Dubrovnik is world famous as the perfect mix of a cultural, historical, and party-filled destination for visitors from all over the world. I could hardly talk to a backpacker in Eastern Europe who didn’t ask “have you been to Dubrovnik yet?” when I met them. I had this place hyped up in my head to be the ultimate Croatian destination, but when I arrived I was markedly underwhelmed.
Let me start off by saying that Dubrovnik is considerably beautiful, there’s no denying that. What I found most unique about it was its high fortified walls, which for a very hefty entrance fee of over €20 you can explore and find visually stunning views of the city. This was one truly stand-out memory of Dubrovnik for me that I’ll cherish and try to remember the city by.
But beyond that, Dubrovnik was nothing special to me. There are easily more beautiful beaches and similarly cute white-washed and orange-roofed cities elsewhere in the country. For like half the freakin’ price too. Everything in Dubrovnik was soooo expensive. Coming from other cheaper cities in Croatia, it was like taking a knife to the wallet. A meal that easily would have cost me €5 in Makarska cost me €20 in Dubrovnik. Food, beer, wine, entrance fees to city sights… it was all ridiculously overpriced.
The crowds are another thing… Obviously I’m contributing to them as a tourist, but the throngs of day-trippers on Mediterranean cruises made the place like, Disney World-level crowded. Mass tourism had unfortunately taken away the authenticity of the place – everything from the restaurants to the historical sights seemed more like tourist traps than a genuine Croatian experience. That’s probably the #1 reason why I disliked it so much. Traveling to me is about connecting with a place through an authentic, real experience either with a local, an activity… something that sparks a boundless link to that place forever. Dubrovnik was really missing that for me.
Perhaps its also the fact that I’m not a Game of Thrones fan or a big drinker. GOT fans will find Dubrovnik absolutely fascinating since its the filming location of many scenes from the series. There’s entire tours dedicated to giving you GOT information… though that does not interest me at all. Drinking is also a big thing here and there’s lots of fun bars and clubs (apparently), though I’m not a big drinker so I didn’t partake in any of it.
I did have this somewhat negative experience in Dubrovnik, but that doesn’t mean that everyone does. The other girls in my hostel dorm room totally fell in love with the city and said it was their favorite so far on their 3 month backpacking trip around Europe! I couldn’t believe that they said that. After two days, I was so ready to move on to low-key and more authentic Bosnia and Herzegovina to the southern border of Croatia.
Now that you’ve listened to me whine for a couple minutes, tell me your thoughts! What did you think about Dubrovnik? Did you find it similarly displeasing? Or am I totally off?
