What souvenirs to buy in Dubrovnik?
When you find yourself walking through the streets of Dubrovnik, you’ll naturally want to share this magical experience with your loved ones back home. As you wander through this charming historic city, you might find yourself wondering what souvenirs to buy in Dubrovnik.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve compiled a practical list of souvenirs that capture the essence of Dubrovnik. From traditional jewelry and culinary delights to locally produced wines and cosmetics and Game of Thrones memorabilia, Dubrovnik offers a number of unique items to choose from.
Explore Dubrovnik’s traditional jewelry
If you’re looking for a souvenir that’s both beautiful and meaningful, be sure to check out Dubrovnik’s traditional jewelry scene. Explore iconic pieces like the Konavle earrings, Botuns and coral jewelry, each carrying a rich narrative of Dubrovnik’s history. This jewelry can add a touch of elegance to your look or make a unique gift for your loved ones.
Konavle earrings
The Konavle earrings are perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Dubrovnik’s jewelry tradition. Once a part of traditional folk costumes in the Konavle region, these earrings have evolved into a fashion statement and a popular wedding gift. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Konavle earrings feature a distinctive design that combines delicate filigree work with vibrant enamel colors. Today, you can find these stunning earrings in the charming shops of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, where skilled artisans continue to perfect their craft, ensuring that this tradition lives on.
Botuns
For those seeking a more understated yet equally captivating piece, the Botuns are a perfect choice. These sphere-shaped buttons, made from silver or gold filigree, were once used with men’s folklore costumes in Dubrovnik. Today, they have been reimagined as bracelets, earrings, necklaces and lapel pins, which makes them a distinctive gift for any occasion.
Coral jewelry from Dubrovnik’s Adriatic coast
If you’re looking for a truly unique and special souvenir from Dubrovnik, you can’t go wrong with a piece of coral jewelry. The Croatians have been trading in this precious material since the 13th century, and Dubrovnik, with its prime location on the Adriatic coast, has become a hub for exquisite coral creations.
Walking through the charming streets of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, you’ll find a rich offer of coral jewelry in the local shops., ranging from delicate earrings to statement necklaces, bracelets and rings. With each piece being handcrafted by local artisans, you can be sure that you’re getting a truly unique and special souvenir that you won’t find easily anywhere else.
Traditional Dubrovnik textiles
Dubrovnik’s textile heritage is a significant aspect of the city’s cultural identity, with Konavle embroidery serving as a prime example of this rich tradition. Originating from the Konavle region, just south of Dubrovnik, this embroidery technique has been practiced by skilled local artisans for generations. Each piece of the embroidered linens, scarves and clothing is meticulously crafted to preserve the unique designs and techniques passed down through the ages.
Visitors to Dubrovnik can find original Konavle embroidery pieces in hidden gem shops throughout the Old Town. These shops, often family-owned and operated, offer a glimpse into the work of local artisans who continue to practice this traditional craft. The embroidered designs feature patterns and motifs in the traditional colors of red, green, and black.
Local Dubrovnik tastes and aromas
Dubrovnik is known for its exceptional local products. These goods, crafted from natural ingredients sourced within the region, offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the flavors and aromas that have defined Dubrovnik’s identity for centuries.
Lavender
One of Dubrovnik’s most renowned local products is its lavender, a plant that has been cultivated in the region for generations. Lavender has long been used in traditional medicine to promote relaxation, alleviate stress and provide relief from headaches. You can find fragrant bags of dried lavender or bottles of lavender essential oil in local shops throughout Dubrovnik, that can be used as natural remedies and insect repellents.
Olive oil
Another local product that has gained international recognition is Dubrovnik’s olive oil. The region’s ideal climate and fertile soil create the perfect conditions for growing high-quality olives, resulting in an olive oil that is renowned for its exceptional taste. Dubrovnik’s olive oil is often used as a finishing touch for local dishes, adding depth and richness to the flavors. It is also valued for its natural cosmetic properties, with many visitors incorporating it into their skincare routines.
Local honey
For those with a sweet tooth, Dubrovnik’s local honey is a must-try. With over 450,000 bee colonies in this region, you will easily find honey that is both delicious and nutritious. Dubrovnik’s honey is often infused with local herbs and spices, such as lavender or sage, creating unique flavor profiles that are exclusive to the region. These honey products make for excellent edible souvenirs, which allows visitors to savor the sweetness of Dubrovnik long after their trip has ended.
Dubrovnik treats
Dubrovnik traditional treats include specialties such as caramelized almonds, sweet fig treats, and citrus-produced arancini.
Caramelized almonds are a classic Dubrovnik treat, which offer a tasty combination of crunchiness and sweetness. These almonds are carefully coated in a caramelized sugar glaze, which makes them a popular choice among visitors seeking a delicious and authentic souvenir.
Figs, a staple fruit in Dubrovnik, are transformed into sweet fig treats that capture the natural essence of the region. These treats, often made with locally sourced figs, offer a taste of the city’s rich agricultural landscape.
Another traditional Dubrovnik treats are arancini – citrus-flavored sweets that combine the zesty notes of orange or lemon with a sweet confection. These treats are a popular choice for those seeking a unique and flavorful memento of their time in Dubrovnik.
Monastery produced cosmetics
One of the most unique and memorable souvenirs you can bring home from Dubrovnik is a face cream or scented water made by the monks at the Franciscan Monastery. The Franciscan Monastery, located in the heart of the Old Town, houses the world’s third oldest working pharmacy, which has existed since the 13th century.
In addition to its historical significance, the monastery’s pharmacy offers visitors the opportunity to purchase high-quality, locally-made products made according to the monastery’s traditional recipes. Even though the manufacturing has changed, these products are still hand-produced in ceramic containers with the ingredients from the monastery garden.
Dubrovnik wines and liquors
No visit to Dubrovnik is complete without exploring the city’s renowned culinary offerings, particularly its wine. Croatia, including the Dubrovnik region, boasts a winemaking history that spans over 2,400 years. The country’s ideal climate, diverse terrain, and fertile soil create the perfect conditions for producing world-class red and white wines.
When sampling Dubrovnik’s wines, visitors should look for grape varieties such as Malvasia and Plavac Mali. Malvasia, white grape, yields wines with a rich, full-bodied flavor and a slightly sweet finish. Plavac Mali, a red grape variety, is known for its bold, robust flavors and high alcohol content, which makes it a popular choice among red wine enthusiasts.
To complement the region’s exceptional wines, visitors can also sample local grappa and liquors. These popular strong drinks are often packaged in interesting and unique bottles and offer aromas characteristic for Dubrovnik area. They come in various flavors, ranging from strong to sweet, with alcohol content between 25% and 40%.
Game of Thrones souvenirs
Game of Thrones merchandise has become a sought-after souvenir for visitors exploring Dubrovnik, the iconic filming location for King’s Landing in the acclaimed HBO series. The city boasts several specialized shops which offer a wide range of official Game of Thrones memorabilia, allowing fans to bring a piece of Westeros home with them.
These shops showcase a diverse selection of licensed merchandise, ranging from T-shirts and collectible figures to cups and various memorabilia that capture the essence of the beloved series. Fans can browse through items featuring their favorite characters, sigils, and iconic scenes, which allows them to relive the drama and intrigue of Game of Thrones long after their visit to Dubrovnik.
Where to buy souvenirs in Dubrovnik?
Shops and boutiques in Dubrovnik, particularly in the Old Town, offer a diverse selection of souvenirs, ranging from traditional delicacies and handmade crafts to unique jewelry and historical replicas. Visitors can explore these establishments to find the perfect mementos that capture the essence of Dubrovnik’s culture and heritage.
When looking for unique and authentic souvenirs in Dubrovnik, several shops and boutiques stand out as must-visit destinations:
- Dubrovnik House: Situated in the City Walls at the address Ul. Svetog Dominika bb, the Dubrovnik House offers a true Dubrovnik experience of art, gastronomy, and heritage. This unique shop spreads over two floors, with the upper floor serving as a gallery space for Croatian artists and the ground floor offering handmade souvenirs, traditional delicacies, hand crafted embroidery, ceramics and paintings.
- Gift & Art Shop Medusa: Known for selling exclusively Croatian products, this shop at address Prijeko 18 in Dubrovnik offers a wide range of items, including soap, chocolate, jewelry, beverages, souvenirs and delicacies.
- Slatko Kao Cukar: This shop at Nalješkovićeva ul. 6 in Dubrovnik offers original and beautifully made bracelets, necklaces, anklets, and keys inspired by the Adriatic Sea. The durable and unique jewelry pieces make for excellent gifts and personal keepsakes.
- Artifex Historical Replicas: Situated at Gundulićeva poljana, this shop specializes in historical replicas and offers a selection of unique and authentic products that reflect Croatia’s rich heritage.
You can click on this Google Map to find all the gift shops in Dubrovnik or you can simply walk through the Old Town and explore each one to find the perfect souvenir.
Tough choice of deciding what souvenirs to buy in Dubrovnik
As your visit to Dubrovnik comes to a close, deciding on the right souvenirs can be a challenge with so many options available. Keep in mind that, when you buy traditional jewelry or locally made crafts, you’re supporting the local artisans and businesses that keep Dubrovnik’s culture and tradition alive. These local makers create unique pieces that showcase the city’s rich heritage.
Take your time to pick something meaningful. The best souvenirs are those that reflect the city’s unique character. Whether it’s jewelry, a handcrafted item or a local specialty, let your souvenir serve as a long-lasting reminder of your time in Dubrovnik.
Photography: Pixabay