Dubrovnik has become very touristy, thanks to Game of Thrones. The Walk of Shame filming location Jesuit Steps is as crowded as in the scene. The old town is stunning, and the city walls are impressive. But we invite you to travel deeper, look at Dubrovnik from different perspectives, learn more about its rich ancient and recent history, the contrast of its prosperity and wars, feel the pride of Republic of Ragusa/Dubrovnik. Try these 6 best unusual things to do in Dubrovnik, you’d see the profound beauty in Dubrovnik.
1. War Photo Limited
War Photo Limited is a war photo-journalism exhibition space hidden in Dubrovnik’s old town. Many languages are available. It’s a place to see an important part of the past that shaped Croatia and Dubrovnik today, raw and real.
The permanent exhibition is The End of Yugoslavia. The curation provides excellent background geography and history, and take you through snapshots of people in the war conflicts. The collection captures many different emotions in the war, on all sides. You also get to see an empty and hungry Dubrovnik under attack and during siege. When you go back to the busy streets of Dubrovnik, you’ll appreciate its resilience and beauty so much more.
The rotating exhibition is currently The War in Ukraine. In the past, war photography in different parts of the world such as Lebanon, Iran-Iraq, Syria, Colombia, Gaza, and Arica were exhibited. The Limited Edition Print Room gives you a glimpse of the highlight of these past exhibitions.
War Photo Limited is worth a visit wherever it’s located in the world. We appreciate the photographers-journalists.
2. Bird’s eye views of Dubrovnik
Most people take the cable car to the observation point with 27 Euros roundtrip tickets per person. The view from the deck there is not good because cables are in the frame, and the view is divided. We do not recommend the cable ride nor its observation point. We recommend Dadiro Viera and Bosanka viewpoints.
Best viewpoint for sunset and Dubrovnik city: Dadiro Viera
Dadiro Viera viewpoint offers an amazing view of the nearby Elaphiti Islands and Mljet and sunset over the islands. You will see the whole city of Dubrovnik, but the angle for the old town is not the best. How to get to Dadiro Viera viewpoint?
- Take an Uber to Dadiro Viera viewpoint
It’s much cheaper with Uber than cable car and the drop-off point is much closer to the viewpoint. Uber drivers in Dubrovnik take visitors up and down so many times that they know every turn of the narrow drive up and where to drop you off.
2. Hike up from the old town
It’s about an hour from Pile Gate or 50 minutes from the Old Town and Lokrum Viewpoint, through Mount Srđ Hiking Trail. Click the Google Map image below to open Google Map walking direction from Old Town and Lokrum Viewpoint to Dadiro Viera viewpoint.
Best viewpoint for Dubrovnik old town: Bosanka
The walk to Bosanka viewpoint gives you the best view of Dubrovnik Old town. You’ll see a full frame of the old town port, and the gradually elevated old town from there. People who are willing to hike up tend to do the Mount Srđ Hiking Trail but not Bosanka because the trailhead for Bosanka is difficult to find. We are here to solve that problem. How to get to Bosanka viewpoint?
- Take an Uber to Bosanka viewpoint
This is the easiest way. It’s the same road that will take you to Dadiro Viera, but an earlier stop.
2. Hike up the stairs
The walk and the view along the way is very enjoyable. You’ll get a closer overlook of the old town from a perfect angle than at the top viewpoint. Here is the walking direction and map from the starting point (42.6427731, 18.1196088) to Bosanka viewpoint, about 20 minutes. Map yourself to the trailhead (42.6427731, 18.1196088) first. Click the Google Map image below to open Google Map walking direction from the trailhead (42.6427731, 18.1196088) to Bosanka viewpoint.
3. View of Dubrovnik old town from sea kayaking
The city walls look even more impressive from the waters around. Sea kayaking offer an incredible vantage point of Dubrovnik. Imagine coming to trade in the maritime, or attempting to invade from the sea. The view of Dubrovnik just outside of Betina Cave is spectacular.
The sea is pretty calm in summer for sea kayaking. You can join a 2-3 hr tour or just rent a kayak by the hour. Sunset tours are more popular. Most kayak companies launch kayaks at the bay between Fort Bokar and Fort Lovrijenac.
Links to popular sea kayaking companies to book online:
Dubrovnik Walks (sea kayak tours)
X-Adventure Sea Kayaking Dubrovnik
4. Gianni
Our love for ice cream or gelato is undeniable and standard high. We can eat gelato for breakfast and lunch on a hot summer day in Italy. Gianni’s is truly artisanal and our favorite ice cream in Croatia. They use only high-quality ingredients and lots of love for creating edible works of art. The owner and pastry chef Gianni started his own shop after working at a Michelin star Restaurant 360 in Dubrovnik. Perhaps from his culinary background, he creates playful ice cream flavors with perfect complement and contrast. Gourmet pastries, Cogito coffee, natural juices and outdoor seating by the city walls are also available to give you a nice break in the old town.
5. Learn about the pride of Ragusa/Dubrovnik Republic (Dubrovačka Republika)
Dubrovnik locals today still seem to identify with the Dubrovnik Republic (Republic of Ragusa)
more than they identify with Croatia. They are proud of once being the greatest maritime trade powers in the world, and stewards of peace and freedom at the same time. Dubrovnik’s motto is ”Liberty is not sold for all the gold in the world”.
This pride is contagious. It makes us proud of Dubrovnik too. When in Dubrovnik, try to talk to locals about the city, its past, and life, not just listening to the walking tour guide.
6. Day trip to Trsteno Arboretum and Ston
The Dubrovnik Republic territory reaches up to Pelješac peninsula, Elaphiti Islands, Mljet, and Lastovo. For a day trip, Trsteno Arboretum and Ston are great to visit.
Trsteno Arboretum is worth a quick stop. It’s a beautiful 15th century residence arboretum with amazing views of the sea and islands. No wonder it’s an important filming location of Kings Landing in Game of Thrones.
Ston is perfect place for those who love oysters, seafood, medieval fortresses and the longest fortification wall walls. European flat oysters and mussels are farmed in Mali Ston. You can go oyster tasting at the source. Oysters served at restaurants in Dubrovnik are from Ston. Restaurants Barba Ston and Bota Šare have locations in both Ston and Dubrovnik, and the price in Ston is cheaper.
At last, here are a few more intriguing images of Dubrovnik Old town, offering more details and perspectives.
