Dubrovnik is an absolute pearl with its wonderful marble streets and Baroque buildings, totally recovered after being bombed in 1991. You won’t be anything but awe-struck at its beauty, a medieval city perched against the Adriatic and positively beaming with charm.
How long should I go for?
Dubrovnik’s old town can be walked around in a day, so even an overnight stop can be a nice way to break up a long journey, but plan for a couple of nights to really make the most of the beautiful
Getting there:
Dubrovnik is accessible by ferry from Southern Italy, these are usually overnight ferries. You can also get to Dubrovnik by ferry from Split and other islands off the coast of Split, including Brac. Buses are the best option when travelling to Dubrovnik from other Croatian cities including Zagreb, Split and Korcula.
Dubrovnik has always been a bucket list destination for many travellers, but Game of Thrones has led to a whole new wave of visitors, flocking to see their favourite filming locations. Wander the walls of the Red keep at Lovrijenac Fort, Head up to Fort Bokar to stand on the walls of Kind’s Landing and retrace Cerci’s steps down the infamous Jesuit staircase by St. Ignatius Church. With 16 major filming locations littered around the old town, you’ll spot them as you go, making it a must-see destination for any Game of Thrones fans.
Dubrovnik is a beautiful city regardless of where you see it from, but for the best possible view head up Dubrovnik’s cable car and see it from above. Originally built in the 60s, Dubrovnik’s cable car takes you up to the top of Srd hill to the site of the old imperial fortress. From here you’ll be treated to stunning view of the old town below, surrounded by the glistening Adriatic Sea. With views stretching over 60km, this stunning panorama is not to be missed.
Inside thhe city walls, you’ll find some amazingatmospheric bars and clubs to explore. Alternatively, head to one of the beach clubs on the seafront for a more laid back setting. A few bars we’d recommend seeing are:
The ancient old town, inside the city walls is where you’ll probably spend most of your time. You’ll find most of the hsitorical buildings and Game of Thrones filming sites here. It does tend to be very expensive though, so we’d recommend heading outside the city walls for dinner.
Just outside the city walls, here you’ll find more of the modern city of Dubrovnik, and spots more popular with locals. Here you’ll find plenty of bars, restaurants and modern shops. This will probably be the first part of town you’ll see as the bus station is here.
This more laid back part of town is where you’ll find most of the beaches as well as a few chilled bars and restaurants. Again, more popular with locals, head here to miss the crowds and switch off for a bit.
This 12th Century Romanesque Catholic cathedral is truly a sight to behold. Legend has it, this was commissioned by Richard the Lionheart, who was shipwrecked in Dubrovnik in 1192 and built the cathedral to thank God for his life. Having been destroyed by an earthquake and then rebuilt in the 17th century, the cathedral remains one of the most iconic spots in Dubrovnik’s old town.
A large Baroque church in the heart of the old town has become one of the city’s most culturally significant sites. Originally built during the Venetian era as a monument to Saint Blaise, the patroon Saint of Dubrovnik. The church is filled with Romanesque artwork and has a wide terrace that makes a great place to watch the world go by.
The Dominican Monastery was built at the same time as the city walls that surround Dubrovnik and blends in nicely with it. The monastery consists of a small, Roman Catholic church, and a beautiful cloister, surrounding a courtyard filled with plants. It is also home to an impressive art collection, celebrating some of the impressive art produced in Dubrovnik throughout the 15th and 16th centuries.
