Dubrovnik Shopping

I arrived in Dubrovnik with some injuries suffered in Split after getting mugged. As a result, I spent more time at cafes and bars just simply relaxing, writing, people-watching, talking to locals and reading. I stopped at this bookstore along the main street in Old Town called Stradun. My sister had told me about this great book by Ann Patchett, called Bel Canto, so when I saw it on the shelf, I bought it. The book is great for travelers and music lovers alike and is really a good read.

Algoritam has the best English language selection in town and you shouldn't have any trouble finding various travel guides or just some good pleasure reading. I paid 70kn for the paperback.

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I quickly discovered that the old town on Dubrovnik has not shortage of amazing designer boutiques and, as I hadn't set out to designate this a "shopping holiday", I was keeping my eyes averted from the goodies winking at me from every second elegantly dressed window.

Therefore, Missori took me by surprise. It lurks unobtrusively on a corner and so has window frontage on two streets. This makes it harder to resist.

I "just" wandered in to check out the goods, no intention of buying, and came away with a divine black leather Roberto Cavalli Bag studded with brass. The shop was happy to give a 10% discount for cash and I was more than delighted with my purchase.

This shop also stocks some fabulous designer shoes so be prepared.

What to pay: It's designer, so prepare for matching prices.

The "Ronchi" hat craftsmanship was established in 1858. It's present owner Marina Grabovac helps mostly ladies protect themselves from sun under her charming head covers. No wonder some ladies wear them late into the night.

Well, this was one heartbreaking scene. This young lady was trying to figure out how to take her favorite hat on a transatlantic flight. I guess she opted for Cargo in the end, I couldn't wait any longer…

this tip is for any touristic place in the world, but in Dub. it makes a lot of difference comparing to other places in croatia..

in case you are a poor backpacker like me :)
do yourself a favor and never buy drinks (especially water) in the restaurents or kiosks
on the street (I dont mean when you sit and eat), but in the supermarkets or in the small gorcery stores!! (for example: small bottle of water cost 7 kuna in a coffee shop or restaurent when in the supermarket a big bottle cost about 3-4)

These are stands and the ones we encountered clustered around the two passages through the East wall on the Embankment at the Old Port (but there may be many others).There does not appear to be much variety in prices and since only Croatian is spoken (and even that with reticence)our negotiations were only saying "no" and walking further. There were no calls after us.

What to buy: The embroidered cottons with crocheted borders were of good quality according to my buyer, and were not imported fakes. She said the prices were "appropriate" and so I approved and she bought. It was cash only.

What to pay: It depends on size and object. This stuff is easy to carry but may be too expensive for souvenirs but excellent for gifts.

One of the unique and best tastes of Croatia is Bajadera. That is the local quality chocolate, it is one of my favourite chocolates, unfortunately I can only get it in Croatia and so in my last visit I bought lots of it to take back home with me.

bits and pieces from hairband, flip flops, handbags, pens, neckleses etc
young girls would go crazy in here
we got presents for our nieces here :-)

What to pay: not much ;-)
you can get thing from 5 kunas and up to 500 kunas

As usual when travelling and shopping I try to taste and buy the local spirit of the place and in Croatia it is of course Sljivovica and in this case the famouse Badel Sljivovica. Easy place to buy it is at the airport just before you board your flight home.

What to buy: Sljivovica