For a change from the ancient and the artsy, try this excellent gallery, managed by former photojournalist Wade Goddard. The award-winning photos on display here concentrate on the subtleties of human violence rather than on its carnage. The permanent exhibition focuses on the Balkan wars but temporary exhibits will include other wars.

This elegant 15th-century building was erected on the site of an old fort in order to house the rector, Dubrovnik's ruler. Though predominantly Gothic, it also contains Renaissance elements, particularly in the lavishly sculptured capitals on the exterior porch.

Despite the mixture of styles, it retains a striking compositional unity. The interior atrium features a splendid baroque staircase and a statue of Miho Pracat, who bequeathed one tonne of gold to the Republic and was the only commoner in the 1000 years of its existence to be honoured with a statue (1638). The rest of the palace contains the rector's office and private chambers, as well as public halls and administrative offices. Interestingly, the elected rector was not permitted to leave the building during his one-month term without the permission of the senate. The palace is now a museum, with artfully restored rooms, portraits, coats of arms and coins, all of which evoke the glorious history of Dubrovnik.

Taking in the great views on a leisurely walk around some of the finest, most intact ancient walls in the world is a highlight of any Dubrovnik visit. Gradually fortified between the 13th and 16th centuries, the walls were built up to contain the entire town within a 6m (20ft)-thick (land side), 2km (1.2mi)-long, 25m (82ft)-high curtain of stone.

The Serbian Orthodox Church (Muzej Pravoslavne Crkve) dates from 1877 and contains a fascinating collection of icons dating from the 15th to the 19th century. In addition to portraits of the biblical family originating in Crete, Italy, Russia and Slovenia there are several portraits by the illustrious Croatian painter Vlaho Bukovac.

This vast monastery, which stretches from Placa to the Minčeta Tower, is one of Dubrovnik's most cherished sights. It was begun in the 14th century, Dubrovnik's 'Golden Age', but most of it was destroyed in the 1667 earthquake. Much of what you see dates from the 17th-century reconstruction.

Inside the monastery complex is the mid-14th-century cloister, one of the most important late-Romanesque structures in Dalmatia. The rows of double arches create a hypnotically beautiful effect. Further inside you'll find the third-oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe. In business since 1391, it may have been the first pharmacy in Europe to open to the general public. Before leaving, visit the monastery museum , with its collection of relics, liturgical objects, paintings, gold work and pharmacy items such as laboratory gear and medical books.

Every night the disco in this complex has a different theme, from karaoke to belly dancing, as well as Latino nights, disco and house tracks. It can chew through your wallet pretty quickly unless you just come for a romantic cocktail on the roof terrace. It's swanky at weekends so don your best rags for Saturday night.

This place has been the hippest bar in Dubrovnik for years. The locals find it expensive but fashionistas from Zagreb have it on their must-visit list. The owner, Marko, is a former Eurovision champ, jazz lover and musician. If he's not playing with his own group, there's sure to be a guest band to keep things sizzling.

Placa is one of the world's most beautiful streets and this cafe is the best place to kick back and enjoy the view. The interior is also inviting and if your day of sightseeing has been interrupted by bad weather then this is the perfect place to slink into and sink a few.

The menu is small but the portions are huge at this animated hangout. Known for its mussels, it's often so crowded with locals at lunchtime you'll have to sit on the outdoor terrace. That's no hardship as you'll be looking out on one of Dubrovnik's more scenic squares.

Located on the Old Harbour right next to the fish market, you'll feast on the freshest catch here. Locals tuck in to a hearty plate of fried sardines and finish with a rozata Dubrovnik (flan) for dessert. The interior is suitably atmospheric and from the outside tables you can watch the boats come and go over a glass of good local wine.

This elegant restaurant offers good but expensive dining and a spectacular view over the sea. It's class all the way with an emphasis on dressed up seafood dishes. The staff are also dressed up - in period costume. But the best item on the menu is the undressed oysters from the nearby Pelješac Peninsula. A good vegetarian selection is also available.