Things to Do in Dubrovnik: City Walls, Lokrum Island, Beaches and More

Dubrovnik had been on our list for years, and when we finally made it there in the summer of 2021, we were lucky enough to have the city almost to ourselves. We took a ferry from Italy into Split and then drove down the coast, passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina along the way. It was one of those unexpected road trip twists you only appreciate later.

We stayed for a week, which gave us time to explore Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town. We took Rex along the city walls, hopped over to Lokrum Island and spend lazy afternoons at some of the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic.

Dubrovnik’s Famous City Walls

If there’s one thing you can’t miss in Dubrovnik, it’s the city walls. Built between the 12th and 17th centuries, they surround the entire Old Town and offer views of the Adriatic on one side and terracotta rooftops on the other.

We brought Rex with us, and he handled the steep stone steps better than we expected. The heat, though, was intense. If you’re visiting in summer, go early in the morning or just before sunset when the temperatures are cooler and the light is perfect for photos.

📍 Entrance: Near Pile Gate in Old Town
🎟️ Tickets: Around €35 for adults, free for kids under 7
⏰ Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (seasonal)
🔗 Official Website

    • Lokrum Island: The Perfect Day Escape

    It only takes a quick 15-minute ferry from Dubrovnik’s Old Port to get to Lokrum Island, but it feels like you’ve left the city completely. We spent the day swimming in hidden coves, wandering through the gardens and watching the peacocks strut around like they owned the place.

    The best part? It’s calm, shady and nothing like the crowded Dubrovnik beaches. If you’re visiting with kids, teens or even a dog, it’s an easy spot to spend a few hours and actually relax.

    📍 Ferry Departure: Dubrovnik Old Port
    🎟️ Tickets: Around €27 round-trip (includes island entry)
    ⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (summer)
    🔗 Lokrum Official Website

    Fort Lovrijenac: Dubrovnik’s Iconic Fortress

    Perched on a cliff just outside the western walls, Fort Lovrijenac has defended Dubrovnik since the 11th century. The views over the Adriatic alone are worth the climb, but history lovers and Game of Thrones fans will appreciate it even more.

    We spent time exploring the old cannons, stone corridors and open terraces, imagining the battles fought here hundreds of years ago.

    • 📍 Location: Outside Pile Gate
    🎟️ Tickets: Included with city walls ticket
    ⏰ Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (seasonal)
    Tip: Visit early to avoid midday heat and crowds.

    • Best Beaches Around Dubrovnik

    Dubrovnik has no shortage of beautiful beaches, whether you want something close to the Old Town or a quiet hidden cove away from the crowds. During our week here, we spent time at Banje Beach, Pasjača Beach, and Plaža Beach, and we also rented a boat to explore a few spots you can only reach from the water.

    • Banje Beach → Just outside the Old Town, easy to reach, calm water and incredible views of Lokrum Island.
    • Pasjača Beach (our favorite) → A hidden cove about 30 minutes south of Dubrovnik. The climb down is steep, but once you get there, it feels like your own private beach.

    If you want a full guide to the most beautiful beaches near Dubrovnik and across Croatia, check out our Best Beaches in Croatia post. We’ve rounded up all our favorites, including spots you can reach by boat and a few hidden gems most people skip.

    Haunted Dubrovnik Night Tour

    One evening, we joined a haunted night tour through the Old Town, and it ended up being one of our favorite experiences. The guide shared centuries-old stories about curses, ghosts and mysterious disappearances, giving the city an entirely different feel after dark.

    Dubrovnik’s long history as a maritime trading hub has left behind plenty of ghost stories. From legends of cursed ships to tales of haunted palaces, there’s no shortage of eerie folklore if you know where to look.

    • Where to Eat in Dubrovnik

    We tried a lot of local dishes, but Bosnian food ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. Here are a few spots worth visiting:

    Pantarul
    📍 Kralja Tomislava 1
    Seasonal Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist.
    🔗 Website

    Taj Mahal
    📍 Ul. Nikole Gučetića 2
    Traditional Bosnian cuisine with incredible ćevapi and stuffed peppers.
    🔗 Website

    Konoba Dubrava
    📍 Bosanka 17
    Authentic peka-style slow-cooked meats, just outside the city walls.
    🔗 Website

    Know Before You Go

    Getting There: Fly into Dubrovnik Airport, take a ferry or drive along the coastal route via Split.
    Best Time to Visit: May, June and September for fewer crowds and great weather.
    Currency: Euro (€) since 2023; previously Croatian Kuna.
    Language: Croatian, but English is widely spoken.
    Dog-Friendly Tip: Dubrovnik’s beaches and Lokrum Island are generally pet-friendly, but bring water for your dog in summer.

    Planning More Croatia Travel?

    Looking to explore more of Croatia? Check out these guides:
    Things to Do in Split – Beaches, Old Town and Krka Waterfalls
    Best Beaches in Croatia – Hidden gems along the Adriatic coast
    Krka Waterfalls Guide –How to plan the perfect day trip