If you’re curious how the royals lived in Dubrovnik a couple of centuries ago, then a stop at the Rector’s Palace is necessary. The former Rector of the Republic of Ragusa once used the palace as his official seat during the 14th century. Today, it is now the Cultural History Museum where you'll find exquisitely restored rooms, coats of arms, and other artifacts detailing Ragusa’s history. If you’re looking for things to do in Dubrovnik at night, the palace’s design, which is a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, looks even more beautiful in the evening.

Lovrijenac is a fortress located just outside the walled city of Dubrovnik. It once bore witness to the resistance of the local townspeople when they fought off the Venetians during the 11th century. The Venetians tried to claim the land where Lovrijenac now stands by building their fortress, but the people of Ragusa came together and constructed one of their own in just three months. Today, the mighty structure serves as a theater where various performances take place. The fort is busiest at noon, so best to visit earlier in the day or late in the afternoon.

Srđ is a low mountain in Dubrovnik that offers a breathtaking view of the city for those brave enough to climb it. Hikers can follow a trail to reach the top of the mountain by walking, but for those who prefer the easier route, there’s also a cable car option. Once you’re at the peak, you can explore the area and savor the mesmerizing view of Dubrovnik’s old town, the nearby Lokrum Island, and other attractions. Schedule your climb in the afternoon so you can wait for the sunset while at Srđ.

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, also known as Dubrovnik Cathedral, is the seat of the Diocese of Dubrovnik, built in the 7th century. Aside from its religious importance, the Roman Catholic cathedral is also famous for its collection of significant pieces of art and sacred treasures. Some of the most notable items here include the Assumption of the Virgin by Venetian painter Titian, the violet marble altar of St. John of Nepomuk, and the relics of St. Blaise.

Tvrđava Minčeta, or the Minčeta Tower, is the highest point of defense in Dubrovnik. It’s a 14th-century fortress named after the family that owns the land where it stands, the Mencetic family. If you’re looking for things to do in Dubrovnik’s old town, you can traverse the city walls and head north until you reach Minčeta. In recent history, the fort became popular once again after being featured in the television series, Game of Thrones.

A visit to Dubrovnik is not complete without exploring the Old City. Also known as the Old Town, it was preserved beautifully amidst the natural and man-made disasters it has endured throughout the years. Many of Dubrovnik’s top attractions can be found here, as well as several churches, palaces, fountains, and other important architectural marvels. You can join a guided tour to appreciate the location’s charm or traverse Dubrovnik’s famous walls to witness it from above.

Located at the Placa, the Franciscan Church and Monastery is a huge complex under the management of the Order of the Friars Minor. Although it was damaged during the earthquake of 1667, the Franciscan church was wonderfully restored in Baroque style, while the monastery was treated with Romanesque and Gothic design in mind. Inside, you’ll find a magnificent cloister, one of the world’s oldest pharmacies, a library containing some 20,000 books, and a small but fascinating museum.