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Dubrovnik sits on the southern Dalmatian coast of Croatia, a walled city of limestone streets and terracotta roofs that juts into the Adriatic. For centuries it was the center of the Republic of Ragusa, a maritime trading state that rivaled Venice. The old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was badly damaged in the early 1990s and has since been carefully restored.
Walking the City Walls, which encircle the old town, offers the best views over rooftops and sea. Stradun, the polished main street, runs from the Pile Gate through the heart of the city. Along the way, the Rector's Palace and Sponza Palace reflect the republic's government and trade, while the Franciscan Monastery houses one of Europe's oldest pharmacies and the Cathedral holds a treasury of relics. Fort Lovrijenac stands on a rock outside the walls and is known as a theater venue. A cable car climbs Mount Srđ for sweeping views of the coast. Boats take visitors to Lokrum, a wooded island with trails and swimming spots, and Banje Beach is close to the old town.
The city is compact but often crowded, particularly when cruise ships arrive, so early mornings and evenings are more pleasant. Cavtat, a calmer seaside town, is a short boat ride away, and Ston, with its long defensive walls and oysters, lies on the Pelješac peninsula.
WiserMap travel guideDubrovnik Croatia City Walls Lokrum Cavtat and StonPlan a Dubrovnik trip: the City Walls, Stradun, Rector's Palace, Fort Lovrijenac, Mount Srd, Lokrum, Cavtat and Ston, plus food, seasons and where to stay.Read the guide
Nearly 2 km of medieval stone walls wrap around the Old Town, with towers, bastions and views over red roofs and the Adriatic. The highest point is the round Minceta Tower. Tip: walk them at opening time or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and cruise crowds.
Stradun is the polished limestone main street of the Old Town, running from the Pile Gate to the old port. Along it are Onofrio's Fountain, cafes and shops, and the gate itself has a statue of St. Blaise. Tip: come early in the morning for a quiet walk and photos.
Two fine Gothic-Renaissance palaces near the end of Stradun. The Rector's Palace was the seat of the Republic of Ragusa and now holds the Cultural History Museum, and the Sponza Palace houses the state archives. Tip: a combined museum pass covers the Rector's Palace.
The Franciscan Monastery by the Pile Gate has a peaceful cloister and one of Europe's oldest working pharmacies, dating to 1317. The Baroque Cathedral of the Assumption at the other end of town holds a treasury of relics. Tip: both are short walks apart along Stradun.
A fortress on a 37-metre rock just outside the western walls, guarding the city from the sea. It offers great views of the walls and was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Tip: your City Walls ticket also covers entry here, so keep it for the same day.
A cable car climbs from just above the Old Town to the top of Mount Srd in a few minutes. At the summit are panoramic views of Dubrovnik and the islands, and the Imperial Fort with a museum on the 1991-1995 war. Tip: sunset is the most popular time, so expect queues.
A gallery in the Old Town dedicated to war photography, with powerful exhibitions on the wars in former Yugoslavia and conflicts around the world. It is small but leaves a strong impression. Tip: it is usually open from spring to autumn only, so check the season before going.
A large monastery inside the eastern walls near the Ploce Gate, with a Gothic cloister and a museum of religious paintings, including works by local Renaissance artists and Titian. Tip: it is less crowded than the Franciscan Monastery and makes a calm break from the busy streets.
A wooded island a 15-minute ferry ride from the old port, with a ruined Benedictine monastery, botanical garden, peacocks and a small salt lake called the Dead Sea. Rocky swimming spots ring the shore. Tip: no one may stay overnight, so check the last return ferry.
Banje is the closest pebble beach to the Old Town, just past the Ploce Gate, with views of the walls and Lokrum. Other popular spots are the rocks below the walls and the small cove at Sveti Jakov. Tip: bring water shoes, as most swimming is from pebbles or rocks.
A pretty seaside town about 20 km south of Dubrovnik, reached by road or tourist boat. It has a palm-lined harbor, walks around a wooded peninsula and the Racic Family Mausoleum by sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. Tip: the boat ride from Dubrovnik's old port is a scenic way to arrive.
Ston is known for its long defensive walls, among the longest in Europe, and its old salt pans still in use. Nearby Mali Ston serves fresh oysters and mussels, and the Peljesac peninsula is known for red wine. Tip: walk the walls in the morning before it gets hot.
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