Cartagena is definitely a destination to which I will return one day. It is an amazing city, diverse in its charm, in its history, architecture, colors, vibrancy and especially its people. 

From the Spanish colonial architecture restored or left to crumble to the decades-old local restaurants mixed in with hip new ones as well as shops and boutique hotels within the weathered walls of Old Town to the modern high rise hotels, congested traffic, shiny new shopping malls and beachside shack cafes outside the walls, Cartagena has something really special for everyone.

There are so many reasons to visit Cartagena. Let me just name a few of my favorites and explain each one in which I will use at least an example (one of a plethora to see) of each category ::

1. Old World Charm

The Old Walled town of Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which holds so many amazing structures and views that it is indescribable in words. In order to truly appreciate the wonder that is Cartagena you must visit and see this area of Colombia for yourself.

Plaza de San Diego

One of the many, many areas that are beautiful examples of the old world charm of Cartagena is Plaza de San Diego. Filled with churches, restaurants, bars, music and excitement on a daily basis this is only just one perfect example of what makes Cartagena so special.

You will find local artisans in the square at night, music of all kinds and generations all day and night, restaurants filled with locals and tourists throughout, bars filled with lively entertainment and colors… I can go on and on. But what it boils down to is that Cartagena is filled with color, fun, excitement and everything that makes coming to Colombia more than worth it. Old world charm in all of its glory. This is Cartagena.

2. History

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is only one example of the amazing history held in Cartagena. This colonial-era castle is the greatest Spanish fortress in the Americas, one that could never be breached. It took nearly a century to build but it certainly did what it was designed to do :: keep the enemies out. The most famous attack on Cartagena was called the Battle of Cartagena de Indias and gives great insight as to how strong this fortress is.

The history of course is what makes Castillo San Felipe de Barajas so incredible but there is another reason to visit Cartagena. If you can make the strenuous climb up the hill to the castle you will be richly rewarded by the most amazing views of Cartagena you can get anywhere in the city.

UNESCO’s World Heritage site Castillo San Felipede Barajas is one of so many reasons Cartagena is such a rewarding destination to visit.

Tip :: be prepared – it is HOT up there so be sure to bring water up with you on your climb!

Location :: Cra. 17, Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena
Hours :: 8am to 6pm
Entrance :: $25,000 COP (about $8) for adults, $10,500 COP (about $3 US) for kids ages 6 to 13

3. New Life

Modern times have over the years taken Colombia into a forward direction and Cartagena is one of the leading cities to be most successful in this effort. Where its rich history is still prevalent everywhere you turn, the new Cartagena has been built to provide a stark and shocking contrast.

Bocagrande

The neighboring district to Old Town, Bocagrande, resembles Miami with its long strip of colorful cabana covered beachfront and shimmering new architecture. Cartagena has a truly dichotomous skyline.

As we walked from the old part of town to the new Plaza Bocagrande, a modern mall on that strip of beachfront, was a much-needed respite for us to get out of the heat. It certainly seemed like much longer than a 30-minute walk! Plaza Bocagrande has some good food options and shopping but certainly not my first choice of where to spend time the majority of time in Cartagena. Since the air conditioning did feel good for a rest before heading back we did find a place with a large flat screen that showed a good futbol game. So Roydio enjoyed that while I strolled around and found some ice cream at Crepes & Waffles. So good.

Location :: Cra. 1 ##12-118, Cartagena
Phone :: +57 5 6436509
Website :: http://www.plazabocagrande.com

4. Coffee (duh)

Cafe del Mural

We did some reading about how to have a fun Colombian coffee experience in Cartagena and found this eclectic cafe. We stopped by Cafe del Mural one day and it was not open yet, and another day it was too late because they were already closed. But when we finally arrived during open hours without a long line of people at the door we stepped in to find it to resemble more of a laboratory than anything else. Looking around you we found all kinds of old equipment, relics really, that were really interesting. We didn’t actually partake in the entire experience because we arrived late in the day.

It was interesting to find that in Colombia the popular hours for coffee are at 3pm and 7pm :: this explains the unusual (for us) hours of operation here. And you will pay more here than the typical Colombian cafe but it was a very fun and eclectic place.

Location :: CRA 9a (Callé san juan) no 25-60
Hours :: 3pm to 8pm
Phone :: +57 5 6472912
Social Medial : Cafe del Mural Facebook page

5. Ambiance

Getsemani

IMHO Getsemani, located within the Old Walls, is the perfect location to stay in Cartagena with its wonderful old world ambiance. It is walking distance to everything and I really loved the funky vibe of this emerging neighborhood full of artists, poets and writers. I loved the amazing street art and graffiti that covered nearly every brick and concrete wall. 

6. Vibrancy

During the daytime you can see kids play soccer in the street while you stroll through a plethora of vibrant streets filled to the rim with every bright color imaginable. But the area really comes alive at night as bands, dancers and performers come out in this eclectic hotspot. Music fills the air every night in Cartagena. And joy just oozes from each neighborhood you stroll along. Oh, and the street food. Lots of street food.

7. Colors

Colors of Cartagena

Beautiful colors everywhere you go :: umbrellas, flags, graffiti, murals, OMG such beautiful colorful displays of talent everywhere you walk. Seriously, you will find it difficult to stroll along without snapping away on your camera (or iPhoneX as I did) because every nook and cranny will get your attention, I promise you!

8. Sunsets

Oh the sunsets in Cartagena… they are absolutely spectacular. There are several places to plant yourself for this experience. Allow yourself time to get there in plenty of time and take your time as you make memories

Cafe del Mar

For an unobstructed view of the sunset over the ocean be sure to get there early. I would estimate at least an hour or more before sunset. Although it’s a touristy thing to do you won’t be disappointed and that’s why I recommend it. Grab a table right up against the wall and have dinner and/or drinks. Just don’t plan on leaving for a while because you will enjoy this experience more than I can tell you.

Santa Isabel Food Trucks

For a more casual atmosphere be sure to visit Santa Isabel Food Trucks. You will find a wonderful ambiance, lots of chairs to relax in with a wonderful view of the water and the Cartagena skyline.

I recommend you dine at sunset here on the waterfront because the food is wonderful. You have your choice of several trucks but each is unique and very tasty. For us we had the perfect evening weather, enjoyed the lighted atmosphere and the sunset :: Oh! Em! Gee! Don’t miss this!

9. Lights

The lights at night in Old Town as well as Playa de Bocagrande (new town) are equally as beautiful. It just so happens that Bocagrande dominates the skyline of Cartagena and make the picture-perfect postcard memories. And since it is the modern part of town outside the walls you will find even more tourists. So you can count on the beach always being crowded.

The high-rise apartments and hotels make up this skyline and will provide some pretty great views no matter where you are. Stunning!

Location :: Cra. 1 #1A-23, Cartagena

10. Atmosphere

It feels like it’s always a party in Cartagena! No matter if it’s day or night, you will experience an atmosphere like nowhere else in the world. There will be a little wiggle in your walk as you stroll the beautiful, colorful streets of Cartagena.

At night the city comes alive like no other city! Bright lights, music and excitement are all synonyms of Cartagena at night. And when you are there you become one with the city and its people. The atmosphere is truly infectious.

Chiva tours

Although we did not join in on the fun on these brightly painted, wooden-framed buses they are hard to miss and it was really fun watching them go by. Once the most popular form of transportation in rural areas of Colombia Chiva buses are now used only for tours, during the daytime they will guide you through some of Cartagena’s best attractions. But at night this colorful party bus gets wild, complete with pulsing lights and honking horns to dance beats that blare out into the streets from loudspeakers. You’ll pay about $12 per person to join in on the fun. Several companies offer the chiva tours.

Location :: Torre del Reloj Av. Venezuela, Cartagena

Use the form below to find activities while in Cartagena ::

TIP :: While Colombian pesos will be welcomed by cab drivers, street vendors and some smaller shops and restaurants, credit cards are accepted (unlike in other parts of Colombia) just about everywhere in Cartagena.

And one more thing I want to bring your attention to ::

Bed and Breakfast

We stayed at Les Lezards in Getsemani and although we didn’t experience any other lodging in Cartagena I can’t imagine you’ll find one more amazing than this. We stayed in the La Mer room which included a cozy bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen.

Owner, Marcus, and his entire staff is very friendly and accommodating. Everything is walking distance, you’re in the middle of all the fun but just far enough away from the noise so you can rest. And a wonderful homemade breakfast is included in your stay.

Location :: Calle De Las Chancletas #10B-39 Getsemani, Cartagena
Phone :: (786) 224-1982
Social Media :: Les Lezards Facebook page

Book Les Lezards by clicking on this link. I Promise You :: You will NOT be disappointed!

Oh, and ONE MORE THING I thought you might enjoy :: check out this video that Will Smith made in Cartagena :: I think he agrees with me that this city is one you will want to return to again and again and again!

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All of these amazing traits of Cartagena are just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, of all of the compelling reasons that put Cartagena on the top of my list of places to which I will definitely return. And I’m sure you will more than agree when you visit this incredible city for yourself.

The post Cartagena :: 10 Wonderful Reasons to Visit appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

“Why would you go to Armenia of all places in Colombia?” you might ask. Let me preface my answer by saying that neither Roydio nor I speak much Spanish (save for the few words and phrases we’ve learned over the years living in California) and yet we found ourselves in Colombia for the very first time, a country where very few people speak or understand English. Our motivation for visiting was a young couple from Colombia whom we had met while vacationing in China. We kept in touch over the years and had hoped to meet each other on the road again but our paths never crossed. So we decided to take matters into our own hands and visit them in their home country.

Our plan was to spend four weeks in Colombia exploring different parts of the country including a week in Bogota where our friends live, a week in Medellin, a week in Cartagena and then another week exploring the coast and Rosario Islands. But then we came upon the opportunity to spend our first week in Colombia with Roydio’s Spanish-speaking brother and his friends who happened to be traveling to Armenia during the time we were to be in Colombia. So although this particular city was not originally in our plans (not even on our radar, to be frank) we changed our itinerary to begin our Colombian journey there.

From what I was able to gather before our trip I found out that Armenia is the capital of Quindio department, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 (you know by now how much I love visiting UNESCO sites!) and named the Coffee Culture Landscape of Colombia, being an integral part of the coffee triangle, and one of the main centers of the national economy largely due to, I would venture to guess, its coffee production).

We were so excited to visit Colombia for the first time and Armenia turned out to be the perfect place to start. Forgive me for taking so long to answer the original question. Of all the amazing qualities held by this city and the areas surrounding it, here are the Top Seven Things I recommend doing when visiting Armenia ::

Warning: You may be getting a Spanish lesson in this post so… be prepared!

#7. Spend time in downtown Armenia.

Being in the center of Colombia’s coffee triangle you will find local cafeterias (coffee shops) on every corner. The people are friendly and are happy to give you samples of the foods they sell. They genuinely want you to taste the goodness before you buy. 

And speaking of taking time, I’d also recommend you visit some of the surrounding towns such as Salento, Buena Vista and Cocora Valley, each of which I will be mentioning again later in this post.

#6. Be sure to eat bandeja paisa.

Bandeja paisa (local Armenian meal) includes cerdo (pork) and huevos (eggs), frijoles (beans – I absolutely LOVED the flavorful frijoles!), chorizo (sausage), and try the mazamorra (porridge made with corn, milk, sugar cane) which are distinctive dishes in Armenia. 

Patacones (plantains) grow abundantly in Quindio department so naturally they have found many ways to eat it. One dish is “Salentune Patacon” which is a smashed, thin fried layer covered with queso molido (ground cheese), carne molido (ground beef) and salsa de pina (pineapple sauce).

Arepa, a thick tortilla-type food made of ground maize (corn), is also popular and can be eaten plain (be sure to add table salt!) along with huevos (eggs) and/or cheese and sometimes comes filled with pollo desmenuzado (shredded chicken), carne asada (roasted beef) or pieces of chicharron (fried pork belly).

TIP :: When eating plain arepas be sure to add table salt (there’s a reason they put salt on the table) because the flavor can be quite bland.

At one of the local places we had the pollo a la parrilla y papas (barbecued chicken and potatoes) and although that may sound like a simple meal the only thing simple about how the Armenia’s serve it is the way it simply melts in your mouth (see what I did there?) with a wonderful local flavor! And then always served with patacones.

TIP :: When tipping at a Colombian restaurant some people tip anywhere from 1000 pesos (less than 30 US cents) to 2000 pesos (less than 75 cents US). Locals generally tip very little if at all. Tipping is not expected but always appreciated.

I also recommend stopping at one of the local panaderias (bakeries) for the bunuelos (round fried dough balls or fritters like donuts only without the hole) or the cocadas blancas (or what we called “coconut balls” because really, that’s what they are) which are made with sweetened condensed milk. Oh Em Gee. You definitely don’t want to miss that.

There are a couple of nearby towns that are worth a visit as well. In Filandia try the desserts at La Casa Del Pandebon which served amazing baked items.

In Salento be sure to dine at La Fonda de los Arrieros which has a wonderful ambiance and where they serve the best traditional foods :: arepas, frijoles (beans), arroz (rice), chorizo (sausage), chicharron (pork belly) and aguacate (avocado) and don’t miss trying the refajo (local beer mixed with Colombiano which is a local soda) as well as lulo (local fruit which means “little orange” made into an amazing juice – my very fave in Armenia). They also have a little mariachi band that will come and play for you at your table. So fun!

#5. Visit a local finca (farm).

The landscape is breathtakingly beautiful and it is really a wonderful treat to see how the livestock in Armenia is raised and treated and fed.

You might even consider a Farm Stay. Finca Hotel La Tata Premium in Pueblo Tapao Montenegro about a 30-minute drive east of Armenia comes highly recommended. Click on the link and check it out. Great reviews and property! Hiking and coffee/banana plantation tours can be arranged from here.

We had the pleasure of visiting our friends’ finca de la familia (family farm). Several of us milked the vacas (cows) and fed their babes (babies)… and a couple of us even rode the caballos (horses). It was a lovely way to spend the day for sure and I highly recommend you do this when you’re in Armenia.

I would highly recommend getting out into the open and visiting a finca or two in Armenia. It is truly a beautiful area and the air is so fresh and clean!

#4. Go river rafting in Montenegro – Balsaje Por El Rio La Vieja.

OK so Montenegro is a country in Europe but it’s also a city in Colombia near Armenia. Who knew? This was the most relaxing day we had in Armenia thus far and it was absolutely perfect! Rather than white-water rafting this is more of a “lazy” river rafting experience that floats along peacefully with the help of the two guides who kept us from bumping into the banks. Sometimes we got a little rush but most times it just gently took us along. And it went slow enough that we were able to jump into the river and just float (or swim) alongside the raft.

The time of year we did this the area had experienced 40 days without rain so we were not able to visit the anticipated waterfall La Cascada and although it was a disappointment it really didn’t take away from our rafting experience at all.

We took a lunch break in a beautiful spot overlooking the river which was absolutely perfect. Lunch was arroz, pollo, patacon and vegetales (vegetables) in a delicious sauce served altogether in a hoja de banana (banana leaf). OMG was it good! Seriously delicious!

TIP :: If it’s a super sunny day be sure to ask them to put up a roof for you (they are more than happy to oblige). It can get hot and being in the shade when you need it is really helpful.

#3. Go paragliding in Buena Vista.

I know, I said it. Me. With my overwhelming fear of heights which I am desperately trying to overcome. Well, by the coercion, I mean encouragement, of our friends and with some reticence as you can see in the pic below, I agreed to give it a try. OMG.

Running off a cliff was seriously one of the scariest things I’ve ever done in my life… who’s idea was this???

But I must say, once I was off the ground and some time had gone by (with the help of my instructor who owned the company *whew!* and who helped distract me by pointing out some interesting views in the distance) I am so glad I did it. The view was breathtaking (I think I’ve used this word many times in describing what I’ve seen of Colombia so far and I don’t think it will be the last) and the air was so fresh and clear. It was a perfect day. I had the perfect instructor. He even let me steer us for a while. One of the highlights of my life so far, for sure.

Considering everything is much more affordable in Colombia than in the US it was really refreshing to be able to do many activities without breaking the bank. For instance, our paragliding experience cost only $40US per person while in California it would cost anywhere from $175 to $250. I am so glad I didn’t chicken out and took the leap… It is definitely one thing checked off my bucket list and something I can brag about (hehe) for years to come.

After our successful experience in the air we spent some time in the cute little town of Buena Vista.

#2. Go horseback riding in the Andes Mountains.

Climb into a jeep for a 2-hour drive to Cocora Valley and ride up into the Andes Mountains on caballos that know the trail very well.

Definitely not a leisurely ride, it was an incredible experience with breathtaking views as we rode our caballos through narrow trails of rocks and streams and trees and waterfalls. This adventure is definitely not for the faint of heart but surely one I will never forget!

Our destination was a hummingbird sanctuary high in the hills to which we had to climb about 100 very steep steps. Once we got up there (whew!) we enjoyed the scenery, refreshments and the beautiful hummingbirds flitting about. This also gave our caballos a break before heading back to town.

Check out this slow-mo video I took of these adorable birds…

TIPS ::
#1. Again, this experience is not for the faint of heart. You will need to be a mediocre horseback rider or else they will give you a guide to help you along the trail as I did (I’ve only been on a horse a handful of times in my life).
#2. We had a dry and beautiful sunny day but I have heard that it can rain and get muddy on this trail so be prepared with a raincoat and boots.
#3. Be prepared for this ride to take your breath away at times. Seriously incredible.

#1. Visit a coffee farm and take the tour.

Since Armenia is located in the middle of the Coffee Triangle and named the Coffee Culture Landscape of Colombia for good reason it really is a must to see how the coffee is grown, harvested and prepared for public consumption. WakeCup Coffee Tour by Experiencia Cafetera is located about an hour’s drive south of Armenia in Pijao where you will experience an immersive, full-day coffee tour known to be one of the best coffee tours in Colombia. The tour will take you through every step of the production process as well as all the way through to the end product and how best to serve it.

There are also other farms and tours available in Salento and in Armenia itself. It doesn’t really matter where you go, just don’t miss the opportunity to take a tour. Especially if you’re a coffee connoisseur (but even if you aren’t – like me) you will not want to miss this experience.

In the pic above I am drinking coffee. Duh! But what you may not know is that I am NOT a coffee drinker. Well, unless you count Starbucks Frapuccino as coffee; most people don’t. HA!

But as I was explaining this to the server he gave me the rare opportunity to change my mind by giving me pure Colombian coffee with the actual coffee cherries as a sweetener instead of sugar (a true Colombian coffee shop does not believe in using sugar in coffee – in fact, they don’t even have it available in the store!). He asked me to chew the coffee cherry (the outside of the coffee bean that is usually removed before the bean is roasted) and then take a swallow of coffee and cherry at the same time. OMG.

This is the first time I have ever really enjoyed a cup of java. Wow. I wish we could get these coffee cherries in the US!

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Armenia was the perfect start to our time in Colombia. The fact that we were able to travel this week with Spanish-speaking people really helped us get more comfortable, learn and understand more Spanish.

But more than that our adventures in Armenia were unforgettable. The landscape was breathtaking. Everywhere we went we were overwhelmed by God’s beautiful creations in nature. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to spend time in this incredible area of Colombia and especially to be able to spend it with family and friends.

Our next adventure in Colombia takes us to Medellin. Stay tuned in next week’s post for a recap of our time there. You will not want to miss it!

The post Armenia Colombia :: 7 Experiences Not to Miss appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

One of the absolute highlights in the Balkans (which includes the following countries :: Albania, Bosnia + Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and the geographical/political region of European Turkey), this city has everything from breathtaking views, historic buildings, ancient architecture and ridiculously gorgeous natural wonders. Dubrovnik is a one-of-a-kind city that should definitely be at the top of your travel itinerary, especially because the weather there remains amazing long after summer is gone. So you can comfortably travel there after many tourists have taken their kids back home for the new school year.

Side Note ::
Dubrovnik was a stop on a 14-day cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean (and may I just add :: the BEST cruise itinerary I’ve ever taken. EVER.) departing out of Istanbul and stopping in Ephesus, Corfu, Mykonos, Athens, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Civiteveccia (Rome), Livorno (Florence), Nice/Villefranche, Provence (Marseilles) and ending in Barcelona. 12 stops, with only 2 full days at sea. What an amazing cruise that was and I would take it again in a heartbeat if it was still available (unfortunately the cruise lines took Istanbul off of their itineraries for safety reasons after the bombing at the US Embassy there). My plan is to write about each and every one of those fascinating cities in upcoming posts, so stay tuned!

Back to Dubrovnik, it happened to be a super hot day at the end of August but Roydio and I were determined to walk (and climb and climb!) the Walls of Dubrovnik which took us all the way around Old Town. OMG. The heat definitely made it a challenge but it was beyond worth it! It took us longer than the estimated time of 2 hours not only because of the heat (rest and water!) but also because I stopped at every turn to capture literally EVERYTHING I could in the short time we were there! I wish we’d had much, much more time…

Fort Lovrijenac

Also known as St. Lawrence Fortress or Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar this 16th century seaside fortress is made of limestone and hosts theatrical performances outside the western wall of the city. I’m told that several seasons of Game of Thrones was filmed here.

The Croatian leg of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series takes place in Lovrijenac. Two drawbridges lead to the fort and above the gate there is an inscription Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro “Freedom is not to be sold for all the treasures in the world.”

Cost :: Included in the cost of Walls of Dubrovnik entrance 54.79USD Click here for tickets.
Hours :: 8am to 7:30pm
Location :: Od. Tabakarije 29, 20000, Dubrovnik

St. John Fortress

Also called Mulo Tower St. John is one of the key forts in Dubrovnik built to protect the entrance to the port but currently the large interior of the fortress houses the Dubrovnik Maritime Museum and Aquarium. From the intriguing exhibits one can gain insight to why and how Dubrovnik Republic was so successful in its trade endeavors and how Dubrovnik became a wealthy merchant Republic.

Cost :: Click here for info about and tickets for the walking tour of Dubrovnik which includes St. John Fortress
Hours :: 8am to 7:30pm
Location :: Poljana Paška Miličevića, 20000, Dubrovnik

Stradun

Stradun, the 300-meter limestone-paved pedestrian “main street” through Old Town, is surrounded by the Walls of Dubrovnik. Undoubtedly one of Europe’s most picturesque pedestrian thoroughfares, the Stradun boasts many cafés and restaurants and is a great place to rest weary feet after a day touring Dubrovnik and also do one of my fave pastimes :: people-watching.

Cost :: Free and open to the public
Hours :: 24 hours
Location :: most of the streets in Old Town lead to Stradun

Dubrovnik Cathedral

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is its formal Roman Catholic name and is the seat of the Diocese of Dubrovnik. Beneath the Cathedral nearby archaeological excavations have revealed the foundations and walls of two older churches. The first was an early Christian basilica built sometime in the 7th or 8th century. Some say that this “new” church was financed by Richard the Lion-Heart on his return from the Third Crusade.

Cost :: Entrance is free and open to the public; ticket to enter the treasury is 2EU
Hours :: 9am to 5pm most days
Location :: Ul. kneza Damjana Jude 1, 20000, Dubrovnik

Tvrdava Minceta

Tvrdava Minceta is a 14th century fortress located on the north part of the walls facing toward the land at the highest point of Dubrovnik which offers a panoramic view of the city and Adriatic sea. Minceta is a large round fort with a massive base in the form with the Gothic crown sitting proudly on top.

Minceta is the very highest point in the Dubrovnik defense system, the name taken from the Mincetic family who were the owners of the ground where the tower was built the construction of which started in 1319 according to the design of architect Ranjina. You’ll be able to get some pretty fantastic views from this vantage point.

Cost :: Included in the entrance to the Wall (approx 30USD) or Click here for info and tickets on the Walking Tour
Hours :: 8am to 7:30pm daily
Location :: Ul. Ispod Minčete 9, 20000, Dubrovnik

Large Onofrio’s Fountain

Onofrio is a circular spring-water fountain built between 1438 and 1444 with carved stone masks out of which you can fill your water bottles any time of the day or night. Dubrovnik’s famous Big Fountain of Onofrio is probably the best known of the city’s many historic monuments.

Fresh spring water is available to the public from this and many other fountains around Dubrovnik. And it is certainly much needed if you’ll be there when the temperatures are as hot they were when we were there.

Cost :: Free and open to the public
Hours :: 24 hours
Location :: Pojana Paska Milicevica, 20000, Dubrovnik

Pile Gate

For centuries Dubrovnik’s famous Pile Gate is the north/main entrance to Old Town Dubrovnik. and is still the most interesting access point to this fabulous old city, formerly surrounded by a moat complete with a drawbridge built in 1537. Carved into the gate is a statue of Sveti Vlaho (St. Blaise), the patron saint of Dubrovnik.

Cost :: Free and open to the public
Hours :: 24 hours
Location :: Ul. Grata od Pila, 20000, Dubrovnik

King’s Landing

King’s Landing is the main filming location for the very popular television series “Game of Thrones.” The tours will take you to some of the locations used in the filming of this award-winning series.

If you’re a fan of the show this is a MUST do. Especially since they aired its final episode just last month on May 19, 2019.

Cost :: Click here for tickets to the 22.84USD small group walking tour
Hours :: 24 hours
Location :: Brsalje ul. bb, 20000, Dubrovnik

Dominican Monastery

In Gothic-style architecture this religious complex / museum was founded dating back to 1225 however actual use of the building did not occur until the 14th century and the bell towers were not added until the 18th century. 

The Dominican Monastery is one of the most important architectural parts of Dubrovnik and major treasury of cultural and art heritage there as the museum of the monastery exhibits many paintings, artifacts, jewelry and other items from the rich history of Dubrovnik.

Even with the many tourists who linger here it is a very peaceful place in which it is easy to reflect what it must been like in that time in the 14th century. Surreal, really.

Cost :: Entrance to the museum is 15 Kuna
Hours :: 9am to 6pm
Location :: Ul. Svetog Dominka 4, 20000, Dubrovnik

Sponza Palace

Also called Divona, “Sponza” in Latin means “the spot where rainwater is collected.” Designed in both Gothic and Renaissance architecture this 16th century palace was built between 1516 and 1522. The palace has served a variety of public functions, including as a customs office and bonded warehouse, mint (until after the fall of the Republic), armory, treasury, bank and school. It is currently home to the city archives (in terms of volume one of the largest in the world) which hold documents dating back to the 12th century. The palace is also currently used as a performance venue. And a memorial of Croatian soldiers killed in the last war is housed in there. 

The details in the architecture are stunning.

Cost :: Free to enter inner court; Treasury costs 2EU
Hours :: 8am to 7pm
Location :: Stradun 2, 20000, Dubrovnik

Cafe Buza

If you love drinking ice cold beer, lazing in the sun and cliff jumping into the crystal clear Adriatic ocean then you’re in for a treat. Is this what the original “dive bar” was named after?

Hanging out at a Buza Bar is definitely one of those things that you have to do if you come to Dubrovnik but there are a few things you may want to be prepared for before you go :: Buza Bar is no longer the the secret it used to be so it gets very crowded. The servers aren’t the friendliest (probably because they want to get people in and out as quickly as possible) and the bar serves only drinks, no food. You’ll pay about 6.50USD for a beer. And it may not be cold as they advertise. And they will serve your wine in a plastic cup. If you’re ok with all of that, make sure you bring water shoes to climb the rocks if you plan to dive in the water!

To find these epic spots, walk the main old town street clockwise around past all the shops and restaurants. You will eventually walk past a small doorway/hole in the wall (literally!). There is spray paint on the wall inside reading “NO TOPLESS” (HA!) that leads around to the right – you should be able to hear the music! This is Buza Bar 1 and it is the larger of the two. It has much more space for sunbathing and tables & chairs for chilling out. But be prepared for some seriously uncomfortable sunbathing! As you’ll find a lot in Europe, rocks and concrete slabs are known as their beaches. Remember, you’re coming for the experience!

Cost :: menu pricing
Hours :: 8am to 10pm
Location :: Crijevićeva ul. 9, 20000, Dubrovnik

Franjo Tudman Bridge

Originally designed to begin building in 1989 the process on the Franjo Tudman Bridge was halted due to the Croatian War of Independence. When it finally did open in 2002 this 1700-foot-long lopsided cable-stayed bridge was named after Croatia’s first president after its independence from Yugoslavia and cut the drive west from Dubrovnik by 20 minutes. If you park at the lot on the far side of the bridge you will get a wonderful view of Gruž Harbour and the Elafiti archipelago.

Cost :: Free and open to the public
Hours :: 24 hours
Location :: Suspended over the Rijeka Dubrovacka, near the Port of Gruz

There are TONS of other sites to see in Dubrovnik but it is impossible to even scratch the surface on a one-day cruise stop. What I enjoy about cruising is that you are exposed to many different destinations that one day you can go back to and spend more time. Croatia is one of those destinations to which I will return again and again I’m sure of it!

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What a beautiful and picturesque place Dubrovnik is! It has all the history and architecture and culture and texture that I seek to find on my travels. My heart was full this day. The gelato was so refreshing and super tasty (one of the best I’ve had outside of Italy) and Roydio really enjoyed the iced coffee here! So happy that this city was on our cruise itinerary.

Update :: We flew back to Croatia on a trip to Europe, this time to Split, where we spent a little more time and also had the opportunity to visit the surrounding areas including UNESCO World Heritage Site in Trogir. Such a beautiful and interesting place. I’ll be writing about that trip in a future post so stay tuned for more on Croatia!

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