*All work including photos and writing on this page is my own, except the link to the Expedia video, freely available on Youtube.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
UNESCO world heritage site
UNESCO world heritage site
Dubrovnik isn't a large city, we walked from one side to the other in under an hour, but what a city! The historic old town is contained within well maintained stone walls from the 16th century, which encompass such beauty and history in a compact area. Whether it's relaxing with a drink at one of the many cafes or entering the numerous churches, museums or taking a boat trip or kayak to nearby Lokrum Island, the old town is the centre of everything in Dubrovnik. It's beauty really spellbinds you, especially the view from the cable car or mountain roads above. Dubrovnik was aptly named by Poet Lord Byron as the Pearl of the Adriatic.
Weather
Weather in Croatia is fairly mild with January being the coldest, around 12c day time temperature, July and August over 30c. We went in March and had day time temperatures from 15-19c. The wettest time is October-December. It can get windy though. It was very quiet in March, with some hotels and restaurants closed. This suited us as we could drive to many other places with no traffic and did find enough restaurants open.
Where to stay
The old town location is by far the best area to stay in for a city break, We stayed at the Hilton Imperial, which was beautiful and right by the walls of the old town. Video below. There were other hotels by the beach further out from the old town that may be a good idea in the summer.
Food
Food in Croatia is delicious. Being close to Italy there is an Italian influence and good pizza and Pasta dishes can be found everywhere. They also have their own distinct culinary flair. My favourites were the pistacchio cakes, Dubronik macaroni, which was meat marinated in red wine with pasta as well as a lovely chicken dish I had at the Hilton with aubergines and a spinach and orange salad. Photos below.
Other specialities of course include an array of seafood as well as black risotto, Blitva (Chard with potatoes and garlic), Octopus salad, Brudet (fish stew), Peka ( A sort of tagine stew),
Other specialities of course include an array of seafood as well as black risotto, Blitva (Chard with potatoes and garlic), Octopus salad, Brudet (fish stew), Peka ( A sort of tagine stew),
Popular Restaurants
Taj Mahal (Not Indian, but Bosnian food.)
Ezza Steak and Cocktail Bar
Nautika Restautant Fine dining.
Gradska Kavana Local
Oyster and Sushi Bar Bota - Japanese
Panorama Restaurant and Bar - Seafood
Fish Restaurant Proto - Seafood
Bistro Tata's - American Fast food (There are no chain fast food restaurants in Dubrovnik, at time of writing this in 2023)
Pizzeria Papillon - Italian
Restaurant Dubrovnik - Seafood, Fine dining
Pull Over Bistro - International
Above 5 - International
Mex Cantina Bona Fide - Mexican
Hilton Imperial
What to see in Dubrovnik Day trips from Dubrovnik
Climb the walls of Dubrovnik Cable car view of the city. There are also free viewpoints on the mountain roads above Dubrovnik, almost as good. The Old Town is the main place to visit. There is a marina at the other end of town, but nothing much else to see down that end. Lokrum Island is a short boat/ferry or kayak ride from Dubrovnik. Game of Thrones fans will certainly want to go there. Mount Srd for views. Lapad Lopud Island Red History Museum Minceta Fortress Rector's Palace The Franciscan church and Monastery Sveti Jakov Beach Museum of Croatian War of Independance Copacabana Beach Sunj Beach Winery Botaro Dubrovnik Cathedral |
You will need your passport to visit Bosnia and Hercegovina as well as Montenegro and will be subject to customs inspections for tobacco and alcohol etc. Check the current limits when you travel. When travelling back from Montenegro to Dubrovnik, there is an inland route via Bosnia we took which can be much quicker than the coastal route in the summer. It takes you via the city Trebinje (A very cheap place for dinner!) Mostar and Kravice waterfalls in Bosnia and Hercegovina Split, Croatia. There is a new motorway connecting the two cities which makes it easy to do for a day trip now. Perast, Kotor and Budva in Montenegro Cavtat A pretty village for a walk just a 24 minutes drive away. Boat trips to the islands of Lopud, Sipan and Kolocep Blue cave boat trip Game of thrones tours Korcula Island Mijet National Park boat trip Panorama zip line Dubrovnik Kayaking |
Crime in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is very safe for locals and tourists. Pickpockets are the main concern as in any tourist destination. Violent crime is rare and it is safe to walk around the old town day or night. Dubrovnik is one of the safest cities in Croatia.
For more information click on Dubrovnik Tourism.
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