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TravelTips24 : Europe : Balkans : Croatia : Dalmatia : Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is an old city on the Adriatic Sea coast in the extreme south of Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist resorts of the Mediterranean, a seaport and the center of the Dubrovnik-Neretva county. Its population was 43,770 in 2001. Dubrovnik is nicknamed "Pearl of the Adriatic" and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Culture and History

The city of Dubrovnik/Ragusa was built on maritime trade. In the Middle Ages it became the only city-state in the Adriatic to rival Venice. Supported by its wealth and skilled diplomacy, the city achieved a remarkable level of development during the 15th and 16th centuries. Furthermore, Dubrovnik was one of the centers of the development of the Croatian language and literature, home to many notable poets, playwrights, painters, mathematicians, physicists and other scholars.

Today Dubrovnik is the proudest feather in Croatia's tourist cap, an elite destination and one of the most beautiful towns in the Mediterranean, definitely a place to visit. Dubrovnik used to be an independent republic, surviving mostly on trade. It managed to survive many centuries, with constant threats to its territory, particularly from the mighty Ottoman Empire and Venice. As early as 19th century, it was discovered by celebrities, to get its well-deserved title of elite destination in the 20th century. The fact that nine out of Croatia's fifteen most luxurious hotels are situated in Dubrovnik shows how important it is to be seen in Dubrovnik. It was thus visited by numerous kings, queens, princes and princesses, presidents, high diplomats, celebrities and businessmen, including, of course, the late Pope John Paul II, who was also an honorary citizen of the city of Dubrovnik.

Travel to Dubrovnik & Visa Requirements

Flights and airtickets to Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik airport (IATA: DBV) (ICAO: LDDU), [1] is located about 20 km to the south of the city. There are flights from Zagreb for approximately 60 EUR round trip including taxes.

  • Croatia Airlines [2] is the Croatian flag-carrier and Dubrovnik is one of it's hub airports. Numerous flights operate both domestically (numerous times daily to Zagreb, seasonal to Osijek, Zadar and Pula) and internationally to the UK, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.
  • Aer Lingus [3] flies from Dubrovnik to Dublin in the summer season.
  • As of April 19 2006 Estonian Air [5] is flying every Wednesday and Saturday from Dubrovnik to Tallinn.
  • SN Brussels Airlines [6] connects Dubrovnik with Brussels twice per week (on Monday and Friday) between April 28 2006 and September 29 2006.
  • British Airways [7] fly from Gatwick at competitive rate.
  • Thompsonfly [8] from Luton and Flybe [9] from Birmingham are good charter options.
  • Easyjet [10] have routes from Gatwick, Bristol and Geneva to Split, and Ryanair [11] from Stansted to Zadar, from which an 8 hour bus ride will get you to Dubrovnik. Ryanair also go to Bari in Italy from where there is an overnight Jadrolinija ferry to Dubrovnik.

Flights are also often available to Paris-Charles De Gaulle, Frankfurt, Vienna, Amsterdam and other major European cities.

From the airport, taxis are available but not inexpensive (about 200kn). Bus service to the Old City is available through Atlas, and meet all scheduled flights, but the drop-off location is in the Old City or the bus station in Gruž, and most hotels are not within walking distance from either, especially with luggage. Taxis at the drop-off location, are usually available, though can be difficult at busy times, especially when the cruise boats are docked (almost every day in the summer).

By train

There is no train to Dubrovnik, although you can take a train to Split and then travel by bus to Dubrovnik. The bus station in Split is located right next to the train station on the wharf.

Alternatively, one can take the train from Sarajevo or Mostar which heads to Ploče on the Croatian coast, and travel the last section (under 2 hours) by bus. The scenery is spectaclar, and the trains aren't normally crowded. Ploče is the closest railhead to Dubrovnik.

By car

The trip from Split is a beautiful journey along the coastal roads through small, quaint villages and other tourist destinations. Just know that in the summer months the trip is likely to take several hours longer than anticipated. What looks like a short trip on a map can take six hours,

Buses to Dubrovnik

The new bus station is located in Kantafig, northern part of the city, a distance from the old city (near the northern approach and the Tudjman bridge), with domestic and international departures, as well as services heading to the airport (check times with Croatia Airlines). To get there, use the local bus service (operating around every 15 minutes, e.g. bus Nro 7) to take you into the Pile Gate (entrance to old town). The bus station has an enclosed waiting room, ticket office, and tourist information - though be advised of people trying to offer a private room in their home as accommodation as soon as you get off the bus - often these can be a good deal, though check the location with these people on a map before walking with them or you may be some distance from the bus station, or the old city.

It is a fairly long journey, but it is possible to take a bus directly from Zagreb. These take up to 12 hours, and some run overnight, but the bad climate control on the buses and the cramped conditions make for an uncomfortable night. Alternatively if you are already on the Dalmatian coast buses run directly and every hour from Split to Dubrovnik, a journey which takes 4 and a half hours and costs upwards of 100 kn, depending on the operator. Some busses follow the big high roads (eg. A1) while others use the low roads along the coast, which are more scenic but a bit slower.

Other international services operate to cities such as Trieste in Italy, and there are daily services to Mostar and Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herceg Novi and Kotor in Montenegro.

A departure listing for the international bus station is available at the website of the city bus operator: [12]

On all intercity buses you pay a separate fee for luggage. This fee of 2 euro per piece of luggage is paid to the driver upon boarding. Some drivers are rather picky about being paid in exact change in the correct currency (sometimes a local currency, at other instances requesting to be paid in euros) and sometimes also refuse to be paid in too small coins. So keep some change ready.

By boat

  • Jadrolinija [13] runs ferries down the coast from Rijeka. Calling at Split, Stari Grad, Korčula and Sobra on the way. Journey time is up to twenty hours, so consider getting a cabin. The restaurant serves up some decent food at surprisingly reasonable prices, but bear in mind that the 22% tax is not included on the menu. There is nothing in the way of entertainment, so bring some entertaining company or a good book, although the journey is scenic and it is possible to entertain oneself simply marvelling at the natural beauty of the coast.
  • Jadrolinija offers nightly crossings to and from Bari, Italy but either the dull engine vibration or the swaying of the boat from high winds are likely to keep you awake.

Tours & Getting around Dubrovnik

The old town is completely pedestrianised and easily small enough to get around on foot - some of the streets are a little steep though!

By bus

If you are not staying in the Old Town it's relatively simple to catch just about any bus as just about every one leads to the Old Town; however, it is still best to consult a timetable of bus arrivals/departures which will help you be sure that you are in fact catching the right bus. Timetable available here [14]. It costs 8kn (just over 1 euro) for tickets bought at any kiosk,or 10kn bought on the bus; ticket valid for 1hr. At selected kiosks (including the international bus station) you can purchase a day pass for 25hr. This pass is valid for 24 hours of unlimited travel on the city bus network, starting from the first validation.

Car rental

Car,Van,Motorbike-Motorcycle,Scooter,Oldtimer and Buggy Rental-Pile Gate Old Town Phone +385 (0) 91 739 75 45

There are several "brand name" car rental companies such as National, Budget, Avis and Sixt available at the Dubrovnik airport.

Dubrovnik attractions and sightseeing

Dubrovnik was heavily bombed by the Montenegrin Navy during the war (1992 to 1995). Almost all of the damage has been covered over but if you look closely around the old town you can still see the damage from mortars in the cobblestone streets and bullet marks in the stone houses.

  • Roland's Column. A slender stone flag staff of the legendary knight. Also known as Orlando's Column.
  • Bell Tower
  • Sponza Palace, [16] Gothic Renaissance palace, one of the few buildings that has maintained its form from before the catastrophic 1667 earthquake. Hosts historic archives. Memorial room of defenders. Open 10-22. 20 KN
  • Rector's Palace, [17] Formerly the palace of the Major Council, now houses a museum dedicated to the city's history. Open 9-18. 35 kuna
  • War Photo Limited. An exhibition center of war and conflict photography. Exhibits change during the season. Stunning images by world renowned photo journalists. Open 9-21
  • Pile Gate, (Old town).  edit
  • Placa Stradun, (Old town). The Stradun (Placa)[18] is the central street of the city of Dubrovnik edit
  • Big Onofrio´s Fountain. In the entrance of the old town edit
  • Old Port, (Old town).  edit
  • Old City Walls. 8-19. Walk on the walls around the old town, great views50 kuna.  edit

Churches

  • Franciscan Monastery, [19] Baroque Church housing a beautiful Romanesque cloister and the third oldest pharmacy in the world. Open 9-18. 35 kuna, students 10 kuna
  • Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Supposedly the original church had been build from money donated by Richard the Lionhearted who survived shipwreck on his way home from the Third Crusade, while the current Roman Baroque cathedral dates from the 18th Century.
  • Church of Saint Blaise (Crkva Svetog Vlaha). Baroque Church dedicated to the city's patron saint.
  • Church of St. Ignatius and the Jesuit College. Beautiful Baroque church located on a small hill within the old city.
  • Dominican Monastery, [20] This is an exceptionally valuable historic complex, which, besides its religious purpose, also represents the important artistic treasury of ancient Dubrovnik. Open 9-18.
  • Church of St. Sebastian
  • Serbian Orhodox Church and Museum of Icons

Dubrovnik city tours

  • Dubrovnik Summer Festival, [21]. Music and theatre festival held since 1950 from 10 July to 25 August.
  • Walk down the Stradun and enjoy a drink at a cafe on the main through fair of the old town.
  • 'Dubrovnik Film Festival, [22]. International film festival held since May 2003.
  • Libertas Film Festival, [23]. Film festival held from August 25-30.
  • Julian Rachlin and Friends Festival, [24]. Festival of chamber music
  • Walk the city walls. The main entrance to the city walls is near Pile Gate. It kost Ku 50. The walk close at 7pm and they mean it. They will close off the walls with an iron gate and you might miss the last part.
  • Visit the Fortress Lovrijenac. It was an essential fortification to the defense of the city from both ground and sea attacks. In order to prevent possibly mutiny by the commander of the fortress, the walls facing the city are only 60 cm thick compared to those exposed to enemy fire which were 12m thick!. Above the entrance to the fortress is an inscription that says "Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro" which translates to "Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world".
  • Climb Mt. Srđ. This 412 m (1350 ft) peak has excellent views of the city of Dubrovnik, the harbor, and the Dubrovnik Highlands region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The top of the hill has a modern radio tower, some older fortifications damaged in the war, and a memorial to some of the war dead.
  • Take a ferry to Lokrum, which houses a monastery, a fort with great views of Dubrovnik, botanical gardens, and a naturist beach.
  • Lazareti(arl@du.htnet.hr), Frana Supila 8(Ploce, just out side of the east entrance to the Old town), ☎ 385 20 324 633, [25]. Old carantine hospital serves as a culture centre for concerts, exhibitions, workshops, theatre, film, night clubs and literature. The concert hall/bar is a very cozy place with a decient sound system. Gallery Galeriya Tutunplok is open daily 12-21. Art workshop is open daily 12-21. Films start at 22.00, theatre at 22.00 (20-40KN), concerts at 22.00 (40-100 KN), club is open 22-04 (30 KN). edit
  • Dubrovnik Tour Guide, Dubrovnik. You can take local licensed Tour Guide Denis who was born in Dubrovnik so he knows so much about the history of this town.You can book him directly,his E-mail: denisdubrovnik@yahoo.com edit
  • DUBROVNIK WALKS- A reasonable price tours around Old town or city walls with professionally licensed guides born in town. Relaxing walks in small groups.www.dubrovnikwalks.com

Learn

Dubrovnik has a number of educational institutions.

  • The University of Dubrovnik, [26].
  • Nautical College
  • Tourist College
  • University Centre for Postgraduate Studies of the University of Zagreb, [27].
  • Institute of History of the Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences
  • Learn Croatian at the Centre for Foreign Languages, University of Zagreb (Zagreb & Dubrovnik classes) [28].
  • American College of Management and Technology, [29].

Work

Dubrovnik souvenirs & shopping

There are many local artisans who specialize in domestic crafts. Popular purchases include: handmade tablecloths, linens, and napkins. Many merchants claim that the necktie was invented in Croatia; at least one excellent store has offerings ranging from roughly US $60-$450 each. Another local specialty is little dolls dressed in local garb, which make nice gifts.

Keep in mind, though, that there are very few ATMs outside the Old Town. Indeed many locals will profess their typical total ignorance if asked directions to the nearest "bankomat" or "banka", leading some to wonder if there's something in the water in Dubrovnik that shouldn't be there. Nearly all ATMs also only offer Croation currency. Given that many budget accommodation options are a long way outside the Old Town, finding local money can be a very lengthy process.

Dubrovnik Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

There is a wide range of restaurants in the Old Town, mostly offering a very similar menu of local seafood and some meat dishes. The cuisine may not be very imaginitive, but it is usually of good quality and very fresh. There are a few pizzerias, mostly wood-fired and quite acceptable. The Kraš chocolate sold at stores is delicious. Remember that Dubrovnik, moreso than the rest of Croatia, is well aware of its status as a tourist hot-spot, and prices reflect that knowledge. Finding true value in the Old Town of Dubrovnik is very difficult, and finding a meal outside of it can be well-nigh impossible.

Budget

  • Pizzeria Tomato Directly on Pile Gate-Bus Station
  • Fresh* within the old city (Vetraniceva 4 - 8th street from Pile Gate), [30]. Serves wraps and smoothies for under 5 euro.
  • Nishta, Prijeko 30, tel: 098-1867440. Experience Dubrovnik's first (and only) vegetarian restaurant.
  • Taj Mahal, within the old city. Offers a variety of Bosnian/Eastern cuisine such as Cevapcici u lepinji, baklava, and tufahi, but long waiting times (1 hour - even after booking) and half the vegetarian options sold out mean it's best avoided.
  • Lokanda Peskarija, in the old city, in the old harbour, traditional Dalmatian appetizers and meals, you get your meal in a large black pot, in fisherman's style.
  • Marco Polo, near St.Blaise church, Lučarica: good traditional food served in a small outdoor courtyard.
  • Mea Culpa pizzeria - still one of the best in what is becoming a 'pizza street'.
  • Poklisar in the old harbour. Limited but good menu, including pizza - and some very enjoyable live piano music.
  • Spaghetteria Toni, in the old city. Small Italian style restaurant, with wide choices of pasta.

Mid-range

There is a variety of good, well priced restaurants around the city depending on your personal preferences. Examples include:

  • Restaurant Dubravka on Pile Gate. With the best sea view in Dubrovnik.High quality service and food.
  • Arka, in Old Town. Has some good vegetarian options (the baked moussaka is excellent).
  • Domino Steak House. One of the best for a variety of ways of serving steak.
  • Proto Siroko Ulica, Old Town, a bit up-market, but good sea-food.
  • Belvedere, in Lapad.
  • Konoba Konavoka, in Uvala Lapad.

Splurge

  • Porat restaurant & terrace - Restaurant in Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik hotel with warm Mediterranean colors and spacious terrace, just outside the Pile gate. Offers international and croatian cuisine
  • Nautika - Restaurant located just outside the Pile gate to the Old City, on the waterfront. Great views of the sea and Old City. In the evening the main courses start at 200 Kuna, and the starters are at a similar price. There are various 'tasting menus' starting at about 50 euros.
  • Gils, Sv. Dominika bb, 20 000 Dubrovnik, tel: +358 20 32 2222, fax: +358 20 32 2220, info@gilsdubrovnik.com. Restaurant located near the Ploce gate. A new and rather over the top pretentious venue located in the Old town of Dubrovnik with nice views of the old harbour. The restaurant offers ultra modern French cuisine and a wine & digestive cellar, while the lounge bar promises fresh cocktails and funky DJ music.

Dubrovnik nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

The most popular hard alcohol in Croatia is home made rakija. This is a very strong distilled drink made from a variety of fruits. Examples include sljivovica (made from plums), "loza" (made from grapes), and "orahovica" (made with walnuts). All are quite strong and, like most hard liquors, have an unappealing taste to some people while others find them quite enjoyable.

There are many excellent local wines from both the Peljesac Peninsula and Konavle and it is often less expensive than soft drinks like Coca Cola. However, be careful when purchasing wine from unlicensed dealers (though the price is very attractive with some being as low as 10kn or 1.5 euro per liter) as it can sometimes be of low quality.

  • Buža, Iza Mura. Found by following a sign that simply says ‘cold drinks’ you enter through a hole in the wall on the south side of the Old Town. The tables and chairs are set out on the side of the cliff and the beers are served in bottles and plastic cups. This is lovely in the evening, when the sun is setting and you gaze over at island of Lokrum. Eclectic chilled out music plays unobtrusively in the background. There isn’t much in the way of shelter (apart from some palm leaves) so this won’t open in bad weather.

There are numerous cafes throughout the Old Town and the entire city with prices varying according to the location (particularly, those located on the Stradun are by far the most expensive but you are paying for the ambiance as well). The cafes (or cafe bars) serve a wide variety of drinks all day and

  • Fresh*, [31]. Fresh* is 'the favoured drinking and hookup spot for the backpacker set'- New York Times. Check out their 1kn Happy Hour. Indulge in 3 litre beer and cocktail towers. Free internet and wifi access.
  • Club Latino is really the only dance club/lounge in Dubrovnik and it is located right outside of the Old Town, by the Pile gate.
  • Lazareti - if you are into house, tech-house and techno music and clubbing, you'll enjoy Lazareti on the eastern entrance of the Old Town, by the Ploce gate. Also, during the summer, there are lot of electronic music happenings there and on the open air around the city.
  • Nonenina, [32]. Nonenina is a bar is the ideal place to rest after a visit to the rich cultural and historical inheritage of Dubrovnik. As the daylight smoothnes, Nonenina becomes a spot for an evening visit. A lounge bar, chill out music, professional service, the view at Dubrovnik’s exceptional architecture, comfortable seats are only a part of the atmosphere that you will experience in Nonenina.
  • EastWest, Frana Supila bb(At the beach at the Ploce gate), ☎ +385 20 412 220(info@ew-dubrovnik.com), [33]. Beach club and night club. In the day you can have drinks in the lounge chairs, at night you can party in the nightclub.free entrance until midnight.  edit
  • D'vino Wine Bar, Palmoticeva 4a, ☎ +385(0)20321223, [34]. D'Vino Wine Bar has an impressive selection of fine domestic and imported wine available by the glass, bottle, and in tasting servings. Our diverse collection includes wines from all over the world including France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Chili, and of course Croatia. With over 100, D’Vino has the largest selection of wines by the glass in Dubrovnik. D’Vino Wine Bar is the perfect place to share an intimate conversation, celebrate a special occasion, or just unwind at the end of the day. Our friendly staff will help you choose the perfect glass of wine – all you need to do is sit back and relax in our quiet retreat in the center of town. edit

Dubrovnik cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

Visitors on a budget in Dubrovnik need to remember two important points at all times:

  • Prices are higher than they would be in most other places in Croatia, simply because you're staying in Dubrovnik
  • Most private room options claim to be very close to the Old Town. One notorious guesthouse advertises itself as being 20 minutes' walk from the Pile Gate. In reality, the walk itself may be about 25-30 minutes, excluding a very steep hill climb. The total distance is thus closer to 45-50 minutes. Many accommodation providers will take it very personally if a guest reviews their experience negatively - abusive Emails and phone calls are not uncommon.

Budget

  • Hostel Dubrovnik Marker-Old Town [35], Od Tabakarije 19, Dubrovnik, tel: +385 (0) 91 739 75 45, apartmentslovrijenac@yahoo.com. Situated at one of the best places in Old Town-Pile Beach, bed starts from 15(low season)- 40(high season) euro per person/day, Marko the owner is a friendly and obliging guy with a local philosophic attitude, they also offer fully equipped holiday-apartments with own kitchen, private bathroom. Location is more than perfect-25 m from sea and 100 m from main historical street Stradun(Placa).
  • Youth Hostel Dubrovnik [36], Vinka Sagrestana 3, tel: +385 20 423 241. The hostel is located at a 20 min walk from the Old town or 25min from the bus station. Not too cozy but you might find chatting company at the large balcony. Simple breakfast 7 kuna extra.
  • Auto Camp Solitudo Located on the peninsula across from the main busstation and the harbor. Catch bus nr 7 from the main bus station (every hour) directly or take bus nr 1 to the old town (station: 'Pile') and change to bus nr 6 (6 and 7, direction: 'Babin Kuk'). Big campsite located close to two beaches (400m walk). Price for 2 people with just a tent in the high season: around 27 euro (summer 2008).

Mid range

Dubrovnik is steeped in stunning architecture and sculptural detail, and boasts spectacular churches, monasteries, museums, fountain. Apartments serve as an ideal home base to tour the city or to go further afield. A multitude of typical towns and excursions include: The Elafiti Islands, the attractive town of Cavtat, Mljet Island, Korčula Island and Peljesac Peninsula. The neighboring towns of Kotor in Montenegro or Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina also make for intriguing day trips. $549 per week/per apartment and up.

As well, there are many three star hotels that offer a more affordable alternative to the opulence of the five-star hotels.

  • Dubrovnik apartments bb, Stikovica 27, [37]
  • Magnolia, Od Greba Žudioskih 9(Walk out of the north entrance, past the fire station, then left and shortly right), ☎ ''+385'' 20891154(magnolia9@net.hr), [38]. Two story house with 4 rooms. The view from the balcony on the second floor is amazing.€70.  edit
  • Apartments Dubrovnik Old Town-Pile Bay, od Tabakarije 19,Tel: +385 (0) 91 739 75 45 [39] from 55€

  • Dubrovnik B&B, Frana Supila 1, [40]
  • Apartments Stankovich, Matije Gubca 15, tel: +385 98 182 7338, [41]
  • Apartments Ana, Prijeko 7, tel: +385 98 503 286, [42]
  • Apartment Lasic, Suncana 3, tel: +385 20 411 123, [43]
  • Villa Mila - Accommodation Dubrovnik Buljanovic, Boskoviceva 9, tel: +385 23 600 277, [44].
  • Apartment Stella - Accommodation Dubrovnik Buljanovic, Zrtava s Dakse 23 - Lapad, tel: +385 23 600 277, [45].
  • Hotel Argosy, Iva Dulcica 41, tel: +385 20 446-603, fax: +385 20 435-662 [46].
  • Hotel Komodor, Masarykov put 5, tel: +385 20 433-500, fax: +385 20 433-510 [47].
  • Hotel Splendid, Masarykov put 10, tel: +385 20 433-560, fax: +385 20 433-570 [48].
  • Hotel Vis, Masarykov put 4, tel: +385 20 433-540, fax: +385 20 433-550 [49]
  • Hotel Park, Šet.Kralja Zvonimira 39, tel: +385 20 434-444, fax: +385 20 434-885, [50].
  • Hotel Kompas, Šet. kralja Zvonimira 56, tel: +385 20 352-000, fax: +385 20 435-877, [51].
  • Hotel Neptun, Kardinala Stepinca 31, tel: +385 20 440-100, fax: +385 20 440-200, [52].
  • Hotel Lero, Iva Vojnovića 14, tel: +385 20 332-022, 332-122, fax: +385 20 332-123 [53].
  • Hotel Lapad, Lapadska obala 37, tel: +385 20 432-922, 412-436, fax: +385 20 417-230 [54].
  • Hotel Petka, Obala Stjepana Radića 38, tel: +385 20 416-008, 418-169, fax: +385 20 418-058 [55].
  • Hotel Valamar Club Dubrovnik, Iva Dulcica 18, tel: +385 20 447-100, fax: +385 20 435-622 [56].
  • Hotel Dubrovnik President, Iva Dulcica 18, tel: +385 20 447-100, fax: +385 20 435-622 [57].
  • Hotel Tirena, Iva Dulcica 20, tel: +385 20 445-100, fax: +385 20 436-006, [58].
  • Hotel Villas Kolocep, Kolocep, tel: +385 20 757-025, fax: +385 20 757-027, [59].
  • Dubrovnik Sunshine Apartments, Best Panaroma Sea Views, Terrace, Dubrovnik Old Town, Boat Excursions [60].

Splurge

  • Ariston Hotel, Kardinala Stepinca 31, tel: +385 20 440 100, fax: +385 20 440 200,[61]. Completely renovated in 2007 and located alongside the Adriatic Sea on the Lapad peninsula. Ariston Hotel is a four-storey property featuring 115 guestrooms, of which, most have a balcony with seaview.
  • Importanne Suites, Kardinala Stepinca 31, tel: +385 20 440 100, fax: +385 20 440 200,[62]. A five-star property set alongside the Adriatic Sea and surrounded by Mediterranean gardens. Most of the 25 luxurious apartments have a scenic view of the Adriatic Sea and nearby islands.
  • Hotel Bellevue, Pera Čingrije 7, tel: +385 20 330-300, fax: +385 20 330-100, [63]. A five star hotel set on a clifftop overlooking the Adriatic, the Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik is a modern, five-storey property located within one kilometre of Dubrovnik's historic Old Town. The 93 guestrooms feature modern, nautical-themed decor with wooden flooring.
  • Hotel Excelsior, F. Supila 12, +385 20 35 33 53 [64]. A five-star hotel built in 1913 and completely renovated in 1998 overlooking the Old City. It has 146 bedrooms and 18 suites. Rates run at about 2000 Kunas (250€) a day. Within walking distance of the beaches and Old City.
  • Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, Marijana Blažića 2, +385 20 320 320, [65]. A five-star hotel situated near the entrance of the Old Town and overlooking the ancient city walls and fortresses. It was built in 1895 and has 139 rooms and 8 suites.
  • Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, Masarykov put 20, +385 20 430 777, [66]. A five-star hotel situated on a Lapad peninsula, below the park of little Petka woods, with a view to the Elaphite islands. The Old Town is 4,5 km away.
  • Hotel Grand Villa Argentina, Frana Supila 14, +385 20 440 555, [67]. A five-star hotel refurbished in 2002.
  • Pucic Palace, Ulica Od Puca 1, Tel: +385 20 326 200, Fax: +385 20 326 223 [68]. A five star hotel with just 19 rooms located in the middle of the Old Town across from Gundulic Square

Contact

With the influx of tourists Internet cafes are becoming increasing popular. Half hour rate are relatively inexpensive at appoximately 10-20Kn (1.5-3 Euro)

Stay safe

Dubrovnik is a very safe city, though the usual precautions should be taken to protect yourself from robbery.

Stay legal:

  • Previously Croatia had laws forbidding scuba-diving without a pre-paid license. Check if this law is still in effect.
  • When entering a port, it is international protocol to hoist a flag meaning "Ready for inspection by customs." However, Croatia did not adopt this custom, so it may be advisable to inquire what is the equivalent signal before sailing to a Croatian port.

If you are involved in a car accident, no matter how insignificant, you are required to call the Police.

The phone number of the police is 92, but the sentence above does not apply any more and in fact you will pay a fine (500kn) for calling the police for a fender bender. Those kind of accidents are handled by the insurance companies directly. The only exception is when your insurance covers the damage you caused and requires a police report.

In Croatia you are always required to have your headlights on while operating a motor vehicle (car, scooter, etc.)

If you are stranded, have car troubles, or need help contact HAK - Hrvatski Autoklub, (+385 1 987), [69].

Cope

Re: Bedbugs. You can't get hydrocortisone here, so bring your own.

The Old Town can be comparatively difficult to navigate on first appearances, as it really is a warren of little streets. There are, however, signs at the entrances to many of these streets advertising what businesses (shops, restaurants, accommodation etc) are to be found in that direction.

That being said, some of these signs appear to be either intentionally misleading or woefully out of date. For example, there is no office of any bus company within the Old Town, despite what the signs may say. Sadly, locals seem to take perverse pleasure in giving tourists bad directions as well, and are often rude and unapologetic when the same tourist returns later to point out the problem.

Get out

  • There are many destinations within Croatia that can be accessed from Dubrovnik with popular attractions including Split and the Plitvice Lakes National Park as well as the capital, Zagreb which is approximately a 10 hour drive away.
  • A popular shopping destination for locals, Neum in Bosnia offers many cheap goods for frugal travellers. Buses heading between Split and Dubrovnik will often stop for a short while here to collect supplies etc.
  • Montenegro Daily buses operates from Dubrovnik through to Kotor Budva or Herceg Novi (Atlas and Adriatic Explore agency ca 400 Kuna). Busses departs around 8pm and the bus arrives back around 5-6pm, making it possible to do a day trip from Dubrovnik to see the spectacular scenery in Montenegro and the city of Kotor. There are also additional local buses which operate through to Herceg Novi, but check times.
  • Ston is known for oysters and old salt ponds still in use. (Atlas, Adriatic Explore)
  • Trsteno 15. century summer residence with renaissance garden.(Atlas, Adriatic Explore)
  • Mostar in Bosnia makes a good two day trip by bus from Dubrovnik (Atlas and AdriaticExplore). The ride will take about 3 hours.The city has a much stronger Turkish feel as opposed to Dubrovnik's Venetian.
  • Sarajevo is worth visiting as it is considered by some as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
  • A boat trip to the Elaphiti Islands (Kolocep, Sipan, Lopud) is well worth while, with plenty of places to swim, fish or relax
  • Medugorje Visit the Shrine of Medugorje for a religious experience. (Adriatic Expore)
  • Mljet island. Green island with lakes and monestries.
  • Go on a wine tasting tour (Atlas agency)

This page was last edited at 18:35, on 14 November 2008 by Peter Fitzgerald. Based on work by Niels Elgaard Larsen, David and Tiia Monto, Wikitravel user(s) Texugo and Peymora, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.

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