Dubrovnik
Nestled along the coast of the Adriatic Sea sit the gates of Dubrovnik, leading into the Old City through a drawbridge. Everything shines in the Old City, partly due to its long history but also because every surface is made of marble. The medieval city is surrounded by a mile-long wall, which you can walk at your leisure, following in the footsteps of the guards that once kept watch over the city. The city is built on a hill; parts of the outer perimeter are cliffs, while others offer beach access to the ports and sea. I fell in love with Dubrovnik and wished I had more than just three days to explore the city. The Byzantine architecture has been meticulously preserved, and in 2017, it was officially designated a UNESCO site. I spent my time wandering the winding cobblestone streets, exploring museums, churches, indulging in delicious food, and petting all the cats of Dubrovnik, an official title, as the whole city is home to hundreds of local cats. They make it clear you’re in their territory. The city is also famous for being the set of ‘Game of Thrones’’ King’s Landing, something the tourist shops always keep reminding you of with the endless shirts and memorabilia. I spent my last day perched atop a rock by the sea, reading and cooling off with hourly swims, making me wonder why I hadn’t spent my entire time in Dubrovnik this way.
