Dubrovnik is a very dynamic and colorful destination. With a nickname like "Pearl of the Adriatic", it offers many attractions for visitors. Besides its cultural and historical heritage, Dubrovnik can offer a great shopping experience, especially if you like to shop for local specialties. Follow the steps of the next walking tour to discover shops and markets of the Old Town of Dubrovnik.
1) Arka Antique Shop
Arka shop is located near the Jesuit Church and Restaurant Arca. It's a shop specializing in antiques, and it offers a great collection of old pottery, handicrafts and jewelry. You can also find paintings, glasses and souvenirs here. Arka Antique Shop Arka Antique Shop Arka Antique Shop Arka Antique Shop Arka Antique Shop Arka Antique Shop Arka Antique Shop Arka Antique Shop
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2) Gundulićeva Poljana Square
Gaindulićeva Poljana Square is a wonderful, colorful place to take in the locals and buy locally grown fruits and vegetables. In days gone by, the entire square would have been filled with merchants. Today, the square still have merchants, just not as many as before. The fruits and vegetables are still nice and fresh, but better deals may be found elsewhere.
However, it is still worth the visit to come experience the square and the goods for sale. Typical offerings include seasonal fruits such as figs, tomatoes, and apples as well as vegetables. Other market squares offer fresh fish and souvenirs.
Saturday is the busiest day at the market, so be sure to come early on this day. There will be more stalls and a larger selection on this day, but there will also be bigger crowds. In addition to the aforementioned fare, you may find here cheeses, olives and bread on Saturday. There may also be a fairly wide range of homemade brandies found that are not available in stores. It is a great place to pick up some spices, local honey, and other delicacies for a bit of lunch to be topped off with a bit of brandy and a nap.
The market closes at noon in a charming traditional way. Grain is thrown out for the local birds to enjoy at noon, so expect a great flapping of wings as well as a gathering of cats to watch and perhaps have a bit of a feast themselves.
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3) Ronchi
Ronchi is the retail outlet of the Ronchi Hat factory, a company founded in 1858 by an Italian designer living in Dubrovnik. The company specializes in handmade hats, and the shop offers an incredible collection of unique hats. It is the best place to go for a classic or unique hat, made locally.
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4) Dubrovacka Kuca
Dubrovacka Kuca (Dubrovnik House) is located near the Dominican Monastery in Dubrovnik. It is one of the best shopping spots of this city, and it specializes in Croatian items. The shop offers a wide range of local products, such as olive oil, honey and wine, as well as famous embroidery, paintings and souvenirs.
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5) Casa Croatica
If you are looking for a gift shop that carries most of the local specialties, then try Casa Croatica, located on Vetraniceva Street, in the Old Town area of Dubrovnik. It sells specific local products, and offers a wide range of local wines gathered from different regions of Croatia, as well as olive oil, liquors and other items. There is also a fine selection of handmade embroideries and plenty of original souvenirs.
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6) Vinoteka
If you are looking for Croatian specialties, then Vinoteka on Stradun is the right place. It's a shop specializing in local wine, and offering one of the finest collections of wines in Dubrovnik. They have olive oil and truffles, too. There is another Vinoteka shop to be found on Od Puca Street.
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7) Stara Ljekarna
Stara Ljekarna, the Old Pharmacy of the Franciscan Monastery in Dubrovnik, is one of Europe's oldest pharmacies. Fortunately, it is still open and offers, apart from medicine found in other pharmacies, a wide range of local cosmetic products made from traditional recipes.
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