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St John's Fortress Dubrovnik

St John's fortressOld port and St John's Fortress

The fortress of St John is a structure on the south-eastern side of the old city harbour. This fortification watches over and protects the very entrance to the harbour. 

The fortress in its current guise dates from the 16th century, with rounded, sloping walls facing the sea and sheer sides towards the harbour, displaying an array of cannon ports. In modern times, this fortress houses the Maritime Museum and Aquarium.

See our 2026 guide to best things to do in Dubrovnik – from city tours, island trips to activity adventures and street food tours!


Plan Your Perfect Dubrovnik Trip

🏰 Top Experiences in Dubrovnik

βœ” Walk the ancient city walls for stunning Adriatic views
βœ” Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town and Stradun street
βœ” Take the cable car up Mount SrΔ‘ for sunset views
βœ” Visit Fort Lovrijenac for Game of Thrones filming locations
βœ” Swim or relax on Lokrum Island
βœ” Enjoy boat trips along the Dalmatian coast

πŸ‘‰ Explore Budget Tours in Dubrovnik

🏨 Best Areas to Stay in Dubrovnik

βœ” Old Town – best for history and atmosphere (but expensive)
βœ” Ploče – great views and close to Old Town
βœ” Lapad – beaches, restaurants, and better value
βœ” Babin Kuk – quieter resort-style area with good transport
βœ” GruΕΎ – best for ferry access, local vibe, and good transport connections

πŸ‘‰ Find Affordable Stays in Dubrovnik

πŸš† Getting Around Dubrovnik

βœ” Old Town is fully pedestrian-only
βœ” Local buses connect beaches and outer districts
βœ” Boats run to nearby islands like Lokrum
βœ” Walking is the best way to explore central areas
βœ” Airport buses connect to the city center

πŸ‘‰ Explore Car Hire in Croatia

πŸŒ„ Easy Day Trips from Dubrovnik

βœ” Cavtat – quiet coastal town near the airport
βœ” Lokrum Island – short boat ride, perfect for swimming
βœ” Mljet National Park – forests, lakes, and nature escapes
βœ” Ston – famous for walls and oysters
βœ” PeljeΕ‘ac Peninsula – wine region and beaches
βœ” Mostar (Bosnia & Herzegovina) – historic bridge and old town
βœ” Elaphite Islands – island hopping by private boat, speedboat tours, or organised tourist boat excursions (Ε ipan, Lopud, Koločep)

πŸ‘‰ Reserve Day Trips from Dubrovnik

🌿 Quick Travel Tips

βœ” Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
βœ” Book city walls tickets in advance during peak season
βœ” Bring water and sun protection in summer
βœ” Expect higher prices inside the Old Town
βœ” Wear comfortable shoesβ€”lots of stairs and stone streets

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