Heritage

Best tourist must-see:

The City Walls

Constructed between the 8th and 16th centuries with the intention of keeping invaders out, Dubrovnik's walls (up to 6 m thick in some places) now keep tourists in and coming back for more. The two kilometres of stone walls create the perfect vantage point for photo ops of the Old Town just above rooftop level and views of the amazingly clean and clear Adriatic sea stretching out around the city.

Best local tip:

The Franciscan Monastery of the Friars Minor and the Old Pharmacy

You obviously want to shop at a pharmacy you can trust, right? Considering these guys have been in business since 1317, it seems they've served enough customers to set your mind at ease. You can buy normal medicaments, along with organic and hand-made cosmetics, sold with the distinction that they were purchased from the oldest operating pharmacy in Europe.

Where: Placa 2, phone +385 (0)20321 410

Day trip

Best day trip:

Trsteno

Relaxing as it is, Dubrovnik's pace might still prove too hectic for some. If you fall into this category, head to the lush arboretum at Trsteno. The arboretum surrounds the modest villa of Ivan Marinov Gučetić, first established in 1494. The gardens were furnished by the Gučetić family as well as travellers who visited the gardens and contributed exotic plants to the collection. Despite suffering damage during the war and a forest fire in 2000, the arboretum remains an enduring monument to peace and harmony.

Dining

Best authentic local cuisine:

Konavski komin

After checking out the view of Cavtat next to the mausoleum, repair to Konavski komin for another spectacular view and some of their decidedly non-vegetarian fare. The specialty of the house is meat, especially veal, slow-cooked to perfection (so slow you need to call ahead to place your order and book a table) using a large oven that most closely resembles a kiln.

Where: Velji dol bb, Cavtat, phone +385 (0)20479 607

Best fine dining:

Gil's Cuisine

Take a club, restaurant and lounge, add them together, throw in a pinch of cool and you get: Gil's. Their French-fusion cuisine keeps rising in popularity and the terrace overlooking the harbour is the perfect place to enjoy a top-notch meal. Steak lovers: try a beef filet and be wowed.

Where: Sv.Dominika 2, phone +385 (0)20322 222

Website: www.gilsdubrovnik.com

View

Best view:

Račić Mausoleum Cavtat

If you stroll along Cavtat's pleasant, cafe-lined promenade, you'll eventually climb a hill that leads you into a peaceful cemetery. The centrepiece of the cemetery is the mausoleum, completed in 1923 by renowned Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović. The mausoleum itself is beautiful enough on its own. However, a look at the view of the surrounding area reveals an impressive view of Cavtat's coastline and bay.