With much of its heart designated a World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik is among the most culture-rich cities of southern Europe. Here, we showcase the city's inimitable must-see sights - from Stari Grad to the Rector's Palace.
Approaching Dubrovnik from the sea is a spectacle in itself, with the city’s vast medieval walls appearing the same today as they did 700 years ago. From here, a warren of cobbled streets leads to the captivating Old Town, a World Heritage Site brimming with Baroque palaces and ancient stone houses, all topped with perennial terracotta tiles. Marvel at Rector’s Palace, St Saviour Church and Dubrovnik Cathedral, later taking a guided hike to the ramparts of Lovrijenac, the city’s iconic clifftop castle. There’s time, too, for a ride on Dubrovnik’s beloved cable car – a trip that promises one of Europe’s best coastal views.
For those journeying to Dubrovnik as part of an upcoming Emerald Cruises ocean cruise, our guide can help you get more from your free time in this incredible destination – from must-see sights and hidden gems, to unmissable foodie highlights.
With much of its heart designated a World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik is among the most culture-rich cities of southern Europe. Here, we showcase the city's inimitable must-see sights - from Stari Grad to the Rector's Palace.
Like all of
Dalmatia, Dubrovnik owes much of its culinary heritage to the sea. One of the
city’s favourite seafood dishes is Mušule na buzaru, a stew of mussels, shrimps
and clams cooked in white wine sauce with garlic, parsley and bread crumbs –
utterly divine. Many restaurants in Dubrovnik relyon the Adriatic to fill their
pantries, but Nautika is among the best, and is beloved for its Musule na
buzaru.
With the wineries
of Pelješac on its doorstep, Dubrovnik is awash with wonderful local wines,
best enjoyed in one of the many seafront wine bars across the city. One of the
very best local vintages is Grk Bijeli, a crisp white that’s the perfect
accompaniment to regional seafood.
Italy has had a huge influence on Croatian cookery over the years, and pasta is now considered one of the country’s national dishes. For a devilishly satisfying lunch, try Makaruli Šporki or ‘dirty macaroni’, a Croatian spin on classic Italian macaroni that always hits the spot.
For the richest, most calorific and outright delicious dirty macaroni in town, head to Restaurant Kopun in the heart of the Old Town, and look forward to a real Mediterranean treat.
Where to find it: For traditional Croatian eats beside the Adriatic, it has to be Poklisar. With its harbour-front terrace, there’s no finer spot to sample local culinary mainstays.
From its immersive history to its unique local traditions, Dubrovnik is a city like no other on the shores of the Adriatic. Here are 10 things you need to know about Dalmatia’s second city.