1. Have a Game of Thrones moment
Dubrovnik is gaining fame as the setting for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. While there are plenty of appropriately themed walking tours, it’s also easy to have many Game of Thrones moment on your own, just by exploring the city.
2. Kayak around the walls
While I won’t recommend the company we used (way too many people and a terrible guide) but watching the sun set over Dubrovnik from a kayak was spectacular!
3. Have a drink at Buza (or Buza II)
As we were kayaking around the city walls (is that a sentence or what??), I spotted a few white umbrellas scattered between the wall and the sea. I had to investigate, and so we discovered the awesome Buza bar. Although apparently there is also Buza II–and I’m not sure which one we went to!!–but it’s a MUST. It’s a fairly simple bar–just a beer type of place, no fancy cocktails here–but the view, and the ability to hop right in the ocean after, is necessary.
4. Explore the back alleys
Although Dubrovnik, as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” can get crowded as a major cruise ship destination, venturing off the main streets just slightly is really rewarding, and much quieter. Back alleyways can just be the stars of the city, can’t they?
5. Take in the lively evening streets
As I mentioned above, Dubrovnik can get crowded. But, on a warm summer night, the lively streets are full of open-air cafes and live music and an almost carnival air. We grabbed an ice cream and strolled, taking in the sights and the atmosphere and the lit-up buildings, but there were many wine bars or seafood bistros that were calling my name.
6. Take a ferry to an island
The southern coast of Croatia has many islands you can visit, tons of which are a day trip away from Dubrovnik! If you only have a day, I’d recommend Lokrum–although beware the nude beach ;). If you have longer, the islands Hvar and Korčula are breathtaking.
7. Eat some seafood and try some Croatian wine–with a view–at a local home
Airbnbs in Croatia were some of the BEST we’ve ever stayed in. Not only were they beautiful, convenient and well-priced, but all of our hosts were beyond friendly and welcoming. Our host in Dubrovnik–technically in the nearby village/cove of Lapad–met us at the door with a local wine, cheese, and joined us for a chat on her picturesque, relaxing little patio.
Have you been to Dubrovnik? What would you add to this list?
Linking up with Travel Tuesday.