As a study abroad student at John Cabot University in Rome, I have been making weekend trips to nearby countries. Following my trip to Dubrovnik, it is now at the top of my list of my favorite destinations I have visited. Here are three reasons why it should be on your travel bucket list while you’re abroad:

1. The Beautiful Old Town and Experiencing History

Dubrovnik is a completely walled city in Europe making it a must-see for those who love history or even those who just want to admire the city’s beauty. The city is made up of cobblestone streets, old-time architecture, and an amazing main street that has tons of shops and restaurants to keep you entertained during your stay. One of the coolest things to do is the 2km walk along the city walls surrounding Old Town. This walk allows you to get the best views of the town and the surrounding areas. The best deal to see as much of the city is to buy the Dubrovnik pass for 35€ which gives you access to:
– City Walls
– Rector’s Palace
– Maritime Museum
– Ethnographic Museum
– Marin Držić House
– Dubrovnik Natural History Museum
– Friars Minor Franciscan Monastery Museum
– Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik
– Dulčić – Masle – Pulitika Gallery
– The Pulitika Studio
– Archaeological exhibitions
– 24h Bus Ticket

A Shot of Main Street Dubrovnik

One of the cobblestone alleyways

2. Explore the Adriatic Sea with Blue Cave and Sunj Beach Boat Tour

One unforgettable experience I would recommend to anyone visiting Dubrovnik is taking a 4-hour boat tour to explore things beyond what is visible from shore. On this trip, you will visit the Blue Cave, where the water glows incredibly blue from the inside. You will also be able to swim, snorkel, spotfish, and finish the day off relaxing on the beach of Lopud Island. Even better, if you wait until the afternoon, you can even have the chance to see the sunset over the ocean while on the boat!

If you’re traveling with a larger group, you can book a private boat tour with a captain. For my group of 10 friends, the cost came out to 50€ per person. However, do not stress if you are a solo traveler, you can still enjoy this experience by either finding a group to join or having the organizer find a boat for you!

Sunset from the boat tour over the Adriatic Sea

3. Cliff jumping and Swimming at Buža bar

For those who want a little more of an adrenaline rush, I highly recommend Buža Bar, an incredible spot for cliff jumping. This hidden gem was my group’s favorite place that we visited in Dubrovnik. Buža Bar sits on the side of a cliff, which offers an amazing view of the Adriatic Sea and serves as a great place to watch the sunset. It is a fully functioning bar with snacks, alcoholic drinks, and nonalcoholic beverages as well. One thing to keep in mind is that they are cash only, so be sure to bring money with you!

For those who want to cliff jump, there are various heights that are available to you- 6m, 13m, and even up to 20 meters if you dare. No worries if cliff jumping isn’t your thing, you can still take the stairs down to the water and swim in the designated swimming area.

The view from the Buža Bar

Written by: Sean, Fall 2024 Rome student from St. Norbert College