Less than 30 years ago, Dubrovnik was under siege during Yugoslavia’s break-up. Now, it’s a booming tourist destination attracting 1.2 million annual visitors.
With its ancient churches and monasteries, this medieval walled city by the Adriatic Sea is incredibly photogenic — no wonder it was chosen as a key setting for TV show Game Of Thrones (prompting a stampede of fans).
But can you visit this mega-popular Unesco World Heritage Site on the cheap?
Picture perfect: The famous Old Town in Dubrovnik with its ancient churches and monasteries
Where to stay
Hotel Ivka
Hotels within the city walls are super-pricey, but Ivka is a 30-minute walk from Pile Gate, one of the main entrances. It’s a pleasant stroll to this no-nonsense, friendly hotel on a quiet side street in the Lapad district, and it has comfortable rooms (ask for one with a balcony). Plus there’s a relaxing little bar terrace. B&B doubles from £64 (ivkahoteldubrovnik.com)
Hotel Sumratin
Also in Lapad — a bus ride or a 40-minute walk to the city — this is for those who want to enjoy the Old Town and the sea (pictured far right). It’s up a hill from Sunset Beach in a pretty cove. Do not expect a fancy design hotel: rooms are basic, but spotless. B&B doubles from £73 (hotel-sumratin.com)
Hotel Neptun
The last of our Lapad trio has wildly fluctuating prices. Over the summer, rooms here can cost around £200 a night. But grab a deal before the crowds arrive — or in early autumn when it’s still warm — and rates can be as little as £73. There’s a terrace with sun loungers and steps to the crystal-clear Adriatic, plus an infinity pool. Rooms are slick and modern. B&B doubles from £73 (hotelneptundubrovnik.com)
Airbnb
If ever a city were made for Airbnb, it’s Dubrovnik. Old Town summer prices are usually about £120 to £150. But rates drop at places such as Room Ella, a quiet flat a 15-minute walk away. Rooms from £68 at Room Ella (airbnb.co.uk); prices can fluctuate
Where to eat
Konoba Rozario
Close to the Dominican Monastery, Rozario (pictured top right) is a good-value, down-to-earth restaurant run by Marina and Marin Vuletic. Enjoy various seafood and meat dishes either on the small terrace or in the cosy dining room. The oysters and grilled squid are especially good; three courses from £25. Address: 1 Prijeko, konoba-rozario.hr
Dubravka 1836
Delicious: Dubravka 1836 is were the locals congregate for the spectacular sea views
This restaurant, popular with locals, is outside the city walls by Pile Gate with terrific sea views (pictured above left). It’s the sister restaurant of Nautika, which is just across a square (one of the city’s best). But you can dine on swordfish carpaccio, seafood risotto and octopus salad here for much less — around £25 for three courses. The citrusy ‘rozata’ pudding is a treat. nautikarestaurants.com
Barba
Situated on the passageway toward the cable car station which takes you to the ridgetop overlooking the city, Barba is a tiny fast-food joint famous for its tasty octopus burgers (£8.50). Tuna burgers (£8.80) and sardine burgers (£7.30) are also on offer. It’s a perfect pitstop. Address: 5 Ulica Boskoviceva
Buffet Skola
For a sandwich on the go, look no further than Buffet Skola. In an alley close to the Franciscan monastery, this gem serves homemade focaccia-style bread with Dalmatian cured ham, local cheese and tomatoes. It costs about £3.50 for a sandwich. Address: 1 Ulica Antuninska
Kavana Teatar
Pizzas are very popular here. Pizzeria Baracuda, in an alley off the Old Town’s main road (Stradun), is a good choice, as is Pizzeria Tabasco by the cable car station; pizzas cost around £10.50 at each. For a bargain, head to the atmospheric Kavana Teatar in Lapad, where elderly gents play cards and a good margherita is £3.70. Address: 72 Iva Vojnovica
What to see and do
Walk up the hill
OK, are you feeling fit? It’s an hour’s walk to the top of the cable car station (405 m high) on a lovely zig-zag route with wildflowers and pine trees — plus fantastic views. You’ll be saving £20, getting some exercise and avoiding the cruise ship crowds that can overwhelm the Old Town. At the top there’s a thought-provoking museum dedicated to the 1991 to 1995 Homeland War; entrance £3.50.
DIY Game Of Thrones
Game Of Thrones tours lasting 90 minutes cost about £15 — and many are on offer. Instead, check out kingslandingdubrovnik.com, which explains the locations for the series so you can see them at your own pace. The website also shows which spots have featured in each series.
Buy a city pass
The cost of walking along the ramparts of the city walls is £23 (up from £17.50 last year). This is a brilliant experience, but buying a Dubrovnik Card for the same price also gives you access to monasteries, several museums and bus rides. Buy one ahead of time online and you save an extra 10 per cent (dubrovnikcard.com).
The Daily Mail’s Tom Chesshyre recommends buying a Dubrovnik Card, which gives you access to monasteries, several museums and bus rides
Dream cafe
When walking the walls, stop at Caffe Bar Sv Petar, the first cafe on the anti-clockwise route. Up by the battlements, it’s a glorious place for a coffee (£2.30), fresh juice (£4) or an ice cream (£1.75).
Perfect picnics
St Lawrence Fortress overlooks Pile Gate, and your city walls ticket or Dubrovnik Card gains you entrance (which many don’t realise). The views of the old city are particularly good here. Before you enter, there’s a little park with benches that’s ideal for picnics.
Go for a tipple
The cool spot for drinks is Buza, which overlooks the sea at the base of the city walls, but a glass of wine here costs around £5.50. Libertina is a tiny pub near the Dominican Monastery with black-and-white pictures and locals propping up the bar. It’s an experience of real local life — but make sure you check the time before you go, as it is open only from 10am to 2pm. A glass of wine costs £1.20. Address: 3 Zlatarska