Dubrovnik, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is a place that feels like stepping into a storybook. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and unique charm, it’s a city that truly leaves a mark. Whether you're strolling along the ancient city walls, exploring the beautiful old town, or spotting the famous spots where Game of Thrones was filmed, Dubrovnik has something special around every corner. Beyond the must-see sights, this medieval city offers amazing views, great food, and a lively atmosphere that’s simply unforgettable. Dubrovnik is a place where every moment feels like an adventure, waiting for you to discover its magic.

The Dubrovnik City Walls Walk

This walk is one of the main reasons many tourists flock to Dubrovnik, including us. I have always wanted to walk the ancient city walls, and they did not disappoint. The whole old city is enclosed within the walls and you can walk the whole 2km of the orignal structure. The walk is quite challenging, but worth the effort. There are 1080 steps, some quite steep around the walk, but there are also plenty of places to rest and admire the views along the way.

The city walls are up to 25m high. They are reinforced by three circular and 14 quadrangular towers, five bastions, two angular fortifications and the large St John’s fortress. Some parts of the walls are quite narrow, but if you need a break there are a couple of cafes and amenities around the ocean side of the walk. Once you walk along the wall that runs along the sea you will come to the port area. This is a fabulous vantage point to watch the boats and ferries coming and going. Then you are on the steepest and highest point of the walls and you then have views over the entire old city and all its incredible buildings. There are so many vantage spots to take it all in, and with breaks and enjoying the walk, it should take you around 2 hours to complete.

Make sure to buy your tickets online and get their nice and early. You can do a guided tour of the walls. Click the button below to see the one we recommend.

History Walking Tour of Dubrovnik

Besides the city walls, there is so much history around the old city of Dubrovnik. The main street is called Stradun and runs from the Pile Gate through the centre of the city all the way to the old port area. We did a walking tour which was one of the best we have done. You couldn’t possibly know and understand the history of this medieval city without a local and knowledgeable guide. We learnt all about the St Lawrence Fortress which sits high on a cliff just outside the city walls. Once you enter through the Pile gate there is so much to discover. We had admired many of the buildings previous to doing the tour, but now we found out their fascinating history as well.

Some of the highlights of the walking tour included The Big Onofrio’s Fountain, walking along the main street - Stradun, the old pharmacy that has been open since 1317 and the world’s first orphanage. There are two main palaces in the old city to admire as well. They are the Rector Palace and the Sponza Palace. You can visit the interior of both these palaces - which are just stunning and definitely worth seeing. St Blaise’s Church is close to the Sponza Palace and St. Blaise’s statue is one of the locals favourite things to admire in the old city.

The walking tour also included some Game of Thrones filming locations. Even if you’re not into GoT, these sites, like the Jesuit Stairs are amazing.

The last thing to see on your walking tour is the harbour area. Here you will see St John’s Fortress in the city walls, and Revelin Fortress on the land side of the harbour. This old fortress is now one of the most popular night clubs in Croatia.

We spent some time enjoying the atmosphere and watching the small boats and ferries at the port. You can see the tour we did and recommend by clicking the button below.

One of our other favourite things to do in Dubrovnik, was to wander the pretty streets. There are many small steep stairs that lead from the main street area. In these streets you will find pretty gardens, cafes, restaurants and shops. All the locals have pretty window boxes or plants growing out the front of their apartments. You will also discover small plazas, markets and museums and even a basketball court built into the city walls as you wander around. You need to spend at least half a day walking the streets of Dubrovnik.

Panorama Restaurant and Cave Bar

Two other must sees - this time outside the city walls are the Panorama Restaurant (pictures 1-4 below) and the Cave Bar. You need to take the cable car up the 450m to the Imperial Fort and where the restaurant is located. You can find many vantage points to admire the stunning view of the old city, the old port, the city walls and Adriatic sea. If you want to eat at one of tables with that view, you need to book well in advance.

The Cave Bar is situated at the Hotel More, a short distance from the old city. As the name suggests it is a bar inside a cave. There are over four levels all decorated and lit up beautifully. It is one of the most unique bars we have ever been to and highly recommend going if you are in Dubrovnik. (see picture 4 above) Try to go around sunset so you can admire the view from the seaside terrace just outside the bar.

Dubrovnik is now one of our favourite cities in the world. It is so unique and totally different to many places we have been. When you visit Dubrovnik you feel like you go back in time. The city walls are incredible, the history is fascinating, and the views are spectacular.

If you would like to see the other Croatian cities and places we have been and have and written about, then click the button below.