A city break in Dubrovnik: history, sights, culinary delights and the sparkling blue of the Adriatic Sea

Contents:

• The Old Town – the glittering heart of Dubrovnik
• Sights and highlights – exploring the area around Dubrovnik
• Where to stay in Dubrovnik? A comparison of the best neighbourhoods
• Culinary discoveries – savouring Dubrovnik
• Game of Thrones & film locations – in the footsteps of King’s Landing
• Practical tips for your trip to Dubrovnik
• Conclusion – Dubrovnik enchants

The Old Town – the glittering heart of Dubrovnik

Surrounded by mighty walls and lapped by the splendour of the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a place straight out of a fairy tale. Mediterranean life pulsates amongst golden stones, Baroque palaces and narrow alleyways. Here, history and significant landmarks blend to form a fascinating backdrop – vibrant, elegant and steeped in stories.

Things you simply must experience in the Old Town:

• Take a stroll along the city walls – ideally early in the morning or just before sunset, when the light shimmers golden. Tip: Start at Ploče Gate, where the entrance is usually less crowded.

• Stroll along the Stradun – the gleaming main street with its elegant façades, boutiques and street musicians.

• Visit Dubrovnik Cathedral – a masterpiece of Baroque architecture housing impressive works of art, including a painting by Titian.

• Visit the Church of St Blaise and the Rector’s Palace – impressive testaments to Dubrovnik’s glorious history.

• Take a break at Cogito Coffee – this little café tucked away in a side street is considered the best spot for espresso and cold brew.

• Watch the sunset at the Buža Bar – a spectacular view from the cliffs right above the sea. A glass of wine, the waves lapping below and the sky ablaze with gold and pink – unforgettable!

• Stroll through the narrow alleyways and discover local galleries, for example in Ulica od Puca or near the Dominican Church.

• Sample fresh fish by candlelight in one of the traditional restaurants.

Sights and highlights – exploring the area around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s charm is just as evident outside the Old Town. Nestled between the sea, mountains and islands, it offers breathtaking views, peaceful retreats and cultural treasures.

These sights are particularly worth a visit:

• Lovrijenac Fortress – majestically perched on a 37-metre-high rock, it offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Old Town and the sea. No wonder scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed here.

•  Dubrovnik Contemporary Gallery – housed in an elegant 19th-century palace, it showcases modern Croatian art in an exciting interplay with historic architecture. Perfect for a cultural break between strolling through the city and enjoying the sea views.

•  Mount Srđ – the cable car takes you up in just a few minutes to what is arguably the most spectacular vantage point over Dubrovnik and the Adriatic. At the top, you’ll find a panoramic restaurant and the small Fort Imperial with its historical museum – one of the most impressive sights high above the city.

•  Lokrum Island – a green oasis just 15 minutes by boat from the Old Harbour. Ideal for swimming, picnicking and relaxing amongst olive groves, peacocks and the ruins of a Benedictine monastery.

• Koločep (Kalamota) Island – the smallest of the Elaphiti Islands, just around 30 minutes away by ferry. Turquoise waters, fragrant pine forests and hidden coves make it a real hidden gem for those seeking peace and quiet.

• The most beautiful beaches around Dubrovnik:

  • Banje Beach – the most famous city beach, just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town. With views of the city walls and the island of Lokrum, it’s a dream, especially at sunset.

  • Sveti Jakov Beach – a little off the beaten track and therefore quieter, with crystal-clear water and a magnificent panorama – ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy the sea in a relaxed atmosphere.

  • Lapad Beach – situated on the peninsula of the same name, family-friendly and featuring cafés, restaurants and a promenade – perfect for a leisurely afternoon by the sea.

Where to stay in Dubrovnik? A comparison of the best neighbourhoods

Dubrovnik offers a variety of neighbourhoods, each ideal depending on your preferences – whether you want to be right in the thick of things or are looking for peace and quiet. Prices are generally high during the high season, so be sure to book well in advance!

• Right in the heart of it all: the Old Town (Stari Grad): If you want to experience the magic of Dubrovnik round the clock, choose accommodation within the city walls. The Old Town is the vibrant heart of the city, and all the sights are just a few steps away. But be warned: it’s particularly noisy here in summer, prices are at their highest, and you’ll have to lug your luggage up the many flights of stairs. Hotel tip: For a luxurious experience right on the Stradun, The Pucic Palace, set in an elegant 17th-century palace, is an unforgettable choice.
• The luxury of the view: Ploče: The Ploče district lies just east of the Old Town and is famous for its spectacular, postcard-perfect views of the city walls. It is quieter than the Old Town, offers more upmarket hotels and is close to Banje Beach. If you’re prepared to spend a little more to wake up every morning to the most beautiful view of Dubrovnik, Ploče is the right choice. Hotel tip: Villa Dubrovnik – The luxury of the view: This elegant five-star hotel is perched atop the cliffs of Ploče and offers spectacular, picture-postcard views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea. 
• Convenient and close by: Pile: Just to the west of the Old Town lies Pile, the gateway to the Old Town and a major transport hub. Here you’ll often find good value for money, and the connections to buses and taxis are excellent. It is the most practical choice for first-time visitors or travellers seeking easy access to the Old Town without the noise of Stari Grad itself. Hotel tip: Just a stone’s throw from the Pile Gate, the elegant Palace Natali Hotel offers the ideal blend of luxury and location. In this incredible 16th-century former summer residence of the noble Natali family, you can enjoy luxurious rooms, beautiful gardens and a magnificent view over Dubrovnik and the offshore islands.
• Beach and tranquillity: Lapad: If you’re looking for a mix of a city break and a beach holiday, the Lapad peninsula is ideal. It offers a relaxed promenade, beautiful bays and excellent facilities. Lapad is particularly family-friendly and ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. You can easily reach the Old Town in around 10 to 15 minutes by local bus. Hotel tip: The Hotel Dubrovnik Palace is the perfect choice for a beach holiday with a touch of luxury, offering modern rooms, infinity pools and a spectacular view of the Elaphiti Islands.

When planning your trip, it’s worth taking a look at our Travel Deals page – you might just discover your dream hotel or a flight to Dubrovnik at a particularly attractive price.

Culinary discoveries – Dubrovnik to savour

Dubrovnik tastes of sunshine, the sea and Mediterranean lightness. The city’s cuisine is characterised by fresh fish, olive oil, herbs and a touch of Venetian elegance. In the narrow alleyways of the Old Town and along the coast, one culinary highlight follows another – from authentic family-run eateries to award-winning gourmet restaurants. And, of course, one classic dish is a must: the ‘Black Risotto’ with squid – intense, aromatic and typically Dalmatian. It’s perfect with a glass of Dingač, the full-bodied red wine from the Pelješac Peninsula.

Our tips for culinary delights in Dubrovnik:

• Eat with locals – Maria & Zlatko Papak: An evening just like dining with friends. In their home, Maria and Zlatko serve traditional Dalmatian dishes with homemade wine – warm, authentic and unforgettable.

• Restaurant 360: Fine dining at the very highest level. Here, creative cuisine meets spectacular views over the old harbour – a Michelin star that is thoroughly deserved. Tip: The restaurant is closed during the winter months, so check the start of the season in good time.

• Panorama Restaurant: Perched high above the city on Mount Srđ, this restaurant offers not only first-class cuisine but also what is arguably the most beautiful view of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic – particularly magical at sunset.

• Lucin Kantun: A charming little restaurant in a side street of the Old Town. Here, traditional dishes are creatively reimagined – authentic, fresh and with great attention to detail.

• Gradska Kavana Arsenal: A classic in a prime location by the Old Harbour. On the terrace, you can enjoy Mediterranean specialities with a view of the sea – particularly lovely at sunset.

Game of Thrones & Film Locations – In the Footsteps of King’s Landing

For fans of Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik is far more than just a beautiful city – it is the real-life setting for King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. As you stroll through the narrow streets, along the city walls or by the harbour, you immediately feel as though you’ve been transported into the epic world of Westeros.

Many of the iconic scenes were filmed here – from Queen Cersei’s ‘Walk of Shame’ on the steps of the Jesuit Church to the dramatic moments at Lovrijenac Fortress, which served as the Red Keep.

If you want to delve deeper, you can join a Game of Thrones tour: local guides take you to the most famous filming locations and reveal fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about the shoot. Even if you’re not familiar with the series, you’ll love the special atmosphere of these locations – because Dubrovnik itself is cinematic enough.

Practical tips for your trip to Dubrovnik

A city break to Dubrovnik is easy to plan – and with a few practical tips, your stay will be even more relaxing:

• Getting there: There are direct flights to Dubrovnik from Zurich and Geneva (flight time approx. 1 hour 45 minutes). The airport is situated around 20 kilometres south of the Old Town; the journey by shuttle bus or taxi takes about 30 minutes.

• Currency: The euro has been the currency in Croatia since 2023. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including contactless payments.

• Getting around: The Old Town is car-free – perfect for a leisurely stroll! More distant beaches or viewpoints can be reached easily by bus, taxi or boat. If you’d like to experience Dubrovnik from a different perspective, you can circumnavigate the city on a canoe trip along the coast – an unforgettable experience between the city walls and the Adriatic Sea.

• Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are ideal, when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. In summer, it can get very hot and busy.

• Admission & tickets: Many attractions (e.g. the city walls, museums, cable car) can be visited more cheaply with the Dubrovnik Pass Card. It also offers free travel on public buses.

• What to wear: Comfortable footwear is a must – the cobbled streets of the Old Town can be slippery. And when visiting churches, shoulders and knees should be covered.

• Useful Croatian phrases for your trip: 

  • Dobar dan! – Good day!

  • Hvala! – Thank you!

  • Molim. – Please.

  • Laku noć! – Good night!

Conclusion – Dubrovnik enchants

Dubrovnik is more than just a city – it’s a feeling. Set against the backdrop of the sparkling Adriatic, the golden walls and the Mediterranean way of life, a place brimming with history, charm and impressive sights unfolds. Whether you’re strolling through the Old Town, taking in the view from the city walls or enjoying dinner by the sea – Dubrovnik remains unforgettable.