Discovering Dubrovnik

"Dubrovnik, the city with a name like a mysterious password"

Have you chosen Dubrovnik as your next travel destination? Excellent choice! The city has a name that sounds like a mysterious password, one that takes us back to a bygone era. The city's imposing medieval architecture, with its pretty terracotta roofs, was the magical backdrop for "Game of Thrones" for good reason. For years, it has attracted selfie fans wanting to picture themselves as a character from the TV series.

What can you visit in this "Pearl of the Adriatic"? And above all, how can you make the most of a stay in this pretty city? I set off to explore and share a few tips in the article below.

Dubrov-what? Dubrovnik!

Dubrovnik is a Croatian city with around 50,000 inhabitants. The city, originally named Ragusa, was founded as early as the 7th century, making it around 1,400 years old.
The fortified old town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has become a genuine tourist attraction.
The local currency isn't the euro, but the kuna (1 euro is roughly equivalent to 7.5 kuna). Another practical point: the plug sockets used are the same type as in Belgium, so there's no need to buy a travel adapter.
The best way to get around is on foot within the city or – in the surrounding area – using Bolt or Uber, or renting a car.
As with most tourist cities, it's best to avoid peak season (May to September). In July and August, it gets really hot, and temperatures of 40°C in the town centre aren't unusual. Bear this in mind when booking your holiday!

Where to stay in Dubrovnik?

The city (and its surrounding islands) has a lot to offer, enough to spend a few days there.
This means you'll need to find somewhere to sleep. My tip is to rent an apartment via Airbnb or Booking.com. We stayed at the Ranieri Kono apartments, about a 20-minute drive from the airport. I can only highly recommend this apartment (book well in advance!). Hotels in town tend to be much more expensive, but there's a reason for that.
Our apartment was halfway up Mount Srđ, and getting into town means climbing stairs (lots of stairs), which makes it a bit less convenient. But the view from the bedroom window is exceptional.
Whatever you choose, if you're going during the hot season, make sure the accommodation has air conditioning – you'll need it!

Dubrovnik, or "King's Landing"

Anyone who has watched an episode of Game of Thrones will surely recognise Dubrovnik. The city served as an impressive backdrop for House Lannister, or King's Landing. That's why you'll find plenty of items referencing the show in the city's many souvenir shops. The city has therefore become a gathering point for fans, and is very busy as a result during peak season.

You can also take a guided tour of the main filming locations, including the spot where Cersei Lannister's "walk of shame" took place. A highly recommended spot if you're a fan!

Cooling off around Dubrovnik

Don't hesitate to take a swim in the Adriatic Sea. It's crystal clear and quite warm in summer (usually around 25°C). Don't forget your snorkelling gear: countless fish can be admired in the clear water.
I recommend having a drink at Buza Bar. From there, you can jump straight into the water from the terrace (the rocks). Also bring water shoes or beach sandals, as the rocks can sometimes be quite painful on your feet.

The best view of Dubrovnik

The best panoramic view is an open one, from Mount Srđ, or even better, from the rooftop terrace of the War Museum housed in a former fortress.
And then there's also Lokrum, an island near Dubrovnik where you can take a kayak to go cave diving, or pick olives in an orchard. Half an hour away, head to Plat Beach or the magical cliffside beach: Pasjača Beach.

You can of course also walk along the city's old walls to admire the red rooftops. But do it early in the morning or late in the evening, as this walk isn't recommended in stifling heat.

For the more daring, there's a trip up to 412 metres at the top of Mount Srđ, from where you get a dizzying view of Dubrovnik's rooftops. You can get there by cable car, if you're willing to pay €20 (or 151 kuna) for it.

Got some time left? Explore one of the islands

Lokrum

Setting aside an extra day in Dubrovnik? Be sure to visit the nearby islands of Lokrum and Lopud by boat. Spot the real Iron Throne on Lokrum, visit the botanical gardens, or bring out your inner sportsperson by going kayaking.
Lopud is also the ideal island for total relaxation. At Šunj Beach, you can unwind on the sandy beach while sipping a delicious cocktail. The beach sits between two green hills.
The boat trip to Lokrum takes about 1.5 hours (we took a fast boat, so we got there much quicker). The trip to Lopud takes around 1 hour. The boat ride costs 4 euros or 30 kuna per person.

Another idea: take the boat from the old harbour to Mljet National Park. This excursion will take you two hours, but will give you the chance to splash around in a saltwater lake or test your caving skills in one of the gaping caves along Mljet's coastline. So set aside a full day for this trip. More information at www.np-mljet.hr

Dubrovnik: a city definitely worth a visit

In short, if you only have a little time, be sure to visit the old town, walk along the city walls and cool off in the sea.
If you're staying a bit longer, take a boat to explore the surrounding islands.
Whatever you choose, you're sure to have a wonderful stay in this pretty medieval city!

About Yannick and Charlotte
Yannick and Charlotte travel around the world with their son Sue. They share their stories on the blog Soms Ook Heimwee and have been loyal partners of Redion for several years. Soms Ook Heimwee is a visual travel blog that, through inspiring travel stories and captivating storytelling, aims to convince hesitant travellers to set off too. That said, you'll need to plan your own itinerary, as they don't write ready-made travel guides.