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Walk Dubrovnik’s famous city walls for spectacular views over the Old Town and Adriatic Sea.
Explore the Stradun, discovering historic landmarks including Rector’s Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral and Sponza Palace.
Visit the Franciscan Monastery, Old Port and Fort Lovrijenac to uncover more of Dubrovnik’s fascinating history.
Ride the cable car up Mount Srđ for panoramic views, and sample traditional Croatian dessert rožata.
Discover Dubrovnik with Just You, combining guided sightseeing with free time to explore this remarkable walled city.
Your first glimpse of Dubrovnik’s Old Town is unforgettable – a sweep of terracotta rooftops above gleaming limestone lanes framed by the deep blue Adriatic Sea just beyond the city walls. Compact and walkable, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treasure chest of palaces, cloisters and café-lined squares.
While you can explore on your own, Dubrovnik truly comes alive when a knowledgeable guide helps you read its history – pointing out hidden carvings, sharing maritime legends and steering you to quieter corners.
On a Just You escorted holiday, our friendly Holiday Directors and local guides can help you gain a deeper understanding of the Old Town’s unique heritage and experience the very best of this remarkable city.
Thinking about exploring some of the best things to do in Dubrovnik as part of a Croatia Dalmatian coast holiday? Learn more about our eight-day Deluxe Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast guided tour.
Surrounded by mighty stone walls, Dubrovnik’s Old Town was once the heart of the proud Republic of Ragusa, a maritime powerhouse famous for its trade and diplomacy. Much of its stunning architecture was rebuilt after the devastating 1667 earthquake; however, its medieval spirit has endured.
Most visitors enter the city through the Pile Gate on the western side and then stroll through the Stradun, the polished main street that runs east to the lively harbour. Off this central street, narrow lanes rise into the hills – a labyrinth of steps, stone staircases, shady alleys and squares where washing lines flutter between green-shuttered windows.
Top tip: Dubrovnik’s smooth limestone paving can be slippery, especially after rain. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip and take your time.
Dubrovnik’s city walls offer a spectacular 2km loop above the Old Town’s terracotta rooftops and glittering Adriatic Sea. Expect sweeping views of Fort Lovrijenac, the old harbour and dramatic cliffs.
It’s best to complete this walk in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds. Walking the walls clockwise offers some of the best panoramic views of the Old Port and Lokrum Island.
Remember to bring some change with you so you can enjoy a freshly brewed coffee at one of the wall-top cafés – and take in the view.
Once the beating heart of the Republic, the Rector’s Palace blends Gothic grace with Renaissance restraint and later Baroque touches – and today it’s one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik.
Now, it houses the Cultural History Museum, where you’ll find artefacts and portraits that reveal how Dubrovnik’s merchant elite once lived. You’ll also learn about the Rectors, who governed the city for just one month at a time, and were forbidden from having overnight guests – a rule designed to prevent corruption.
The Stradun, the city’s main thoroughfare, runs west to east. This smooth limestone boulevard is lined with Renaissance façades, discreet boutiques and gelato stands.
At its western end sit the Onofrio’s Fountain, a 15th-century marvel where locals still refill bottles, and the pretty Church of St Saviour. Further along is the Sponza Palace with its arcaded loggia and the swaggering Orlando’s Column, and in the east, you’ll find the Baroque-style Church of St Blaise, the city’s beloved patron.
To escape the bustling crowds in this popular spot, you could slip into its parallel lanes, where quiet cafés and artisan workshops are open for you to sample local pastries and browse handmade souvenirs.
Rebuilt in Baroque style after the 1667 earthquake, Dubrovnik’s Cathedral glows with pale stone, gilded altars and soft light filtering through high windows.
The Treasury houses impressive reliquaries and sacred vessels, funded partly by donations from grateful seafarers after they safely returned home from their travels.
The Jesuit Stairs are a grand Baroque stone staircase leading up to the Church of St Ignatius and the former Jesuit college. Inspired by Rome’s Spanish Steps, they were designed in 1738 by Italian architect Pietro Passalacqua. They appeared in the popular TV show Game of Thrones as the location for the “Walk of Shame” scene.
At their foot is the Gundulic Square, which bustles each morning with a lively market and transforms into a hub of entertainment with street musicians in the evening. It’s a favourite spot for locals and visitors to people-watch and soak up Old Town life.
Enjoy some peaceful time in the serene cloister of the Franciscan Monastery, where sun-dappled columns frame a tranquil garden scented with citrus and rosemary. The monastery is home to a fascinating museum detailing Dubrovnik’s history in the healing arts and Europe’s oldest working pharmacy, dating back to 1317.
You can see glass apothecary jars and centuries-old remedies, and wander through the tranquil herb garden that once supplied the monks’ medicinal blends.
The Old Port was once the hub of Dubrovnik’s naval power. You could stroll out to St John’s Fortress, which now houses an aquarium and gaze across the water to Lokrum Island.
The harbour’s stone quays and fishing boats reflect Dubrovnik’s centuries of seafaring history. During the ‘blue hour’, which is right after sunset, beautiful reflections dance on the water.
Located just outside Pile Gate, Fort Lovrijenac is perched on a sea-battered rock. Climb the short, but steep, staircase to enjoy commanding views back to the city walls and the sparkling Adriatic Sea.
Walk the perimeter to feel the breeze and read the Latin inscription above the gate: “Freedom is not to be sold for all the gold in the world” – the Ragusan spirit in stone.
Take the cable car up Mount Srd for sweeping views of the Old Town, the Adriatic and the distant Elafiti Islands.
Go at sunset to see the city’s rooftops glow and the water shimmer. The ride takes about three minutes, so it’s easy to fit into solo exploration time and is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik. There’s a café at the top if you want to stay and enjoy the view.
You can’t leave Dubrovnik without trying rozata, a silky caramel custard flavoured with Croatian rose liqueur.
Similar to flan, this beloved dessert is the perfect sweet treat to enjoy after a long day exploring or to boost your energy mid-afternoon. Some of the best, most authentic rožata can be found in the city’s traditional family-run taverns, called konobas.
Read more about the flavours of Croatia.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town shines brightest in the Spring (April-June) and early Autumn (September-October), when the weather is still warm, the crowds are lighter and the ancient streets are alive with local festivals. Summer also brings a vibrant energy and plenty of sunshine, but also more visitors.
Discovering Dubrovnik on a Just You guided tour means effortless exploration – no worrying about logistics, language barriers, directions or missing hidden gems – instead you can focus on enjoying the best things to do in Dubrovnik from our guide. Our holidays guarantee superb accommodation, shared meals with fellow travellers, and a balanced blend of guided exploration and free time to enjoy your surroundings.
If you’d like to explore Dubrovnik, request a brochure or speak to one of our friendly Holiday Advisors about our Deluxe Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast guided tour.
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