Dubrovnik is a city where history, beauty, and culture seamlessly blend together. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression with its ancient walls, sun-soaked streets, and rich heritage. My husband, Mark, and I recently spent a few wonderful days exploring this stunning coastal gem. Despite not being a Game of Thrones fanatic myself, Dubrovnik’s association with the series, coupled with its vibrant history, made for an immersive experience that we’ll never forget.
The Arrival: A Hint of Game of Thrones Fandom
I had never properly watched Game of Thrones before our visit, despite catching snippets of it while Mark was watching episodes at home. I even recall a particular trip to Barcelona where he woke up at 2 AM to catch one of the final episodes as it aired live. Needless to say, Game of Thrones has been a significant part of his TV viewing history!
Even though the show has long concluded, it still has a strong fanbase. This became evident when we boarded our flight and noticed several enthusiastic fans dressed in full Game of Thrones attire, making their way to Dubrovnik. Seeing them brought the show’s impact to life before we even set foot in the city.
A Grand Stay at The Pucić Palace
We stayed at The Pucić Palace, a gorgeous hotel located right in the heart of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. The building, originally home to the prestigious Pucić family since the 13th century, exudes the grandeur of its aristocratic past. We were fortunate to have a room with a balcony overlooking the square below—a view that captured the essence of this historical city.
The hotel itself is a piece of cinematic history, famously featuring in the Casanova film with David Tennant. He even leapt off our balcony here! From our perch, we could also glimpse the infamous “Walk of Shame” stairs from Game of Thrones, the backdrop of Cersei Lannister’s iconic scene. We couldn’t resist walking up and down those very steps, laughing at the small café nearby that humorously rings a bell whenever a coffee order is ready, playfully mimicking the ringing of the “shame” bell from the show.
Exploring the Old Town
Our first afternoon was spent wandering the Old Town, soaking up the labyrinthine streets, ancient architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. As we strolled, Mark pointed out locations from both Game of Thrones and The Return of the Jedi, much to his delight. While I was captivated by the historical beauty of Dubrovnik, Mark’s ability to recognise film scenes made our walk feel like a cinematic journey.
The city square was bustling with life—vendors selling fresh bread, traditional Croatian delicacies, and colourful toys. There was also an unexpected but delightful abundance of cats. The locals love them, and as I later learned, these felines are considered the oldest citizens of Dubrovnik, introduced in the 13th century to combat the plague. Their presence is now as much a part of the city as the historic walls themselves.
We even stumbled upon a souvenir shop dedicated entirely to cats, a reminder of Dubrovnik’s endearing fondness for these creatures. It was fascinating to think that the cats roaming the streets today are direct descendants of the original pest-control squad.
Dining Experiences: Ezza and Restaurant 360
The food scene in Dubrovnik was nothing short of spectacular. We dined at a restaurant called Ezza, which offered not just incredible cuisine but also a view to match. From our table, we could see the ancient city walls, towers, and fortresses—a picturesque scene that made our meal even more enjoyable. I opted for a pasta dish, while Mark chose a perfectly cooked steak. As evening fell, we sat wrapped in plush blankets, enjoying the cool breeze as we sipped on strong, traditional Croatian spirits.
Our most memorable meal, however, was at Restaurant 360, a Michelin-starred gem nestled in the city walls. The dining experience was exceptional, and the pork dish I ordered was the best I’ve ever had in my life—flavourful, tender, and unforgettable.
The Game of Thrones Tour and Lokrum Island
Given Mark’s love for the series, it was only natural that we booked a Game of Thrones tour through the GetYourGuide app. The tour included a visit to the Old Town as well as a trip to Lokrum Island, just a short boat ride away. The contrast between bustling Dubrovnik and peaceful Lokrum was striking. Lokrum is a haven of greenery, where peacocks roam freely, and vibrant flowers bloom all around. The island is also home to the Game of Thrones replica of the Iron Throne, a photo opportunity Mark couldn’t pass up!
We lunched at a charming little restaurant nestled among the trees, sipping wine and basking in the tranquility. Lokrum’s beauty is almost ethereal, making it hard to believe it’s just a stone’s throw from the lively city.
Historical Highlights and Local Legends
As we continued our exploration, we came across the stage of Marin Držić, often referred to as Dubrovnik’s Shakespeare. Legend has it that rubbing his nose will either bring good luck or ensure you return to Dubrovnik—a tempting prospect given how much we enjoyed our stay!
Nearby, Mark found a statue of Tyrion Lannister outside a Game of Thrones memorabilia shop, and of course, we stopped for a photo. It was on our way to a slightly less traditional Irish pub—a nod to my Irish roots—where we enjoyed a pint and chatted with locals.
A City of History, Food, and Warmth
Our time in Dubrovnik was filled with laughter, delicious food, and plenty of history. From the friendly staff at The Pucić Palace, who made us feel right at home, to the delightful interactions with fellow travellers and locals, we felt welcomed at every turn. There was even a quirky detail at the hotel: a chessboard on the staircase that guests moved pieces on as they passed. Mark would make a move each time we came through, and later, we’d notice someone else had continued the game—a small, charming connection with strangers.
Dubrovnik is a city that captures your heart with its beauty and holds onto it with its warmth and history. If you love walking through time, savouring exquisite cuisine, and meeting wonderful people, Dubrovnik is the place to go. We left with memories of a fascinating city and a promise—thanks to Marin Držić—that one day, we’d return to this magical corner of the world.
Upon my return, we binged watched every episode of Game of Thrones. Well, I couldn’t not watch it after spending some many hours walking on the GoT tour.
