Soul of Spain: Discovering the Heritage
Sep 23, 2025
Author: Alka
Dubrovnik, tucked away in Croatia’s southern embrace, feels like a hidden gem, separated from the rest of the country by a slender slice of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its quirky geography only adds charm, making the journey to this coastal treasure feel like a true offbeat adventure. Want to experience Dubrovnik like a local? Sit back and relax; we’re here to help when you are planning a trip to the pearl of the Adriatic:
1. Explore the Old Town: The Old Town is the beating heart of Dubrovnik and is generally the first and foremost place to explore for travelers. It’s a UNESCO site with historic landmarks such as beautiful city walls and the Rector’s Palace. Being there feels like stepping into a living painting, all woven into a mesmerizing medieval maze. While walking through the polished limestone streets, it feels like echoes of centuries of footsteps linger in the air. Stop at Stradun, a gleaming boulevard with quaint cafes, boutiques, and street performers. This pedestrian street is the perfect place to pause for a gelato or simply soak up the rhythm of the city. While it’s pleasant to stroll around the marble-paved squares and cobbled streets, we recommend going on a guided tour to truly admire the location. Don’t just stick to the main streets; explore the narrow alleys and discover handmade jewelry stores, art galleries, or try freshly baked burek from a local bakery.
2. Walking the City Walls: By far the most iconic symbol of Dubrovnik is the massive walls surrounding the entire old town, which is a different feeling while standing atop ancient stone walls with the Adriatic sea sparkling on one side. These walls were built more than 700 years ago, dating back to the Middle Ages. The wall stretches nearly 2 kilometers, the full circuit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and costs Rs. 3,000, depending on how often you stop to soak in the view- and take it from me, you’ll stop a lot. Go right away when it opens at 8 am if you want to beat the crowd and climb it up by 10 am, as after that, tourists come up for the cruise ships. The favorite part of the walls is the endless views, especially being able to see the iconic orange roofs of the old town contrasting with the Adriatic sea, making it the perfect way to start your trip.
3. Lokrum Island: It’s time to move to the tiny island that is just a 15-minute boat ride from the buzz of Dubrovnik’s old town. Lokrum Island is a lush, serene paradise filled with wild roaming peacocks, botanical gardens, 12th-century monastery ruins, and crystal-clear water. No cars are allowed, so the only way to get around is by walking. Explore the botanical garden, which is now home to exotic flora, including cacti, palms, and eucalyptus trees, creating a tropical maze. Visit the Benedictine Monastery, where you’ll find a replica of the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones- yes, you can sit on it and take as many snapshots as you like. It will cost Rs. 2,040 for the round trip, including entry to the island reserve where you’ll share the space with peacocks and rabbits. If you want an extra layer of adventure, consider a short hike through the pine forest that leads to Napoleon’s fort- the 360-degree view at the top is worth every step, where you will see Dubrovnik, the sea, and the nearby islands.
4. Sunset at Mount Srd: There are sunsets- and then there’s the sunset from Mount Srd, where the entire city glows like a golden diorama framed by the sea and sky. Rising 412 meters above the Old Town, Srd is the best seat in the house for the kind of view that stays with you long after your trip ends. You can decide to walk to take the cable car; the cable car leaves near the Old Town, while the actual hike starts next to the highway and takes about 2 hours to get to the viewpoint and then back. Sip Croatian wine or a chilled mocktail as the sky changes colors, sitting at Restaurant Panorama, offering the best dining views in town. Whether you’re a photographer or just capturing memories, golden hour on Mount Srd is unbeatable. Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before sunset to find a good spot to gaze at the magic when the lights of the Old Town sparkle under a deepening sky.
5. Relax at the Beach and Kayaking: Beyond the city lies a dramatic coastline that is a perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. Don’t expect sandy beaches, but rather rocky ones. Banje Beach is closest to the city, consider that as it has shallow and calm waters that are great for swimming. A fun, adventurous way to see Dubrovnik from the outside is by sea kayak. Taking in the city views from the water is something unique. Beyond the views of the old town, it provides the opportunity to explore the rugged coastline. You can kayak to the most beautiful beaches in the city, called Cave Beach only accessible via the sea. There are some smaller hidden caves, Lokrum Island to kayak through. You can rent your kayaks from the West Harbor, or you can join a kayaking tour.
6. Rector’s Palace & Churches: In the Old town, you can find many beautiful Gothic, Renaissance & Baroque churches tucked in the little alleys & squares, such as Dubrovnik Cathedral- Church of Ignatius, with beautiful frescoes on the main altar. Consider exploring these churches for a soulful experience. Head to Rector’s Palace, a serene step back into sophistication, where you will see its elegant staircase and stone well with restored furniture and artefacts. Once the seat of the Republic’s ruler- the Rector- this 15th-century marvel is now a museum, offering a peek into the past. Walk through the cool, dim courtrooms and corridors where justice was once delivered. You at least require 45 minutes for a relaxed tour that starts from 9 am to 6 pm. It’s a place that has come all together to remind you that the city is just beautiful.
CONCLUSION
Today, Dubrovnik is considered one of the most impressive cities on the Dalmatian coast-thanks to its stunning architecture, beautiful scenery, and ancient walls. Just get ready to be lost in stone streets, found in sea views, where leaving Dubrovnik feels like closing your favorite book, full of stories, wonder, and a longing to return. Start reading the book where your first chapter takes you to Dubrovnik!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Tip: Don’t sweat too much money, buy the Dubrovnik pass that gives you free entry to top attractions with transport facilities starts from Rs. 3,000 for one day!
1. How to Reach?
2. Local Transport
Most of the tourist spots are within walking distance, so enjoy them with scenic views. You can take public buses as well, operated by Libertas Dubrovnik, which are affordable and frequent. To keep up with the tourist vibe, you can take rental cars and scooters that are best for day trips outside the city. For island hopping, boats and ferries are at your service.
3 . Visa & other requirements
4. Accommodation
5. Places to Eat
Real travel stories from the community of travellers powered by Northern Pinnacles.
