no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 01 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Jane Foster

Every year since 1950, from mid-July to late August, internationally renowned artists take part in music concerts, opera, theatre and dance performances at dozens of stunning open-air venues in Dubrovnik’s Old Town; these include the 16th-century Revelin Fortress and the atrium inside the Rector’s Palace.

Literally thousands of events are staged over the course of the festival, with world-renowned acts and performers. But it’s the atmospheric settings that really make this event special, and like no other.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price from: £20
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
Frequency: annually
When: Mid-July & August
Duration: 6 weeks

Getting there & doing it

The events are held at a range of open-air locations around Dubrovnik’s Old Town. See the programme on the festival website for advance details on locations for upcoming events.

For many events, you can simply buy tickets on the door. Some are free. However, for the bigger events it’s worth buying tickets in advance online (through the festival website). Book online early to snap up the best seats.

When to do it

The festival runs from mid-July to late August. The opening night, usually on or around 10 July, sees the moonlit streets of the Old Town come alive for an opening ceremony, with a procession followed by a street party which sees in the dawn.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

St. Joseph’s

Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia

Luxury B&B in a renovated 16th-century building in Dubrovnik’s old town, offering a cosy heritage stay and an ideal base to explore the city.

Official star rating:

Hotel Stari Grad

Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia

Small boutique hotel in Dubrovnik’s old town, with a superb roof-terrace restaurant and a small spa.

Official star rating:

Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia

Dignified 19th-century hotel, next to the old town’s main entrance, with a garden restaurant and spa with indoor pool.

Official star rating:

Villa Orsula Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia

Small luxury hotel and restaurant, in a villa in gardens above the sea, a 10-minute walk from Dubrovnik’s old town.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Walk Dubrovnik’s City Walls

Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia

A 2km walk along these 13th-century walls is a feast of dazzling views over Dubrovnik’s old town rooftops and the Adriatic. 24m high and 6m wide, they’re are among the best-preserved city fortifications in the world.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free | 1 hour

Website >
Overview >

Elafiti Islands

Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia

A pristine archipelago, just off the coast of Dubrovnik, with pine-forested hills, quiet beaches with crystal-clear water, and lovely waterfront tavernas.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 3+ hours

Website >
Overview >

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Exterior of the Majestic cathedral in old town Dubrovnik
Experience

Dubrovnik Cathedral

Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia

A Roman-Baroque cathedral, with eye-catching cupola, home to the polyptych (panelled painting) of The Assumption of the Virgin (1522), attributed to Titian. The treasury displays more than 100 gold and silver relics, including the skull of St Blaise, Dubrovnik’s patron saint, encased in a bejewelled Byzantine crown.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
The popular and colorful Dubrovnik Farmers Market in the historical Old Town, featuring outdoor stalls filled with locally grown, fresh produce.
Experience

Gundulic Square Market

Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia

This daily market is the place to come to mingle with locals buying fresh fruit and vegetables, olive oil and locally-produced Grappa – come early in the morning for the best produce, it closes by lunchtime.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
Tourists in front of the of the Rector's palace. Palace used to serve as seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa and today is the museum.
Experience

Rector’s Palace

Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia

The administrative heart of the Republic of Dubrovnik in the 16th and 17th centuries, the palace is now a museum with furniture, artifacts and artworks dating back to the era of the Republic.

Best for ages: 18+ | £12

Website >
Overview >
The Entrance to the Cultural Historical Museum, housed in the Rector's Palace
Experience

Cultural Historical Museum

Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia

The city’s museum – showing how local aristocrats once lived – includes an armoury and dungeon. It’s all housed in a 15-century palace.

Best for ages: 18+ | £9

Website >
Overview >