Thru the Lens: Dubrovnik
With so many old town centres in Europe, it’s quite common to get traveller fatigue after you’ve been to so many of them. But at the same time, sometimes you visit one that makes you think “wow” even if you’re the most jaded traveller. Walking across the drawbridge of the main city gate of Dubrovnik was that “WOW!” moment for me. The city has been masterfully restored to a state where it almost doesn’t feel real. From the medieval walls encircling the old city to the gleaming white stone pavement, it’s as if you’ve entered some Hollywood set.
The main street in the old city is rammed with tourists during the day.
This Adriatic jewel is extremely popular with cruises and package tours. During the day, the old city is rammed with tourists from all over the world. At night, however, most people have retreated back to their cruise ships or hotels and the city is yours to explore. After having a couple of drinks, we wandered the old city’s smallest streets and alleys around midnight. It was delightfully absent of any large groups of tourists.
The old city, from above.
The trail leading up to the fortress offers the best views of the old city and the harbour. The views are so good that we decided to forgo the kn 90 city wall walk. With the money we saved, we bought fresh vegetables and seafood from the local market, located near the ferry terminal in the harbour. For only kn 20 we got 2 big blue fish which was more than enough to feed two people!
Practical Info Dubrovnik is well connected via bus to other cities in the region like Split, Mostar, Sarajevo and Kotor. Its airport (DBV) has connections to major cities all over Europe. Budget accommodation costs around 10 euros a night and is usually located outside of the old city, closer to the harbour and bus terminal.
You can’t have my sheep, woman!
The extremely crowded north gate to the old city.
One of many beautifully restored buildings.
Wandering around the old city.
The small marina on the south side of the old city.
Finally, some beach weather!
The city wall at dusk.
The massive battlement on the east side of the city wall.
The old city is a delight for photographers at night.
There are almost no tourists in the old city late in the night.
Many buildings are lit up to show their architectural highlights.
Lights and shadows.
Just a lady and her dog.
No doubt these goals have seen some heavy use.
In a forgotten corner of the old city.
Lovers own the night.
Dubrovnik is much easier to enjoy without the hordes of tourists.
The view from the trail to the fortress.
On the way to the fortress!
The old city as seen from the fortress.
The city walls are lit up at night.
Sunset as seen from near the fortress.
The seaside fortress at dusk.