A maritime power house in the 15th and 16th Centuries, today Dubrovnik is Croatia’s biggest tourist drawcard, attracting up to five cruise ships at a time. You can read our Dubrovnik planning tips here, while this post provides additional photos to help build a mental image of the city.
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Dubrovnik Arrival and Departure options can be found at the end of this post.
The walled city in the background and Lovrijenac Fort 37m above sea level in the foreground.
It is true that Dubrovnik is sometimes over-run with tourists, but the good news for independent travellers is by 4 p.m. cruise ship day visits are over and the pace settles.
Peaceful Cloisters of Franciscan Monastery.
A first time walk down Stradun, the main thoroughfare of Dubrovnik leaves a favourable impression, but escaping into the tiny alleys provides a more intimate experience.
Beautiful buildings line the Stradun.
It is true that these alleys are narrow and many, but the old town area is compact and safe. Of course exercise caution with your valuables as you would in any tourist destination.
Alleys of varying sizes cram into the space within the 2 km long walls.
Viewing the town from the walls is an excellent way of understanding the layout of the old town and new town. The walls on the land side are up to 6 metres thick with the tallest parts of the wall measuring 25 metres.
Layered Walls of Dubrovnik.
When the sun shines, the mix of orange roof tops and brilliant blue of the Adriatic seen from above is startlingly beautiful. I’m not a fan of heights but enjoyed our walk along the walls.
The 15th Century bell tower and it’s two green bronze men, that strike the bell at mid-day (restored in 1929) can be best viewed from the wall.
Leaning against stone walls at night, captivated by drifting clarinet music and mellow pools of light forming beneath street lamps I had a strong desire to never leave.
We found a small restaurant on the way to one of the “Buza” (hole in the wall) bars and returned that evening. It was our kind of place, with an eclectic asian menu, casual setting and affordable prices.
Dubrovnik by night is a romantic place and it is easy to make your own special memories. By day the dazzling blue ocean makes you want to jump right in or at least go kayaking.
Our visit to Dubrovnik was part of our Ten Weeks in Europe 2015 trip.
Add a link to your travel post at the link up below. I am co-hosting Nancie’s Travel Photo Thursday with Ruth from Tanama Tales and Rachel from Rachel’s Ruminations.
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beautiful photos! Dubrovnik’s definitely the pearl of my country!:) I’ve bee twice 🙂
I loved it too Tanja. Next time I would book in advance and try staying in the old town.
I have never been to Dubrovnik but, for what I have seen in photos, I like the mix of eye catching architecture and beautiful surroundings. The water in the marina looks so inviting. Plus, I would like to spend an entire day walking around town.
The old town is very small Ruth, so you would have no trouble walking around it.
Interesting that you said that you like to avoid touristy places as I also don’t like places that are too touristy. However I have always really wanted to see Dubrovnik since my daughter travelled here many years ago. I would say from the look of your gorgeous photos that you enjoyed your visit? It is definitely on the itinerary for my Mediterranean cruise in 2017!
I loved Dubrovnik. It is gorgeous and romantic Kathy.
What a wonderful place to visit. We really need to drive down whole the coast from Slovenia to Greece. That would be a dream! #TPThursday
I agree, I was sorry that we didn’t have enough time for Albania and Greece. We did get to include a little of Bosnia and Montenegro however and that was great.
Dubrovnik is so beautiful, isn’t it… And so clean!
I never thought about the cleanliness of it Sophie, but you are right, it is clean.
Great photos. Dubrovnik is stunning but wasn’t our favorite Croatia destination – it’s a bit too touristy for it’s own good. But it sure is beautiful and walking the walls was our highlight.
Frank (bbqboy)
The old town was not a place to live I agree Frank but a beautiful one to visit in shoulder season.
Oh, wow, it just looks sooo pretty here. Not too far away from Turkey, either so think we should plan a city break sometime and fly there from Istanbul. Great set of photos. 🙂
Julia
I believe you can fly from Istanbul quite cheaply Julia!
You’re spot on about the orange contrasted with the blue of the ocean. It’s stunning. And that lovely romantic little lane! Gorgeous.
It is a romantic place and a fun place too Pinky!
Absolutely stunning, Jan. I want to slip into that sun-drenched courtyard and live there forever. 🙂
I know what you mean Krista. You would love the garden at our accommodation. The owner had a largish vegie plot with the hugest reddest tomatoes amongst other things and a timber seat with cushions on it, on a patch of grass beneath the olive tree!
What an amazing city. They must film some of game of Thrones there. Definitely bucket list worthy.
I’m not a Game of Thrones fan but I believe the walls were used in the filming and other sites around Dubrovnik. There are GOT gift shops in the walled city!
Hi Jan! Apologies that I am so slow in visiting. It’s not for lack of trying, but my semester is taking up most of my time. Anyway, Dubrovnik looks absolutely gorgeous. Eastern Europe is definitely on my radar!
This semester seems more full-on than usual Nancie, I hope the next one settles down. Dubrovnik certainly is beautiful but I would not like to be there in Peak Season!
Gorgeous photos, Jan. Love those quaint little alleyways even Dubrovnik’s layered walls. My niece went there last year and has been raving about it since. I can see what she means.
Thanks Marcia, I think that given lovely weather and few crowds that everyone would love Dubrovnik. It was fabulous when we were there.
These beautiful photos really make me want to check out Dubrovnik, but I think I’ll wait till off-season, when there are fewer tourists!
Good idea Rachel. It was good in June.
Beautiful photos of such a stunning city! This has long been on my travel wish list and I’d be content to visit even for a day on a cruise stop just to get a taste of it. Love those views from the walls. That old town area looks like my kind of place to explore.
That is true Mary. One day in the old walled town of Dubrovnik would be sufficient to see a lot and enjoy the experience.