Nikoleta’s Dubrovnik

If there were a contest for who is most in love with their home city, I’d win first place without a doubt. Born and raised here, having completed both high school and university just a few steps from the Old Town, and having worked as a tour guide in Dubrovnik, I’m truly this town’s biggest fan.

I know the city’s culture inside and out, and yet, I’m still fascinated by its rich architecture and fascinating history. Dubrovnik continues to amaze me every day, and I love being a host, whether it’s for my friends from outside Dubrovnik or Croatia or my clients.

There’s nothing better than showing people the best spots in the city, uncovering hidden gems, and experiencing the moments when the city shines at its brightest.

Top 5 Things To See & Do in Dubrovnik

1. Hole in The Wall

This is a literal hole in the southern part of the city walls that often goes unnoticed by tourists, as it’s not on the main streets or near any famous landmarks. But it’s easy to find. All you need to do is walk up the stairs behind the Cathedral to the top, then walk through the hole.

You’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea, boats passing by, the distant city of Cavtat, and the green Lokrum Island right in front of you.

Although the first thing that catches everyone’s eye is the bar on the rocks just below the city walls, where each table is at a different sea level, I love this place, as it reminds me of my high school years.

Back then, I’d sometimes – yes, sometimes only! – skip school and hang out here with friends, sipping coffee, having snacks, and chatting while basking in the sun like lizards soaking up much-needed rays during winter. It’s also a popular spot for high-schoolers’ first dates in the winter.

2. Western Outer Wall

As everyone knows, walking along the city walls is the most famous thing to do in Dubrovnik. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a must-do. But with this fame comes the burden of crowds.

I often advise my clients to visit as early as possible in the morning or as late as possible in the afternoon, but word has spread, and even during those times, the walls can still be busy. Many people want to avoid the crowds and the heat (there’s not much shade on the walls), so they go early.

What most people don’t know, though, even locals, is that you can also walk the Western Outer Wall. The entrance is at Minceta Fortress and stretches to Bokar Fortress.

It’s interesting to walk this part of the wall because it’s included in the city walls ticket, and you can both walk outside and go inside the fortresses. You’ll see underground corridors with casemates, a great place to cool down on hot summer days, and the ancient remains of a foundry.

3. Zvijezdiceva Street

This small, unknown street in the northern part of the Old Town doesn’t stand out in any particular way, but among the many charming streets in Dubrovnik, it’s my favorite.

It’s one of the few places where you can still find locals going about their everyday lives. It’s peaceful, green, and filled with colorful flower pots made from old roof tiles and concrete.

I love sitting on the steps here, soaking in the peace. Photographers will especially appreciate the picturesque vibe of the street. Plus, the name Zvijezdiceva means Little Star Street in Croatian, which adds to its charm.

4. Kino Jadran: Open-Air Cinema in The Old Town

There’s something magical about watching a movie on a summer night in the Old Town. This small cinema, located near the main street Stradun, often goes unnoticed by tourists or is overlooked because people assume the films are dubbed.

But that’s not the case here. We never dub foreign films. Instead, we use Croatian subtitles. I think this is one of the reasons we speak such good English as a nation. We grew up watching foreign movies and TV shows, especially from the USA.

This cinema is very cool, and the best part is that you don’t have to worry about sneaking in your own snacks. That’s actually encouraged, and you can freely bring your own food and drinks.

5. Šulić Beach

While not the most popular beach in Dubrovnik, Sulic Beach is one of my favorites. Locals go to this beach to swim or play a game of water polo. Divlja Liga (Wild Water Polo League) is our local, unofficial water polo league.

If you’re in Dubrovnik during the summer, you might just stumble upon one of these matches. The best part? They’re free to watch. It’s an amazing way to experience our passion for water polo up close and see the local rivalry in action. It may not be as formal as the big games, but it’s certainly a lot of fun.

In Dubrovnik, it’s not the football players who get the most attention. It’s the water polo guys. Water polo is huge here, and our local club, VK Jug Dubrovnik, has a rich history and many national and international titles. It’s more than just a sport for us. It’s a tradition passed down through generations.

Local Food & Drinks

As a huge foodie, I’m proud to say that the Mediterranean diet is both healthy and absolutely delicious. I’m especially proud to come from a region where this food is local. One of my absolute favorites is simple grilled fish. As my mom always says, “It doesn’t matter which fish it is, as long as it’s super fresh”!

My personal favorites are grilled sardines and common sole, which is a bit unusual since most people go for hearty white fish like seabass and seabream.

One restaurant in the Old Town that’s known for great fish is Proto, and I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed. The grilled fish is usually served with boiled potatoes, Swiss chard, and lots of extra virgin olive oil.

Unique Cultural Experiences in Dubrovnik

If you find yourselves in Dubrovnik between July 10th and August 25th, you might catch a play or a concert during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival.

This festival is an annual cultural event featuring theater, music, opera, and dance performances in iconic open-air locations like the Old Town, Gradac Park, Lovrijenac Fortress, and more. The festival attracts both local and international artists. Watching a performance in these locations really feels like starring in a movie.

Best Relaxation Spots in Dubrovnik

If you’re a true local from Dubrovnik, you know that nobody likes the big, crowded beaches for a swim in the summertime. We get annoyed by the large crowds and the noise and usually prefer more secluded areas, away from the crowds, preferably with shade and on the rocks, as we don’t like the sand.

If you find yourselves in Lapad Bay during the summer, a very local thing to do is walk the lovely seaside promenade stretching from Kompas Hotel to Royal Hotel Neptun.

Find your spot on the rocks, spread out your towel, and enjoy the silence under the pine trees, undisturbed by others. Afterward, my recommendation is to go for a cocktail at Cave Bar More nearby and enjoy the sunset by the sea.

Nightlife & Bars

A relatively new place in town, M’arden Bar in the Old Town feels like you’re walking into someone’s house, but in reality, you’re entering a hidden garden that serves the best wine in the area. Their wine list is very well-curated, and the knowledgeable owner is extremely passionate about wine.

The staff can help you pick the best wines from all over Croatia to suit your taste. The view of the famous Dubrovnik red rooftops is amazing, and the best time to visit is around sunset or at night when it has a special atmosphere. I love to come here with my friends on summer nights.

Shopping in Dubrovnik

Note Bene, a family-owned business in the Old Town, right next to the Rupe Museum, is a cute little place to buy authentic gastro souvenirs, such as candied orange peels called arancini, candied almonds, homemade spices, and fruit jams.

The owners, Dado and Nina, are locals from the Old Town and have been in business for many years. If you ever stop by, you’ll likely find one of them in the shop. They’re both very friendly and welcoming. I love recommending this place because I know it’s a true local business run with passion.

Thank you for joining me in this virtual tour of my beloved hometown. I hope I’ll be able to show you around Dubrovnik soon!