Croatia: Introduction: Cheat Sheet

The Balkan country has a rich and turbulent history and a spectacular coastline that’s been dubbed the next Riviera. Dubrovnik has justly been called the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”

Read our 5-day itinerary that combines Croatia and Montenegro

Also in this report: The city’s best hotels under Where to Stay, authentic restaurants under Where to Eat, sights not to miss under What to See & Do, a guide to the shopping scene under Where to Shop, and great insider suggestions and guides in Indagare Intelligence

INDAGARE TOP TEN FOR DUBROVNIK

SLEEP…in one of the seafront suites at the newly renovated Villa Dubrovnik

EXPERIENCE…the daily market in Gundulic Square from a table at the Café Royal

EAT…in the beachfront cave at Nevera at the Hotel Bellevue

SPLURGE…on a hiring a private boat for a visit to the Elaphite islands

DRINK…a strong coffee at Gradska Kavana at the foot of the main street of Stradun, or Placa

SAVOR…an unforgettable view and a cool lounge scene at Gil’s

VISIT…the Sponza Palace to see the exhibit on the city’s siege in 1991.

SEE…the botanical gardens on Lokrum island

SHOP…for special hand-made straw hats at Ronchi

KNOW…the city’s best guides who will bring the complex history to life