Dubrovnik
Quick Facts
Language: CroatianCurrency: Kuna
Area Codes: 20
Other Cities in this Region
The extraordinary beauty of Dubrovnik, "the city made of stone and light," has inspired countless such poetic exclamations. Part of its mystery is that it lies hidden between the Adriatic and Dinaric Alps. It has been fortunate to have recovered from many of the wounds from the Bosnian War and Serbian gunfire in 1991 and 1992. Dubrovnik, located on the shores of the Adriatic, found relative peace even when there was chaos going on all around it. The waters show off perfect shades of blue and the sunsets are wild from atop the 14th century city walls. Dubrovnik truly draws you into a dream that you simply never want to wake from.
Looking for the right mix of culture, history and a bit of the commercial to keep you grounded? The walled Stari Grad is the answer. The main street is referred to as both the Placa and the Stradun, running from the Pile Gate, which is the official entrance of the Stari Grad, to the Old Port at the tip of the peninsula. Dubrovnik wants you to enjoy its home and offers many accommodations to make sure your needs are met.
There are also places near Dubrovnik that will make for quality side trips during your visit. Lopud is a gorgeous island off the Elafiti Archipelago. It is a quaint little village made up of white buildings, chapels and parks all across the waterline. It's only a fifty-minute trip by ferry to be transported to this paradise. Here you will find a great museum to stroll through, as well as a most enchanting park. While you are here, you may want to adventure to another nearby island, Lokrum. After a little fun in the sun, cool off in the botanical gardens and refresh your senses.
Dubrovnik is full of resources for nonstop action and fun. Whether you are looking for the lively atmosphere or the cool and fashionable, Dubrovnik will create your perfect vacation. Soak in the warmth of its people as well as the sun, and visit this divine land. Memories will be the true gift you'll take home with you from Dubrovnik.
Docking & Local Transportation
The cruise ship docks at the Port of Dubrovnik, located at Gruska Obala 1, and it is quite simple to access the rest of the town from this port. A taxi is recommended, but there are other modes of transportation available as well, listed below
There are several buses that are constantly running in Dubrovnik. They go to practically every destination you desire. The #7 bus, however, does not go to the Stari Grad's gate, so you may want to avoid that one. The best way to see the city is by taxi. Taxis can be found in front of the bus station, ferry terminal, and the Pile Gate.
Local Interests
Dubrovnik was formerly a naval city-state, which accounts for the great city halls and other amazing sights. The Pile Gate dates back to the 14th century. Most of its impressive 25-meter height, however, was constructed in the 1600s. Right next to the city gate is an astonishing Renaissance Franciscan Monastery (Franjevackog Samostana, 20/426-345). Do not forget to bring your camera because it is just beautiful! Also inside of these gates is a Pharmaceutical Museum, which is also the oldest working pharmacy in Croatia.
Just a short trip out of Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful parks in Croatia. Dordic Mayneri (Lopud) is on the waterfront and is known for having a precious view. There is a gazebo here where many couples go to enjoy this luscious view of the contrasting white cliffs and dark blue sea. The main attraction is the beach, known as Plaza Sunj (Lopud). It is thought to be the best beach in all of Croatia because it has the best sand, great waves and a quiet cove that is perfect for a picnic.
The summer is truly a beautiful time to visit Dubrovnik. In fact, during July and August you can partake in the Dubrovnik Summer Festival (20/326-100). Culture is celebrated with the finest artists in theatre, ballet, opera, classical music, and jazz coming to perform. The best part is the Productions of Shakespeare (Lovrjenac Fortress) that are acted outdoors. Definitely take advantage of this wonderful spectacle if you are there during these summer months!
Activities
Nightlife
Durbovnik really starts to heat up once the sun sets. Many of the locals go in droves to the cafés on Buniceva Poljana. The second most lively center for nightlife lies just outside of the city walls on B. Josipa Jelacica. Be sure to visit the Treubadur (Gunduliceva Poljana, 20/412-154). This is a very Americanized bar that has live jazz on Fridays and will not close until you want to leave. Latino Club Fuego (Dubrovackih Branitelja 2) is the most happening place of them all. It is loud and lively, so be prepared to lose your voice in conversation. It is a fun hangout and it is open late for all of those energetic young partygoers.
Dining
You will never go hungry in Dubrovnik. Restaurants will pile the food on your plate with dishes that include mainly fish, risotto and pasta. One restaurant that cooks its food perfectly is Pergola (Kralja Tomislava 1, 20/436-848). It is often hard to find gnocchi that is prepared just right, but you will not be disappointed if you order it here. It is often difficult for vegetarians to find restaurants that accommodate them, but one that has quite a large selection for those plant eaters is Chinese Restaurant Shanghai (Ante Starcevica 25, 20/425-754). Sometimes a big meal does not fit into the time schedule, so a good place to get a quick sandwich that is just scrumptious is at Buffet Skola (Antuninska 1).
Outdoor Activities
The Dubrovnik Riviera is in the heart of Europe. With all of its beauty and splendor, one would obviously want to spend as much time as possible outside. There are plenty of places to go for diving and fishing because of their popularity. The best place to go, however, is the Nimar Diving Center (Lazarina 3). You may be inclined to take a kayak tour in the sparkling Adriatic. If so, contact Adriatic Kayak Tours (Frankopanska 6, 20/312-770).