Dubrovnik | City Guide
Welcome to Dubrovnik, also known as “the pearl of the Adriatic.” We spent a couple of nights here with friends in September 2025, and were blown away by how much this small city had to offer — from delicious food and breathtaking views to a positively enchanting Old Town.
The city’s history dates back to the 7th century. In the centuries since, Dubrovnik has survived devastating earthquakes and war, yet today, it is once again thriving. Its restored vibrancy is tangible, and welcomes you in with open arms.
If you’re planning a visit, I would strongly recommend considering the Dubrovnik Pass. It not only grants you access to some incredible locations and museums, but it also serves as a transit pass. In my opinion, it is well worth the money!
Sunset in Dubrovnik
In and around Old Town
Walking straight through, point to point, will only take about 30 minutes, but the most beautiful parts of any historic neighbourhood are the side streets. So have a plan, but get a little lost while you wander from stop to stop; it will only add to the magic.
Fort Lovrijenac
A short walk out of the Old Town, Fort Lovrijenac sits perched atop cliffs that fall into the beautiful blue waters below. If you want to explore inside the old fort, you will have to pay an entry fee. If you’re also planning to walk the city walls, consider grabbing the Dubrovnik Pass. The Fort is included, and you will avoid paying twice!
Pile Gate
This 15th-century gate is the main access point to Old Town Dubrovnik, so it attracts crowds. If you want a close-up photo with fewer people, have your camera ready as you start across the bridge so as not to hold up the people behind you.
Onofrio's Large Fountain
After entering the walled city through Pile Gate, you will notice Onofrio’s Large Fountain to your right. The circular fountain was built by an Italian, Onofrio della Cava, also in the 1400s. Drinkable spring water flows from the detailed 16 masks on its side.
Owl Gargoyle
Directly across from the fountain, there is a small church. To the right of its door, you might notice a small crowd of people trying to balance on a stone. Legend says that if you can stand on it, turn around and remove your shirt — all without slipping off — then you will find true love! After centuries of people attempting to stand on it, it’s become very slippery and angled, so the task is rather impossible. Good luck nonetheless!
Jesuit Stairs
Built in the early 1700s, this baroque staircase dominates the view from the square below. The 136 steps lead up to the Jesuit Church of St Ignatius. Thanks to Cersei's “walk of shame” in Game of Thrones, this is one of the most recognized stops in the city.
Rector’s Palace
Located at the far end of the city from Pile Gate, is Rector’s Palace. Its gothic arches command attention as you walk past, making it impossible to miss. If you’ve purchased the Dubrovnik Pass (City Walls and Fort Lovrijenac included), entry to Rector’s Palace is already covered. There are a few galleries to explore inside, but the two-story courtyard inside makes it worth a quick visit on its own.
Old Port of Dubrovnik
Wander along the port, strolling beside the fishing boats docked for the day, and take in the city walls from the outside.
Dominican Monastery*
A short distance from the port is the Dominican Monastery. The complex’s big draw is its peaceful courtyard with beautiful, intricate arches. There are also art and artifacts on display. The entry fee is not included in the Dubrovnik Pass, but it only costs about €5.
Walk the city walls
We hemmed and hawed about whether or not to pay the money to walk along the walls, but ended up deciding that getting the city pass would be worth it. And we were right! The views of the terracotta roofs, contrasting against the turquoise adriatic sea is absolutely beautiful. Grab a beverage at one of the bars along the walls and enjoy the sunset with the best view in the city!
Looking over Old Town Dubrovnik from the city walls
Explore beyond Old Town
The Old Town is beautiful, but if you have the time to explore beyond it, check out one (or both) of these stops which are less “man-made”, more “natural-beauty” centric.
Hike Srd Hill
If you’re hoping to sneak a little bit of nature into your visit to Dubrovnik, lace up your sneakers and climb to the top of Srd Hill. The moderate hike follows a few switchbacks up to the peak, where you are rewarded with incredible views – not only of Dubrovnik, but Bosnia and Montenegro as well! Treat yourself to a drink, or consider flying through the sky on the zipline.
If hiking isn’t your cup of tea, there is a cable car that runs from the edge of Old Town to the top of Srd as well!
Visit Lokrum*
Just 600 metres (ft) off the shore of the city is Lokrum Island. Boats leave regularly from the port to ferry people across. The island is a UNESCO protected nature reserve, and is home to botanical gardens, the Benedictine Monastery and the Iron Throne from GoT.
Swim in the Adriatic
We spent a couple of hours floating in the sea while we were here, and it was a dream. The water was so clear and warm, even as the summer heat was coming to an end. We visited both Bellevue Smaller Beach and Beach Sulic. Though “beach” is a loosely used term, as neither has sand. Most of the swimming spots are cement ledges, with stairs leading into the water. Pile Bay* and Gradac Park* are another couple of spots near Old Town. But if you’re looking to lay in the sand, check out Uvala Lapad Beach* on the opposite side of the city.
Food and Drink
I hadn’t given much thought to the Dubrovnik food scene before we arrived — what a mistake that was! Every bite we had was phenomenal, and I know at least these meals will stay in my top ten for years to come.
Taj Mahal Hotel
If you ever wished you could visit the Taj Mahal for the best Bosnian food in Croatia (mind-bendy, I know), you can! Honestly some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. We ordered a few dishes to share and every single one of them was a hit.
Klas Dubrovnik Bakery
We popped in here two mornings in a row because it was so good! Between the four of us, we tried half the menu and there truly wasn’t a single miss.
Otto Street Food
A small menu with some terrific items to choose from. We grabbed a few sandwiches, which were all delicious. They make the food fresh to order, so you might have to wait a little, but it’s worth it!
Public Pub Dubrovnik
Casual, and easy. They serve a selection of beers, liquors, and cocktails, as well as some food. A good pub vibe.
Holy Burek
While you’re in the Balkans, you absolutely have to try burek (also called börek or byrek). Flaky pastry filled with savory deliciousness? Yes, please! Holy Burek is a trendier stop, with an open concept kitchen where you can see the staff making the burek fresh. The line moves quickly, so don’t be deterred if there is one.
Peppino’s Gelato
Peppino’s has rave reviews, and it is delicious. But if you’re fresh from Italy like we were, prepare for a richer, creamier flavour than what you’ll find in the land that invented it!
Restaurant Panorama
A little pricey, but the view is worth it. If you make your way up to the top of Srd, stop in for a drink or bite and enjoy the city sprawling along the rocky shores below.
Pizzeria Konoba El Toro
An easy place to grab delicious, well-made pizzas. The perfect stop for grabbing a take-out dinner if you’re feeling like a night in.
Game of Thrones filming locations
Dubrovnik was the filming location for a lot of the scenes of King’s Landing in the Game of Thrones series. There are walking tours where you can be shown the spots throughout the city… or you can follow this guide and go at your own pace for free!
Sprinkle them in with other stops along the way to make a full day out of it, or power through everything in an hour entirely dedicated to GoT.
Jesuit Stairs used for Cersei’s Walk of Shame
