Dubrovnik will always be the place with the best bar I’ve ever been to (Picture: Lillie Rohan)
Medieval walls, shimmering ocean and extravagant palaces — there are many reasons Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most iconic holiday destination.
It’s just been named the safest city in Europe, according to new research by tour operator Riviera Travel, thanks to its low crime levels and well-lit streets.
But to me, the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’ will forever be known as the home of the best bar I’ve ever been to.
A 15-minute drive from the Unesco-protected Old Town, which served as the main film set for HBO’s Game Of Thrones, you’ll find Love Bar hidden in the hillside.
It is so well concealed that most only find it by accident, up a steep flight of stairs. A sign on a nearby roof and an arrow on the roadside are the only indicators that something special awaits.
The climb is tough, but your reward is a sweeping panorama that provides the perfect backdrop for an Instagrammable sunset.
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I’ll never forget this view (Picture: Lillie Rohan)
Located in the Port Gruž area of Dubrovnik, Love Bar has a large terrace that enjoys a seaside spot right on the port.
The bar has a four-page menu of mouth-watering drinks, which are so affordable you’ll likely do a double-take when you see the price.
Starting at just €7 (£5.77) for classics like Sex On The Beach and Aperol Spritz, just a couple of euros more unlocks the full menu complete with mules, margaritas and sours.
The best part is that if you plan your day right, you can score yourself two-for-one cocktails. When I visited in September, Happy Hour ran between 12pm and 6pm. Staff were friendly, offering a last round before the clock struck six.
The cocktails are delicious and affordable (Picture: Lillie Rohan)
And, if you like to be serenaded as you sip, Sofar Sounds, the global gigging community that hosts intimate gigs, has hosted artists at the venue too. The bar also has its own DJ.
Love Bar doesn’t serve food, so make sure to grab a snack before you start enjoying that happy hour a little too much.
With a 4.5 rating on Trip Advisor and rave reviews, don’t just take my word for it.
The bar provides the best spot to watch the sunset (Picture: Lillie Rohan)
Dubrovnik is a stunning city break (Picture: Lillie Rohan)
One review from Lucy read: ‘Really friendly staff. Great selection. Unbelievably good value must be the cheapest beers and cocktails anywhere in Dubrovnik.’
‘Amazing place, staff was friendly the atmosphere were amazing. Drinks were cheap and well made. If you want away from noises from old town I higly recomend this place,’ Juho K wrote.
Meanwhile, calling it the ‘best bar in Dubrovnik’, Sam L added: ‘Nice little rooftop bar perfect for couples on a date night. The music was spot on. Nice drinks selection, my girlfriend really loved the cocktails. Affordable pricing. Bar staff were really friendly.’
Where to stay in Dubrovnik
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With plenty of accommodation options, it’s not hard to find affordable accommodation in Dubrovnik.
One steal we found is Old Harbour City Center Apartment. Located right in the heart of the old town, this spot is a quaint and cosy apartment with a three-star rating on Booking.com. An overnight stay will cost you as little as £45 per night, depending on when you travel.
Spend
If you’re looking to treat yourself, you have plenty of options.
One being the King’s Landing five-star penthouse. The two-bedroom apartment is just 600m from Banje Beach, a stone’s throw from Old Town and comes with a hot tub and complimentary airport transfers. With an overnight stay in March starting from an eye-watering £1,648 per night, it really is a treat yourself moment.
This article was originally published on 14 December 2024, and has been updated.
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