6 Best Nightlife in Southern Dalmatia, Croatia

Walking through an 800-year-old wall to find a secret swimming spot across the sea from a cursed island sounds like a fairy tale, but in Dubrovnik such places actually exist—and there are two of them. One of the Buža (hole-in-the-wall) bars is marked by a wooden sign pointing toward "cold drinks." The other has no signage at all; you just walk through a doorway in the city walls. With tables arranged on a series of terraces built into the rocks and jazzy soundtracks to go along with stunning vistas, both bars make a great place to stop for a drink or a swim; you can jump right off the rocks in front of the bar. Beware that both spots can get very busy in the summer; mornings are the best time to visit.

When the Hotel More was being built, a piece of machinery fell through the ground; it was only then that an 8,000-year-old cave was discovered underneath. It has been carefully converted into a three-story bar, with twinkling lights and stalactites, making it an unforgettable setting for a coffee or cocktail. Outside, just a short walk along the peaceful promenade from the beach in Lapad, the multilevel terrace with easy access to the sea is the perfect spot for a swim.

Located on the only sandy beach near the Old Town, Banje Beach Club is a chilled-out lounge bar and restaurant by day where you can relax on plush couches and beach beds, and a sleek dance club by night. You can't beat watching the sunset over the city from the terrace, and dancing on the sand with a view of the city walls is a great way to spend a Dubrovnik evening. You'll find it a five-minute walk east of the Ploče Gate.

Built into a cliff overlooking local favorite Šulić Beach and just a 10-minute walk outside Pile Gate, this is the most chill of the beach bars around the city. With its reclaimed wood decor, swings as seats around the bar, and access to the sea where you can swim between sips, it's a rustic place for a light lunch or a sundowner.

A cozy candlelit wine bar that spills onto the street outside in summer, D'Vino is a great place to spend an evening chatting and people-watching on the steps with the fun knowledgeable staff. They have an impressive selection of 60 wines by the glass and bottle, including many Croatian options, plus tasting menus and wine flights accompanied by gourmet cheese and antipasto platters.

Dubrovnik's leading craft brewery, Dubrovnik Beer Company produces four main beers: an IPA, a milk stout, a lager, and a pale ale. Located in a former salt storage building in Gruž, it's a popular hangout for both locals and tourists, with regular concerts, pub quizzes, and other events taking place. Hour-long brewery tours, which include samples and snacks, are offered daily.