With an old town finished around the 13th Century, and relatively unchanged since, Dubrovnik is an intriguing city with a rich and varied past. A historically important city, the skill of the local population, access to quality oak wood to build a strong maritime fleet, and of course the location of the city culminated in it being one of the most significant rivals to the Venetian Empire around the 14th Century.
In 1667 Dubrovnik, or the Republic of Ragusa as it was then known, suffered a devastating earthquake, reducing much of the city to dust. Although the city architecturally was rebuilt to its original grandeur, the economy took a hit. This, coupled with new trade routes opening elsewhere, resulted in a decline in the city that culminated in little resistance when Napoleon arrived at the famous city gates in 1806.
In 1808, the Republic of Ragusa was abolished and integrated into Napoleon’s Kingdom of Italy. In 1815, after Napoleon’s fall, the city became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
In the early 1990s, Dubrovnik was heavily affected by the break-up of Yugoslavia. During 1991/1992, Dubrovnik was to experience heavy shelling by the Serb Army. Walking around the city walls today you will see different colour roofs signaling those that needed repairing as the city was restored to its former beauty once Croatia had gained its independence.
What to do in Dubrovnik
1. Enjoy Dubrovnik’s City Walls, Stradun, and Old Town
There’s plenty to see in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, and the best way to get a feeling for the city as a whole is to walk the city walls. The circuit, measuring almost 2km, circles the Old Town from above, and gives a sense of scale for the incredible city. Once you have completed the circuit, head into the Old Town and take a leisurely stroll along the Stradun, Dubrovnik’s main street, which has been recently famously used for Star Wars: The Last Jedi’s casino town of Canto Bight. You will find a number of restaurants, bars, and retail offerings in the Old Town, with plenty to explore.
Avoid the hours around midday for walking the city walls in Summer. The heat can make the trip uncomfortable with little shade, and you will avoid the cruise ship crowds. Make sure you take plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes.
2. Take a Walking Tour
Dubrovnik has grown again in popularity recently due to the incredible success of Game of Thrones, of which the old town of Dubrovnik represents King’s Landing. For fans of the series, there are many tours available allowing you to follow in the footpath of Arya, Sansa, and King Joffrey, and explore some of the locations that have played host to the bloody battles, scheming, and secrets of the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.
For those who aren’t interested in Game of Thrones, the city still has plenty of secrets to explore, from the hidden Buža Bar to the city’s 700-year-old quarantine quarters, learning from a local, experienced tour guide is one of the best ways of discovering a city. Make sure you follow @ToursDubrovnik for some inspiration.
Buža Bar
Address: Crijevićeva ul. 9, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Find out more.
3. Visit the Nearby Islands
There are numerous islands within a short trip from Dubrovnik, offering a variety of interesting options. The nearest to Dubrovnik Old Town is the very green island of Lokrum, covered in pine trees and offering numerous walks and trails, as well as plenty of opportunities to soak up the stunning Croatian sun. The most popular parts of the island are the botanical gardens, used as the city of Qarth in Game of Thrones; the ruins of a Benedictine monastery; and a unique ‘dead sea’ lake. For animal-lovers, the island is also inhabited by a large number of peacocks.
4. Take the Cable Car to The Top of Mount Srd
Taking the cable car to the top of Dubrovnik’s Mount Srd is a must for any visitor to the city. Giving arguably the best birds-eye view of the Old Town and out across the Adriatic Sea, the visit is certainly Instagram-worthy. Whilst at the top, there are food, drink, and fine dining options, as well as a Museum of Dubrovnik’s Homeland War.
Museum of Dubrovnik’s Homeland War
Address: Srđ ul. 2, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Find out more.
5. Explore Dubrovnik’s Neighbouring Countries
Dubrovnik’s extreme Southern location places it just a stone’s throw away from some touristically untapped, stunning locations of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. In Bosnia, trips can take in the coastal town of Neum, the stunning Počitelj, and Mostar’s famous bridge. Montenegro tours include visits to the wonderful UNESCO world heritage site of Kotor and the walled-city of Budva.
