Croatia: Is Dubrovnik worth a visit?
- Wibke Helfrich
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
Everyone warned us against visiting the city of Dubrovnik in Croatia in midsummer. They said it would be too crowded and overrun. We went anyway, and you'll find out whether the visit was worth it in this blog post.
My sister is a genius sometimes: She found a campsite in the small town of Mlini, just outside Dubrovnik. The campsite (Camping Kate) is located on a cliff, and a steep staircase leads down to the sea (and to a beach that's also quite pretty and perfect for swimming).
This is how you visit Dubrovnik in Croatia, completely relaxed.
From here, you can take small taxi boats to Dubrovnik. This takes away the stress of getting there, and especially the stress of finding a parking space, and makes the trip itself a wonderful experience.
Even from the sea, you can see how defiantly the city towers above the sea. A massive city wall surrounds it on all sides. Small defensive towers look out in all directions. As if to relive the days of pirates and buccaneers, a sailing ship enters the harbor at the same time as us. However, there are more tourists on board than pirates.
Away from the main attractions, into the small alleys
To get a feel for the city, we first wander through the small alleys. As soon as you leave the main streets, you're almost alone. Frauke finds an inconspicuous gate that leads through the city walls and out to the sea. This is where you'll find what's probably the coolest beach bar in the world. At Buža Beach, the brave ones jump from the cliffs into the sea, while the more relaxed ones sit at tables and sip cocktails. It's still too early for us to drink.
My tip: It is best to visit Dubrovnik early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Film location for Games of Thrones
We walk past the famous staircase leading to the Church of Ignatius, where Game of Thrones was filmed. The tranquility is over. Many tourists are sitting on the stairs; a city tour of the filming locations in Dubrovnik is also taking place. Of course, these stairs couldn't be missed. Although it's busy here, I don't find it overcrowded. I like the limestone city, which shines white and beautifully decorated against the blue sky.
On the famous city wall
In the late afternoon, I climb the citadel. Frauke isn't up for it, so we arrange to meet later at the beach bar. I booked the ticket online in advance to avoid long waits. Of course, I'm not alone on the city walls, but it's quite bearable.
The view over the city from the old city wall is gigantic.
From the top, you have a fantastic view of the winding alleys, the many churches, turrets, Fort Lovrijenac, and the sea. There are even cafés on the city walls. I make myself comfortable for a while at the Caffe on the Wall (SV. PETAR) and enjoy the view. "After 7 p.m. (in midsummer), there is no access to the city walls," the café's waiter tells me. "Only then does someone come and ask visitors to come down. It usually starts at the Pile Gate. That way you'll still have time for a few photos at sunset ," he reassures me. Grateful for the good tip, I continue on. Time and again, there are fantastic views through the brick windows.
Tvrđava Minčeta Fort is the highest point, as it is situated on the mountain. Several tourists have already settled here for a sundowner. Between the old houses, there is also evidence that people actually live in the city. You can see a basketball court where the locals are currently playing a game. Frauke and I have arranged to have dinner at the Pi-Pi restaurant . Unfortunately, we arrive too late with the last rays of sun. A long line has already formed in front of the restaurant. It's a shame, as we would have had a great view of the old town from the terrace and they supposedly have the best seafood here. But we won't go hungry. There are countless restaurants in the narrow streets. As we take the last boat back to the campsite that evening, we all agree: For us, the visit to Dubrovnik was definitely worth it.
Info:
Here you can find more blog posts about the Balkans and Croatia
General information about Dubrovni k can be found on this page
My tip: Buy the Dubrovnik Pass online .
This not only saves you from having to wait in line at the entrance to the city walls, but also gives you free entry to many other attractions and free public transport . It's available for one day (€40), three days (€50), and seven days (€60). It's not exactly cheap, but hey, you're probably only in Dubrovnik once, right?
Sleep
We have on the Camping Kate is the place to stay. From here, you can take a bus or taxi boat from the port in Mlini to town.
Eat
Restaurant Pi-Pi is located in the upper part of the Old Town, near the Tvrđava Minčeta Fortress. It's worth arriving early, as reservations aren't possible.
Peline ul. 25-b, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia, +38520321154
Make
Game of Thrones and other tours can be booked here , for example.
A great way to see the city walls is by kayak . Kayak Dubrovnik also offers sunset tours.