16 must-see tourist attractions in Dubrovnik, Croatia! The dreamy city of the Adriatic Sea

Dubrovnik is a city on the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where a medieval fortress town remains intact. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic" for its stunning cityscape. It is also said to have inspired Studio Ghibli’s Porco Rosso and Kiki’s Delivery Service.

With its breathtaking contrast of orange-roofed buildings and the deep blue sea, Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s most coveted travel destinations. In this guide, we introduce 16 of the most popular sightseeing spots in Dubrovnik that you won’t want to miss.

1. City walls of the old town

The first must-see attraction in Dubrovnik is the city walls that surround the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dubbed “If you want to see paradise on Earth, come to Dubrovnik,” this spot offers breathtaking views of the city, sea, and mountains from various angles.

While there are other places to admire the Old Town, the city walls provide the closest and most immersive experience of Dubrovnik’s iconic scenery.

The walls, made of stone, stretch 1,940 meters in length, and a complete circuit takes about an hour. The view of overlapping orange rooftops never gets old. Whether it's sunrise, midday, sunset, or night, this is a must-visit spot in Dubrovnik that you'll want to see repeatedly!

2. Stradun (Placa Street)

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a charming area with narrow cobblestone alleys weaving through a relatively small space. These alleys offer glimpses of local life, making for an enjoyable sightseeing experience. The main street of the Old Town, and also the widest, is Stradun (Placa).

Despite its short length, Stradun is bustling with restaurants, shops, banks, and other essential services for travelers. It’s always lively with tourists and is an ideal place to shop for souvenirs from Dubrovnik.

The stone-paved street, lined with stone buildings, creates a picturesque setting, attracting many photographers. Since this street serves as the central hub of Dubrovnik sightseeing, you’ll likely find yourself visiting it multiple times. At the end of the street is Luža Square, which is home to several landmarks, including churches. The clock tower in Luža Square is a symbolic landmark of the area, so be sure to check it out.

3. Minceta Fortress

Minceta Tower is a cylindrical fortress located at the northwestern corner of Dubrovnik’s city walls. As the highest structure in Dubrovnik, it serves as a popular observation deck for visitors.

Among the several fortresses along the city walls, Minceta Tower offers the best panoramic views, making it a must-see spot during your wall tour. From this fortress, you can admire the Old Town’s rooftops as well as the stunning Adriatic Sea and Lokrum Island.

Like the city walls, Minceta Tower is built of stone and retains its medieval atmosphere. Dubrovnik is filled with breathtaking sights at every turn, making it a photographer’s dream. The city walls follow a one-way route and close at night, so be mindful of the time while visiting Minceta Tower.

4. Fort Lovrijenac

Perched atop a dramatic cliff on the western side of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Fort Lovrijenac is an imposing fortress.
(It is the structure at the front right in the provided image.)

Fort Lovrijenac is located just outside Pile Gate, and it takes about 10 minutes on foot following the signs. As a fortress, it has a simple architectural style, but its striking contrast against the sea makes it a stunning landmark.

The view of Fort Lovrijenac from the city walls is breathtaking, as it blends harmoniously with the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. The fortress also offers views of the Old Town and Mount Srđ, making it a popular sightseeing spot. Compared to other viewpoints in Dubrovnik, this location tends to have fewer tourists, making it an ideal place for a peaceful visit.

5. Pile Gate

Pile Gate is the main entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, built into the surrounding city walls. Despite its relatively small opening, the massive gate itself exudes a sense of grandeur and authority.

Just outside Pile Gate, you’ll find a bus stop serving routes from the airport and other locations, making it the primary entry point for many visitors. As a result, this area is always bustling with tourists beginning their Dubrovnik adventure.

6. Onofrio’s Large Fountain

Right after passing through Pile Gate, you’ll come across a plaza featuring Onofrio’s Large Fountain. Unlike fountains that shoot water into the air, this one features continuous water flow from small spouts, similar to taps.

While it's generally not recommended to drink tap water in Dubrovnik, the water from this fountain is safe to drink. You’ll often see both locals and tourists filling up their bottles here. The plaza also serves as a gathering place, sometimes featuring street performances, adding to its lively atmosphere.

7. Rector's Palace

Rector’s Palace, also known as the Old Governor’s Palace, served as the residence and workplace of the rulers during the Republic of Ragusa era. Today, it stands as one of Dubrovnik’s most iconic architectural landmarks.

Located in Luža Square, the palace now houses the Cultural History Museum. Inside, you’ll find a courtyard with surrounding arcades and beautifully arched ceilings, reflecting the grandeur of a medieval Gothic palace. The building’s exterior walls and columns are adorned with intricate carvings, making it a feast for the eyes.

The museum shop sells interesting souvenirs, including replicas of historical pharmacy bottles from the Franciscan Monastery, which are particularly popular among tourists.

8. St. Ignatius Church

St. Ignatius Church is located in the southern part of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, at the top of a grand staircase leading from Gundulićeva Square. While Dubrovnik is known for its steep streets and staircases, it is rare to find such an impressive set of steps. Built around 1700, this Baroque-style church features a magnificent façade, making it a popular tourist attraction.

The real highlight of this church, however, lies in its interior decorations. The altar is particularly stunning, with an exquisite ceiling painting by Spanish artist Gaetano Garcia and three paintings displayed above the altar. The altar is framed by red marble columns and intricate decorations, creating an opulent contrast to the church’s otherwise modest exterior. This is one of the must-visit churches in Dubrovnik for those who appreciate art and history.

9. Franciscan Monastery

Just after entering the Old Town through Pile Gate, you will find a bell tower attached to the Franciscan Monastery. This is one of Dubrovnik’s most fascinating attractions, featuring impressive architecture, interior decorations, exhibitions, and a serene courtyard. It is also one of the most well-curated museum spaces in the city.

The exhibitions include a variety of paintings and ceramics, with particularly striking murals and oil paintings displayed like altars. The courtyard is beautifully maintained, with lush greenery and flowers, and is surrounded by what is considered the most beautiful cloister in Dubrovnik. The interplay of light and shadow here creates a mesmerizing scene.

The monastery is also home to Mala Braća Pharmacy, the third oldest pharmacy in the world, established in 1317. It remains a popular spot among tourists, selling items such as rose water and creams with retro-style packaging—perfect for a unique Dubrovnik souvenir!

10. Church of St. Blaise

Located in Luža Square in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, the Church of St. Blaise is a striking Baroque-style building with a distinctive blue dome, making it one of the city's most popular landmarks. As a central gathering point for tourists, the steps leading up to the church entrance are often occupied by visitors taking a break and enjoying the atmosphere.

Inside, the church features a stunning interior lined with white columns, creating a bright and elegant space. The gold-adorned altar is particularly impressive, standing out with its intricate craftsmanship. While the church can be quite crowded during the day, visiting early in the morning allows for a more peaceful and immersive experience.

One of the highlights of this church is its nighttime illumination. The statues of saints adorning the church’s façade are beautifully lit, creating a mesmerizing sight. The stained-glass windows also glow beautifully at night, making an evening stroll through Dubrovnik even more enchanting.

11. Sveti Jakov Beach

Dubrovnik is a popular summer vacation destination, attracting many tourists from July to August. Located about 2 km east of the Old Town, Sveti Jakov Beach is a small and secluded beach surrounded by cliffs. Despite its size, the crystal-clear waters make it a favorite among visitors seeking a unique experience.

The beachfront restaurant offers rental services for beach chairs and umbrellas, though visitors are welcome to enjoy the beach without them. Since the shore consists of large pebbles rather than sand, wearing beach sandals is highly recommended. Being close to the Old Town, Sveti Jakov Beach is perfect for those who have extra time in their itinerary and want to take a relaxing break from sightseeing.

12. Mount Srđ

Towering over the northern side of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Mount Srđ stands at an elevation of 412 meters. At the summit, you’ll find the Imperial Fortress, built around 1810 during Napoleon’s occupation, as well as a striking white cross.

This is one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Dubrovnik, offering breathtaking views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. While there is a hiking trail leading to the summit, the most popular way to reach it is via the Dubrovnik Cable Car, which provides an incredible aerial view of the city.

The terrain of Mount Srđ consists of rocky soil, with plant life that differs significantly from what you might find in Japan. At the summit, you’ll also find a restaurant where you can relax while taking in the spectacular scenery—definitely a must-visit destination!

13. City Harbor

Dubrovnik’s City Harbor is the maritime gateway to the city, located on the eastern side of the Old Town, just outside the city walls. This bustling harbor serves as the departure point for boat tours to nearby islands and various marine activities.

The area is lined with restaurants and open-air cafés where visitors can enjoy the stunning harbor views. The lively atmosphere makes it a great place to dine while taking in the sights. At night, the harbor is beautifully illuminated, with a refreshing summer breeze making it an especially romantic setting.

14. Elaphiti Islands

The Elaphiti Islands are a group of islands off the northwest coast of Dubrovnik. Historically, these islands were aristocratic retreats and agricultural hubs for fresh seafood and fruits. Today, olives and other fruits are still cultivated here, and visitors can purchase locally produced olive oil—a great souvenir to bring home!

Day tours to the Elaphiti Islands are incredibly popular among tourists, with most excursions covering three islands: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

These islands boast stunning beaches and picturesque old towns, offering a change of scenery from Dubrovnik’s bustling streets. Notable attractions include monasteries and churches on Lopud Island and the historic mansions and shipbuilding remains of maritime merchants on Šipan Island. If you're looking for a peaceful escape, the Elaphiti Islands are a fantastic option!

15. Lokrum Island

The closest island to Dubrovnik’s Old Town is Lokrum Island, accessible by boat in just 10 minutes, with departures approximately every half hour. Given its proximity, Lokrum is a favorite getaway for visitors looking for a quick escape into nature.

At the island’s central square, peacocks and rabbits roam freely, adding to the island’s charm. Nearby, there are restaurants and shops where visitors can relax and grab a bite to eat.

The beaches on Lokrum Island are mostly rocky rather than sandy, so caution is needed while exploring. Adventurous tourists often jump into the sea from the cliffs, while others opt for a swim in the island’s central lagoon.

Lokrum is also known for having a nudist beach, located on the far side of the island. Signs clearly indicate that photography and swimwear are not allowed, making it a unique experience for those willing to try.

One of the best things about visiting Lokrum is the breathtaking view of Dubrovnik’s Old Town from across the Adriatic Sea. The island offers a peaceful retreat where you can soak in the beauty of the surroundings.

16. Korčula Island

Located about 1.5 hours from Dubrovnik by ferry, Korčula Island is a beloved tourist destination known for its charming old town. Similar to Dubrovnik, it features traditional stone buildings with orange-tiled roofs, creating a picturesque and tranquil atmosphere.

Compared to Dubrovnik, Korčula is less crowded, allowing visitors to fully appreciate its scenic streets and stunning coastline. While it is possible to explore the island on a day trip, staying overnight is highly recommended—especially for honeymooners or those looking to enjoy a more relaxed experience.

◎ Summary of recommended attractions in Dubrovnik

This guide introduced 16 must-visit attractions in Dubrovnik. The city is filled with breathtaking viewpoints, historic landmarks, and stunning coastal scenery, ensuring that visitors never tire of its beauty. Make sure to take in all the unforgettable sights and create lasting memories of your trip!

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16 must-see tourist attractions in Dubrovnik, Croatia! The dreamy city of the Adriatic Sea