The most stunning city in Europe (Dubrovnik)

Member Name: voodooyoo1

Product:	Dubrovnik
Date:	04/01/09 (187 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful, great climate, historic, lots to do

Disadvantages: Gets crowded

Having visited most of the major cities of Europe (Rome, Barca etc) over the last decade- I was sceptical about what Dubrovnik could offer me. Within a couple of hours of walking around the old town however- I had come to the conclusion that this is the most beautiful and engaging city in Europe.

The historic walled centre is truly breathtaking. You genuinely get the sense of stepping back in time into a medieval maritime city. Although there has clearly been a huge renovation and standards are kept very high- you do feel the history in the walls and buildings and you can imagine this is how it would have looked 400 years ago. All the buildings on the main thoroughfare are maintanined to the same specifications and must be kept in the same colours. Potentially, this could give the centre a a homegenous appearance but in fact it just adds to the splendour and visual treat that is the centre of Dubrovnik.

The najor downside is that it can get very crowded, especially when the cruise ships arrive. But at certain times of day, the crowds disperse and you are left to wander around aimlesly, even in hugh season. Even when busy, stroll around the far walls and you will have it to yourself with magnificent views of the city behind you and glorious sea views ahead.

Numerous cafes and restaurants line the main street, most of which are expensive. But look around the maze of side streets and you will find great value Italian, Croatian and Bosnian food.

There is plenty of other stuff to do besides wandering around the glorious city itself- there are day trips available and car hire is prevalent (we drove to Mostar bridge in Bosnia in a couple of hours).

Take a boat out to the offshore islet of Lokrum where you can wander round the beautiful shaded pine woods and find yourself a rocky outcrop to soak up the beautiful Croatian summer sun.

I cannot speak much for the hotels and I believe the central ones are extremely expensive. I stayed in the Bokun Guesthouse which is a 15 minute walk from the centre, close to the bus station and new harbour. This is a superb budget accomodation option with one of the warmest welcomes I have ever encountered at a guesthouse.

I cannot recommend Dubrovnik highly enough, it blew me away and I rate it way ahead of the Italian cities- it is much cleaner, cheaper and more beautiful (Id even rate it above Venice).

Summary: Incredibly beautiful and fascinating city