Dubbed the 'jewel of the Adriatic', Dubrovnik's old town (or Stari Grad) is set within city walls built from the 13th century onwards. A Unesco World Heritage listed site, it is made up of cobblestone streets, forts and museums. Despite being bombed heavily by Yugoslav forces in 1991, the city has been well preserved and is Croatia's prime tourist destination.
Headline attraction
Dubrovnik is a large city that's home to about 50,00 people, but it's the old town that's the real attraction. It consists of 824 buildings with red-bricked roofs, narrow alleyways and a smattering of churches, all encased by high city walls. A walk along the walls is a must do. It takes two hours and offers unrivalled views over the Adriatic Sea and old town.
Best of the rest
With temperatures hitting around 30C Degrees during the summer months, taking a dip in some of Dubrovnik's crystal clear waters is the perfect way to cool down. Beaches are generally pebbly, although there are some concrete areas that allow simmers to dive straight in. Banje beach outside the city's eastern gate has a great view of the old town. If you tire of lying around, hire a paddle boat or a jet ski.
Try the local food
If you've travelled from elsewhere in Easter Europe - where meals are often heavy and stodgy - the food will come as something of a surprise.
Dubrovnik's cuisine has a noticeable Italian influence: risotto and pizza are local favourites, while olive oil and garlic feature heavily.
Thanks to its location, the seafood is also unbeatable; the crystal-clear water along the coast makes it easy to see why.
Croats love their ice cream and Dubrovnik isn't short of ice-creameries. Heavier than the Italians' gelati, there are plenty of flavours to try.
Try the local drink
If you like beer then get used to saying "pivo". Try Croatian beers Zlatorog or Ozujsko, which aren't too bitter and are usually served on tap. Enjoy a drink at Buza II, a bar hewn out of the cliffs (the name means 'hole'), with the city wall rising above and amazing views over the sea below. The original Buza is further east and almost as spectacular - the perfect spot for sunbathing on the rocks.
There are also several good bars on the square at the back of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin . People in Croatia love their cafe culture too, so you'll feel right at home if coffee is your thing.