Ah, Dubrovnik. An amazing Croatian city with a wide variety of options to suit every mood, taste and budget. Also one of the most popular destinations on Expat Explore tours to this region of Europe. In Dubrovnik you can find ancient forts, marbled streets, Baroque buildings and the Adriatic coastline, along with an abundance of historical, scenic and cultural wonders to behold.
The city has had more than its fair share of disasters over the centuries, but despite its turbulent history, Dubrovnik has consistently emerged from the ashes, much like the fabled Phoenix, to become a world-class travel destination that has much to offer visitors. Revamped landmarks, a picturesque coastline, an inviting Mediterranean ambience and a culture that is both rich and fascinating.
Fondly dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, the city was founded in the 7th Century, and has seen Hungarian and Venetian rule over the ages. Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, this ancient city has retained much of its original charm, despite its turbulent past. If you are not convinced yet, here are some of the best things you can expect to find in Croatian city of Dubrovnik!
The Old City Walls. Built in the 10th Century, with modifications done in the 13th and 14th Centuries, these walls span over six metres high and two metres long, with a thickness of six metres that further adds to their sheer magnitude. Here, you can also visit the Minceta and Bokar Towers, plus Lovrjenac and Revelin Forts. A small admission fee is charged to enter this landmark but it’s a must-see!
The Stradun of Dubrovnik. A vast, open pedestrian thoroughfare, this is the best place to indulge in some people watching as you sit at one of the little cafes or restaurants nearby. It spans over 300 metres in length and is covered with white limestone paving. The Stradun dates back to 1468, but some parts were damaged in the earthquake of 1667, with repairs done in the 17th Century.
Dubrovnik churches. There are many fascinating, old churches to be found, which are lovely to see from the outside or visit during Mass. The Baroque church is especially interesting, with a 15th Century Gothic statue of St Blaise found on the main church altar and a rich history dating back through the ages. The Dubrovnik Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St Dominic’s Church are also worth visiting if you have time.
The Dubrovnik Cable Car. And its one of the best ways to view the Old City walls and the surrounding city while also enjoying spectacular views on the way up and on the way back down. There is a café at the top where you can have refreshments, while needless to say, photo opportunities abound here.
Crowd-free Lokrum Island. One of the loveliest small islands on the Dalmatian coast, this popular island(among others) is about 600 metres offshore and is accessible by boat. There is an ancient monastery that was converted into a restaurant, walking trails and beautiful gardens built when Mexican Emperor Maximilian made a summer home in this region. Lokrum Botanical Garden is also worth visiting – the garden is famous for its resident peacocks. The boat trip to Lokrum lasts about ten minutes and you can purchase tickets from where the boat departs in the Old City Harbour.
The Fort of St John. The locals call it the Fort of St Ivan, but whatever name you use, this landmark is well worth a visit. It is located on the eastern edge of the Old Town, with some attractions that include the Maritime Museum of Dubrovnik and Aquarium of Dubrovnik.
The Rector’s Palace and Cultural Historical Museum. Created in the 1400s, this building houses a beautiful museum and is spectacular in its own right. A combination of late Gothic and early Renaissance influences give it a magical quality; the building has survived gunpowder explosion, fire and an earthquake in its time. The museum houses many art and cultural artefacts, including work from Venetian and Dalmatian masters.
Food, glorious food! From seafood to Italian, Dalmatian, Balkan and Mediterranean, Dubrovnik cuisine is an absolute feast of flavours. There are many great restaurants scattered throughout the city, along with cafes and eateries alongside squares and other tourist areas. Foods to try include pasta such as black risotto or Dalmatian style spaghetti, iron bell baked meats and vegetables, and the famous local delicacy Dubrovački Rozata (a crème caramel pudding). Fresh Croatian fruit like apples, oranges and grapefruit can also be bought throughout the year.
Beautiful Dubrovnik beaches. Not in the mood for anything more strenuous than a good book, some sunshine and perhaps a dip in the ocean? There are a number of famous (and more secluded) beaches to get your tan on. Beaches Banje and Uvala Lapad are located close to the old town while Buza beach is more unconventional and can only be located through the holes in the old wall. While there make your way to Buza Bar. It’s one of the most beautiful bars in Dubrovnik and is also known as the “Hole-in-the-wall”. Copacabana beach is a popular pebble beach that offers a water park with various water activities. These beautiful beaches are ideal for relaxation, with azure waters, white sands and minimal crowds.
Dubrovnik has something for everyone, and its definitely a bucket list destination. We can list another 100 amazing things that you can find in Dubrovnik – these are just our favourite picks!
The best news of all of this is that you can get to Dubrovnik for a cheap cheap price. Expat Explore is launching a brand new tour and sales will open at heavily discounted prices. Only subscribers will get access to these prices for a limited amount of time. You can subscribe with your email address (we hate spam) and follow the emails to get notified when we launch. Exploring Paradise with Expat Explore has never been this exciting!
Have you ever been? Tell us about your experience was like in the comment section below. We’d love to hear more!