What to See in Dubrovnik
Explore 30 landmarks, monuments, and attractions in Dubrovnik, Croatia. From iconic sights to hidden gems — curated from real traveler experiences.
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Lapad Beach
A car free, sandy beach area on the Lapad Peninsula, approximately 3.5 km from the old town, where you can relax in the shade of the numerous trees. At the end of a long pedestrianised street full of cafe bars and restaurants you will see many popular pebble beaches known as Lapad beaches. These beaches are really beautiful and well used.…
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Lapad is definitely one of the most beautiful parts of Dubrovnik and you really must visit it. If you take the headland path to the right hand side of Lapad beach, as you look at the Adriatic, you can walk along a charming little coast path with small concrete 'beaches' and ladders into the sea. These were put in during the Tito era and are ideal for one or two sunbathers. Walking further along is an excellent local fish restaurant - ideal for ending the day. The walk back is not particularly well lit, but perfectly safe.
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Placa Stradun
The Stradun (Placa) is the central street of the city of Dubrovnik and is the place where the old city comes to life. During the day, explore the shades of the perpendicular streets and alleys on its sides, and during the night, take walks up and down the Stradun with an ice-cream in hand.…
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The uniform Baroque architecture of the houses in Placa, with shops on the street level and their 'knee-like' entrances, got its present-day form in the restoration of the City taking place after the disastrous earthquake in 1667, when a large number of luxurious Gothic and Renaissance palaces had been destroyed. The architectural design of Placa reveals effective solutions and the business sense of the Dubrovnik Republic in those difficult times. Today, Placa is still the shopping centre and venue of major events.
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Synagogue and Jewish Museum
This originally Sephardic Synagogue is supposed to be the second-oldest still in use synagogue in Europe today. A permanent Jewish community here was founded at the end of the 15th century following the expulsions from Portugal and Spain. The Jewish Ghetto was established in 1546 on Jewish Street in the old town of Dubrovnik.…
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The community flourished and included respected doctors, merchants and state representatives. Jews in Dubrovnik enjoyed relative freedom, but there were some restrictions on their activities at certain points in history. The synagogue is tiny and delightful, with heavy velvet drapes and a richly painted, midnight blue ceiling. The museum contains valuable menorahs and Torah scrolls, alongside information on the history of the Jewish community in Dubrovnik.
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Banje Beach
A well located pebble beach. There's a concessioned part with an entrance fee, but also a public part which is always livelier and more relaxed. Great way to beat the heat in the middle of the town. Amazing view to city walls, Old Town Dubrovnik and the island of Lokrum. Beach volleyball, mini football or water polo.…
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You can also enjoy lying on deck chair and having a drink.
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Fort Lovrijenac
The monumental fort rises above 37 m high rock. It changed roles in the course of history. The main purpose of its construction was defence, and the main idea was to protect the freedom of Dubrovnik. Not much remains in the way of historical artefacts but the fort gives spectacular views back upon the walled city.
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Church of St. Ignatius and the Jesuit College
Ornate Jesuit church, approached via a romantic baroque staircase modelled on the Spanish Steps in Rome (1738). Built between 1667 and 1725 by architect Ignazzio Pozzo, and like most Jesuit churches of the period was modelled on the Gesù in Rome, the mother church of the Jesuits.
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Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
This impressive building is in the Poljana Marin Držić. Supposedly, the original church was built with money donated by Richard the Lionhearted who survived shipwreck on his way home from the Third Crusade. The current Roman Baroque cathedral dates from the 18th Century.
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The Etnographic Museum (Rupe Granary)
Built in 1590, this is a fascinating building in itself, and the exhibits showcase the economic, cultural and spiritual development of Dubrovnik. The folk costumes and textiles give the best flavour of the region where folk culture is still celebrated.
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Roland's Column
A slender stone flag staff of the legendary knight. Also known as Orlando's Column. Ever since its foundation in 1950, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival is officially opened by raising a flag carrying the city's motto Libertus on Orlando's staff.
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Pile Gate
A convenient starting place for your stroll through the Old Town is the Pile Gate. Before entering the Old Town, Fort Lovrjenac, the first among many sites worth seeing in Dubrovnik, provides a good view of the Old Town and its wall.
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Bell Tower
On top of the tower are the famous 'Zelenci' (The Green Ones), bronze statues which strike the gigantic bell every hour. They have been recently replaced with copies and the originals are in the atrium of the Sponza Palace.
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Big Onofrio's Fountain
In the western (Pile) entrance of the old town, The fountain stairs are nowadays a favourite meeting place for local youth and where both the tourists and pigeons take rest and refresh themselves with cool water.
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Sponza Palace
Gothic Renaissance palace, one of the few buildings that has maintained its form from before the catastrophic 1667 earthquake. Hosts historic archives. Memorial room of defenders. Open 10:00-22:00. 20 kn
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Serbian Orthodox Church and Museum of Icons [Pravoslavna crkva i Muzej ikona]
Built from 1865-1877, stands behind impressive wrought iron gates. Houses a number of icons, mainly Byzantine and Cretan. Museum next to church has extensive icon collection.
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Bukovac House (Kuća Bukovac)
Official websiteIncludes works by Vlaho Bukovac (1855-1922), one of the most famous modern Croatian painters. Part of the house is devoted to exhibitions of works by young artists.
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Dominican Monastery
This is an exceptionally valuable historic complex, which, besides its religious purpose, also represents the important artistic treasury of ancient Dubrovnik.
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Maritime Museum
Considering how vital sailing and shipbuilding were to the growth of the Dubrovnik Republic, this is one of the city’s most important museums.
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War Photo Limited
An exhibition centre of war and conflict photography. Exhibits change during the season. Stunning images by world renowned photo journalists.
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Visia Dubrovnik 5D Theatrum
Official websiteVirtual reality technology guides visitors to Dubrovnik through the history and cultural features of the city and wider Croatia.
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Franciscan Monastery
This beautiful monastery with Baroque Church, houses a Romanesque cloister and the third oldest pharmacy in the world.
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Old Port
The eastern part of the Old Town of Dubrovnik; some cruise ship passengers are tendered to the Old Port.
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Church of St. Sebastian
15th-century church built by the Ploče gate since St. Sebastian is the saint protector against plague.
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Dubrovnik Natural History Museum (Prirodoslovni muzej)
The collection of 100 year-old taxidermy specimens dates back to 1872 and may not appeal to everyone.
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The Treasury of Cathedral
The Treasury has 138 reliquaries which are carried around the city during the Feast of St Blaise.
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Rector's Palace
Formerly the palace of the Major Council, now houses a museum dedicated to the city's history.
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Home of Marin Držić
Memorial house of Marin Držić, a famous 16th-century Croatian playwright from Dubrovnik.
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The Rector`s Palace Museum
Artifacts, paintings and furniture dating back from the time of the Dubrovnik Republic.
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Franciscan Monastery Museum
Houses artifacts from one of the world's oldest pharmacies.
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Church of Saint Blaise (Crkva Svetog Vlaha)
Baroque Church dedicated to the city's patron saint.
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Dominican Monastery Museum
Paintings and artifacts from Dubrovnik's past.
Exploring Dubrovnik: A Guide for Solo Travelers
Dubrovnik is one of Croatia's most rewarding cities to explore on foot. With 30 documented sightseeing spots — from grand monuments and historic churches to hidden squares and local museums — the city rewards curiosity at every turn. This guide covers everything you need to plan a great sightseeing day in Dubrovnik, whether you have a single afternoon or an entire week.
How to See Dubrovnik Like a Traveler, Not a Tourist
The best way to discover Dubrovnik is on foot, moving between neighborhoods rather than rushing between landmarks on a tour bus. Start your day early — most major sights in Dubrovnik are significantly less crowded before 9am. Many iconic spots, such as Lapad Beach and Placa Stradun, look entirely different at dawn versus midday, and you'll get far better photographs without the crowds.
Budget at least 30–45 minutes for each major attraction in Dubrovnik, and don't underestimate walking distances between them. The city's neighborhoods are best experienced by wandering rather than following a rigid itinerary. If something unexpected catches your eye — a courtyard, a street market, a viewpoint — follow it. The most memorable moments in Dubrovnik rarely appear on any official list.
Planning Your Sightseeing in Dubrovnik
Before you visit major paid attractions in Dubrovnik, check whether they offer discounts for students, young travelers, or EU residents. Many museums and monuments have free admission on the first Sunday of the month, or offer combined tickets with nearby sites that save significant money. Some of Dubrovnik's best sights are entirely free — outdoor landmarks, historic streets, and public spaces cost nothing to explore and can be more atmospheric than ticketed attractions.
If you're visiting Dubrovnik as a solo traveler, consider joining a free walking tour. They typically depart from main squares in the morning and cover the city's most important sights in 2–3 hours with a knowledgeable local guide. These tours are also excellent for meeting other travelers — you'll often find the group ends up exploring Dubrovnik together for the rest of the day.
Sightseeing in Dubrovnik with Fellow Travelers
Solo sightseeing in Dubrovnik is perfectly enjoyable, but exploring with others can transform the experience. When you share a landmark with a fellow traveler, you see it through their eyes — their questions, their stories, their cultural context. A French traveler will notice different things about Dubrovnik's architecture than a Japanese one. That exchange of perspectives is what makes travel memorable.
Nomax is a free travel companion app that helps solo travelers in Dubrovnik find each other and plan sightseeing together. Browse profiles of travelers currently in Dubrovnik, join group activities like city walks and museum visits, or post your own sightseeing plan and invite others to join. Many travelers in Dubrovnik use Nomax to find companions for specific attractions — someone to split a taxi to an outlying monument, or a walking partner for the old town.
What Makes Dubrovnik Worth Seeing
Dubrovnik offers 30 documented sights in this guide alone — and that's only the beginning. Lapad Beach, Placa Stradun, Synagogue and Jewish Museum are among the most visited, but the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and viewpoints are equally rewarding for the traveler willing to explore beyond the main itinerary. Croatia's history, culture, and architecture are all visible in Dubrovnik's streets and buildings, making it one of the best cities in the region for sightseeing.
Whether you're spending a single day or a full week in Dubrovnik, this guide gives you a starting point for building your own itinerary. The sights are ordered by the richness of their documentation, with the most detailed descriptions at the top. Use the coordinates to navigate with any map app, and check the hours and entry prices before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Sightseeing in other Croatia cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-see attractions in Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik has 30 notable sights including Lapad Beach, Placa Stradun, Synagogue and Jewish Museum. This guide covers landmarks, monuments, churches, museums, and hidden gems curated from traveler experiences and editorial sources.
How many days do you need to see Dubrovnik?
Most travelers spend 3–5 days exploring Dubrovnik to cover the major sights comfortably. A focused itinerary can cover the top 10–15 highlights in 2 days. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers and plan a shared sightseeing itinerary for Dubrovnik.
Are there free things to see in Dubrovnik?
Yes — many of Dubrovnik's best sights are free or low-cost. Several POIs in this guide are listed as free entry. Check individual entries above for price information.
What is the best time to visit Dubrovnik's sightseeing spots?
Early mornings (before 9am) are the best time to visit popular sights in Dubrovnik to avoid crowds. Many monuments and outdoor attractions are also magical at dusk. Use Nomax to find fellow travelers who can share timing tips and join you for a sightseeing day.
How do I meet other travelers to explore Dubrovnik with?
Download Nomax — the free travel companion app — to instantly see solo travelers near you in Dubrovnik. Join sightseeing activities, meet travelers at the same landmarks, and chat before you meet up. It's the easiest way to explore Dubrovnik with company.
Is Dubrovnik good for solo travelers?
Dubrovnik is popular with solo travelers for its rich sightseeing, accessible public transport, and welcoming atmosphere. The Nomax app helps solo travelers find companions in Dubrovnik so you never have to explore alone — from guided walks to museum visits to spontaneous meetups.
Explore Dubrovnik with fellow travelers
Download Nomax to find travel companions in Dubrovnik, join sightseeing activities, and make your trip unforgettable.
Download Nomax — FreeAvailable on iOS and Android. Free forever.
Travel tips from Wikivoyage contributors, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
