Perched atop a jagged cliff face, with its ancient city walls seemingly rising from the azure ocean, Dubrovnik’s not called the Pearl of the Adriatic for nothing. This astonishing corner of Croatia is all terracotta roofs and gleaming weather-kissed stone, bursting with medieval charm. To experience your perfect 24 hours in Dubrovnik, we’ve curated an itinerary of its must-see highlights.
MORNING
Kick off your day by exploring the city’s legendary landmarks before the sun hits its peak. The grand Rector’s Palace was once the seat of Dubrovnik’s ruler. Today, the atmospheric Gothic-Renaissance building is a splendid museum featuring beautifully restored rooms and chambers replete with antique trinkets and coats of arms.
Onofrio’s Fountain is not just a decorative water feature, but also a fascinatingly complex, antiquated water supply system. Water flows from 16 stone gargoyle heads that encircle the giant aqueduct. Built in the 15th century, Onofrio’s Fountain is a captivating window into Dubrovnik’s past.
AFTERNOON
Take a leisurely lunch in a shady spot at a terrace restaurant in the Old Town. Local dishes take cues from Dubrovnik’s Italian ancestry; one must-try is the speciality black risotto, made from cuttlefish ink. After, get lost ambling around the labyrinthine alleyways. You’ll discover sophisticated boutiques, Baroque churches and gleaming squares. Wander up to the walled ramparts and admire the breath-taking views of the shimmering Adriatic.
Dubrovnik is home to a handful of fine, historic monasteries. Visit its Franciscan cloister, an incredible example of late Romanesque architecture that houses a wonderful collection of relics, paintings and jewellery. Seek out the Dominican Monastery, too. Built at the same time as Dubrovnik’s vast city walls, it resembles a fortress and contains fascinating religious artworks.
EVENING
Gastronomically, Dubrovnik is a seafood paradise. Take dinner at one of its many waterside tavernas, where you’ll discover fresh fish like sea bass and mackerel along with octopus, squid and prawns. Typically, your seafood will be grilled and served alongside fresh herbs and vegetables. Compliment your dinner with a Dalmatian wine – and if you’re feeling brave, slivovitz, a super-strength plum spirit that’s Croatia’s national tipple.
From underground cave bars to jazz cafes, finish your day by exploring Dubrovnik’s hidden corners that come alive after dark. You’ll find them scattered around the Old Town. At the height of summer, you may be lucky enough to catch concerts and performances in the courtyard of the Rector’s Palace or Sponza Palace.
If this itinerary has gotten you inspired to visit extraordinary Dubrovnik, click here to find an exciting Trafalgar trip.