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Joan’s Favourite Shops
When on holiday, people might not be looking for ‘regular’ things
you can purchase at home. We like to look for items that are
particular to the area and have them as mementos when we return
home. We outline below a group of wonderful shops that you might
enjoy browsing as well as others that might be a necessity during
your holiday.
This is the third edition of the guide with updated information on
some of the previous shopping spots as well as our new finds! Hope
you enjoy and we always enjoy your feedback and favourites as well
that we add to each new addition.
1. Algoritam -- Books and more --
Placa 8 on Stradun near the clock tower on the Mt. Srd side, +385
(0)20 322 044, www.algoritam.hr
Great store with a variety of books, newspapers, maps,
tour books, games and PC related items. They carry a great
selection of English language items as well as other
languages. If they don’t have the item you are looking for,
be sure to ask at the desk to see if they have it in their
Zagreb store. They can deliver it relatively quickly to the
Dubrovnik store. Good service, very good selection.
2. Algebra
-- Books, masks, local arts -- midway down Stradun on the sea side, Placa 9, Dubrovnik
+385 (0) 20 323 217
Interesting Croatian made masks, local arts as well as books.
They have quite a selection of masks (remember they are
closely aligned with Venice through history which are famous
for their masks). If you are looking for local arts, they do have
a selection and worthwhile to stop in. If you are looking for a
great selection of English books, suggest you head to
Algoritam which is just a quick right turn out of this shop. This
is a shop worthwhile browsing.
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Joan’s Favourite Shops
3. AR – Atelier
There is a local artist that has 3 shops in the Dubrovnik area - one on the
Walls, one in the Old Town (Naljeskoviceva 4) and the third in Gruda in
Konavle Valley.
The Gruda store is where you will meet Antonia Ruskovic Radonic, the
artist. There are a variety of ceramics, original and numbered prints,
painted textiles and many more things. The Gruda store also a focus on
the retention of Konavle crafts such as local needlework and silk
production for the threadWww.antoniaruskovic.com, +385 (0)20 791 355
or mobile +385 (0)91 20 11 999. Gruda 49, 20215 Gruda Konavle.
4. Bacan Embroidery Souvenir Shop – Prijeko 6, +385 (0)20 321 121
This store is full of beautiful local needlepoint.
There are large and small pieces as well as
clothing demonstrations of the old craft of
needlework. Stop by to chat to the shop
owner and understand more about the craft
and quality of the items. Mr. Bacan said that
he receives guests from around the world as
the shop is written up in many guide books.
To find the store: from Ploce Gate, turn right
off Stadun right past the Sponsa Palace (near
the Clock Tower)- on the large street parallel
to Stradun.
Croatian Crystal –
From Chris’ early days here in Yugoslavia, he remembers wonderful Croatian crystal. This crystal is still cut
in Samobor near the capital, Zagreb. We went looking for some crystal items and found that we can order
from Samobor directly (Kristal Tuk – Mr. Tuk responds directly with fairly fast shipping – 1-2 days delivery)
or some items are available in the Hotel Excelsior gift shop (not the traditional hotel gift shop) on the level
with the coffee ‘shop’. This has a gorgeous view of Lokrum Island, the Adriatic, a terrace for coffee – but
also some gorgeous Croatian made items (glassware, crystal, jewellery, etc.). Not the traditional ‘souvenir’
items! There are also a few pieces at the airport. Well worthwhile looking at this fine crystal. We
purchased a lovely crystal Jug as well as a vase and some new wine glasses!
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5. Dubrovacka Kuca Art Studio (Dubrovnik House) – Sv. Dominika b.b.,
+385 (0)20 322 092, www.Dubrovacka-Kuca.com
After you pass the stone carving studio and Maria’s heading
towards Ploce Gate (leaving Old Town), you will see this
studio on the right. This studio has a variety of items
including delicious orange peel, small food gifts and many
Croatian locally made goods (lavender items, hand stitched
materials, original and print artwork, jewellery). This is a
very nicely restored shop with 3 levels of items. There is a
lot of art work - large and small - to enjoy. We have
enjoyed some of the art work so much that it found its
home in our Dubrovnik apartment!
6. Galerjia Artur (Artur Gallery)
This art gallery is a nice, small gallery off Stradun. Owned by Tea
Batinic (also owner of the Haberdashery), the artwork changes on a regular basis always displaying high
quality local and Croatian art. Always worthwhile to stop in to
see what the season or style of artwork Tea is displaying. In
addition, Tea has written a book that is illustrated by an
Italian artist, Osvaldo Cavandoli - and his Mr. Linea. Now
available in many languages – and she is planning to travel to
the US this fall to release it in the Seattle area (invited by the
Croatian community there!)
To find the Galerija, on Stradun about halfway down on the
sea side of the street, turn towards the Sea on Siroka and
walk until you pass Marin Drzic's house and Sveti Domino
Church on the left (the street narrows here). Continue just past the church and you will find the Gallery on
the right. If you make it to Domino's Restaurant, you have gone just a little too far.
7. Guliver -- Leather goods – handbags and shoes Not to be confused with the travel company, there is
a beautiful leather goods shop in the Old
Town just at the back of the Green Market
(Behind Pucic Palace on the Ploce end of
Stradun). This shop sits behind the market
and has a large selection of handmade
leather handbags, belts and shoes.
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Joan’s Favourite Shops
They have beautifully made Croatian leather transformed into many
types of goods. They also carry Italian leather as well so be sure to ask
which ones are made in Croatia. This year they are carrying many hats
and shawls as well. After shopping in many stores, I gave my vote for a
special bag I was looking for!
8. Korkula Shop of Arts & Crafts – Djordjiceva Street 6 (on the sea side of Stradun).
This shop just opened in
April 2012. They have nice
items in here – biscuits,
lavender items, pillow
covers and many more
things packed in this small,
nicely restored shop.
9. Maria – designer dresses, handbags, shoes and jewellery – Sv. Dominika bb, www.MariaDubrovnik.hr – exit Stadun under the clock tower and head towards Ploce Gate. You will find Maria’s on
the way.
Maybe looking for a special dress or designer clothes while on holiday? This shop has a store full of
designer labels including Italian labels, Stella McCartney and more. We find it fun to window shop. They
seem to change their displays almost every day and include some beautiful jewellery as well.
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9. Maria Outlet
In the Old Town of Dubrovnik, we have discovered a Maria's Outlet that has
some interesting items. It is at the corner of Cvijete Zuzoric and Ulice Marojice
Kaboge (the second street runs off Stradun).
11. Medusa - handmade memories of Croatia – Prijeko 18, +385 (0)20 322 004, info@medusa.hr,
www.medusa.hr one street up parallel to Stradun towards Mt. Srd and the fort on the hill.
When one says souvenir shops, my mind
thinks of ‘trinkets’ that arrive home and
maybe disappear soon after. This shop
has wonderful handmade items ranging
from beautiful silk screen scarves (we have
been known to buy these), olive oil,
brandies, sponges, small stone items.
They now have toys and goods that are
protected by UNESCO. Well worth a
couple of minutes to stop into the shop. While there, look in front of the store counter. There are two
glass windows in the floor over a stone cistern that was used for water retention in the Old Town in past
history. (The picture at the top of this document is taken on the street in front of Medusa.)
12. Peko Shoe Shop
On Stradun in the Old Town, there is a shoe shop across from
Cafe Festival near the Pile Gate. They carry a large range of shoes
and boots from globally recognized name brands to ones locally
made in the Balkan States. When I walked in this year to look at
a good pair of boots for winter Dubrovnik, the lady remembered
exactly what I had purchased there last year, had suggestions for
new shoes and boots and I was out the door (even though the
store was very busy with locals) in 15 minutes! Great service and
easy to find. Good prices too. Their summer shoes have arrived!
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Joan’s Favourite Shops
13. Pozamanterija (Haberdashery) Ulaho Slijepi
Located just a short distance parallel
to Stradun, this haberdashery is the
centre for all types of occasions. The
picture outside the store is dressed
for Sveti Vlaho (St. Blaise). It is then
transformed to Carnival, etc. during
the year. Inside you will find locally
crafted items, fabric, thread, hats, and
a variety of other items.
To find this fun shop (owner Tea Batinic that also owns Galerija Artur and is a great Old Town guide):
halfway down Stradun, turn right at the main street heading towards the Sea (Siroka). Turn left just before
Proto Restaurant. The Haberdashery is on the right. This year we have worked with the shop during
Carnival preparing Masks for the Town. Tea and her shop receive lots of
press coverage and we were on the radio and television. Carnival ends
in a masked ball every year. With the wonderful costumes that Tea
Batinic and her ladies designed and sewed for Chris and me, we won the
costume contest at the Ball! Always something new for the season
taking place here – or great if you need some thread, needles, material,
art, ribbons, buttons, etc….
14. Ronchi – since 1836, the oldest hatmaker in Croatia.
This 175-year-old shop was first opened by a
Milanese milliner and is now the
domain of Croatian designer
Marina Grabovac. Her beach
hats, cloches, and berets are
crafted by hand from straw and
cotton right in the shop; their
clean, elegant lines are a clear
nod to the shop's Italian past. I
stopped by to chat with Marina.
Great to talk with but wonderful
hats of all types to be custom
made to your size (summer, winter, sun hats of all types). Marina is located near Sv. Vlaho Church. The
picture above is Chris with his smart (new) hat from Ronchi!
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15. Sign (in Excelsior) (mentioned above in Croatian Crystal overview)
Located in the Excelsior Hotel right outside Ploce Gate, there is a
store with beautiful jewellery, crystal from Slovenia, coasters and
other items. These are all high end items. As it’s near their coffee
shop, drop in for a coffee on their patio, and browse through
these shops (three different locations on the same level as the
coffee shop. This is not the typical hotel shop!
16. Stone Carving Studio (Ivo Biocina Decorative Stone Masons Workshop) –
Trstenska 2, +385 (0)20 436 072
Immediately next to Maria’s shop (above) tucked in the corner below the
Dominican Church, there is a small stone carving studio. The stone carver works
on the buildings in the Old Town and has this shop that his wife runs. There are a
variety of smaller stone items that replicate the stone on the buildings in the Old
Town (gargoyles, crosses, statues).
17. Stradun (Art Shop) – Placa 15 close to Pile Gate on Stradun across from the Café Festival,
+385 (0)20 323 778
This shop is a two level art gallery with exclusive local and Croatian painters (both
prints and originals). There are some unique art pieces both in the painting and
framing. The top gallery is open if the owner is there (and he will personally
describe the pictures and artists to you). There is Croatian designer jewellery for
sale as well. They also have greeting cards with some of the artwork designs. -
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Atieler Hebib – Just Outside Ploce Gate near the Guste Mi Restaurant and Sanje and Rosie’s
Laundromat, there is a small shop that sells handmade, carved stone items. There is another one just as you
are entering Ploce Gate on the right written up later in this guide. These items are more modern, less
traditional Dubrovnik items. Beautifully done and nice if you can add one to the treasures you return home
with. We purchased a small replica of the stonework on the bridge between the Revelin and the Old Town
for our own home here. Although this was more traditional, they have other beautiful modern items too.
Markets
A. Green Market in Old Town – Ploce end of the Old Town behind Pucic Palace
This is an open air daily market with fruits, vegetables, flowers and small food gift items. You will see many
locals shopping here – and many cafes around the market to enjoy the view!
Gruz Market – New Harbour (This market to be opened again in the summer season, but closed in
winter/spring 2013 due to road and drain works in the area).
Taking the bus to the new Harbour is an experience. There is a large fish market right near the Harbour and
the EuroShop (across from the ships giving tourists a tour of the Bay). Every day there are fresh fruits,
vegetables and flowers available in the market.
From Ploce Gate, you can take the Number 8 Bus. From Pile Gate, the Numbers 8, 1A and 1B will easily
transport you to Gruz Harbour.
Other Shops of Interest
Florists: Looking for Flowers: You might want to purchase some flowers for your
apartment or to thank someone. We have shopped around for the local flower
shops and wanted to share with you:
 They sometimes have flowers in the Green Market in Old Town
 Gruz's outdoor market (you pass it on the bus by the New Harbour) on the
right side across the road with a large variety of flowers available.
 In Gruz (just before the Harbour and in front of Raiffesen Bank), there is a
flower 'kiosk' right in front of the Bank called Pat Rea at Vukovarska 17
(mobile: 098 312-002). (Pictured above)
 If walking from Old Town along the Sea front towards Gruz and Lapad, you will see a florist shop on
the right as you are crossing the bridge along the water in the Boninovo area. You will notice all the
love padlocks on the fence on the left – just above the waters crashing the coastline for centuries.
There is a three metre high fence where the padlocks are engraved with hearts and lovers’ initials
as a symbol of eternal love. This is close to the florist.
The market ones are more cut flowers in season. The two florist shops have a choice of flowers in and out
of season.
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B. Bonbonniere Kras - Zamanjina 2, Stradun, +385 (0)20 321 049 or +385 (0) 321 062
On Stradun, this shop carries delicious chocolates. The windows are always
tempting, but step inside and be tempted! This is on the main Old Town street on
the Mt. Srd side. The windows are always nicely decorated as well.
C. Pharmacy (Ljekarna) - On Stradun near Ploce Gate and the Clock Tower
Near the clock tower, there are two shops. The one on the side towards Mt. Srd (the mountain with the
fort, cable car and cross on the hill) provides regular over the counter medications. There is also one on the
far side. If these are closed, there is one in Gruz (the new town) open at Obala Pape Ivana Pavla II 9. Their
English is impeccable and will help you with the symptoms that you have. You won’t find over-the-counter
medications elsewhere. Although DM does have some vitamins, etc, we have not found the cold
medications and other similar items anywhere but a “Ljekarna”.
D. Kiosks for Bus Tickets – on the streets and in the Old Town Stradun)
This is the place to buy your bus tickets. The kiosks like Tisak have some food and drink items as well as
printed materials, but they tend to be in Croatian. You can also find the bus tickets right outside the Tourist
Office on Pile Gate. They are cheaper to buy them before you get on the bus, but you can buy them on the
bus as well (12 Kuna from the shops; 15 Kuna on the bus. The buses do give change.)
DM – the local corner store at Pile Gate.
This elegant, former palace building is the local shop to buy
cosmetics, paper goods, and related supplies. This is right across
from Pile Gate and carries quite a large selection. This is a German
based chain so carries many German brands as well.
E. Pekora Galeta Bakery – on Frana Supila:
This bakery has delicious baked goods (sweeties),
freshly baked breads and savoury pastries (some still hot from the oven). This bakery is open from
early until 9 pm daily.
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Groceries – Konzum, Tommy and Lidl (on the way to the airport)
These are the common grocery stores around Dubrovnik. You can find wine, soft drinks, fresh vegetables,
cheeses and bread at these stores.
Clothing and Other Items
Srd and EuroShop – in Gruz near the ferries.
They have some clothing and general household items.
At the end of the Harbour, there is another set of shops, Minceta, that also carry a variety of clothing
articles.
F.
Muski Frizerski Salon - Barbershop – Men, need a haircut while in Dubrovnik?
There is an
interesting shop just two streets back (parallel) to Stradun.
Muski, Chris’ barber shop in Dubrovnik old town, has cut hair of many famous
visitors to Dubrovnik over the years as his visitor’s book will testify. Like many
barbershops, this one is also a meeting place within the Old Town. We speak few
words of each other’s language but enjoy the experience every time. Now after a
couple of visits, we wave and exchange greetings as we pass each other in the Old
Town. It’s places like this that give Dubrovnik real character. Stop in sometime for
a haircut at Muski and to meet the large number of ‘opera’ birds!
Frizerski – Salon Cuperak a ‘beauty shop’ for men & women in Lapad on Dr. Vladka Maceka 100
One that was recommended to Joan – and has done a great haircut and colour! Ask for Barbara. This is her
shop (+385 (0)915 141 745 or locally 333-100).
On Cruise Ship days, look for the ladies with the needlework and cast
bronze statues and items displaying them around the town! You will find
many in the Old Harbour area and near the Maria shop on the stairs
leading to the church.
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