The Croatian metropolis of Dubrovnik could have skilled a surge in reputation in latest years, nevertheless it has held a really particular place in my coronary heart for a very long time, ever since I first visited in 2001. Back then, it was nonetheless recovering from the results of the Croatian War of Independence, which had occurred some 10 years prior, and the Old Town was a battle-scarred but comparatively peaceable place to wander, slowly rebuilding itself. Walking across the Old City partitions (which have been free on the time), peering over mismatched tiles and gappy rooftops that grinned up at me like an outdated girl’s smile, I used to be struck by the exceptional resilience of this metropolis and its folks, by how imposing and enduring these partitions are. Pandemics, fires, earthquakes, battle—Dubrovnik has weathered all of them. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, wider forces are at play to hold town protected and peaceable, preserving its many treasures for future generations.
And what treasures it has. Wandering by the Old Town seems like getting into one huge open-air museum. Add to this some distinctive native eating places, excellent boutique resorts, and a smattering of intimate wine bar—and also you’re taking a look at a successful vacation spot. I’ve been again many occasions since my first go to, and there are at all times new issues to do in Dubrovnik—tradition vultures will love the museums, avenue festivals, and wealthy historical past; beach lovers could have loads of bays to discover; movie buffs will acknowledge the various set places; while the extra adventurous can hike the quite a few mountain trails and pine-scented paths that wind by the encircling panorama.
How many days do you want in Dubrovnik?
I’ve met many individuals who swear by the lengthy weekend method, feeling that three days is ample to see all the things town has to supply. For me, that wouldn’t be fairly sufficient since you’d miss out on the various day journeys you may take from right here—Ston, Konavle, the Elaphiti Islands, even down to Herceg Novi, Kotor, and Perast in Montenegro. But it actually depends upon which season you come, in fact. Many folks go to in the summer time for a beach vacation, staying in Lapad or one of many resorts outdoors town partitions, and solely sometimes dipping into the Old Town for the eating places and museums. Such a rhythm might simply fill one or two weeks—longer nonetheless, if the temper takes you.
Winter presents a wholly completely different proposition: the climate may be genuinely difficult, with torrential downpours and storms that really feel nearly apocalyptic. Yet it is also town’s most tranquil and intimate season. A weekend could be completely suited to savoring the atmospheric bars and eating places, searching the Christmas markets, and maybe visiting a museum or two. The Old Town is magical and largely quiet throughout this time, and seems like a cozier place to keep than outlying areas.
The reply, subsequently, depends upon which season you come, and what you’re in want of. Whether it’s in summer time’s peak or in winter’s most laid-back and romantic months, you definitely gained’t go away dissatisfied.
Is there a lot to do in Dubrovnik?
There are sufficient issues to do in Dubrovnik to fill a number of days, notably when you’re inclined to discover additional afield with excursions to the encircling cities and villages. The Old Town itself may be seen over a few leisurely days—it is compact sufficient so all the things of observe lies inside comfy strolling distance. You’ll discover a wide selection of museums and galleries alongside town’s most vital historic landmarks.
From there, the chances are countless: take a ship journey to the close by islands, go mountaineering across the peninsula, or make a journey to Konavle for wine tasting and conventional village life, and Ston for oysters and medieval partitions.
Best issues to do in Dubrovnik
1. Walk the Old City Walls
Walking across the outdated metropolis partitions is a must-do expertise in Dubrovnik. These formidable fortifications rise to a powerful 82 ft in locations, testomony to town’s strategic significance by the centuries. The 1.25-mile circuit presents a glimpse into the previous and breathtaking views over the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea, extending out to Lokrum and the Elaphiti Islands. Wear smart footwear, take loads of water (or refill on the outdated fountain close to Pile Gate entrance), and, when you’re visiting in summer time, go in the early morning (8 a.m.) or late afternoon to keep away from the crowds and warmth.
When you’re carried out, wander across the limestone alleys in the Old Town itself and get misplaced in the backstreets (it’s the place all of the cool cats hang around, fairly actually). Admire the elegant structure alongside the Stradun—town’s grand important thoroughfare—earlier than stepping contained in the cathedral and Franciscan monastery, residence to certainly one of Europe’s oldest functioning pharmacies. Cap all of it off with a well-earned beer at Buža Bar, dramatically perched simply beneath the traditional partitions themselves. The views are notably beautiful at sundown.
2. Lokrum Island
Regular boats ply the route between the outdated harbor and Lokrum Island. The scenic experience whisks you from metropolis life to an island nature reserve—excellent for a day’s exploring. Check out the Benedictine monastery ruins, swim in the Dead Sea lake, spot the wild peacocks, and see the Iron Throne reproduction from Game of Thrones earlier than heading again to the outdated city in time for supper.