Majestic is probably the best word to describe the seaside city of Dubrovnik. Its historical splendor and breathtaking physical beauty is something you need to see with your own two eyes so you can appreciate it better because postcard photos never do it any justice.
Popularly called as “The Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik truly lives up to its name. Established back in the 7th century, it has one of the best-preserved and prettiest European old towns with a spectacular coastline, and a plethora of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic historical sites to feast your eyes on as you take a stroll on the lovely cobblestone streets.
The city can be found nestled at the narrow southern tip of Croatia, a short distance away from the border with Montenegro. This is usually the starting point for most visitors travelling to Croatia or the final stop before they leave the country.
With the wide selection of wonderful attractions, it might be a bit difficult to create a list of the best spots. However, the ones below are those that you would never want to miss if you ever find yourself wandering this lovely city:
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Old City Walls and Gates
The historical center is enclosed by city walls with the height and thickness of 6 meters and a length of more than a mile. These walls have been protecting the city from invaders ever since the 10th century. Today, the walls are a good spot for taking a stroll as they offer amazing views in every direction as well as a chance for you to check out two forts and two towers along the way.
Reaching the walls is possible through Pile Gate exclusively for pedestrians. There is also a helpful orientation map posted on the wall inside. Through the centuries, Pile Gate served as the old city’s main entrance. Ploce is another gate with a beautiful design located near Asimov Tower.
Stradun
The main street of the old town, Stradun has a length of 300 meters with white limestone paving and lined with active shops and cafes. During the months of July and August, particularly once the sun sets and the place cool down a bit, the street gets filled with diners and people looking for some nightlife.
Fort of St. John
Original a critical defensive bastion found on the old town’s eastern rim, Fort of St. John is a massive structure that now serves as the home to several interesting attractions such as the Maritime Museum and the Aquarium of Dubrovnik with their amazing collection of sea horses.
Also, don’t miss the following article “Why Sail on a Bareboat Charter in Croatia?“.
Dubrovnik Cathedral
Dubrovnik Cathedral with its baroque style boasts of a marvelous interior that will surely make your eyes pop in amazement. While you are there, make sure you check out the Treasury that displays a wide array of gold and silver relics from the past centuries that play a significant role in the history of the place.
Cable Car Ride with a Grandiose View
If the walking is starting to make your legs ache, don’t forget to give them the much needed break and do it with a twist by experiencing the cable car ride that will take you up to Srd Hill. At the summit, you will find a bar with a view and a war museum. If you are up for some exercise, you can hike up the hill instead and ride the cable car as you go back down.
Fort Lovrijenac
Perched on a high rocky outcrop just outside the eastern wall of the city, Fort Lovrijenac is a fortress towering 37 meters above the seam with walls of 12 meters thick. This Gibraltar of Dubrovnik serves as a remarkable tourist attraction as well as a scenic venue for the Summer Festival of the city held every year.
Visit Museums with Dubrovnik Card
Dubrovnik has world-class museums and there are lots for you to choose from. If your goal is to go museum-hopping, it would be best to get a Dubrovnik Card good for 1 day, 3 days, or 7 days. This card allows free entrance to several museums, city walls, and galleries around the city and another museum in Cavtat, a charming nearby town.
The card also serves as a bus card that gives you free rides on the public transport of the city and coupons. The card also comes with a free guide so you will surely be getting a good value out of the money you spent for it. The Rector’s Palace, Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Maritime Museum, Ethnographic Museum, and Homeland War Museum are among the best choices you can go to explore the intriguing history of the area.
Try a Kayaking Tour
Among the coolest activities you can ever try in Dubrovnik is joining a small group snorkel and sea kayak tour. With an experienced guide as the lead, you paddle right under the old city walls and explore a cave beach where you could go snorkeling in the sparkling clear waters.
Many of the basic tours take about 3 hours at different prices so try shopping around first to find the best deal. There are also tours that paddle out to the Lokrum Island, a famous swimming spot among the locals. Don’t worry if you have never tried kayaking in the past as the whole experience flows in a relaxed pace.
Longer and more expensive kayaking tours will involve going to islands located farther out. You can ever try the gourmet food kayaking tour that runs for 4 to 5 hours. Pick up and drop off from your hotel are usually included in the price of these tours.
Without a doubt, Dubrovnik has so much in store for its visitors. Whether you are looking for an adventure-filled day or you prefer your vacation to be more laid-back and simple, you can be sure that you will get exactly just that in this city.
The next time you feel like getting away from the stress of life, give Dubrovnik a visit to replenish your energy.
