Dubrovnik, Croatia Guide - - Hotels, Restaurants, Nightlife

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Dubrovnik has dusted off and repolished its limestone, healed its war wounds and has embraced, well, pretty much everyone. The heart and soul of the majestic Dalmation Coast and the new "it" spot in Europe, Dubrovnik has something for every traveler. Exploring in, on, along and through the Old Town--the walled, limestone medieval city where no cars are allowed--is an absolute must, no questions asked. Brimming with restaurants, boutiques, bars, churches, fortresses and placas, all of Old Town is a designated UNESCO heritage site beautifully balancing the old and the new. Revel in the Renaissance and Baroque architecture of Sponza Palace then walk around the city walls, where construction began in the 8th century, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. Come back down for some white coffee (coffee with creme) or bijela kava--a local fav--while gnawing on crustaceans, the specialty of Dalmatian cuisine. Don't forget to spend a day or two on the rocky beaches Dubrovnik is famous for and admire the spectacular sunset over the harbor. If you are a bit more adventurous, hike up the nearby mountains, dive off the Adriatic coast or wander around Lokrum island.

When the sun goes down, the energy of the city only brightens: Dubrovnik has bars and clubs aplenty, and the Old Town streets can be crowded at 3AM. The locals, aside from pointing out the proud shrapnel wounds from victory still apparant in Old Town, will also dare you to balance on a slippery piece of protruted limestone right near Pile Gate, which as Croatian legend goes, will prepare you for marriage. With some of the best views in the world, luxury restaurants, good times and great people, it's no wonder the Irish writer George Bernard Shaw wrote, "If you are looking for heaven on Earth, go to Dubrovnik."

City Walls
Gunduličeva poljana 2
Tel. +385.20.425.942
www.visitdubrovnik.hr/attractions
An absolute must when visiting Dubrovnik. Soaring 82 feet, Old Town’s main attraction still allows people to grace the ancient pathways and gaze at the stunning scenery, including the entire walled city, the coastline of the Adriatic Sea, Srd Mountain and the rest of beautiful Dubrovnik. The walk is a mile-and-a-quarter, which should take you about an hour when adding in the awe-factor and picture-taking time. The walls were constructed between the 8th and 16th centuries and offer 16 towers and fortresses on the walk.

Pile Gate
http://www.dubrovnik-guide.net/attractions.htm
Begin your exploration of the walled city at Pile Gate, the western entrance to the city. Built in the 16th century, the gate highlights a statue of the city’s patron saint, St. Blaise, two gothic arches and a drawbridge that used to be pulled up every evening. During the summer, guards stand by in costume to reenact the pull.

Placa (Stradun)
Placa
you enter into Old Town through Pile Gate, walk along the Stradun, the city’s main drag, for window-shopping and a taste of Dubrovnik. Feel free to veer off into the side streets and explore a bit—the city has posted handy maps on street corners to help guide tourists back to the Stradun. Be careful if it rains however, the lovely limestone becomes a bit slippery when wet.

Luza Square (Clock Tower)
Luza
Stop for a coffee, a glass of wine or a bit to eat at Luza Square at the end of the marbled Placa. Not only is Luza Square a central point for Dubrovnik’s cultural events and festivities, but it is also the intersection of some of the city’s most famous sites: the Clock Tower, St. Blaise Church and Sponza Palace. If you get there on the hour, you’ll see the two prominent bronze figures ring inside the Clock Tower, which was first built in 1444.

Sponza Palace
Luza Square
Tel. +385.20.321.032
http://www.tzdubrovnik.hr/eng/
If you like architecture, history and government, then this is the place for you. A combination of both Gothic and Renaissance architecture, Sponza Palace is now the state record office of Dubrovnik. The palace courtyard is also a popular venue for concerts and art exhibitions located just off of Luza Square.

Eastwest Beach Club
Frana Supila bb
Tel. +385.20.412.220
www.ew-dubrovnik.com
After you rent your beach chair and umbrella for the day, grab an ice-cold pina colada at the bar and lounge on one of the few sandy beaches in the area. Your afternoon will consist of gazing at both the idyllic Adriatic Sea and Old Town while taking a dip in 70 degree water during the summer months. And if you stick around, the bar scene livens at night.

Dubrovnik Summer Festival
www.dubrovnik-festival.hr
One of the largest cultural festivals in Croatia, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival has been a Croatian tradition since 1950. The entire city, national and international performers, and tourists alike come together to experience the classic music, theater, opera and dance offered in more than 70 open air venues throughout the city. The opening ceremony begins in front of the Sponza Palace on July 10 and runs through August 25.