Dubrovnik in Croatia is one of the finest walled cities in the world. For centuries it was renowned for its power and elegance. Now it has Game of Thrones fame and is a popular stop for cruise ships. We visited Dubrovnik in June: here are our best things to do from kayaking and catching a sunset to visiting the beautiful islands nearby. Plus tips on how to dodge the crowds.
- beautiful UNESCO medieval walled city in Croatia
- pristine sea, saltwater lakes
- Kayaking, swimming, walking
- Islands to explore
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Best Things to do in Dubrovnik
One of the most beautiful places on the Dalmatian coast, the Croatian city of Dubrovnik has a rich history, clear waters and wonderful views. The small town within its medieval walls is a UNESCO World Heritage site whilst the Adriatic coastline is dotted with picturesque islands. There really is something here for everyone from history to island-hopping, days at the beach or boat rides.
My son Nick and a friend spent a week in Dubrovnik in June. They came back full of enthusiasm for this stunning and historic seaside city. Here are our top things to do in Dubrovnik, though we’re sure you’ll find more.
Why visit Dubrovnik in June
Dubrovnik’s Game of Thrones fame means that its crowds of visitors in high season are becoming famous too. But May, June, September and October are the ‘shoulder seasons’ in Dubrovnik. They can still be busy but not compared to the peak summer season. Hotel prices can be lower too.
In lots of ways June in Dubrovnik is the best time of year to visit. With plenty of sunshine and significantly fewer rainy days than May it’s the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities before the hot weather highs of the summer months of July and August. Sea temperatures are also mild enough to make water sports like snorkelling, kayaking and SUP a pleasure.
Dubrovnik in June sees around 15 hours of daylight. The longest day of the year is 21 June, 2025 with the earliest sunrise at 5.09 am and the latest sunset 8.29 pm. Locals celebrate the June solstice (or summer solstice) at Orlando’s Column in the main square with live performances, music and dancing. It’s a fun event that welcomes visitors.
Cultural events include classical music in the Dubrovnik Musical Spring festival. While late June sees the beginning of Dubrovnik’s annual Midsummer Scene, an international drama festival held in English at an open-air theatre in Fort Lovrjenac.
Number of visitors in Dubrovnik in June
It’s no secret that June is a great time to visit Dubrovnik but it is still likely to be quieter than July and August when European schools break up for summer. Bear in mind though that the end of June is also considered the beginning of the high season.
Dubrovnik is a popular destination for cruise ships and the impact of several thousand people disembarking into this small walled city can’t be under-estimated. But numbers are lower than peak season, especially in early June.
Check the schedule here to see how many cruise ships will be visiting each day in the month of June 2025. Some days are busier than others so you could choose to take a boat trip to the islands or travel along the coast to avoid the crowds.
Dubrovnik weather in June
- Average high and low temperatures in June: 28°C – 17*C
- Average rainfall: 55 mm
- Average daily hours of sunshine: 12
- Average sea temperature: 22°C
As a Mediterranean town Dubrovnik enjoys a pretty stable summer climate whilst June and July stats show they are the driest months of the year. Daily average temperature in June average 24°C with plenty of sunny days.
Nick says that while they were there the sun shone every day on the beaches and offshore islands and the sea was calm for kayaking. He reckons they struck it lucky: the weather in Dubrovnik in June was lovely, the sun was hot and the sea was warm enough to swim.
To check the seasonal averages for weather in Dubrovnik, click here.
Explore Dubrovnik Old Town
Nick says: We arrived in the evening and walked across the drawbridge at Pile Gate into the medieval streets of Old Town Dubrovnik. It’s a grand entrance! There aren’t any cars inside the city walls and the polished limestone paving shines in the lamplight. It feels like walking into a film set.
On our first day we just wandered and got a feel for the city. It reminded me of Venice with its narrow medieval streets, palaces and grand churches. No surprise to hear that it has hardly altered since the 13th century.
Dubrovnik was a city republic for 700 years and has a long history as a wealthy and cultured seaport with trade links to the East and Africa. In the 16th century little Dubrovnik had a fleet of 180 ships.
We began by exploring the Old Harbour. Nowadays instead of shipbuilders the old port is a place to eat, drink and watch the world go by. You can also catch taxi boats here to nearby islands. The port was bombed heavily in the 1990s war. It’s been restored but you can see how much was damaged by the new roof tiles.
Stradun is the main street of the Old Town and lined with shops and cafe tables. On Sunday morning we walked its length, stopping off for ice creams, coffees and window-shopping.
Take a guided walk through the Old Town
A guided tour is a great way to hear some of the stories that these historical buildings and ancient paved streets can tell. This walk, which gets excellent reviews, reveals 1400 years of Dubrovnik’s fascinating and dramatic history. Click here for more info and to book the Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour .
Spot Game of Thrones locations in Dubrovnik
Nick says: Dubrovnik is famous as King’s Landing in the TV series Game of Thrones so obviously we recognised some sights as we walked around.
Jesuit Staircase This is a key GoT location. It’s the sweeping flight of stone steps that’s used as the approach for the Sept of Baelor and also the scene of Cersei’s walk of shame.
Rector’s Palace This beautiful Renaissance building has an open-air atrium and staircase that doubles as the Palace of Qarth. It’s also home to Dubrovnik’s Cultural History Museum.
Stradun is the main thoroughfare in Dubrovnik and crosses the city to link the two main gates. Pile Gate is on the west side and Ploce Gate, with its balustraded stone bridge, is on the east. It was used to film Cersei’s walk too. At one end of Stradun is the pretty baroque Church of St. Blaise, patron saint of Dubrovnik.
Fort Lovrijenac aka The Red Keep
The fort is outside the city walls, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. For centuries it was hugely important for the defence of Dubrovnik. We visited at lunchtime and it was quite quiet, perhaps because it’s slightly off the beaten track. Prepare for a steepish climb, about 200 steps, but it’s worth it for the amazing views. From here you can see West Pier which doubled as Blackwater Bay and also Pile Bay the King’s Landing harbour in Game of Thrones.
Game of Throne fans will love a tour of King’s Landing
Immerse yourself in the world of GoT with locations and stories from the filming. The Ultimate Game of Thrones Tour gets excellent reviews. One reviewer this year says: “This was the best walking tour we have ever taken. Period.”
Walk the City Walls
Nick says: If you only do one thing in Dubrovnik, then walk the City Walls. The Fort and City Walls are both must sees and the views are incredible. These monumental barricades have kept the city safe for hundreds of years. It’s a 2km walk as the walls encircle and protect the whole of the medieval city.
In some places the walls are 6m wide and 22m high and the walk includes towers and fortresses too. The views over the narrow streets and terracotta rooftops of the city, as well as the Adriatic coast, are stunning. We took an hour or two to walk the full circuit, starting at Pile Gate. The walls have a one-way system so everyone needs to walk anti-clockwise.
How to beat the crowds on the city walls
Get smart and check which day of the week has the fewest cruise ship arrivals. You can find a schedule on this site. Mornings tend to be busy so try the Walls as soon as they open or later in the afternoon. We did wait until late afternoon to walk the Walls and the crowds do thin out later in the day.
Another good reason to go later in the day is that there isn’t much shade up there. You’ll need to bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, it’s hot even in June in Dubrovnik.
Catch the Sunset in Dubrovnik
Don’t miss an opportunity to watch the Dubrovnik sunset over the sparkling Adriatic Sea.
Take a sunset cruise from the Old Town port for a spectacular view of the walled city from the sea. Read reviews and book the Romantic Sunset Cruise
For sunset drinks the famous cliff-side Buza Bar, overlooking the sea, is a must-do. It is literally a hole-in-the-city-wall in the Old Town. Very small, and also hidden, it’s worth seeking out but you’ll need to get there early as it’s very popular. Know that you can’t actually see the sun setting from Buza Bar since it doesn’t face due west. But you’ll still see the sky colouring up beautifully.
Get a bird’s eye view from Mount Srd. Possibly the most spectacular way to enjoy the sunset in Dubrovnik is from the top of Mount Srd. This low mountain has panoramic views of the Old Town and Elafiti islands. You can walk, taxi or catch the cable car to the top and enjoy a sunset cocktail at the Panorama restaurant and bar.
A sunset guided walk will get you to the right place on the city walls at the right time to see the sun drop. As well as the fabulous views you’ll learn fascinating insights into the city then and now. As a bonus the city walls will be quieter since most of the cruise crowds will have gone. To read reviews and book a City Walls guided tour, click here.
Go Kayaking in Dubrovnik
Nick says: On the second day we went sea kayaking. We took the Adventure Dubrovnik sea kayaking tour and set off at 10am in a group of around 20. First of all our guide took us to explore a couple of caves on Lokrum island.
Then we turned back to a beach on mainland Dubrovnik that’s only accessible by kayak. It was the perfect place for a spot of lunch. The water was incredibly clear and the paddling wasn’t too taxing as there was no wind. The only real danger for us was the sun.
We spent around three hours on the water, paddling over to Lokrum and visiting the Dubrovnik beaches. The tour company provided us with water, lunch and waterproof barrels for our valuables. We’d definitely recommend kayaking as one of the top things to do in Dubrovnik.
These Sea-Kayaking, Morning, Afternoon and Sunset Tours are very similar to the one we did. You can choose a morning, afternoon or evening trip. They all include swimming, snorkelling and snacks. In the evening you get the chance to see the sunset too. Best to book ahead as these tours are popular and likely to sell out.
Swim at the foot of the Dubrovnik city walls
Some days we stayed close to home and did our sunbathing and swimming from the rocks around the corner from the Old Harbour. Again the water is incredibly clear and not too cold. Beware of rocks though, the shores are stony and we’d recommend wet shoes or swimming in flip-flops. The light there was lovely in the evening with reflections of the sunset across the sky.
Explore the Islands near Dubrovnik
Several beautiful Croatian islands lie within easy reach of Dubrovnik. They’re easy to visit by ferry for half a day or more and it’s one of the really fun things to do in Dubrovnik.
The closest and most popular island is Lokrum which is only 600m offshore. Or you can catch a ferry to the Elaphiti islands of Kolocep, Lopud and Šipan.
Mljet is a little further away, but you can still do a round trip from Dubrovnik in a day. From Mljet, if you aren’t staying in Dubrovnik, you could hop on to Korcula, Hvar and Brac.
Lokrum Island
Nick says: Lokrum is only 600m offshore from Dubrovnik. It’s a lushly forested nature reserve with lots of places to swim from the rocks. As it’s uninhabited visitors can only stay until sunset. Legend says that the island was cursed by the Benedictine monks who were forced out in 1023.
Fans will recognise it as the city of Qarth from Game of Thrones. Both the botanical garden and old monastery appear on screen. You can even find a replica Iron Throne to sit on in the visitor centre.
We explored the old monastery and picnicked at the saltwater Mrtvo More or Dead Sea lake. It’s fairly busy and touristy, but the lake is a must see! The water is clear and warm and there are rocks to sunbathe on.
The lake feels quite secret with an overhanging cliff to one side and lush vegetation all around. Look out for the cheeky peacocks in the trees!
After lunch, we went to The Rocks, that look out towards the Adriatic. It’s a brilliant spot to catch the rays, and a bit less touristy than the lake. However, there is no shade, so careful of the sun. We did a spot of cliff jumping here too – it’s a lot higher than it looks when you get up there!
How to get to Lokrum: The ferries only take 15 minutes from the Old Harbour and run once or twice an hour, less in low season.
Visit Lopud island
Nick says: Lopud is the second of the Elaphiti Islands near Dubrovnik and is famous for its beach. Lopud itself is a beautiful little island. The promenade has restaurants, ice cream booths and small shops but we wanted to visit Sunj beach which is about half an hour’s walk away. Since Lopud is car-free the only other transport options we found were rickety bikes or golf cart taxis. We took the bikes, and although quite fun, we recommend you get the golf buggies. There are hills in Lopud, something we hadn’t bargained for!
Sunj is one of the few sandy beaches in the Dalmatian region of Croatia, and it’s beautiful. It’s a long shallow sweep of sand and there were at most 150 people on the beach when we were there. Two sunloungers and an umbrella were quite pricey, but we stayed for hours enjoying the beautiful views and pristine sea.
How to get to Lopud from Dubrovnik: We got a bus from Pile Gate to Port Gruz, the main Dubrovnik ferry port. From here we took a Jadrolinija ferry to Lopud. The journey takes an hour each way.
Take a boat trip to the Elaphiti islands
If you know that Dubrovnik is due to have a cruise-ship heavy day during your stay then escape the crowds by planning a day of island-hopping! You can study the ferry timetables and work out your own routes. Or choose a tour with a custom-made itinerary and excellent reviews.
This full-day boat tour visits all three islands with time for swimming, snorkelling and exploring. Check the reviews and availability: Full Day Blue Cave and Elaphiti Islands Boat tour
Take a day trip to Mljet island
Nick says: “On our final day we headed to Mljet, one of the larger islands that’s accessible from Dubrovnik. It is thickly wooded with pine trees and very quiet and beautiful. A Greek legend says that Odysseus was shipwrecked here and stayed for seven years. We took the catamaran from Port Gruz to the port of Polace, on the western side of the island which is nearest the National Park.
Once we landed at Mljet, we bought a ticket for the National Park. Free minibuses run from Polace to a drop-off point near the little settlement of Babine Kuce.
From here we walked to Mali Most, a point where two saltwater lakes meet. It’s a brilliant vantage point and was quiet when we were there. The water is incredibly clear and much warmer than the sea. After swimming we hired a canoe to paddle out to get a closer look at the beautiful 12th century Benedictine monastery on an island in the middle of the lake.
How to get to Mljet from Dubrovnik
Mljet has three ports but we took the Nova Ana catamaran from Dubrovnik’s Port Gruz to Polace, so we could visit the National Park. It was more expensive than the ferry to Lopud, but it’s further and the boat is faster. On that day we were able to set off at 9.15am and catch a 5pm ferry to return. The timetable varies by day and season so it’s important to check the times in advance. The journey takes about 1hr 40.
Plan a day trip from Dubrovnik
Explore further afield on a day trip from Dubrovnik, here are some tours to consider:
Catch the Dubrovnik Cable Car for an Aerial View
Nick says: One afternoon we took the Zicara cable car to the top of Srd hill. It sets off from the northernmost point of the city walls and climbs steeply to a vantage point overlooking the city and sea.
We walked to the cable car station from Pile gate and bought one way tickets, there wasn’t a queue and we didn’t have to wait long. The ride only takes a few minutes and at the top the views of the islands are amazing, you can see up to 60km on a clear day.
Napoleon realised that the top of the mountain was a good place to put a fortress. In the 19th century he built Fort Imperijal, to take advantage of the long panoramic views. This was also the site of the heroic Dubrovnik resistance against the Yugoslav People’s Army in the 1990s.
Visit the Homeland War Museum
Nick says: Inside the fortress on Srd is the Homeland War Museum. It’s dedicated to the Siege of Dubrovnik and the efforts of the Croatian fighters to retain their city in the early 1990s. The historical context is set out brilliantly and we spent an hour here wandering round the exhibits.
Also highly recommended is the walk back down Srd hill, along winding paths, stopping to take in the brilliant views of the Old City, Lokrum and surrounding islands. It takes 30 to 40 minutes to walk down from the Dubrovnik cable car, but it’s definitely worth it. Check here for current ticket prices and timetable.”
By the way, if you’re interested in Dubrovnik’s recent history, visit the Red History Museum. Visitors experience what everyday life was like in communist Yugoslavia through interactive displays. You can sit in a car, try a typewriter and pick some music to listen to whilst gaining insights into Croatia’s socialist past.
Eating out in Dubrovnik
Nick says: Be wary, and check Trip Advisor before you pick a restaurant. There are hundreds of places catering for tourists, many with expensive menus but fairly lacklustre food. Our top tips are to choose somewhere with a short menu, and to avoid the ones with annoying waiters asking if you want a table outside.
One evening we found a beautiful little restaurant called Stara Loza, at Prijeko 24, just down the road from our apartment. We ordered locally caught mullet and a vegetarian dish. I’ll be honest, vegetarian isn’t really a thing in Croatia, but the hazelnut and vegetable gnocchi was incredible. Stara Loza is attached to a boutique hotel called Prijeko Palace. It looked fancy and it’s in a great location!
Nishta, which is also on Prijeko is the vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Dubrovnik. This is a must-go! We ate pasticida, a local Dalmatia stew with polenta squares and greens, and tasty falafel with homemade flatbreads and hummus. Definitely recommend, along with the local, organic San Servolo Blond beer.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik
You can choose to stay in Dubrovnik Old Town or the surrounding area.
Nick says: We stayed in a cute AirBnB in the old town of Dubrovnik on Prijeko. Its secret charm was that the bedrooms overlooked a side street so it was actually very quiet. You can’t beat staying within the city walls for atmosphere and convenience. But, we did visit Dubrovnik in June and so we can’t vouch for the experience during the busiest months of July and August.
The Old Town was quietest and nicest in the early mornings and evenings when there were fewer people around. The bonus of actually staying in the historic center is that you get the chance to enjoy it when the crowds have dispersed.”
Where to stay in Dubrovnik Old Town
Click here for a selection of hotels and apartments in Dubrovnik with Booking.com . Here are some that are highly recommended, click the links for reviews and prices:
Apartment Beatrice A two bedroom apartment with balcony plus sea and city views. Handy for the beach and the Old Town.
Prijeko Palace A glamorous boutique hotel with apartments in a medieval palace in the historic centre of Dubrovnik. This is the hotel with the lovely restaurant Stara Loza, where Nick ate, see above. It’s close to a pebble beach too.
Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik A grand old hotel, apparently Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson danced in the garden in 1936! Convenient for Pile Gate and the Mount Srd cable car, views of the Old Town too.
Is Dubrovnik in June worth visiting?
Nick’s verdict is that it’s a stunning city irrespective of the Game of Thrones connections. Like Venice, click here to read about our trip with teens, there’s a real sense of history and drama, and it really helps that it’s car-free. Plus after sightseeing you can jump straight into the sea to cool off!
Please note that all visitor information here is for guidance only. Please check the venues’ websites for the most up to date information on tickets, entrance requirements, opening times etc.
Dubrovnik Things to Do
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Rachel Spencer says
Ooh this looks fab! I really fancy Dubrovnik! Love the photos too!
Map & Family says
Thanks Rachel! It’s the most beautiful city and I hadn’t realised how close the islands are too.
Hannah Hargrave says
Can’t believe how beautiful and blue the sea is. I’ve been considering visiting Croatia for a holiday and now I really want to go. Would you recommend it even with young kids? Mine are only 2 and 4.
Map & Family says
Nick says he didn’t see many small children but then it was term time. There’s one sandy beach just outside the city walls or otherwise it’s a ferry ride to Lopud so on that basis not ideal for a bucket and spade hols – although if anyone has more info it would be great to hear! And the old city is car-free which has to be a plus!
Lyndsey Gilmour says
Husband went on a stag do (eye rolls). It was wasted on them, I could tell from his pics. I can tell even more from yours. He has promised to take us back but we are bound by term times now…
Map & Family says
Haha! It’s a shame about the busy summer hols but I’ve been told it can work to stay outside the town or to visit the islands – worth researching a bit.
Helen says
I loved reading this piece! I try to do two brand new countries a year. Croatia is now definitely on my list! Thank you for sharing. Also, I had no idea peacocks lived in trees?!
Map & Family says
Thank you Helen! Really glad you enjoyed it and love the idea of two new countries a year. The peacocks on Lokrum are quite tame apparently, as are the rabbits!
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) says
I’m glad they liked it:) if you want crowd free city visit in spring or autumn:) it might still be warm enough for a dip:)
Map & Family says
Thanks Tanja, I’m sure that’s the answer for avoiding the crowds and a bonus if the sea is warm enough for swimming too!
Angelina says
Great post. We had a visit this year, late Aug. it was busy and I agree with your son. The restaurants are fairly drab and expensive. Catering to the cruse-ship crowd. Nevertheless a beautiful city!
Map & Family says
Hi Angelina, thanks so much, it’s great to hear about other people’s experiences. I’ve read that Dubrovnik is planning to make major cuts to the numbers of people who visit each day during peak season to preserve the quality of life in the city. Sounds like a good idea to save a wonderful place.
Zenbabytravel says
How lovely is this article jointly done with your son and friend! Love all their activities and pictures, that’s exactly what I have in mind with my boys when they get there! Dubrovnik is so lovely and I’ve been years ago from Venice but the Unesco gems, gorgeous heritage and so many islands are luring us back with the kids soon. Thanks so much for linking on to #CulturedKids!
Map & Family says
Thank you! Yes both my boys are great contributors now. I love that they pack so much into their trips and enjoy the heritage as well as the cliff jumping!
Scarlett Roitman says
Another place I have yet to visit. Not sure how foodie friendly it is for vegetarians, so thank goodness for Nishta! Dubrovnik certainly looks glorious. Your guides are always so comprehensive, Nancy – wouldn’t travel there without them! #CULTUREDKIDS
Map & Family says
Thanks so much – that’s lovely to hear! Yes it’s not an obvious place for vegetarians but they made a point of looking and were pleased with what they found!
Vyki from Museum Mum says
Such a stunning place – I know me and Museum Dad would enjoy the Game of Thrones locations, even if the kids didn’t get them! It sounds like a great holiday with teens in particular, with the mix of outdoor activities and heritage. Definitely one for the travel wishlist – thanks for the inspiration! #CulturedKids
simplyjolayne says
Obviously you have taught your son to love travel. Awesome that he plans his own adventures.
Map & Family says
I think we’ve taught each other! They’re both in their 20s now and we still like doing a lot of the same things if we go to explore a new place together.
Ashley says
I loved exploring Dubrovnik! The Old City is great and there’s so much to see and do! Definitely needed more time to see some of these other places!
Map & Family says
I’ve heard such great things about the islands, I’ve friends who’ve combined boats and bicycles to go island hopping!
Marina says
I can’t believe I still haven’t been to Croatia! Thank you for this perfect guide, I’m saving it for this summer!
Map & Family says
Thank you Marina, definitely keep Croatia in mind!