Falling in Love Again with Dubrovnik

Welcome to my Dubrovnik travel diary!  I’m visiting Dubrovnik for the second time in two years, and honestly, I love it even more this time around. There’s a reason they call it the “pearl of the Adriatic” — it’s one of those cities that stays with you long after you leave. As soon as we landed at the airport and picked up our rental car, we couldn’t wait to dive back into everything that makes Dubrovnik so special.

Parking Challenges Near the Old Town

When we arrived in the center, we hoped to park closer to the Old Town, but cars aren’t allowed inside unless you’re a resident or a taxi with a special permit, so we ended up at the municipal parking lot — the only option, though definitely not cheap.

Spectacular Views from Mount Srd

On our first day, we took the cable car up to the top of Mount Srd. At the top, there’s the Panorama Restaurant & Bar, where we enjoyed a meal with an amazing view of Dubrovnik from above, with the Old Town laid out like a fairytale and Lokrum Island right in front of us. Although we weren’t there at sunset, the view was still breathtaking and gave us a sense of just how spectacular this city is. his view is a highlight in any Dubrovnik travel diary!

Visiting Pile Gate for Iconic Views

If you’re exploring near the Old Town, it’s also worth stopping by Pile, a gate and small square at the western entrance, which sits a bit higher than the rest of the city and offers great views of the walls and the sea.

Drinks with a View at Buza Bar

Later that evening, we walked to Buza Bar — a quirky little spot clinging to the cliffs outside the city walls. It’s one of those places where you can have a drink while watching the endless blue of the Adriatic stretch out before you. What I love most about Buza is how relaxed it is: you can show up in your swimsuit straight after a swim, sip your drink, and even jump right into the sea from the rocks if you’re feeling adventurous! A heads-up: Google Maps often leads you on a confusing route to get there, and no matter which way you go, there are always plenty of stairs — it’s just part of the charm of Dubrovnik’s old streets.

Strolling the Magical Old Town at Night

After Buza, we wandered around the charming alleys of the Old Town. At night, the whole place comes alive with people, music, and lights. Dubrovnik’s Old Town is like a living museum with its white stone streets, massive medieval walls, beautiful old churches, cozy courtyards, and the Old Port beside the city walls, which is especially gorgeous at sunset when the water turns pink and orange and the boats rock gently in the harbor.

Discovering Europe’s Oldest Pharmacy

One of my favorite details is the old pharmacy inside the Franciscan Monastery, operating since 1317 and considered one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. If you want a unique perspective, renting a kayak to paddle along the city walls and around Lokrum is an amazing way to see the Old Town from the water.

A Spontaneous Beach Day at Beach Bar Ponat

The next day, we hadn’t planned on going to the beach, but the weather was so hot that we changed our plans and headed to Beach Bar Ponat, tucked under Dubrovnik’s bridge. There, we relaxed in the shade and cooled off in the clear water — though like most beaches near Dubrovnik, it’s full of pebbles and rocks.

If you’re looking for sand, Sunj Beach on Lopud Island is the only sandy beach in the area, perfect for kids or anyone who prefers a softer entry into the sea. I’m not sure exactly where the boat to Sunj leaves from or how much it costs, but boats to nearby islands generally depart from the Old Port.

Afternoon Escape to Srebreno

Later that day, we drove to Srebreno, where we spent the afternoon on a beach with amazing turquoise waters, then headed back to the Old Town for dinner. We chose Taj Mahal Dubrovnik — which, despite the name, isn’t Indian but a Bosnian restaurant serving hearty, traditional Bosnian dishes like grilled meats and comforting stews.

Day Trip to Montenegro

On the third day, we took a day trip to Montenegro — an incredible experience full of coastal scenery and charming villages.

Exploring the Enchanting Lokrum Island

Then on our last day, we spent the morning exploring Lokrum, the island we’d been admiring from Mount Srd. Lokrum is a magical place where peacocks roam freely among visitors.

You can hike around the island, swim off its rocky beaches, relax at a beach bar, or visit the botanical garden. And for Game of Thrones fans, there’s even the Iron Throne waiting for you — the perfect photo op!

A Sweet Farewell in Cavtat

Before heading to the airport, we made one last stop in Cavtat, a picturesque town just outside Dubrovnik, for ice cream and a final stroll by the sea.

Practical Tips for Visiting Dubrovnik

As amazing as Dubrovnik is, there are a few things to keep in mind: the cable car and the boat to Lokrum cost about €30 per person each, sunbeds at organized beaches start at €50 for a set, and parking near the Old Town costs €7 per hour. Taxis are pricey, and while Uber is cheaper, it can’t enter the Old Town — it will drop you near the main gates — so if you’re staying farther away, you’ll need to plan your transport carefully to avoid surprise expenses. My best advice? Stay as close to the Old Town as you can to skip parking and expensive rides — or if you stay farther out, budget for Uber or buses. Include these costs and practical tips in your own Dubrovnik travel diary.!

Dubrovnik: A City That Stays in Your Heart

Dubrovnik is a place that stays in your heart forever — the warm people, the fascinating history, the stunning Old Town, the delicious food, and the unbeatable summer atmosphere make you want to come back again and again. I know I’m already dreaming about my next visit!

| Dubrovnik travel diary |  Dubrovnik guide | Mount Srd | Lokrum Island | Buza Bar | Dubrovnik beaches | Old Town Dubrovnik | Croatia travel | Dubrovnik guide | M

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