When visiting Dubrovnik, you will want to focus mainly on exploring the Old Town of Dubrovnik. But there are a lot of unique and beautiful places outside the Walls of Dubrovnik. If you have time, we suggest you to visit spots outside Dubrovnik Old Town that will make your visit even more incredible.  All of the locations on our list are easily approachable if you are staying in Dubrovnik. And you will have no problem getting to them and exploring their beauty. So make sure you don’t forget to include them on your list of things to do in Dubrovnik!

 

Here’s Why You Should Visit Dubrovnik In The Winter!

Visit the Lokrum Island

Lokrum Island is really close to Dubrovnik and is a welcome break from the mainland. Because it takes less than 15 minutes to get there, it’s definitely worth a visit especially to see the Benedictine monastery. It’s easy to get to Lokrum – just take one of the boats leaving half-hourly in summer (less often in the rest of the year) from Porporela – Dubrovnik’s Old Port.

Spending a day or just a half-day there can be a really refreshing experience, as the island has plenty of pine, cypress, and olive trees as well as some other subtropical vegetation that offers tranquillity and shade, especially during the hot summer days. You can go for a swim in the Dead Sea. It is a popular spot for visitors who enjoy bathing in calm and peaceful waters.

Visit The Southernmost End Of Croatia – Konavle

Konavle Valley is a popular day-trip destination for those who want to escape the tourist-oriented resorts of the Dalmatian coast and get a feel for rural life in Croatia. Konavle region is excellent for cycling, hiking, horseback riding, and basically anything to do with nature. Cavtat, located at the northern tip of the region is the biggest town and the most known tourist resort in the Konavle region. Konavle region is also very popular among foodies. Many local restaurants serve genuine dishes from the region, using fresh and local produce.

Konavle as a wine-growing area offers all its’ visitors the opportunity to taste excellent white and red wine produced and presented in small family wineries and tasting rooms. One of the most famous grape varieties is the well-known Dubrovnik Malvasia. Besides wine, Konavle is also known for the production of high-quality olive oil.

Visit The Croatian Peninsula Pelješac

Pelješac Peninsula is one of the greenest and wildest parts of the Croatian coast. It is Dalmatian getaway without the crowds. It is a large piece of land, so there are many interesting places to see. Some of them are best-kept secrets while others are better known. Nevertheless, people who come to this region of Croatia are mainly fit or beautiful nature, hidden beaches, idyllic atmosphere, excellent food, and wine. In other words, Pelješac is a slow travel destination where you can forget about problems, relax and take your time.

Pelješac is also known for its oysters and mussels, arguably the best in Croatia. Mali Ston is the most popular place to taste this heavenly food. A wine tour is one of the must-do things on the Peljesac peninsula. Plavac Mali, a local red grape variety, covers 90% of all vineyards, while other sorts include the white variety Posip, and Grk.  It’s also a great place to relax, away from a hustle and bustle expected in a typical touristy coastal town. Peljesac remains quaint and tranquil. Whether you are an experienced hiker or just like an occasional walk through nature, Peljesac has you covered. You can hike from Orebic to Viganj, Trstenik through Dingac, or Trpanj to Blaca Bay.

Dubrovnik is mostly known as a summer destination with beautiful blue skies and sparkling seas. But should you consider visiting Dubrovnik in winter? Absolutely YES! Winter in Dubrovnik might not seem like an obvious choice for a city break but it’s actually a great time to visit. Dubrovnik in the wintertime means fewer crowds, better prices and milder weather. It turns into a perfect winter city break in Europe as its Mediterranean climate means milder winter temperatures than you might be used to.

The winter in Dubrovnik has many charms. While most European cities are covered in snow and fog, during the winter season in Dubrovnik you can sit on the terraces of restaurants or cafés alongside the main street, Stradun, and drink your coffee. Whichever cultural or historical site you visit in wintertime, you won’t encounter unbearable crowds and won’t be greeted by a selfie stick each step of the way. Dubrovnik is a city filled with culture, activities, and places worth exploring all year round.

 

Dubrovnik In One Day Itinerary!

 

That is why we made a full guide for what to do in Dubrovnik in winter.

Experience A More Authentic Dubrovnik

During a Dubrovnik winter, you can explore and discover the real Dubrovnik—the Dubrovnik that locals know and love—not the tourist attraction it is in summer. More locals are in the streets in winter, taking advantage of the low season to enjoy their cherished city. People are more relaxed and open, which creates a more authentic atmosphere and vibe. Winter in Dubrovnik is what the city is like.

Take a Walk Through History

Maybe the most apparent advantage of visiting Dubrovnik in winter is that there aren’t as many crowds. Actually, there are barely any. But that doesn’t mean that nothing is going on in Dubrovnik during winter. All of the touristic attractions are equally, if not more, excited to visit and explore.

If you decide to visit Dubrovnik in winter, you will have a great time sightseeing the Old Town of Dubrovnik without all the crowds and sweat that summer brings. A must-do walking around the Old Town Walls of Dubrovnik. Walking Dubrovnik’s city walls is the best way to get a birds-eye view of the old town. The full circuit of the 24m high and 6m thick walls is a two-kilometer walk. Dubrovnik’s city walls walk offers a range of views including battlements, patchwork red roofs and fortresses. It is an incredible way to see the city and learn more about its fascinating history. Exploring Dubrovnik’s walls in winter means that there will be fewer crowds and milder temperatures as well. It’s a much more pleasant experience than fighting the August cruise crowd for a spot on the walls. Also, Dubrovnik museums are always a good idea.

Dubrovnik Winter Festival

Christmas markets are probably the first thing you’ll look up when planning a winter vacation. Dubrovnik Winter Festival and Christmas Market will not disappoint you. The Old Town is beautifully decorated with Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and tasty food on the local stands. If you are in Dubrovnik during December, definitely take some time to visit Dubrovnik Winter Festival. Along with delicious food and a wonderful ambiance, you can enjoy concerts and get familiar with Dubrovnik locals’ holiday traditions.

Dubrovnik’s beautiful palaces and fortresses will be dressed in snowflakes this winter thanks to the special holiday lights. Alongside the whole of Stradun, there are many Advent stalls with a varied offering of food, drinks, souvenirs and sweets. All these events are part of the Dubrovnik Winter Festival, which is held every winter in the city to celebrate the holiday season.

New Year’s Celebrations

Winter is a season of celebrations, not only Christmas but also New Year’s. Each year, a diverse New Year’s program covers three days. Visitors can enjoy an excellent musical program that starts on the morning of New Year’s Eve, and on New Year’s Day, there is the traditional 10-kilometer race and a concert with champagne and oysters.

Go on a Game of Thrones Tour

One of the main reasons Dubrovnik has gained so much popularity in recent years is the Game of Thrones hype. This popular TV series fans instantly recognize it as Kings Landing, the Seven Kingdoms’ capital. You can visit various Game of Thrones filming locations in and around the Old Town. Fans of the wildly popular HBO series Game of Thrones can opt for one of the walking tours of the locations where this series was filmed for five seasons, as Dubrovnik is the stand-in for the capital of Westeros, Kings Landing.

Enjoy in the city’s best view

One of the city’s star attractions, the Dubrovnik Cable Car, operates annually. Winter in Dubrovnik offers an entirely different experience. You will never be alone in the car, but you’ll definitely have much more room to enjoy the spectacular views. At the top, visit the Panorama Restaurant for a coffee, beer, or glass of wine while enjoying the city’s best view. Dubrovnik’s Panorama Restaurant is really popular. You often have to make a reservation for 4 to 5 days in advance, especially if you want to dine at Sunset. But visiting the restaurant in the winter means that you are far more likely to get a table at this coveted dining spot.

Another wonderful thing about winter in Dubrovnik is all the discounts. Not only are parking fees, accommodation rates, and guided tours much cheaper, some activities are as well. Spending a day at a luxurious spa becomes an extremely tempting thing to do in Dubrovnik just because of those significantly lower prices.

Why Visit Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik is a real pearl of the Adriatic sea. Not only is the city’s Old Town one of the most picturesque places on the whole Earth, but it’s also home to some amazing beaches, crystal clear waters and tons of great restaurants and bars. Seems like everyone’s talking about Dubrovnik these days, and there really is a lot to talk about. Although it’s recommended to spend at least 3 days in Dubrovnik and the area around it, one day in Dubrovnik is still enough time to explore the most exciting sights. There’s no way you won’t fall in love with it!

 

What Are The Must-Visit Places Outside The Dubrovnik Old Town!

What’s The Best Time To Visit Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik used to be a mostly summer destination. Nowadays, it has much to offer even when the days get a bit colder. Summer, on the other hand, can get super packed with tourists. During the peak season (July-August), it gets challenging just to enter the Old Town. If you want to get the best experience, pick May or September when the crowd is reduced and the weather still allows you to enjoy both the sun and the sea.

Dubrovnik In One Day Itinerary

07:00 – Explore The Old Town

Once the sun is up, go for a walk toward the Old Town. Along the way, stop to enjoy the rocky shoreline in constant view. As you arrive in the Old Town, stop to admire the Lovrijenac, a 16th Century fortress overlooking the Adriatic and thick walls of the city. Once inside the walls of the Old Town, be sure to stop and see the statue of Orlando outside the Church of Saint Blaze. You’ll find many interesting statues and churches within Old Town – a surprising number for such a small city. Wander to the Church of Saint Ignatius and the Jesuit Steps. As with many parts of the city, the steps were featured in Game of Thrones. Walk at the Pile Gate West Gate and wander around the cobblestone, picturesque streets. Walk the most famous street in the Old Town – Stradun and drink your morning coffee with a amazing view.

10:00 – Explore The Walls

Since you only have one day in Dubrovnik, you definitely want to maximize the efficiency of how you spend your time. Walking the City Walls is a great way to watch the city from the most beautiful angles, explore its iconic fortresses and get the best selfie photos. As part of its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the walls are the primary site and sight people come to see in Dubrovnik.

12:00 – Time For Lunch

After a morning of climbing stairs and walking the walls of Dubrovnik, it’s time for lunch. After all that sightseeing, you must be getting hungry. Fortunately, Dubrovnik is widely known for its excellent restaurants. After lunch, it’t time to eat the finest crepes in Dubrovnik in Dolce Vita. They really have a great selection of pancakes, including those with ice cream, which makes it kind of hard to choose from. They also serve the creamiest and the most delicious ice cream in the whole town.

14:00 – Take A Cable Car Ride To The Srđ Hill

If you still haven’t fallen in love with the beauty of Dubrovnik, the aerial view of the city and the Adriatic sea, as seen from the cable car, will definitely change that fact. During the high season you should expect a long queue, but it’s worth waiting every minute of it. Don’t forget to take your camera with you, the view is just breathtaking and you won’t resist taking so many great shots.

16:00 – Spend The Afternoon At Lapad

The coastal area Lapad is a great choice for those who want to soak up the sun and enjoy a perfect time on the beach. Lapad is a less busy area and a great escape for locals and those who can’t stand the city crowd. There you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the beach and have brunch in one of the many restaurants along the promenade. Unlike the Old Town, Lapad offers some affordable eats.

20:00 – Watch Sunset At Buža Cafe

After a lazy afternoon at Lapad– it’s time to go back to the Old Town. Sunset is the right time to enjoy some drinks and the most spectacular sunset on the Mediterranean. Buža cafe may not be the most fancy cafe bar, but it’s the one with the fanciest view. Don’t miss it for the world!

21:00 Go For A Late Dinner

For a late dinner, treat yourself to a delicious local meal, such as at Magellan Restaurant & Caffe bar. The restaurant is located outside the Old Town but is worth the journey. The dishes are upscale traditional Croatian and Balkan, but the price is really reasonable for the quality, like so much of what makes Dubrovnik and Croatia great to visit.

23:00 – Experience Dubrovnik Nightlife

For a great taste of Dubrovnik nightlife, head to Culture Club Revelin, one of the best nightclubs not just in the city but in Croatia. This party venue is nothing short of spectacular because the club is located in a 16^th-century fortress in the north-east part of the Old Town. Lazareti is also a place where you can enjoy some incredible performances, but if you like to party out in the open, head to Banje Beach and feast your eyes on the spectacular view of the city walls at night.

Hope you will enjoy your short stay in Dubrovnik!