In summer, Dubrovnik is a scenic resort bustling with chic bars and beachside hangouts. Out of season, Dubrovnik’s nightlife scene is calmer but more authentic, with a clutch of smoky bars catering to locals and a trickle of tourists. Read on to discover the best bars in the historic walled city of Dubrovnik.
Perched on the rocks beneath the Old Town walls, the two cliff bars Buža I and Buža II offer panoramic views and a spectacular setting to enjoy a beer and a swim. At Buza I, you can dive into the moonlit waters until midnight, and in summer, films are regularly projected on the cliff-face. Buža means ‘hole in the wall’ and although these bars are hidden, they are extremely popular – so head there early to guarantee a seat.
A short walk from the Old Town’s buzzing thoroughfare Stradun, D’vino is the place to try Croatian wine in Dubrovnik. Much of the wine will come from nearby vineyards on the island of Korčula or the Pelješac peninsula, and look out for the internationally renowned red from Frano Miloš winery. With over a hundred domestic wines to sample, you could spend an enjoyably boozy evening on the terrace appreciating the finest Croatian grape.
The blazingly cool Banje is a hip beachside hangout, with a private pier to anchor your boat or yacht. Unsurprisingly, it caters to a well-heeled clientele, operating as a classy restaurant in the day and a clubby cocktail bar in the evening.
Occupying a prime spot on the corner of buzzy Stradun, La Bodega is an atmospheric wine bar set in a beautiful 17th-century building. Decorated in mix-and-match wooden furnishings, with giant slabs of cured pork and garlic bulbs hanging from the bar, it’s the perfect place to have a glass of wine and tuck into some tapas – but do keep an eye out for upselling here, as it can get frighteningly expensive.
Established by a British family who set up the legendary London club that shares its name, the gay-friendly Troubadour is a terrific nightspot where punters spill out onto the terrace to absorb late-night jazz sessions. Again, watch out for the price of drinks, which increase with the flurry of tourists in summer.
When Dubrovnik’s bars call last orders, Revelin is the place for after-hours partying. Concealed within the city walls, it’s a cavalcade of fire-breathers, stilt-walkers, dancers in cages and ultraviolet cocktails. The crowd is even stranger; a curious blend of holidaymakers, locals and beer-guzzling interrailers. It’s far from classy, but teeming with weird fun.
The uber-cool Lazareti provides a decent late-night alternative to the electronic dance music of juggernaut Revelin. This club has a stellar cast of local and international DJs and live acts, and offers a less polished but more authentic experience. The club angles more towards a local crowd. Google translate their web page to find out what’s happening.
