Nestled within the ancient walls of Old Town Dubrovnik, lies a hidden gem (as in, hidden in the cliffside) that beckons visitors from all corners of the world – Café Buža.
Amidst the maze of cobbled streets and age-old fortifications, this unique bar offers an unparalleled experience. As one of the most sought-after destinations within the Old City, Cafe Buža has earned its reputation as a must-stop spot for both locals and travelers alike, offering panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and providing a perfect vantage point to witness the magical tapestry of Dubrovnik’s past and present intertwining.
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How to Get to Buza Bar (Café Buža)
Now, imagine you’ve hiked hundreds of stairs through winding alleyways to the top of the city walls, and you find an inconspicuous open gate. Above it, a barely noticeable, wooden sign that reads, COLD DRINKS. (Very Alice in Wonderland.) Step through the gate and you’ve officially exited Old Town Dubrovnik… and ended up cliffside on its outer walls, high above the Adriatic.
This would actually be the entrance to Café Buza, also known as Buza Bar. “Buža” literally means “hole,” and this is by far the best hole-in-the-wall bar I’ve ever been to… in the world. Because Cafe Buza sits on such a steep landscape, its “floor plan” is several narrow switchbacks of tables and chairs down the mountainside.
At the base of the cafe is a small, flat rock formation, which is a premier cliff-diving location for adventurous local people. My #AdventurePartnerForLife, ever the thoughtful husband, timed this surprise visit perfectly, and we nabbed a table with a beautiful view just in time for sunset.
Be warned: it’s cash only, and the closest ATM is aaalll the way down the stairs near the entrance to the city. Yes, we did learn this the hard way. Well… Jeff did. I “held down the fort” while he trucked it down and back. God love him.
We had a pretty spectacular afternoon, and one of my all-time favorite travel memories.
Tips For Visiting Cafe Buza + What to Expect
Address: Crijevićeva ul. 9, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Website: www.buzabar.com
Phone: +385 98 361 934
It’s a cash-only establishment. It was I was there, at least, and recent Google reviews confirm.
Bring a towel and wear your swimsuit. And go midday for the best conditions for sunbathing, swimming, or cliff jumping in addition to beautiful views and cold drinks.
Arrive 2-3 hours early for sunset. Even then you may not be able to get a table, but don’t let that stop you. There are plenty of cliffside rocks and ledges to settle in on.
They serve non-alcoholic drinks, too. If overpriced beer and wine aren’t your thing, they do serve coffee and sodas.
Plan to eat before or after visiting Buza Bar. They do not serve food and have a very limited selection of snacks.
Cafe Buza FAQs
Can you swim at Buza Bar Dubrovnik? Yes, many visitors enjoy taking a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters below. There are ladders and steps that lead directly into the sea, making it an excellent spot for a swim or a relaxing dip in the water while enjoying the breathtaking views. Just remember to take necessary safety precautions and be mindful of the sea conditions before swimming.
Do you need a reservation? When I was there, Cafe Buza did not accept reservations for its seating areas. The bar operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is always beneficial to secure a good seat, especially during peak tourist seasons or busy times. However, that the policy may have changed, so check with them directly.
Are there two Buza Bars in Dubrovnik? Yes, there are two Buza Bars. This one is known as Buza Bar I and the new one is called Buza Bar II or Bard Mala Buza, on Google Maps, and they are within walking distance of each other. Both have unique cliffside locations, but each bar has its own charm and ambiance.
How high is the Buza Bar cliff jump? The cliff at Buza Bar is approximately 8 to 10 meters (26 to 33 feet) high. This height may vary slightly depending on the specific location and tidal conditions.
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