Best Bars in Dubrovnik Old Town

Overview

You’ve navigated the old cobblestone streets all day, stood in awe of ancient Gothic palaces, shopped up a storm down Stradun, reminisced old Game of Thrones episodes and their famous Dubrovnik sites, walked the Old Town walls and now you’re a bit thirsty! So where can you find a drink? Well in Dubrovnik, the great news is that bars, restaurants and beach clubs are not scarce. You’ll find them at every turn in the Old Town and here are some of the best. Don’t forget to check out my post Eating Out in Old Town Dubrovnik to find some amazing restaurants in the city!

Recommendations:

Buza Bar
Ships Bar
Caffe Bar Kase
The Gaffe, Irish Pub
La Bodega
Micro Caffe Bar
Tinel
Salvatore Bar

Other Ideas:

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Overlooking Old Town Dubrovnik from Mt Srđ

Buza Bar

Buza bar (literally ‘hole in the wall’) is as famous as they come. If you do but a bit of research before your trip to Dubrovnik, you’ll see it pop up quite a few times. It’s with good reason but it comes with a couple of caveats.

Buza is incredibly beautiful. It’s one of those Mediterranean type bars on the outside of the city walls which will make you feel part of an island paradise. It’s situated on a ledge and the views to Lokrum Island are unsurpassed. It can only be found by skirting the city walls and you don’t actually need a ticket to the City Wall walk to enter.

View from Buza Bar over the Adriatic Sea with Lokrum Island on the left

A couple of warnings though:

You must pay for drinks in cash.

Don’t expect to have any drinks at all if you only have a plastic card. There’s no other option. They don’t have the payment machines for it so don’t bother trying!

Sunset drinks are standing room only unless you arrive very early.

If at all possible, plan your entrance (it is grand!!) to Dubrovnik’s Buza Bar during the early afternoon before the seats and surrounding rocks have filled with tourists and social media gluttons. Not only will you find a seat, it will be amongst fewer people and you will actually be able to hear the lilting tunes being played by the bar, instead of the hum of tourists talking and switching their camera settings.

Sunset at Buza Bar with tourists perched on the crowded rocks

I came here on two occasions. The first: alone, during the day, sun shining on the crystal water below, stand-up-paddlers doing their thing, Lokrum aglow across the channel, Ožujsko beer in hand, friendly chit chat with the table next to me and free range of photos to be had. The second: standing room only, unable to hear my own thoughts, a long line for drinks and unable to take a photo without unceremoniously squeezing between bodies. Time of day really makes a difference.

Please note, the above information relates to Buza I. There is a second Buza bar which you will come across during your walk around the city walls, with views still as magnificent and the beer just as cold!

The sparkling Adriatic Sea from the entrance of Buza Bar

Ships Bar

A quintessential ‘local as they come’ small bar near Prijeko Street. This place served as our night cap after a wonderful dinner at Banje Beach Club. The experience was novel in that our communication with the owner/ bartender was limited by us not speaking Croatian. The beer was fresh however, and unlimited. A cosy vibe with more spirits behind the bar than you’d expect to see in such a small room.

Caffé Bar Kase

We stepped into this bar quite literally around the corner from the ‘Walk of Shame’ steps (see article on Game of Thrones), in the middle of a surprising rain storm on our final day. To be honest, the mark up on Ožujsko here was probably not worth our while.

Beers on a rainy day in Dubrovnik at Café Kase

The Gaffe, Irish Pub

After a the quick stop at Café Kase, we continued on in search of a hearty meal for lunch. Enter The Gaffe, a bustling Irish Pub quite literally off of Stradun where a hefty crowd had gathered to watch Wales versus Georgia in the Rugby World Cup. A couple of pints of Erdinger were in order to help wash down the tasty sausage and potatoes. There was a great buzz in this place albeit fairly typical of any Irish pub.

La Bodega

This chain of bar/restaurant can be found throughout Croatia and the Dubrovnik location is also just off of Stradun. It’s sold as an upmarket and classy venue and the drinks price match that. However, for location and a tasty tipple, it definitely does the trick.

Micro Caffe Bar

A trendy cocktail joint in the same courtyard as Pub Dubrovnik, this place has a very reasonable price point with fabulous cocktails and cold beer (the Pan Zlatni is a must), attentive staff, a great vibe with a DJ and an intimate seating arrangement! Complete with locals and tourists alike, I loved it!

Tinel

Tinel is also near Prijeko Street and is a great little bar with seating inside and some chairs and tables outside, complete with cushions. It’s a homely atmosphere and a wonderful place to end an evening. A couple of cherry brandies later, it was time for bed!

Salvatore Bar

Salvatore Bar is located at the top of the Old Town city walls and can be accessed (and will be necessary!) on a day of walking the perimeter of the walls. We did wait a little while for a table which was worth it for the fresh Ožujsko in the midday heat. Alternatively, ice creams were on offer. The views over Lokrum are stunning and you’ll need a little moment for some photography at this point.