George Bernard Shaw was enchanted by this beautiful city, about which he said "those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and see Dubrovnik", as well as, famously, describing it as "the pearl of the Adriatic". Dubrovnik will not disappoint as we can attest! I think we will be anchored in the old port. You will be able to walk into the old town in about 3 minutes. On the main street, the Stradun, you will find several ATM machines to obtain Croatian Kuna.
The old town, with its well preserved city walls is a destination unto itself. Be sure to walk the walls - Due to my fear of heights, on my previous attempt (yes attempt!), I did really well but didn't make it all the way around (or all the way up in some cases). The walls and towers begged to be climbed and explored and they completely encircle the old city. This is quite an exhilerating experience with superb views of the city and the coastline. It will take about 2 hours to walk the walls completely and you will be charged a small fee. Be sure to take your camera!
The old city is fun to explore with its maze of small streets. As you explore, you should take some of the side streets to go higher and higher. You will see many outdoor cafes, boutiques with local souvenirs, wines, etc., and residences. You will be smiling as the residents of Dubrovnik are so friendly... and the food is so good! The Stradum is the "main street", often called the most beautiful street in the world. It begins with a monastery and ends with a great square with a Venetian-style palace and a beautiful church... but venture onto the side streets and the streets that run parallel to it, on the water side. There you will find more unique restaurants and shops.
Shopping anyone? One shopping find is at the working pharmacy in the Franciscan Monastery, just inside the Pile Gate. The pharmacy makes several face and hand creams and infused water (rose and lavendar) to original recipes from 1317 and sells them in the shop. If you tell them its for gifts, they will put them in special bags too. Examples are lemon hand lotion, rose face cream, and a moisturizer with jojoba and menthol that smells like lemon yogurt. Other local items include home made honey, Croatian neckties (neckties may have originated here!), embroidered linens, and filagree dangly earrings
Hungry after walking the walls? How about Restaurant Orhan? Want to try a local wine? Peljesac red wine is wonderful.
Click here for a map of Old Town Dubrovnik. or here for another map
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