What sights should I not miss in Dubrovnik?

The old town, the city walls, Dubrovnik Cathedral, and the Jesuit Staircase are must-see locations. The walk along the city walls also offers a stunning view and is an iconic experience. Don't forget to explore the Game of Thrones locations, such as Fort Lovrijenac and Ploče Gate.

What are the most beautiful beaches in Dubrovnik?

Banje Beach is the most famous and closest beach to the old town. Other beautiful beaches are Copacabana Beach, Sveti Jakov Beach for a bit more privacy, and Lokrum Island for an adventurous experience with kayaking and cliff jumping.

Is Dubrovnik suitable for a vacation in the winter?

Yes, Dubrovnik is a great destination all year round. In winter, the climate is mild, with temperatures around 8-10 degrees, and the Winter Festival offers a cozy atmosphere with stalls and live music. It is less crowded than in summer, making it perfect for a quiet holiday.

Where is the best place to stay in Dubrovnik?

For an authentic experience, you can stay in the old town of Dubrovnik. Recommended accommodations include Apartments and Room Lora (just outside the old town) for a beautiful view, and Sea Rocks Residents for more luxury near the city walls. If you really want to stay in the old town, Villa Monte Santo is an excellent choice.

What do I need to know about the city walls of Dubrovnik?

The city walls of Dubrovnik are one of the best-preserved fortifications in Europe and offer a fantastic panoramic view of the city and the Adriatic Sea. The walk takes about 1-2 hours and is one of the most popular activities. It is advisable to do it early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the heat and the crowds.

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Why Dubrovnik is the destination for your next vacation

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A woman dining on a terrace with a spectacular view of the old town of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea at sunset.

Don't get me wrong, Spain and Italy will always be top, but sometimes it's time for something different. A new destination to discover, maybe even one that immediately finds its way onto your favorites list. And if I may give you one tip: do yourself a favor and write down Dubrovnik. This port city in Croatia is like a fairy tale, especially the old part where you really feel like you're in another world. And to be honest, that's what your vacation is for, right? But well, Dubrovnik has so much more to offer, and I'm happy to share the best tips. Believe me, you'll soon be saying: I really want to go to Dubrovnik.

Why Dubrovnik is your favorite destination all year round

Let's start with a big plus: Dubrovnik is a top destination all year round. The city, also known as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic Sea’, deserves this title not only for its beauty. The climate is mild, and thanks to the Adriatic Sea, it doesn't get too hot in the summer, and it's still pleasantly warm in the winter. The average temperature is around 8 to 10 degrees, and frost is almost non-existent; always nice, if you ask me. From Rotterdam or Amsterdam, you can fly to the sun, escaping the Dutch cold. In December, it's extra cozy, with the Winter Festival: all kinds of stalls and live music filling the city. If you're going in the summer, here's a little tip: plan your sightseeing in the morning to avoid the crowds; and when the temperature rises, just find a nice spot on the beach. Want to leave the city for a day trip? Make sure to do this on a Thursday, as that's when the cruise ships come by and it gets a bit busier. Cozy, but not if you have to stand in line for hours to see something. The more you know.

The old town: a must-see in Dubrovnik

I mentioned it briefly, but if you're in Dubrovnik, the old town absolutely must not be missing from your hotspot list. This part is completely surrounded by city walls, and motorized vehicles are prohibited inside. So you can stroll around without suddenly being surprised by a scooter coming from the right. As soon as you enter through Pile Gate, you immediately find yourself on the main street Stradun. Here you'll find 300 meters of small boutiques and more luxurious shops, but don't forget to dive into the side streets for even more hidden gems. The old town is full of impressive buildings that are perfect for your Instastory, like the Dubrovnik Cathedral; definitely one to remember. Want an extra special view of the city? Take a walk along the city walls. A walk of about 2 kilometers that leads you past various forts. Whether you start through one gate or the other, you'll make a loop and see everything you need to see. And if you want to learn more about Dubrovnik, you can book a tour both inside and on the city walls with the best trivia. This way, the city comes even more to life.

Westeros in Dubrovnik: the most beautiful Game of Thrones locations

Wester what? Okay, maybe a light bulb doesn't go off immediately, but ‘Game of Thrones’ fans know exactly what I mean. Dubrovnik was the backdrop for several iconic locations in the series. Wander through the old town and you'll recognize a lot from King's Landing, the capital of Westeros. The Jesuit Staircase (hello, Walk of Shame), St. Dominic Street, Ploče Gate, Fort Lovrijenac, and Dubrovnik West Harbour will make the heart of a true GOT fan race. You can explore the spots yourself, but for an extra dose of knowledge and backstage photos, you can also book a tour. Even if you haven't seen ‘Game of Thrones’, it's special to immerse yourself in that world. Who knows, you might want to start watching after your trip.

Beaches in Dubrovnik that you must not miss

Had enough of the city? On the beaches of Dubrovnik, you can completely relax. The most famous beach is probably Banje Beach, just outside the old town, with its crystal-clear blue water. Due to its popularity, there are a few more towels, but it remains a top spot to chill. Keep your eyes open, you might spot a celeb; the most luxurious hotels in the city are nearby. Another recommendation is Copacabana Beach. No, you haven't suddenly arrived in Rio, but this largest beach in Dubrovnik happens to have the same name. From here, you have a great view of the Elaphite Islands. Want a bit more privacy? Then Sveti Jakov beach is your thing. Nestled between the cliffs, you can really relax there. You have to go down some stairs to get there, but trust me, it's worth it. Want to really get away? Then Lokrum Island is a must. With a 15-minute boat ride, you'll reach this beautiful green island, where you can enjoy nature, go kayaking, and for adrenaline junkies, cliff jumping.

Where to stay in Dubrovnik?

Your to-do list is now quite full, but where oh where are you going to sleep? Dubrovnik consists of two parts: the old and the new part. The old part has the most atmosphere, but you can also see that reflected in the hotel prices. Especially in the high season, you pay a bit more within the city walls than outside. No reason not to do it, but it must fit within your budget. If you want to sleep in the old part, be on time; these spots often fill up quickly. A few nice suggestions: Apartments and Room Lora, just outside the old center, has rooms with a private balcony and a great view of the sea or the city. Looking for a bit more luxury? Then Sea Rocks Residents is perfect: a beautiful boutique hotel near the city walls, and just 4 minutes from the beach. Do you really want to sleep in the old town? Then Villa Monte Santo is a recommendation; that lovely atmosphere of the city extends into your room; and the best hotspots are around the corner.

Hotspots for foodies and drink lovers in Dubrovnik

Hotel, check. Hotspots, check. Now just the best spots for the foodies and drinkers among us. No stress, I've found those for you too. The absolute must-visit? Buza Bar. This little bar is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the view over the sea, with a nice drink in your hand. Buza Bar is literally by the water, and with a little staircase down, you can dive right into the sea. Craving a glass of wine? Then D’vino Wine Bar is your go-to spot. The selection is enormous, and with some tasty tapas, your evening out is complete. Nishta is also a real recommendation: a fully vegan restaurant with dishes from various cuisines. The menu changes every day, so you can go multiple times and keep being surprised. Missing Italy? Trattoria Carmen is the solution. Here you'll find traditional Italian dishes with a local twist; the best combination of both worlds.

And, what did I say? Hard to resist, this city, right? You certainly won't regret it, and who knows, it might not just be one trip.

Source: Travel junkie, TripTalk