PRIVATE TOUR: Highlights & Hidden Gems of Dubrovnik With Locals

Exploring Dubrovnik with a Local Touch: A Close-Up of the Highlights & Hidden Gems Tour

When it comes to Dubrovnik, everyone’s eyes tend to go straight to the iconic city walls and Game of Thrones filming locations. But what if you could experience the city through the eyes of a local—beyond the tourist crowds, uncovering secret spots and stories only locals know? That’s exactly what the Private Highlights & Hidden Gems of Dubrovnik with Locals tour offers.

This roughly two-hour walk is tailored to your interests, allowing you to enjoy Dubrovnik’s main sights at your own pace while also discovering lesser-known corners. One thing we love about this experience is the personalized approach, which means your guide will customize the route based on what excites you most. A small drawback? The short duration might not be enough for those wanting an in-depth exploration of every corner, but it’s perfect if you’re pressed for time.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a flexible, intimate experience—ideal for first-timers wanting a good overview or seasoned visitors eager to find off-the-beaten-path places. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this private walk offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, storytelling, and authentic local insights.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Customizable route with a local guide tailored to your interests.
• Efficient Sightseeing: Highlights of Old Town Dubrovnik in about 2 hours, perfect for busy schedules.
• Authentic Insights: Guides provide insider stories and tips that you won’t find in guidebooks.
• Private Tour: Exclusively for your party, ensuring a relaxed, customized experience.
• Eco-Friendly: The tour’s carbon emissions are offset, making it a responsible choice.
• Great for All: Suitable for most travelers, with near public transportation access and flexible timing.

A Deep Dive into the Dubrovnik Private Tour

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The first thing that catches your attention is the private format. For around $103 per person, you’re paying for a personalized experience that emphasizes quality over quantity. With a guide dedicated solely to your group, you’ll get the chance to ask questions freely, take your time, and even adjust the route as you go.

Most reviewers praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. For instance, Darlene mentioned that Mia “was friendly, knowledgeable, and gave us the best tour we have ever had,” while others like Julia appreciated her guide Mia for her insights into both Dubrovnik’s history and the local scene, including restaurant tips and gelato stops. These small touches, like sharing where to eat or the best spots for photos, make a big difference.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Pile Gate — The main entrance to Dubrovnik, with its origins rooted in ancient Greek language, where the word “Pile” means door. This iconic gateway has welcomed travelers for centuries and offers a perfect starting point to get your bearings. It’s a free stop, so you can soak in the atmosphere and snap some photos.

Next, Rector’s Palace — A Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece built in the late 15th century, originally serving as the administrative hub. While admission isn’t included, a quick outside look reveals the grandeur of its architecture, and guides often share vivid stories about the rectors’ lives and Dubrovnik’s governance.

Stroll along Stradun — The main street, paved with limestone, runs about 300 meters through the historic core. It’s bustling, lively, and filled with cafes, shops, and street performers. Here, guides tend to focus on the vibrant atmosphere, sharing anecdotes and highlights of the city’s daily life, making this less of a tourist trap and more of a lively hub.

Optional stops — Depending on your guide, other landmarks such as Onophrios Fountain, smaller squares, or picturesque alleys might be included. Some reviewers appreciated the flexibility, noting guides tailored the route to their interests, whether historical, culinary, or scenic.

Why It Works Well

The short duration of around 2 hours is a major plus for those on tight schedules or who prefer a leisurely, quality-over-quantity stroll. Many reviews highlight how guides like Vesna, Jelena, and Mia made the tour engaging and informative without feeling rushed.

Reviewers also mention the off-the-beaten-path insights—guides showing hidden corners, sharing personal stories, or recommending local eateries. For example, one reviewer noted how their guide, Vlaho, shared insights into living and working inside the old city walls, adding authenticity to the experience.

What’s Not Included?

This tour focuses on outdoor sights — entrance tickets to attractions are not part of the package, so you’ll need to buy those separately if you wish to go inside museums or historic buildings. The tour is primarily from the outside, but this also means you avoid long lines and crowds, especially in high season.

Food and drinks aren’t included either, but your guide will likely suggest great spots for tapas, gelato, or local specialties. No hotel pickup or drop-off is offered, but the meeting point at Nautika restaurant area is easy to reach via public transportation or a short walk.

The Experience’s Environmental Commitment

One aspect that stands out is the eco-conscious approach — the tour offset its carbon emissions, which is a small yet meaningful effort that resonates with many travelers today. Knowing your sightseeing has a minimal environmental footprint adds a feel-good factor.

Authenticity and Flexibility

The reviews consistently highlight guides’ deep knowledge and personable approach. Guests praise guides like Karmen and Paolo for their humor, storytelling, and ability to tailor the tour—making it feel more like exploring with a friend than being on a strict schedule.

The Cost and Its Value

At just over $100 per person, you’re paying for an experience that combines local insight, personalized attention, and the chance to see both the highlights and secret corners of Dubrovnik. Compared to larger group tours or self-guided walks, this private tour offers more depth and the comfort of a knowledgeable guide who can answer all your questions.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who values customization and personal attention, this tour is a real winner. It’s perfect if you want a quick but meaningful overview of Dubrovnik’s main sights, coupled with insider stories that make history come alive. It caters well to first-time visitors wanting orientation, but also to seasoned travelers seeking local perspectives and hidden gems.

Because it’s a private experience, it suits couples, families, or small groups who prefer a relaxed pace and the ability to steer the route as they go. The short duration makes it ideal for travelers with tight schedules or those who prefer to combine sightseeing with other activities, like beach time or island excursions.

Final Thoughts

This private Dubrovnik tour offers a compelling mix of flexibility, authentic insights, and personal connection. You won’t be herded through crowds or stuck in large groups — instead, you get a local guide’s undivided attention, tailored to your interests. The fact that the tour is eco-conscious and organized by a B-Corp certified company adds to its appeal for socially responsible travelers.

Expect to spend around two hours wandering through historic streets, hearing stories that bring the city’s past to life. The stops are thoughtfully chosen, blending famous landmarks like Pile Gate and Rector’s Palace with lesser-known nooks. Plus, the flexibility allows for spontaneous detours, which many reviewers found to be the highlight.

In short, if you’re after a personalized, insightful, and enjoyable introduction to Dubrovnik, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s well-suited for those who want quality over quantity, and who appreciate authentic, locally led experiences that respect the environment and support sustainable tourism.

FAQ

Is this a group tour or private?
This is a private tour, so only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized experience with your guide.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it perfect for a quick overview or fitting into a busy day.

What’s included in the tour?
You get a private guide, a tailored route, and the tour’s carbon footprint is offset. It’s organized by Withlocals, a B-Corp certified organization.

Are inside visits included?
No, entrance tickets for attractions are not included. You’ll see landmarks from the outside, which helps avoid crowds and lines.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Nautika restaurant area in Dubrovnik and ends back at the same meeting point.

Can I customize the route?
Absolutely. The guide will adapt the stops based on your interests, whether you want more history, scenic views, or local tips.

Is this suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s especially good for those who prefer a flexible and intimate experience. It’s suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a personalized touch.

This Dubrovnik private tour balances history, culture, and local insights in a way that feels both enriching and relaxed. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, it’s a smart way to see the city from a fresh perspective—without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.