Settled atop a peninsula along the Dalmatian coastline, Dubrovnik is quickly becoming less of a well-kept secret. Founded in the 7th century as a refuge for coastal residents fleeing the barbarians, the "Pearl of the Adriatic" has, understandably, become one of the most popular tourist destinations of the Mediterranean. With stunning Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural details, visitors will feel as if they've stumbled into a living Venetian fairy tale… all in the heart of Eastern Europe.

What to See in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s historic sites are contained in the pedestrian-only Old Town. Including a working pharmacy open since medieval times, churches and mansions full of iconic art, and an Old World shopping mall, this marbled area is the heartbeat of this evocative city. Does it all look oddly familiar to you? Dubrovnik is the filming location for King's Landing, Qarth and other mythical cities in the HBO show "Game of Thrones."

The highlight of an afternoon in Dubrovnik is a scenic one-mile stroll around the Old Town’s city walls. What once protected the city from encroaching foreign powers now provides a unique bird’s-eye view of both the city and the sea surrounding it. If you prefer to ride, a gleaming orange Cable Car will whisk you to the top of Mount Srd within the span of five minutes. It is said that on a clear day you can see nearly 40 miles across the city and the sapphire blue of the Adriatic.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

If you have your heart set on staying in Dubrovnik's Old Town, your best bet may be the Pucic Palace, a luxury hotel in a 17th-century building. Guests praise the well-appointed rooms and top-notch service, as well as the access to a private beach.¹

Most hotels in Dubrovnik, however, are outside the Old Town area. The cliffside Hotel Bellevue offers modern amenities, a view of Miramare Bay and romantic sunset views from the bar. Travelers on a budget should consider the Berkeley Hotel, beloved by tourists for its clean rooms, hearty breakfast and warm service.²

Where to Eat in Dubrovnik

Croatian natives firmly believe a fish should swim three times in its life: first in the sea, then in olive oil, and finally in wine. When visiting the Dalmatian coast, seafood is a must. In every nook and cranny there seems to be a family-owned restaurant complete with breezy, casual outdoor seating and secret recipes that melt in your mouth. For more prestigious dining with unparalleled sea-views, Nautika provides the formality of white-tablecloth formality with varied delicacies from local waters.

For an afternoon break from exploring Old Town, pop into Dubrovnik’s premiere wine bar D’vino for a bit of red or white and some small bites. D’vino stocks over 100 varieties of wine with virtually every local label available for sampling. The owner Sasha Lusic will welcome you in to his cozy café and make you feel completely at home.

When you’re still out exploring at night, be sure to stop by Troubadour, Dubrovnik’s legendary night bar/café. There is a good chance you won’t find an open seat, but with the live jazz you’ll likely find yourself grabbing a cocktail and joining other guests dancing in the middle of the street.

What Do I Need to Travel to Dubrovnik?

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