Known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is the most popular destination in Croatia. Situated on the southern coast, the city was once a rival to Venice, and with the rich culture and heritage that survives today, it’s not hard to see why. The Old City, a UNESCO Heritage Site considered to be one of the best-preserved medieval walled cities in the world, and the Mediterranean surroundings provide plenty of cultural and historic sites to visit, beaches, sailing and boat trips, and meeting and event venues.
Seen as a symbol of freedom by the locals, the high, stone walls built in the middle ages that enclose the Old City are an attraction not to be missed. Towering up to 82 feet in some places, the walls give visitors magnificent views of the ocean outside and the city within. Walking through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, one is met with beautifully-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, monuments and palaces. The Rector’s Palace is now home to a museum dedicated to the rich history of the city; the Maritime Museum, one of the cities most important museums, showcases Dubrovnik’s maritime history which was vital to its growth; many of the monasteries built from the 13th century hold beautiful gardens that were preserved throughout the centuries; other historic sites include the Theater of Dubrovnik, The Treasury of Dubrovnik Cathedral, The Franciscan Monastery Museum, Sponza Palace, and Pile Gate.
For those less interested in history and more interested in walking the streets, the Placa Stradun is the main thoroughfare of the Old Town, and is the perfect place to stroll and take in the present-day city. Nearby beaches sit on clear, blue waters of the Adriatic, and the Port is a great starting point for exploring nearby islands. The city is also home to the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, famous nationwide for 47 days of performances from artists of over 30 countries. Traditional seafood is found in Dubrovnik’s many restaurants, and cafe’s with outdoor seating are a great way to experience life in the Old City.
Most meeting venues are found outside of the Old City walls. While there is no dedicated convention or conference center, hotel venues in Dubrovnik provide plenty of meeting, exposition, and reception space. Among these are the Grand Hotel Park, the Valamar Dubrovnik President, and the Petka, which can hold more than 200 people each, and the Lero, with space for up to 140 people. The adjacent Bellevue and Dubrovnik Palace, provide space for up to 1,000 people when combined, and there is also a Hilton in the area. Inside the walled city, the Dubrovnik Events Center holds two exhibition spaces, each measuring about 1,500 square feet each, and a small cinema. For those looking for a more exciting option, the Dubrovnik Cable Car starts right outside the walls, gives riders incredible views of Dubrovnik, and takes them towards a restaurant and amphitheater that seats 120 people.