thepinkginpassportDubrovnik in Croatia is a fantastic destination in of itself, and it’s positioning between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro means you can double up your city break with either Mostar (Bosnia) or Kotor (Montenegro). I personally chose Mostar, as I would like to visit Montenegro and explore the wider area on a separate trip. It is also easier to cross the border in the Bosnia without facing horrendous delays.
Dubrovnik, the perfect base for your weekend
I chose to stay in the walled city of Dubrovnik, as a solo female traveller I wanted to be in the central hub, while it is cheaper to stay further out you save money on taxis. Also, getting to walk around the cobbled streets at 11pm for an ice cream without heaving cruise-ship tourists was very special.
There are plenty of hostels and hotels to choose from, I stayed in Hostel Angelina in a shared dorm and while I wasn’t in the main building the dorm room was really nice, no bunk beds, plenty of plug sockets and icy cool air-con (very much appreciated in a European heatwave.
What to eat in Dubrovnik
- For black risotto (cuttlefish) I would recommend MOBY DICK, a konoba (Croatian tavern) that serves delicious local food without being extortionate.
- For burek (filled pastry) I would recommend going to a local bakery rather than Holy Burek which I thought was overpriced for what you got.
- For a classic euro-summer focaccia sandwich I would recommend Panini Bar Franco Romano it was certainly worth the hype. I would grab this to go and enjoy on Banje Beach after a refreshing beach swim.
- For a late-night ice cream I would recommend Peppino’s Gelato Garden for their gourmet flavours- I chose Pistachio Tiramisu and had no regrets. In August, you might find it just too hot to eat a big meal so ice-cream for dinner can be a real winner.
What to do in Dubrovnik
- The Old City Walls is expensive at €40 but worth it- you’ve already bought your flights and hotel it would be madness to not do the highlight activity of the city for the sake of €40. Go as soon as it opens not just to beat the heat in the summer but also the crowds. If you can, find out what days that week the cruise ships are in to avoid huge crowds.
- Banje Beach has mixed reviews but I really enjoyed it, there was plenty of space to lay my towel, the water was very clear and enjoyable to swim in. Plus it’s only a few minutes from the old city (walking).
- Buza Bar is literally a hole in the wall (that’s how you enter) before descending steps to an outdoor bar that overlooks cliffs and the Adriatic Sea. Grab a beer and descend further to enjoy a swim, a cliff jump or just observe.
- Jesuit steps is an iconic setting from Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon (famously Cersei’s “shame walk”). There will be many a poser taking photos but again a highlight of staying within the walled city means you get to visit in quieter hours. Also, to the right hand side of the steps you can fetch a takeaway Hugo Spritz through another hole in the wall.
- Take a boat trip- the city is hot and crowded at the peak of the day so take a few hours to island hop (Blue Cave was my favourite) is a great way to spend a few hours and you get stunning views of the coastline.
Spend a day in Mostar, Bosnia
I booked my day trip from Dubrovnik to Mostar, including Kravica Waterfalls, through Get Your Guide. It was a 6am pick up and we didn’t get back until 7.30pm but I felt this was worth it. The highlights were:
- Eating Cevapi at Hindi Han- be sure to order a side of sour cream. Wash down with a shot of Raki (if you drink alcohol) and a Bosnian coffee
- Admire the view and walk across Stari Most. This iconic bridge was rebuilt following its destruction in the Bosnian War (using original brick) but was a 16th century bridge from the Ottoman Empire that linked the Christian and Muslim parts of the city.
- Bring your swimsuit and swim up to the Kravica waterfall- Mostar is one of the top 3 hottest cities in Europe so cooling off at these waterfalls is the perfect way to end the trip (before the drive back to Dubrovnik).
Other top tips
- If travelling solo save money travelling to and from the airport by rebooking the shuttle bus it runs 30 mins after every flight lands and I found it to be very reliable. It cost €15 return (August 2026)
- If your phone plan gives you free roaming in the EU remember that Bosnia is not in the EU and you will get charged
