Choose from 32 Fun Things to Do in Dubrovnik
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).
Dubrovnik Cruise Port
- 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.
Benedictine Monastery
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Dubrovnik Sea Aquarium
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Mljet Island
- Mljet National Park is a must-see attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven paths.
- Don’t forget your swimsuit, as the lakes are ideal for swimming.
- Although the forested park provides plenty of shade, you’ll still want to pack sunscreen and a hat.
- Make sure to travel with coins, as the park’s public restrooms require a fee.
Dominican Monastery
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Orlando's Column
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Dubrovnik Old Town
- 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.
Elaphite Islands
- 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.
Fort Lovrijenac
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’.
Dubrovnik Cathedral Treasury
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Rector's Palace
The elegant Rector’s Palace was built on the site of an old fort near the harbor in Dubrovnik’s Old City.
The Rector was the town’s puppet ruler, set up to project an image of order and importance to the outside world. Elected for only one month, the Rector was not allowed to leave the palace except on official business.
In addition to the Rector’s office and private chambers, the palace was the seat of the minor council and state administration and contained a watch-house, a prison and an armoury.
It was in that armory that a major explosion took place in 1463 destroying much of the Gothic architecture that had only been completed 25 years before by Onofrio di Giordano della Cava of Naples. What we see today is a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and baroque styles that were added to the building over the years as a result of subsequent explosions and earthquakes.
Today the Rector's palace is the home to the City Museum, which attempts to recreate the original atmosphere of the palace quarters. Here you’ll find the orginal keys to the city, coins minted by the Republic, paintings and coats of arms and a number of important state documents.
You'll find the Rector's Palace between the Town Hall and the Cathedral on Pred Dvorom in the Old City.
Bacina Lakes
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Dubrovnik Cable Car
- 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.
Church of St Blaise
The church is best known for its remarkable silver statue of St Blaise, one of the city’s most important sculptures, depicting the saint holding up a model of the 15th-century city. Additional highlights include the exquisite stained-glass windows by local painter Ivo Dulcie, a pair of 15th century St. Blaise and St. Jerome sculptures by Nikola Lazanie and a collection of the Saint’s relics, which are famously carried through the streets of Dubrovnik each February 3rd for the Feast of St. Blaise.
Onofrio's Fountain
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Pile Gate
- Pile Gate is a must-see for first-time Dubrovnik visitors and history buffs.
- A tourist information center is located on the Stradun, just past the gate.
- Pile Gate is one of several access points for Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls.
- The gate has a ramp and is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.
Bell Tower
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Elafiti Islands
- 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.
Dubrovnik Ancient City Walls
- 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.