Dubrovnik Travelers Recommend

Just an hour from Croatia’s border, Dubrovnik is a perfect base for exploring Montenegro. The small country boasts tremendous natural beauty, from the winding Adriatic Coast to the UNESCO-listed Tara River Gorge. Here’s how to visit on a day trip.

Montenegro Highlights

• Climb up to the Castle of San Giovanni for incredible views of Kotor and its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Relax on the pebble beaches of Budva or get lost exploring its narrow cobblestone streets.

• Take a boat ride from Perast to see Our Lady of the Rocks Church.

• Check out the medieval island of Sveti Stefan, now a luxury resort.

• Visit the fortresses and churches around Herceg Novi, at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor.

• Go white-water rafting in the stunning Tara River Gorge, the longest canyon in Europe.

Group Tours

From Dubrovnik, numerous group tours to Montenegro are available. Most include Kotor and Budva as highlights and may add in other stops as well, such as Sveti Stefan, Perast, or Herceg Novi. Another great option is a trip to the Tara River Gorge for white-water rafting. Foodies may enjoy a group tour that includes a stop for food and wine tasting in the village of Njegusi.

Private Tours

Private tours to Montenegro include many of the same options as group tours, but you can customize the itinerary based on your interests and schedule. A typical tour will include visits to Perast, Kotor, Sveti Stefan, and Budva before embarking on a ferry ride across the Bay of Kotor, all with the help of your private guide.

Things to Know

• Be sure to bring your passport, as you will be crossing an international border.

• Montenegro is set 114 miles (183 kilometers) from Dubrovnik, just over three hours away by road.

• The currency of Montenegro is the euro.

• Most tours charge extra for a boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks Church.

• Many tours include a ferry ride across the Bay of Kotor.

• Tours may last up to 12 hours.

On Game of Thrones, the iconic red-tiled roofs of Croatian city Dubrovnik have been transformed into King's Landing, the seat of power in the Seven Kingdoms. Follow in the footsteps of the show's characters at these scenic filming locations.

Dubrovnik Old Town as King's Landing

This UNESCO World Heritage Site has reprised its starring role for multiple seasons as the filming location for King's Landing on Game of Thrones. Retrace the route of Arya Stark through the narrow streets as she made her daring escape from the Lannisters, and tour the city walls where Tyrion Lannister helped defend King's Landing during the epic Battle of the Blackwater.

Trsteno Arboretum as King's Landing Palace Gardens

Take a walk through this peaceful park, one of the oldest arboretums in Croatia, exploring the wide variety of exotic plants and thousands of tree species. The park's idyllic setting served as a key filming location during the show’s third season.

Lovrijenac Fortress as Blackwater Bay

This sturdy defensive site has been helping dissuade enemy armies from attacking Dubrovnik since the 11th century. Given its history, it’s no wonder that the Thrones production team gave the fortress a starring role during the season two Battle of the Blackwater.

Island of Lokrum as Qarth

This enticing island lies just 15 minutes from Dubrovnik by road but feels worlds away—at least on Game of Thrones. Lokrum was used as the city of Qarth, where Daenerys Targaryen spends time during season two. The island's botanical gardens and former Benedictine monastery both made appearances on the show.

Want to explore all of the Thrones' seven kingdoms? Other spectacular filming locations can be found in Iceland, Northern Ireland, Spain, and Malta.

While Dubrovnik is an amazing destination in its own right, it is also a great base for exploring neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina. The beautiful Kravice Waterfalls, charming Mostar, and historic Sarajevo are all popular day trips from Dubrovnik.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Highlights

• Visit Mostar and wander the cobbled streets of Old Town, see the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), and check out the colorful Old Bazaar.

• Follow in the footsteps of the thousands of pilgrims who visit Medjugorje, one of the most religious places in Europe.

• Enjoy the natural beauty of Kravice Waterfalls.

• Explore the capital city of Sarajevo and witness the effects of the Bosnian War.

• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pocitelj, a 15th-century fortress village.

• See the ancient Roman ruins of Mogorjelo.

• Check out the village of Blagaj and its nearby fort and monastery.

Group Tours

To introduce you to Bosnia and Herzegovina, a variety of small-group tours are available, from focusing solely on the capital of Sarajevo to combining sites like Medjugorje, Mostar, and the Kravice Waterfalls into one very long day trip.

Private Tours

Similarly, private tours from Dubrovnik are available in almost any combination you desire, whether you want to spend most of your time in a single city like Sarajevo or Mostar, or you want to squeeze in as much as possible by visiting Mostar, Pocitelj, Medjugorje, and Kravice Waterfalls in a single trip.

Things to Know

• You will be crossing an international border, so don’t forget your passport.

• Tours include hotel pickup and drop-off.

• Be prepared for a long day, as some tours last up to 12 hours.

• Mostar is about two and a half hours from Dubrovnik, while Sarajevo is more than four hours.

• Your vehicle, usually a minibus, will be air-conditioned.

From hikes along the medieval city walls to sunset sailing trips, the coastal Croatian city of Dubrovnik is full of fun things to do. Plan ahead to experience the city’s history, sea activities, and plentiful day trip options. Here are a few ways to spend three days in Dubrovnik.

Day 1: History and Panoramic Views

Discover the architecture and history of Dubrovnik’s Old Town during one of several introductory walking tours. Choose between itineraries focused on landmarks within the medieval city walls (including a stroll on top of the walls), a cable car journey for panoramic city and sea views, and a themed tour for Game of Thrones fans (follow a guide to see the places in Dubrovnik where the popular HBO series was filmed).

Day 2: Sun, Sea, and Wine

Explore beyond the city walls with excursions on the sea and out into the countryside. Relax with a scenic cruise to the Elafiti Islands or get some exercise with tour that includes sea kayaking or snorkeling. Visit four family-owned wineries in the countryside of the Konavle Valley and sample Croatian wines during a wine-themed tour, moving between the wineries by mini-train and relaxing over a traditional Croatian lunch. Alternatively, travel through the Dubrovnik countryside by bike to visit quiet villages, peaceful waterfalls, and a winery.

Day 3: Adventurous Day Trips

Maximize time in Croatia with a day trip to a nearby city. Explore other areas of Croatia with a journey to the coastal city of Split or join a small group for a tour of Korcula Island. Beyond the Croatian border, day trips are available to Montenegro and Bosnia. Choose between a private tour that can be customized (such as a private tour to Sarajevo), a themed trip like a white-water rafting trip to Montenegro, or a scenic journey to the historic Bosnian city of Mostar. Skip the hassle of renting a car and let your guide take care of the driving.

A medieval walled city on the sea, Dubrovnik is a destination for history, boating adventures, and panoramic views. Plan ahead to see the many sides of Dubrovnik, from the location for the HBO series Game of Thrones to a haven for a variety of water sports. Here are a few ways to spend two days in Dubrovnik.

Day 1: Sights, Snorkeling, and a Sunset Cruise

Morning: Get your bearings with a walking tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, including the medieval city walls. Several tour options are available including those focused on history, the HBO series Game of Thrones, and combination tours that add on a cable car ride for sweeping city and sea views.

Afternoon: See Dubrovnik’s adventurous side with several outdoor activities, including sea kayaking. For an adrenaline-pumping excursion on land, try a buggy safari along dirt tracks.

Night: Catch the sunset from the deck of a boat with a dinner cruise on board a 16th-century replica boat. Drink sparkling wine and graze on a Dalmatian dinner buffet during the scenic cruise.

Day 2: Explore Beyond City Walls

Morning: Get outside Dubrovnik with a countryside bike tour including a wine tasting. You’ll cycle past olive groves, vineyards, and natural attractions including waterfalls.

Afternoon: Maximize time in Dubrovnik with an afternoon excursion. Choose between a cruise or private boat charter to the Elaphite Islands and a small-group tour to cross the border into Montenegro.

Night: Finish the day with some sunset exercise. A sunset kayaking and snorkeling adventure features a guided paddle along Dubrovnik’s coastline. A glass of wine and snacks are included in the tour.

Get to know the compact city of Dubrovnik in one day, complete with adventures by land and by sea. Learn about the history of the Old Town from a guide, set out on a sea kayaking adventure, and watch the sunset from the deck of a yacht. Here are a few ways to spend one memorable day in Dubrovnik.

Morning: Old Town and Game of Thrones

Start your day with an on-foot exploration of Dubrovnik’s medieval Old Town. Visitors with an interest in the HBO series Game of Thrones may want to opt for a walking tour that includes several recognizable settings from the TV show. Other walking tours set out through the Old Town and also stroll along the top of the city walls. Several combination tours also include a cable car ride to Mt. Srd for panoramic views over the city’s rooftop and out over the sea beyond. Those arriving by cruise ship may want to maximize time with a shore excursion and cable car journey.

Afternoon: Sunshine and Sea Views

A visit to Dubrovnik wouldn’t be complete without a view of the city from the sea. Cool off with an afternoon boat tour and explore the coastline beyond Dubrovnik. Choose between a private boat cruise to the scenic Elaphite Islands or get some exercise with a snorkeling adventure (some tours combine an Old Town morning walking tour with afternoon snorkeling). Alternatively, you can take a guided kayak trip alongside the city’s medieval walls.

Night: Sunsets and Dinner Cruise

The evening offers another opportunity for getting out on the sea. Climb aboard a 16th-century replica ship for a sunset sail, including sparkling wine and a Dalmatian buffet dinner. Take in views of Dubrovnik and neighboring islands as darkness begins to fall. A private charter on a speedboat or yacht is also available for those seeking a more intimate experience. Visitors looking for some evening exercise may want to opt for a sunset sea kayaking and snorkeling adventure, once the heat of the day has passed.

Viator's team of travel insiders is obsessed with finding the best things to do everywhere we travel (and live). From traditional tours to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, we scour the options and find the coolest activities—which is fun for us, and helpful for you! See below for tips, insights, and hand-selected things to do from one of our travel experts.

**The Traveler:**Emma Knock, Assistant Managing Editor, Product

Describe your time in Dubrovnik.

After writing quite a bit about Croatia for Viator, I knew I had to visit. I planned a weeklong road trip through the country, which ended with three days in Dubrovnik. 

What was your favorite attraction?

Definitely the Franciscan Monastery Museum. It's full of history, and it's also a great place to take a break from the heat and the crowds. The cloister is stunning, with intricate jewel columns, and the garden in the middle is filled with the smell of orange trees. And it's home to one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in all of Europe, dating back to the 14th century.

What are three things a first-time visitor can't miss?

1. Get in the water.

Dubvronik gets hot in the summer, and the surrounding Adriatic Sea is the perfect escape. Most tourists end up at Banje Beach, a city beach located just outside Ploče Gate. There's a great restaurant there where you can also rent lounge chairs. But if you want a more local experience, head to Danče Beach, just down the path from Pile Gate. The water is clear and deep, making it a popular spot for jumping. And there are large rock slabs perfect for laying out on a towel and soaking up the sun.

2. See Old Town from above.

As beautiful as it is to look up at the city's red-roofed buildings, it's even better to look down on them. For your first view, walk the ancient city walls. I wish I had booked a tour, because there were no informational placards up there and I missed so much of the historical significance. To take things to the next level, ride the cable car to the top of Srd Hill. The views there are incredible, stretching from Old Town to the Adriatic Sea.

3. Go island hopping.

Choosing your island depends on what you’re looking for and how much time you have. Lokrum is a 15-minute boat trip away, and according to legend, Richard the Lionheart shipwrecked there on his way back from the Crusades. Bonus: It has free-roaming peacocks. If you have a little more time, I suggest the Elafiti Islands — home to old fishing villages, citrus and olive groves, and beautiful beaches.

What's the best Insider Tip you can offer future visitors to Dubrovnik?

The main street in Old Town is paved in marble, and there are loads of steps, so definitely wear comfortable shoes. I also recommend visiting the city walls when they first open to avoid the hottest part of the day, as well as the crowds of cruise travelers who arrive mid-morning.

With its sublime setting and walled old town, Dubrovnik is a natural choice for visitors to Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. But the UNESCO-listed city isn’t the only Dalmatian destination worth your time. Consider taking a day trip to explore the region’s historical remains, scenic islands, and hideaway coves. Here are some of the best nearby destinations.

Split Day Trips

The biggest city in Dalmatia, Split spreads out along the Adriatic coast. Most day trips include walking tours of the Roman-era remains of Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO-listed site that dominates the city’s old town, as well as free time so you can explore the bustling seafront promenade at your leisure and sit down for a lunch of fresh seafood from the Adriatic Sea.

Dalmatian Coast Day Trips

When it comes to day tours along the coast, lots of varied experiences are available. Travel by vehicle to the beautiful Konavle Valley, where you can taste malvasia white wines and explore the waterfront harbor town of Cavtat. Other overland day tours venture to mainland destinations such as the walled town of Ston, the Trsteno Arboretum, and the quaint village of Orašac, and include tastings of olive oil, meats, cheeses, and fresh seafood. 

Dalmatian Island Day Trips

Day trips often take passengers island-hopping around the Dalmatian islands. The largest three of the Elafiti Islands—Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud—are common stops on island-hopping itineraries. Also popular are Lokrum, a forested island just a 10-minute ride from Dubrovnik, and Korčula Island, known for its medieval walled town and vineyards. Boat tours usually include free time on the island for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, as well as sea kayaking and other activities.

Things to Know

Split is about 143 miles (230 kilometers) from Dubrovnik.

Day tours from Dubrovnik along the Dalmatia Coast typically run between six and 12 hours. Day tours to Split can be even longer, lasting 13–14 hours.

Bring sunscreen and beach essentials for boat tours, as they usually include free time on the shore.