The hit British TV series Game of Thrones in recent years gained immense popularity, partly because one of its key filming locations is in Dubrovnik, Croatia. This has made the city world-renowned and turned it into one of the hottest tourist destinations in recent years. Many fans flock here for a pilgrimage, but beyond the scenes that delight fans, the city’s rich historical background and architectural culture are its greatest treasures. Let’s take you on a journey through time as we introduce must-visit attractions and churches in the ancient city of Dubrovnik!
A Brief History of Dubrovnik
The history of Dubrovnik dates back to the year 600 AD. It was once a bustling Mediterranean trade hub and passed through the rule of the Byzantine Empire, Venice, and Hungary. Thanks to its thriving maritime trade, it became one of the most powerful states in the 14th century, and also a great melting pot of art and culture from around the world. Even after earthquakes and wars, its abundant historical sites have been fortunately and well preserved. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Getting Around Dubrovnik: Transportation Guide
Dubrovnik City Bus
Every City Bus line leads to the Old Town (Pile Old City), making it very convenient. Each bus line operates on a one-way loop, and timetables can be found on the official website. Tickets can be purchased directly on the bus, but it’s recommended to buy them at the station for a better price!
? Official Website:Libertas Dubrovnik
? Ticket Prices: 1-hour ticket (on the bus) 15 Kuna | 1-hour ticket (at the station) 12 Kuna | 24-hour ticket 30 Kuna
Dubrovnik Card
The Dubrovnik Card is an all-in-one card that includes access to attractions and buses. You can choose to purchase it for one, three, or seven days depending on your length of stay. The card includes unlimited bus rides for the selected number of days, entry to 6 museums, 2 art galleries, and the city walls. It’s recommended to buy it online for a better deal. To collect the card, simply print out the receipt and pick it up at a designated tourist center upon arrival in Dubrovnik.
? Official Website:Dubrovnik Card
??Online Prices: 1-day pass 225 Kuna | 3-day pass 270 Kuna | 7-day pass 315 Kuna
Attractions in Dubrovnik
After getting off the bus at the station, the first thing you’ll see is the Pile Gate, which is the main entrance to the Old Town and also one of the entry points to the city walls.
City Walls | City Wall
Walking along the city walls is definitely a highlight of any trip to Dubrovnik. Although ticket prices have gone up due to the city’s fame, most visitors are still willing to splurge for this historic experience.
The walls were built between the 13th and 15th centuries, encircling the Old Town of Dubrovnik, stretching nearly 2 kilometers in total. They were continuously reinforced and heightened against enemies throughout different eras, with the widest parts reaching up to 6 meters. Each side—east, west, north, and south—offers different scenic views. It takes about two hours to walk the full loop, so those who love photography should budget extra time.
There are over ten fortresses within the walls, among the most famous being the Minčeta Tower, St. John’s Fortress, and the Bokar Tower. Outside the walls lies the Fortress of St. Lawrence (Tvrđava Lovrijenac), all covered by the city walls ticket. As there’s little shade on the walls, it’s best to visit either early in the morning or late in the afternoon for more comfort.
? Opening Hours: April-May, August-September 8:00–18:30 | June-July 8:00–19:30 | October 8:00–16:00 | November-March 9:00–15:00
? Ticket: 200 Kuna
Dominican Monastery｜Dominikanskog Samostana
The Dominican Monastery is one of the largest Gothic buildings on the Adriatic, constructed in the mid-to-late 15th century. It blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural styles, understated yet radiant. Not only does it feature a complex architectural design, but the monastery also serves multiple purposes. It houses paintings from the Dubrovnik school of the time, and today, part of the old town space has been integrated to establish Croatia’s first private university. It is a multifunctional combination of religion, art, and academia. Imagine studying at a university here—how romantic would that be?
Stradun
Known as one of the most beautiful streets in Europe, Stradun was once a channel separating the Dubrovnik island from the mainland. It was filled in by the end of the 15th century, becoming a 292-meter-long street that connects the two ends of the city walls and runs east-west through the ancient town. Walking along Stradun, you’ll be greeted by neat rows of white Baroque-style brick buildings, accented by colorful street performers and quaint shops. You can also spot numerous references to *Game of Thrones*, and many famous cafés and treats are tucked away in the alleyways of this grand street.
Sponza Palace
Sponza Palace is located at the eastern end of Stradun. Its 31-meter-high clock tower is the most iconic landmark of the old town. The Sponza Palace was once the commercial hub of Dubrovnik. After the 17th century, it became a center for academic and artistic exchange among scholars and literati. Major events such as proclamations of laws and judgments were announced here in the Luža Square. Today, it hosts various gatherings and celebrations. The Renaissance-style arcade, combined with the upright windows of Venetian Gothic design, is elegant yet distinctive.
Church of St. Blaise
The Church of St. Blaise was built in honor of Dubrovnik’s patron saint, St. Blaise. It was destroyed by a fire caused by an earthquake in the late 17th century. The current structure was rebuilt in the early 18th century by Venetian architects and features a lavish Baroque exterior. On February 3rd each year, a grand religious celebration is held here in honor of the patron saint. Inside the church, sunlight streaming through the stained glass creates a stunning visual effect.
Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Originally a Byzantine church built in the 7th century, the Cathedral of the Assumption was later reconstructed into a Romanesque church around the 14th century. However, it was destroyed by a major earthquake a century later and subsequently rebuilt in a purely Baroque style. The cathedral resembles a museum, not only rich in historical significance but also housing numerous reliquaries and carved ornaments from the 11th to the 18th centuries. The altar, crafted from violet marble, is particularly dazzling.
Church of St. Ignatius
One of the filming locations for the British TV series *Game of Thrones* was a staircase in the old town, and this very staircase leads to the Church of St. Ignatius. Completed in the 18th century, the church’s Baroque exterior is modeled after Rome’s Church of St. Ignatius. Inside, the Baroque frescoes depict scenes from the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. The church also features a cave dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes on its walls—one of the earliest such shrines in Europe.
Dubrovnik Cuisine
Dolce Vita｜Italian Gelato
Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong with any gelato shop on the streets of Croatia, but this Italian gelato spot in the old town of Dubrovnik is truly in a league of its own. Hidden in one of the alleys off Stradun, the shop offers about 15 flavors of gelato. With its smooth texture and sweet-yet-not-cloying taste, you’ll just want to keep having scoop after scoop.
Mlinar｜Chain Bakery
This chain bakery can be found in major cities across Croatia and is the best place to save on meals. Mlinar offers bread, desserts, as well as savory options like pizza and sandwiches, with prices ranging from 5 to 35 Kuna. Compared to spending at least 100 Kuna at a random restaurant, Mlinar offers incredible value for money.
That’s all for the Dubrovnik attractions, transportation, and food guide compiled for you by Xiu. With more and more people traveling to Dubrovnik in recent years, both prices and attraction ticket fees have risen dramatically, so we sincerely recommend acting on your wanderlust ASAP. Hurry up and set off on an adventure to Dubrovnik, Croatia!
By Hsu An | Tripresso Travel Cafe Editorial Team
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