Dubrovnik: A city like no other!

Dubrovnik is often called the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ and I didn’t understand why until I set foot in it. The imposing stone boundary of the city walls in its ivory grandeur is surrounded by the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. Do you reckon this place should be compared to anything short of a jewel?
Dubrovnik is one of the nicest places I’ve visited. People who know me well will know that I like to have a clear routine even during holidays. But this city did something to me. After a tiring day of kayaking, I still wanted to be out and about. I was so not my annoying self here! And that’s what makes this place extra special. Sharing some reasons why this city is a must visit!
1. The Unforgettable Old Town
Can you feel liberated when you are physically imprisoned? Yes, in this little old town you can! Dubrovnik has an old town that is cordoned off from the rest of the city. Walls as thick as 6 meters preserve the area that’s a UNESCO World Heritage site today. The old town is filled with cafes, souvenir shops, cathedrals and fountains. You will also find multiple street artists determined to keep you entertained.
After strolling around the old town, how about looking at it from a second perspective? Climb the city walls and get a bird’s eye view of the old town. The sight of red brick roofs contrasting with the blue sky is a tempting treat.
There is also a third perspective. Visit the old town at night to get a feel that’s poles apart from the first two. Dim lighting does so much to it. The bright ivory walls suddenly glow like gold. A trip to Dubrovnik is incomplete if one didn’t walk around here at night!
2. Game of Thrones Tour
I must admit that I’m not a huge GOT fan but my husband is. I wasn’t expecting anything from this tour and was therefore pleasantly surprised by how good it was. We did the first available tour in the morning as a result of which we got a private tour guide! Ahhh well almost! There was one more lady who joined our tour at the last minute but it was still completely worth it.
The tour was exceptional because the guide was carrying an album of photographs from the show. When we walked from one location to another, she made sure we looked at the picture from the show first and then at the actual location in front of us. What an amazing way to make a connection! She also explained how computer generated imagery (CGI) and additional props were used for many scenes.
Below is a shot of the Blackwater Bay which was one of the locations we visited.
When we were at the famous spot where Cersei’s walk of shame began, our tour guide gave us some interesting information. The area is filled with restaurants on the ground level and houses on the top floors. The GOT producers had to pay the restaurant owners to shut their business for a day. They also had to pay residents to keep their home windows closed throughout the filming. In the summer heat, the people of Dubrovnik had to stay locked indoors without ventilation. Oh the effort that goes into shooting a perfect scene!
I’d highly recommend booking this tour from GetYourGuide if you’ve watched this show.
3. Proximity to 2 more countries
Did you know that if you travelled by road for 4 hours or less you could reach 2 new countries from Dubrovnik? Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina are popular day trips from Dubrovnik for explorers wanting a different vibe without travelling too far.
I didn’t go to Montenegro but made time for Bosnia & Herzegovina. We went to Mostar to see the famous Stari Most (old bridge) and enjoy the middle eastern warmth!
If you’re lucky you will be able to see two men jump from this bridge into the Neretva river. But these men will jump only if they’ve received a sum of 25 euros from the crowds so be ready to pay to speed up the process. I just waited, admired the view and saw the jump for free 🙂
Don’t miss this tour if you are in Dubrovnik. You can easily book it on the GetYourGuide website.
Dubrovnik is so versatile! Whether you are looking for time to unwind or explore and learn, there’s no shortage of things to do here. I will always remember this city of cats as a place that changed me for the better!

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