Insta-worthy Dubrovnik beyond the wall walk…
Entering the walled city of Dubrovnik through the impressive 13th century Pile Gate, four doors, two walkway bridges and a wooden drawbridge, remind yourself that Napoleon’s French army once stomped through this path with destructive, harmful intent. Shivers up your spine?
You can see the broad limestone-paved promenade ahead, gleaming like polished marble under millions of footsteps. Can you believe that 300 meters of the Stradun (or ‘large street’ as christened by the Venetians), used to be a swampy channel till the 11th century, separating two settlements of Laus and Dubrava, which were later integrated and city walls built around them? Even from a distance, you can feel the heartbeat of the traffic-free old town, a bustling street by day and party place after dark. A procession singing religious songs slowly marches by. Stradun’s age-old tradition as the hub for group activities and festivities continues uninterrupted. High above the roofs, people trail the famous Dubrovnik walls. You’re doing that too…later! (see my post on the Dubrovnik Wall Walk ) But first, a dive into the ethereal beauty of the perfectly designed town. Emerging for lungfuls of air at the sweetest spots of all.
Sweet Spot 1: Maskeron
At the mouth of the Stradun is a massive fountain, a sixteen-sided container with a cupola, a masterpiece in itself. ‘Onoforio’ supplied fresh water to the citizens from Ombla river, 12 km away in medieval times, and its water is still drink-worthy. Just opposite, is a Pharmacy that has been open for business since the Middle Ages. A young woman tries to step onto the head of a small stone gargoyle ledge, fixed about half a meter above the ground and sticking out barely fifteen centimetres from a wall. It seems like the mouth of a rainwater drain, and even has a name…Maskeron. Its top surface is smooth and polished like marble from years of thousands of steps and the wall above is greasy from the touch of a thousand hands. A luck thing? The woman keeps trying but can’t balance as there is nothing to clutch. Her husband keeps watching from a distance until love prevails…he walks over and gives her a brief, ever-so-gentle shove from behind, so that she makes it. You smile at the cute scene. She jumps off and kisses him and they walk off together. The legend is that if you balance on the ledge, stand facing the wall, you will find true love. Give it a shot!
Sweet Spot 2: Loggia Square
Stroll the Stradun, gazing at the rows of stone houses built in a modest Baroque style…equal heights, similar fronts and shops on the ground floor. Dating back to the post-earthquake year of 1667. Definitely old enough to be labelled ‘old’. Dozens of dark, narrow lanes criss-cross on both sides…cafes and tiny tables line the narrow stone walls. A coffee at one of these, maybe? Onto the modest sized Loggia Square, if you can call that rectangular shape. And a profusion of grander monuments bunched together…without breathing space. The Franciscan Monastery with its bell tower, the Gothic Renaissance-styled Sponza Palace (originally a customs house and mint, now housing the Historical Archives and one of the oldest institutions in Europe), the Rector’s Palace (earlier the municipality, now a museum), the Orlando’s Statue standing guard and the 17th century Baroque cathedral, dedicated to the protector of Dubrovnik, St. Blaise. Only a student of architecture can detect how the Renaissance, Gothic, Classical and other period forms compete haphazardly in the monument facades. No Notre Dame perfection here, but the impact of the harmony is spellbinding.
Sweet Spot 3: St Ignatius Church
Right of the Cathedral, locate the quaint baroque marketplace, Gundulić Square, stop by the high statue of famous Croatian poet Ivan Gundulić…and survey the open benches full of fruits, vegetables, dry figs, aromatic oils, home made cheese, liquers, arancini (candied bitter orange peel), lavender bags for closets, hand crafted souvenirs and lace.
Then climb the beautiful 18th-century Baroque stairs (an indigenous version of the Rome-like ‘Spanish Steps’) connecting the square to an area that used to be the Jewish ghetto. To your right, is the stunning, white St Ignatius Church, constructed in the recognizable Jesuit style, its interior decorated by a Spanish artist with baroque frescoes. Drool at the sumptuous altar inside. A guitarist strums strings at the steps of the Europe’s second oldest Jewish synagogue just next door. Take a picture…he smiles and nods in appreciation.
Sweet Spot 4: Buza Bar
You’re now in pursuit of Buza Bar…Dubrovnik’s best known café. Straight ahead of the Jewish Church towards the left, find a sign that read “Cold drinks with the best view in town” that leads you to what is literally a hole in the wall…down a makeshift flight of rough stone steps to a casual café perched on the edge of a sheer cliff. Straw thatched roof, plastic chairs, tiny folding tables facing the sea. For miles and miles, the azure Adriatic is all you can see. The wind blows your hair into your eyes, and from far below your feet, the foaming waves crash against the rocky cliffs, again and again and again, the rhythmic roar rising and fading. This is a view to simply die for. Buza Bar serves only Pepsi, juices and beer, but this tiny little place, with seating for maybe 50 people, is amongst the Top 10 must-see spots on everybody’s list while in Dubrovnik. Further away, Buza Bar 2 offers formal dining with table service. Paradise is painted in one color…azure blue!
Sweet Spot 5: Hrvasa Lane
Back in the town, head through the popular St.Dominick Street, once a marketplace for local craftsmen to display their wares, now a medley of Chinese- souvenir shops. Running parallel to Stradun, is Ulica od Puca, where a row of leather shops, handmade souvenir shops and jewellers stand, over a street where many wells were scattered in the old days to collect rain water for use by citizens. Gaze at the artillery-splattered wall of the stone city, each stone is part of a story thousands of years old. It is heart-wrenching…how this grand fortified structure has endured ravages of intruders, survived a massive earthquake, and risen from the destruction of bombardment during the civil war of 1991, when people hid in underground safe-houses without power and water supply for months. Everything has been rebuilt with so much love. In K.Hrvasa Lane, the house of a famous artist, Ivo Grbic stands testimony of the war-ravaged times, painted walls outside narrating ugly memories vividly…the artist’s museum inside baring his creative soul and spirit. Immerse in the past.
Sweet Spot 6: Dominican Monastery
Walk through high, bare, unadorned, plain, solemn, imposing stone walls in search of the Dominican Monastery. Its wide, semi-circular stairs will fool you into believing it is an opera. This is a place to get lost in yourself. Claim a step and listen to the silence.
You’re one of the 10,000 that throng these lovely, cobbled streets everyday. Compared to the population of 1000 residents, this number is actually mind-boggling. Sadly, this is a city dying a slow death, as locals move into the new town in search of modern conveniences. More ironical than sad actually, considering that since ancient times, invaders including Turks, Arabs, Napoleon, Venetians and Ottomans have all been vying this medieval town, strategically placed on a remarkable coastline of steep, mountainous terrain and strings of lush islands. In off season, the majestic monuments, shining walkways and grand wall are deserted, charming squares silent and lively cafes empty…a period of forced hibernation, until the crowds return to be amazed yet again, leaving millions of new footprints merging with the old.
Sweet spot 7: Old Port
Follow the walkway to the Ploce gates, for the ultimate moment of glory. Peering through the bullet-wounded stone walls, face the most photographed sight of Dubrovnik that graces every travel brochure and every website. Your opportunity for some of the best shots of the harbour dotted with boats, darkening Adriatic waters, steep fortifications of ominous walls, and stunning views of Fort Lovrijenac (King’s Landing popularised by the Game of Thrones). Out on sea on the left, the leafy green idyll Lokrum Island floats on the water. Take a longer walk to the Excelsior Hotel for more breathless views.
Then walk down to the old port, where the Stari Grad meets the sapphire blue waters dotted with sailboats and yachts, high brick walls on three sides form a curved protective shield, the canyons peek out from the turrets on the walls. Centuries ago, this was where the massive ships from unknown lands would dock, tradesmen would exchange goods and travel discoveries would be revealed. Now local captains with tiny booths hawk touristy glass-bottomed boat trips to Lokrum Island and display worn out photo-albums. At one end, several tables and chairs of the ‘Arsenal’ restaurant are splayed over the docks. This was once a large arsenal for state ships to be built, repaired and stored. Sit on a bench, watch the boats come and go. Imagine the flickering candles on the tables under the skies twinkling with a thousand stars. Breathe in the Mediterranean air, raise your hand slightly, and murmur the magic words…‘pomalo’ (relax).
And finally, when the day is done, the shadows of the palaces, glossy limestone tiled floors, gleaming soft lights from antique lamp posts and live guitar strumming make the prospect of a romantic candlelit dinner sounds tempting. The food may not sweep you off your feet, but the atmosphere will certainly make up for that and more. But there’s another appealing alternative. Hike 2 km downhill to the Gruz harbour along a peaceful tree-lined road, minimal traffic and luxury residences. Make a pit-stop to witness a surreal red-gold globe of fire slipping silently into the infinity pool of indigo. Naturally, dinner will be generous…your appetite has been stoked to its limit.
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100cobbledroads.com 
These spots in Dubrovnik are indeed worth to visit. I wish i have the time now to tick-off these spots on my list
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Maybe you will find some new ones too!
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Dubrovnik is truly beautiful. And you’re so right, it’s hard to believe that the Stradun was once a swampy channel. I mean, given all that stunning architecture! 🙂
The city is so rich in history, so much so that a history buff would truly appreciate the time spent there. Just like you did, right! 🙂 I also loved the views of the port and those cobblestone streets and endless stairs. 🙂
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We walked and walked and walked!
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I now know what I’m missing in my life…Dubrovnik! I’ve shied away from going because of the dreaded crowds, but I shouldn’t let that deter me. It didn’t look too crowded by the looks of your photos. When did you go? I notice you’re wearing a light sweater.
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I never seem to notice the crowds 🙂 We went in autumn, and the weather was perfect.
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Aah, the trademark beautiful rooftops, so beautiful! The spots mentioned by you definitely qualify as sweet. But, I see a lot of tourists in your pics. Was it a peak season when you went?
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We went in October. It was crowded, but I use selective perception and tourists never become a concern for me 🙂
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I’ve yet to go to Dubrovnik but I know I’ll end up going someday. I keep on hearing great stories and seeing so many beautiful pictures such as yours! It also seems to be quite the workout to explore this coastal town – I’m not complaining though! I’d rather burn off some cals all day and enjoy a big meal after !
Seems like you enjoyed your time there, great post! Thank you for sharing x
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Pedestrian towns like Dubrovnik do call for a lot of footwork, but that’s the only way to enjoy every inch.
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This is truly a lovely and stunning place to amble around. I love that you have listed the stunning place to visit in Dubrovnik in one blog post. That broad limestone-paved promenade is truly gleaming like polished marble under millions of footsteps, and I find it very interesting. Your photos are really great! Thank you so much for sharing this with us,
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There are many more such spots, but these were the highlights for me. Each deserves a separate post too!
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Amazing that only 1000 people live in Dubrovnik, I’d think they would need more than that just to handle the number of visitors. It looks like a fascinating area and of course gorgeous sea views.
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Imagine, it is totally deserted in off-season!
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Wow – Dubrovnik looks beautiful. I love the Old Port, the water looks so blue in the sea there. The tall brick walls of the buildings look so surreal as well. Would love to visit. Thanks for sharing.
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The Old Port is THE place for dreamy travellers.
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dubrovnik has always been on my list to visit ever since i started to get obsessed with croatia for their national football team. but now thanks to you, i definitely need to go there, especially to maskeron to find my true love. 😛
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Hope you go soon and make wonderful memories.
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I saw Dubrovnik first time in the Hindi movie Fan and since then I have been hooked to the place and its definitely on top of my bucket list. Your post and the pictures have compelled me even more to plan it as soon as possible. I am keeping it bookmarked for future reference.
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I’m sure you will enjoy the trip immensely. Its a stunning town.
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We visited Dubrovnik for the first time a few years back for my sister’s wedding, which was on a hotel terrace close to the old town, looking down to the old town harbour. We spent a few days exploring and loved many of the spots you mention, especially the narrow alleyways off the main thoroughfare. The shiny flagstones and uniform colour of most construction really gave the old town a wonderful cohesive beauty and identity.
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What a stunning location for a family wedding! Did you do the wall walk too?
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Your photos are definitely enough to make someone want to visit Dubrovnik. I have never been but it’s on my list for sure! It would be cool to see King’s Landing from Game of Thrones. And I would love to just relax with a beer and stare at the blue water.
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The first time you see Dubrovnik, it just hits you, doesn’t it? I’m glad I hadn’t seen Game of Thrones. Would have killed the surprise.
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Dubrovnik looks amazing. I absolutely love your pictures. I came here a long time ago and can barely remember any of those places, so it was nice to see them on your pictures.
Also, I am sure I did not visit all of the places you mentioned here. That cafe, for example, with the amazing view? I know I haven’t been there. But now that I’ve seen it, I would love to go back.
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We went through the whole walled town twice, once was just not enough. And a third time with the wall walk from above. 🙂
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I have read so many nice things about Croatia. It seems to be one of the undervalued destinations in Europe. I hardly wanna go there.
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In a way, its a good thing its under-valued, don’t you think?
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We loved our visit to Dubrovnik a number of years ago, at the end of a two-week bike tour we took along the Croatian coast … which was spectacular. Great tips on your post. We found when we were staying there that we avoided the city during the day when the cruise ships were off loading and visited the walls and streets early in the morning, and then in the evening once the cruisers had departed. Did you hike up to the fort overlooking the city below? That to us was another highlight … though quite the walk up a long serpentine path.
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That coast!!! I wish I could replay it over and over in my mind…one of the most beautiful drives in the world!
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Great photos! I would love to visit Croatia. I especially love the water views at Buza Bar and those awesome stairs at the monastery!
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Beautiful photos! I love Dubrovnik – though it’s been a good 10 years since I was there last. It’s such a beautiful city, I swear every corner is a worthy instagram moment 😀 I do vividly remember Buza Bar though – and you’re right, this is a fabulous spot! I don’t know if you can still do it but we would jump off the cliff face and into the sea, climb back up to the bar on a makeshift ladder, and sunbath on the rocks of the cliff to get dry. It’s one of my most cherished memories – was such a fun day!
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You’re right, every corner is worth a picture. We did not see anyone jumping off, I think it was cordoned off 🙂 Such a lovely memory of such a lovely spot.
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I have read a few articles on Dubrovnik, but this is the first time I am seeing so many beautiful pics depicting such gorgeous architecture. Amazingly captured and well described.
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Thanks a ton! Every inch of Dubrovnik is a dream. To be lived.
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This is such a beautiful place that it makes me so sad that people are moving away and the town is dying. Your description is exquisite and I love this place more because of it.
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Thanks so much, Nicole! It is sad, but true of so many old cities across the world.
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I really want to see Dubrovnik (actually the whole of Croatia!). The architecture is incredible, and I would defintely want to get a front row seat at Buza Bar – those views are incredible, surely the best located cafe in Europe!
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The blues from Buza Bar are just unbelievable and finding the bar is just as enjoyable.
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I hope that I get to this lovely city. So many quaint and interesting things to see. I loved your description of the incident at Maskeron. It did bring a smile to my face. I even loved the suggestion of the bar by the sea. More than what it offers, it is the location that I loved. Beautiful pictures as usual. Cheers
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Dubrovnik is surreal. Did you see my other blog post on the wall walk??
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Dubrovnik is a beautiful place, I would love to visit. Its funny how many cities have statues that bring luck or love if you rub them, I always do it just in case! I’ve never seen Game of Thrones, which is kind of upsetting as all these gorgeous destinations are becoming even more popular! The port definitely has the best views, I would definitely head over there.
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I have been to several such luck bringing spots…its fun to see everyone get into the game.
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Dubrovnik is enjoying a new found importance now, thanks to Game of Thrones!
I’m really tempted now as well. Hope I’ll get to visit here soon.
Loggia Square is fascinating! Dining under the stars here is the perfect way to end the day.
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I can never get how architects of the past could visualize designs of towns, especially this scale.
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Dubrovnik looks lovely. I’ve only been to Zagreb, but I can’t wait to explore the rest of the country. I love all of the old world architecture.
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Croatia has some incredible places, specially Dubrovnik and Split.
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I had no idea that Dubrovnik is so beautiful. Your pictures speak for itself how splendid it is! That Buza Bar cafe stole my heart as that view is to die for! Thanks for sharing all the seven sweetest spots and would love to explore it someday by my own eyes!
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Would love to know your take on this unique town 🙂
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GoT has made Dubrovnik famous and I have seen too many pictures of it of late. But all of them were from the same generic angle. I am glad to see this post with so many images from inside the city and all the street photographs. And the seashore is amazing too. This place is almost too perfect to be true.
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Its a dream town for visitors and just ordinary home to the 1000 locals 😊
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I so want to go here. This is a great round up of sweet spots! They are all things I would want to see and do too, especially chill at Buza Bar. 🙂
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And you will several more of your own, I am sure!
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Locations combining history and nature in a city with specific colors are always worth visiting and living. I am sure Dubrovnik has many other spots waiting to be added to the list. Thank you for sharing your visible memories.
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Places like Dubrovnik are full of gems at every corner. These were the ones that stood out most for me.
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What a wonderful introduction to Dubrovnik! I especially like Buza Bar, it definitely looks like my kind of place – simple drinks and amazing views! I could spend all day (if they let me!) sitting there!
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Buza Bar is an example of the simplest bar with the most spectacular setting.
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A pharmacy open since the middle ages? Wow, that is incredible. As are the other sites you found in Dubrovnik. I could spend hours admiring the architecture and art of St. Ignatius Church. And the fortress standing guard over the city and the pristine blue water is beyond belief. Another city to add to our list.
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One can go on walking in Dubrovnik and never tire.
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Amazing pictures! Loggia Square looks beautiful, as does the Adriatic coastline from the Buza Bar. The water is so deep blue! Can’t wait to make it to Dubrovnik sometime
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Thank you! Yes, Buza Bar really floored me. 🙂
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