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Dubrovnik is situated in the south coast of Croatia on the base of calcar mountain Srd (412 metters). It is one of the most prominent tourist resorts of the Mediterranean, a seaport and the center of the Dubrovnik-Neretva county. Dubrovnik is called “Pearl of the Adriatic” and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dubrovnik Croatia

The city of Dubrovnik/Ragusa was built on maritime trade. In the Middle Ages it became the only city-state in the Adriatic to rival Venice. Supported by its wealth and skilled diplomacy, the city achieved a remarkable level of development during the 15th and 16th centuries. Furthermore, Dubrovnik was one of the centers of the development of the Croatian language and literature, home to many notable poets, playwrights, painters, mathematicians, physicists and other scholars. Today Dubrovnik is the proudest feather in Croatia’s tourist cap, an elite destination and one of the most beautiful towns in the Mediterranean. Dubrovnik used to be an independent republic, surviving mostly on trade. It managed to survive many centuries, with constant threats to its territory, particularly from the mighty Ottoman Empire and Venice. As early as 19th century, it was discovered by celebrities as a place to be seen. George Bernard Shaw once said that “those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it”. Royalty, presidents and diplomats have all favored the city. The late Pope John Paul II was a fan of Dubrovnik and was even made an honorary citizen. Out of the 18 top luxury hotels in Croatia, 11 are located in Dubrovnik.

dubrovnik croatia

Dubrovnik is steeped in stunning architecture and sculptural detail, and boasts spectacular churches, monasteries, museums, fountain. A multitude of typical towns and excursions include: The Elafiti Islands, the attractive town of Cavtat, Mljet Island, Korčula Island and Peljesac Peninsula. The neighboring towns of Kotor in Montenegro or Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina also make for intriguing day trips. How you can go to Dubrovnik ?

By plane

Dubrovnik airport (IATA: DBV) (ICAO: LDDU),   is located about 20 km to the south of the city. Croatia Airlines is the Croatian flag-carrier and Dubrovnik is one of its hub airports. Numerous flights operate both domestically (numerous times daily to Zagreb, seasonal to Osijek, Zadar and Pula) and internationally to the UK, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.

• Aer Lingus flies from Dubrovnik to Dublin in the summer season.

• Hapag Lloyd Express flies from Stuttgart, Hanover and Munich to Dubrovnik.

• Estonian Air flies every Wednesday and Saturday from Dubrovnik to Tallinn.

• British Airways fly from Gatwick at competitive rate.

• Thomsonfly from Luton and Flybe from Birmingham are good charter options.

• Iberia flies from Madrid, Barcelona, and other Iberian cities directly to Dubrovnik.

• Easyjet to Dubrovnik from London Gatwick, Liverpool, Berlin Schoenefeld, Paris Orly, Milan Malpensa and Geneva. Additionally they have routes from London Gatwick, Bristol, Milan Malpensa and Geneva to Split.

• SkyEurope to Dubrovnik from Bratislava, Prague, and Vienna. Does not fly everyday.

• Ryanair from Stansted to Zadar, from which an 8 hour bus ride will get you to Dubrovnik.

Vueling flies the relation from Dubrovnik to Barcelona and back. If you need a taxi in Dubrovnik you cand find all details here: http://www.taxiservicedubrovnik.com

By train

There is no train to Dubrovnik, although you can take a train to Split and then travel by bus to Dubrovnik. The bus station in Split is located right next to the train station on the wharf.

dubrovnik view

Alternatively, one can take the train from Sarajevo or Mostar which heads to Ploče on the Croatian coast, and travel the last section (under 2 hours) by bus. The scenery is spectaclar, and the trains aren’t normally crowded. Ploče is the closest railhead to Dubrovnik.

By car

The trip from Split is a beautiful journey along the coastal roads through small, quaint villages and other tourist destinations. Just know that in the summer months the trip is likely to take several hours longer than anticipated. What looks like a short trip on a map can take six hours.

By bus

The new bus station is in Kantafig, northern part of the city, a distance from the old city (near the northern approach and the Tudjman bridge), with domestic and international departures, as well as services heading to the airport (check times with Croatia Airlines). To get there, use the local bus service (operating around every 15 minutes, e.g. bus Nro 7) to take you into the Pile Gate (entrance to old town). The bus station has an enclosed waiting room, ticket office, and tourist information – though be advised of people trying to offer a private room in their home as accommodation as soon as you get off the bus – often these can be a good deal, though check the location with these people on a map before walking with them or you may be some distance from the bus station, or the old city. It is a fairly long journey, but it is possible to take a bus directly from Zagreb. These take up to 12 hours, and some run overnight, but the bad climate control on the buses and the cramped conditions make for an uncomfortable night. Alternatively, if you are already on the Dalmatian coast buses run directly and every hour from Split to Dubrovnik, a journey which takes 4 and a half hours and costs upwards of 100 kn, depending on the operator. Some busses follow the big high roads (eg. A1) while others use the low roads along the coast, which are more scenic but a bit slower. Other international services operate to cities such as Trieste in Italy, and there are daily services to Mostar and Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herceg Novi and Kotor in Montenegro. Costs As of Jan 2009, Kotor, Montenegro costs 100 kn, Mostar, Bosnia costs 78 kn. The Airport bus costs 35 kn. When traveling into Montenegro and the Airport sit on the right hand side (not behind driver) for best views, and vice-versa for the return. Traveling to Bosnia, sit on the left hand side (behind the driver) for best views. A departure listing for the international bus station is available at the website of the city bus operator: On all intercity buses you pay a separate fee for luggage. This fee of 2 € per piece of luggage is paid to the driver upon boarding. Some drivers are rather picky about being paid in exact change in the correct currency (sometimes a local currency, at other instances requesting to be paid in euros) and sometimes also refuse to be paid in small coins. So keep some change ready.

By boat

• Jadrolinija runs ferries down the coast from Rijeka. Calling at Split, Stari Grad, Korčula and Sobra on the way. Journey time is up to twenty hours, so consider getting a cabin. The restaurant serves up some decent food at surprisingly reasonable prices, but bear in mind that the 22% tax is not included on the menu. While the journey is scenic, there is nothing in the way of entertainment so come prepared with a good book.
• Jadrolinija also offers nightly crossings to and from Bari, Italy but either the dull engine vibration or the swaying of the boat from high winds are likely to keep you awake.

Get around

Stradun The old town is completely pedestrianised and easily small enough to get around on foot – some of the streets are a little steep though!

By bus

If you are not staying in the Old Town, it’s relatively simple get there by bus, as just about every one leads to the Old Town. However, it might be advisable to get a timetable just in case. Timetable available here .It costs 8kn (just over €1) for tickets bought at any kiosk,or 10kn bought on the bus; ticket valid for 1hr. At selected kiosks (including the international bus station) you can purchase a day pass for 25hr. This pass is valid for 24 hours of unlimited travel on the city bus network, starting from the first validation. The easiest way to get from the Main Bus Station to the Old Town is by using the (mostly modern and air-conditioned) buses number 1, 1A and 1B, which circulate almost constantly.

Car rental

• A Marker Car Rental-Dubrovnik, Tel +385 91 739 75 45  http://www.carhiredubrovnik.com/ Car hire Dubrovnik Airport and Downtown.

• Car,Van,Motorbike-Motorcycle,Scooter, Oldtimer and Buggy Rental-Pile Gate Old Town +385 91 739 75 45

What must be seen in Dubrovnik:

Dubrovnik was heavily bombed by the Montenegrin Navy during the Croatian War of Independence from 1991 to 1995. Almost all of the damage has been covered over but if you look closely around the old town you can still see the damage from mortars in the cobblestone streets and bullet marks in the stone houses.

• Roland’s Column, in front of the Bell Tower, A slender stone flag staff of the legendary knight. Also known as Orlando’s Column. Ever since its foundation in 1950, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival is officially opened by raising a flag (carrying the city’s motto LIBERTAS) on Orlando’s staff.

• Bell Tower, after the Ploče entrance to the city, On top of the tower are the famous ‘Zelenci’ (The Green Ones), bronze statues which strike the gigantic bell every hour. They have been recently replaced with copies and the originals are in the atrium of the Sponza Palace.

• Sponza Palace, west of the Bell Tower, Gothic Renaissance palace, one of the few buildings that has maintained its form from before the catastrophic 1667 earthquake. Hosts historic archives. Memorial room of defenders. Open 10AM-10PM. 20 KN

• Rector’s Palace, Pred dvorom 1, +385 20 321 437. Formerly the palace of the Major Council, now houses a museum dedicated to the city’s history.

• War Photo Limited, Antuninska 6. An exhibition center of war and conflict photography. Exhibits change during the season. Stunning images by world renowned photo journalists. Open 9AM-9PM

• Pile Gate, at the beginning of the Placa Thoroughfare (Stradun) (Old town). The most convenient starting place for your stroll through the City is Pile. Before entering the Old City, Lovrjenac Fort is the first among many sites worth seeing in Dubrovnik.

• Placa Stradun, (Old town). The Stradun (Placa) is the central street of the city of Dubrovnik and is the place where the old city comes to life. During the day, explore the shades of the peripendicular streets and alleys on its sides, and during the night, take walks up and down the Stradun with an ice-cream in hand. The uniform Baroque architecture of the houses in Placa, with shops on the street level and their ‘knee-like’ entrances, got its present-day form in the restoration of the City taking place after the disastrous earthquake in 1667, when a large number of luxurious Gothic and Renaissance palaces had been destroyed. The architectural design of Placa reveals effective solutions and the business sense of the Dubrovnik Republic in those difficult times. Today, Placa is still the shopping centre and venue of major events.


dubrovnik

• Big Onofrio´s Fountain. In the western (Pile) entrance of the old town, The fountain stairs are nowadays a favourite meeting place of the youth, where both the tourists and pigeons take rest and refresh themselves with cool water.

• Old Port, (Old town).

• Old City Walls. 8-19. Walk on the walls around the old town, great views! Warning – it’s extremely recommended to visit the walls during the early morning hours or the late afternoon hours, as it can become hot during the day!

• Fort Lovrijenac. The monumental fort rises above 37 meters high rock. It changed roles in the course of history. The main purpose of its construction was defense, and the main idea was to protect the freedom of Dubrovnik.
• Aquarium. 8 AM – 9 PM. 30 Kn.

Churches

• Franciscan Monastery, Placa 2, +385 20 321 410, 9AM-6PM. This beautiful monastery with Baroque Church, houses a Romanesque cloister and the third oldest pharmacy in the world.

• Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Kneza Damjana Jude 1, +385 20 323 459, M-Sa 8AM-8 PM, Su 11AM-5:30 PM. This impressive building is in the Poljana Marin Držić. Supposedly, the original church was built with money donated by Richard the Lionhearted who survived shipwreck on his way home from the Third Crusade. The current Roman Baroque cathedral dates from the 18th Century.

• Church of Saint Blaise (Crkva Svetog Vlaha). Baroque Church dedicated to the city’s patron saint.

• Church of St. Ignatius and the Jesuit College. Beautiful Baroque church located on a small hill within the old city.

• Dominican Monastery, This is an exceptionally valuable historic complex, which, besides its religious purpose, also represents the important artistic treasury of ancient Dubrovnik. Open 9AM-6PM.

• Church of St. Sebastian

• Serbian Orhodox Church and Museum of Icons

Museums

Entrance fees for 2009 year:

• Franciscan Monastery Museum Placa 2, 9AM-6PM. Check out artifacts from one of the world’s oldest pharmacies. Entrance fee:30 Kn
• Sigurata Convent Museum Od Sigurate 13,tel:+385 20 321 467, Opened upon request. Entrance fee:10 KN
• Synagogue and Jewish Museum Zudioska 5,tel:+385 20 321-028 Open :10AM-8PM Entrance fee:15 KN
• Dominican Monastery Museum Sv. Domina 4,tel:+385 20 321 423, 9AM-6PM. Paintings and artifacts from Dubrovnik’s past. Entrance fee : 20 KN
• The Sponza Palace Museum (Museum of the State Archives)Entrance fee :20 Kn
• The Rector`s Palace Museum Pred dvorom 1,tel:+385 20 321 437, 9AM-6PM. Artifacts, paintings and furniture dating back from the time of the Dubrovnik Republic. Entrance fee :40 KN
• The Treasury of Cathedral Kneza Damjana Jude 1,tel:+385 20 323 459, 9AM-6PM. The Treasury has 138 reliquaries which are carried around the city during the Feast of St Blaise. Entrance fee:15 KN
• Maritime Museum St. John Fort ,tel:+385 20 323 904. Open:9AM-6PM Entrance fee:40 KN
• The Home of Marin Drzic Široka 7,tel:+385 20 420 490, M-Sa 9AM-1PM and by appointment. Memorial house of Marin Drzic, one of Croatia’s most famous writers.
• The Museum of Icons (Serbian Ortodox Church) Open:9AM-2PM Entrance fee: 10 KN
• The Etnographic Museum (Rupe Granary) Open:9AM-6PM Entrance fee :40 KN

What you can do in Dubrovnik

• Dubrovnik Summer Festival,. Music and theatre festival held since 1950 from 10th July to 25th August. Famous nationwide for its exquisite selection of drama, classical music and ballet. Be sure to book in advance and don’t miss a chance to see some of the open-air performances, even if they’re in Croatian!

• Walk down the Stradun and enjoy a drink at a cafe on the main through fair of the old town.

• Dubrovnik Film Festival,. International film festival held since May 2003, hosts many world famous film stars such as John Malkovich, Kevin Spacey or Catherine Zeta Jones. Seems that the last time it was held was 2006 though.

• Libertas Film Festival,. Film festival held from August 25-30.

• Walk Dubrovnik city walls.It`s a must do when you are in Dubrovnik.There are several entrances/exits but the main entrance to the city walls is located at the beginning the main street Stradun near Pile Gate. Open:8AM-7PM. Entrance fee: 50 KN adults, 20 KN children.

• Dubrovnik Tourist Guide,Walking tours in the Old Town and other tailor-made tours in Dubrovnik region. Led by recommended Dubrovnik Tour Guide Denis,licensed guide with great knowledge and experience in conducting the tours.These tours can be tailor-made for you.You can book this tour guide in Dubrovnik directly at denisdubrovnik@yahoo.com.

• Take a ferry to the Island of Lokrum, which houses a monastery, a fort with great views of Dubrovnik, botanical gardens, and a naturist beach. Preserved as a Nature Park, this small island is reachable in 10 minutes boat-time from the old city port. It offers unparalleled serenity, beauty and peace. A definite must see (and feel!)

• Walk up the winding footpath to the fortress on Mount Srd, the hilltop 400 meters above Dubrovnik for a great view of the town and along the coast. The fortress contains a small museum describing its history. Walking up from the old town takes about 90 minutes.

• Lazareti (arl@du.htnet.hr), Frana Supila 8 (Ploce, just out side of the east entrance to the Old town), ☎ 385 20 324 633,. Old quarantine hospital serves as a cultural center for concerts, exhibitions, workshops, theater, film, night clubs and literature. The concert hall/bar is a very cozy place with a decent sound system. Gallery Galeriya Tutunplok is open daily 12PM-9PM. Films and theater showings range from 20-40KN Concerts cost 40-100 KN. A nightclub is open here from 10PM to 4AM and will cost you about 30 KN. Gathers a mostly alternative crowd.

• Banje Beach. A well located pebble beach. There’s a concessioned part with an entrance fee, but also a public part which is always livelier and more relaxed. Great way to beat the heat in the middle of the town.

• Visit the Fortress Lovrijenac. It was an essential fortification to the defense of the city from both ground and sea attacks. In order to prevent possible mutiny by the commander of the fortress, the walls facing the city are only 60 cm thick compared to those exposed to enemy fire which were 12m thick!. Above the entrance to the fortress is an inscription that says “Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro” which translates to “Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world”.

• Lapad Beach. A sandy beach where you can relax in the shade of the numerous trees.

Sailing

Dubrovnik is an excellent starting point for exploring southern Adriatic coast primarily Elaphite islands, Korcula, Pelješac and Mljet. There are many charter agencies where you can charter a sailing or motor yacht which are based in Dubrovnik. Majority of them operate from ACI marina Dubrovnik (42°40,3’ N 18°07,6’ E) which is based in Komolac. When you charter a yacht through charter agency and arrive to designated marina there are a few things that need to be done. The most important thing is the yacht check in (usually Saturday around 04:00 PM). Take your time doing yacht check in. Familiarize yourself with the chartered yacht and with the yacht equipment. The rule of thumb is: the more time you take for the yacht check in, the less time you will need for the yacht check out. After that you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation. Don’t neglect the groceries shopping because the sea is unpredictable and you don’t want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink. You can do the shopping in a marina (although the prices are usually much higher there) or you can order from yacht provisioning services who usually deliver the products to the marina at no extra fee. In Jam Yacht Supply  online provisioning catalog you can order from a large selection of groceries and other products months in advance and everything you order awaits for you in the marina. This is convenient because it takes the load of you and the things you must do when you arrive at the marina for your sailing holiday. Some of charter agencies operating from Dubrovnik:

• Adria Coral
• Aurora Maris
• Discover Dubrovnik
• Ultra Sailing
• Way point

source of article : http://wikitravel.org