The enchanting city of Dubrovnik is located on the Adriatic coast of Croatia and has long been a tourist favorite.
With an exceptionally beautiful old town, ancient city walls, and unreal views of the sea, it is no wonder people have been traveling here for years.
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Dubrovnik offers a unique blend of natural beauty and beaches, and fascinating history and culture.
The city, especially the old town, is easily accessible by foot and requires little to no driving or public transport if you’re staying in the center.
If you are considering visiting Dubrovnik, you are probably wondering what are some things to know before going and questioning if Dubrovnik is worth visiting.
Here are a few things to know before visiting this beautiful Croatian capital.
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Reasons To Visit Dubrovnik: The Pros
Dubrovnik is a popular destination known for its walled old town and lovely beaches.
It is also particularly famous amongst Game Of Thrones fans as several scenes from the television series were filmed here.
Here we have listed some of the main pros of visiting Dubrovnik.
Historical Significance
The historical significance of Dubrovnik is one of the top reasons why you should visit here.
It has a long history that spans over a full millennium. Due to its location on the Adriatic coast, it has always been an important center of trade and commerce.
While in Dubrovnik, you can get a glimpse into this history. You can explore the ancient churches, castles, and forts all within the old city walls.
The walls of Dubrovnik are a great activity in itself. The walls have a path all along the top so you can walk the 1.5 miles with incredible views of the city and of the sea.
Picturesque Old Town
The old town of Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a stunning day out.
You can spend hours just strolling around the narrow streets and discovering glimpses into the past in every direction.
The old town is also filled with lots of cafes, bars, and restaurants so you won’t be stuck to find somewhere to find some shade and enjoy a coffee.
Several Game Of Thrones scenes were also filmed around the old town of Dubrovnik.
You can spend a day trying to find as many of these locations as possible while stopping into one of the many Games Of Thrones gift shops to pick up a souvenir.
Within the walls of the old town, you can also visit several art galleries, museums, and churches.
Stunning Views
A huge plus of visiting Dubrovnik is the incredible views of the Adriatic coast you can enjoy here.
In Dubrovnik, you can hop on the cable car or rent a car and drive up to the top of Mount Srd.
Here you will find many lookouts to enjoy the stunning views of the Adriatic sea and the surrounding islands.
You can also enjoy the Panoramic Restaurant located here for some delicious food while soaking up the scenery.
Game Of Thrones Filming Locations
Although Dubrovnik was already a popular holiday destination, Game of Thrones took it to a new level!
Dubrovnik’s old town was used as a location for filming several Game of Thrones scenes throughout its 8 seasons.
Many fans of the show travel here each year to visit the filming location including the Dubrovnik City Walls which were the backdrop for the Battle of Blackwater.
Another famous Game of Thrones location is the Lovrijenac Fortress, which was used as the Red Keep.
You can join one of the many tours that are dedicated to visiting the filming locations across the city.
Beaches And Outdoor Activities
A huge bonus that Dubrovnik has going for it is the fact that it is surrounded by stunning beaches.
There are some beaches that are within walking distance of the old town, making them very accessible without needing public transport or booking a cab.
Some of the best beaches include Banje Beach, Copacabana Beach, and Lapad Beach.
You can enjoy a variety of watersports here with the most popular being kayaking. Here you will find perfect kayaking conditions amongst the clear blue water.
Staying In Dubrovnik?
Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Dubrovnik.
Best hostel: Nikolina Rooms
Best mid-range hotel: Boutique Hotel Porto
Best luxury hotel: Boutique Hotel Stari Grad
Reasons To Visit Dubrovnik: The Cons
Although the pros may seem to outweigh the cons, there are a couple of things to know when traveling to Dubrovnik, as these particular cons may influence your Croatian travel plans.
It Can Be Expensive
Although Croatia is generally an affordable destination, Dubrovnik is one of the most expensive places in the country.
You can expect to pay more for accommodation, transport, and activities than in other Croatian cities such as Zagreb or Split.
Accommodation and dining in the old town will be the most expensive in the city, especially during peak season.
If you want to save on costs, you could stay outside of the old town for cheaper accommodation. You can also enjoy more low-cost activities like hiking nearby.
The Crowds
As expected with any popular vacation destination, Dubrovnik can get exceptionally crowded, especially during peak season.
The old town can become overrun with tourists during the summer months and this can in turn raise the prices of accommodation and dining.
The old towns’ narrow streets and city walls can both become quite congested with people making it difficult to properly enjoy the views or get good pictures.
There are many cruise ships that dock in Dubrovnik creating overcrowding for a few hours while guests disembark the boat and explore the city.
The Final Verdict: So Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?
So is Dubrovnik nice, and is Dubrovnik worth visiting? Absolutely!
Imagine starting your day with a stroll through the Old Town, followed by a swim at Banje Beach and a cable car up Mount Srd for stunning views before ending your day with a dinner of local seafood and wine.
Doesn’t that sound just perfect?
Dubrovnik is a popular day trip for travelers on cruises that stop in the area.
Still, if you have time we would recommend sticking around for an extra day to experience everything that this city has to offer.
Within 2 days, you will see all of the main things that Dubrovnik has to offer.
From beaches to ancient buildings and panoramic sea views, Dubrovnik is a popular destination for a reason.
So is Dubrovnik worth visiting? Yes indeed.
It is the perfect spot for a 2-3 day vacation to relax, explore and enjoy everything that Croatia—has to offer—all within a decent budget.
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