Free things to do in Dubrovnik
Traveling to Dubrovnik is not cheap!
After all, it is one of the best places to visit in Croatia. Plus, its beauty and charm bring in large crowds of wealthy tourists, which means higher prices in the long term.
However, after our last week-long visit to Dubrovnik, we found many free things to do in Dubrovnik that allow you to enjoy it and not miss out on too much.
1. Walk through Pile and Ploče Gate
Dubrovnik is an open-air museum that offers plenty of free things to see, and the first one on the list is to walk through the Pile or Ploče Gate to reach the Old Town inside the city walls.
2. Walk along the ancient streets of Dubrovnik Old Town
One of the absolute best free things to do in Dubrovnik is definitely to stroll through the ancient streets of the Old Town.
- Also read: One Day Dubrovnik Itinerary (24 hours trip)
Make sure to walk along Stradun, the main street, but don’t forget to take one of the side streets to find even more stunning architecture, historical buildings, and narrow passageways offering a glimpse into the real Dubrovnik.
- Also read: Guide to Dubrovnik Old Town
3. Visit the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
To see another great example of stunning architecture for free while in Dubrovnik, you can visit The Cathedral of the Assumption of The Virgin Mary.
Unlike most cathedrals in popular tourist places, this one is still free to visit.
And even without going to the cathedral, you will see it from many corners of the lower part of Old Town.
4. Find Game of Thrones filming locations in Old Town
It’s easy to see why Dubrovnik was chosen for the filming of Game of Thrones.
The city’s unique architecture and stunning coastline provide the perfect backdrop for the iconic King’s Landing. And with all the preserved forts and walls, it’s just the perfect fit.
Luckily, you can visit some of the GOT filming locations for free while in Dubrovnik, like the Jesuit Stairs, Fort Lovrijenac (which you can see from the west harbor or Gradac Park), Pile Gate, Stradun, and St. Dominic Street.
5. Take in the views at Dubrovnik harbors
The charming harbors are the best places to visit for free in Dubrovnik whenever you want to cool down and get a view of the city and its architecture from a cool perspective.
- Not sure where to stay? Read our Dubrovnik Hotel Guide (for all budgets)
6. Swim on Banje Beach
Hitting Dubrovnik’s beaches is the best free thing to do in Dubrovnik on a hot summer day.
Topping the list of the best beaches in Dubrovnik is Banje Beach, located near Ploče Gate. It’s extremely picturesque and offers a beautiful view of the harbor and the Old Town.
Even if you don’t plan to swim, Banje Beach is one of the best free spots to visit in Dubrovnik for fantastic views.
7. Cliff jump underneath the City Walls
The best free activity in Dubrovnik is cliff jumping underneath the City Walls.
This has to be one of the most incredible cliff-jumping spots in the world. The height isn’t too crazy, and the water is deep enough just below, so it’s open to everyone.
- Also read: Dubrovnik Budget Guide
8. Play basketball at the world’s coolest basketball court
Another one on the list of coolest spots for sports activities is the basketball court just below the high City Walls.
However, while many come to play basketball with a stunning backdrop of the Dubrovnik Old Town, this is also one of the best free places in Dubrovnik to simply get great views without paying for the City Walls ticket.
9. Hike up Mount Srđ for fantastic views of Dubrovnik
The last free activity to do in Dubrovnik is a hike up to Mount Srđ for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea.
It’s the best viewpoint of Dubrovnik Old Town and also the surrounding area, including Lokrum Island.
You can hike up Mount Srđ for free in about one hour. Check this starting point on Google Maps or use the Way of the Cross trail on AllTrails.
10. Visit Gradac Park for views of Fort Lovrijenac
Lastly, for even more free views of Dubrovnik, head to Gradac Park to see Fort Lovrijenac (Fort Lawrence) from another perspective. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Pile Gate.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are plenty of free things to see in Dubrovnik, which still give you a great insight into this fascinating pearl of the Adriatic.
Unfortunately, city walls are not among the free things to see in Dubrovnik, and you need to pay an entrance ticket.
Yes, you can visit beaches for free in Dubrovnik, and you only need to pay if you use one of the beach loungers/chairs.
Final thoughts
Coming from low-income families from Croatia and Slovenia, we understand the need to see free things in Dubrovnik, as it can get quite expensive to pay for all the ticketed attractions.
And hopefully, with our list, you can have a great time in Dubrovnik and still see almost everything that Dubrovnik is famous for.
Have a great trip!
Continue reading
- Dubrovnik Travel Guide (things to do)
- One Day Dubrovnik Itinerary (24 hours trip)
- Guide to Dubrovnik Old Town
- Best Beaches in Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik Pass Review (must-have for saving money)
- Where to stay in Dubrovnik (best areas & hotels)
- Best Dubrovnik Bars & Beach Clubs