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Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
A Daytripper's Guide: Where To Eat And Drink In OId Town Dubrovnik
Old Town, Dubrovnik. Ivan Vuković Dubrovnik's Old Town isn't just a living postcard of medieval limestone streets and terracotta rooftops with uninterrupted Adriatic views—it's a UNESCO World Heritage site with roots stretching back to the 7th century. Its iconic city walls, which have protected this marble paradise for over 500 years, have always been a magnet for travelers. But since Game of Thrones premiered in 2011—casting Dubrovnik as the fictional King's Landing—the city has experienced a dramatic surge in visitors. With all that beauty and history comes the crowds, especially during cruise ship season, when daytrippers pour through the city gates like extras from a Renaissance fair. Is it even possible to make the most of a day in Dubrovnik's Old Town and avoid rookie mistakes? I turned to my favorite local guide, Ivan Vuković, whose Game of Thrones tours (no dragons, but plenty of wit) and off-the-beaten-path excursions have earned him cult status among travelers seeking the real, unfiltered Dubrovnik. A view of Old Town, Dubrovnik. Ivan Vuković Whatever you do, respect the 'Walk of Shame' steps, which have been around centuries longer than the show. Their real name is the Jesuit Stairs, inspired by Rome's iconic Spanish Steps—a true 18th-century Baroque masterpiece. Leading up to the grand Church of St. Ignatius, they're one of the city's most dramatic architectural gems. Those iconic steps—immortalized by Cersei's infamous stroll—are newly polished for summer, and I was mortified to learn that people actually strip down for photos here. 'Do not get naked on that infamous walk of shame,' Vuković says. 'And please, do not scream 'shame'; we all have PTSD from it in Dubrovnik.' Crowds and heat can be daunting in peak summer. 'Use Buža and Ploče gates to dodge the cruise ship hordes who get dropped off at Pile gate,' Ivan advises. 'We built tiny gates as nobody had a clue that tourism was gonna be a big thing.' And don't skip a walk around the city walls—a 1.2-mile stretch circling the Old Town. 'Finish your daytripping with a walk around the walls,' says Vuković. 'Best time? Late afternoon. Get your camera ready!' Pro tip: If you want to see Dubrovnik through a local's eyes (and learn more about those infamous steps), book a Game of Thrones tour with Vuković. He offers a variety of tours if GOT isn't your speed. Now that you know how to be a savvy daytripper, here's where to eat and drink inside the city walls even if it's for a few hours only. Peka at Local. Local If you want to experience Dubrovnik like a local, book a reservation at Local—the new outpost of Marija and Zlatko Papak's wildly successful Eat With Locals experience, right in Old Town. It's the first-ever spot where travelers can get a slice of peka—a traditional Dalmatian dish where meat, potatoes, and veggies are slow-cooked under a bell-shaped dome covered in hot coals, resulting in tender, smoky, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. While peka is the star, you'll also find the most perfect charcuterie and cheese spread (all local, of course), Marija's homemade bread, fresh salad, and apple strudel. And yes, even inside the city walls, the Papaks pour local wine and homemade grappa like old friends welcoming you home and you'll always walk away with strangers-turned-new friends. Chilly prawns at Above 5 Rooftop Restaurant. Above 5 Rooftop Restaurant Nestled atop a 16th-century building, this spot remains the only rooftop restaurant in Old Town and the 360 views are incredible . It's a climb up five flights to a sleek, elegant rooftop where every bite feels like a mini celebration. The menu blends Mediterranean flavors with modern gastronomy. My personal highlights are chilly prawns served with marinated red cabbage, butternut squash purée, and pickled baby beetroot and the chef's version of surf n' turf—a zucchini roll filled with lobster salad, filet mignon, roasted cauliflower cream, and Bordelaise sauce. And whatever ice cream creation is, order without hesitation. Above 5 Rooftop Restaurant. Above 5 Rooftop Restaurant Bonus: The restaurant is part of a gorgeous 4-star luxury hotel, Hotel Stari Grad, spread across two historic Old Town buildings, complete with Icona spa (a true hidden oasis with standout services) and a cocktail bar where the bartender nails the perfect Americano. Trust me, you'll want to linger. Azur is praised for innovative fusion dishes like pulled pork tacos and seared tuna, balancing bold flavors with fresh Adriatic ingredients and Asian influences—and perfect if you're seeking something off the beaten path from traditional Croatian fare. 'It's owned by a great local chef, Darko Perojević,' says Vuković. It's situated next door to the iconic Bard Buža bar. Vuković notes that Bard Buža bar is still more local than the other Buža bar, where tourists jump off the cliffs. 'It can be spicy and you will get your hands dirty.' It's wise to order the salmon pillows and the CroAsian seafood Laksa. For the best gelato in town, Peppino's is a must. Creamy, artisanal gelato made daily with fresh ingredients, offering both classic and inventive flavors to cool you down after a day in the sun. Flavors range from traditional pistachio and stracciatella to creative combinations featuring local Croatian ingredients. Forty Four. Forty Four Owned by NBA player Bojan Bogdanović (jersey number 44, hence the name) and Damir Bogdanović, Forty Four is celebrated for its exquisite seafood offerings—be sure to order whatever crudo is featured on the menu and the lobster pasta if it's available. The restaurant masterfully combines elevated, modern seafood and pasta dishes and traditional Croatian dishes done right. The wine list is also noteworthy and I fell hard for the Crvik Blasius Malvasija Dubrovačka—an organe wine that pairs perfectly with literally any dish on the menu. Bonus: There's also a hotel attached, Guesthouse Forty Four, and the duo are behind Villa 44—a gorgeous villa in Old Town, in the center of Stradun. Black risotto at Konoba Pupo. Ivan Vuković This wonderland is a combination of family recipes, fisherman's old-style cooking, and local ingredients. Go for the Šporki Makaruli ('dirty macaroni')—a traditional Dubrovnik pasta with a hearty, meaty ragù sauce made with wine and plenty of onions. Konoba Pupo is a hidden gem for authentic Dalmatian flavors, particularly praised for its rich black risotto (made with cuttlefish ink) and hearty pasta dishes. Owner Viktor Kužnin is often around and can pick out the best bottle of Dingač wine (and might even sit down and join you for a glass or three!). Bonus: Just across the way, the team has opened a gorgeous pastry shop with a stellar menu of sweets and plenty of great wine. Don't miss a slice of the typical Ston cake—a pastry where layers of penne pasta are mixed with nuts and sweet cream, named for the nearby town famous for its medieval walls and salt. D'Vino Wine Bar. D'Vino Wine Bar D'Vino is a top spot for wine lovers wanting to explore Croatia's diverse varietals, paired with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. The knowledgeable staff guides guests through Croatia's unique wine regions, from full-bodied reds of the Pelješac Peninsula to crisp whites from Istria. 'The One With da Boss' tasting is the best, letting you sample rare and small-producer bottles from the owner's archive. The laid-back atmosphere is perfect for people-watching along the bustling Old Town streets, whether you need that essential morning espresso or want to unwind with a cold Croatian beer after exploring the medieval walls. The best part? It's across from D'Vino, so if your group is split between beer and wine, you can happily collide on the patio with your drink of choice. Holy Burek in Dubrovnik's Old Town. Holy Burek This beloved bakery serves up savory pastries that are crispy outside, rich and melty inside. During peak season, thousands of bureks—a flaky Balkan pastry filled with cheese, meat, or spinach—are made daily. Go for whatever's fresh out of the oven and wash it down with ayran, a refreshing yogurt-based drink. It's a traditional sidekick to balance the buttery goodness. 'It's perfect for people watching, a great wine selection, and live music every night,' says Vuković. This café dates back to 1927 and occupies the spot of the former Manon Café, a legendary Dubrovnik gathering place between the world wars. 'It reminds me of my childhood, still tucked in Antuninska street, one of many Old Town side streets,' says Vuković. 'We skipped classes and went there—pssst, do not tell my mum. Lovely simple sandwiches with homemade bread, cheese from oil, and prosciutto.' For a genuine taste of local life away from the tourist crowds, this is a must.
New York Times
23-05-2025
- New York Times
$1.5 Million Homes in Crete, Greece
Rethymno | $1.53 million (€1.35 million) This three-story villa with a large courtyard is in the Old Town of Rethymno, on the northern coast of Crete, the largest and most populous of the Greek islands. Rethymno, with about 36,000 residents, faces the Aegean Sea and is the third largest city on Crete, situated between the larger metropolitan areas of Heraklion and Chania. Rethymno's Old Town dates mostly to the 16th century, when the Venetians controlled Crete and constructed a protective wall and the star-shaped Fortezza (the remains of which still exist) to protect the city from pirates. There are narrow alleys, mansions with Renaissance facades, picturesque arches and Venetian, Turkish and Egyptian monuments. The Venetian harbor, with its clusters of fishing boats, has a seafront promenade bordered by tavernas. The spires of Byzantine churches and the domes of historic mosques add flavor to Rethymno, which offers several museums and other cultural attractions. The Old Town is adjacent to the western end of the eight-mile beach on Rethymno Bay. Chania International Airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis is about 45 miles west of Rethymno, and Heraklion International Airport is about 50 miles east. Size: 2,077 square feet Price per square foot: $737 Indoors: The three-bedroom, three-bath villa has been refurbished to retain historic details, including exposed stone, niches and arches, while adding modern amenities. Located behind the notable Rimondi Fountain in Rethymno's Old Town, the property has a large landscaped courtyard with an entrance that leads to an open living and dining/kitchen area. The kitchen has white cabinets and a white-painted wood ceiling framed by an arch. A wood staircase ascends to the second floor, where there are two en suite bedrooms. One bedroom has a balcony, and the other has a large traditional fireplace. The third floor has the primary en suite bedroom and a large terrace with views of the surrounding city. The house has air-conditioning and a security system. Outdoor space: The house has an expansive courtyard with bougainvillea and an orange tree, as well as two balconies on the second floor and a large terrace with a pergola on the third floor. Costs: Annual taxes are about 800 to 1,000 euros ($900 to $1,125). Typical closing costs, which include transfer tax and fees for the notary, lawyer, engineer and real estate agency, are 8 to 10 percent of the purchase price. Contact: Despina Laou | Greece Sotheby's International Realty | +30-210-968-1070 Plakias | $1.47 million (€1.3 million) These two contemporary villas, one with three bedrooms and one with two bedrooms, make up a self-contained complex near the tourist resort of Plakias, on the southern coast of Crete. The villas, perched in the hills with views of the Mediterranean Sea, sit about a half mile from Plakias, a resort area on Crete's southern coast where the main beach abuts mountains and sheer cliffs. Monasteries and traditional mountain villages, such as Myrthios and Asomatos, attract travelers, as do the gorges of Kotsifos and Kourtaliotis and the palm-fringed lake of Preveli with its junglelike forest. The town of Plakias is has a marina, banks, medical practices, pharmacies and gas stations. Entertainment options abound, from tavernas and hotels to businesses offering water sports, scuba diving and bicycle rentals. There is frequent bus service to Rethymno, which is about 20 miles north of Plakias. Chania International Airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis is about 60 miles northwest of Plakias, and Heraklion International Airport is about 70 miles east. Size: 2,906 square feet Price per square foot: $506 Indoors: The two villas, one above the other, are connected by a stairway. Each has a swimming pool, floor-to-ceiling openings onto the pool areas, and skylights to illuminate the interiors. The upper villa is on three levels, and includes three en suite bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen and a living area with a fireplace. The kitchen has wood cabinets, an island and stone countertops. The two-story lower villa has a double-height living area that opens out to the pool and an open-plan kitchen with sleek black cabinets and an island. There are two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, including one with a large window overlooking the living area. Both villas are sold furnished and have air-conditioning. Outdoor space: The property has two swimming pools and several patios, balconies and terraces, including on the rooftops. Some are shaded by pergolas, including one with a barrel sauna. There is parking for four cars. Costs: Annual taxes are about 800 to 1,000 euros ($900 to $1,125). Typical closing costs, which include transfer tax and fees for the notary, lawyer, engineer and real estate agency, are 8 to 10 percent of the purchase price. Contact: Despina Laou | Greece Sotheby's International Realty | +30-210-968-1070 Ligaria | $1.47 million (€1.3 million) This six-bedroom, six-bath villa, built in 1986 and renovated in 2023, is in the hills near Ligaria, a resort village on the northern coast of central Crete. Ligaria is primarily known for its sheltered beach, situated in a turquoise bay protected from the frequent northwest winds, and offers activities including snorkeling, kayaking, jet skiing, paddleboarding and scuba diving. There are hotels, tavernas, beach bars and supermarkets. The nearby village of Agia Pelagia, also a resort area, has several hundred residents and a fuller range of services, while the city of Heraklion, with about 180,000 residents, is 30 minutes away. Ligaria is surrounded by traditional villages and the ruins of ancient civilizations. Larger cultural sites, such as the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the Palace of Knossos, are within 30 minutes, as is Heraklion International Airport. Size: 5,490 square feet Price per square foot: $268 Indoors: The main entrance is on the second floor. Doors open to a large open space with a dining area, a living area with a fireplace and doors to a terrace, and a second split-level living area that also opens to a terrace. The eat-in kitchen has royal blue cabinets and opens to a veranda for al fresco dining. Stairs descend to the first floor where the primary en suite bedroom opens to a large terrace. This level also has another bedroom, a gym, a linen room, a utility room and a garage, as well as access to the outdoor kitchen. The third floor has four en suite bedrooms. The villa is furnished and has air-conditioning. Outdoor space: The property, on slightly more than an acre, has a swimming pool, a barrel sauna and a covered outdoor kitchen and barbecue area. The indoor kitchen has a veranda for dining, and the primary bedroom has a large terrace. There are numerous terraces off the other bedrooms with views of the Aegean Sea. The property has a landscaped garden and garage parking. Costs: The annual property tax is about €1,216 ($1,375). Typical closing costs paid by the buyer on a home sale, which include transfer tax and fees for the notary, lawyer, engineer and real estate agency, are 8 to 10 percent of the purchase price. Contact: George Mouchsiadis | Grekodom Development | +30-697-250-4496
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Amid economic uncertainty, New Mexico's tourism businesses 'cautiously optimistic' for the summer season
May 18—Tammy Stevenson and her coworkers from Virginia were curiously examining shelves full of alebrijes — colorful Mexican folk art sculptures or figurines — at Oaxacan Zapotec Traditions in Old Town on Wednesday when shop worker Havana Gallegos explained, "They're like a spirit guide." "I'm trying to find the goofiest one," Stevenson, 54, said before telling Gallegos it was a conference that brought them to New Mexico. "We absolutely love it," Stevenson said. Stevenson is among millions of tourists who visit the state each year. Tania Armenta, CEO of Visit Albuquerque, said tourism is "a vital economic driver" for Albuquerque, contributing more than $2 billion and 45,000 jobs to the local economy. However, the organization and tourism-based small businesses across New Mexico are anticipating a slower summer season compared to years past — a development they attribute to increased competition across destination hotspots and economic uncertainty. According to recent hotel stay data from Visit Albuquerque, hotel occupancy for the first quarter of 2025, January through March, was down by 3% compared to the first quarter of 2024. Economic uncertainty was a theme in data presented in a recent National Small Business Association report, showing that nearly two-thirds of small businesses say it is the top challenge their business is facing. Periods of economic uncertainty have historically pushed consumers to spend less, though data and research in recent years show consumers are increasingly spending more, even as inflation continues and proposed tariffs under the Trump administration pose many unknowns. But while they're spending, consumers are being pickier with their purchases and aiming to get more bang for their buck. Such is the case for George Cook, owner of Old Town's Covered Wagon souvenir shop, and Nancy Ouimet, owner of Santa Fe's Canyon Road Contemporary Art gallery. The two say visitor numbers seem to be on track as this tourism season gets underway, but visitors are gripping their wallets a little tighter than usual. "I do notice that people are buying lower-priced products. They're not spending big amounts of money," said Cook, who owns numerous tourism-based businesses in Albuquerque, Clines Corners and Taos. "They're still buying goods, but they're watching their money a little closer." Ouimet, who has owned the Santa Fe gallery for 15 years, said she's seeing a similar trend. Some people are still buying art, but "nobody is actually making purchases that are larger than, say, $3,000," she said. With gallery pieces priced from $50 to $50,000, Ouimet said visitors are happy to talk about the art, but few are making luxury purchases. "Visiting numbers are on par with what we had last year, but sales are way down," Ouimet said. Jesse Herron and Mike Silva, co-owners of TourABQ, said they expect the uncertainty to have more prolonged effects for their business' tourist season, which spans April through October — particularly for international travelers. "People are not going to be coming to America to take tours if they don't feel welcome, and they don't," Silva said, referencing strong immigration stances under the Trump administration. "We've definitely seen that already, and it's going to continue throughout the rest of the year," Herron added. Herron's prediction aligns with recent data estimating that the United States may lose $12.5 billion in travel revenue in 2025. The data, released by the World Travel & Tourism Council, shows that visitor spending in the U.S. is estimated to fall to under $169 billion by the end of the year, a 7% drop from last year. TourABQ is the parent company of many local tourism-based businesses, including ABQ Trolley Co., Albucreepy Ghost Walk, Duke City Pedaler and ABQ in a Box. While international visitors account for roughly 10% of tours offered by TourABQ, Silva said their international customers usually spend more and leave reviews more often than domestic tourists do. "The best years we've ever had as a company have been when we've had huge international tourism numbers," Silva said. "... Even if they were 10% of our ridership, that's 10% that's now kind of gone." In order to fill seats that otherwise would have been filled by international riders, the owners have implemented a new business strategy for this season: reviving and boosting tours geared toward locals and domestic tourists. While the owners are "cautiously optimistic" about this season, Herron said, how long they've been successful in business gives them confidence heading into this tourism season. "We're just going to continue to do what we do, which is showcase the best of what Albuquerque has to offer ... and just hope that people are still anxious to get out and see this city," Herron said. Armenta said Visit Albuquerque and the state's tourism department have many resources and tools available for supporting tourism-based small businesses, adding that she encourages business owners involved in the visitor economy to plug into those offerings. "We know how important this industry is to our community and (our) focus (is) on resilience as we move through this year," Armenta said. Business owners say the state's tourism economy hinges on two important actions: shopping local and sharing the city's experiences with friends and family. "The best way to be reminded what an amazing community that we live in is to get out and about and to be a visitor in your own community," Armenta said.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Mega entertainment venue to open in northern town dubbed ‘the new Berlin' – with frozen margarita bar and beer hall
A NEW day-to-night entertainment venue is coming to Stockport this month, in a former bank with a frozen margarita bar and a beer hall. Called 'Underbank,' the venue is due to launch a soft opening across the bank holiday weekend from May 24 to May 25, before full opening on May 30. 2 The venue will be Stockport's first dedicated beer hall, with a sound system and will be spread over four floors. Owner Des O'Malley said: "The street parties, the car park raves, Foodie Friday — everyone's started saying Stockport's like the new Berlin", reports Manchester's Finest. On the ground floor, there will be pints served from many of Manchester 's top breweries including Pomona Island and Runaway. There will also be a Guinness tap and a frozen margarita bar, with flavours such as mango and coconut. Watermelon tequila hot shots will be available too. Eventually, the whole building will open as a multi-facility venue with a recording studio and event space in the basement and a rooftop terrace, planned to open next summer. It also happens to be the only venue in town with dual access from both the Overbank and Underbank, a quirk of the area's unusual topography. At roof level, the entrance will link guests directly to the growing Old Town market plaza. And the main bar downstairs will connect to the Underbank strip, home to a number of other entertainment venues. Underbank will also be the first place in Stockport to install a Void system — the high-end audio rig used at major festivals. Major US city's new Guinness Brewery offers bonus with pints for St. Patrick's Day and Instagram users will love it Over the opening weekend, a number of local DJs and artists will be performing at the venue. The venue will run a rotating kitchen residency too. Whilst the attraction is set to open in phases, parts will be open from May 24, with guests who follow their Instagram page about to get 50 per cent off their bill. The historic building used to be home to 'Walmsley', an 18th century furniture store but later fell into disrepair. A regional Bank HQ for Cheshire then filled the site. All of the launch parties are free to the public, however getting on the guestlist is recommended to guarantee entry. Britain's 30 best pub beer gardens revealed – is one located near you? Plus, inside the old tube station being converted into a Wetherspoons with original ticket hall. 2
Edinburgh Reporter
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Edinburgh Reporter
Sufficient number of nominees for new Old Town Community Council
At least eight valid nominations for community councillors have been received as new members of Old Town Community Council. In addition a Local Interest Group Representative has also put themselves forward for membership. The minimum number of elected representatives for a new version of the Old Town Community Council after the recent elections was six. Old Town Community Council was one of eight community councils which failed to reach the minimum number of nominations in the first round of elections. It would have collapsed if not for a second round of nominations organised by The City of Edinburgh Council, and nominations closed just last week. Cllr Finlay McFarlane who has been the Returning Officer for the Old Town Community Council Election is delighted. He said: 'I am over the moon that the oldest residential community in the city has rallied to save their Community Council. The Old Town Community Council is an incredibly important voice whose absence would have been a tragic consequence of the councils failure to listen and properly respond to city centre communities. 'Without their campaigning, we may have not secured controls over Short-Term Lets (STLs) from The Scottish Government – a policy already beginning to show green shoots of renewal in one of the most hollowed out areas of the city with residents reporting long-term neighbours returning to their stairs as STLs revert to residential use. 'To say the process for residents wanting to step forward as a community councillor was convoluted would be an understatement. The Crannie Community Hub has been an invaluable help to me in attempting to make the process as easy as possible and acting as a hub for co-ordinating efforts to resurrect the community council and I would like to extend my thanks to them for all their support. 'I look forward to calling the AGM of the new community council term and would encourage the wider community to engage with their work, as I will promise to do everything I can as a city councillor for the Old Town to help secure real change to improve the lives of residents living there.' Fellow Old Town councillor, Margaret Graham has called for a review of the community council election procedure, saying that she wants 'to give community councils more power and impact within the local community'. The Old Town is the centre of the Festival Fringe PHOTO Alan Simpson 7/8/2024 Like this: Like Related
