Fun and entertainment Dubrovnik & Area

This small wine bar in an alley in the old town is a gateway to the world of Croatian wines. The owner is a worthy representative of a family of winemakers based in Konavle, producing malvazija (an indigenous grape variety). Nikolić, always knowledgeable about the wines he serves, lets you taste, explains. He offers wine by the glass, of course, pitchers of regional wines, but also many Croatian wines, accompanied by tapas (olives and cheeses). Also serves beers, coffee and soft drinks.

Have you ever drunk a blue cocktail on top of a medieval tower? That's what this bar offers, if the climb to the terrace at the top of the fortress doesn't scare you. You can climb up the ladder. The effort is rewarded with a fantastic view of the sea. If you are afraid of heights, take your time... You can sit on the crenels. It's a pity that the music is too loud and that the drinks are so expensive but, once you're there, you stay for the atmosphere and the originality of the place. Other tables on the various floors are crowded.

What looks like a refreshment bar is actually an opening in the ramparts, which cling to the rocks at this point in the old town. From the Stradun, head south down Od Marguerita alley, follow the "cold drink" sign and, after passing the Jesuit church, turn left. At the entrance to Buža, take the steps to enter the fortification wall through the hole(buža in Ragusan dialect). This is the larger of the two bars of the same name, and also the more expensive. Magical at sunset.

This café-restaurant, set up at the arrival point of the cable car on Mount Srđ, boasts the finest aerial view of the old town and surrounding countryside. Even the locals keep coming back, as the view is so sublime, and in the evening the lights of the city light up the eyes. Pleasant atmosphere, attentive service. The restaurant offers quality seafood cuisine at rather high prices. Remember to book in advance to get a good table and make the most of the panorama.

Right in the middle of Stradun, next to Saint Blaise church, the Cele café, founded in 1932 by Celestin Šikić alias Cele, a VIP dandy of the time, is not for everyone... But what wouldn't you give to feel the soul of a Ragusan patrician? The place is open from morning to night, offering breakfast formulas, pizzas, burgers and dishes at all hours, beers, wines and cocktails. From the Cele's tables, you'll be able to watch Dubrovnik's social life unfold, until the DJ sets kick in and the café becomes an open-air club.

On the footpath of the Rat Peninsula, literally clinging to the rocks, this beach bar is perfect for a break during the walk, after swimming or kayaking. We like this wooden house on stilts, its tables, benches and stools, also made of wood, which look at the sea. If, all day long, it is well frequented, it is particularly appreciated at sunset. Offers cold drinks with or without alcohol, cocktails, beers, wines and sandwiches. Relaxing music and a very cool atmosphere. Order at the counter.

Looking to escape the crowds? Take the steps down from Pile to this little beach bar. You can sip a coffee or a beer, eat tapas and even take a dip while keeping your table. The place is ideal for a morning coffee-croissant overlooking the sea, or for a charcuterie and cheese board at aperitif time. Are you really hungry? No problem, between cocktails and other cold drinks, this beach bar also offers a good snack bar. The kitchen opens at midday.

You'll remember the terrace of this café long after you've left the island of Lastovo. Located at the edge of Lastovo village, before the descent to the beaches of Mihajla and Lucica, this little café overlooks the sea. From the tables on the sunny terrace, the view is lost between the blue of the sea and the blue of the sky. Order a coffee and croissant to start your day, before heading off to the nearby fruit and vegetable market. In the evening, the atmosphere is livelier. But we much prefer this bar during the day.

An intimate café-bar in a quiet cul-de-sac in the south of the old town. Here, you can learn the art of tasting rakija, the Balkan brandy. We've got a thing for sage and wild strawberry! As for the rest, a few cocktails, beers and good wine. During the day, the clientele prefers teas and coffees, but after sunset there's plenty of live music and drinking to be had. It's a shame the place is closed out of season, and prices are now quite high.

The large armchairs on its terrace invite visitors to relax there. The cocktail card is original and complete. The service is friendly and the musical atmosphere assured. A defect: It is a very good tourist.

This elegant café catches the eye of passers-by. The scenic terrace is unrivalled in the heart of Stradun: to the left is the Pile gate and, in a straight line, the Clock Tower. The interior is strung with ancient beams. Café Festival can be used as a brunch/breakfast venue, restaurant or tea room with pastries. In the evening, from 7pm, the pianist sets the mood in concert. Of course, all this comes at a price. Breakfasts are not far from being overpriced, and it's often very crowded.

A neighborhood bar, recently revisited by the new owner as a food & wine bar. It retains its good mix of young locals and tourists, all attracted by the musical ambience and the cosy, colorful feel of the place. The terrace is ideal for morning coffee and croissants, and cold drinks all day long. In the evening, you can enjoy live music almost every day, or rock concerts at weekends. There's also a snack bar serving salads, pizza and the famous makarun cake with macaroni.

This Zagreb-based chain has taken over a ^16th-century mansion just off the Stradun and St. Blaise church. This Bodega has become a rallying point for ragamuffin revellers and, more recently, sushi lovers (particularly good here). With its wine bar, cocktails and other alcoholic beverages, the place quickly becomes festive and noisy in the evening (without moderation!). With the music on, the atmosphere gets livelier and we stay here until late into the night. Very high prices, but couldn't be better placed in the old town.