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Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik: Old Town Highlights
Dubrovnik is one of those rare cities that genuinely takes your breath away the moment you lay eyes on it. Perched on the edge of the Dalmatian Coast, its UNESCO-listed Old Town is a labyrinth of marble streets, baroque churches, and honey-coloured limestone walls rising dramatically above the Adriatic Sea. Whether you're a history lover, a culture seeker, or simply chasing that perfect view, Dubrovnik's Old Town delivers at every turn.
To make the most of your visit, consider booking a guided experience through GoWithGuide — local experts who can unlock stories behind every cobblestone. And when it comes to finding the right place to stay, touriDat offers competitive deals on hotels across the city.
Walk the Famous City Walls
There is arguably no better way to begin your Dubrovnik adventure than by walking the city walls (Gradske Zidine). Stretching nearly two kilometres around the entire Old Town, these medieval fortifications offer unrivalled panoramic views of the Adriatic, the terracotta rooftops below, and the island of Lokrum in the distance.
- Opening hours: Typically 8am–7:30pm (seasonal variations apply)
- Tip: Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat
- Cost: Approximately 35 EUR for adults
The walk takes around 90 minutes at a leisurely pace. Every few steps rewards you with a new vantage point — from the fortress of Minčeta Tower in the north to the imposing Revelin Fort in the east.
Stroll the Stradun
Running straight through the heart of the Old Town, the Stradun (Placa) is Dubrovnik's beloved main boulevard. Paved with gleaming limestone slabs polished smooth by centuries of footsteps, this pedestrian street is flanked by elegant baroque buildings housing cafés, boutiques, and restaurants.
Grab a morning coffee at one of the outdoor terraces, watch the locals go about their day, and soak in the atmosphere that has captivated travellers for centuries. The Stradun is also the perfect starting point for exploring the smaller lanes — called ulice — that branch off in every direction like the veins of the city.
Don't Miss: Onofrio's Fountain
At the western end of the Stradun stands the iconic Large Onofrio's Fountain, built in 1444 as part of Dubrovnik's sophisticated water supply system. It remains a popular meeting point and a wonderful piece of living history. There is a smaller fountain at the eastern end near the Rector's Palace — easy to walk past, but worth a pause.
Visit the Rector's Palace
The Rector's Palace (Knežev dvor) is one of Dubrovnik's finest architectural treasures — a stunning blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles that once served as the seat of the Ragusan Republic's government. Today it houses the Cultural History Museum, where you can explore original furnishings, paintings, coins, and artefacts that tell the story of this once-mighty maritime republic.
Guided tours booked through GoWithGuide give rich historical context that wall plaques simply cannot replicate — a worthwhile investment for history enthusiasts.
Explore the Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries
Dubrovnik's two great monasteries are cultural cornerstones of the Old Town experience.
- Franciscan Monastery: Home to one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in Europe (dating to 1317) and a beautiful Romanesque cloister. The small museum inside is a hidden gem.
- Dominican Monastery: Features an impressive Gothic-Renaissance cloister and a rich art collection including works by the Dubrovnik school of painting.
Both monasteries are centrally located and can be visited within a single morning or afternoon, making them ideal companions to a Stradun stroll.
Take a Cable Car to Mount Srđ
For a perspective that truly puts Dubrovnik's extraordinary geography into context, ride the cable car (žičara) up to Mount Srđ, which rises 412 metres above sea level directly behind the Old Town. The views from the summit are simply extraordinary — on clear days you can see all the way to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.
At the top you'll find a café-bar, a small museum dedicated to the Homeland War, and numerous viewpoints perfect for photography. Sunset here is utterly unforgettable.
Day Trip to Lokrum Island
Just a short ferry ride from the Old Harbour, Lokrum Island is a lush nature reserve offering a welcome escape from the city's busier streets. Wander through botanical gardens, discover the ruins of a Benedictine monastery, swim in the sheltered Dead Sea saltwater lake, or simply find a quiet rocky cove to relax.
Ferries run regularly during summer months, and the trip takes under 15 minutes. It's one of those experiences that feels a world away while being almost no distance at all.
Discover Hidden Churches and Baroque Architecture
Beyond the headline attractions, Dubrovnik's Old Town rewards slow, curious exploration. Wander off the Stradun and you'll find sun-drenched courtyards, crumbling stone staircases, and a succession of remarkable churches:
- Cathedral of the Assumption: Baroque masterpiece housing relics of St Blaise, Dubrovnik's beloved patron saint
- Church of St Blaise: An elegant 18th-century Baroque church with a stunning gold altarpiece
- St Ignatius of Loyola Church: Features sweeping Jesuit staircases and panoramic views from the terrace
Practical Tips for Visiting Dubrovnik
Best Time to Visit
Dubrovnik is beautiful year-round, but shoulder season — May, June, September and October — offers the best balance of warm weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices. July and August are peak season: wonderfully lively but genuinely crowded and expensive.
Getting Around
The Old Town is entirely pedestrianised and relatively compact — you can walk end to end in about 10 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes; the limestone can be slippery, especially after rain.
Book in Advance
Popular tours and experiences fill up fast, especially in summer. Browse expert-led tours through GoWithGuide early to secure your preferred dates. For accommodation, check availability and book through touriDat to access the best rates across Dubrovnik's wide range of hotels and apartments.
Final Thoughts
Dubrovnik's Old Town is one of those rare places that exceeds expectation, even for the most well-travelled visitors. From the commanding city walls to the tranquil monastery cloisters, every corner holds a story waiting to be told. Go slowly, wander freely, and let the city reveal itself at its own pace — you won't be disappointed.
Plan your trip with our trusted travel partners: touriDat for curated hotel & experience deals across Europe. Some links are affiliate links.
