Dubrovnik is a city in southern Croatia fronting the Adriatic Sea. Famous for its distinctive Old Town, encircled with massive stone walls completed in the 16th century. Paved with limestone, the pedestrianised Stradun (aka Placa) is lined with shops and restaurants.
Dubrovnik is iconic – a “bucket list” place that you simply have to visit at some point – and it’s popularity has grown even more since it was used for filming of the hit TV show “Game of Thrones”. And it doesn’t disappoint – it’s one of the prettiest Cities in Europe
Playwright George Bernard Shaw was enchanted by this beautiful city, about which he said “those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik”, as well as, famously, describing it as “the pearl of the Adriatic”. It really is a stunning city with an amazing Old Town, which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
As mentioned, the Old Town and its many sights (including the well-preserved city walls along which you can walk) is one of the top attractions here. If you are visiting in the summer, do not miss the world-renowned Dubrovnik Summer Festival, with music, theatre and dance performances.
The Old Town is also famous for Stradun (also known as Placa), the main thoroughfare – one of the greatest pleasures for many visitors is to have a drink in one of the nearby cafes and watch the world go by, whilst they themselves are being watched by the city patron, St. Blaise, or Sveti Vlaho as the locals call him.
Insider tip
If you have a sweet tooth take a visit to Sugar and Spice. A gorgeous little cafe/bakery whose owner is a master of cheesecake, carrot cake, banana pie and divine chocolate torte. She also makes her own jams and marmalades, and on a hot summer Dubrovnik day, her cool mint and lemon juice hits the spot.
The Top Five hotels in Dubrovnik are the Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, Excelsior, Lero, Komodor, and the Villa Dubrovnik – it’s also worth considering staying outside the City along the Coast at somewhere like Cavtat especially in High Season when it can get very busy, particularly in the Old Town.
For a great restaurant head within the Castle walls and then go up in the alleys either side of the big square – it’s quite simply a magical place to have a meal and beans on toast would taste good here – but our pick is Restaurant Dubrovnik. The Chef here Marko provides top class Dalmatian cuisine in a beautiful setting – not cheap but go on – you’re on holiday. Evenings are a great time to visit the Old Town – its lit up and quieter – people watching on the Stradun is a must.
Lokando Peskarija located on the Old Harbour near the fish market is great if you want to try Oysters which Dubrovnik is famous for.
Events and festivals
From 10 July to 25 August, the most prestigious summer festival in Croatia presents a program of theatre, opera, concerts and dance on open-air stages throughout the city. Tickets are available online, from the festival office on Placa, and on site one hour before the beginning of each performance.
Dubrovnik Summer Festival in July/August is a City wide Festival with music events taking place all over town – many in the open air. Also New Years Eve is a great time to visit when there is a massive Fireworks Display over the Castle.
Popular things to do and see and unmissable experiences
Dubrovnik’s cable car whisks you from just north of the city walls to Mt Sr? in under four minutes. At the end of the line there’s a stupendous perspective of the city from a lofty 405m, taking in the terracotta-tiled rooftops of the old town and the island of Lokrum, with the Adriatic and distant Elafiti Islands filling the horizon. Telescopes help you pick out details far, far below. There’s also a snack bar and a restaurant.
Lokrum is one of the easiest day trips to make if you’re in Dubrovnik – if you’re there, you’ll see for yourself how close the island is. It’s an ideal place for a day trip, especially so when the crowds in Dubrovnik become just a little too much – be sure to look out for the Peacocks.
The walking tours of the Old Town are a great way to get your bearings. On the one we went on we were all given headphones so we could wander a bit away from the guide and poke around the shops (we even found time to buy some Fig Jam) and then rejoin the group.
The Elafiti Islands are a small group of islands to the north of Dubrovnik, with the main three – the islands that are inhabited – being Sipan, Lopudand & Kolocep.
Any one of the three main Elafiti islands allow for a pleasant day trip, with small villages, beaches and a few architectural sights. Each also has a few cafes and restaurants for eating options. Sipan is the largest of the three, although all are reasonably quiet with only a small population.
Climate
Dubrovnik has a typical Mediterranean climate with warm dry summers and cool wet winters
Other information
- Best time of year to travel:
From June to September it is at its hottest and busiest but there is lots going on - Spring and Autumn are cooler and less busy. July/August it can get VERY busy in the Old Town and around the Harbour – try and visit early morning before the heat
- Currency: Euro or Croatian Kuna
- Flight time from UK: 3 to 3.5 hours
- Visa and passport information:
Croatia is an EU member state. You don't need a visa for tourist and business trips of up to 90 days in any 6-month period (Correct Aug 2016)