Dubrovnik

Croatia is somewhere we had wanted to visit for such a long time and we couldn’t have chosen a better place for our first visit than Dubrovnik.

We visited in October when temperatures were around 20c, which was perfect for exploring on foot. Dubrovnik is more than the iconic walled section of the city, which is actually the Old Town – the ‘New Town’ is where you will find the main harbour, plenty of places to eat, and numerous small beaches.

Something to be aware of – you may notice there are often cats sat on chairs outside restaurants and coffee shops., or lounging in the sun in a quiet spot. These are ‘stray’ cats that reside in Dubrovnik but they are well looked after by local residents/businesses, and have become part of the character of the city.

Must Dos on a Visit to Dubrovnik

Old Town

The instantly recognisable Old Town is a magical place. It is only possible to enter during certain times through one of the city gates and its pedestrianised streets make it the perfect place to wander and get lost!

Many of the buildings will be familiar from Game of Thrones as this is the setting for Kings Landing. And so there is plenty of memorabilia for sale and you can even sit on the Iron Throne!

The small Old Town harbour area is a lovely spot to sit in the sun and enjoy a bite to eat.

Walk the Walls

There is a charge to enter one of the gates that takes you up onto the walls of the Old Town, but it is well worth it. Walk the entire length to get the best experience (refreshment stops/restaurants are located along the walls), viewing the Old Town from all sides and admiting the red tile roof tops. There is little shelter from the elements, so be prepared for windy sections (see photo below!), and also protection from the sun.

Dubrovnik Cable Car

Just outside the walls of the Old Town is the Cable Car station which takes you up Srd Hill offering stunning views over the entire Old Town. Once at the top, there are various viewing areas, but also hiking trails, museum and restaurant.

Boat Trip

There are numerous small islands off the coast of Dubrovnik with boat trips available to many of these. Some are full day excursions while others take an hour or two. Most boats leave from the harbour in the Old Town and being on the water offers a totally different perspective of the city. You are also likely to pass a cruise ship moored out in the bay – these seem to arrive daily!

Beaches

Most of the accommodation is outside the Old Town and it is worth exploring this area also as there are several small beaches and restaurants. The beaches in this area tend to be pebbled, but there are plenty of opportunities for water sports, hiring seating, or just enjoying a walk along the coast.