From Wikitravel

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.

[edit] Understand

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.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Dubrovnik airport is located about 20km to the south of the city. There are flights from Zagreb for approximately 60 EUR round trip including taxes.

Croatia Airlines 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 flies from Dubrovnik to Dublin in the summer season.

Hapag Lloyd Express is flying from Stuttgart, Hanover and Munich to Dubrovnik.

As of April 19 2006 Estonian Air is flying every Wednesday and Saturday from Dubrovnik to Tallinn.

SN Brussels Airlines connects Dubrovnik with Brussels twice per week (on Monday and Friday) between April 28 2006 and September 29 2006.

British Airways[1] fly from Gatwick at competitive rate. Thompsonfly [2] from Luton and Flybe[3] from Birmingham are good charter options.

Easyjet have a route from Stansted to Split, and Ryanair 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).

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] By bus

The new bus station is located 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) 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 (saving you a night's accommodation). Alternatively if you are already on the Dalmatian coast buses run directly and many times daily from Split to Dubrovnik, a journey which takes 4 and a half hours and costs upwards of 90kn, depending on the operator.

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. These international services are operated by modern, comfortable coaches.

A departure listing for the international bus station is available at the website of the city bus operator: http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/

On all intercity buses you pay a separate fee for luggage. This fee of about 0.5 to 1 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.

[edit] By boat

• Jadrolinija run 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.

[edit] Get around

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

[edit] 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 [4]. 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 24h of unlimited travel on the city bus network, starting from the first validation.

[edit] Car rental

• A Marker Car Rental-Dubrovnik Car hire Dubrovnik Airport and Downtown.

Car,Van,Motorbike-Motorcyrcle,Scooter,Oldtimer and Buggy Rental [5] Tel:00385 (0) 91 739 75 45 email:[info@carhiredubrovnik.com].

There are several "brand name" car rental companies such as National, Budget, Avis and Sixt available at the Dubrovnik airport. Sixt offers car pickup and drop off at the Hilton, near the Pile gate.

• Kompas Rent a Car, Kardinala Stepinca 52, ☎ +385 (0) 20 436 541 (reservations@kompasrent.hr, fax: +385 (0) 20 436 571).  edit

[edit][add listing] See

Churches

• Franciscan Monastery. Baroque Church housing a beautiful Romanesque cloister and the third oldest pharmacy in the world

• 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

Other Attractions

• Roland's Column. A slender stone flag staff of the legendary knight. Also known as Orlando's Column.

• Bell Tower

• Sponza Palace. Gothic Renaissance palace, one of the few buildings that has maintained its form from before the catastrophic 1667 earthquake.

• Rector's Palace. Formerly the palace of the Major Council, now houses a museum dedicated to the city's history.

• War Photo Limited. An exhibition center of war and conflict photography. Exhibits change during the season. Stunning images by world re-known photojournalist.

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.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Dubrovnik Summer Festival, [6]. 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, [7]. International film festival held since May 2003.

• Libertas Film Festival, [8]. Film festival held from 25.-30. of August

• Julian Rachlin and Friends Festival, [9]. Festival of chamber music

• Walk the city walls. The main entrance to the city walls is near Pile Gate.

• 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 412m (1350') 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.

[edit] Learn

Dubrovnik has a number of educational institutions.

• The University of Dubrovnik [10]

• Nautical College

• Tourist College

• University Centre for Postgraduate Studies of the University of Zagreb [11]

• 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) [12]

• American College of Management and Technology, Dubrovnik, Croatia [13]

[edit] Work

[edit][add listing] Buy

There are many local artisans who specialize in domestic crafts. Popular purchases include: handmade tablecloths, linens, and napkins. Another local specialty is little dolls dressed in local garb, which make nice gifts.

[edit][add listing] Eat

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 imaginive, but it is usually of good quality and very fresh. There are a few pizzarias, mostly wood-fired and quite acceptable. The Kraš chocolate sold at stores is delicious.

[edit] Budget

• Fresh* - within the old city (Vetraniceva 4 - 8th street from Pile Gate), Fresh* serves wraps and smoothies for under 5 euro. [14]

• Nishta - Located within the city walls. Experience Dubrovnik's FIRST (and only) vegetarian restaurant. Prijeko 30, Dalmatia, Dubrovnik tel: 098-1867440

• Taj Mahal - within the old city, with a variety of Bosnian/Eastern cuisine such as Cevapcici u lepinji, baklava, and tufahi

• Lokanda Peskarija - within 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 - within the old city, small Italian style restaurant, with wide choices of pasta.

[edit] Mid-range

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

• Arka - in Old Town, has some good vegetarian options (the baked moussaka was 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

[edit] 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 e-mail: 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.

[edit][add listing] Drink

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 into the night, with both an assortment soft drinks, coffee, beer, and hard alcohol being available. For one of the best mini-guides to nightlife in Dubrovnik, check out: Dubrovnik Nightlife Guide or Croatia Traveller Dubrovnik Nightlife

• Fresh*, [15]. 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. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

• 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.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

http://www.dubrovnik-apartments-bb.com/

[edit] Budget

[edit] Hostel

• Hostel Dubrovnik Marker-Old Town, Od Tabakarije 19, Dubrovnik, tel: +385 (0) 917397545,e-mail: apartmentslovrijenac@yahoo.com, [16]. Situated at one of the best places in Old Town, 2 bed rooms starts from 20 euro 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.

There is also a YHA hostel in town which is open year round and is in good order.

[edit] 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. These include:

• Dubrovnik apartments bb - Accommodation in Dubrovnik *[[17]]

• Dubrovnik apartments Old town - accommodation in Dubrovnik, tel. +385 98 9074901 *[[18]]

• AdriaticGlobal.net - Find your accommodation here *[[19]]
• Dubrovnik apartments bb *[[20]]

• 'Butterfly Services, Dubrovnik, Hire your Butterfly, either to manage your Croatian home or to find your ideal vacation retreat on the Dubrovnik Riviera [21]

• Apartment Gold - Luxury Apartment, location by Dubrovnik Old Town (Pile Gate), [22]. Close to all amenities.

• Rooms Dubrovnik,Pile Bay-Old Town, [23]

• Apartments Stankovich, Matije Gubca 15, tel: +385 98 182 7338, [24]

• Apartments Ana are located in the heart of the old town, Prijeko 7, tel: +385 98 503 286, [25]*

• Apartments Mia, Od Tabakarije 21, tel: +382 69 065 715, [26].

• Apartment Lasic, Suncana 3, tel: +385 20 411 123, [27]

- Ivo Gugic Apartments: Hvarska 46, Dubrovnik + 385 (0) 98 904 7858, [28]

• Dubrovnik b&b, Frana Supila 1, [29]

• Villa Mila - Accommodation Dubrovnik Buljanovic, Boskoviceva 9, tel: +385 23 600 277, [30]

• Apartment Stella - Accommodation Dubrovnik Buljanovic, Zrtava s Dakse 23 - Lapad, tel: +385 23 600 277, [31].

• Hotel Argosy, Iva Dulcica 41, tel: +385 20 446-603, fax: +385 20 435-662 [32].

• Hotel Komodor, Masarykov put 5, tel: +385 20 433-500, fax: +385 20 433-510 [33].

• Hotel Splendid, Masarykov put 10, tel: +385 20 433-560, fax: +385 20 433-570 [34].

• Hotel Vis, Masarykov put 4, tel: +385 20 433-540, fax: +385 20 433-550 [35]

• Hotel Park, Šet.Kralja Zvonimira 39, tel: +385 20 434-444, fax: +385 20 434-885, [36].

• Hotel Kompas, Šet. kralja Zvonimira 56, tel: +385 20 352-000, fax: +385 20 435-877, [37].

• Hotel Neptun, Kardinala Stepinca 31, tel: +385 20 440-100, fax: +385 20 440-200, [38].

• Hotel Lero, Iva Vojnovića 14, tel: +385 20 332-022, 332-122, fax: +385 20 332-123 [39].

• Hotel Lapad, Lapadska obala 37, tel: +385 20 432-922, 412-436, fax: +385 20 417-230 [40].

• Hotel Petka, Obala Stjepana Radića 38, tel: +385 20 416-008, 418-169, fax: +385 20 418-058 [41].

• Hotel Valamar Club Dubrovnik, Iva Dulcica 18, tel: +385 20 447-100, fax: +385 20 435-622 [42].

• Hotel Dubrovnik President, Iva Dulcica 18, tel: +385 20 447-100, fax: +385 20 435-622 [43].

• Hotel Tirena, Iva Dulcica 20, tel: +385 20 445-100, fax: +385 20 436-006, [44].

• Hotel Villas Kolocep, Kolocep, tel: +385 20 757-025, fax: +385 20 757-027, [45].

• Apartments Lsadriatic, Dubrovnik, tel: +385 20 420-392, fax: +385 20 420-392, [46].

• Villa Smodlaka, Dubrovnik, tel: +385 20 332-814 [47]
• Apartment Ranieri , Dubrovnik tel 00385 917315652
• Your Dubrovnik Sweet Home, excellent location, terrace, Dubrovnik Old City, tel: +385-91-8998790 [48].
• Apartment Lobrovic, Best panaroma sea-view apartment in Old Town Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik Old City, [49].
• Unique Dubrovnik Apartments, Sea View Apartments,Old Town Dubrovnik Apartments, Lapad Apartments. Dubrovnik Old City, [50].

[edit] Splurge

• Hotel Bellevue, Pera Čingrije 7, tel: +385 20 330-300, fax: +385 20 330-100, [51]. 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 [52]. 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, [53]. 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, [54]. 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, [55]. A five-star hotel refurbished in 2002.

• Pucic Palace, Ulica Od Puca 1, Tel: +385 20 326 200, Fax: +385 20 326 223 [56]. A five star hotel with just 19 rooms located in the middle of the Old Town across from Gundulic Square

[edit] 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)

[edit] 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.

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), [www.hak.hr].

[edit] Cope

[edit] 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.

• Anyone wishing to travel to Montenegro from Dubrovnik has had their trip made a lot easier. Previously, passengers had to take a bus running once a day to the Montenegrin border, and then walk across and board another bus to continue the rest of their journey. From late 2006, a daily bus operates from Dubrovnik through to Herceg Novi and Kotor departing at 1030am, 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.

• Mostar in Bosnia makes a good two day trip by bus from Dubrovnik. 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 is well worth while, with plenty of places to swim, fish or relax

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!