Visit Dubrovnik, Game of Thrones

Dubrovnik is a beautiful city in Croatia 🇭🇷. It's famous for its medieval Old Town, the stunning landscapes, and more recently, for being one of the filming sets of Game of Thrones.

BY Tùng Nguyên VnExpress and BY Meagan Drillinger, Planetware, Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Dubrovnik

Imagine Dubrovnik before there were tourists. Imagine its gleaming white stone squares, narrow alleyways covered in purple blossoming flowers, red tile roofs, and its imposing fortress walls, splendid cathedrals, and broad plazas. For centuries Dubrovnik's attractions were best enjoyed by the locals who lived there, and the handful of tourists who knew where to look.

Today the scene in Dubrovnik is slightly different. It's just as beautiful as it always was, but the secret is out on Dubrovnik's attractions. You can thank Game of Thrones for that. Today thousands upon thousands of tourists visit every single day in search of things to see and do in Dubrovnik, from its Medieval stone walls to the beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and nearby islands. Tourists also come to see the many real-life sets that were used in the making of their favorite movies and TV shows, from Game of Thrones to Star Wars and many more.

Dubrovnik was named the "Pearl of the Adriatic" centuries ago for a reason. And while today you can order everything in English, pay for everything with a tap of your credit card, and hear hundreds of languages from all over the world, one thing will always remain the same — Dubrovnik is pure magic. If you're visiting the Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik's attractions are a must. Discover the highlights of this mesmerizing medieval masterpiece and read on to discover the best things to do in Dubrovnik.

The Old City Walls

The old city walls of Dubrovnik are one of its best-known features, now more than ever thanks to being featured in the hit TV series, Game of Thrones. Built in the 10th century and modified in the 13th and 14th centuries, these formidable walls–as high as six meters in places, and up to six meters thick–provided a solid defense against invaders. Totaling nearly two kilometers in length, Dubrovnik's city walls make a great spot for a casual stroll and offer numerous excellent views over the Adriatic and inwards over the old city center.

Highlights along the way include the Bokar Tower (Tvrdava Bokar), Fort Lovrjenac, the Revelin Fortress, and the Minceta Tower (Tvrdava Minceta) explained in greater detail below. Note that the city walls ascend and descend, so the relatively short two-kilometer distance is deceptively hot and sweaty work in the height of summer. If you plan to do the entire route, which is recommended, be sure to start early before the heat of the day.

You'll also avoid a majority of the crowds. The ticket price to wander the walls is 35 Euros per person. But if you purchase a Dubrovnik Pass for the same price, you have access to the walls, many art galleries, the Natural History Museum, the Franciscan Monastery, the Cultural History Museum, and a few other attractions.

Ride the Dubrovnik Cable Car

Another fun thing to do when visiting Dubrovnik is to head to the hills–via cable car. The Dubrovnik Cable Car whisks visitors high above the Old Town, up Srd Hill, with the views only getting better and better as you climb (on clear days, it's said you can see for some 50 kilometers). The journey lasts less than 10 minutes, and once deposited at the top, you're free to explore the area.

Attractions to look out for include the 19th-century Imperial Fortress, built by the French during their occupation of the region and now housing a fascinating exhibit pertaining to the Homeland War of 1991-1995 when the city was defended against hostile forces. There's also a restaurant boasting spectacular views over the Old Town, along with unique shopping, including a fascinating traditional coin-minting blacksmith shop.

Walk through Stradun

Nothing will put you in the moment quite like a stroll down Dubrovnik's impressive Stradun. This main thoroughfare runs almost the entire length of Old Town and it is from this main area that all the smaller side streets and alleys branch off. The spectacular Stradun–also known in Dubrovnik as Placa–is a place where locals and visitors alike gather day and night to watch the world drift by. Undoubtedly one of Europe's most picturesque pedestrian thoroughfares, the Stradun boasts many cafés and restaurants and is a good spot to get in some shopping or to rest weary feet after a day touring Dubrovnik.

Measuring 300 meters in length and famous for its white limestone paving, the street dates back to 1468, although many of the surrounding buildings were built in the 17th century after the devastating earthquake of 1667 when most of Dubrovnik was heavily damaged. The Stradun's unique homes are designed to enable residential living upstairs and business activities on the main level, and are notable for having their main doors and windows under the same arch. Just a few steps away from the Stradun on one of the side streets, War Photo Limited is a fascinating photography museum displaying images from the countless armed conflicts mankind has found itself caught up in.

Fort Lovrijenac

Dubbed "Dubrovnik's Gibraltar" for its location on a rocky promontory just outside the city's western wall, Fort Lovrijenac–also known as St. Lawrence Fortress–has long been one of Croatia's most important fortresses. Rising an impressive 37 meters above the Adriatic, this stunning fortification proved impregnable during the many sieges undertaken by the Venetians from its completion in the 11th century onwards.

Legend, in fact, has it that the Venetians themselves planned to build a fort here but were beaten to it by industrious city folk. Also notable for its unusual triangular layout with its three terraces, Fort Lovrijenac is accessed via two drawbridges and a gateway through its impressive walls, in places as thick as 12 meters. In addition to serving as a tourist attraction, the fort is also used as a venue and backdrop for Dubrovnik's famous Summer Festival and its many theatrical and musical performances.

City Harbour

The City Harbour is one spot in Dubrovnik that will get your Game of Thrones energy going. But the HBO series aside, the harbor is packed with history and is absolutely stunning. From the city's back gate, you'll have one of the very best views over the harbor, including the sporty speedboats, the three-arched landing, and the rooftops of the city. For a lovely lunch stop, Locanda Peskarija serves fresh seafood and grilled items al fresco, overlooking the gently bobbing boats.

The Rector's Palace and Cultural Historical Museum

Designed by Onofrio de la Cava in 1435, the Rector's Palace (Knežev dvor), now home to the city's Cultural Historical Museum, has been much altered through the centuries. A beautiful mix of late Gothic and early Renaissance styles, this splendid old palace was heavily damaged by a gunpowder explosion not long after its completion, later by a fire, and then again in 1667 when an earthquake struck.

These days, this well-preserved building is a delight to explore, particularly its pleasant central courtyard. If possible, try to time your visit to coincide with one of its regular summer classical music performances. Also of interest is the bust of Miho Pracat, a former merchant from the island of Lopud. Highlights of the museum's collection of 15,000 pieces include many interesting exhibits detailing life in the Republic of Ragusa during medieval times, as well as numerous fine paintings by Venetian and Dalmatian artists.

Minceta Tower

Located on the city wall system, the impressive Minceta Tower (Tvrdava Minceta) is well worth checking out. Originally built in 1319 and reinforced in 1461, the tower casts an imposing shadow on the old town below. The tower was also one of the major settings for a pivotal scene in Game of Thrones, where Daenerys goes to search for her stolen dragons.

The Minceta tower, located at the north end of the wall system near the Pile Gate, is the farthest inland of all the towers making it one of the best spots to get that perfect shot out over the old town with its wonderful orange rooftops. Be brave and scale the narrow stairways to the top; the flow of visitors can be tricky at times, so pack a bit of patience on your way up.

The Franciscan Church and Monastery

Another important historic site to add to your Dubrovnik itinerary is the city's Franciscan Church and Monastery. This well-preserved building was constructed in the late 1600s on the site of the original monastery from the 1100s and is now home to one of the most valuable libraries in Croatia. Established in the 17th century and housing a collection of more than 21,000 rare book manuscripts, it's also the location of a fascinating medieval pharmacy that's been in use since 1317 (making it one of the oldest in the world) and is notable for its numerous old decorated jars, measuring devices, and mortars. There's also an on-site museum containing items of historical interest and a fine art collection.

St. John's Fortress

On the eastern edge of the old town sits the Fort of St. John, known to locals as the Fort of St. Ivan. Once an important part of Dubrovnik's defenses, this imposing structure now houses several modern attractions to keep visitors entertained. In the upper area is the Maritime Museum of Dubrovnik featuring displays of Dubrovnik's maritime past illustrated through model boats and naval artifacts, while the lower area contains the Aquarium of Dubrovnik with its many interesting displays of local and exotic fish, as well as a superb collection of seahorses.

Tour for fans of Game of Thrones

If you're a Game of Thrones fan, the Viator Exclusive: Game of Thrones Walking Tour of Dubrovnik is a good way to see some of Dubrovnik's top historical attractions that also appear in the famous television series. The three-hour guided walking tour includes a knowledgeable guide and entrance fees to the Dubrovnik city walls and Lovrijenac Fortress. You can upgrade the tour to include a 1.5-hour visit to Trsteno Arboretum, the site of the King's Landing's palace gardens. This upgraded tour also includes round-trip transport from the Old Town to Trsteno Arboretum and the entrance fee.

BY Tùng Nguyên VnExpress and BY Meagan Drillinger, Planetware, Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Dubrovnik

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