Comments on: The Downside to Dubrovnik Old Town

By: Jack

Jack — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 14:35:34 +0000

We actually stayed at Lapad, so it was a nice relief from the madness. And as for Zadar, with you 100% on that one as well.

By: Jon Dunn

Jon Dunn — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 12:17:03 +0000

This cruise ship passenger problem is slowly going to get worse. (I hear Kotor, in Montenegro, is in danger of going the same way) But, as you say, the old city takes on a completely different – and enjoyable persona at night, after they’ve gone back to their ships. Live music from open fronted bars, and if the food is substandard, there are many buses to Lapad and Gruz port, where quality and value is so much better.
I went to Zadar this year and preferred it to Dubrovnik for the reasons you highlighted in your article.

By: Jack

Jack — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 18:10:43 +0000

In reply to Reg of The Spain Scoop. We were there just before the season started and it was a case of manic mornings but not so busy in the afternoon. By the time we did a tour of the walls about 3pm it was cruise-passenger free. October may be similar. I can see the appeal of staying in the Old Town and I've read plenty of reports from people who loved staying within the walls. But the truth is we were glad to be staying outside in the Lapad area as it was a relief to have a base that was away from the Old Town, especially at the busiest times.

By: Reg of The Spain Scoop

Reg of The Spain Scoop — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 15:37:10 +0000

I’m off to Dubrovnik in October. I wonder if this will be less of an issue during low-season? Would you stay in Old Town, or do you think it’s best to get a hotel out of the center?

Thanks.

By: Jack

Jack — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 18:32:39 +0000

In reply to Jeanne. Fantastic advice Jeanne. Thanks

By: Jeanne

Jeanne — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 17:50:43 +0000

Yes, there are only about 900 people living in the Old Town now. The cruise ships have been a problem for a few years but the town is ever expanding its cruise ship capacity. If I may make a small plug: I recommend that visitors look at the cruise ship schedules and plan their visits to the Old Town accordingly. If you’re in Dubrovnik for a few days, it’s possible to avoid them. They are available free for download here: http://www.croatiatraveller.com/southern_dalmatia/Dubrovnik/cruise-schedule.html

Great pictures, BTW!

By: Jack

Jack — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 17:41:49 +0000

In reply to Runaway Brit. I'll keep an eye on your blog posts. I'll be interested to read what your take is on it.

By: Jack

Jack — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 17:31:37 +0000

In reply to Colleen Keyes.

Like Cailin mentioned in her comment, there’s a much more relaxed scene after the cruise passengers have departed. It’s still a great city worth seeing… but with a bit of planning. We were tied into being there at a certain time because of a commission so we experienced the old town at its busiest.

Thanks for the comments about the pics. I was pleased with the last one as well 🙂