It’s crazy: People pay HRK264 (EUR35/USD38) and more to walk in blazing sunshine and over 30 degrees heat on top of a 2-kilometre-long wall made of highly reflective, light-coloured stone. Now and then, the flow of people grinds to a halt, and they patiently wait in single file in the midday heat while someone in front of them is taking a selfie or while they queue to climb the next tower. All to look down into Dubrovnik’s Old Town, its narrow streets and over its terracotta roofs?
We get it, the views are lovely. But being a coastal town backed by mountains, don’t you think there are other vantage points where you can enjoy the same (or even more) gorgeous views (for free or at least less) and with far fewer people likely to photobomb?
Today’s article is for those of you who can let go of the idea of having to tick off walking on the Dubrovnik city walls and are happy to check out other spots instead.
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Being backed by mountains, there are gazillion gorgeous views over Dubrovnik's Old Town | Photo by Cédric Lambert on Pixabay
#1 – Dubrovnik Old Town Basketball Court
The closest viewpoint over the Old Town is still in the Old Town. The public basketball court [Google Maps location] is below the Minčeta Tower. Be mindful if people are playing, and don’t disturb their game. It’s great that the locals who remain in the Old Town have this facility. So don’t spoil it.
The public basketball court below the Minčeta Tower - probably the best views within the Old Town
There is no denying it. Dubrovnik gets crowded. If you want a quieter, more authentic experience follow our five simple tips to avoid the tourist crowds. And if you think Dubrovnik is suffering from too much love, check out these other Dalmatian coastal cities with stunning Old Towns and UNESCO Sites.
#2 – Foundry Museum
Parts of this archaeological museum [Official website, Google Maps location] are right underneath the basketball court. We had no idea until we visited the museum and realised where it was.
As you head from the museum along the lower fortifications towards Pile Gate, you can enjoy incredible views along the wall and towards the Gate and Lovrijenac Fortress. It may not be the Old Town you’re looking at, but it’s pretty special.
Enjoy the views from the Foundry Museum's lower fortifications towards Pile Gate and Lovrijenac Fortress
#3 – From the water
Jump on the ferry to Lokrum Island, kayak from Kolorina Beach, or join a boat tour to get a different perspective of the ancient city walls.
See another side of Dubrovnik when you take a ferry or kayak
#4 – Ploče Gate
The views of the Old Harbour from the bridge and the little park at Ploče Gate [Google Maps location], the easternmost of the old city gates, are fantastic.
There are amazing panoramic views of the Old Harbour from Ploče Gate
#5 – CultureClub Revelin
And speaking of Ploče Gate… Right next door to it, the old fortress-turned nightclub called CultureClub Revelin [Official website, Google Maps location] also offers excellent views. Entry fees are about half of what you pay to walk along the city walls, AND you can enjoy amazing acts.
Can you afford to visit Dubrovnik?
Planning a trip to Dubrovnik and wondering if you can afford to go? Our travel costs can help you budget for your trip.
#6 – Ploče and the roads above the Old Town
Whether you walk along Jadranska Cesta [Google Maps location], Peter Krešimir Street or any other of the many streets in Ploče, the suburb above the Old Town, there are countless spots to catch views over the Old Town. Just watch the traffic and don’t block the narrow walkways.
Even better: If you don’t mind climbing a few stairs, Ploče has some excellent accommodation options (like Guesthouse Slavka) – which means you can even enjoy the insanely beautiful views right from your bed/balcony/terrace.
Whether you stay in Ploče or just wander around, there are gorgeous views over the Old Town at every turn
Visiting Dubrovnik soon?
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#7 – Mt Srd
Mt Srd [Google Maps location] is the mountain right behind Dubrovnik. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset. It is a great spot for views over the Old Town. Take the cable car, an Uber/taxi, or hike up Mt Srd. There is a zigzag path leading up, but please be aware that it is not shaded from the sun. [Google Maps location].
Mt Srd is a great spot to watch the sunset over Dubrovnik | Image courtesy of Johannes Krasser on Pixabay
Can you recommend other great Dubrovnik viewpoint(s) not yet on my list?
Based on my experience, I wrote this article about the best views of Dubrovnik and where to catch them (primarily) for free. If you have been to Dubrovnik and have other recommendations for this list, please feel free to contact me.
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