Croatia had long been on my travel bucket list ever since I was captivated by the stunning scenery in Game of Thrones. As a fan of the series, I couldn’t wait to walk the same cobbled streets and ancient city walls that brought Westeros to life. However, beyond the filming locations, Croatia surprised me with its rich history, breathtaking coastlines, and charming cities. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing about Dubrovnik first. I’ll cover the other cities in my upcoming posts
Croatia
Croatia is a breathtaking country nestled along the Adriatic Sea, known for its crystal-clear waters, medieval architecture, and charming coastal towns. From the ancient walls of Dubrovnik and the Roman ruins of Split to the natural wonders of Plitvice Lakes and island-hopping adventures, Croatia offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature.
Whether you're exploring vibrant cities like Zagreb or relaxing by the sea in Zadar, Croatia’s beauty is undeniable. With its rich heritage, welcoming locals, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine, it’s a destination that leaves a lasting impression.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, often called the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a stunning coastal city in southern Croatia, famed for its beautifully preserved medieval walls and historic Old Town. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city boasts cobblestone streets, baroque churches, charming squares, and breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.
Whether you're walking along the ancient city walls or taking a cable car up Mount Srđ, Dubrovnik offers history, beauty, and unforgettable photo spots at every turn.
Attractions
Old Town
Stepping into Old Town Dubrovnik feels like entering a different era. The centuries-old walls, gleaming limestone streets, and terracotta rooftops create a dreamy atmosphere that’s both romantic and cinematic.
As I wandered through its maze-like alleys, I imagined the lives that had once been lived within these walls and felt a deep sense of awe. It's a place that seamlessly blends history, culture, and beauty, making it hard not to fall in love.
Fort Lovrijenac
Fort Lovrijenac, often called the "Gibraltar of Dubrovnik," is a striking fortress perched on a 37-meter-high cliff just outside the city walls. Built to defend Dubrovnik from Venetian invasion, the fort offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and Old Town.
Its imposing presence and rich history make it a symbol of the city’s resilience. Today, it’s also famous as a Game of Thrones filming location, drawing fans from around the world.
Pile Gate - Walk of Shame
Pile Gate is the grand entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, steeped in centuries of history and charm. Built in the 16th century, this majestic stone gateway once served as the main point of access to the walled city, guarded by a drawbridge and statues of Saint Blaise, Dubrovnik’s patron saint.
Today, it’s not only a popular tourist spot but also a famous filming location — most notably for Cersei Lannister’s unforgettable “Walk of Shame” scene in Game of Thrones. I can’t believe I’m standing in a real Game of Thrones location. It feels unreal.
Stradun
Stradun, also known as Placa, is the vibrant main street of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, stretching from Pile Gate to the city’s port. Paved with smooth limestone and lined with historic buildings, charming shops, and quaint cafés, Stradun is the heart of the city’s social and cultural life.
Whether day or night, it's lively atmosphere and picturesque setting make it a must-visit spot, offering a perfect blend of history, beauty, and local charm.
Game of Thrones Dubrovnik City Shop
The shop tucked into ancient Boškovićeva Street, just steps from the Old Town, is a must‑visit for fans of the series. It offers a wide selection of officially licensed merchandise, think goblets, magnets, figures, T‑shirts, keychains and more, all inspired by Westeros and King's Landing.
Duck Boutique
Duck Boutique Dubrovnik is a charming gift shop renowned for its eclectic selection of artisan souvenirs and Croatian-made crafts. The boutique offers beautifully curated pieces from handcrafted ceramics and locally designed jewellery to stylish textiles that reflect the cultural heritage and maritime spirit of Dubrovnik.
We bought some for my husband, baby, niece and nephew.
Captain Candy
Captain Candy is a pirate-themed sweets boutique, offering an impressively colourful pick‑and‑mix assortment of gummies, chocolates, fudge, and nostalgic old‑school candies presented in barrel-style displays. The store stands out with its vibrant aroma and eye-catching layout that's highly Instagrammable.
Franciscan Church and Monastery
Nestled near Dubrovnik’s Pile Gate, the Franciscan Church and Monastery is one of the city’s most treasured historical and architectural landmarks. Dating back to the 14th century, the complex is best known for housing one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in Europe, which has been operating since 1317.
Visitors are drawn to its serene Romanesque cloister, beautifully carved columns, and a rich collection of religious art, manuscripts, and ancient medical tools. The site reflects the city's deep spiritual heritage and the Franciscan order’s lasting influence on Dubrovnik’s cultural and intellectual life.
Such a beautiful place — the aesthetic is just perfect.
Details
Location : Ivan Gundulich, Miho Pracat.
Business hours : Daily (9.00am - 6.00pm)
Admission fees : Free
Saint Blaise's Church
Saint Blaise's Church, located in the heart of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, is one of the city's most cherished landmarks. Dedicated to the patron saint of Dubrovnik, the Baroque-style church was constructed in 1715 on the site of an earlier Romanesque church that had been destroyed by fire.
Its elegant façade, ornate detailing, and dramatic stairway make it a focal point in Luža Square, especially during festivals and local celebrations.
Inside, the church houses a precious silver-gilt statue of Saint Blaise holding a model of Dubrovnik as it appeared before the 1667 earthquake. This statue is carried through the streets every year during the Saint Blaise Festival, a UNESCO-recognised event that reflects the deep spiritual and cultural significance of the church. Whether for its architecture, history, or religious importance, the Church of Saint Blaise stands as a symbol of resilience and devotion in Dubrovnik.
Details
Location : Rkt. crkva sv. Vlaha, Luža ul. 2, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Business hours : Mon - Sat (8.00am - 12.00pm | 5.00pm - 5.30pm) ; Sun (8.00am - 12.59pm)
Food
Renaissance Art Restaurant
Renaissance Art Restaurant in Dubrovnik, Croatia, offers a charming blend of fine dining and artistic ambience right in the heart of the Old Town.
Nestled within historic stone walls and styled with elegant Renaissance-inspired décor, the restaurant provides a cosy yet sophisticated atmosphere for guests seeking a unique culinary experience.
We stumbled upon this place by chance, and it turned out to be a great choice!
Known for its Mediterranean and Dalmatian cuisine, the menu features fresh seafood, homemade pastas, and seasonal local ingredients. Guests can enjoy their meals on the outdoor terrace overlooking narrow cobblestone streets, making it a picturesque spot for a romantic dinner or leisurely lunch.
With its combination of delicious food, artistic setting, and warm Croatian hospitality, Renaissance Art Restaurant is a hidden gem for food lovers exploring Dubrovnik.
Since we were having lunch soon, we only ordered an appetizer and some beverages.
We chose the Burrata con Pomodorini Arrostiti — burrata served with roasted cherry tomatoes, cherry tomato juice, basil pesto, and pine nuts.
We also ordered a tea and a latte to go with it.
We chose the Burrata con Pomodorini Arrostiti — burrata served with roasted cherry tomatoes, cherry tomato juice, basil pesto, and pine nuts.
We also ordered a tea and a latte to go with it.
Details
Location : Vara ul. 2, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Business hours : Daily (10.00am - 12.00am)
Restaurant Mimoza
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| ( Photo credit to Tripadvisor ) |
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| ( Photo credit to Just Dubrovnik ) |
The atmosphere is casual yet inviting, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy a hearty meal in a laid-back setting. Whether you're stopping by for a leisurely lunch or a satisfying dinner after a day of exploring Dubrovnik, Restaurant Mimoza delivers comfort food with authentic Croatian hospitality.
Details
Location : Ul. branitelja Dubrovnika 9, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Business hours : Daily (9.00am - 12.00am)
Hotel
Hotel Adria
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| ( Photo credit to HotelsCombined ) |
Hotel Adria is a modern, 4-star hotel located on a quiet hillside above Dubrovnik, offering stunning panoramic views of the Elaphiti Islands and the city’s harbour. Just a short drive from the Old Town, the hotel combines comfort, convenience, and scenic beauty, making it an ideal base for exploring Dubrovnik while escaping the hustle and bustle.
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| ( Photo credit to Booking.com ) |
The hotel features spacious, contemporary rooms—many with balconies overlooking the Adriatic Sea—along with amenities such as an outdoor pool, wellness centre, and restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you’re here for relaxation or sightseeing, Hotel Adria’s peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking views make it a perfect retreat after a day of exploring Croatia’s coastal charm.
Details
Location : Radnička ul. 46, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Cost per night : Average RM544++
That’s the first part of my journey in Croatia — I’ll be blogging about the rest soon. I’ll definitely return to this beautiful country one day. Thank you for reading, dear readers!
Travel Vlog
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#ShiniInCroatia
For more photos, search the hashtag #ShiniInCroatia on Instagram. There, you can also find additional details about my personal experiences during the trip.
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