Dubrovnik Summer Festival: theatre within the city walls

For seven weeks each summer, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival turns the walled old town into an open-air stage. Theatre, classical music, opera and dance are performed in squares, palace courtyards and fortresses, using the medieval city itself as the scenery.

Fun facts

• The festival has been held every summer since 1950.
• Shakespeare's Hamlet has often been staged at the clifftop Lovrijenac fortress.
• The festival opens with the raising of the Libertas flag, the old symbol of the Republic of Ragusa.

What to see

• Classical concerts in the atrium of the Rector's Palace.
• Evening theatre performances at Lovrijenac fortress above the sea.
• The opening ceremony on Luža Square, with music and fireworks.

What to taste

• Crni rižot, black risotto coloured with cuttlefish ink.
• Oysters from Ston, a short drive up the coast, famous since Roman times.
• Rozata, a Dubrovnik caramel custard similar to crème caramel.

What to do

• Walk the full circuit of the city walls early in the morning.
• Ride the cable car up Mount Srđ for sunset views.
• Take the short ferry to Lokrum island for swimming and peacocks.

💡 Tip: Airport shuttle buses run to Pile Gate in about 30 minutes. The old town is busiest at midday when cruise ships arrive, so sightsee early and late.