What to do in Dubrovnik on a rainy day

by croatiaweek
September 23, 2019
in Travel

Dubrovnik

By Hello Dubrovnik

There’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing, so put your rain jacket on and get ready to explore as Ivan Vuković, Dubrovnik’s leading tour guide, give his recommendations on what to do in Dubrovnik on a rainy day.

BREAKFAST

You’ve heard it before: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and that goes double when you’re traveling. Make eating healthy while on vacation a goal and there it can help you either an amazing hotel breakfast (if having any) or just go and indulge yourself in flavours and charms of Gradska kavana Arsenal where locals drink their coffee. Coffee, not coffee to go with a rich choice of options, including vegetarian and gluten-free.

EXPLORE

So you are now full and loving this place. Now, when your productivity level is loaded, it’s time to sink into your interests. Dubrovnik has a rich history, and visiting the museums in town offers you a glance into the past. My picks are Dubrovnik Sea Aquarium, Rupe, Maritime Museum (places of tradition which not so many visit). For War story lovers, go to War Photo Limited and the museum of the Croatian War for Independence, located on the ground floor of the Imperial fort on Srđ mountain (tip: if the cable car is not working, either hire a car, or grab a taxi from Pile or Ploče gate to get there as buses do not drive there).

GET DAY DRUNK / HAVE A MEMORABLE MEAL FROM SEAFOOD TO STEAK

If neither of is not appealing to your taste, why don’t you get day drunk? You are on vacation, right? Yes, this isn’t going to win me any sensible points but when was the last time you had a bottomless mimosa brunch? (If the answer’s yesterday, maybe skip onto the next one) but first refill your tummy, it will be grateful to you later on. If you want amazing food and even better service, then a visit to restaurant Forty-Four is a must when you are in the Old Town. This little gem is so far from the tourist traps and is incredibly reasonable for the quality of its food and service. If you are not hungry yet, go to Palmotićeva street and just enjoy from quick bites to elaborate gourmet platters, D’vino has it all. If you are a beer person, then visit Glam cafe in the same street as they offer a wide choice of craft beer.

TAKE A NAP

From experience, do you even fjaka? What exactly is, you ask? Fjaka (pronounced “fee-ah-ka”) is the art of doing nothing, the Croatian trend that is quickly becoming the next big lifestyle craze. It is gaining popularity across the world, featured on the BBC and on the website of the Daily Mail. Having said that let’s go a bit outside of the City Walls, eh? But just before that, go to the post office and send some postcards. It’s a wonderful surprise for the people at home. Tell them it’s raining as you write and they’ll love you even more.

OUTSIDE THE CITY WALLS

Now, let’s walk to Pile gate and grab that taxi, or a local bus (you can purchase tickets at a Tisak store as they are cheaper than buying them on the bus) and let’s go to the Escape Room. Challenge yourself in a mission to save King’s Landing. With 60 minutes at your disposal, you must work together to search the room, discover clues and solve puzzles. Engage in a heart racing & addictive mystery-solving mission. Can you make it on time? If not, take your time in the newly opened Red History Museum and experience almost half a century of life under the communist regime.

(Photo: Ivan Vuković)

SEE A GOOD MOVIE

After all, you can always go to see a good movie at the cinema. They are played in original language (mainly English) with Croatian subtitles. Try Cinestar (super comfy seats) in the Lapad area.

DANCE IN THE RAIN CATCHING THE WAVES

Instead of hiding from the rain, get out and enjoy the scenery. Catch dramatic photos of waves breaking at Porporela, Lazareti or Lovrijenac and dance in the rain. Well, kind of.

Dubrovnik

PAMPER YOURSELF

I am sure going for a massage you will definitely feel better than when you went in. Also great for working out any kinks you might have acquired trying to sleep on the plane. Check out Energy Clinic Spa, Rixos Libertas, Lacroma hotel or something like Touch of Thai Massage and Spa, and yes you can book a massage in the hotel even you are not their guest.

GO SHOPPING

Personally, I’d rather eat my toenails than spend a day shopping in, but wandering around local craft shops can be fun and I love poking around to see what and learn more about the culture. My picks are Kawa souvenir shop, Craft & Stones, and Clara Stones Dubrovnik.

The last but not the least…