1. Walk the Dubrovnik city walls

It is fair to say that a visit to Dubrovnik isn’t complete without a walk atop the town’s incredibly charming fortified city walls.

Though I was in awe straightaway when arriving in Dubrovnik’s ‘picture-perfect’ old town, I somehow intuitively decided to walk the historic city walls at the end of my trip.

And it was definitely worth the wait.

It was in fact, the absolute best possible way to end my time in Dubrovnik.

From the moment I made my entrance to the walls, I was welcomed by the most amazing views of Dubrovnik’s old town, with its aged white-washed buildings and iconic terracotta roofs – as well as a mesmerizing panoramic view over the shimmering Adriatic.

Since that point, the views only became better and better, with my absolute favourite views coming from the summit at Fort Minceta.

Do however take into account, that it takes roughly 2 hours to finish the 2-kilometre loop, and I recommend doing it in the late afternoon when the lighting is perfect for photography, and it’s significantly less warm.

2. Admire Dubrovnik Old Town’s interior

Any trip to Dubrovnik should obviously involve at least a full day to explore the incredibly charming architecture and ‘picture-perfect’ laneways of Dubrovnik Old Town.

Seeing the time-worn streets of Dubrovnik Old Town for the first time is an unforgettable experience, and almost impossible to describe in words (I’m really trying my best, folks).

Dotted throughout these picturesque cobblestone streets, you’ll find a wide array of incredibly charming historic buildings, each more beautiful than the last.

That’s why I’d sincerely recommend taking the time to take it all in; it truly is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik in my view.

Some of my favourite landmarks in Dubrovnik Old Town include:

Franciscan Monastery | Situated directly after the Pile gate, this enchanting 14th-century monastery houses a historic pharmacy, library and church.

Large Onofrio’s Fountain | Built in 1438 as part of a water supply system, the Large Onofrio’s Fountain is considered one of Dubrovnik’s most famous landmarks.

Jesuit staircase | An elegant Baroque staircase that connects the Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius with the lower-lying Gunduliceva Poljana square.

Rector’s Palace | Dating back to the 14th century, this palace used to serve as the seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa.

Dubrovnik Clock Tower | This towering traditional clock tower was built in 1385 and is considered one of the most iconic buildings in Dubrovnik.

Church of St. Blaise | Built in 1715 in ornate baroque style, this church was dedicated to Dubrovnik’s patron saint.

Dominican Monastery | Situated in the eastern part of town, the impressive Dominican Monastery was built around the same time as the city walls.

Sponza Palace | Designed in Dubrovnik’s iconic Gothic-Renaissance style, Sponza Palace is one of the few buildings in the old town to survive the 1667 earthquake.

Yup, that’s a lot to process! Fortunately, the historic old town is pretty compact, making it the perfect size to navigate in a few hours.

3. Sample Dubrovnik’s best gelato at Peppino’s

A refreshing scoop (or two) of gelato after a long day of exploring is one of my favourite things to do during my travels, and this was obviously also the case in Dubrovnik.

Long-time readers of Where the Souls Wander will know that I take it quite seriously to find the best-regarded gelato shops, meaning you’re pretty lucky to stumble upon this post.

Set in the historic laneways of Dubrovnik’s old town is Peppino’s, a small artisanal gelato boutique that is, without doubt, the best place to visit if you’re after a refreshing treat during the fierce summer heat.

Be warned though, Peppino’s serves a great variety of delicious, creamy gelato, making it quite the challenge to pick your flavours – I eventually ended up here two days in a row.

Lemon Pie premium and Raffaello are two of my favourite flavours, but if you’re after something more uncommon, try a scoop of the Mozart – marzipan, pistachio and nougat, or Jaffa cake.

Additionally, there is a variety of vegan, gluten-free, and organic options available – so you won’t have to worry about that.

Another great gelateria worth trying is Dolce Vita, situated just off the lively Stradun.

4. Join a Game of Thrones tour

If you’re familiar with HBO’s blockbuster series Game of Thrones, you’ll damn good know that Dubrovnik doubles as the capital of Westeros, Kings Landing.

As someone who admires the Game of Thrones series, walking among these extraordinary filming locations in real life, gave me deja vu moments on multiple occasions.

Though I enjoyed uncovering those filming locations on my own, I’d highly recommend joining a guided walking tour that takes you along the series best-known scenes and filming locations.

Some of the scenes and locations that you’ll visit on a 2-hour Game of Thrones tour include the Red Keep, Blackwater Bay, Cersei’s infamous ‘walk of shame’, as well as Kings Landing’s gate amongst plenty of others.

While the series has already come to an end (don’t worry, no spoilers here), joining a tour is still easily one of the most popular things to do in Dubrovnik.

So if you’re into Game of Thrones like I do, make sure you step in the footsteps of one of your favourite characters.

5. Walk the Stradun

It is inevitable that your first introduction to Dubrovnik includes a walk along the charming Stradun, which to me is the warmest possible welcome to the old town.

Running straight through Dubrovnik Old Town is Stradun, a charming street that is considered the beating heart of Dubrovnik, connecting Pile Gate in the west with Ploče gate in the east.

The broad 292-meter-long street is the heart of the action and probably where you’ll spend most of your time in Dubrovnik, as it leads to all the best things to see and do in Dubrovnik.

During the summer months though, the Stradun is packed with travellers, making it slightly harder to fully appreciate the wonderful street and its surrounding beauty.

But don’t worry, it takes only one turn to an adjacent laneway or time-worn stairway, and a whole different Dubrovnik unfolds – there truly is something magical about the old town.

Make sure to wander the streets with a camera in hand – you surely stumble upon authentic daily life around every corner.

6. Admire the views from Mount Srd

Rising high above Dubrovnik Old Town, providing the most incredible views of the whole of Dubrovnik, as well as Lokrum in the distance is Mount Srd, an extraordinary vantage point to watch a Croatian sunset unfold.

But not so long ago, Mount Srd was home to one of the fiercest battles during the Homeland War, namely the siege of Dubrovnik.

And though I prefer telling you only about exciting destinations and experiences, I also feel a strong obligation to inform and educate on major historical events.

If you’re curious to learn about the history, make sure to head over to the Napoleonic Fort Imperial, which houses a permanent exhibition that is dedicated to the siege of Dubrovnik in the 90s.

Luckily, Mount Srd is now on the peaceful ground, and a visit is all about the mesmerizing panoramic view of Dubrovnik Old Town and the surrounding islands.

Every evening, locals and travellers alike gather here, as the sun slowly sinks into the Adriatic – and I must admit it, it’s one of the best travel experiences in Dubrovnik.

The easiest and quickest way to the summit of Mount Srd is by jumping aboard the Dubrovnik cable car (more on that later).

For adventurous-minded people (like me), or those on a budget, take a moderate hike that takes you to the summit in roughly an hour, depending on your physical condition.

7. Ride the Dubrovnik cable car

The best viewpoint to experience a sunset in Dubrovnik is without question on Mount Srd, and a ride on Dubrovnik’s cable car is by far the easiest way to get there, making it an excellent option for those on a tight time schedule.

Built back in 1969 to transfer passengers from Dubrovnik Old Town to the summit of Mount Srd, the cable car is now an indispensable part of the city, transferring nearly a thousand visitors daily.

Though the approximately 778-meter journey takes only 5 minutes to complete, the exceptional panoramic views from the cable car are worth every penny of the somewhat expensive ticket.

On top of Mount Srd, you’ll discover two panoramic terraces that both house a selection of telescopes and on a clear day, you can see up to 60 kilometres in the distance.

Tickets are easy to obtain at both stations, and I would highly recommend buying a one-way ticket in the first instance. By doing so, you can opt for the easy hike down if you change your mind on the top.

8. Spend a day chilling and swimming at Lokrum Island

Only a 10-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Harbour lies Lokrum Island, a stunningly beautiful island that makes a perfect place for those who need a little break from the crowds in Dubrovnik.

Lokrum Island is a wonderful place to visit for an afternoon of swimming and relaxing, and accordingly extremely popular with travellers and locals alike.

Not only does it provide a lush forest of black ash pines and olive trees, and incredible rocky beaches, but it also houses an ancient Benedictine Monastery, an impressive botanical garden, as well as a small saltwater lake known as the Dead Sea.

Those interested in Game of Thrones should know that the island of Lokrum was used as the city of Qarth, and at present, the medieval Benedictine Monastery is home to the series legendary Iron Throne.

9. Kayak around Dubrovnik

One of the best activities in Dubrovnik includes an adventurous Kayak tour that takes you around Dubrovnik’s mesmerising walls, as well as beautiful Lokrum Island which is dotted just off its coast.

Those looking for a quick adventure, away from the packed streets of the old town will have an excellent time exploring the stunning highlights that are found along the Adriatic Coast.

The relaxing, yet breathtaking journey takes you to a handful of impressive sites, including the stunning Betina Cave, and Lokrum Island, while also providing a unique seaside perspective of Dubrovnik and its towering city walls.

On top of that, you’ll have the opportunity to go swimming, snorkelling, cliff jumping, or just take it easy on the only beach in Dubrovnik that is solely accessed from the water.

As wonderful as it is exploring the area during the day, it is even more beautiful if you plan to do a Kayak tour during the golden hour – it’s simply a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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11. Visit Fort Lovrijenac

Nestled on a picturesque cliff just west of Dubrovnik Old Town is Fort Lovrijenac, an impressive medieval stronghold that played a major role in the resistance to Venetian rule.

If the brave people of Dubrovnik hadn’t stood their ground in the 11th century, the Venetians would probably have built a fortress of their own at exactly the same spot, resulting in that they would have kept Dubrovnik under their power.

Sadly, a large part of the fort’s interior was destroyed by reason of an earthquake that hit Dubrovnik in 1667. Fortunately,  it didn’t take long before it was rebuilt to the fortress we visit at present.

Something noticeable is the famous inscription above the entrance, saying: “Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro” (“Freedom cannot be sold for all the gold of the world”).

Although there isn’t much else to see inside the fortress, I wouldn’t recommend skipping it, and that’s for two bloody good reasons.

May it be the stunning view of the whole of Dubrovnik, or its recent role as the Red Keep in Game of Thrones, a visit to the fortress is simply one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik.

2. Admire the views from the Hvar Fortress

Hands down the best views over both Hvar Town and the picturesque Pakleni Islands are obtained when hiking to the summit of the rustic Hvar Fortress.

Perched high on the hill above Hvar Town, overlooking the town’s iconic tangerine-coloured roofs and appealing harbour, Hvar Fortress is a medieval stronghold that dates back as far as the 6th century.

It is often said that the one that controlled the Mediterranean, gained power over one of the most significant trading routes, which connects Southern Europe, North Africa, Levant, and Anatolia.

For that reason, the Hvar Fortress has been occupied by many, including the Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Austrians.

At present, the fortress is an impressive reminiscence of the original construction that was built under Venetian rule in the 13th century. Since it has been further modified by Spanish engineers in the 14th century, it is also named the Spanish Fortress of Hvar.

To get to the fortress, take a gentle walk from St Stephen’s Square, through the picture-perfect laneways and up several steps, followed by a winding trail through a flourishing pine forest.

Make sure you have your camera in hand throughout the entire trail. Believe me, it’s not only the stunning views from the top that make visiting the fortress one of the best things to do in Hvar.

4. Enjoy Hvar Square and admire the St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Said to be the largest square in Dalmatia, the Hvar Square is a broad town square that is deemed the beating heart of the old town.

On warm summer evenings, travellers and locals gather here in large numbers to admire the wonderful Venetian and Renaissance buildings or to sit down at one of the many cafes and restaurants that lie adjacent to the square.

However, for the best local cuisine, it’s better to dive a little deeper into the laneways of the surrounding old town. Not only are the best bars and restaurants found here, but you also save up significantly on your food bill.

But for me, the biggest draw of Hvar Square was the array of impressive ancient buildings; the Cathedral of St. Stephen, the bell tower, the Arsenal, and the Venetian Loggia in the extension of the square.

In the east of the square, the St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the absolute highlight. With its baroque design elements, picturesque bell tower and typical Dalmatian architecture, this 16th-century cathedral remains one of Hvar’s top historic sights.

Sitting down at Hvar Square to see daily life unfold, was one of my favourite things to do in Hvar.

5. Enjoy creative contemporary cuisine at Fig Hvar

One morning, while strolling through the picturesque cobblestone streets of downtown Hvar, I stumbled upon Fig, a cosy restaurant whose menu teased me with the most delicious locally grown dishes.

At that very moment, I realized that I’d found an excellent place to have dinner later that day.

I pulled up here for a late dinner and treated myself to the Chimichurri Potatoes and the Mexican Pulled Pork, which were both very tasteful.

Upon arriving, there was a small waiting queue, which to me, indicates that a place lives up to its reputation. After a short wait, my table was ready and the waiter offered me a drink on the house.

Modest as I am, I ordered the red house wine, by which the waiter recommended the locally grown Tomic Plavac wine, which turned out to be the best wine I sampled during my Croatia trip.

That said, Fig is a place you simply don’t want to miss out on.

In the end, I came here to try the breakfast too – which makes for a good reason to stop by.

6. Appreciate Hvar’s iconic Franciscan Monastery

Encircled by a peaceful garden of aged cypress trees, overlooking a good-looking cove, this 15th-century monastery is one of Hvar’s most recognizable buildings, as well as my favourite.

Inside, the Franciscan monastery houses a small, yet impressive museum that showcases antique laces & coins, nautical charts, and a valuable edition of the Ptolemy’s Atlas, which was printed in 1524.

The real draw though is the Last Supper; an appealing 8 by 2,5-metre work of art that was composed by Venetian painter Matteo Ingoli at the end of the 16th century.

If you’re like me and enjoy a seaside stroll in the early morning or late afternoon, I’m sure you will be charmed by the Franciscan Monastery time and time again.

7. Uncover the stunning Pakleni Islands

The one thing that repeatedly became the topic of conversation when I chatted with the Hvar locals, was a boat trip to the Pakleni Islands, and that’s for an excellent reason.

The ‘picture-perfect’ Pakleni Islands is a bundle of 16 islands, scattered throughout the clear turquoise waters as opposed to the stunning coastline of Hvar Town.

If you’re keen on exploring the Pakleni Islands, rent yourself a small Pasara boat and navigate the calm Adriatic sea, in search of the most stunning beaches and deserted coves.

At first, I was quite surprised when I heard that you don’t need a license – or any experience to rent and operate a small Pasara boat. You do however get a short instruction, where you learn all the basics to operate a boat in a responsible manner.

If you’re not feeling comfortable with operating a boat, alternatively make use of the taxi boats that depart at the main harbour of Hvar Town.

A 15-minute transfer brings you to one of the major islands in the archipelago, including Jerolim, Sveti Klement, Marinkovac, and Mlini Beach.

8. Take in the views from the Napoleon Fortress

Climbing the Hvar Fortress might be the number one thing to do in Hvar, it is the higher-positioned Napoleon Fortress that provides even more spectacular views.

The French fortress, better known as the Napoleon Fortress, is situated just west of the popular Spanish fortress, and hiking to the summit takes roughly 30 minutes when starting from Hvar old town.

Once you arrive at the top, you’ll be welcomed by some of the most stunning views Hvar Island has to offer, showcasing both Hvar town and the Pakleni Islands in the distance.

If you’re interested in climbing the fortress, I have one recommendation: make sure you visit the Napoleon Fortress during the golden hour. It is truly a magnificent experience to see the streets of Hvar Old Town bathed in the most soothing glow of golden hues.

In my honest opinion, this place and its views are unrivalled, and although many people consider skipping it, I would say not to, but hey, it’s up to you!

10. Walk the old town of Stari Grad

For those keen to explore an authentic side of Hvar, look no further, Stari Grad – literally meaning ‘old town’ – is the perfect place to feel the ‘real’ Hvar vibe.

The oldest town on the island, Stari Grad is an excellent alternative destination, just northeast of the bustling city centre of Hvar Town – and serves as a quiet summer day trip.

Stari Grad’s small town centre is charmed by quiet laneways, rustic white-washed buildings, historical churches, and a wide array of small locally owned boutiques and restaurants.

During my visit, I really enjoyed roaming through Srinjo Kola, a vibrant street that runs straight through the heart of town. This lively laneway is home to a great number of restaurants and cafés, souvenir shops, as well as an authentic alternative tourist board in ‘The Hvar Island Concierge’.

So, if you’re on the Island for a few days, make sure you experience this ‘untouched’ side of Hvar too.

11. Enjoy a refreshing drink at Backlane Hvar

One day, when I came back to the hostel after a relaxing beach day on Pokonji Dol, I got into a chat with a friendly guy named Enrico.

After a short chat, we decided to go for a walk in search of a place to have a few drinks and we luckily stumbled upon BackLane.

Set in a charming alley of Hvar Old Town, BackLane is a lively bar that specialises in craft beers and cocktails, all based on locally grown organic ingredients.

Since the beginning of 2020, the bar, run by three childhood friends, opened a small brewery just 200 meters from BackLane’s doorstep, resulting in a handful of delightful beers that are crafted to perfection.

Once we were seated, I ordered their locally brewed IPA, an excellent beer that is defined by a hoppy flavour and refreshing aromas. Which to me is the perfect treat during a hot summer’s evening.

On top of that, BackLane offers an authentic local setting, the most friendly staff and a great amount of knowledge when it comes to their craft, which makes it not only an excellent bar to sample local craft beers but also to sit down and chat with the Hvar locals.

12. Visit the Lavender fields in Brusje

With a fragrance like no other, Lavender is a healthy aromatic plant that has been used on a daily basis since ancient times.

Nicknamed the island of lavender, Hvar once produced 8% of the world’s total lavender production.

If you follow the old road from Hvar Town for 15 minutes – or the smell of fresh lavender in the air, you’ll reach Brusje, a small village that is home to the majority of Hvar’s violet-coloured lavender fields.

Originally founded as a shepherd settlement in the 16th century, Brusje is now a village that is entirely committed to the production of lavender and rosemary etheric oils.

If you’re keen to see the lavender fields in Brusje, make sure you visit the island in June or July, when it’s the ideal time to see those lavender fields in full bloom.

This is also when the annual two-day Lavender Festival in neighbouring Velo Grablje occurs, which I sadly had to miss due to heavy rain showers and thunder.

13. Enjoy the ultimate summer afternoon at Konobo Mustaco

Tucked away on Pokonji Dol – one of my favourite Hvar beaches – is Konobo Mustaco, a buzzing beach restaurant that has everything for the ultimate summer getaway feeling.

This locally-run restaurant is an incredible place to sit at any time of day, yet it is most popular for beachside breaks, a late afternoon snack, and sunset drinks.

It is said that the best things in life are often pretty simple, so do as I did and order a plate of fresh watermelon and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at one of Hvar’s finest beaches.

But Mustaco isn’t only to seek shelter from the sizzling Mediterranean heat, it is also a great place to sample excellent traditional Dalmatian cuisine, especially for those who fancy freshly caught seafood.

On top of that, Mustaco has a large number of sunbeds for hire, perfect for those after an afternoon of swimming, tanning and relaxing.