Dubrovnik tours, sightseeing, things to do

Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.com

Dubrovnik

Trip Planning & Itineraries

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Watching the sunset behind the walled Stari Grad (Old Town) of Dubrovnik is stunningly beautiful. Ringed by pristine sea and backed by high, barren cliffs, this historic city is unique.

Dating from the 7th century, Dubrovnik's colorful history is marked by a period of independence, Venetian rule, surrender to Napoleon's French army and then government by the Austro-Hungarian empire. Most recently in its tumultuous past, Dubrovnik survived the siege of 1991 when two-thirds of the city was damaged during the Yugoslav war. Today, fully restored with the help of UNESCO, Dubrovnik is at the southern-most end of Croatia and a magnet for those who love sunbathing, celebrity-spotting and good coffee.

Best of Dubrovnik: Top 3 Must-Do Experiences

Dubrovnik Panorama City Tour

From USD $46.61

Elafiti and Green Islands Cruise from Dubrovnik

From USD $70.62

Mostar Day Tour from Dubrovnik

From USD $79.10

Best of Dubrovnik: Suggested Itineraries

Dubrovnik is a city to take at your leisure. It's small and most of what you want to see is located within the walls of the old city, Stari Grad. Orientate yourself by the two gates: Pile and Ploce, and Stradun the main street which runs down the middle of town.

During July and August each year, Dubrovnik hosts its Summer Festival and every space in town becomes a cultural event. But be warned: the small, pedestrian-only city streets become so crowded it is hard to move. When the crowds get too much, head for one of the beaches or the nearby islands and relax. The sea is crystal clear, the seafood fresh and delicious, and the local wine plentiful."

Day 1: Walk the Walls

The one essential thing to do in Dubrovnik is walk the walls. From high up on these old, perfectly intact fortifications, you get the best view of the square half-mile that makes up the medieval Stari Grad (old town). Look the other way and you're gazing over the sparkling blue Adriatic sea. Take your time and enjoy watching life unfold in the narrow, marble-lined streets below, or say Hi to the residents whose backdoors open onto the walls! Before you head up onto the walls, take time to look at the city maps located just inside the Pile and Ploce Gates. These show the damage the city sustained during the 1991 siege; from up on the walls the extensive restoration work is clear. Or get another perspective of the walls, from below, on a sea-kayaking tour.

Next, it's essential you drink coffee. Sit outside on of the cafes and watch the world go by. You'll be amazed how time just slips by. Then wander the shops of the old town. Croatia is famous for its chocolate so don't miss the Kras Bonbonniere. Other specialties include olive oil, truffles, and wine.

Day 2: Culture past and present

Rich history leaves rich culture and Dubrovnik has splendid buildings and a rich cultural life. After your coffee, spend the morning exploring the Catheral and Treasury, the Rector's Palace, the Sponza Palac, and the Dominican monastery. It's hard to miss landmark Onofrio's fountain dating from the 1400s which supplied the residents with water during the 1991 siege!

But there's more to Dubrovnik than just the old town. Head up the hill behind for a wonderful view of the city. Then head towards the newer areas, seeing the modern suspension bridge which links Dubrovnik to the rest of Croatia, and the many beaches - pebbles not sand. Or get a taste of more traditional Croatian life on a folklore tour to the village of Cilipi.

Nightlife is plentiful in Dubrovnik. Tucked below, and even within the walls, there's something for every taste. Find a comfy chair, settle in, and watch the night time glamour parade unfold!"

Day 3: Head out to an island

Dotted just off the coast are lots and lots of islands. Make sure you visit at least one. Closest to Dubrovnik is Lokrum, only 20 minutes by ferryboat. An ex-monastery, now a national park, it has ruins and lakes, beaches and places to eat. But don't miss the last boat back - there's nowhere to stay and rumour has it that the island is haunted.

Other nearby islands include Lopud which boasts sandy beaches; Korcula, the disputed birthplace of Marco Polo, and Mlijet, largely empty and one third national park. If you want to stay on the mainland, consider a trip into nearby Montenegro, or Mostar in Bosnia to see the famous Mostar Bridge. Or perhaps to Cavtat, where you can dive to Roman and Greek remains lying beneath the clear sea.