If you ask me about the most unique places I’ve visited, Dubrovnik has to be at the top of the list. Here you can truly feel that main character energy while walking through the beautiful streets of the Old Town, which are not only full of history but also set the scenery for some iconic scenes in Game of Thrones and James Bond films.
I spent 3 full days in Dubrovnik and took my time exploring the Old Town and the surroundings, indulging in the food and culture, and relaxing at some fantastic beaches.
Discover the Rich History of Dubrovnik
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I tend to explore most places independently on my trips and do some research beforehand, but in some places, I just feel like a local guide is the best way to go. It was great getting to know a bit more in-depth about Dubrovnik’s history with my guide Ermina, but even better to listen to her stories and lived experiences as a local. Here are a few things I learned about Dubrovnik:
- The beautiful Old Town was built in the 14th century and functioned as an independent republic for 500 years, resisting the Venetians and Ottomans until it was invaded by Napoleon’s army.
- The city was also under Austrian rule until WWI. After that, Croatia was formed, and it became part of Yugoslavia, the land of the South Slavs.
- Dubrovnik suffered significant damage twice in history: during the 1667 earthquake and the bombings of 2/12/1991.
- Houses, shops, and churches were rebuilt using the original stones when possible, maintaining the city’s uniform architecture.
- The green window shutters are a government mandate to preserve the traditional façades.
Despite all this turmoil, the fortress has kept the city strong and it is one of the things that makes Dubrovnik so fascinating – the fact that the Old Town is enclosed in the City Walls.
Top Things to Do in Dubrovnik
I highly recommend the walk on the City Walls, as I don’t think there are a lot of places in the world where you can go around a whole town on a medieval wall and you will also have amazing views. And since the Old Town itself is a bit of a labyrinth, there are quite a few things I only discovered after looking from above.
While the Old Town is free to walk in and the gate is open 24 hours, the City Walls tour costs 35€ and is available only during the day. It takes about two hours to complete the walk, especially if you enjoy taking your time to look around and take photos. Alternatively, consider purchasing the Dubrovnik Pass if you’re planning to visit multiple museums in the Old Town.
Besides all the cultural activities in the Old Town make sure you also:
- Visit Bellevue Beach, one of the nicest beaches around. Look for Hotel Rixos on Google Maps and as you find the beach club, take the pathway in the opposite direction, to the left side. Then you will see a set of stairs leading to the beach.
- Check out Banje Beach just outside the Old Town. It has a beach club and, while it can get packed, offers an epic view of the Old Town wall and Lokrum Island.
- Watch a sunset from Srđ Hill for breathtaking views of the Old Town and the Adriatic islands. Use the cable car or get an Uber to the top.
- There are also many fun boat and kayaking tours along the coast and to the island of Lokrum are also available.
Where to eat and drink in Dubrovnik?
Due to historical ties with the Venetian Empire, Croatian cuisine is heavily influenced by Italian flavours. On top of that, the coastal location makes Dubrovnik a prime destination to enjoy some fresh seafood. Also to note that during the day, between sightseeing and going to the beach, I opted for quicker meals. You can find lots of sandwiches, pizza or salad bowls in cafés across the Old Town. The best tip is to explore the backstreets to avoid the pricier options on the Stradun (main street). My top recommendations are:
- For a fantastic dinner with live music, visit Dubravka 1836, just outside the main gates of the Old Town
- For some mouthwatering seafood, try Proto and make sure you also ask for a table on the terrace as the ambience is magnificent
- To experience pasta with traditional Croatian flavours, try the Šporki Makaruli at Heritage of Dubrovnik is a must-try
- I also did my fair share of ice cream sampling and the best I came across was Peppino’s Gelato Garden
- Go for a drink at the not-so-hidden cliff-side bar called Buža. You can even descend the stairs to enjoy a little dip in the sea while there and it offers great sunset views.
Useful tips for Dubrovnik
It is understandable that Dubrovnik is an extremely busy destination, more so because tourists tend to concentrate on the Old Town. Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:
- Avoid the Old Town between 11 am to 5 pm. It gets super busy so my best advice is to head to the beach during those times. Or, even doing a boat activity at these times.
- Consider staying outside the Old Town for more affordable accommodation. It was also a bit sad to hear from our guide that many locals have moved out of the Old Town because of the increased prices with the numerous holiday rentals. Plus, Ubers are so cheap and easy to get.
- Explore more of the back streets which are great to discover hidden restaurants. These are usually less busy and not as overpriced as the ones in the Stradun.
In a previous article, I described my ten-day itinerary for visiting Croatia. It was truly incredible to have the opportunity to visit most of the country’s main destinations, but I’d still visit Croatia again in a heartbeat. There were cities like Pula left to see and I’d love to spend some time doing island hopping. Even Dubrovnik, where I think I covered most attractions, I would still come back to enjoy this atmosphere. The evenings were my favourite, strolling in the Old Town when it’s much calmer or having dinner outside in terrace restaurants. That’s the good life!
