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Surrounded by the shimmering Adriatic Sea, the historic currents are tangible in Dubrovnik’s Old City recognizable the second you enter this former city-state through Pile Gate. While much of what you see today is the result of arduous reconstruction following an earthquake in 1667, you’ll still get instantly swept up in entirely new dimensions unlike those you may have experienced in other parts of Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic. The stoic, medieval, Baroque, and whimsical. Of course, you can expect to see throngs of tourists any time you visit along with airy cafes spilling out onto the jabbering streets – neither of which distracts from the timeless charm of this Old City with over 1400 years of stories to tell. Trust us – there is room here for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts and tourists alike!
You can easily spend a few days leisurely exploring Dubrovnik’s Old City. But for those who only have one full day to spare, here are the most show-stopping features of this Southern European playground you won’t want to skip. You’ll want to see the historic, the unique, the romantic and the notable. The following belong on all traveler’s Dubrovnik Old City itinerary:
For those looking to experience Dubrovnik in a small group, you can admire spots like the Franciscan Monastsery and D’Onofrio’s fountain on this city tour or join a Game of Thrones-themed experience. You can also do like we did and stroll around at your own pace! Whatever your preference, you’ll be wholeheartedly impressed.
Walk Along the Iconic City Walls
The medieval Croatian city of Dubrovnik rises from the Adriatic with a Gothic effect, and its crumbling cobblestoned Old City is studded with centuries-old churches and inviting gelaterias. You’ve likely seen it in pictures – now go and walk the walls and find out all about this fabled maritime republic.
Going out on a rampart walk aka walking the city walls is one of the best ways to understand this place and to get an idea of the layout of the old town. On this estimated 1.2-mile walk around the city’s perimeter, you’ll be able to see some of Dubrovnik’s most celebrated landmarks. Start by first purchasing an entrance ticket at the ticket counter located near to the Pile Gate entrance. Then, walk up the nearby stairs and enjoy an impressive birds-eye view of the Stradun, the stone-paved, main thoroughfare running through the Old City. Navigate your way around the walls passing moats, towers, Dubrovnik’s Old Harbour and lots of postcard perfect lookout points. Peak down into medieval alleyways, peer out across the glistening Adriatic Sea and climb the narrow steps of the sturdy Minčeta Tower, nearly 8- feet tall and the highest point in Dubrovnik, to see the town spread below, rimmed by several pine-shaded coves that entice swimmers of all ages.
Things to know before you walk the walls
- The first of Dubrovnik’s city walls were constructed in the 9th century, with defenses being fortified in the 14th century, and forts added to protect against Turkish attacks in the 15th century. These fortresses can be observed as you walk the walls and your city wall admission ticket will give you access to Fort Lovrijenac, one of the city’s most fascinating fortresses and filming location from Game of Thrones.
- Access to the city walls is available daily from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is granted via two historic gates, Pile and Ploce. Pile is more popular among tourists so you can get a jump on the crowds by starting your stroll at Ploce.
- The walk can be harder than it appears. It also provides little shelter and can be notoriously hot on sunny days, so prepare for scorching weather and bring plenty of water and be sure to stop and rest as needed or try to avoid walking the walls in the afternoon sun.
Sip a Cocktail or Dive into the Sea at a Cliff Bar
Lively cliff bars make for epic drink spots, and no one does it better than the scenic Buza Bars. You’ll find two Buza Bars in Dubrovnik. Buza Bar II is bigger, more mellow and more romantic. Buza Bar I is smaller, hipper and tends to be less crowded. We spent most of our time at Buza Bar I, the smaller of the two. We noticed the bar was dog-friendly and even though we only ordered one drink and really were keener to swim and sunbathe, no one bothered us or rushed us out. If you plan to do more swimming and lounging than drinking, we recommend you plan to post up cliff side as opposed to occupying one of the few tables available. Leave those for customers who plan to sip and spend more.
Both open-air bars are built into the outside of the fortress walls. While visiting, if you get too hot or too lit you can jump off a cliff into the shimmering Adriatic Sea below. Come here to relax and catch a reprieve from the Dalmatian sun. Sip adult beverages and enjoy intoxicating views over the ocean and of Lokrum island.
These are very popular spot to catch the sunset so plan to arrive early if that’s your MO or do like we did and visit mid-day for drinks and swimming.
Getting to Buza Bar II:
From the Jesuit Church or Gundulic Square follow signs that read “cold drinks”. Be prepared to get lost and turned around a few times before you find the secret passageway carved into the city walls. “Buza” literally translates to “hold in the wall” and that is how you will reach this spot. You’ll likely see others flocky to the spot and if so, you’ll know you’re in the right place!
Getting to Buza Bar I:
Also start at the Jesuit Church and follow signs that read “cold drinks”. When you are on the walkway that runs along the inside of the city’s outer wall, turn left instead of right. You’ll find a hold in the wall and graffiti that reads “no toples no nudist”. You’ve arrived.
Shop at the Gunduliceva Poljana Market
Behind the Cathedral, Gundulic Square is the site of Gunduliceva Poljana, a lively fresh produce market every morning except Sunday. This morning market in Gundulic Square has everything fresh from the field and orchard. When we visited, we found zingy olive oils alongside earthy honey, bottles of lavender lotion and tables laden with locally grown cherries. It’s a great place to take in the more organic sights and sounds of the city.
- Gundulic square is named after the 17th century poet, Ivan Gundulic. You’ll find a statue of Ivan here.
- The steps lead from the south side of the square to the imposing bulk of the Jesuit church; daily open 7am to 8 pm (Free) which was completed in 1725.
Visit Game of Thrones Filming Sites
Game of Thrones (GOT) Fans, expect to see and do everything through the lens of the show while in Dubrovnik. This is a fantasy world for you (fans of GOT)! The Old City is entirely of GOT fame. You’ll recognize it as the fortress of Westros, which was featured prominently as the capital city in King’s Landing and Qarth.
Here are some other memorable GOT filming spots around the Old City worth checking out:
Uz Jezuite
The stairs connecting to the St Ignatius of Loyola Church – These grand, sweeping stairs, modeled after the Spanish Steps in Rome, are the starting point for the memorable naked walk by Cersei Lannister through town. Start at the top and walk down to the church to take your own Walk of Shame.
The City Walls
Tyrion Lannister commanded the defense of King’s Landing from these sea-facing city walls during the Battle of the Blackwater. And the Minčeta Tower in the City Walls was where Daenery’s dragons were held captive.
Lovrijenac Fortress (or Fort of St. Lawrence)
Located on a rocky bluff overlooking the Adriatic Sea west of / across from Dubrovnik’s city walls, this was the base of the King’s Landing’s famous Red Keep.
Pro trip for the Fort
You will need to purchase an entrance ticket to access this fortress but you can use the same ticket to access the City Walls so plan to do both on the same day to make the most of this ticket.
Rector’s Palace
The atrium was featured in GOT as the palace of the Spice King of Qarth.
Ethnographic Museum
Served as the exterior of Littlefinger’s brothel. There is a fee to enter this museum which was built originally to store grain in case the city was sieged. Today, the museum spotlights daily life in Dubrovnik over the years.
Gradac Park
The site of the purple wedding feast.
Lokrum Island
This is a very special place for GOT fans but will require you to hop aboard a public passenger boat to access. At the monastery on the island is where the garden-party / reception for Daenerys in Qarth was held. If you plan to visit Lokrum Island we highly recommend you make a day of it. Before your visit, check out our blog, “Discover Lokrum Island in Croatie: Best Things to Do and See.”
Lose Yourself at Historic Places
Other historic sights to see in Dubrovnik include Rector’s Palace, a Gothic-Renaissance palace that doubles as a cultural history museum; the Franciscan Monastery, which houses a 14th century pharmacy and the Large Onofrio’s fountain, which spews drinkable water from the mouths of 16 ornately carved masks. West of Dubrovnik’s city walls you’ll find the imposing Lovrijenac Fortress which was historically used to store the city’s gold and served as a military hub or safe haven should the city be under attack or rebellion. At the entrance of the fortress it reads, “Freedom must not be sold for all the gold in the world.” Like the City Walls, the climb at the fortress can be challenging especially on a hot mid-summer day.
All Roads End at the City Walls
That’s right, you won’t find cars or motorized vehicles cruising the cobblestone walkways in this part of the city. Which could make it a fun time for any overnighters with suitcases or carrying luggage into the Old City accommodations. If you fall into this category of traveler – a car will get you as far as the Gate of Pile, depending on when you arrive. During peak tourist season in the afternoon, cars are not allowed to stop outside the main entrance gate making your trek to your landing pad a bit longer. PSA: local residents of Dubrovnik have been protesting the use of wheeled suitcases within the Old City especially due to noise complaints by residents lucky enough to reside full time within this part of the city.
We think not allowing cars in the Old City helps protect the integrity of the area and allows the crowds to roam freely. It also helps preserve a more tranquil atmosphere.
General Things to Know About Croatia
- Best time to visit: April to June (June – August is peak tourist season and when you can expect to see cruise ships coming and going on a routine basis).
- Currency: Kn –Euros maybe Croatian Kunas. Check the exchange rate in advance on xe.com. You can easily use an ATM to withdraw cash. We paid at most placed with credit cards including at bars, restaurants, and grocery stores. Open-aire markets are cash only. We heard some places can be stubborn about accepting Euros but we never saw a Croatian Kuna and had no problem paying in Euros when we paid in cash.
- Time zone: UTC+1
- Size: Around 56,500 sq. aka the size of England and Wales or the U.S. State of Iowa
- Shape: Odd Boomerang with its size stretching south over the dry mountain that run like a spial cord along the Adriatic Sea + scores of islands that are dotted along the length of the coastline
- Borders: Croatia’s borders lie along five countries: Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia Herzegovina and Montenegro.
- Food and Drink: Popular food dishes include sausages, seafood and dishes with strong Italian influences. Sausages are often served with French fries or on freshly baked bread with shredded cabbage or picked red cabbage and a red tomatoes-based sauce. Red meat is more common, but you can occasionally find chicken on a menu. Also, you can eat anything safely and drink the water from the tap. However, if you have a sensitive stomach then the seafood might give you some slight problems.
- Cafes: In Dubrovnik, no food is served at cafes – just coffee and beer. These seem to be a popular hang out spot for locals who will sit and chit-chat in a group for hours while sipping a cold one and smoking (a lot).
Final thoughts
Dubrovnik, with its enduring beauty and fascinating history, will always hold a special place for us. And it’s no surprise it has become one of the most popular choices for European holidays in recent years.
It’s a destination that can stop a person in their tracks and prompt them to slow way down and contemplate. We were so moved by the Old City and couldn’t stop marveling at everything around us while we explored this coastal gem. We definity think this is a place that requires at least an all-day, sunup to sundown visit and hope this post will help you make the most of your time here. Let us know what you think in the comments!
– Justin + Alyssa
