Dubrovnik
2 Days in Dubrovnik
We took a 3 hour bus from Split to Dubrovnik that cost about 30 Euro return. It was a beautiful ride along the Adriatic sea so I suggest trying to sit window:) We stayed at Anchi guesthouse, 3km from the city centre. The cost is 33$CAD a night and it’s conveniently near public transport and a grocery store, BUT there was only one bathroom shared between all guests and it wasn’t the cleanest. The family who runs the place is super sweet, but I would look at other options if I were to visit dubrovnik again.
Old Town by Night
There are “Old Towns” in almost every country in Europe, but each one is so special and unique in it’s own way. We strolled down the cobblestone streets and the town already had it’s christmas lights out so it was really pretty and inviting at night. There are several cute little shops and it’s a great place to pick up a souvenir and grab some food. I could list of a bunch of different restaurants in Old Town to eat at but I don’t think you would be disappointed in any one. The food in Croatia is delicious!
Really you can pick a place to eat by which view you want. There are restaurants overlooking the sea, a quaint spot in a candle lit alley, or if you prefer a view of the mountains; there is something for everyone. One thing I certainly recommend is trying a dalmatian dish which is very similar to a charcuterie board with local meats and cheeses. I wasn’t a huge cheese eater until Europe, but they were SO good. And for my fellow winos the glasses in old town are huge so make sure you try a local wine and you won’t be disappointed.
Day 2
Old Town By Day: The Game of Thrones Experience
After getting a little bit of shut eye we trekked back down to Old Town for what I like to call Our Custom Game of Thrones tour. There are a lot of companies you can find in Dubrovnik that run tours, but we are the resourceful// budget tourist that know if you can follow google maps you can run any tour you want on your own dollar. You don’t need to watch the show to appreciate the beauty of these spots. If you want to know some of the key Game of Thrones locations before hand to plan your trip, I recommend this handy guide I keep saved: https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/423901383653154265/
Here’s some of the spots we hit and recommend:
Firstly, for great views and several key game of thrones spots you are going to want to walk the city walls. It’s a 30$ entrance fee but it is worth it for the views alone. Give yourself at least 1-2 hours to walk the walls and take pictures. Most importantly look out for these Game of Thrones spots!
1.King’s Landing (Views of the City)
Keep an eye out for those Lannisters!
2. Mineceta Tower (House of the Undying)
Find your Inner Khaleesi and recreate the shot!
3.Fort Lovrijenac (The Red Keep)
4. Pile Bay
You may recognize this spot as the meeting ground for Sansa and Little Finger, or perhaps when Jamie Brings Myrcella home.
5. Lokrum (The City of Quarth)
Who can forget The Mother of Dragons roaming the gardens here and taking care of business in season 2.
Lokrum is a beautiful island 15 mins away from Old Town by ferry. It only cost 7$CAD for a scening ride across the sea to your own island paradise. Because it was off season we had our own private hideaway on the island, it was so COOL. There is a nice little restaurant on the island that serves cocktails if you wanna relax and grab a drink in paradise. Or do one better and grab some gelato for the day to cool off. I went to one of the gelato shops in Old Town and decided to try hazelnut with forest berries and it was oh so delicious.
There are lots of other Game of Thrones Spots you can hit, or if you prefer you can take a kayak out for the day. Either way we spent two full days in just Old Town and Lokrum alone, so I think you could certainly spend more time in Dubrovnik if you wanted to explore more.
The Run Down:
Where to stay: I wouldn’t really recommend Anchi Guesthouse, but definitely look for a place walking distance from Old Town!
Where to eat: Really anywhere in Old town is good, we didn’t have a single bad meal. Just choose an alley way or sea view and follow your nose. Naukita is one of the few you need a reservation if you really want to splurge for a view. I recommend trying a dalmatian dish, seafood, and of course a local wine!
Best Place to grab a quick bite/Coffee: Any gelato place or Coffee shop in Old town is good. There’s a couple outside the city walls as well. But head towards the ferries or Pile bay if you want sea views!
Sights and Excursions: Walk the city walls, Kayaking, boat tours, Game of Thrones tours, spend some time swimming and exploring Lokrum, get lost in the Old Town alley ways, shop till ya drop in the city walls. Walk along the path of the sea outside Dubrovnik there’s plenty to see and views all around!