Buža

Dubrovnik is home to many special moments, but one of the best is enjoying a drink on the side of the city walls. Tucked away in a far corner of town is a simple doorway, unmarked and hard to find. The reward on the other side of the door though is worth the trouble it takes to find. Cafe Buža, which means hole in the wall, enjoys what may be the most stunning bar location in the world and they definitely know it. Tables and chairs are positioned so that guests get the best views of the Adriatic Sea, the Island of Lokrum (home to some Game of Thrones scenes) and the Dalmatian coastline. I just stood there in awe, which is how most of the patrons looked as well. I’ve never seen anything like it and that obviously is the main draw to the cafe as the prices are a little high and as mentioned, it’s not the easiest place to find.

There’s no denying that Dubrovnik is a gem of a city – lots of things to do and see but, if you go any time starting in May, it can also be sweltering hot. The cool blue waters of the Adriatic Sea will look ever so inviting but there are the old city walls separating you from it. So, here’s a tidbit if you want to go for a dip in the Adriatic while you’re in Dubrovnik. Be sure to bring a towel to lie on, and lots of sunscreen. From the Stradun, find your way to Café Bar Buža (www.cafebuza.com). It’s tucked away on a quiet side street and not easy to spot, so ask for directions. This tiny, assuming eatery has a stone terrace that fronts the sea. There are steps that lead down to the water, or if you prefer, you can just jump off the lower rocks. There are a few areas where you can lay down your towel and catch some rays. Plenty of shady areas to sit under if you prefer. The café serves snacks and overpriced drinks, but it’s worth it for the experience! Linger as long as you can or come back just before dusk to catch the setting sun.

Buza Bar sits perched on the outside of Dubrovnik’s southern wall. Visitors come for the stunning view of the Adriatic and Southern Dalmatia - especially at sunset - and the chance to jump from the cliff into the crystal clear, cool water. To this day it is still a bit of a secret, rarely mentioned in tourist brochures. Part of the fun is finding the bar/cafe as it isn’t on many maps. But there is a little help to guide you through the cobblestone streets of the Old City. Simply follow the signs that read “Cold drinks with the most beautiful view.”

Walking the walls of Old Town, Dubrovnik are a must for any traveler, but in the hot summer months, all that hot stone and seaside scenery can really make you thirsty. Head to the other side of the wall for a local beer, wine or cocktails at Buza Bar. Tucked into the cliffs between the sea and civilization, this improbable place is not only stunning, it’s fun. Locals and visitors alike fill precariously placed tables ready to party, and if the drinks aren’t enough to cool you down, it couldn’t be easier to jump, dive or cannonball into the inviting Adriatic below.

Sip a cold drink at the Buza Bar in Dubrovnik. You’ll feel like you’re at the edge of the earth looking out over the deep blue Adriatic. There’s really nothing more relaxing...

If I hadn’t checked out the Highlights of Dubrovnik on Afar first, I wouldn’t have even known this place existed. Enter through a small, unmarked passageway in the stone city wall and just on the other side you’re transported to a little piece of heaven. There are people laying in the sun, jumping off the rocks, swimming, having drinks and relaxing. We got there just as the sun was about to set and it was perfection. The waiter came over to take our order and returned with two ice cold beers we enjoyed while taking in the scenery. Our only regret was that we didn’t bring our bathing suits. The water was calling for us but we couldn’t jump in. This spot is a MUST SEE if you’re in Dubrovnik. I’ll remember it always.

You would be a fool to go to Dubrovnik without strolling the full circumference of the city walls, but the August weather provides the perfect opportunity to experience them in another way too, whilst also offering a cooling anecdote to the heat. If you can tear your eyes away from the gleaming “pearl of the Adriatic” and glance towards the sea, chances are you will see one of two Buza bars. Both of these bars really are fantastic; built into the rocks of the city walls, they provide their punters with cool drinks and a safe place to leap from the rocks into the sea. Surprisingly, its not too difficult to get a table but if there’s none going spare simply climb down the rocky steps to perch on the rocks. Once you’ve taken the plunge (be careful - the rocks can be quite sharp) the full city is spread before you - a stunning view as you bob up and down in the slightly rough sea. The atmosphere is relaxed, the music mellow and the owners generous enough to let their guests camp out for hours at a time. Take a picnic, a few pennies for a beer and your towel - a unique escape from the city’s labyrinth of cobbles.

Follow signs for “cold drinks w/the most beautiful view,” and you’ll walk through walls! The bar clings to the exterior of the city walls. With your back against the sky-high stone fortifications and nothing before you but the blue Adriatic, this is as impressive a setting as it gets for a drink.

Excellent spot to watch the sunset or boats passing by. You can buy drinks at the bar or BYOB.