Hi guys,
I’m just back from one of the most amazing trips I’ve been on this year, to Dubrovnik.
I had heard so much about this place before visiting. So many people had told me it was there favourite place and I’ve heard of lots of Irish couples coming here to get married. I can totally see why now. The whole town is a UNESCO world heritage site – it’s so clean, untouched, romantic and relaxed.
How we got there?
We flew direct with Aer Lingus and got a taxi from the airport to the town (€35). We got an Uber when we were heading back to the Airport and that worked out cheaper at only €24.
What did we spend?
In Croatia they use the kuna it worked at about 7.5 HRK
for every 1 Euro. We spent about €70/€80 each a day. This included breakfast from the supermarket, lunch and dinner in restaurants, some drinks and an activity.
Where did we stay?
We stayed in an apartment in the Old Town, literally 2 mins from the main square. It wasn’t amazing, but it was clean, central and perfect for what we needed it for. It was handy to have a kitchen and to not have to worry about getting taxis. You can find apartments on Booking.com or Air BnB.
There are lovely hotels about 15/20 mins walk from the old town with pools and much more space than you’ll get in the Old Town. The only downside would be getting in and out of the Old Town after dinner at nighttime – although we did find Uber to be quite good over there.
The hotel Excelsior just outside the old town would probably be my top choice for a hotel – it looks amazing and the location is perfect, but I know it is pricey.
What did we do?
There’s lots to do in and around Dubrovnik, which is why I know it’s a place I’ll come back to again. Here are some suggestions for things to do based on what we did:
- The City Walls Walk (€20 entrance fee, takes about an hour and a half, gorgeous views!) Sunset up here would be amazing!
- Glass bottom boat out to Lokrum Island (€10 for the return boat trip, €17 entrance fee, feed rabbits and peacocks and sunbathe on the rocks)
- Rent a scooter and explore outside the Old Town walls
- Rent a beach bed at Banje Beach: sunbathe and enjoy good music and cocktails (beds cost between €12 and €30)
- Watch the sunset from the Cliff Bars: Buza bar and Bard Mala Buza (Get there about 45 mins before sunset to ensure you get a spot! Drinks are reasonably priced, the views are insane!)
- Get the Cable Car to the top of the mountain and take in the views of beautiful Dubrovnik from above (€17 return). We had dinner in the Panorama restaurant at the top, you’ll need to book this in advance (on their website). It’s a little pricey, but not that bad considering the amazing view!
Some recommendations that others sent me/ we learned on the trip:
- There are LOTS of options for day trips by boat and/or bus (Split, Hvar, the 3 island tour, Montenegro, Bosnia and Her, Cavtat) I would do your research before you go and decide what trip(s) you’d like to do. Check the times the day you arrive and plan in advance.
- Rent a kayak! We saw lots of people do this both during the day and at sunset (which looks amazing!) the water is so calm so it wouldn’t be tough kayaking around. I’m sorry we didn’t do it!
- The Cave Bar in the new town is supposed to be amazing!
- Booze Cruises run during the summer
- Buggy Safaris are available as well
Where did we eat?
If there’s one thing I know you wont have trouble with in Dubrovnik it’s finding restaurants! The narrow streets are lined with the most beautiful and delicious restaurants. Italian food is amazing in Dubrovnik because of it’s proximity to Italy.
Places we ate and I would recommend:
- Panorama at the top of the mountain
- Oliva (Great pizza & wine)
- Mama’s Pot Tavern (They Do potato croquettes, need I say more?)
- Dubravaka (Just outside the town walls)
- Irish Bar Karaka (They order fast food from a place near by and bring it to you. It’s delicious and is the one spot we found a decent Gin and Tonic in Dubrovnik!)
- Pizzeria Tabasco (At the bottom of the cable car lift – apparently the best pizza in the town!)
Places that were recommended to me, but we didn’t make it to:
- Taj Mahel
- Lady Pi Pi
- Orhan
- Restaurant 360 (amazing views, a little pricey!)
- Above Five Restaurant
- Naukta
I know Dubrovnik is such a popular destination at the moment, and I can totally see why.
We were lucky to visit off peak season as it wasn’t too busy or packed anywhere, but it is the kind of place you can enjoy at any time of year. Whether it’s roasting hot or freezing and rainy, it’s the kind of city that can cater to everything!
Let me know if you have any other questions on Snapchat (username: lou1409)
Thanks a million
Louise
