Nestled along the stunning southern coastline of Croatia, Dubrovnik is a city that blends rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and an unmistakable charm. Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” this city attracts travelers from all over the world with its ancient stone walls, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a history buff, a beach lover, or an avid Game of Thrones fan, Dubrovnik offers something for everyone.
PLACES TO VISIT:
- City Walls are one of Dubrovnik’s most famous attractions. Stretching over 2 kilometers, these defensive walls encircle the Old Town and offer unparalleled views of the Adriatic Sea, terracotta rooftops, and the city’s ancient architecture. Walking along the walls is a must-do activity for visitors, as it allows you to see Dubrovnik from every angle. The walk takes approximately 1.5 to two hours, and there are three entry points at Inner Pile Gate, St. Lucas Fortress and St. John’s Fortress. Every angle put me in such awe with all the orange rooftops! Simply breathtaking!
- Old Town —the wide limestone main street lined with cafes, shops, and churches. Spend a day exploring Dubrovnik’s Old Town. A stroll through the pedestrian maze of limestone alleys is like a step back in time. The medieval city is home to plenty of sights, easily discovered by aimless wanders including Loggia Square, Onofrio Fountain, Rector’s Palace, Jesuit Stairs (Cersei’s Walk of Shame), Dubrovnik Cathedral, Pile Gate & Ploče Gate and the Stradun (main boulevard).
- Rector’s Palace – this stunning Renaissance Gothic palace dates back to the mid-15th century. Today, a museum sits inside The Rector’s Palace. It’s a stunning setting to stroll amongst the stone archways, colonnades and carved pillars.
- Cavtat – A seaside village located approximately 18 km from Dubrovnik, reachable via a 45-minute ferry ride. The historic waterfront is lined with picturesque churches, al fresco dining and tiny shops – a serene spot to grab dinner on a summer evening.
- Banjee Beach – Dubrovnik’s main beach is one of the prettiest in the country, thanks to its spectacular views of Old Town. Banje Beach sits just south of the city walls, a five-minute walk from Ploče Gate. The beach is large, but it does get busy, especially during the summer months. For a spectacular view of Old Town and the Adriatic, stop for a photo at the top of the steps that lead down to the beach. It’s one of my favorite views in Dubrovnik.
- Buza Bars I & II – Built into the cliffs below the medieval walls, the city’s two Buza Bars are lovely spots to grab a cold beer on a summer day. The bars sits tucked away in the same back corner of Old Town. Holes in the wall (literally) lead to small passageways that open up to sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea where white umbrellas are scattered up the cliff. Grab a table and watch the cliff jumpers plunge anywhere from 20 to 60 feet into the water. A great spot for a swim.
- Lovrijenac – Also known as St. Lawrence’s Fortress, Lovrijenac is a spectacular fortification that sits atop jagged cliffs 37-meters above the sea. The fortress peninsula faces the city walls, providing a great vantage point for photos of Old Town.
- Lokrum Island-Lokrum Island is a lovely day trip destination from Dubrovnik. Ferries leave twice an hour from Porporela, located just outside of the Old Town walls, and it’s about a 20-minute journey. The island is small, home to a Benedictine Monastery, Dead Sea swimming hole and botanical garden, all reachable on foot. If those sound underwhelming, the real reason to visit is the Adriatic coastline, riddled with rocks and swim ladders for an idyllic day of sunbathing. This is also where the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones resides.
- Mount Srd – Visit the top of Mount Srd. for panoramic views over all of Dubrovnik. There is a hiking trail that starts just outside of the Old Town city walls that is free of charge, or there is a gondola that can be accessed via a paid admission ticket. I recommend hiking up in the morning before it gets too hot, and then taking the gondola down. We opted out of the hike and took the Cable Car up and down and the views were breathtaking. I highly recommend this above all! This experience was one of a kind and the views from the Cable Car are so unreal, pure beauty. Also, Panorama Restaurant is located at the top of the mountain so it’s a great way to have a midday drink and soak in the breathtaking views – truly dining with a view.
- Sulic Beach – Sulic Beach is far less popular than Banje Beach, but it’s much more atmospheric. The tiny beach sits in a medieval nook, tucked away below Lovrijenac. It feels like taking a dip in 13th century Croatia.
- West Habor – The stunning West Harbor sits just outside the city walls, a short stroll from Pile Gate. This area is home to some of my favorite views of Old Town’s city walls, Lovrijenac and an iconic Game of Thrones filming location.
RELAXING ON THE ADRIATIC
While Dubrovnik’s history and culture are its main drawcards, the city is also a haven for relaxation and natural beauty. The Adriatic coastline is stunning, with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. You can escape the crowds by heading to Banje Beach, which offers spectacular views of the Old Town and the island of Lokrum. For a more peaceful retreat, take a short boat ride to the nearby Lokrum Island, a lush nature reserve with secluded beaches, ancient ruins, and a peaceful botanical garden.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous escape, the Elaphiti Islands lie just off the coast of Dubrovnik. These small, idyllic islands are perfect for a day trip, offering quiet beaches, charming villages, and hiking trails with panoramic views of the Adriatic.
A GAME OF THRONES FANTASY COME TO LIFE
Dubrovnik gained global fame as the primary filming location for King’s Landing in the wildly popular TV series Game of Thrones. Fans of the show will recognize many iconic spots around the city. The Fort Lovrijenac, perched on a cliff just outside the Old Town, served as the Red Keep, while the Stradun and Pile Gate featured prominently in various scenes.
For those looking to delve deeper into the world of Westeros, guided walking tours are available, taking visitors to the most famous filming locations. These tours provide a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how the series was made, and how Dubrovnik’s ancient streets and buildings were transformed into the backdrop of this epic tale.
DUBROVNIK RESTAURANTS
Croatian cuisine is a delightful mix of Mediterranean flavors, and Dubrovnik’s restaurants serve up some of the freshest seafood in the region. There are no shortage of eateries in Dubrovnik. From seafood cuisines to gelato before dinner, you will always be in the mood for something delicious. Here is a round up of some of my favorites:
- Poklisar Restaurant
- Gradska Kavana Arsenal
- Nico’s
- Panorama Restaurant – Mount Srd.
- TuttoBene
- Proto Fish Restaurant
- Nautika Restaurant
- Peppino’s Gelato Factory
- Aroma Gelato
- D’vino Bar – a beautiful wine bar hidden near an alleyway around the corner from our Airbnb. The service was exceptional and the staff were so friendly. Every evening, we stopped by for a glass or two and really got to experience a great time with the locals and learn about the Croatian wines. I highly recommend D’vino.
WHEN TO VISIT
Dubrovnik is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are thinner. The summer months, the hottest months (July and August) see the city at its busiest, as tourists flock to the city to soak in the sun. However, even during peak season, Dubrovnik’s beauty and charm never fail to captivate. We traveled to Dubrovnik in early August and although it was hot for us, the crowds were manageable.
WHERE TO STAY
This one-bedroom apartment is located up the steps on the climb to Lady Pi-Pi. The Airbnb rental is beautiful. It sits inside a 17th century building, featuring exposed stone walls, modern furnishings and lovely decor. An absolute gem in Old Town. It is convenient and easy accessible to all the Old Town sites. Daniela was an amazing host and made sure we were doing ok. She’s very responsive and also provided us with a lot of her favorite and local restaurants. Thank you Daniela for being an incredible host.
Apart from our Airbnb, there are plenty of Airbnb’s and hotels to choose from. If you decide to stay outside the City Walls and Old Town you will find many selections of hotels, however if you want to stay within the City walls, your options are an Airbnb that is available. Also note, if you are traveling peak season, reserve your Airbnb as early as possible as these do get booked up months in advance.
PSA: I do not recommend Dubrovnik if you have mobility issues as there are plenty of stairs everywhere. It is very similar to Positano within Old Town and the City Walls. Although, we saw a few families with strollers, keep in mind City Walls are very narrow and the best way to explore the walls is with a baby carrier vs a stroller. There are too many stairs to climb where a stroller will ruin the experience.
Dubrovnik Motto: “Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro”, which means “Liberty is not sold for all the gold in the world.”
Dubrovnik has quickly become one of my favorite cities in Europe. Farewell Dubrovnik, until next time! <3