With a historic downtown open only to foot traffic, this walkable medieval city is a pleasure to explore. The Pearl of the Atlantic’s seaside setting serves up amazing sunsets, Mediterranean-influenced cuisine, and postcard-worthy beaches. Here are the top three places to visit when you travel to Dubrovnik:

• Old Town. Step back in time as you explore one of the world’s best-preserved medieval cities, unchanged for centuries. You can take in the breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea by walking the Old Town’s fortress-like walls. Inside, you’ll find palaces, churches, and the Old Town’s scenic main street, the Stradun, illuminated by lanterns after sunset.
• Rector’s Palace. This exceptionally beautiful Gothic palace, first completed in 1447, was destroyed over the centuries by gunpowder explosions and earthquakes. Most recently restored in 2017, the palace offers a fascinating look into the region’s history, with over 10,000 objects on display. You’ll find the Rector’s Palace prominently located right on the water in the Old Town.
• St. Jacob’s Beach. Some spots are so spectacular that you want to keep them to yourself, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t share one of the most beautiful and secluded in Dubrovnik; at sunset, the skies over St. Jacob’s Beach provide a colorful show (and photo opportunity) for you to sit back, relax, and enjoy. Sunsets don’t get any better than the ones you’ll find here.

Looking for more of the best places to visit in Dubrovnik? Get the full scoop in the Go Ahead Travel Guide to Croatia →

Some of the best times to visit Dubrovnik are:

• June through August. If you love beach days, toasty temps, and endless sunshine (and who doesn’t?), there’s no better time than the summer months to visit Dubrovnik. This may be peak travel season, but beautiful, sunny days are worth the extra crowds. And there’s nothing better after a day of touring this historic city than a cooling dip in the Adriatic Sea.
• September and October. While summer provides the warmest weather for Dubrovnik, the off-season has its perks. The summer crowds are gone, and daytime temperatures average in the 70s, perfect for walking the city walls or strolling along the Stradun. As September turns into October, the chance of showers increases, but not enough to deter traveling to Dubrovnik.

With easy access to the sea and regional influences from neighboring countries, Dubrovnik’s growing culinary scene features everything from fresh seafood to robust meat dishes. Here are a few dishes not to miss when you visit Dubrovnik:

• Börek. This traditional baked pastry—made with phyllo dough and filled with savory bites of meat, cheese, and spinach—is found throughout the Balkans and at many bakeries in Dubrovnik. The flaky, layered, and inexpensive pastries make for an excellent breakfast or quick meal any time of day.
• Squid-ink rice. According to our staffers, this traditional dish made with local seafood is one of the best to enjoy on Dubrovnik tours. A favorite in Mediterranean cuisine, squid ink gives the rice its rich, black color and, some say, a slightly salty flavor. Squid-ink rice in Dubrovnik features a medley of locally sourced seafood, including mussels, crab, and squid.  
• Clean drinking water. We don’t often list tap water as a must-try, but Dubrovnik’s drinking supply is among the world’s cleanest. You can drink straight from any of 16 taps at the large, domed Onofrio’s Fountain in the Old Town, or any of the fountains throughout the city. If you bring a reusable water bottle on one of our Dubrovnik tour packages, you can stay hydrated by refilling it for free throughout the day.

Read about more great reasons to visit Dubrovnik →

Packing the right clothing and gear makes every trip better. On Dubrovnik vacations, you’ll want to be prepared for hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Your best bet is to be ready for unpredictable weather when visiting Dubrovnik. Here are the essentials you’ll want to pack:

• Sun protection. For all our trips, especially during the summer months in Dubrovnik’s Mediterranean climate, we recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your face and the back of your neck from the sun.
• Reusable water bottle. For trips to Dubrovnik, we recommend bringing your favorite refillable water bottle. The tap water in Dubrovnik is some of the cleanest in the world, and it’s free at public fountains.
• Layers. For Dubrovnik tours, pack lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures. Bring along a light jacket or sweater for summer travel. For Dubrovnik travel packages departing during the winter, you’ll need warm layers and rain gear.
• Comfortable walking shoes. You’ll want to have your favorite, comfiest walking shoes with you on our Dubrovnik escorted tours. Whether strolling the Old Town’s steep cobblestone streets or exploring one of its rocky beaches, you’ll be glad you brought your most comfortable footwear.
• Rain protection. For travelers on tours to Dubrovnik during the wet winter months, rain gear is a must. Occasional rain showers can appear even during drier seasons, so having packable, lightweight rainwear in your bag will keep you from getting soaked.
• Dressier attire. You may want to pack dressier clothes if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance on one of our Dubrovnik tours.
• Full-coverage layers for religious sites. When visiting Dubrovnik, it is preferable not to visit churches, temples, or other religious sites with bare knees or shoulders, and entrance may be denied on this basis.