The impressive walls of the Old Town of Dubrovnik keep the delights within well hidden. Passing through the Pile Gate entrance and ambling down the steps, street musicians serenade the throng of people. Passing underneath an archway, the glistening marble floor of the Stradun greets you. The main street alive with the activity from the many shops and restaurants is a fantastic sight. The shiny expanse is flanked by cream coloured shop canopies which provide a tiny slither of shade from the hot Croatian sun. It’s halted by the bell tower at the opposite end; everywhere you look, holidaymakers are gorging on delicious looking ice creams. To the right of the entrance, Big Onofrije’s Fountain is relentlessly trickling water, surrounded by people taking photos and filling their water bottles. The entrance to the Old Town couldn’t be more inviting.
Exploring the Old Town
Just to the left, you can climb the steep stone staircase to reach the top of the City Walls and begin the 2km circuit. Setting foot on the steps, the temperature seems to steadily increase as you clamber higher. So does your anticipation of the first view of the Stradun from above. Raising you up to the iconic red roofs, you can enjoy a birds-eye view across the enchanting Old Town, punctuated by the bright fuchsia pink flowers that welcomingly adorn the city. 
The iconic tiny alleyways which carve through the rows of buildings are a great sight from above. Don’t forget of course to look down at the opalescent hues of the inviting Adriatic Sea. Drink in the views of the nearby island of Lokrum and the harbour as you gradually complete the circuit.
Down on the ground
Back on ground level, the alleyways with their many steps and the backstreets beg for exploration. The fish bone like layout of the Old Town means you will find it very hard to get lost. The cascade of steps found in each alleyway, along with the local cats found fast asleep and washing lines strung between each building strewn with freshly laundered clothes, means that the Old Town of Dubrovnik exudes a distinctly Italian feel. Needless to say, photo opportunities are as plentiful on ground level as they are from the walls.
On your explorations, you will also find many more shops selling local Croatian jewellery and other souvenirs, tiny local art galleries and Croatian women selling their embroidery pieces from tables shaded by large umbrellas, not to mention a very healthy smattering of restaurants. You never know what you might find when you are exploring. For instance, we stumbled across the local music school. 
With the windows above flung wide open from the heat, we were privileged to be serenaded by fantastic violin and piano classical music, and sat on a step in the shade for around half an hour listening to the free, unintentional concert blaring out above us.
Discover the Old Port
The Old Port, ideal for people watching and a perfect escape from the heat of the sun is delightfully breezy and brilliantly busy. Friendly touts for cruises to the local islands vie for business but if you aren’t interested, a polite decline is all that is needed. Boats bob happily in the crystal clear water and plenty of fish freely frolic beneath them, uncamouflaged in the clear water. It’s not surprising to spot mammoth cruise ships anchored just off shore. Venture around behind St John Fort, the towering iconic building at the very end of the Old Port and you will find several sets of steps glinting in the sun which leads down into the very inviting sea, allowing you to easily cool off in the heat of the day.
Solely a taste of the oh-so-charming Dubrovnik in Croatia, its attractions, restaurants and much more will be saved for another day. Have you visited Dubrovnik? Share your thoughts.
