Dubrovnik

Updated 2016

The secret is out and as one of the most gorgeous cities in the Mediterranean area, Dubrovnik is starting to get a lot of attention from international travelers. This is a coastal resort city that doesn’t yet have the crowds it deserves, but that won’t last forever. The city is nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ and the whole place has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to do

The pedestrian-only Old Town is one of the top draws in the city. There are plenty of churches and palaces spread through the area, with lots of small cafes and bars mixed between. This hilly area is a pleasant place to get lost, but it’s small enough that it’s unlikely to happen.

The ancient city walls are largely in tact and should also be part of your itinerary. Built between the 13th and 16th centuries, these thick walls protected the city from outsiders and now they fascinate the increasing number of visitors.

Read: The Pearl of the Adriatic Sea: Dubrovnik.

Getting there

You can book a flight into Dubrovnik Airport (code: DBV), which is about 20 km outside the city. Most flights come from within Europe, so if you are coming from North America you’ll likely be changing planes in London, Paris, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam. There are no trains to Dubrovnik now, but bus service from nearby cities is frequent and not terribly expensive.

Where to stay

There are plenty of hotels in Dubrovnik, and a growing number of hostels as well. Prices tend to be on the low side, but some of the cheaper places are not quite up to Western standards yet. Book well in advance if you are coming during summer if you want to lock in a good place.