Dubrovnik Old Town Self-Guided Tour: Game of Thrones & History

4.1 (11 reviews) Dubrovnik, Croatia
Duration1h - 1h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Step through Pile Gate and discover Dubrovnik's Old Town at your own pace on this self-guided audio walking tour. Follow the streets of the former Republic of Ragusa, a maritime power that rivalled Venice for centuries, and hear the stories behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site, nicknamed the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Wander Stradun, the marble-paved main street, and visit the Rector's Palace, Onofrio's Large Fountain and the Old Synagogue, among Europe's oldest. Your guide also points out Game of Thrones filming locations, including King's Landing and the Red Keep.
Download the VoiceMap app, start whenever you like, and avoid the big guided groups. Explore with offline audio, maps and local commentary.

Highlights:
- Dubrovnik's Old Town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
- The Republic of Ragusa was an independent maritime state from the 13th century until 1808.
- Onofrio's Large Fountain (1438) was fed by an aqueduct carrying water 12km into the city.

What's included

  • Directions to the starting point so that when you're in the right place, the tour will start
  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Access to VoiceMaps App on IOS & Android, allowing you to enjoy the tour at your own pace.
  • An walk through history in this magnificent city with a little insight to Game of Thrones.
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • NO TICKETS for entry to any paid attractions.
  • Water & food
  • Transportation

What to expect

  1. Pile Gate
    Pass by
    Start your journey beneath the imposing Pile Gate, the guardian of Dubrovnik's historical core. As its massive doors unfold, delve into the Old Town's captivating history, marked by tales of the Republic of Ragusa, as you step into the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  2. Lovrjenac Fortress
    Pass by
    Take in the formidable Lovrijenac Fortress, a symbol of Dubrovnik's military might. Perched on a rugged cliff, this bastion echoes tales of strategic importance and has stood resilient against historical adversaries.
  3. Pass by
    Pause at Big Onofrio's Fountain on Poljana Paska Miličevića Square. Take a sip from its source, fed by the Ombla, one of the world's shortest rivers. Let this unexpected detail intertwine with the historical narrative of Dubrovnik's Golden Age.
  4. The Franciscan Church and Monastery
    Pass by
    Explore the serene Franciscan Church and Monastery, witnessing the echoes of centuries within its walls. Discover the rich history and cultural significance as you delve into the treasures of the Franciscan Monastery Museum.
  5. Pass by
    Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Gundulić’s Square, adorned with the statue of poet Ivan Gundulić. Experience the heart of Dubrovnik's daily life and its historical market, Gundulić’s square.
  6. Jesuit Staircase
    Pass by
    Ascend the Jesuit Stairs to the Church of St. Ignatius, gaining a panoramic view of the Old Town. Relish in the tranquility of this elevated vantage point.
  7. Luza Square
    Pass by
    Pause at the historic Clock Tower, a timeless sentinel in Luža Square. Allow its chimes to transport you through the centuries as you absorb the atmosphere of this central hub.
  8. Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola
    Pass by
    Climb the Jesuit Stairs to reach the resplendent Church of St. Ignatius. From this elevated vantage point, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Old Town and absorb the tranquility that permeates the surroundings.
  9. Mount Srd
    Pass by
    Gaze toward the majestic Srđ Mountain, providing a picturesque backdrop to the city. Capture the essence of Dubrovnik's landscape and its harmonious blend of historical treasures against the natural beauty of Srđ.
  10. The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
    Pass by
    This is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin built after the great earthquake, because the original one was completely destroyed in the disaster. The original Cathedral was partially built with the money contributed by the English king Richard the Lion Heart in gratitude for surviving shipwreck nearby on his return from the Third Crusade. The southern wind called jugo that put Richard's ship in danger was disliked even on the land. During the former Republic of Dubrovnik, city officials avoided meetings and decision-making on a day with jugo wind because they said that the wind impaired their judgement. Even today, many people get moody and have a headache when jugo blows.
  11. Pass by
    This is the old city port. The building on your left was the medieval Arsenal shipyard: sea-trade and shipbuilding drove the Republic's economy, and by the 16th century Dubrovnik had some 4,000 sailors, its fleet rivalling Venice's. Shipwrights built sturdy, simple "argosies" from wood, lasting up to 40 years; by the late 18th century the fleet numbered 230 ships crossing the Atlantic, backed by consulates in over 80 cities.

    Further left, across the port, stands Revelin fortress, guarding the Ploče gate. Along that shore sits the lazzaretti, a 1600s quarantine building where arrivals waited 30 days to prove they were plague-free; Dubrovnik set up Europe's first quarantine, on a nearby island, in 1377.

    On the right, the walls reach St John's Fortress, guarding the port from the sea, while a medieval breakwater at its center shelters ships from rough seas and the jugo wind.
  12. Rector's Palace
    Pass by
    This was the Rector's Palace, seat of the Rector who ruled with the Major and Minor Councils and the Senate. Elected by the Major Council for just one month to prevent abuse of power, he lived here during his term, rarely leaving except on official business, and kept the keys to the city gates. Power belonged strictly to the nobility; society split into nobles, wealthy "good citizens" without political rights, and commoners.

    Built in the 1400s by Onofrio della Cava, architect of the fountain seen earlier, the facade survived the great earthquake while the rest was rebuilt, blending Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. It housed the Rector's chambers, reception halls, armory, watch-house and prison. Today it's a museum with concerts in its atrium; visit after the tour if you like.
  13. Fort Imperial
    Pass by
    Behold Fort Imperial, a sentinel atop Srđ Mountain overlooking Dubrovnik. Delve into its strategic importance and the historical events that unfolded within its walls as you traverse the ancient fortification.
  14. Dubrovnik Cable Car
    Pass by
    Marvel at the modern engineering marvel, the Dubrovnik Cable Car. As it gracefully ascends Srđ Mountain, witness Dubrovnik's Old Town and the shimmering Adriatic Sea unfold beneath you, offering a mesmerizing perspective of this coastal gem.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Start: Pile Gate to the Old town, Vrata od Pila street, Dubrovnik

The starting point for the tour is outside city walls and Pile gate, at the beginning of the stone bridge that is in front of the gate.

End point

Approximately 268m back to the starting point.

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.1 (11)
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