Great architecture
by codrutz
All houses are built from a special stone, from the island of Brac. Also the pavement is made from this stone. What is interesting about this stone is the fact that it gets very shiny after years of walking on it. The White House is known to be made of stone from Brac island..like houses in Dubrovnik
Test your manhood
by acemj
Just outside the Franciscan Monastery on the western side of the Old Town (on the main street, Stradun), you'll see this worn, stone gargoyle jutting from the wall at about shin level. I have know idea why, but it has become a tradition for men to test their manhood by standing on the top of this stone, shirts off, facing the wall, with their arms outstretched. The longer the guy can balance on the stone, the more of a man he apparently is. I figured since I had just survived a beating in Split, I had nothing to prove!
Saint Vlahe
by codrutz
Saint Vlahe is the protector of Dubrovnik..and it's said to be also a protector against colds and throat illnes..so I was very confidend I will not catch a cold...but in the last days of the trip I caught a big cold (which I'm trying now to overcome)..so..the legend is nice....:)
Off the REALLY beaten path
by acemj about Get off of Stradun
When you're in the Old Town, make sure you don't spend all of your time on Stradun. Sure, many people have called it the most beautiful street in the world. Sure, it's lined with great cafes and shops. Sure, it begins with a beautiful monastery and ends with a great square with a Venetian-style palace and a beautiful church. But make sure you venture off of Stradun and explore the streets that run parallel to it, particular on the side closest to the water. There are plenty of good shops to keep you busy here.
Getting to Dubrovnik from the UK
by davtheman
Look for a direct flight to anywhere in Croatia and you could be quoted prices anywhere up to £600 return. For the budget traveller it makes more sense to travel to Bari in Southern Italy with Ryanair and catch an overnight Jadrolignia Ferry to Dubrovnik. Bear in mind that there isn't much to do in Bari and that it is impossible to find a restaurant open for a quick dinner before the ferry departs.
Also, prepare for the biggest crush ever trying to get through Bari ferry terminal! The ferries themselves are comfortable enough, have a bar where you can get cheap Croatian wine, and a characterless restaurant for dinner and breakfast. Costs around £50 one way.