Located at the southern tip of Croatia off the Adriatic Sea, the old city of Dubrovnik, nicknamed the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is one of the most illustrious places visited in the Mediterranean Sea. Few cities offer a more immersive experience into the past, as the city of Dubrovnik was established in the 7th century on maritime trade.

With its thick medieval walls, massive gates, magnificent palaces and churches, and cobblestone streets, visitors are transported back to a time when the city was a major maritime power commanding the third largest navy in the Mediterranean.

While this beautiful city has long been a tourist destination, it’s received even more attention in the most recent years, as it is a filming location for the popular HBO series “Game of Thrones.” While there is plenty to do for those who favor history and fantasy alike, there are also ample opportunities for sightseeing and a bit of fun.

Where To Eat

Lunch

Lacroma Restaurant

With a lovely setting on the beautiful Lokrum island, this restaurant is a definite go to when visiting Dubrovnik. For all you seafood lovers, this is the place to be, with octopus salad, grilled squid, a seafood platter, and many more options at your fingertips!

BOWA Dubrovnik

Pictured above, Bowa is known for their local dishes. Featuring fresh seafood and local Croatian food, BOWA Dubrovnik is an amazing lunch place for those who are open to trying something new. Beginning with a speedboat over to the restaurant, you are immediately greeted with lovely local flavors and great service.

Dinner

Tavulin Wine & Art Bar

This cozy and tucked away bar, pictured above is the perfect option for a fun night out with friends. With a great value and delicious wine, the food pairing suggestions will make for a very enjoyable evening. With a comprehensive list of wines comes accompanying tapas, ready at your enjoyment.

Konoba Veranda

Konoba Veranda is one of the most well known and favored restaurants in Dubrovnik. Known for their local cuisine, Konoba Veranda offers a lovely view of the Adriatic Sea while you try many of their specialities, including frog legs, Croatian beef, and honey cheesecake.

Pantarul

Be sure to make reservations because the seats at Pantarul will quickly fill up! Despite how popular the restaurant may be, the staff is always extremely patient and willing to go the extra mile to make sure you have a wonderful experience at their restaurant. Pictured above, you can see the care they take with their food, and we’re sure you’ll be delighted by the flavors. 

There is so much to do and see in Dubrovnik, but try out the following experiences to get the full feel of the city. 

Dubrovnik Cable Car

Why limit yourself to sightseeing on the ground when you can do it from the inside of a cable car? The best way to enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient city is by gliding to the top of Mount Srdj on an ultramodern cable car. These cars offer visitors a quick and easy scenic route to the peak of the mountain.

At the top, you can enjoy many activities such as a souvenir shop, a small museum, hiking trails, and a panorama restaurant – which has a breathtaking view of the entire city and the surrounding sea and islands.

Stradun

Stradun is the main street in Dubrovnik Old Town, which divides the town into two close to equal parts. This beautiful street is closed to traffic, making it accessible to pedestrians only. Visitors can shop for souvenirs, enjoy an ice cream at a sidewalk cafe, or join the locals for the traditional evening stroll.

When visiting Dubrovnik, there is no way you can miss this promenade, as most routes simply lead to it.

Fort Lovrijenac

This fortress, which serves as a backdrop in some of the most memorable scenes from the “Game of Thrones” series, was constructed to repel attackers from both land and sea. Its original structure, which dates back to at least 1301, holds a triangle shape and staggered terraces to accommodate the shape of the rock underneath.

Today, pictured above, Lovrijenac is known for hosting a variety of cultural events, such as world series of cliff diving and plays including Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Where To Stay

Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik

This luxurious hotel is housed in a building from the 1890s, located just outside the city walls. While the building may be old, the amenities are not! The upscale amenities include a fitness facility, a spa, an indoor pool, two bars and a formal restaurant. Many rooms feature sea views, separate living rooms and private balconies. Make sure to book a room before they’re all gone!

Hotel Stari Grad

Located in Dubrovnik Old Town, this hotel is steps away from many tourist sights, such as the Franciscan Monastery and Onofrio’s Fountain. As pictured above, let breakfast on the rooftop terrace start your dayofff right with magnificent views. With just eight rooms available, it may be hard to score a spot at this sumptuous hotel. But, if you do, it will be well worth the efforts that got you there.

Hotel Excelsior

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Ploče, this is the hotel to come to. After a long hot day at the Banje Beach or Dubrovnik Cable Car, come on in to cool air conditioning to sit down for a nice dinner at one of the three seaview restaurants at the hotel. Whether you’re craving Thai cuisine, international fare or Croatian dishes, these restaurants will have it for you!

Dubrovnik is a magical city that anyone can enjoy, but here are some tips and tricks that will help you make the most of your experience. 

1. The unit of currency in Croatia is the Kuna. At the time this article was written, a U.S. dollar will buy about 6.4 Kunas.
2. Views from the wall are spectacular, and you’ll learn much about the colorful history of this city at your own pace. Allow at least half a day for this Dubrovnik essential, and try to start as early in the morning as possible.
3. Dubrovnik dining has become much more expensive in recent years. However, the city offers a host of vantage points for picnics that will cost you a lot less. Find a local market, assemble your portable meal, and enjoy.
4. Unlike the rest of Europe, Croatian train network is really poor, and not really a viable way to explore the country. However, bus network is extensive, awesome and reliable.
5. Vacation rentals are a great alternative to hotels, offer better value for money, and come with fully-equipped kitchen, and offer more space. Almost every family along the coast rent apartments to tourists.