THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO VUKOVAR, CROATIA: BEST THINGS TO DO AND HISTORY OVERVIEW

If you’re visiting eastern Croatia, one of the towns you’ll most likely want to visit is Vukovar. Vukovar is a place of huge historical importance for Croatia, and it’s somewhere I truly think you should visit if you want to understand more about the country’s past. As someone who is from eastern Croatia, I’ll try to share everything you need to know before visiting Vukovar, from the important historical sites to what you can see and experience in the city today.

WHERE IS VUKOVAR

Vukovar is located in eastern Croatia, in the region of Slavonia, close to the border with Serbia. It’s around a 40-minute drive from my hometown Osijek, so it’s an easy day trip if you’re exploring this part of the country.

If you want to experience a side of Croatia that feels completely different from the popular coastal destinations, Vukovar is a great place to add to your itinerary. It has a very different atmosphere than most of Croatia, with important history, beautiful landscapes, and a chance to see the heart of eastern Croatia.

A QUICK HISTORY OF VUKOVAR

Vukovar has a long and fascinating history, and it’s a place that will interest almost any type of history lover. The area has been home to many different cultures and civilisations throughout the centuries, including the ancient Vucedol culture, one of the most important prehistoric cultures in Europe.

Over the centuries, Vukovar grew into an important trading town and river port thanks to its location along the Danube River. However, much of its more recent and tragic history is connected to the Croatian War of Independence, especially the devastating Siege of Vukovar.

Today, Vukovar is a symbol of resilience, remembrance, and rebuilding. Historically, it is probably one of the most important towns in Croatia, and visiting it gives you a much deeper understanding of the country’s story.

WHY VISIT VUKOVAR

I’m sure Vukovar is not the first place that comes to mind when planning a trip to Croatia, especially when there are so many incredible destinations along the coast. However, this is exactly the type of place you visit when you want to go beyond the usual tourist spots and discover a destination with a real story behind it.

It’s also a perfect place for anyone who has already visited Croatia a few times, fallen in love with the country, and now wants to learn more about Croatia and its people beyond the famous towns and landmarks.

Vukovar is absolutely worth visiting if you’re interested in history and want to understand more about Croatia’s past. That being said, since it’s a small town, I wouldn’t recommend visiting only Vukovar. It’s much better to combine it with a longer trip through eastern Croatia and explore more of this beautiful part of the country.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN VUKOVAR, CROATIA

Visit the Vukovar Water Tower

The Vukovar Water Tower is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and one of the strongest symbols of its history. During the Croatian War of Independence, the tower was hit by more than 600 artillery and tank rounds, but it never collapsed.

Croatian defenders also repeatedly climbed the damaged tower to replace the Croatian flag whenever it was destroyed, despite the incredible danger involved. Because of this, the tower has been preserved as a symbol of Vukovar’s strength, resilience, and determination.

Today, you can climb to the top and enjoy incredible views over Vukovar, the Danube River, and the surrounding Slavonian landscape. Tickets cost around €10-12, and while the views are beautiful, it’s really the story behind the tower that makes the visit so meaningful.

Walk the Danube Promenade

One of the nicest ways to experience Vukovar is by taking a walk along the Danube River. The promenade offers beautiful and peaceful views of the river, passing boats, and the surrounding countryside.

It’s the perfect place to slow down, enjoy a coffee, and simply take in the views. The area is also getting even better, as there is currently a large expansion of the promenade underway, which will bring more cafés, restaurants, and activities along the river. I think it will become one of the nicest spots in the city once it’s finished!

Visit the Memorial Cemetery

The Memorial Cemetery of the Victims of the Homeland War is one of the most important memorial sites in Vukovar, and it’s a place you really shouldn’t skip when visiting the city.

It is a quiet and respectful place dedicated to those who lost their lives during the Croatian War of Independence. Visiting the cemetery gives you a much deeper understanding of the impact the war had on Vukovar and its people.

There are two main things you should see here. The first are the 938 white marble crosses, which mark the site where 938 victims were exhumed from the largest mass grave in Croatia after the Second World War. Just a few steps away, you’ll find the central monument, built in 2000, with the eternal flame that represents remembrance.

Every time I visit this memorial cemetery it affects me, so keep in mind that this can be an emotional experience. It’s a place to visit slowly and respectfully, and one that stays with you long after you leave.

Visit the Ovcara Memorial Centre

The Ovcara Memorial Centre is located just outside Vukovar and is one of the most significant places connected to the events of 1991.

It honours the victims of the Ovcara massacre and serves as a place of remembrance and education. Visiting here is a very emotional and sobering experience, as you’ll see the faces and stories of 200 patients, doctors, and civilians who were taken from Vukovar Hospital and later executed.

Their bodies were buried in a mass grave that was discovered in 1996. It’s not an easy place to visit, but it is one of the most important historical sites in Vukovar and a place that helps you better understand the history and suffering connected to the city.

Visit the Memorial Hospital 

The last memorial I think is worth visiting is the Vukovar Memorial Hospital. During the Siege of Vukovar, the hospital became a refuge for civilians and wounded soldiers despite the extremely difficult conditions. This is also the place from where the 200 people were taken to Ovcara and executed.

Today, the memorial exhibition shows the stories of the doctors, patients, and hospital staff who lived through those events, as well as what daily life looked like inside the hospital during the siege.

I have to say, this one is a particularly difficult place for me to visit. It’s hard not to imagine yourself in their position and think about what people went through there, which makes the whole experience very emotional and upsetting.

Explore Eltz Manor & City Museum

If you want to learn more about Vukovar’s history beyond the Croatian War of Independence, you should definitely visit Eltz Manor. It is one of Vukovar’s most beautiful historic buildings and home to the Vukovar City Museum, where you can learn more about the city’s cultural heritage, history, and traditions.

The museum covers everything from archaeology and everyday local life to the development of Vukovar as an important regional centre throughout history. The entrance ticket is €6, and it’s a great stop if you want to see a different side of Vukovar beyond its more recent history.

Go to Vucedol Culture Museum

The Vucedol Culture Museum is one of the most unique attractions near Vukovar, and it gives you another fascinating look into the city’s history beyond the Homeland War. It’s located at the archaeological site of Vucedol culture and the museum explores one of Europe’s most important prehistoric cultures, which existed more than 5,000 years ago.

The museum is modern, interactive, and really well done, so it’s a great stop even if you’re not usually a huge history fan. If you’re interested in ancient history and want to discover a completely different side of Vukovar, this is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

Visit Ilok

If you have extra time, I’d definitely recommend adding Ilok to your Vukovar itinerary. Trust me, you won’t regret it because Ilok is absolutely beautiful.

Located along the Danube River near the Croatian-Serbian border, Ilok is known for its vineyards, wine production, and incredible views over the river. It has a completely different atmosphere from Vukovar and is a perfect addition if you want to explore more of eastern Croatia.

We absolutely loved visiting Old Ilok Cellars and enjoying the incredible views from Principovac. If you have time, this is definitely one stop I wouldn’t skip!

WHERE TO EAT IN VUKOVAR

Vukovar is a great place to try traditional Slavonian food, which is known for rich flavours and hearty dishes. This part of Croatia has a really strong food culture, and it’s the perfect place to try some local specialities. Some of the dishes you should look out for are fis paprikas (fish stew), cobanac (a spicy meat stew), kulen (a traditional cured sausage), and of course plenty of locally produced wines.

For lunch or dinner, I highly recommend Stari Toranj, which is located right by the Danube River and is a lovely place to enjoy traditional food with a beautiful view.

WHERE TO STAY IN VUKOVAR

Vukovar is not a large city, so while you can definitely stay overnight, there’s also no real need to. It’s easy to visit as a day trip from Osijek or from somewhere in Baranja.

If you do decide to stay, I’d recommend choosing accommodation close to the city centre or near the Danube River, so you can easily walk to many of the main attractions and enjoy the city at a slower pace.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Domestic House Lola
• Stari Toranj IV studio apartman
• Vila Rosa

CONCLUSION: MY FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING VUKOVAR, CROATIA

Vukovar is a destination that stays with you long after you leave, and it’s definitely worth visiting if you’re exploring eastern Croatia. While its history is a very important part of the experience, Vukovar is also much more than that. It’s a place of culture, great food, beautiful nature, and incredibly welcoming locals. If you’re looking to discover a different side of Croatia and visit a place with a deeper story beyond the usual tourist destinations, I truly think Vukovar is worth adding to your itinerary.