Croatians don’t call it the Pearl of the Adriatic for nothing. Though home to just over 40,000 residents, Dubrovnik has long secured its place on the world map as a destination you should visit at least once in your lifetime. Its beaches are considered among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, and its two-kilometre city walls, together with the entire Old Town they embrace, have been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
All this draws several million visitors each year to this small Dalmatian city at the southern tip of Croatia. Most of them, often pressed for time, follow the standard tourist trail of Dubrovnik must see attractions, rushing from one landmark to the next and rarely seeing much beyond the postcard version of the city.
But add in the heavy crowds and summer heat that can climb up to 40°C, and it becomes difficult to experience the city in a way both you and Dubrovnik truly deserve.
If you’re planning your overall stay and want a broader look at neighbourhoods, budgeting and how to structure your time, our Dubrovnik Travel Guide 2026 offers a complete overview.
In this article, we focus on five places that are absolutely worth seeing, even in the heat and the crowds, and five that you can confidently skip.
5 Dubrovnik Must See Attractions
The City Walls – go early, really early
Built as early as the 13th century, Dubrovnik’s walls are genuinely impressive, and you’ll likely regret skipping them. Every local has walked them more than once and they’re a staple even for domestic visitors. The difference is: locals can choose when to go, while most travellers arrive in the peak summer months with limited time.
To get the best experience and avoid the heat and the crowds, choose early morning. The walls open at 8 AM, when the sun is still low, the stones are cool and the cruise groups haven’t yet reached the Old Town.
Local Tip: Bring water and a hat. Even in the morning, mediterranean sun hits hard and the full loop around the walls takes at least 1.5–2 hours.
Pro Tip: Get the Dubrovnik Pass. It costs the same as the wall ticket but includes free public transport, museum entries, and discounts on tours.
2. Fort Lovrijenac – the best view of the city
Sitting 40 metres above the sea, Fort Lovrijenac offers a panorama you simply won’t get from the walls. Many visitors skip it, unaware of what they’re missing.
During the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, open-air performances are held here. If your schedule allows, it’s an unforgettable setting.
Local Tip: Entry is included in your City Walls ticket for 72 hours. Most visitors don’t realise this.
3. Lokrum Island – the quickest escape from heat and crowds
A 10–15 minute boat ride is all it takes for Dubrovnik to suddenly feel far away.
Lokrum is a protected nature reserve – shaded, mystical, full of rocky coves and natural swimming spots. It’s the perfect reset after the Old Town rush. And if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll love it even more.
Local Tip: Bring water and snacks and have a picnic under the pine trees, that’s exactly how locals spend their day on Lokrum. Cafés exist, but they’re limited and pricier than in town.
4. Mount Srđ – home to one of Croatia’s best sunsets
Few views in Croatia compare to the one from Srđ, especially at sunset. You can reach the top in three different ways:
By sky: Cable car is the most popular choice among visitors and a memorable experience. The ride is smooth, the views are spectacular and it’s the quickest way up.
By road: You can go by car or bus. But be careful, the road is narrow, winding, full of potholes and constantly busy with taxis and tour vans. If possible, choose a professional transfer instead. Alternatively, take the bus to Bosanka and continue on foot for about 20 minutes with beautiful views the entire way.
By hiking trail: The most demanding option. It’s moderately difficult trail that requires good physical fitness. If you choose this route, go early, bring plenty of water and wear proper footwear, Dalmatian karst terrain does not forgive mistakes.
Local Tip: For the best sunset view, walk a few hundred metres northwest of the fort. It’s quieter, and the panorama is even more dramatic.
5. Hidden viewpoints and natural beaches
Some of Dubrovnik’s most memorable spots aren’t marked on maps. Everyone knows Buža and its cliffside terraces, but locals gravitate to quieter places.
For swimming, go to Boninovo or Bellevue, beaches shaded by pines and beloved by residents.
For walks and views, head to Gradac Park (also a GOT filming location) where benches under the trees overlook the Old Town in a way that feels both grand and peaceful.
Local Tip: Bring a blanket or towel and a bottle of wine if you want to sit by the sea or under the pines and take in the sunset slowly – the local way.
5 things in Dubrovnik you can skip without guilt
1. Stradun during peak hours
Stradun is stunning, but from late morning to late afternoon it becomes a slow-moving river of people. The same goes for the surrounding alleys which, though charming with their courtyards, vaulted stone passages and tiny shops, become overwhelming in the hottest hours of summer.
Early morning is a completely different story: delivery carts rattle through the streets, vendors set up stalls at Gundulić Square, and the polished stone belongs only to a few early risers.
2. The “famous” cafés and restaurants in the most obvious locations
The view may be nice, but the prices aren’t and the food or coffee rarely justify the hype. Dubrovnik’s best cafés and restaurants aren’t on Stradun; they’re in the side streets or in neighbourhoods outside the Old Town.
Local Tip: If the menu isn’t printed in eight languages, you’re probably in the right place.
3. Central beaches that look better in photos than in reality
Banje and similar spots are postcard-pretty but overwhelmingly crowded in summer to the point where swimming often feels like navigating between towels. Many guides recommend Šulić Beach near the Old Town as a quieter option. But although beautiful, there’s a reason it’s often empty and locals rarely swim there.
Local Tip: Walk about 30 minutes (or take an Uber) to Sveti Jakov. There are plenty of stairs, but the beach and the views are absolutely worth it.
4. Chasing every single Game of Thrones filming location
If you’re a big fan, enjoy it, of course. But the “must-see” circuits often lead to places with little value outside the show, and usually in heavy crowds. Dubrovnik is fascinating on its own, don’t let pop culture dictate your entire schedule.
Local Tip: If you want just one perfect GOT moment, choose Lokrum Island. You’ll visit a spot truly worth seeing and get the chance to sit on the Iron Throne without the chaos.
5. Short, expensive tourist boat tours
There are many to choose from, but most don’t justify the price – they rush through locations that deserve more time. The Elafiti Islands are beautiful, but not something to squeeze into a two-hour boat dash.
If your itinerary is already tight, leave them for your next visit. If you have the time, take a local ferry to Koločep or Lopud and spend half a day swimming, walking and enjoying local food at your own pace.
Local Tip: Full-day island tours are far better value. If you go independently, the ferry to Koločep costs about 5€ and takes around 30 minutes.
Some images in this article are sourced via Openverse (Creative Commons).
If Dubrovnik is just one stop on your journey, travelling further along the coast offers a very different rhythm and pace. You might also enjoy Three Days in Split: A Local Guide to Making the Most of Your Visit, our local take on seeing Split at a slower, more everyday pace.
For practical details on travelling between the two cities, see our guide Split to Dubrovnik: How to Travel Along the Dalmatian Coast.
