of Thrones fan then you must go up the Saint Lawrence fortress.” For the best views, the walls of Dubrovnik are a must! – Božo
Honourable mentions: Maritime Museum, Rector’s Palace, Fort Lovrijenac, Trsteno Arboretum, Sponza Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral, Pile Gate, Dominican Monastery
Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Keith and their partner capture memories in Dubrovnik at the Old Port with a couple photoshoot.
Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Janeen and their partner celebrate their engagement with a couple photoshoot in Dubrovnik at Lokrum.
Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Lenore and their family capture memories in Dubrovnik with a family photoshoot.
Lenore’s Travel Tip for Dubrovnik
“Tour the City Walls first thing in the morning to beat the heat! The views of the Old Town, the terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic Sea are breathtaking. Spend the afternoon cooling off at Banje Beach, before taking the cable car up to Mount Srd to have dinner and watch the sunset. Make sure to book reservations in advance!” – Lenore (photographed above)
Read more Dubrovnik Travel Tips from Flytographer customers.
Where do the locals go shopping in Dubrovnik?
- Life According to KAWA. “If you want to buy a really original, handmade Croatian souvenir or product, this is the place to go. They have everything, from wines, clothing, stationary, ceramics to magnets and different knick-knacks. All made in Croatia by Croatian artists and craftsman.” – Božo
- Clara Stones Jewellry. These local artisans create hand-made jewellry made from red coral, pearls and diamonds for a one-of-a-kind reminder of your travels that you can wear. Every piece is crafted in their workshop below.
- Franciscan Pharmacy. Founded in 1317 (yes, you read that correctly!), this pharmacy is one of the oldest still running in Europe that was originally run for Franciscan friars. In the courtyard of the Franciscan Monastery, beautiful cloisters lead to the Old Pharmacy Museum. The pharmacy has a variety of products available for sale, all made according to ancient Franciscan’s recipes. You’ll have quite the story behind your new creams!
- Algebra. A book-lover’s paradise awaits, with books stacked floor to ceiling. International best sellers, regional guides, and of course, postcards, are available. The knowledgeable staff will help guide you to your next vacation read.
- Medusa. This quirky shop is self-described as “a charming shop for charming people,” and it sells everything from soaps and salts to art prints and chocolate. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by what unique souvenir you’ll find here.
Honourable mentions: Pomalo, Dubrovnik Treasures
Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Shannon and their partner celebrate their anniversary in Dubrovnik with a couple photoshoot.
Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Abigail and their family capture memories together in Dubrovnik with a family photoshoot.
Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. Develyn and their partner celebrate their engagement in Dubrovnik with a couple photoshoot.
Best places to take photos in Dubrovnik
“Peaceful view from Dubrovnik sea side – it offers the best of everything in one go – the walls, the sea and the old port, palaces, a lot of history with breathtaking views, especially if you book it in the morning. A little hint, it’s popular for engagement photography, one of the reasons it’s my most favorite route.” – Božo
View all three expertly-curated Flytographer routes through Dubrovnik. You truly can’t go wrong when the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 🌍
Photo: Božo in Dubrovnik for Flytographer. A photo of the side streets of Dubrovnik photo route near the Old Port.
Capturing memories in Dubrovnik
Whether you’re spending the majority of your time in Dubrovnik, or travelling to nearby spots like Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kotor in Montenegro, or Split, Korčula and Lopud in Croatia, remember to get off the beaten path! Capture your memories and celebrate your story with a Flytographer shoot. 📸
