DIYP: Where is your favourite place to drink coffee or go out at night?
Simona: I like to go for drinks along the water. During the day, especially at sunset, I suggest having a cocktail at the cave bar ‘More’ in Uvala Lapad (make sure to check out the cave!) If you are in the Old Town, then I would recommend ‘Buza’ Bar. If you would like to try the delicious local wines, then ‘D’Vino' wine bar is the place to go.

DIYP: Where is your favourite place to relax in Dubrovnik?
Simona: During the summer season when Dubrovnik gets busy, I like to escape from the crowds by taking a short boat ride to the island of Lokrum… Pack yourself a little picnic and you are sure to find a secluded place where you can just relax and take in the beauty. Saint Jacob’s beach is also lovely, has a great view… but a few too many stairs for some… for me it is worth it.

DIYP: What is the best way to discover the city? Which activities do you recommend?
Simona: Dubrovnik is quite small… walk around the walls and side streets of the Old Town, take the cable car up to the top of the mountain for a breathtaking view of Dubrovnik at sunset, take a taxi to Lapad, and catch a taxi boat to see the small islands surrounding Dubrovnik. Kayaking around Dubrovnik seems like it would be a lovely way to see the walls of the city, but I haven’t done it yet, so I can’t really recommend it.

DIYP: Where is the most ideal place to shop? What do you recommend as a souvenir from Dubrovnik?
Simona: The best place to shop for the ladies is definitely ‘Dubrovnik Treasures.’ For those who love jewelry, we surely have something for you. Jewelry is a great souvenir because it’s small, light and therefore easy to pack. It is something that you will wear and it won’t just sit on the
shelf collecting dust. As a souvenir, I recommend buying a piece of jewelry with the ‘Dubrovnik button’ (known as the ‘Puca’) which we implement in many of our designs. It is a traditional filigree ball which was previously used as buttons on the national dress. You could also choose a piece with the authentic local Adriatic coral. The Konavle loop earrings, known as “ Verizice’ are also a nice memento. Women would pass these earrings down from generation to generation. In our boutique you can also find more modern, unique designs all of which are handmade by local artists (including myself)! For the guys, I would suggest taking home a Croata tie, or a bottle of local wine.

DIYP: Which of the local specialties do you recommend as a "must-try" for visitors?
Simona: I think that all visitors should definitely try the oysters at 'Bota Sare.’ These oysters are from Mali Ston and are known to be amongst the best in the world! If you have a sweet tooth, try the Dubrovnik ‘Rozata’.