Two Days in Dubrovnik, Croatia – A New Favorite

Ok, so I talked about the first part of our anniversary trip. The part where we explored Portugal. Next we headed to Croatia. I wrote a post with our whole one-week in Croatia itinerary, but must dig deeper to record our two days in Dubrovnik. Because I’m here to say it did not disappoint. In fact, from our first day, this place worked it’s way into my heart and became a new “thin place” for me. So let’s talk about the best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

This was a big question for us. Did we want to stay right in the old town or on the outskirts? Did we want a swimming pool to cool off after exploring? Or would we be out and about enough that we wouldn’t have time for that? How would we get into the city from where we were staying? Did we want to rent a car?

After some deliberation we decided these three things:

• We booked a hotel right on the water near Lapad, about 10 minutes away from the Old Town. It was called Hotel Dubrovnik Palace. Would we do that again? Well, it would be really cool to stay right next to the Old Town, but this worked out great for us.
• We didn’t rent a car. We heard it was tricky to park anywhere near Dubrovnik and public transportation from our hotel was great. Also, ferries are super easy to get from one place to anther on the coast, so we were happy with no car.
• We made time to swim, but not in the pool…in the beautiful Adriatic Sea.

Day 1

We arrived in Croatia late at night, so we loved getting up in the morning and looking out over the Adriatic Sea stretched out from our hotel.

We went out to the swimming pool, but kept walking and serendipitously found the best spot nestled in between the huge rocks with a little couch sitting area all to ourselves.

It was pure heaven with little steps built right into the rocks and the most glorious aqua blue in all shades spread out in front of us. We jumped in off the rocks and had a hard time tearing ourselves away from that spot.

But Dubrovnik was calling.

Lapad Beach

We walked over to a little area called Lapad and joined the locals for a little on their beach made up of smooth river rock (no sand in Croatia that we ever found).

Not really the most comfortable sun-lounging spots, but so beautiful looking out over the sea.

Old Town of Dubrovnik

I was giddy finally heading into the old city of Dubrovnik. There is something about that spot filled with polished ancient stone from thousands of years ago, little tiny alleyways filled with restaurants and spilling out with flower boxes.

Walk the Old Town Walls

We walked the city walls at sunset, and I was completely OVERjoyed. I think something about the combination of being there during “golden hour” and being able to look out at incredible views of the water as well as into the life of the city was just so fascinating to me.

Here’s the view over the water on one side:

…And can you see one of the little alleyways below filled with life and shops?

I mean, people actually get to live and look out of those shuttered windows.

It took about forty minutes to walk the whole wall and I was so delighted around every turn and up every step.

It was so fun to share that with Dave, who put up with and joined my exuberance pretty well:)

Let’s look at a few more views because every single turn was incredibly picturesque:

As you can tell, it was hard to stop with the photo-taking. Believe me, I have like 295 more.

I’ll be honest, Dave kind of had to drag me away from that wall.

Down in the City

We walked along the Stradun which is the main street lined with ancient well-worn limestone and shop, cafes and the most gorgeous ancient architecture.

Dinner

Then we lucked out and got a spot for dinner right on a patio in the main square, perfect equilibrium temperature. Dave and I had split up to find the perfect dinner spot and when I saw Dave sitting here waiting for me I knew he had won.

I mean, look at this view:

Yep, we were pretty happy.

We walked around after dinner listening to the street musicians and checked out the cathedral:

We explored a few of the alleyways webbing their way through the city, and of course, ended with gelato.

It was such a good day.

Day 2

We headed back into the old town of Dubrovnik where we climbed up to Fort Lovrjenac and explored the Palace Museum and Monastery.

Fort Lovrjenac

Fort Lovrjenac is an ancient fortress that is built up west of the main city. It was built I think in the 11th century and was a powerful fortress to hold off Venetian attacks, but the thing I think it’s most famous for today is that it was a spot where lots of “Game of Thrones” scenes were filmed. Ha!

I have never watched that show, but those who have may find these photos interesting. Those who have not may just enjoy the beauty with me.

There were such stunning views of the Old Town from the top:

Stunning views everywhere you looked, as a matter of fact.

Back in the Old Town

After we climbed to the fortress, we explored a little more of the Old Town during the day. Once again, I couldn’t get enough of all the picturesque streets and complete charm of this place.

Rector’s Palace

We explored Rector’s Palace, a Gothic-style building that used to serve as the seat of the government.

It was destroyed and rebuilt over and over, and has been transformed to hold all kinds of historical artifacts.

Franciscan Monastery & Pharmacy

We explored this beautiful monastery:

Jesuit Stairs

These stairs were cool:

I loved the Baroque architecture near the Boškovićeva Poljana that led to the Jesuit church of St. Ignatius.

Apparently these stairs are one of the most popular Games of Thrones locations in Dubrovnik, but again, this stuff was lost on me.

I was more into these views…and imagining what these polished paving stones have seen over the thousands of years they have been there:

Gosh, it was hard to leave that place. I fell head-over-heels in love with it.

By this time I was trying to go the “speed of going slow” since I was tiring Dave out with all my jubilation and excitement for this place I loved so much. Ha!

We had a relaxing evening, filled with gelato, of course.

And headed off for the island of Hvar the next day.

Goodbye to Dubrovnik for now.

Three Days on the Island of Hvar was next, and is linked below.

Other Posts Connected to our Anniversary:

• One Week in Beautiful Portugal
• One Week in Croatia – An Overall Itinerary
• Three Days on Hvar Island, Croatia
• The Cities of Split and Trogir for our Last 24 hours
• London – coming soon!