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Choose from 95 Fun Things to Do in Croatia

Hvar Fortress

Skirted by a fringe of trees, the 16th-century Hvar Fortress rises above its namesake seaside village. Not long after the castle’s 16th-century completion, it dutifully protected Hvar citizens from attacks by the Turks, and then shortly thereafter was all but destroyed due to fires from a lightening storm. But the fortress was rebuilt, and its Middle Aged walls survived — and all of it stands tall today as arguably Hvar’s most prized sight.

Also called Fortica Španjola (meaning Spanish Fortress, given that it is said that Spanish engineers worked on its construction), the castle can be reached by first trekking up the staircase-filled backstreets of Hvar, then onto a zig-zag path that takes you farther up a hill of flowers and greenery. It’s not a brisk walk by any means, but your efforts will be rewarded with spectacular views of the town, harbor, and islands beyond. Meanwhile, catch your breath and quench your thirst at the castle café.

Practical Info

The fortress can be reached on foot, though note that there are many steep flights of stairs during the uphill climb. Hvar is an easy day trip from Split. Ferries take you to the town Stari Grad or the ferry terminal, which is not far from the plaza and the fortress beyond. Apart from by car, going on foot is best.

D116, Hvar 21450, Croatia

9 a.m.- 9 p.m.

25kn

From $ 116

Elaphite Islands

A cluster of 14 islands along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, the Elafiti Islands (Elaphite Islands) are one of the country’s most popular destinations and a popular day trip from nearby Dubrovnik. The archipelago’s largest three islets—Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan—are the focal point of island-hopping tours.

The Basics

The Elafiti Islands are easy to explore on a day trip from Dubrovnik. Speedboat tours of the three main islands are a popular choice, and typically include stops for swimming, snorkeling, or sea kayaking, as well as free time to visit each island and lunch onboard. For a more personalized experience, choose a private tour and cruise the Adriatic Sea on your own personal boat or yacht.

Things to Know Before You Go

All the islands are car-free; the only way to get around is on foot or by bicycle.
Be sure to bring your swimsuit, towel, and sun protection.
Some ferries and boat tours to the Elafiti Islands are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check with the tour operator in advance.

How to Get There

Located in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Dubrovnik, the Elafiti Islands are only reachable from the water. Ferries and taxi boats travel from Dubrovnik’s Gruz harbor to Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan. You can also visit all three islands on a full-day trip from Dubrovnik.

When to Get There

Summer—especially July and August— is the most popular time to visit. Boats can fill up quickly during this time, so be sure to book ahead. It’s possible to visit during winter, although ferries and tours are less frequent and may be weather-dependent. Visiting out of season means you’ll avoid crowds and have the sights to yourself, but be aware that most island hotels and restaurants will be closed.

What to See and Do on the Elafiti Islands

Koločep is the nearest island to Dubrovnik, celebrated for its dramatic coastal cliffs, tranquil pebble beaches, and shaded olive groves. Neighboring Lopud is best known for its well-preserved, 11th-century Benedictine monastery, 16th-century churches, and beautiful Sunj beach—the largest sandy beach in Dubrovnik. Sipan is the largest of the three islands, where highlights include the remains of a Roman villa, a 15th-century palace, and multiple walking and cycling trails along the coastline.

Elafiti Islands, Dubrovnik, Croatia

From $ 32

Elafiti Islands

The Basics

Things to Know Before You Go

All the islands are car-free; the only way to get around is on foot or by bicycle.
Be sure to bring your swimsuit, towel, and sun protection.
Some ferries and boat tours to the Elafiti Islands are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check with the tour operator in advance.

How to Get There

When to Get There

What to See and Do on the Elafiti Islands

Elafiti Islands, Dubrovnik, Croatia

From $ 32

House of Marin Drzic

The 16th-century Renaissance playwright Marin Držić is to Croatia what Shakespeare is to Britain and he is revered as the first person to write drama in Croatian; his comic plays are on every school syllabus. He lived a rackety life with little career success but his works were resurrected in the 19th century during the rebirth of Croatian cultural heritage; his plays regained popularity yet again in the 1930s and are still performed each year at summer’s Dubrovnik Festival.

The museum dedicated to Držić is located in the Gothic townhouse in which he was born in 1508. It offers a library of modern texts plus a few set-piece reconstructions using waxwork models of his major characters and period furniture. There’s also an audio-visual presentation of some of his texts; among the displays are temporary modern-art exhibitions and contemporary cartoons.

Practical Info

Široka 7, Dubrovnik. Open June–Sept Mon 10am–6pm, Tue–Sun 9am–10pm; Oct–May Mon 10am–6pm, Tue–Sun 9am–8:30pm. Admission (also includes entrance to the five civic museums, Natural History and Modern Art museums and Gallery Dulčić Masle Pulitika) adults 100 KN; students & children younger than 18 25 KN. Free with the Dubrovnik Card. Best accessed on foot through the pedestrianized streets of Dubrovnik Old Town.

Široka 7, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia 20000, Croatia

Open June–Sept Mon 10am–6pm, Tue–Sun 9am–10pm; Oct–May Mon 10am–6pm, Tue–Sun 9am–8:30pm

Adults: 100 KN; Students & Children: 25 KN

From $ 76

Dubrovnik Cruise Port

The Adriatic city of Dubrovnik has a picturesque medieval district known as a filming location for the Game of Thrones television series. Dubrovnik shore excursions run the gamut, and include expeditions up and down the Dalmatian Coast, city and wine-tasting tours, and, of course, Game of Thrones-themed tours.

The Basics

Compact with marble streets and a slew of UNESCO World Heritage sites, Old Town Dubrovnik is easy to see during one day in port. Many shore excursions begin at Pile Gate, one of Old Town’s main entrances dating back to 1537, and continue along the pedestrian Stradun to the city walls. Inside these old walls are incredible churches—including St. Saviour’s and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin—as well as Sponza Palace, a 16th-century Gothic-Renaissance structure that houses the State Archives. The Dubrovnik cable car offers excellent views of the city and coast from atop Mount Srd. Other shore excursions allow visitors to kayak in the Adriatic Sea or check out surrounding coastal towns such as Cavtat. Dubrovnik also serves as a jumping-off point for farther-flung adventures in the Mediterranean.

Things to Know Before You Go

If you’re exploring Dubrovnik on foot, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for some steep streets.
The steep, narrow, and often cobblestoned streets make travel by wheelchair or with a stroller difficult.
To eliminate the hassle of flagging down a taxi or navigating public transport, book a shore excursion that includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

How to Get to Dubrovnik from the Dubrovnik Cruise Port

The port in Gruz, a neighborhood about two miles (three kilometers) north of Old Town, is the most common docking spot for arriving cruisers. Otherwise, the ship may dock in the Old Town harbor or anchor in the bay; from there, passengers will be tendered into Old Town. Buses or taxis are available outside both ports.

Port Information

English is widely spoken in Dubrovnik. The Croatian currency is the kuna; euros are occasionally but not always accepted. Get cash from the Gruz port or the ATMs located around town.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

From $ 20

Gornji Grad (Upper Town)

With narrow cobblestone streets, red tiled roofs, and gorgeous medieval squares, Gornji Grad (Upper Town) is Zagreb’s historic district and most picturesque part. Many of the city’s most visited tourist attractions are here, including the Stone Gate, Zagreb Cathedral, and the Bloody Bridge.

The Basics

Situated on a hilltop overlooking the city, Gornji Grad is best explored on foot. Take a guided walking tour of the centuries-old streets to learn about Zagreb’s medieval history and hear the stories behind the famous Bloody Bridge and the Stone Gate. Don’t miss a visit to St. Mark’s Church, easily recognized by its colorful tiled roof depicting the Croatian, Dalmatian, and Slavonian coats of arms and the Zagreb city emblem.

Things to Know Before You Go

Gornji Grad is a must-see for first-time visitors to the city.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as Gornji Grad’s streets are cobbled and can be uneven.
If traveling with kids, a ride on the Zagreb Funicular is a must.
For a unique experience, visit the Museum of Broken Relationships.

How to Get There

There are several ways to get to Gornji Grad. The most fun way is to take a ride on the Zagreb Funicular, a cobalt-blue cog railway that whisks travelers up the hill from Donji Grad (Lower Town) in just over a minute. You can also take a bus, tram, or taxi or walk to Gornji Grad from lower Zagreb.

When to Get There

Gornji Grad can be visited year-round. Summer, with pleasant and reliable weather and street festivals and activities galore, is by far the most popular time to visit. Zagreb is also fantastic to visit in winter and boasts one of the best Advent scenes in Europe. With winter markets, festivals, and millions of twinkling lights, the capital in an unforgettable place to spend the holiday season.

The Grič Cannon

Among Zagreb’s unique traditions is the Grič Cannon, which is fired each day at noon from the Lotrščak Tower near the top of the funicular. For a small admission, you can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy one of the best views in the city.

Gornji Grad, Zagreb, Croatia

From $ 9

Dubrovnik Old Town

Located at the southern tip of Croatia, perched above the rocky coastline of the Adriatic Sea, the enchanting city of Dubrovnik attracts visitors with its medieval architecture and labyrinth of limestone-paved streets. Its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains surrounded by 14th-century fortified stone walls.

The Basics

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia, thanks in part to the fact that it’s the filming location for the fictional city of King’s Landing in HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones.

Visitors can take a guided stroll through the ancient city streets visiting such famous landmarks as the Rector’s Palace, Cathedral of the Assumption, and the Onofrio Fountain. Don’t miss a walk along Dubrovnik's ancient walls, which offer sweeping views over the maze of red-roofed Old Town buildings and out into the deep-blue Adriatic.

Things to Know Before You Go

Wear comfortable shoes and expect to spend a lot of time walking, as Dubrovnik’s Old Town is best explored on foot.
Dubrovnik can get hot in the summer, so don’t forget your hat, sunglasses, and sunblock.
To dodge the crowds, check the cruise-ship schedule and visit on a day with fewer expected cruise-ship visitors.

How to Get There

Most visitors arrive in Dubrovnik by car, bus, cruise ship, or plane. The nearest major airport is Dubrovnik International Airport, located just south of the city center. Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a pedestrian-only zone, so most visitors arrive by local ferry shuttle, bus, or taxi from their Dubrovnik accommodations.

When to Get There

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is busiest in July and August; if you plan to visit during that time, plan to arrive early in the morning or later in the day to avoid crowds. The best time to visit is September and October, when temperatures are still pleasant and fewer cruise ships dock.

Game of Thrones–Themed Tours

Delve into the fantastical world of Game of Thrones with a walking tour of the real-life Dubrovnik sites used as filming locations for this popular series. You’ll enjoy behind-the-scenes insight into how Old Town Dubrovnik became the fictional city of King’s Landing and hear little-known trivia about the cast and characters from a knowledgeable guide.

Old Town, Dubrovnik, Croatia

From $ 14

Klis Fortress

Built into the limestone bluffs outside of Split, the imposing Klis Fortress was once an important defensive stronghold between the Mediterranean and the Balkans. It housed the seat of many Croatian kings, though nowadays it’s better known as the film location for the fictional city of Meereen in the series Game of Thrones.

The Basics

History buffs and Game of Thrones fans will enjoy a Klis Fortress tour. Wander the windy tunnels and towers of Croatia’s largest defensive structure on your own or explore the fortress on a Game of Thrones-themed tour.

Enjoy incredible panoramas of Split and the Adriatic Sea down below, and tour the museum’s collections of historical weapons and armor. On a Game of Thrones tour, learn how the series was filmed and get insider info about the cast.

Things to Know Before You Go

Klis Fortress is a must-see for Game of Thrones fans.
The fortress paths can be steep and rocky, so wear good walking shoes.
There are no safety measures or signs telling you to keep away from the edges, so watch your step and make sure to supervise young children.
You’re free to explore every nook and cranny in the fortress, but please treat this ancient relic with respect.

How to Get There

Klis is only 9 miles (14 kilometers) north of Split. Most visitors arrive by car, public bus transport, or as part of a guided tour from Split. The simplest way by bus is no. 22 from the HNK (theater) station in Split, which drops you off in the village of Klis right below the fortress. Bus 22 only runs on weekdays.

When to Get There

Klis Fortress is not overly crowded, so anytime is perfect for a visit. Klis is one of the few Game of Thrones filming locations not jam-packed with tourists, but arrive early when the fortress first opens or later in the afternoon for the best chance of having the place to yourself. Go late in the day if you’re visiting during the winter for the chance to capture incredible panoramas of Split at sunset.

Game of Thrones Klis Fortress Tours

Visit Klis Fortress as part of a Game of Thrones tour to see the areas of the fortress used during filming. Get behind-the-scenes insight into how this medieval fortress was turned into the fictional city of Meereen. Tours may also include other Game of Thrones film locations, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diocletian's Palace and King’s Landing in Dubrovnik.

Split, Croatia

From $ 79

Hvar Cathedral (Cathedral of St Stephen)

There’s no better place to take in the essence of Hvar than in its main plaza while admiring the Cathedral of St Stephen. Set upon a backdrop of green hillside, the church you see today was built between the 16th and 17th centuries, with elements of an even older church still preserved inside.

Though the cathedral boasts a relatively humble interior, it is noted for its attractive altars, late Renaissance paintings, and 15th-century wooden choir stalls. For most, though, it’s the exterior that really leaves the biggest impression, with its scalloped rooftop and four-story, 17th-century bell tower that both grandly watch over the expansive limestone plaza that rolls out to the Adriatic Sea.

Practical Info

Though Hvar may be warm and waterside, note that women may be expected to cover up their shoulders in order to enter the cathedral. Take advantage of your central Hvar location to check out other city sights, including the hilltop fortress, and the Arsenal, a naval building-turned-theater. The island of Hvar is an easy day trip from Split. Ferries will take you to the town of Stari Grad or to the ferry terminal in Hvar town, which is a short walk away from the plaza and Hvar Cathedral.

Trg Sv .Stjepana, Hvar 21450, Croatia

9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

10kn

From $ 151

King Tomislav Square

A bustling plaza in the center of Zagreb’s Lower Town, the pedestrian-only King Tomislav Square (Trg kralja Tomislava) is a vibrant city meet-up spot, full of formal gardens and public event space. Named after Croatia’s first monarch, it forms part of the city's spectacular urban parkland, and is defined by botanical gardens and beautiful surrounding buildings. The square's southern flank is overlooked by the central train station, an elegant, Neo-classical building from the 19th century, connecting Zagreb to Vienna and Budapest via railway. The 19th-century Art Pavillion, a popular venue for high-profile exhibitions, sits on the square's north end. Inside the square, you'll find a vast equestrian statue of 10th-century King Tomislav, installed in 1947.

An energetic scene for markets, festivals, and concerts year-round, there's no wrong time to visit the square. Stop by on a city highlights tour to snap a pic, or drive right up to the front of the square on a vintage car tour through the city. The square is also a stop on running tours through the Upper and Lower Towns.

Practical Info

The square is located at the center of Zagreb's Lower Town, and is easily accessible by public transportation. The city’s central train station is on the square, and it is a five-minute walk from the bus stop. Take bus lines 2, 4, 6, 9, 13, 31, 33, or 34 to bus stop Glavni Kolodvor.

Trg kralja Tomislava, Zagreb, Central Croatia, Croatia

From $ 54

Dubrovnik Ancient City Walls

With their imposing watchtowers looming over the medieval city and dramatic fortifications edging the sea cliffs, Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls are an impressive sight and deserving of their star-attraction status. Dating back to the 10th century, the remarkably preserved walls—among the finest in the world—mark out the perimeter of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offer magnificent views over all corners of the city.

The Basics

Whether you arrive in Dubrovnik by sea or land, the towering city walls will be the first thing you see, and there’s no escaping their presence. The most adventurous way to explore the ancient walls is to walk their entire length, while Dubrovnik walking tours often include a visit to popular lookouts such as the Pile Gate or the Minceta Tower. For the best views of the walls themselves, opt for a boat cruise or sea kayaking excursion and gaze up at the mighty ramparts from the ocean.

Things to Know Before You Go

There is a one-way (counterclockwise) system operating on the walls, so once you start walking, you must continue until the next exit point.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water in summer, as there is little shade atop the walls.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Due to the many steps and uneven ground, the walls are not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

How to Get There

Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls encircle Old Town and are reachable on foot from anywhere in the city’s historic center. The walls’ main entrance is at the Pile Gate on the western wall, but you can also enter from the Minceta Tower in the north and the Ploce Gate in the east.

When to Get There

Dubrovnik’s city walls are open to the public year-round, although opening times vary throughout the year. The walls can get busy during the peak summer months, so it’s best to make an early start to beat the crowds. Avoid walking between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest.

Walking the Dubrovnik City Walls

The best way to experience the walls of Dubrovnik is to hike the 1.2-mile (2-kilometer) circular route, which loops around all of Old Town. Start by climbing up to the ramparts above the Pile Gate, pass the Minceta Tower and Fort Lovrijenac (one of several “Game of Thrones” filming locations in Dubrovnik), and then continue to the Ploce Gate and around the Old City Harbor. Along the way, enjoy spectacular ocean views and admire landmarks including the Dominican Monastery, Revelin Fortress, Mount Srd, and 15th-century Bokar Fortress.

Old Town, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Open daily

From $ 21

Fruit's Square (Trg Brace Radic)

Fruit’s Square (Trg Brace Radic) is named after the busy fruit market once held in the square; considered one of the most beautiful squares in Split, Fruit’s Square today is home to a number of historic landmarks, bars, restaurants and shops. On one side of the square is a Venetian castello, or castle. Visitors should look for an arched passageway in the structure that features two etched Christian crosses—legend says that anyone who points their fingers at the points of the cross and makes a love-related wish while closing their eyes will see that wish come true.

On the other side is the 17th-century Milesi Palace, one of the most impressive examples of Baroque architecture in the Dalmatian region. Known for its arch-shaped windows on the ground level, the palace today hosts lectures and cultural events. In front of the palace is a statue of Marko Marulic, a 15th-century poet who is considered the father of Croatian literature.

Fruit's Square can be visited as part of a city walking tour of Split including stops at the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace and the local markets, as well as a walk along the Riva promenade.

Practical Info

Fruit’s Square is less than a 10-minute walk from the main train station in Split, Zeljeznicki kolodvor. It is close to the bus terminal and ferry port, as well.

Trg brace Radic (Radic Brothers’ Square), Split, Croatia

From $ 23

Dubrovnik Sea Aquarium

Found at the University of Dubrovnik Institute for Marine and Coastal Research in St John’s Fortress, Dubrovnik Sea Aquarium is part marine zoo and part research center covering the sea life of the Adriatic Sea. This is a small, recently revamped aquarium showcasing the diversity of Croatia’s local marine life in 31 softly lit sea tanks containing turtles, groupers, eels and spiny lobster as well as tiny sea horses, starfish and sea sponges in small pools. Kids love the walk-through glass tunnel underneath the water, which gives glimpses of rare corals and sea urchins, plus bigger species of marine life such as octopuses, sea bass, darting eels and ugly dogfish.

The aquarium’s spectacular location among the stone halls of St John’s Fortress is part of the attraction of a visit; the medieval fort was built in the mid 14th century and forms the south-eastern corner of the defence walls built around Dubrovnik’s Old Town to fend off invasion from the sea. On the upper floors of the fort is the Dubrovnik Maritime Museum, also worth visiting for its study of the city as a maritime trading power in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Practical Info

The aquarium is found in St John’s Fortress and is best accessed on foot through the pedestrianized Old Town of Dubrovnik or as part of a walking tour of the walls.

Kneza Damjana Jude 12, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia 20000, Croatia

Daily 8am–8pm

Adults 40 KN, Children 20 KN

From $ 75

Fort Lovrijenac

Perched on a 37-meter cliff top jutting out into the Adriatic Sea, it’s easy to see how the dramatic Fort Lovrijenac earned itself the nicknamed of ‘Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar’. The mighty stone fortress is one of Dubrovnik’s most recognizable landmarks, looming over the western gate to the walled Old Town and providing a striking backdrop to the annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival.

Immortalized on-screen as part of the fictional King’s Landing in HBO’s hit fantasy drama, Game of Thrones, Fort Lovrijenac has further cemented its place at the top of tourist itineraries and few views are as breathtaking as looking out over the coastal city from the cliff top ramparts. Built in the 11th century, the fortress was once an impenetrable stronghold, with its 12-meter thick sea walls and infamous 3,000kg bronze ‘Guster’ cannon. An exhausting 175 stone steps lead up to the gateway of Fort Lovrijenac where the entrance is engraved with the poignant inscription ‘Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro’ - ‘Freedom cannot be sold for all the treasures of the world’.

Lovrijenac, Dubrovnik, Croatia

From $ 21

Jarun Lake

Nicknamed the “Zagreb Sea” by the locals, Jarun Lake is a pleasant oasis just outside the city center. This popular year-round recreation area offers city dwellers a break from the bustling urban center with pebble beaches, cycling paths, and a range of outdoor activities. Take a day trip and relax by the beach, try your hand at windsurfing or paddleboarding, or just people-watch at one of the waterfront cafes.

The Basics

Jarun Lake features activities for the whole family. Young children will enjoy splashing in the shallow waters of the lake and exploring the many beachside playgrounds. Water sports enthusiasts can canoe, windsurf, stand-up paddleboard, and more. You can also take a stroll along the lakeside paths or simply sunbathe along the shore. In the evening, Jarun turns into a nightlight hotspot with some of Zagreb’s most popular dance clubs and bars.

Things to Know Before You Go

Visiting the lake is free, but you must pay for parking if you’re driving.
Lifeguards dot the length of the beach, making it a safe spot to swim.
Beware that the south beach is a naturist beach: clothing is optional.
Food and drink are available at the many beachside cafés.

How to Get There

Located in the southwest corner of Zagreb, Lake Jarun is easily reached from the city center. Simply take tram number 5 or 17 to the Jarun stop, then follow the signs to the lake. You can also visit Lake Jarun by car or bike or visit as part of a hop-on hop-off tour of Zagreb.

When to Get There

Lake Jarun can be visited year round, but summer is best for swimming and water sports such such as canoeing and windsurfing. You can enjoy a jog or cycle around the lakeside path anytime of the year. Most bars and cafes are only open during the warmer months, so winter is an especially peaceful time to visit; plus, it’s a great time to view swans, ducks, and other birds.

Swimming in Jarun Lake

Jarun is comprised of two connected lakes: the Large Lake, marked off for rowing, kayaking, and canoeing competitions, and the Small Lake, which is intended for swimming. Life guards are found along the beach, and showers and changing areas are also available. Each beach also features its own sports courts, playgrounds, and other recreation opportunities.

Jarun, Zagreb 10110, Croatia

From $ 54

Franciscan Monastery & Museum

Originally built in a Romanesque-Gothic style in 1337, the Franciscan Monastery was one of the few buildings to retain some of its original architecture after the 1667 earthquake.

Among its earliest surviving features is the south door, designed in 1499 in a Venetian Gothic style and featuring a beautiful carving (Pieta). Considered to be its piece de resistance, however, are the late Romanesque cloisters and their double columns topped with animal, human and plant carvings (capitals). Other original features include a 15th-century marble pulpit, bell tower and fountain.

The Franciscan Monastery also contains an unmissable pharmacy (1317) and a museum. Believed to be the oldest working pharmacy in Europe, you can see original laboratory instruments, mortars and jars on display here.

The museum contains more fascinating 14th century pharmacy equipment, a well-stocked library and precious religious art and artifacts belonging to the Franciscan order.

The Franciscan Monastery and Museum is accessed via a narrow passage from St. Savior's Church on the Placa (Stradun).

Placa 2 (The Stradun), Old Town, Dubrovnik, Croatia

From $ 19

Dubrovnik Cable Car

Dubrovnik’s distinctive orange cable cars speed 2,500 feet (778 meters) in about three minutes, from the lower station just north of the city walls to the top of Mount Srđ. During the ride, you can enjoy peerless views of Dubrovnik’s terracotta rooftops, the coastline of Dalmatia, and archipelagos sprinkled across the Adriatic Sea.

The Basics

Originally opened in 1969, the cable car was destroyed in the 1990s during the Croatian War of Independence but reopened in 2010. A cable car ride is the best way to access panoramic views from the summit of Mount Srđ, 1,300 feet (405 meters) above sea level. Once you take in the lofty views, head to the souvenir shop for Dalmatian olive oils and landscape paintings, or to Panorama restaurant for traditional Croatian dishes. The Napoleonic-era Fort Imperial also lies on the summit—a historic structure that saw intense action during the Siege of Dubrovnik in 1991.

A city highlight, the Dubrovnik Cable Car is featured on many city tours, including walking tours, buggy safaris, and shore excursions. You can also prebook round-trip tickets online to secure your spot and avoid the hassle of purchasing in destination.

Things to Know Before You Go

Young children must be seated in a stroller and kids up to 12 years old must be supervised by an adult during the cable car ride.
Passengers are required to stand still during the ride so their movement does not cause the cable car to swing.
No food, drink, pets, or bicycles are allowed on the cable car.
Cable car facilities are fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, including access to both stations, the cabin, and onsite restrooms.

How to Get There

The lower station is located on Kralja Petra Krešimira IV. Travelers can leave Dubrovnik Old Town on foot through the Buža Street exit in the city walls and walk five minutes uphill.

When to Get There

Operating hours vary depending on the month, and the cable car runs as soon as there are enough passengers. The last departure from the lower station is 30 minutes before closing time. Opt for an early evening ride to enjoy sunset views of the city and coastline.

Fort Imperial

The 200-year-old fort on top of Mt. Srđ was built by Napoleon and finished on his birthday. The fort now houses the Homeland War Museum commemorating the 1991–95 Croatian War of Independence. Its ground floor has exhibits that chart the siege with the help of maps, graphic images, video testaments, and weaponry.

Petra Krešimira 4, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia 20000, Croatia

Varies

From $ 22

Konavle Valley

South of Dubrovnik between the Adriatic Sea and Sniježnica mountain, Konavle Valley is a pastoral dreamland dotted with vineyards, farms, and traditional hamlets. Though just a short drive from Dubrovnik Old Town, the valley feels a world away with its peaceful rural character and strong folkloric traditions.

The Basics

Konavle Valley is a popular day-trip destination for those who want to escape the tourist-oriented resorts of the Dalmatian coast and get a feel for rural life in Croatia. A popular starting point for tours and the largest settlement in the valley is Cavtat, a seaside resort packed with historical attractions.

Many tours of Konavle Valley focus on traditional Croatian culture and make stops at small villages such as Čilipi, where visitors can observe traditional dances and folk music performances and learn about local crafts, such as embroidery. More-active travelers may want to take part in a hiking tour of the valley, perhaps ascending Sniježnica mountain, while hungry travelers will enjoy wine-and-food tours, which usually include tasting sessions at Konavle Valley wineries.

Things to Know Before You Go

Konavle Valley is a must for those want to escape the bustle of Dubrovnik.
If you want indulge in wine tastings, go as part of a tour. That way, you won’t have to worry about traveling between wineries.
If you plan on hiking, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen and water.

How to Get There

Konavle Valley stretches south from Cavtat all the way to the Croatia–Montenegro border. Driving from Dubrovnik, you can be in the valley in just 30 minutes via the D8 road, but reaching the southern parts of the valley, such as the coastal village of Molunat, may take closer to an hour. If you don’t have a car, it’s best to go with an organized tour.

When to Get There

Tourism in Konavle Valley follows the same pattern as that of Dubrovnik, with the hottest weather and highest number of visitors between June and August. The valley is, however, much quieter than Dubrovnik. Even in peak season, it’s unlikely you’ll encounter crowds.

Wines of Konavle Valley

Dotted with small-scale and family-run wineries, Konavle Valley is fast establishing itself as one of Croatia’s top wine-producing regions. The valley’s signature wine is Dubrovnik malvasia, a full-bodied white, though red varietals including merlot and plavac mali are also produced here.

Dubrovnik, Croatia, Croatia

From $ 38

Dubrovnik Cathedral Treasury

Dubrovnik’s cathedral was originally built in the 12th century in Romanesque style and – according to legend – at the behest of King Richard the Lionheart of England after he was shipwrecked on the island of Lokrum along the Adriatic coast. This building was destroyed in an earthquake in 1667 and was replaced by today’s Baroque version, which is the work of Italian architects Andrea Buffalini and Paolo Andreotti. Approached up a grand flight of steps and with a landmark dome, the triple-aisled cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and has an imposing façade guarded by Corinthian columns and a Titian triptych sitting above the main altar; damage caused by a direct hit from a shell in the Siege of Dubrovnik (1991) has since been repaired.

The cathedral’s treasury (‘Riznica Katedrale’ in Croatian) is tucked away to the left of the altar and has a priceless array of gold and reliquaries squirreled together from medieval times onwards, creating an eccentric assortment of bones, relics and swaddling robes apparently once worn by Jesus. Masterpieces of the collection include the head and limbs of St Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik, encased in gold fashioned by local goldsmiths in medieval times, paintings by Italian Mannerist Parmigianino, a fragment of the True Cross and precious icons studded in gemstones.

Practical Info

Držićeva poljana, Dubrovnik. Open Apr–Oct Mon–Fri 9am–5pm; Sat–Sun 11am–5pm. Nov–Mar Mon–Fri 10am–12pm, 3pm–5pm; Sat–Sun 11am–12pm, 3pm–5pm. Admission to the cathedral is free. Tickets for the treasury: 25 HRK. Best accessed on foot in Dubrovnik’s pedestrianized Old Town.

Držićeva poljana, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia 20000, Croatia

Apr–Oct Mon–Fri 9am–5pm; Sat–Sun 11am–5pm. Nov–Mar Mon–Fri 10am–12pm, 3pm–5pm; Sat–Sun 11am–12pm, 3pm–5pm

Cathedral: Free; Treasury: 25 HRK

From $ 14

Jelacic Square

The living heart around which Zagreb beats, Jelačić Square was built in the mid-19th century when Croatia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and it marks the boundary between Gornji Grad and Kapitol (both in the Upper Town) and Donji Grad (Lower Town). The huge, paved piazza is named after a military leader of the 19th century, whose equestrian statue by Austrian sculptor Anton Dominick Ritter von Fernkorn was erected in 1866; it has great sentimental value to the Croatian people as it was removed from the square in 1947 by the Communists, and only replaced in 1990 during the breakup of Yugoslavia.

Surrounded by elegant and arcaded Baroque buildings – many swathed in advertising hoardings – the vast square is crossed by several of the city’s great boulevards, including Illica and Radićeva. It is lined with bars and cafés that move outdoors in the summer, when locals and visitors jostle for space with buskers, beggars and the trams that constantly rattle around its perimeter. A Christmas market takes place during Advent, and Jelačić Square is where the people of Zagreb see in the New Year with fireworks and live music.

Practical Info

Trg bana Josipa Jelačića. Open all hours, Jelačić Square is pedestrianized and is on several tram lines.

Trg bana Josipa Jelačića, Zagreb 1000, Croatia

From $ 23