- by David Iwanow
- 5 days ago
Things to do in Dubrovnik
- by David Iwanow
- October 23, 2015
- 0
- 1923  Views
Dubrovnik is an old town nestled in Croatia, and is popular for its stunning architecture. With its deep history, and a horrific past that dates to the 1991 during its bombardment, the now-declared UNESCO World Heritage Centre is certainly a great tourist attraction. The city has since revived its eclectic vibe, and offers the experience of a lifetime.
One of the first things that you will notice about Dubrovnik is the city walls. Built between the 13th and 15th century, these fortified walls surround the entire city as they protected of the city from invasion. At the top of the walls, visitors are treated to sweeping picture-perfect views of the city. Interestingly, the wall’s forts also play stage for some of the greatest plays in the region, so look out for that as well.
If you love nature, and are enamored by the excitement of beach-front living, you will love the magnificent beaches and the azure waters. Make your way to the stunning Lokrum Island where you can enjoy trekking through the forest, swimming and sunbathing. Look out for the historic Fort Royale from the 19th century. Banje is also a great beach for you to relax and enjoy the cooling afternoon breeze as you catch up on your reading.
Add ‘taking the Dubrovnik cable car’ as one of the Things to do in Dubrovnik. The very first cable cars were grounded following persistent attacks leading up to 1991, but they have since resumed services offering visitors picturesque views of the city and beyond. At the top of the mountain is a snack bar where you can re-energize before taking the walking trail to the base.
If the city’s religious past piques your interest, make a stop at the Francicsan Monastery, or drop by at the elegant Dubrovnik Cathedral. The latter is best known as a tourist attraction since it is the third cathedral of its kind to be built in the region.
Rector’s Palace, also referred to as the Dubrovnik Museum is an attraction that easily conjures images of royal residence. You will be shocked, however, to realize that this palace remained empty for most of its existence. Walk through the imposing halls of the palace, before proceeding to the museum section where you can view relics and art works from local artisans.
Other attractions of interest include war Photo Limited that brings to life haunting memories of the past war, restaurant 360 Degrees as well as the Atlantic Kitchen for decadent Mediterranean treats. You can also explore the city’s vibrant culture at Lazareti for an unforgettable holiday experience.
Most tourists are now visiting Dubrovnik to see one of the several filming locations for Game of Thrones. The city is perfect for King’s Landing with it’s stunning ancient city wall overlooking Blackwater Bay (Adriatic sea) and it’s stone buildings with orange terracotta tiles. Some of the real-world filming locations you can find are:
- Dubrovnik Old Town
- Jesuit Staircase – steps of the Great Sept of Baelor in King’s Landing
- St. Dominic Street – most of the market scenes in King’s Landing
- Ethnographic Museum Rupe – exterior of Littlefinger’s brothel
- Ploče Gate – used as the Red Keep Gate
- Rector’s Palace – residence of the Spice King in Qarth
- Lokrum Island – outdoor garden scenes
The best time to visit Dubrovnik is between September and November before temperatures plummet, and the water is warm enough for you to enjoy outdoor activities. The flip side of this is that during summer, there are many tourists and the prices shoot up. If, however, you are intrigued by the seamless blend of a rich history, interesting culture and great architecture, then nothing will prevent you from experiencing all of the aforementioned things to do in Dubrovnik. There are also plenty of awesome boutique and luxury hotel options such as Excelsior Hotel Dubrovnik that you should consider staying at when you visit.