By the end of your visit to this circumvented paradise, you might find yourself wanting to stay inside the formidable stone city walls beyond your scheduled itinerary. The walls wrap around Dubrovnik's historic sites, such as the Franciscan Monastery, Rector's Palace and Dubrovnik Cathedral. Even new attractions like the War Photo Limited are squeezed into this dense area known as Old Town. Though past visitors raved about the restaurants and attractions housed within the city walls, they also complained of large tourist crowds. Several suggested visiting in the cooler shoulder seasons, such as fall and winter. Though reviewers reported that some restaurants and shops close for the season, they said it's a fair trade for the lack of crowds.

Stroll down the town's main thoroughfare, Stradun, to understand the bustling vibrancy of Dubrovnik. And don't miss the impressive Luza Square or Large Onofrio's Fountain, which was built in 1438 to provide fresh spring water.