Dubrovnik in 7 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Dubrovnik is a city interconnected by alleyways, so it is easy to get around on foot. It is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, due to its privileged location, Mediterranean climate, crystal-clear coves and ancient monuments. In seven days you can see most of the sights of the famous walled city.

The best Dubrovnik tours are a great option, allowing you to tour the Old Town, see the locations where Game of Thrones was filmed, explore the Dead Sea on Lokrum Island and climb the ancient city walls.

Dubrovnik is a city that preserves charming old buildings, which are part of its essence. It is advisable to take a full day to walk it from end to end.

Onofrio Fountain

The Onofrio Fountain was built in 1438 by the architect Onofrio della Cava and is famous for being Dubrovnik's drinking water aqueduct. If you want to visit it, it is located next to the Pile Gate, known as the main entrance to the Old Town.

The structure of the fountain has striking masks that were preserved even after the earthquake of 1667. A variety of activities are organised at this monument during the summer, as it is ideal for cooling off.

Franciscan Monastery

A few steps away is the Franciscan Monastery, a magical space built in 1317. The entrance fee is around 5 € and gives you access to different areas, among them:

• San Francisco Church: if you don't want to visit other areas of the monastery, you can enter for free.
• Cloisters: thecloisters are galleries surrounding the monastery courtyards, with Renaissance, Gothic and Romanesque designs. The upper cloisters are reserved for monks only, while the lower cloisters are open to the general public.
• Franjevackog Samostana Museum: if you want to delight yourself with sacred art, you can appreciate the exhibits of this museum.
• Pharmacy Mala Braca: it is the oldest pharmacy in Croatia, also the third oldest in Europe. I suggest you to try the cosmetic products, made with their oldest secret recipes.

Stradum Street

Stradum Street is the main street ofDubrovnik, from this starting point it is easier to visit the main sights of the city. It is characterised as a shopping area, with a large number of tourists.

The gates interconnect shortcuts and perpendicular alleys, which will lead you directly to its main attraction: cliff terraces, souvenir shops, ice cream parlours and landmark buildings.

From here you can reach:

• Luža Square or Loggia Square: represents the old Dubrovnik, in the surroundings you can visit centuries-old buildings. For example, Orlando's Column, built in 1498.
• Dolce Vita Ice Cream Parlour: It is considered the best ice cream parlour in Dubrovnik, since it offers traditional proposals and fresh flavours, ideal to enjoy the Mediterranean climate of the Adriatic Sea.
• Ethnographic Museum: it is ideal to learn about the history of Dubrovnik, here you can find typical costumes of the Turkish and Venetian influence. The approximate entrance fee is €13.

Note that in the morning it is easier to walk along Stradun Street. In the afternoon and evening it tends to be crowded with tourists.

Sponza Palace

The Sponza Palace is one of Dubrovnik's most iconic and multi-faceted buildings, the best part is that admission is free.

It has a large courtyard, as well as areas that break down the history of the city. Over the centuries it has housed a bank, an armoury, a school, a customs house and the mint.

Dubrovnik Cathedral

Dubrovnik Cathedral is an inexpensive way to see paintings by Croatian artists, as well as Italian and Flemish works. From the viewpoints and city walls, you can see its striking dome.

Admission is free, you only have to pay around €1 if you want to discover Dubrovnik 's treasure: the remains of St Blaise in a golden casket. I recommend a visit in February, when a procession takes place on the saint's day.

If you like to discover architectural sites, you can visit the Church of St. Blaise in the vicinity.

Between 1358 and 1808 the Republic of Ragusa took place, at that time it was made up of Roman tribes. Today it is known as Dubrovnik, but you can still see the walls that bear the stamp of this aristocracy.

Dubrovnik City Walls

Get your best trainers ready, as you'll be walking approximately two kilometres. Dubrovnik's city walls were created to defend the city during fighting and to interconnect its alleys.

The advantage of visiting the ramparts is that they have three gates, so you won't have to queue or stop on busy roads. Access to the ramparts costs approximately €27. Here are the locations of the entrances and exits:

• Pile Gate: this is the main entrance and therefore the busiest for tourists. It has a variety of transport options in the surrounding area and it is the only gate of the Republic of Ragusa that is still in operation.
• Ploče Gate: ideal for viewing and accessing the Old Port of Dubrovnik.
• Buža Gate: This gate was built recently, but it provides access to the alleys with the typical Dubrovnik staircases.

When walking along the walls pay close attention, you can easily notice the difference between each wall. There are ancient walls, modern walls, sea walls and outer walls. Please note that the walk along the walls is included in the Dubrovnik Card - a tourist card that covers entrance to all monuments and public transport.

Minceta Tower and St Lawrence Fortress

As you walk along the Dubrovnik city walls, you will come across the Minceta Tower, considered to be the highest point in the city. It is a protruding medieval building, so you can see it from several different points. Here I recommend a visit to the museum and a climb to the lookout point.

Viewpoint Aussichtspunkt Stadtmauer

The viewpoint Aussichtspunkt Stadtmauer offers the best views of the city walls. It is similar to Fort St. Lawrence, but easier to access. It's a great place if you're looking for activities to do with kids in Dubrovnik, as there are bike rides.

If you're looking for a place to take pictures without the crowds, I recommend a visit.

Old Harbour

From Dubrovnik's city walls, you can access the city's Old Harbour. The easiest way is through the sea entrances, known as the Fish Market Gate and the Bridge Gate. The structure of these gates is unique, as they were built between 1381 and 1476.

Boats leave from here for nearby islands, and souvenir shops and fishermen often line the shore. Another option is to visit Mai Muo Harbour, famous for its oyster restaurants.

If you're looking for a more modern option, I suggest Gruz Harbour, where you can take advantage of Dubrovnik's best boat trips.

Dubrovnik Beaches

Dubrovnik is a privileged city, as it enjoys warm and sunny summers. In the late afternoon you can watch the sunset or relax on the sun loungers. The region's beaches are exotic, thanks to the characteristic turquoise waters. Here are the best options:

• Porporela: it is a rocky beach, located near the walls behind the Old Port. It has a pier that is ideal for families.
• Banje Beach: it is the most popular, so I do not recommend you to visit it in high season, because it is usually crowded.
• Sulic Beach: it is a small and cosy cove, surrounded by a variety of terraces where you can eat.

Dubrovnik's spaces are enchanting, which is why scenes from films such as Star Wars, Captain America, Robin Hood and more have been filmed here. The best known are the locations of the Game of Thrones series, which annually attract thousands of fans.

The best Game of Thrones tours of Dubrovnik will take you to see:

• The Bay of Pile: where the Battle of Blackwater was filmed.
• The Stairs of Shame: the Jesuit Stairs are another must-see, now known as the Stairs of Shame, after the scene of Cersei Lannister's condemnation.
• Gradak Park: this is where the iconic Purple Wedding was filmed.
• St Lawrence Fortress: be prepared to climb around 200 stairs, but believe me it's worth it, the views are breathtaking. In the series it is known as the Red Fortress and is the scene of several battles.
• The Dominican Palace: the emblematic site where the revolts against Joffrey began.
• Belvedere Palace: it houses the place where the battle between Oberyn Martell and The Montain was filmed.

If you prefer to visit less touristy Game of Thrones locations, I suggest taking a tour to Lokrum Island. Here you will find a replica of the Iron Throne, as well as famous landmarks from the series. They include the House of the Undying, the Red Keep and King's Landing.

Boats depart daily from the Old Harbour for around €28, but you can also book the best Dubrovnik boat tours which often make stops on the island. You can also take the opportunity to visit:

• Benedictine Monastery: This was built in 1023 and has since undergone several modifications, but retains ancient details. They have a section dedicated to Game of Thrones, where you can discover the most famous locations on the island with a free audio guide.
• Maximilian Gardens: its main attraction are the peacocks from the Canary Islands, which are often found walking around.
• Dead Sea: a saltwater lake, ideal for hanging out during the summer.

Walking around Dubrovnik is fun, but from the heights the city is even more impressive. The city's cable car makes the trip easy, but the more adventurous can go hiking and see the mountains.

Mount Srd

Mount Srd can be accessed from Dubrovnik' s city walls, from the road where there is a staircase trail, or by a fun cable car ride. This is a worthwhile adventure and one of the best activities in Dubrovnik.

The hike is of moderate difficulty and takes approximately forty minutes. At the top you will come across the Imperial Fortress, which was built in 1806. Afterwards I suggest you go to the lookout point on Mount Srd for the best views of the city.

Dubrovnik Cable Car

If you want to get panoramic views of the city, I suggest you take the Dubrovnik cable car. It is one of the most popular attractions, as it allows you to be 778 metres above sea level. The ride takes about five minutes and costs around €22 each way.

It's ideal for activities with children in Dubrovnik, as children under 12 pay around €9. The best time to go up is around 7:00 p.m. to watch the sunset. Although this time of day tends to get busier, especially during the high season.

The cable car station also houses the Homeland War Museum which collects materials, three-dimensional objects and photographs from the war between Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia in 1991.

Another option is to eat at the Panorama Restaurant, which offers views of the old town, Lapad Bay and the surrounding islands. The cable car is also home to the Ohrid Pearl Shop, which houses a unique piece of jewellery.

If you still have time, you can go hiking. You are also allowed to drive along the nearby roads in a Safari Buggy that will take you to minefields, fortresses and ruins of the last Dubrovnik war. The price is approximately €40 for thirty minutes.

There are a variety of cliff terraces in Dubrovnik, ideal for enjoying the views of the Adriatic Sea. Buža Bar is one of the most popular.

I recommend you visit Buža II, which is located in Margaret Fortress and is a beach bar on the cliffs, ideal for watching the sunset. Entrance is free and you can swim there during the summer.

I recommend visiting in low season. For example, you can plan activities in Dubrovnik in April, as the coves, cliffs and monuments are usually clear.

The city of Dubrovnik has witnessed many historical events, so you will find many interactive museums on offer. Here are a few options:

• Archaeological Museum: there are historical artefacts, coins, archaeological remains and ceramic dolls. The entrance fee is around 16 €.
• Maritime Museum: located in the Fortress of San Juan, it has a collection of more than 4,000 objects. There are navigation maps, model ships and an aquarium. The approximate price is 17 €.
• Museum of Love: it is a different proposal, ideal to visit as a couple. There are photographs, sculptures, poems and other forms of art that represent the concept of love. The entrance fee is around 7 €.

If you like to learn about history and want to visit more museums, I suggest buying the Dubrovnik Card from €30. You can also buy a joint ticket, which gives you access to a variety of museums. It costs approximately €18 and is valid for 7 days.