Dubrovnik has a stately, old town feel, featuring marble streets, baroque buildings and ancient city walls that rise above the pristine waters of the Adriatic Sea. It’s a city that seems to be frozen in time, making it a fascinating vacation spot. For those on a budget, there are plenty of great activities and sites that will keep you awe-struck without emptying your wallet.
Walking the City Walls
The Old Town of Dubrovnik was first walled in the 9th century, and these fortifications were increasingly strengthened throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, when towers were also built as added protection from potential attacks from the Turks. The walk, which can become quite difficult on particularly hot and sunny days, brings you to stunning lookouts over the Old Town and Adriatic Sea, and at 100 Kuna (about 13 Euros), the views are well worth the price.
Cable Car to Mount Srd
From the top of the city’s walls you can take a gondola 405 meters up to the peak of Mount Srd, which overlooks the beautiful coastal scene of the Old Town’s orange terra-cotta roofs, and the green treetops of the Island of Lokrum. The cost of a return ticket is 100 Kuna, but you can also walk a path that curves it way to the top, if you’re feeling energetic, taking roughly 90 mins, and is free of charge.
Banje Beach
The closest beach to the Old Town, Banje is a free local beach with stunning views of the rocky coastline and the city. The beach is also full of great amenities for hire, including umbrellas and chairs, as well as the service of a beachfront restaurant that serves great local Dubrovnik dishes. For those looking for a bit more action, there are also plenty of water sport options, like jet skiing, paragliding, tubing, and kayaking.
Cathedral of the Assumption
This stunning turn of the 17th century cathedral is built on the site of a 7th century basilica, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1667. Today the cathedral is home to the violet marble altar of St John Nepomuk, as well as a painting of the Assumption of the Virgin, which was made in the workshop of the famous Venetian Renaissance painter Titian.
Stradun
Formerly a swamp separating Ragusa from the forest settlement of Dubrava, Stradun is now a 300-meter long limestone-paved walking street, whose ends are marked by 15th century fountains and the Pile and Ploce Gates. The Stradun is home to many of the cities historic buildings and monuments, as well as a variety of wonderful cafés and shops.
The atmosphere of Dubrovnik is one that will enchant you and certainly have you eager to return and discover more on another Dubrovnik city break.
