Situated at the heart of the Adriatic Sea, the maritime town of Dubrovnik has a lot of things to offer for the thousands of vacationers that visit this Croatian city. One of the most notable features of this city is that it is an old distinctive town, surrounded with massive walls dating back to the 16th century. The many reasons travelers visit this place is for its rich cultural heritage, the well-preserved historic buildings, the famous Renaissance Church, and the old gothic structures which have withstood the test of time. The city itself is paved with limestone and the old streets of Dubrovnik are now home to various shops, cafes, and restaurants. Here are the best non-touristy things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Tip from Content Creator
Have you ever watched Game of Thrones? Then you'll be excited to know that Dubrovnik is, in the show, King’s Landing! A lot of the show was filmed here, and you will find yourself walking the same cobblestone streets your favourite characters walked in the show!
It really does have a medieval feel to it, like time stopped in the city, while the rest of the world continued to evolve. It's absolutely incredible and a must-visit if you are going to Croatia. However, there is a catch that I wanted to warn you about: Tourist traps. The tourist traps you will find in Dubrovnik are close to criminal. The prices for several tourist attractions, such as the city walls or the cable car are absolutely ridiculous (33 EUR/35.46 USD to go up the walls). Even the restaurants and cafes are at the same level as Paris or London price-wise. I ended up missing out on a lot of these attractions due to prices being way too high.
Still, it is possible to visit a lot of cool places in Dubrovnik on a budget, so don’t be discouraged!
1. Watch an open-air cinema
Watch a movie in the open air and enjoy the experience during your vacation here at Dubrovnik, Croatia. One of the most famous open-air cinemas in Dubrovnik is Cinema Jadran. Why don’t you book a ticket for a show during your summer vacation here? There are also many other programs that are performed in this open-air cinema such as the folklore ensembles and shows. Be sure to visit Cinema Jadran.
Cinema Jadran
Address: Ulica za Rokom 7, Dubrovnik 20000, Croatia
Website: Cinema Jadran
Opening hours: 8:30pm - 12am (daily)
Price: 3.92 USD
2. Buy fresh morning fish at the Gruž market
Buy fresh products at Gruž market, famous for their freshly cut meats, green vegetables, and Dubrovnik’s most famous morning catch of fish. The market is very popular with the locals and you will surely enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Travelers visit to buy various ingredients, herbs, and spices essential for their cooking while staying in Dubrovnik. Witness a typical open-air local fish market and maybe you’ll find inspiration for your next meal here!
Gruž market
Address: 20000, Obala Stjepana Radića 21, 20000, Croatia
Website: Gruž market
Opening hours: 12am - 12pm (daily)
3. Nightlife at Lazareti
You will be surprised by what Dubrovnik has to offer during night time. Lazareti is known as one of the most attractive destinations in Dubrovnik. Visit the club to enjoy live music nights. You will revel in the underground club scene here. Lazareti hosts concerts, mostly rock and alternative music but everything out of the ordinary goes here. Let the adventure continue till the wee hours of the morning.
Lazareti
Address: Ul. Frana Supila 10/B, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Website: Lazareti
Opening hours: 10pm - 5am (daily)
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4. Sunset specials at the Mount Srđ (from USD 67.0)
Admire the sunset from Mount Srđ. Take in panoramic views and enjoy the beautiful scenery from high up in the mountains. It is especially recommended for hikers. Tourists can also opt to travel to the mountain top by cable car. Witness a breathtaking and spectacular view of the sunset only at Mount Srđ. Visit Pile Gate and marvel at the still-standing 12-century walls of the Old Town of Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik Cable Car Ride and Old Town Tour with Guide
Duration: 3 hours
5. Enjoy a creamy ice cream experience
Order an ice cream at the Dolce Vita ice cream shop in Dubrovnik. After a tiring day roaming the various attractions of the city, you will appreciate this cool sweet treat. Their After-Eight ice cream comes highly recommended. The creamery serves a wide variety of pastries, cakes, crepes, pancakes, and of course, tea and coffee. Sit on the comfortable tables and chairs and watch life go by, as you catch a sweet moment of respite.
Dolce Vita
Address: Nalješkovićeva ul. 1A, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Website: Dolce Vita
Opening hours: 9am - 12am (daily)
6. Go on a wine-tasting tour (from USD 174.0)
Enjoy a wine-tasting tour while vacationing in Dubrovnik. Book yourself on a small group tour to the different breweries at the vineyard-laden hills of Peljesac. Partake in the wine-tasting sessions, and learn how winemakers from different breweries brew their special wines. Visit the medieval Ston village and enjoy a traditional lunch at a local tavern.
Classic Tour with Wine Tastings from Dubrovnik
Duration: 8 hours
7. Visit the abandoned Hotel Belvedere
Explore the abandoned Hotel Belvedere, also known as King’s Landing and explore the mystery and the abandoned site of the hotel. This hotel is a popular attraction for being one of the filming sites of the famous Game of Thrones series. It is also considered as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But behind all the mystery, lies a sad tale. The hotel was at one point a major draw for the rich and famous. However, many consequent wars left its mark and the property was forsaken.
Hotel Belvedere
Address: Ul. Vlaha Bukovca 27, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
8. Rent and ride a speedboat in Dubrovnik (from USD 440.0)
Rent and ride a speedboat, and escape the horde of tourists at Dubrovnik. The rented private speedboat will let you tour the shores of the city to Elafiti Islands. It will surely be a great experience and you will get to enjoy great views during this adventurous ride. Discover the archipelago’s secluded bays, beaches, and landmarks as well as swim, sunbathe and snorkel in the sea surrounding Dubrovnik. There are many old monasteries and churches to explore. Stop by a local restaurant and cafe for lunch and savor traditional delicacies.
Private Boat Tour to Elafiti Islands
Duration: 4 to 8 hours
9. Visit Lokrum Island (from USD 12.0)
Visit Lokrum Island, an island located just a short ferry ride away from Dubrovnik’s Old Town. This paradise is a must-visit destination for tourists. Visit the Botanical Garden on the island. Spot the different flora and fauna grown in the garden. You may even come across many medicinal plants and herbs. Walk among the ancient olive groves and admire the lush vegetation. Spot the elusive peacocks and the adorable rabbits that have made the island their home. You may also trek to Fort Royal, situated nearby and learn about its history.
Lokrum Island Admission ticket
Duration: 1 to 8 hours
10. Discover Dubrovnik on a zip-line excursion (from USD 63.0)
Book a zip-line excursion, and admire the panoramic vistas of the Adriatic coast from an aerial vantage point. You will have to attend a short training course before you zip-line and you will be guided by an expert. The actual zip-line excursion is 250 meters (0.25 km) long. It is perfectly safe to travel on the zip-line as it is equipped with brakes. Do not miss this opportunity to enjoy an extreme sport in Dubrovnik.
Zip-line Dubrovnik
Duration: 1 hour
Explore and discover the treasures of Dubrovnik, Croatia
On your vacation to Dubrovnik, Croatia, you will experience an old town ambiance along with the modern side of this city. Due to the overwhelming number of tourists and crowded venues, why don’t you give the popular attractions a miss this time? Instead, check out the best non-touristy things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Excited already? So what are you waiting for, grab your passports, book your hotel rooms for this once in a lifetime holiday?
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