Dubrovnik is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” The UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is home to well-preserved towers, castles, gatehouses, and cobblestone streets.
There are plenty of things to see and do in Dubrovnik, from exploring the ancient town walls and climbing up a clifftop bar to swimming beneath the city’s picturesque sea-view breakwaters. And if you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, you can even take a tour that’ll show you some of the famous landmarks from the TV show.
St. John’s Fortress
A massive medieval defence system guards the entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Harbour. St John’s Fortress, or Mulo Tower, is an integral part of the city walls, and it’s a popular stopping point for walkers.
The fort was originally constructed in the 1300s to stop enemy ships from entering Dubrovnik’s harbor, and it was adapted numerous times throughout the centuries. A grand upgrade of the whole fortification complex took place in 1552, according to designs by master architect Paskoje Milicevic.
Today, St John’s Fortress houses the Maritime Museum, the Aquarium and the former studio of painter Duro Pulitika. This impressive castle is located on a scenic rock overlooking the Adriatic Sea and Lokrum Island.
The Museum of the City of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a city on the Adriatic Sea that’s known for its distinctive Old Town, encircled by massive stone walls. It’s also home to a number of impressive buildings and landmarks, many of which are best explored on foot through the narrow streets of Old Town.
The Museum of the City of Dubrovnik is a must-visit during your trip to the picturesque coastal town. It houses the country’s patriotic museum and displays a collection of artifacts that are related to the cultural and artistic history of Croatia.
The Franciscan Church and Monastery is also worth a visit, as it houses a library and cloister, along with one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. The pharmacy itself has an impressive inventory of ceramics that came from Italy and France in the 15th century.
The Maritime Museum
Located inside the walls of Dubrovnik’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, this small museum looks at Dubrovnik’s maritime trade history. It has more than 5,000 items, including ship models and other maritime artifacts.
There’s also an aquarium on the ground floor that features a wide range of local and exotic fish from the Adriatic Sea, as well as a collection of seahorses. This museum is definitely worth a visit, especially for those with children.
The city is known for its rich naval history, and it was a major seafaring center in the past. To get a better understanding of this, head to the Maritime Museum in Fort St. John, which was built to protect the city from sea pirates and to guard the entrance to the harbor.
The Aquarium
If you’re interested in learning more about the local sea flora and fauna, the Dubrovnik Aquarium is the place for you. This Friend of the Sea certified aquarium houses 24 sophisticated tanks brimming with a variety of sea flora and fauna living in the Adriatic Sea.
It’s a great way to learn about some of the most common fish like seabass, gill head bream, brown wrasse and green wrasse. Also, you’ll get to see some rarer and more enigmatic species like morays and trigger fish.
If you’re looking to escape the city and enjoy some peace and quiet, Lokrum Island is a great option. It’s located a short ferry ride from the Old Town harbor and offers beautiful views over the Adriatic sea.
Mount Srdj
The craggy Mount Srd sharply rises above Dubrovnik and offers an incredible panoramic view of the city. It’s capped with a large fortress, an enormous cross (both of which are visible from sea level), a Croatian war museum and a panorama restaurant.
You can visit the top of Mount Srd by taking a cable car, getting a taxi or hiking it yourself. In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about visiting Mount Srd in Dubrovnik – including how to get there, what to see and do at the top and where to watch the sunset!
Mount Srd is an essential sight to see when in Dubrovnik and is one of the best things to do in the city. Hiking is the most popular way to visit the summit but you can also take a cable car, drive or hire a taxi.