Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Croatia / Dalmatia / Dubrovnik Riviera / Dubrovnik
 |  | Destination Guide : Dubrovnik |
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| | | Medieval palaces |  | Why go on holiday to Dubrovnik?
To explore one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the world. Impressive city walls stand guard over marble-paved squares, steep cobbled streets, and churches, palaces and museums.
How much does it cost?
Expect to pay about £500 in peak season for one week's half-board at a three-star hotel, including flight from the UK.
A cheaper option can be to rent a room (sobe) privately. Negotiate a price with anyone who approaches you at the ferry or bus terminal.
You'll pay roughly £9.50-£17 per night depending on the room and season, with a 30% surcharge for stays of fewer than three nights (breakfast not included).
When should I go?
The town is packed with Italian holidaymakers in July and August. May, June and September are quieter - and the weather and the sea are warm enough for swimming.
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| | | Restored to former glory | | What should I do when I'm there?
Dubrovnik was badly damaged by Serbian forces who shelled the Old City for seven months in 1991-92. A massive regeneration project has now restored most of the buildings to their former glory. The Old City has many museums, palaces and churches to admire.
What should I not miss?
Walk around the city walls, which have fabulous views over Dubrovnik's ancient rooftops. The imposing Dominican monastery in the north-east of the city is well worth a visit.
Placa is Dubrovnik's beautiful pedestrian promenade and is home to many of the sights, including the lovely Italian baroque church of St Blaise.
Are there any special events in Dubrovnik?
See one of more than 100 performances at different venues in the old town during the Dubrovnik Festival, a major cultural event which takes place from mid-July to mid-August.
Are there any good day trips?
Take the 10-minute ferry crossing to the island of Lokrum, which has lots of rocky coves for sunbathing - including one beach for naturists.
Cavtat, a former Illyrian settlement which curves around a pretty harbour, is only 20km from Dubrovnik. It has several interesting old buildings, including a Franciscan monastery and an elaborate mausoleum to the Racic family.
In the summer, escape the crowds by taking a boat to one of the Elafiti islands north-west of Dubrovnik, which offer interesting historical sites, pretty beaches, olive groves, pine forests and orchards.
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| | | Entertainment al fresco | | Where's good for nightlife?
The most popular disco is Sun City Disco, next to the bus station. Techno fans will want to head down to the tented, 6,000-capacity Divine Folie disco in Babinkuk.
A more sedate evening could consist of watching a film by starlight at the open-air cinema on Kumicica in Lapad, or having a drink on the open-air terraces overlooking the sea at Club Nautika.
What's the food like?
Good seafood, pasta, local ham and cheese. Pizza is often excellent and budget-friendly, costing about half of what you'd pay in Western Europe.
Local cuisine is generally hearty: lots of meat stews, sausages and - for a treat - stuffed cabbage leaves. Local wines can be good - but go steady on the fiery local brandy.
What should I buy?
Intricate lace is a Croatian specialty and you'll find it in handicraft shops in the town. Other traditional crafts include wood carvings, woollen and leather items, tapestries, national costumes, ceramics, carpets and filigree jewellery.
What is there for children to do?
The aquarium at St John Fort (Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm) goes down well with kids, but besides the beaches there's little else laid-on specifically for children.
Tourist office
Croatian National Tourist Office, 2 The Lanchesters, 162-164 Fulham Palace Road, London W6 9ER. Tel. 020 8563 7979.
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| | Available rental properties in Dubrovnik |
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| |  | | Art Studio Villa
Apartment is a part of the art studio gallery "Marijan" with artistic surrounding among 50 sculptures, made from marble and bronze with a great view to the Lapad bay. Perfect for families.
|  | | Apartments Panorama, Dubrovnik - Croatia
Apartment is fully equipped, with own balcony, with sea and Old town view. 300 m walking distance from Old Town and pabble beach.
|  | | Dubrovnik apartments - Dolphin
An apartment within a large Villa with full equipment, DVD, surround, DVD films, near the beach, sea view, with opened Jacuzzi, sauna...
|  | | Dubrovnik apartments - Syren
An apartment within a large Villa with full equipment, DVD, surround, DVD films, near the beach, sea view, with opened Jacuzzi, sauna...
|  | | Dubrovnik apartments - Karaka
An apartment within a large Villa with full equipment, DVD, surround, LCD TV in both rooms, near the beach, sea view, with opened Jacuzzi, sauna...
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