​2 AMERICANS SCOUT DUBROVNIK: Croatia’s Most Photogenic City!

​2 AMERICANS SCOUT DUBROVNIK: Croatia’s Most Photogenic City!

[Music] [Applause] While you play the Game of Thrones, you win or you die. There’s no middle ground. You know nothing, GMO. Wake up. We’re not in Westeros. Oh, right. We’re in Dub Bronik, the land inspired King’s Landing from Game of Thrones. Drovnik may look like a fantasy kingdom, but it’s actually one of Europe’s most stunning coastal cities full of real history, incredible food, and some pretty epic sea views. After exploring Split, we headed south to De Bronik to see how it compares and to find out what makes this city such a world famous destination. What we discovered honestly surprised us. Just like in our last video about Split, we found even more red flags that might make you think twice about living here. Challenges that go far beyond the visa issue. But at the same time, Dubnik gave us some of the most unforgettable experiences we’ve had in all of Croatia. We are Diane and GMO. If you’re new here, we retire early from the US to search for our forever home around the world. Today we’re exploring Dub Bronik from walking the iconic city walls to riding a bicycle suspended in the air and discovering the story of a saint who became the face of Drovnneck without even setting foot here. This and more as we dive into what’s really like visiting and possibly living in the Robnik. No dragons here, just plenty of tourists. [Music] Drovonik sits on the southern tip of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast where medieval walls meet the sparkling Adriatic Sea. It’s home to about 42,000 residents. The official language is Croatian, and the city draws millions of tourists annually. Often called the Pearl of the Adriatic, this ancient city state has been captivating visitors for centuries, especially Game of Thrones fans who recognize it as King’s Landing. [Music] In the last episode, we were leaving the port of Split. We hopped on the ferry and in 4 and 1/2 hours we’re arriving in Dropnik. [Music] Besides arriving by ferry, you can also fly directly into the Bronik airport, Croatia’s third busiest after Zagreb and Split. It’s located about 12 1/2 miles from Oldtown. A taxi or Uber will cost you around €30 from the airport to the old town. There’s also the Platin shuttle bus for €10 or €15 for an open return ticket that’s valid for 15 days. From the port, we took a taxi to our accommodation for a flat €20. That seems to be the average charge for boat and land taxis around here. would define Uber Saver fairs as low as €8, but you’ll be waiting a bit longer. [Music] For our stay, we chose an apartment outside the city walls, apartments in the Plotce area. Our host veteran met us with the keys. The place was nice and clean, and they had the most beautiful sea views. [Music] We dropped off our bags and headed straight towards Oldtown. Our apartment sat at the top of a long set of staves. A lovely walk down, but what goes down must come back up. Let’s just say we weren’t exactly looking forward to that part later. [Music] This medieval walled city is compact, less than half a square mile, and completely pedestrian only. You can walk from one end to the other in about 10 to 15 minutes if you go straight through the stratum. This is the main and most popular street. It dates back to around the 11th century, and it’s made of white limestone, specifically a type of highly polished local limestone that gives it that glossy, almost marblelike look. What’s interesting is that it’s not actually polished by machines. It’s been naturally polished over time by countless footsteps. The constant wear from locals, merchants, and now millions of visitors has turned those limestone slabs into a smooth, reflective surface that practically glows in the sunlight. During the day, it’s a sunlit walkway full of cafes and tour groups. At night, it glows under warm lights and becomes a beautiful marble runway for locals out on their evening stroll. The side streets are charming and spotless, and we especially love the street lamps. Each one has the business name displayed inside the lamp, which keeps the historic look of the facades intact. [Music] Our first stop, Holy Barack, a pastry shop where we grab these amazing Barack pastries for lunch. [Music] Here’s our first time trying Barack. Barack. This is the first time we’re trying bars. Barack Obama. Uh, a Barack Obama. If you don’t know what a bar is, it’s a flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese, or spinach. basically heaven in a pastry form. And it’s cheap. About the only thing that is cheap in Don. We learned that the theme in Croatia is amazing food, but your wallet will feel it. More on that a little later. Now, once you step off the main street, get ready for a workout. The narrow alleys on either side climb steeply uphill, and most of the restaurants are tucked along these steps. Not ideal if you have mobility issues. But if you don’t mind the stairs, and plenty of them, Dropnik is one of the most stunning pedestrian cities we’ve ever explored. [Applause] [Music] [Music] On our first afternoon, we joined a free spirit walking tour of Dub Bronik. Our guide, Vid, was fantastic. He took us through all the main sites and filled the walk with great stories and bits of local history. Did you know that Dusco Popo, who grew up in Duvonik, was Ian Fleming’s inspiration for James Bond? That’s right. 007 has Croatian roots. Well, sort of. Fleming based his famous spy on this real life secret agent. We also learned about Dinggawine, which was served at President Biden’s inauguration. It’s highly regarded and can hit up to 18% alcohol. So, yeah, pace yourself. The free walking tour covers all the main highlights starting with a Franciscan monastery built in the 14th century. It’s home to one of the oldest continuously operatingarmacies in the world. Over 700 years old. [Music] Next was the recctor’s palace. A mustsee. It’s not just another pretty old building. It was once the seat of government for the Republic of Ragusa Drovnik’s old name when it was an independent maritime republic. The recctor lived there during his term but wasn’t allowed to leave except for the official duties or emergencies. Imagine being the boss of a city but basically a prisoner of your job. [Music] We stopped at Gundelich Square next with its traditional farmers market every morning. It is a charming and lively spot with a statue of its namesake Ivan Gundelich, a 17th century Croatian poet and nobleman. It’s just steps away from the main cathedral and around the corner from the Jesuit steps. Made famous again by Game of Thrones. Cersei’s Walk of Shame was filmed right here. Shame. Shame. Shame. Shame. Shame. And if you were a male in your 20s or 30s who can grow a decent beard, you were most likely cast as an extra. We heard that many of the residents of the city were well compensated not only as extras, but homeowners were paid to keep their windows and doors shut during filming. Sounds like a lot of nuisance to me. I think it would have been awesome to be part of the show. We are big fans. We made it to a few pop-up bars back home in DC, but imagine being on the set of the show. That would be pretty cool. But even if you’re not a huge Game of Thrones fan, the locations are stunning historic sites in their own right. And if you are a fan, there are guided tours that take you to all the filming locations with behindthe-scenes stories. The entire town is full of Game of Thrones souvenir shops. [Music] The tour ends at Lucha Square, home to concerts and parades. If Stratun is the city’s main artery, Lucha is definitely its heartbeat. One of its iconic buildings is the Church of St. Bla1. You’ll recognize it by its grand baroque facade, marble steps, and the silver statue of St. Blae holding a tiny model of Dub Bronik. That statue says it all. He’s literally been holding Drovonik together for over 1,000 years. The legend goes that in 971 AD, St. Blae appeared in a dream to a local priest, warning him that the Venetians, pretending to be friendly merchants, were secretly planning to attack. The warning allowed the city to prepare and stop the invasion before it began. That miracle made St. Bla1 Drovonik’s lifelong protector and patron saint, even though he never actually set foot here. [Music] The next day, we were ready for what was going to be one of the highlights of the entire trip. The historic city walls are considered the defining feature of the Bronik and offer superb views over the old town and the Adriatic Sea. We bought the Drocknik City Pass, which we highly recommend. It cost about the same as a single ticket for the walls, but also includes entry to multiple museums inside and outside of the wall and unlimited public transport for the duration of the pass. Whichever you choose, you must hang on to your ticket. They will be checked along the route. You can get the 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day pass, depending on how long you’re staying. [Music] [Music] The full circuit is about 2 miles and takes roughly an hour and a half to 2 hours to complete. There are three entrances to the walls, but the most dramatic starting point is at Ple Gate. And here’s our biggest tip. Arrive right when it opens at 8:00 a.m. You’ll beat the crowds and the midday heat. By 10:00, the narrow sections start getting packed, and it’s harder to take in the views at your own pace. Along the way, you’ll find a few cafes and rest stops where you can grab a procco or freshsqueezed juice and just soak up the scenery. And those views are unreal. You’re walking a top centuries old fortifications, looking down at terraota rooftops on one side and the sparkling Adriatic on the other. It’s one of those experiences that photos just can’t capture. You really have to see it in person. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and sunscreen is a must as there’s not much shade up there. But absolutely do not skip this. It’s the most iconic thing to do in Dub Bronik. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] We were so excited for the next day’s adventure, heading up to the top of Mount Serge for a one-of-a-kind experience and the best panoramic views of Dravnik. But before that, here’s another little tip for you. Just a couple of blocks from Pelle Gate, the Hilton Grand Hotel Imperial serves an amazing breakfast buffet. And you don’t even have to be a guest to enjoy it. We’re talking an international spread. Fresh pastries, made to order eggs, local cheeses, and more. All for €30 per person. Honestly, that’s a great deal compared to most of the prices we paid in Devon. If you’re looking to treat yourself in the morning, this breakfast is absolutely worth it. After that shadow of caffeine and an invigorating breakfast, we were ready to take on Mount Surge. There are three ways to get up there. We can walk it, we can take the cable car stuffed full of tourists, or we can call an Uber. You guessed it, we call an Uber. So much for that power breakfast. [Music] Massur is about 1,300 ft above the city and the views from the top are insane. There’s a museum there about the Croatian War of Independence and a restaurant where we had a drink with an epic view. After that, we were ready for a ride in the sky. The Sky Bike is exactly what it sounds like. You’re pedaling a bike that’s attached to a cable 1,000 ft above Oldtown. Our guide was Sandy, who was hilarious and kept us at ease the whole time, which we needed because, you know, we’re literally pedaling through the sky. You get strapped into this speciallydesed bike with a harness and safety equipment, and then you just pedal through the air. It’s surreal. [Music] The views are absolutely breathtaking. You’re looking down at the old town walls, Loram Island with its lush greenery, the Adriatic Sea. It’s like a bird’s eyee view of paradise. [Music] [Applause] [Music] To make up for our lazy Uber ride up to the top, we decided to walk the way down. According to Google Maps, our apartment was right below us. So, we zigzagged our way down and in a little over an hour, we made it to our apartment. We absolutely prefer walking this trail down rather than up. One of our last experiences was the food and wine tour we did through the old town. We did visit some of the same spots as the prior walk-in tour, but this one was full of tasty goodies. Our guide was Drazzen, a super knowledgeable and really funny guy. The tour lasted about 3 hours and we visited four different restaurants, trying local food and wine at each stop. We had an absolute blast. We also learned a lot about the traditions behind the dishes and the wines of the region. The food tour ended at a cute petisserie where we tried traditional Croatian cake. By that point, we were completely stuffed but happy. If you only do one food tour in Croatia, make it this one. It’s the perfect mix of history, flavor, and fun. And you’ll discover corners of Oldtown you might otherwise miss. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a wedding like we did. So, let’s talk about beaches because that’s a big draw for Dravnik. With a Mediterranean climate and more than 250 sunny days a year, it is definitely the perfect combination. Bana Beach is one of the most popular. Located just a short walk from Poche Gate, it’s a pebble beach with crystal clear water. They have sunbeds and umbrella rentals, and there are lots of water sports like jet skiing, kaying, and snorkeling. We wanted to kayak from Bratina Cave, Kolarina Ces, and St. Jacob’s Beach, but it wasn’t available until June. This was one of the downsides of visiting in late May. Lots of activities hadn’t opened for the season yet. So, we headed over to Sunset Beach in Lapa. It’s a little farther from Oldtown, about a 35 to 45minute walk if you prefer, but it’s quieter and way less touristy than Bet. The water was just as clear and it’s known for its incredible sunsets. [Music] If you’re wondering about the cost of living in Dub Bronik, let’s just say it’s the priciest place we visited in Croatia. Prices were noticeably higher than in Split or Havar and honestly comparable to what we’ve paid in London. On average, entre ran between 22 and €30 compared to about €18 to €25 elsewhere. Appetizers and cocktails often started around 15 and went up from there. Even a simple glass of wine or beer cost about 7 to9 here versus € 650 to €750 in other Croatian cities. The good news, there are more affordable options. You just have to wander a bit away from the main tourist areas. We found a few local spots with much better prices and a more authentic vibe. But overall, Dub Bronik isn’t exactly a budget destination. The coastal hotspots are significantly more expensive than inland cities or smaller towns. Locals told us that the cost of living here is much higher than in the capital, Zagreb, and salaries aren’t so good either. [Music] Our Uber driver told us the average salary is €1,000. It’s really difficult to sustain a living with that amount. He also said it’s typical for a Croatian to rent a room or one of the floors in their houses to help with expenses. [Music] Safety wise, Dubrovnik and Croatia in general are very safe. Croatia is ranked 19th out of 163 countries on the 2025 global peace index, making it one of the safest countries in the world. According to the US State Department, street crimes are rare. We walked around at all hours, day and night, and never felt unsafe. The main concern, like in any tourist destination, is pickpocketing in crowded areas. But overall, safety is not a concern here. It’s a very welcoming and secure place. [Music] [Applause] Okay, here’s where we have to get real with you because this next part might be a deal breakaker for a lot of you watching. Croatia doesn’t have a dedicated retirement visa or a simple path to residency for non-EU citizens. If you’re from the US, Canada, or the UK, you can visit Croatia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180day period since it’s now part of the Shenen area. But actually living here long-term, that’s tough unless you have EU citizenship, Croatian ancestry, or can qualify for a work permit. There is a digital nomad visa, though. It allows you to stay for up to 18 months with the possibility to extend to a total of 36 months. You’ll need to show a minimum monthly income of around €3,295. And even then, it’s temporary. There’s no clear path from digital nomad visa to permanent residency or citizenship. So, for most of our viewers from the US, Canada, or the UK, Croatia is probably best enjoyed as a place to spend a few months each year rather than a full-time home base. And Drovnik in particular would make an absolutely stunning seasonal home. [Music] So, here’s our honest take on Dub Bronik. It’s absolutely stunning. One of the most beautiful cities we’ve ever visited. The ancient walls, the marble streets, the sparkling Adriatic, the food, the history. It’s all incredible. But it’s expensive. more expensive than we anticipated. Even knowing Croatia have gotten pricey, and the residency situation is a major hurdle for non-EU citizens. Unless you can figure out a legal way to stay long-term, your stay is limited. And if you’re an EU citizen or if you’re a digital nomad who can take advantage of Croatia’s remote work visa, I’d say you absolutely consider it. Drop could be paradise. The weather is fantastic, it’s safe, the healthcare is good, and the quality of life is high. We genuinely loved our time here. The city walls walk was unforgettable, the skyike was exhilarating, and the food and wine tour was one of our favorite experiences. But for us as American retirees looking for a forever home, the visa situation is just too complicated. We don’t want to deal with the uncertainty of temporary permits or worry about whether we’ll be able to renew our status every year. We’ve seen how quickly immigration policies can change. And what we want most is stability. So, would we recommend visiting Croatia? Absolutely, without question. Could we retire here? Unfortunately, no. Not without major changes to the immigration system. But we’re so glad we came. This trip reminded us why we love this lifestyle, exploring, learning, and experiencing new places around the world. And who knows, maybe Croatia will introduce a retirement visa someday. We’ll definitely be watching. We’d love to know, is Donovnik your kind of paradise? Tell us in the comments. We always enjoy connecting with you. Loved exploring Croatia with us? Hit that like button and subscribe. We’re aiming for 20,000 subscribers by the end of the year. and your support means the world to us. You can binge our other European city guides from Spain, Portugal, and Italy. And we got more paradise scouting coming soon from new destinations around the globe. Until next time, paradise seekers. Thank you for watching. Havala. [Music]

Join us as we explore Dubrovnik, Croatia for the very first time, one of the most stunning cities in the world! In this video, we’re sharing our honest guide to Dubrovnik for both travelers and future expats curious about what it’s really like to visit or live here.

We’ll take you inside Dubrovnik’s Old Town, walk along the famous City Walls, try delicious Croatian food and wine, and experience incredible adventures like the Skybike over the Adriatic Sea. You’ll also get our take on the pros and cons of living here long-term.

If you’ve ever wondered “Could I retire in Croatia?” or “Is Dubrovnik worth visiting?”, this video is for you.

Thinking about moving abroad? Grab our FREE Ultimate Dream City & Home Checklist, a simple guide to evaluate any city, neighborhood, and home, so you’ll know if it’s the right fit for you. Decide with clarity and confidence, knowing every detail is covered and nothing is overlooked.

🎁FREE Ultimate Dream City & Home Checklist — your guide to choosing the perfect city and ideal home to create your paradise abroad!
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🏨 WHERE WE STAYED:
►Apartments Kolorina: https://booking.tp.st/M1ZXisfb

⭐TOP EXPERIENCE(S):
► Free Walking Tour: https://freespirittours.eu/tours/free-walking-tour-dubrovnik/
► City Walls Walk: https://www.dubrovnikpass.com/
► Skybike: https://skybikedubrovnik.com/en/
► Dubrovnik Gastronomy 3 Hour Food and Wine Tour: https://getyourguide.tp.st/tTDftQ3v

👍USEFUL FACEBOOK GROUP(S):
► Expats in Dubrovnik
► Expat Croatia
► Digital Nomads Dubrovnik Croatia

👇RESOURCES WE USE TRAVELING & LIVING ABROAD 🌍
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📑CHAPTER LIST:
00:00 Intro
02:04 Where is Dubrovnik
02:36 Arrival
04:34 Dubrovnik Old Town and Walkability
07:30 Things to See in Dubrovnik
12:19 Walk the Wall
15:08 Dubrovnik Skybike
18:03 Dubrovnik Food & Wine tour
19:22 Beaches
20:28 High Prices
22:11 Safety
22:47 Retirement Visa or Not
24:11 Final Thoughts

👇OUR VIDEO PRODUCTION TOOLS 📽️
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DISCLOSURE:
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*All content, including comments, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or any other type of advice.

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