Eva and I spent one week in Dubrovnik at the end of November. They were setting up for Christmas and being here as pretty magical. Below we debrief our brief visit including getting COVID tests in preparation for a flight out of the country.
What was the most surprising thing about Dubrovnik?
Eva: Coming in on the bus, we drove under the fortress and it was very dramatic. You go from not seeing it at all to seeing it right next to you.
Ehren: To me it was the wall tour… the walkway had low barriers to falling over very high walls.
What would you change about this trip?
Eva: I’d be OK staying somewhere else and not the Old Town Fort area that primarily catered to tourists.
Ehren: I would’ve definitely stayed longer. It was a nice town, but it was sort of a stop-over on our way out of the country and we were limited by our 90 days without a Visa.
Scale of 1-10, how easy is it for a US Citizen visiting for the first time to communicate and find the things you need?
Eva: 10, considering that most people spoke English. Having access to information online was nice considering the state of things with COVID.
Ehren: 8, Croatia has been English friendly. When trying to get our COVID tests arranged at the hospital, we had some small frustrations, but overall, very easy.
How long would you optimally stay there (+/- how long we stayed)?
Eva: I think I could stay here for 2 months.
Ehren: There are probably places I’d choose first, but 2 months in Dubrovnik would’ve been enjoyable.
Could you move/live here?
Eva: I would spend a season here, but not choose to live here. The businesses didn’t seem like daily life, more tourist and retirement life, but not regular life.
Ehren: Could, but again, there are nicer, more quaint and beautiful places in Croatia. Also, it was the most expensive place we stayed in Croatia.
What did you learn about travel?
Eva: On your first night in any city, it’s best to try to eat dinner before 9pm until you figure out how the city runs.
Ehren: When you have a very early flight and the airport isn’t near where you’re staying downtown, it’s nice to rent an apartment for one night nearer the airport. Anything to limit complications (like scheduling an Uber at 4am).
Anything else you want to add?
Eva: The historic center, mostly where we spent our time. It was great for walking around and would love to spend more time doing that.
Ehren: I LOVED how Dubrovnik fortress was decorated for Christmas: Christmas tree, reindeer, wreaths & ribbons… it felt very festive and changed the entire atmosphere of the fortress. But seriously, that wall tour was intense. Knee high walls separating you from the top of the tower to the fortress streets on one side and the craggy sea rocks on the other.
Quick Fire Favorites:
Restaurant:
Eva: Buza Bar
Ehren: Presa Fast Food
Hang out Joint:
Eva: The main plaza of the Lovrijenac fortress
Ehren: Buza Bar
Best Shopping:
Eva: There’s not a very good value to shop in the historic fortress and everything is overpriced.
Ehren: We didn’t really shop in Dubrovnik. The only money we spent was on food and the Post Office
Point of Interest:
Eva: The Lovrijenac fortress itself
Ehren: Dubrovnik City Wall Walk