Old Town Dubrovnik in a Day
Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia, is a breathtaking port city perched on the coastline of the Adriatic Sea. A towering brick barrier separates Old Town from the rest of Dubrovnik, like a smaller version of the Great Wall of China. You make your way through one of the tunnels burrowing beneath the wall to reach the city inside.
The pearly white walls and flame-orange roofs set it apart from other cities. Cobblestone sidewalks and marble streets bedazzle the shining city. Cats lounge near doorways and underneath tables as if they belong there. Streetside shops and restaurants leave their doors open as locals and tourists wander, tempted by friendly smiles and delicious smells of pastries.
Old Town Dubrovnik was unlike any other city I’d visited before. I was shocked at how small and secluded the city felt. It was as though I were visiting a small kingdom in a Disney movie. I could have spent days discovering hidden nooks and crannies in Old Town. However, I didn’t have days - I had a day.
So, here’s how I experienced Old Town Dubrovnik in a day:
Brunch at Cafe Festival
First, my friends and I followed the delicious smell of freshly-brewed coffee to Cafe Festival, right by the main entrance. We took our seats at round tables clothed in red and white. Our server, a tall, quiet, but affable Croatian man, was helpful and a pleasure to talk to.
We enjoyed savory Croatian lattes, eggs sunny-side up, crispy bacon, and fluffy buttered croissants while people-watching and waving at friends who passed by. Karley, being the social butterfly she is, befriended a man from Norway at the table next to us.
Explore the Dubrovnik City Walls
After breakfast, we decided to walk through the City Wall surrounding Old Town. Entry tickets were roughly 29 euros per person. However, our entry was included with our Dubrovnik passes, which also covered some transportation costs. The walls rise up to 82 feet (25 meters) and stretch 6,630 feet (1,940). Walking the entire wall with lots of brief stops took roughly 2 hours. The wall used to be a defensive mechanism, but now it is a historical monument and a popular tourist and local attraction.
I was awed by the stunning views from the wall. Old Town sprawled into the green, rugged hills on the left. The wall clung to the coastline on the right, where I watched turquoise waves crash into the seacliffs below the wall. Every so often, there were viewpoints and towers where people could sit and admire the view. The crisp wind kept me cool as I hiked the entire wall, finishing near the harbor.
Take the Plunge at Buza Bar
One can’t visit Dubrovnik without visiting this well-known cliff-jumping bar. Buza Bar was a highlight of my Croatia trip and my favorite part of exploring Dubrovnik. My friends and I cheered each other on as we each took the plunge and helped one another out of the ferocious waves. We grabbed photos and videos from the cove at the bottom and sipped cocktails at the bar. Finally, we watched a gorgeous sunset over the Adriatic from the cliffside.
Party in a Castle
Last but not least, we attended Club Revelin after dinner. The entry ticket cost 20 euros at the door, not including a drink. The club is, quite literally, inside a castle. My friends and I had a blast dancing and hanging out with our other friends. The music and lighting were great, and I can’t recommend this club enough if you enjoy European nightlife.
Photo taken on my iPhone.
This is one person’s day in Dubrovnik, but the adventure doesn’t end with this guide. Maybe you’ll take a Game of Thrones tour and see where the real-life Kings' Landing is, or maybe you’ll visit the Museum of Love and learn about love stories worldwide. And I’m not a sushi fan, but maybe you’ll enjoy the Bota Sare Sushi and Oyster Bar, which is rated the best sushi in Dubrovnik via TripAdvisor. Ultimately, no matter how much time you spend in Old Town Dubrovnik, you will surely have an incredible time.
