Best tours of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik offers a wide variety of tours to ensure that visitors do not miss out on its rich history, impressive architecture and beautiful scenery.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

7 min read

Best tours of Dubrovnik

Vista panoramica de Dubrovnik |©Derek Durie

Dubrovnik's wealth of things to see and do makes it Croatia's most popular tourist destination. Although it was constantly bombed during the Croatian War in the 1990s, its impressive city walls and towers, medieval monasteries, baroque churches, squares and exciting residential areas have been restored to their former glory.

One of the best ways to make sure you don't miss anything is to book one of the many tours offered in the city. In a comfortable way and usually with a guide, you can take a tour of the city walls, the old town or, of course, the locations where the popular series Game of Thrones was filmed.

1. Game of Thrones Tour

Lokrum Island|©Jose Luis Vazquez Hernandez
Lokrum Island|©Jose Luis Vazquez Hernandez

If you are a fan of the popular TV series Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik is the place for you. The city was one of the main locations where the series was filmed and you will recognise places such as the Lovrijenac Fortress (Red Fortress) and the Royal Gardens.

For this reason, it is not surprising that there are several Game of Thrones tours in Dubrovnik and they are among the most demanded by all the tourists who visit the city.

The tour usually includes visits to places such as Fort Lovrijenac, which was used as the King's Landing, the Dubrovnik Promenade, which became Cersei Lannister's Walk of Shame, and the Minčeta Tower, which was used as the House of the Undying in Qarth.

The guide will share anecdotes and interesting details about the filming and the connection between the real locations and the scenes from the series.

Interesting details of the tour

  • Times and meeting points: Game of Thrones tours in Dubrovnik are usually offered several times a day Meeting points may vary depending on the tour operator, but are usually in central locations in the Old Town.
  • Duration and prices: The duration of the Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik is usually approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on the itinerary. Prices vary depending on the tour operator, but generally range from 12-24 EUR per person.

Book a Game of Thrones tour

2. Dubrovnik City Walls Tour

Dubrovnik City Walls|©Juanje Orío
Dubrovnik City Walls|©Juanje Orío

If you can only spend one day in Dubrovnik, my recommendation would be to take a tour of the Dubrovnik city walls. The tour takes you on a walk along the impressive fortified walls that surround the old town, which are approximately 2 kilometres long. From them, you will enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Old Town, the Adriatic Sea and Dubrovnik's terracotta rooftops.

During the tour, the guide usually provides historical and cultural information about the city and the city walls. You can explore the watchtowers, fortifications and stone staircases, while enjoying the breathtaking views from the top.

However, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and sun protection, as there is not much shade on the walls and it can get hot during the summer months. Take water with you, especially in the summer months, as there are not many opportunities to buy drinks on the ramparts. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider taking the tour at the beginning or end of the day.

Details of interest

  • Timetable: The Dubrovnik City Walls Tour is available all year round, but opening times may vary depending on the season.
  • Tickets: Althoughtickets can be purchased in Dubrovnik itself, it is best to book online, especially in mid and high season. The average ticket price for a walking tour of Dubrovnik's city walls without a guide is around 23 EUR. If you prefer to take the tour with a local guide who can provide you with historical and cultural information, the additional price is around 6-12 EUR per person.

3. Dubrovnik Old Town Tour

Dubrovnik Cathedral|©Curtis Gregory Perry
Dubrovnik Cathedral|©Curtis Gregory Perry

The Dubrovnik Old Town Tour is an excellent way to explore and learn about the rich history and architectural beauty of this ancient walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The tour is usually led by an expert local guide, who will take you through the narrow cobbled streets and historic squares of the city. During the tour, you will learn about Dubrovnik's fascinating history, iconic monuments and cultural importance.

Some of the highlights of this type of tour include Loggia Square, St. Blaise Church, the Rector's Palace, the Cathedral and theFranciscan Monastery.

Interesting details of the tour

  • Times and meeting points: Dubrovnik Old Town tours are usually offered throughout the day, with multiple departure times. Meeting points vary depending on the tour operator.
  • Duration and prices: The duration of the Dubrovnik Old Town tour is usually approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on the company. Prices may vary, but generally range from 12-24 EUR per person.

Book an Old Town Tour

4. Dubrovnik Coastal Kayak Tour

Kayaking in Dubrovnik|©JZVandal
Kayaking in Dubrovnik|©JZVandal

Quite a few of the best things to do in Dubrovnik are related to the sea that surrounds the city. Among them is the option of taking a kayaking tour along the coast.

On this type of tour you will cruise along the Adriatic coast, exploring sea caves, hidden beaches and cliffs. It's a great chance to enjoy unique panoramic views of the walled city from the water.

The tour is usually guided by an expert kayak instructor, who will give you safety instructions and guide you through the highlights of the route. You can paddle your own kayak or double kayaks, depending on your preference and availability.

No previous kayaking experience is required, as basic instructions are provided before the tour begins.

Tour details of interest

  • Times and meeting points: Kayak tours along the Dubrovnik coastline are usually offered several times a day, especially during the peak tourist months. Meeting points are usually at locations close to the coast, such as Pile beach or Banje beach.
  • Duration and prices: The duration of the kayak tour along the Dubrovnik coastline is usually approximately 2 to 3 hours. Prices vary depending on the tour operator and the services included, but generally range between 30-47 EUR per person.

Book a kayak tour in Dubrovnik

5. Elafiti Islands Boat Tour

Elafiti Islands|©Fernando
Elafiti Islands|©Fernando

The Elafiti Islands are an archipelago near Dubrovnik. Its main attractions are its beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters and picturesque villages. Visiting them has become one of the best boat trips you can do in the city.

In this type of tour you usually visit some of the most outstanding islands of this archipelago. The itinerary may vary depending on the tour operator, but usually includes visits to Koločep, Lopud and Šipan.

Here you can enjoy free time to relax on the beach, swim in the clear waters or explore the picturesquevillages and their attractions. Many boat tours of the Elaphite Islands also include lunch on board or in one of the local restaurants, where you can sample the delicious cuisine of the region.

Interesting tour details

  • Times and meeting points: Boat tours of the Elaphite Islands usually have daily departures during the high season. Some of the common meeting points may be Dubrovnik Old Harbour or Gruž Harbour.
  • Duration and prices: The duration of the Elaphite Islands boat tour is usually a full day tour, departing in the morning and returning in the afternoon. Prices vary depending on the tour operator, the services included and the season, but generally range from 35-70 EUR per person.

Book a cruise to the Elaphite Islands from Dubrovnik

6. Dubrovnik Wine Tour

Konavle Valley restaurant in Croatia|©Richard Martin
Konavle Valley restaurant in Croatia|©Richard Martin

Dubrovnik and its surroundings are known for their wine tradition and the production of high quality wines. Taking a wine tour in Dubrovnik is a great way to explore the local vineyards, learn about the culture of the region and taste authentic wines such as the one aged at the bottom of the ocean

. During a wine tour in Dubrovnik you will have the opportunity to visit nearby wineries, learn about the wine production process, tour the vineyards and, of course, enjoy wine tastings. It is especially interesting if you have travelled to Dubrovnik in September, as this is the grape harvest season.

Specialised guides will provide you with information about the different types of grapes grown in the region and guide you in tasting local wines. Some tours may include visits to family wineries, where you can learn about traditional winemaking techniques.

Interesting tour details

  • Timetables and transport: Wine tours tend to have timetables that vary according to the tour operator and the season. You can find half-day or full-day tours, and they usually include transportation from Dubrovnik to the vineyards and wineries.
  • Prices and options: Prices can vary depending on the length of the tour, the selection of wines and additional inclusions, such as meals or transport. In general, they can range from 35-70 EUR per person.

7. Blue Cave Tour

rock formation in the sea|©oranges and lemons
rock formation in the sea|©oranges and lemons

Although Dubrovnik is most famous for its old town, there are some real natural wonders in the surrounding area. Among them is the so-called Blue Cave, located near the island of Vis. If you are planning to spend about 3 days in Dubrovnik, I advise you to set aside a few hours for a boat tour to get to know this place.

The Blue Cave is the best known of the many grottoes around the islands near Dubrovnik. The boat trip alone is worth the effort, but such tours often also include access to the cave itself in small rubber boats, as well as diving and snorkelling activities

The cave itself is not very large, measuring only 24 metres long and 16 metres deep. However, its clear waters, the effects of sunlight and its natural beauty have made it one of the main attractions of the area.

Tour details of interest

  • Timetables and meeting points: Tours to the Blue Cave usually take place once or twice a day. The meeting point is given by the organiser.
  • Duration and prices: The tour usually lasts about 4 hours and the price is around 65 €.

Book a Blue Cave tour from Dubrovnik