The Best Local Markets In Dubrovnik Croatia

For all its five-star hotels, Dubrovnik is still very much an old-school community, with no giant malls or hypermarkets. Markets still play a vital role in daily life, both in terms of shopping and general day-to-day social interaction. Here’s our pick of the best.

Gundulićeva poljana

Market

Right in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, behind the Church of St Blaise, the main market fills the enclosed square of Gundulićeva poljana six days a week. As well as being the busiest, this is the most varied of Dubrovnik’s markets, with organic honeys, jams, herbs, spices, oils and lavenders on many stalls, interspersed with heaps of tomatoes, peppers, apples, grapes and oranges. If you look hard enough (or ask!) you may also find home-made rakija spirit and wine.

Gundulićeva poljana, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Gundulićeva poljana | © Will Bakker/Flickr | Will Bakker/Flickr

Gruž market

Market, Contemporary

Gruž is as busy as Dubrovnik’s main market in the Old Town, only there are far fewer tourists here. It’s close to the main port and bus station, allowing vendors (and shoppers) to head over from the islands and the Dalmatian hinterland. Gruž market is very much focused on produce. Ladies of a certain age buy ingredients for soups and cakes, and–if they’re quick enough–fish for dinner. It’s worth having a look at the peasant farmers who stagger here from the Neretva Delta or Konavle, some in traditional dress.

Dubrovnik Christmas Market

Market

Advent in Zagreb has been a huge commercial success, but Dubrovnik’s far more modest version, the Dubrovnik Winter Festival, feels more homely. It’s smaller for a start, essentially a Christmas market with a tree set up on the main square of Loža, with occasional carol singers and a choral performance at the Church of St Blaise. It’s also significantly warmer – this is southern Europe, not Central, and you can sit outside in comfort by day.

Lapad market

Market

Lapad is the least known of Dubrovnik’s markets, set around a small square where Mata Vodopića meets Kralja Tomislava. Like Gruž, it’s very much a resource for locals, but given its proximity to the beach, it can provide ample supplies for a family day out. The fruit will be naturally organic, and you’ll find a baker’s shop alongside to grab some fresh bread to go with the tomatoes being sold.

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