Lord Byron did not exaggerate at all when he called Dubrovnik “the pearl of the Adriatic”. This beautifully preserved Baroque town is truly uniquely charming. When you get here, you will understand what captivated the creators of “Game of Thrones” and the UNESCO committee at the same time.
Today the city has become even more attractive for tourists, but now because of its unusual cafes, bars and restaurants.
That’s why Dubrovnik is a great option for a weekend getaway. Its compactness means that you can spend almost all your free time walking along its narrow cozy streets and without thinking about the need to rush somewhere.
The days when Croatia Airlines were a monopoly are long gone: today getting to Croatia is very easy and cheap. If you’re staying longer, don’t worry, you’ll find plenty to do – there are several islands near the city that are definitely worth seeing.
Things to do
Dubrovnik itself is an open-air museum. The Baroque buildings are in excellent condition despite their age. All of them date back to the time of the Republic of Ragusa, but are perfectly preserved to this day.
You can see the old town on foot, but first it’s better to take the cable car up Mount Srđ. From here you can see beautiful views, and here you can learn about how Dubrovnik withstood numerous sieges and attacks.
Another must-do is to take a 2km walk around the city (if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you can now make your own route around King’s Landing). So you will see all the architectural power of Dubrovnik and its numerous cafes, bars and shops that only emphasize and decorate this power.
Needless to say that the history of the city deserves special attention. And first of all, buildings speak about this. Start with the churches, the most important are the following: Dubrovnik Cathedral, Dominican and Franciscan monasteries. Another important cathedral is the Cathedral of Saint Blaise. This is where the monument to the city’s patron saint is located.
You can continue the route through the Retor’s Palace, which was once the residence of the rulers. There are regular tours and other cultural events here that highlight the life that once was here.
You can complete the route at Banje Beach, which offers a beautiful view of the old city.
Where to eat
Seafood is the main trump card of Croatian cuisine. The menu of many restaurants includes white fish, sea bass, as well as squid, langoustines and lobsters. The best complement to seafood would be a bottle of local Malvasia wine.
Restaurants in the Prijeko area are best avoided, they are more touristy. For the best seafood, your best bet is to head to the neighboring town of Ston. It is also worth paying attention to the cafe in the Orsan area.
If you don’t really like fish and seafood, pay attention to the chicken dishes on the menu.
Where to spend the evening and night
The narrow streets of the old town in the harbor area are full of cozy bars. For an unusual cocktail and a good view, you should go to 360 Degrees, which is located in one of the oldest fortresses in the city.
Also a good option is the Buza bar, which translates as “hole”. And this name is no coincidence: the bar is located within the strong walls of the old city.
When the bars start to close, move to the club. Capitano attracts a younger crowd. The establishments on Banje Beach have a more respectable clientele. If you want something even more luxurious, then go to Culture Club Revelin. Celebrities such as Fatboy Slim, Boy George and Carl Cox came here.
Where to stay
Hotels can be expensive in Dubrovnik, especially in the old town area. If you’re up for a spontaneous booking, try finding accommodation near the port or bus station. You can bargain here, but you have to pay in cash.
A good option is Fresh Sheets, it is located in the very heart of the old city. Another option is the Adriatic Luxury Hotel, rooms here are usually more expensive, but try to find out the price at the last minute or wait for a special offer.
Source: roughguides.com
