Typically, I let airfare decide where I am going. For these shorter trips, I simply pick the destination based on price. However, I do make exceptions. Back in March, my two closest girlfriends wanted to plan a trip together. Since I basically dragged both of them to random countries of my choosing over the past year, I figured it was time that I let go of the steering wheel and let them decide. They know the drill – pick a country that none of us have not yet been to. Looking at my map, the Balkan Peninsula lacked the most pins in Europe. In theory, Croatia in July sounded ideal. Peak season meant that the area would be most alive. On paper, Croatia in peak season was painfully expensive.
Dubrovnik
After a quick layover in Istanbul, we arrived at Dubrovnik Airport on Tuesday night, July 4, 2018. There are a few ways to get from the airport to Dubrovnik – Shuttle. Uber. Taxi. With the shuttle bus being the cheapest option. There is no timetable for the shuttle bus because the bus leaves about 20 to 30 minutes after every flight arrival. Given that we arrived on the last flight to Dubrovnik, and had some problems with the ATMs, we missed the last shuttle bus transfer. Luckily, Uber operates throughout the city, making getting around Dubrovnik relatively cheap.
About 30 minutes later, we arrived at Ploce Gate – one of the entrances to the pedestrian-only historic center. I was speechless. Crossing the stone bridge and entering the town through this 14th century gate truly felt like a fairytale.
We wanted to be within walking distance of the city’s main attractions. Hotels in and around the walls of Dubrovnik were well over our budget. On the other end, the hostels that we looked at did not accommodate three travelers in a private room. We had to settle on an apartment for the duration of our stay.
I booked a five-night stay at Apartment Maja, situated in the heart of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, the center of all the action. Restaurants. Bars. Nightclubs. Exactly where we wanted to be.
Day Trips
The location of Dubrovnik is ideal for visiting neighboring countries and islands. Both Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina are just a short car ride away. We had four full days in Dubrovnik, so we decided to do just that. We spent the next two days hopping over borders and exploring other historic cities [see posts: Day Trip to Montenegro and Kravice and Mostar: Day Trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina].
In between, we spent time wandering around Old Town, indulging in the region’s delicious seafood, watching Croatia play, and win against, Russia in the quarter final of the FIFA World Cup, and dancing at Culture Club Revelin (a nightclub located inside of a fortress).
In and Around the Walls of Dubrovnik
There is so much to do in and around Dubrovnik.
On the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Old City of Dubrovnik is jam-packed with historic sites, points of interest, and landmarks.
Given our limited time, we had to be selective with what activities made it onto our itinerary. We dedicated one full day to exploring Old Town itself. We began that day with a self-guided tour of the ancient city walls – the highlight of Dubrovnik.
Outstanding. Impressive. Intimidating. Dubrovnik’s city walls were as advertised. Initially built to defend, the walls are now the main attraction. Walking up the steps to begin the one-way route around the town, I could immediately see why.
The walls provide some of the best views of Old Town and the surrounding areas. The plethora of terracotta rooftops immediately caught my attention.
In between, cobblestone streets, plazas, and churches.
Strolling up and down the walls, I did not know which way to look. On the other side, the Adriatic Sea.
Along the coast, a fortress, harbor, and Banje Beach.
It takes about an hour to complete the one-way route around Dubrovnik’s city walls, but it is worth every step. I can see why Dubrovnik holds the title of being one of the best kept medieval cities in the world. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes and pack enough water.
Following, we walked out of Old Town through Pile Gate to Fort Lovrijenac.
Entrance to this fort was included in the Walls of Dubrovnik ticket. The fortress offers a spectacular view of the walled city.
We spent some time wandering around the grounds before heading to Dubrovnik Cable Car for one last view of Old Town from yet another angle.
On our last full day, we went island-hopping off the coast of Dubrovnik [see post: Island Hopping in the Elaphites] before leaving for our morning flight to Chicago via Istanbul the following day.
