First time in Dubrovnik — what locals actually recommend
If it's your first weekend in Dubrovnik, this is the locals' shortlist — the sights worth the queue, the food you can't skip, and the neighbourhood walks that show you the place.
Top spots in Dubrovnik
Stradun
CultureOld Town
Polished-limestone main street between two 14th-century fountains — the city's promenade.
Elaphiti Islands Day Trip
OutdoorsElaphiti
Three-island boat day to Koločep, Lopud and Šipan — swimming stops and konoba lunch.
Lokrum Island
OutdoorsLokrum
15-minute ferry to a wooded island with monastery ruins, dead-sea lake and peacocks.
City Walls Walk
OutdoorsOld Town
2km loop on 25m-high medieval walls — go at opening or sunset to beat the heat.
Mount Srđ Cable Car
OutdoorsMount Srđ
4-minute ride to 412m — the postcard shot of the red-tiled old town from above.
Where to eat
Buffet Škola
$Sandwich · Old Town
Best lunchtime sandwich on Stradun — house-baked bread, prosciutto, pag cheese.
Konoba Ribar
$$Dalmatian · Old Town
Family-run hideaway tucked off Prijeko — black risotto, grilled sea bream.
Nautika
$$$$Fine seafood · Pile Gate
Old maritime-school terrace facing Lovrijenac Fort — special-occasion classic.
Pantarul
$$$Modern Croatian · Lapad
Locals' favourite — homemade pasta, lamb peka, friendly natural-wine list.
Restaurant 360
$$$$Contemporary · Old Town walls
Michelin-starred terrace built into the harbour walls — book the sunset slot.
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: City Walls Walk, Stradun, Lokrum Island. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Dubrovnik and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.