Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?

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Croatia. Located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, in central and southeast Europe. This once troubled country has now enjoyed peace since 1995. When I started looking into visiting, I was concerned with safety and wondered is Dubrovnik worth visiting?

I will admit that my interest in Dubrovnik was born from my obsession with Game of Thrones. Dubrovnik and Split are the film locations for Kings Landing and other fictional cities. Being such a die-hard fan, I knew I needed to visit!

Sometimes the expectation of seeing your favorite film location can bring massive disappointments in real life. I am pleased to report that Kings Landing, AKA Dubrinvink, is worth visiting!

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Is Dubronvink Worth Visiting Solo

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Now that I have quickly established that yes, Dubronvink is worth visiting, I must reveal my experience was visiting solo. Seeing as my site is rooted with advice on solo traveling, I imagine you wouldn’t expect anything less.

Traveling to a foreign country where English is not the native language always brings up a little anxiety for me. My go-to stress reducer when traveling alone is having my to-and-from the airport plan mapped out.

Once you’ve arrived, trying to navigate how to get to your hotel on the spot can be frustrating. And that is no way to start your trip. It is easy to research your route using Google if you are staying in the central city of any country, its typical for there to be a direct route using public transportation.

Will I Get Bored In Dubrovnik Alone?

Traveling as a single to a resort-like destination can get boring if you are solo. But Dubrovnik does not fall into this category! There is so much to do in Dubrovnik; you might be happier you decided to visit on your own. When you are alone, there is no compromising on the day’s activities.

If you are a little adventurous, and I mean a little, there are no shortages of things to keep you busy. I managed to do almost ALL the things I wanted to do in my three-night stay. My suggestion for someone that wants to make day trips outside of Dubrovnik, stay a minimum of 5 nights.

If I were to describe the vibe of Dubrovnik for the travel inclined, I would say its the perfect combination of chill and adventure! It is the kind of destination where you can genuinely just chill by the water, stroll the streets of the old town. Or, you can climb the city walls, explore the surrounding nature, and make several day trips to nearby hotspots. Is Dubrovnik worth visiting? Hell, YES!

Why is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting in October?

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If you have never traveled to Europe, you may not know that the summers are incredibly crowded and overpriced. The best time to visit Europe is late September, early October! Typically the weather is still very desirable, and there are FAR FEWER PEOPLE crowding the streets.

I’ve noticed the hotel prices also drop the closer it gets to October. Autumn signifies an end to the busy season. I try to capitalize on this as much as possible.

Dubrovnik has explicitly experienced an incredible uptick in tourism since the Game of Thrones series. So much so that it has become a problem for the locals. If you want to avoid the massive crowds coming from the overcrowded cruise ships, consider visiting in October. Alternatively, look up when the cruise ships are docking there to avoid the masses. For all these reasons, this is why Dubrovnik is worth visiting in October.

Solo Worthy Travel Itinerary for Dubrovnik

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The best part about solo traveling is making all the rules! So follow this itinerary any damn way you want. I wanted to share with you all the highlights so you can mix and match this any way that works for you.

If you are traveling alone, but would rather meet people and not plan a thing, book a tour. There are some great day tours that will take you all through Dubrovnik in a group.

Dubrovnik Quick Tips

• Local Currency is the Kuna. ATMs are everywhere.
• Have cash for public transit and small shops.
• Speaking English wasn’t too big of an issue.
• WEAR SUNSCREEN.
• Drink only bottled water! Tap water is not for consumption.
• Taxis tend to be reliable. Ask for costs upfront.

Boutique Hotels of Dubrovnik

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• Hotel Excelsior Frana Supila 12, Dubrovnik, 20000, Croatia
• Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik Marijana Blaži?a 2, Dubrovnik, 20000, Croatia
• Prijeko Palace Prijeko 22, Dubrovnik, 20000, Croatia

Booking.com

Day 1- Stroll The Old City

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One the first day, it’s great to acclimate yourself with the old city. Please remember to wear comfortable shoes! Don’t even bother with the cute shoes that will make your toes bleed after a few hours. Stumbling along with a bum foot, is no fun!!

If you are starting in the morning, why not have breakfast at any of these hot spots!

Best Breakfast Cafes Of Dubrovnik

• Cogito Coffee Shop / Dubrovnik Old Town – Ul. od Pustijerne 1, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Above 5 Rooftop Restaurant – Ul. od Sigurate 4, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Soul Caffe & Rakhija Bar – Uska ul. 5, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

The main historic esplanade in Dubrovnik is called the Stradun. Here you will find about 300 meters of limestone paved streets, lined with shops and restaurants. The official name of the Stradun is actually “Placa,” but calls it the Stradun.

Stradun starts officially through the main gate known as the Pile Gate. *This gate was a film location in the famous HBO series, Game of Thrones.

You will notice Dubrovnik is an entirely walled city! Access points to the upper walls can be found throughout. A great tip is to do a little at a time. Make it your goal to complete this loop sometime during your trip.

Great Lunch Spots in Dubrovnik

• Azur 10, Pobijana ul., 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Taj Mahal Nikole Gu?eti?a 2, Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Urban & Veggie Obala Stjepana Radi?a 13, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia (Vegan)
• Nishta (Vegan) Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia

Visit Rector’s Palace

Ul. Pred Dvorom 3, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

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After lunch, why not visit Rector’s Palace! The tour of this historical building was the official building for political business between the 14th century and 1808. The tour takes about 1 hour.

If you are a big Game of Thrones fan you may notice it is another film location! In season 2 of the famed series, it was the backdrop of Qarth.

To get a more in-depth and private tour of Dubrovnik, click below.

Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting for the Food?

After a day of exploring, I like to EAT. I don’t skimp out when traveling, cause here is the thing…what are the chances you are going to visit again? I always just try and go for that slightly expensive dish.

Flying back to Croatia to try that restaurant you denied yourself the first time is unlikely! If you can, treat yourself!

3 Exceptional Restaurants in Dubrovnik

• Proto Fish Restaurant Široka ul. 1, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
• 360 Restaurant Ul. Svetog Dominika bb, 20000, Dubrovnik
• Orlando Cafe Bistro Stradun 3, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Best Bar in Dubrovnik Worth Visiting

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Not everyone enjoys a cocktail, but almost everyone enjoys a view. If you like both, then I have a bar for you!

Buža Bar is a little hidden gem in Dubrovnik. Not so secret because it is well known. But, I mean hidden as it is a bit tricky to find. There is one little wooden sign that points to a non-suspecting doorway. Walkthrough that door and welcome to paradise!

Buža Bar also serves food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Day 2 -Lokrum Island Visit

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The most treasured memory of my trip was visiting Lokrum Island. Just as Dubrovnik is worth visiting, so it Lokrum island. This little island is packed with things to do for a half-day excursion.

You may also hear the locals calling this island “peacock or bunny island. Why?? The island is overpopulated with both bunny and peacock.

It’s safe to plan about 4-5 hours for this trip. The boat ride is only about 30 minutes from Dubrovnik, but if you want a full experience, then prepare for a half-day. Wear comfortable shoes to this island as walking around the trails is a must!

I bought my ticket to Lokurm island the day I felt like visiting. There are many booths along the dock selling admission tickets. It didn’t appear to me that buying a seat in advance was needed.

You can also organize yourself with a guided tour to visit this island. It will come down to preference. If you decide to go on a tour, it could be a more efficient way to see the island. If you go solo, you will be provided with an island map upon arrival.

I opted to take my time and discover whatever the island had to offer. Honestly, I hadn’t done any research, so everything was a surprise. Most excitingly was the underground museum of the history of Lokrum island. A little hint, this island is said to be cursed! I won’t spoil all the secrets and let you find out for yourself.

Things to Do on Lokrum Island

• Visit the Botanical Garden
• Hike Up to Fort Royal
• Kayak Around the Island
• Float in the Dead Sea
• Game of Throne Fans Find the City of Qarth & The Iron Throne
• Go Picture Taking Crazy of the Views, Bunnies, and Peacocks

Lunch on Lokrum Island

You will find there a couple of dining choices on Lokurm Island. A very casual grab it and go and a sit-down experience. I opted for the sit-down experience. Some of the fellow patrons were the friendly peacocks!

• Lacroma Restaurant – higher-end, sit down restaurant. I loved it!
• Rajski Vrt – Casual Pizza place. Relaxed envoriment
• Snack bar Lacroma – The name says it all. Get your quick fix here at the snack bar!

After lunch, I headed back to Dubrovnik, where I continued my walk along the city walls and had dinner.

If you want to see Lokrum Island with a knowledgable guide, then check out this tour below!

Day 3 Game of Thrones Tour + Gondola Sunset Ride

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Spending three nights in a city is my most common itinerary. If you too are only doing three nights, then make your last day a special one.

I highly recommend a Game of Thrones tour, especially if you are a fan. The tour is also great for solo travelers. It can be a time to make a friend or two who also shares your love for the show and traveling!

The tour I choose was a half-day, starting around 9 am. The tour took us through some of the most famous film locations. It was helpful that our guide also had printed scene shots to show you for comparison.

Most of Dubrovnik was shot as is, with minimal enhancements. The guide of my tour also offered her personal experience of life in Dubrovnik when it was a fictional city of Kings Landing. It was interesting how she described the filming in short blocks of time. She said that sometimes they would be filming just a few streets over from tourists who had no idea.

At the end of the tour, you had the chance to take very cheesy photos with show props. Not authentic props, but just good enough for it to be fun. Admittedly, I enjoyed this.

Sunset Gondola Ride

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By the end of this trip, you won’t be asking yourself, is Dubrovnik worth visiting, but when am I coming back!?! For my last night in a not so hidden gem, I rode the gondola to the top!

• Adult Roundtrip – 150 Kuna
• Adult One Way- 60 Kuna
• For Children Ages 4-12, Roundtrip 60 Kuna
• Children Ages 4-12, One Way 40 Kuna
• Any child under 4 years old ride FREE

*The cable car ride tickets can only be purchased in local currency or credit card.

It is a 4-minute gondola ride to the top, and 778 meters above the city. Here you will enjoy a restaurant, museum, and some of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen!

If you are at all interested in the history of the homeland war in Dubrovnik, you need to make the few steps over to the imperial fortress. This fortress is now a museum that holds a lot of the country’s history during war times.

Dining In The Clouds | Panorama Restaurant

I can’t even remember what I ordered at Panorama restaurant, but I know it was good! With sweeping views of the old town Dubrovnik and Lorkum island in the distance, I was in a trance.

When I think more about it, I remember getting extremely lucky enough to snag a table, but only for a limited time. One of the perks of being a solo traveler is sometimes being able to squeeze into a very full restaurant for a quick taste. The staff seems to always be that extra bit of helpful when they see someone alone.

I wasn’t able to enjoy the full experience due to my time restrictions, but I did enjoy a cocktail and an appetizer. Now, if you are reading this post and taking notes, you will know to make reservations in advance!

Towns Worth Visiting Near Dubrovnik

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If you are visiting Croatia for longer than three days, there are a lot of great options for nearby towns. Specifically, the countries of Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina. As an American, you do not need a special visa to visit these countries. I always suggest double-checking the government website for any country before visiting just to be sure.

Is Dubrovnik worth visiting? Yes! Is Bosnia-Herzegovina safe for women to visit? Absolutely!! The best day trip from Dubrovnik is Mostar! The distance between Dubrovnik and Mostar is only 128 kilometers / 80 miles. This journey can take approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

I would highly recommend making this day trip on some sort of an organized tour. What you want is a place that just organizes the transportation and a little tour, but something that gives you some free time. Mostar is very, very small, and perfect for just a day trip.

If it’s warm, pack a bathing suit and towel so you can enjoy a dip in the crystal blue river waters!

• Don’t forget your passport, you are entering another country!!

Day Trip to Montenegro From Dubrovnik

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If you are thinking of visiting Montenegro, you could do so by renting a car or doing a tour. The journey over to Montenegro looks like a fantastic drive. I didn’t have the time but my friends say it’s incredible.

Doing an organized tour from Dubrovnik would be my first choice, that is because I am a scaredy-cat when it comes to driving in a foreign country. Also, my solo traveling soul does love a group tour here and there. It is a great way to make a couple of friends. The tour I recommend below is highly rated.

Trips Within Croatia

If you are looking to explore more of Croatia solo I sugguest using a service to plan your journey! Some of the most popular journey’s are:

• Dubrovnik to Split
• Split to Hvar
• Hvar to Korcula
• Korcula to Split

Looking for Island Travel Nearby? : Solo Trips to Greece | Corfu

Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting During Covid?

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Nothing has been harder for a travel blogger / travel lover than COVID-19. A huge part of me wanted to just publish this post without a mention of Coronovirus.

Since it is an ever-changing situation, it is hard to really advise someone on what to do. What is allowed today may be forbidden tomorrow. As of the publish date of this post, travel is permitted in Croatia. That may depend on where you originate. Be sure to check the local travel advisements for your country. I am posting the travel advisories for the US and Canada.

I look forward to the day when I can wipe this last section from my post. Until then, stay safe, and travel carefully!

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