How many days is enough for Dubrovnik?
While, in our opinion, Dubrovnik deserves a week to explore (like we did on our last visit), spending three or five days in Dubrovnik is perfect. This way, you can see more than just the Old Town, take a day trip or two, and explore the beautiful area in which Dubrovnik is located.
In this article, we’re sharing our carefully planned Dubrovnik itinerary so you can have the best time each day and see the absolute best things, whether you’re staying 3, 4, or 5 days (or longer).
- 3 days Dubrovnik Itinerary: highlights in and around Dubrovnik
- 4 days Dubrovnik Itinerary: ideal for island-hopping
- 5 days Dubrovnik Itinerary: perfect time to do everything (highlights, day trips, and relaxing)
If you’re really strapped for time, read our One Day in Dubrovnik Itinerary so you can see the highlights without missing out on anything that makes it so unique.
And if you’re looking to see Dubrovnik on a budget, take a peek at our Budget Guide to Dubrovnik for more info.
Dubrovnik Itinerary for First Timers
Day 1: Dubrovnik Old Town, City Walls, and Fortifications
The best way to kickstart your first day in Dubrovnik is by walking along the iconic Dubrovnik City Walls.
As the morning sun gently rises over the terracotta rooftops, casting a golden glow over the ancient stone structures, you’ll be treated to some of the best views of Dubrovnik.
City Walls
However, visiting the Dubrovnik City Walls is not just a walk but the best possible way to see the Old Town and its surrounding area. It’s the best vantage point with countless fantastic viewpoints!
Since there are no information signs along the walls, the City Walls Walking Tour is the best way to gain more insight into the significance and history of this fascinating UNESCO site.
Optimizing your time: If you check in to Dubrovnik on Day 1, you can also visit the City Walls in the afternoon (the second best time after morning) and follow the rest of the itinerary as-is.
A must-visit spot along the City Walls is definitely Minčeta Tower, which is your last stop if you enter at the Pile Gate. Read more about the best entrances, photo spots, and other practical travel tips in our City Walls Guide.
If you visit only one ticketed attraction in Dubrovnik, let it be the City Walls! Read our Dubrovnik Pass Review to learn how to save money on tickets in Dubrovnik.
Old Town
After about two hours at the Old City Walls, it’s time to walk the historic streets of Dubrovnik Old Town and see why Dubrovnik was worth protecting with these fortifications and why it was the perfect spot for so many Game of Thrones filming locations.
As you stroll through the ancient streets, imagining being back in time is easy.
- To have a guided experience in Dubrovnik’s charming Old Town, we recommend this classic Old Town Walking Tour, which explores its attractions and history.
The main street, called Stradun, is lined with charming shops and cafes. But while picturesque, it’s not where the magic lies. Turn into one of the side streets, and you will find cute corners and beautiful architecture, which Dubrovnik is known for.
We recommend stopping by Rector’s Palace to learn more about Dubrovnik’s fascinating past and get an inside look at one of the buildings. If you’re planning to enter and pay the ticket for just one building, let that be it.
Fort Lovrijenac
Once you’re done inside the Old Town, walk through the impressive Pile Gate to reach the West Harbor and Fort Lovrijenac (known as Red Keep from the Game of Thrones series).
The ticket to the City Walls also includes Fort Lovrijenac, and the views from the fort are stunning! It’s a must-visit for a different perspective of the Old Town.
By the time you’re done, it’s time for lunch. If you’re looking for a quick and cheap bite, drop by the nearby Sandwich Bar Pile (fresh, cheap eats – sandwiches & salads).
Back in the Old Town, you can visit the Forty Four Restaurant for traditional regional and Croatian food (fine dining) or Soul Kitchen (international, vegetarian & vegan-friendly) for a mid-range meal.
Banje Beach
In the afternoon, walk to the nearby Banje Beach for a swim (if you’re in the warm part of the year). If you’re not up for a swim, you can get some lovely photos at Banje Beach, which has one of the best views of the Old Town and its marina.
- Must-read: Best Time To Visit Dubrovnik and Best Dubrovnik Beaches
On your way to or back from Banje Beach, you can walk through Ploče Gate, our favorite.
Sunset Cruise
To finish off the first day of this Dubrovnik Itinerary, we highly recommend a sunset cruise. You can get stunning views of the City Walls and nearby island while enjoying some sparkling wine.
There are many boats and trips, but the most famous and cool one is the Sunset Cruise by Karaka, a fascinating-looking 16th-century wooden boat.
Other good options include the Sunset Cruise and Cocktail Experience and, for couples and families, the Sunset Sip & Sail Private Cruise (with unlimited Prosecco).
Game of Thrones Fan? Daenerys Targaryen sailed the Karaka boat in Game of Thrones Season 6, Episode 10.
You can join the Game of Thrones Combo Tour, which includes the GOT Walking Tour of the Old Town and the sunset cruise aboard Karaka.
Old Town at night
As the sun sets over this gem of the Adriatic, the lights illuminate the old buildings, and a new world comes alive. We loved walking around the Old Town after sunset!
If you like wine, definitely check out D’vino Wine Bar, a go-to spot for wine lovers in Dubrovnik. Unwind with a glass of fine wine and delicious local delicacies like their beloved meat or cheese platter.
Good to know: Seating at D’vino Wine Bar is limited, so we recommend reserving a spot during peak season (especially in the evening).
Day 2: Kayaking, Beaches, Lokrum Island, Mount Srđ
On day two of our Dubrovnik Itinerary, we recommend starting your morning with one of the most popular and fun activities – sea kayaking.
- Not a fan of kayaking?
Find the best activities you can do instead further down in the article, or visit one of the Dubrovnik Museums, like the Red History Museum.
Sea Kayaking
If you’re looking for an adventurous way to explore Dubrovnik, a sea kayaking tour is a great activity to experience Dubrovnik’s natural beauty and charm from another perspective.
Paddling under the city walls will give you a sense of just how massive they are. And kayaking further away will allow you to reach cliffs, charming coves, and beaches (Sveti Jakov Beach is a favorite).
Lokrum Island
If you’re feeling like you want to cross off one more thing to do near Dubrovnik’s Old Town, you can hop on a 15-minute ferry ride to Lokrum Island – the ride costs 26 EUR and includes the entrance fee to the island.
This is the island you see from the city walls and marina.
It has lush greenery, free-roaming peacocks, and a beautiful coastline, where you can find a few relaxing swimming spots, including the Dead Sea (a cool swimming hole). Plus, there is an 11th-century Benedictine Monastery and walking paths.
At the Lokrum Visitor Center, you can also take photos while sitting on the original Iron Throne from the Game of Thrones Series. Lokrum Island served as the filming location for “Qarth”, so it’s now one of the famous Game of Thrones filming locations.
For more adventure, you can also kayak around Lokrum Island on a Lokrum Kayaking Tour – though it can be quite a physical activity, as you cover a lot of distance.
Beach time
We recommend spending the rest of the day at the beach, and the absolute best option is Sveti Jakov Beach.
Sveti Jakov Beach is a mix of pebbles and rocks, which is ideal if you appreciate a more natural beach setting. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, and the surrounding cliffs provide a picturesque backdrop.
You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for about 15 EUR per day.
- Read more in our Best Dubrovnik Beaches guide.
Mount Srđ
In the late afternoon, take the cable car or hike up Mount Srđ for the best sunset views of Dubrovnik.
- Must-read: Dubrovnik’s Best Photo Spots
The return ticket for the cable car costs 27 EUR, so it’s not the most affordable thing to do.
However, if you want to save money and do some activity, you can also hike up Mount Srđ for 1 hour on the Way of the Cross trail.
Looking for an even better way to watch the sunset above Dubrovnik? Reserve a spot at Panorama Restaurant & Bar and enjoy a dinner there with fabulous views.
At Mount Srđ, you can also do the famous bike zipline (Sky Bike).
Day 3: Island Hopping
While there are plenty of things to do in Dubrovnik alone, an island-hopping boat trip is something you shouldn’t miss if you have extra time and want to also see some places in the area.
Elafiti (Elaphite Islands)
A great island-hopping day trip from Dubrovnik is to Elafiti, located just northwest of Dubrovnik. It’s a small archipelago with three main islands worth visiting.
Koločep is the closest island, with a pristine coastline, seafood restaurants, old buildings, and the popular Blue Cave.
Lopud is the most developed island in the Elafiti archipelago, with bars and restaurants along the promenade, ancient ruins, and the famous sandy beach Šunj.
Šipan, the last and largest of the three, has gentle waters, olive trees, and pebble beaches. It also holds the Guinness World Record for having the most olive trees per square meter.
The most effortless way to see all three islands is the Elafiti island-hopping tour, and if you’re feeling adventurous in the summer, you can join a Kayak & Bike tour.
You can also ride the ferry from Gruž for 5 EUR. However, due to infrequent ferry times (and seasonality), a tour makes more sense if you want to see more than just one of the Elaphite islands.
Find the latest timetables for Lopud and Koločep on Jadrolinija and the ferry to Šipan on Omio.
You can also stay overnight in Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan if you want more time.
- Koločep: Kalamota Beach House – TUI BLUE All-Inclusive
- Lopud: Boutique Hotel Tomić – Lafodia Resort & Wellness
- Šipan: Hotel Bozica – Lela Studio Apartments and Rooms
Mljet National Park
Another excellent island worth visiting is Green Island (Mljet), which is full of dense forests and is known as one of the most beautiful Croatian islands.
We highly recommend booking a tour like the Mljet National Park & 3 Islands Tour. It also includes visits to Šipan and Koločep of Elaphiti Islands. It’s the best combo tour of this Dubrovnik Itinerary.
Of course, you can also visit the island by yourself. Check Croatia ferry timetables
Day 4: Montenegro Day Trip or Bosnia Day Trip
Having more time to spend in Dubrovnik means day four of this Dubrovnik itinerary is all about choosing which neighboring country you want to visit. And you can easily do that since Dubrovnik is located at the far southern end of Croatia.
You have two options:
- Montenegro and its rival fortified town of Kotor, just south of Dubrovnik.
- The southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with its famous Kravica Waterfall, Mostar, and its historic bridge.
Montenegro Day Trip
During your day trip to Montenegro, stop by the picture-perfect town of Perast, soak up the sparkling blue waters of Kotor Bay, and visit the famous man-made island “Our Lady of the Rocks”.
Then there’s Kotor, a UNESCO coastal town in Montenegro with a rich history, medieval walls and buildings, beautiful streets, museums, and beaches. Plus, you can climb high above the town for the best views at the abandoned Kotor Fortress.
You can visit Montenegro on a day trip from Dubrovnik by renting a car. However, if that’s not an option for you, we recommend a day tour with a boat cruise.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Day Trip
You can reach some cool spots in Bosnia and Herzegovina in just two hours from the Old Town.
Kravica Waterfall is the usual first stop, where you can cool off in the refreshing pool underneath the waterfall.
Then, you can drive to the lovely town of Mostar to visit the iconic UNESCO-listed Old Bridge, scenic rivers, monuments, and restaurants with traditional Bosnian dishes.
The easiest way to visit Bosnia from Dubrovnik is a small group tour to Mostar and the Kravica Waterfall.
However, personally, we recommend renting a car in Dubrovnik and driving up to Bosnia. This way, you can spend more time at the waterfall and have more flexibility regarding when you want to start or finish the day.
You can also visit Mostar by bus, but in that case, you must spend the night in Mostar (check this cozy apartment near the bus station). The bus from Dubrovnik only goes in the afternoon, and there is no late bus back from Mostar.
Day 5: Outdoor Activities and the Outskirts of Dubrovnik
The final day of our 5 day Dubrovnik Itinerary is all about having fun or visiting extra attractions on the outskirts of Dubrovnik.
Outskirts of Dubrovnik
- Cavtat – charming area with less crowds, waterfront promenade, pebble and rocky beaches
- Sokol Grad (Sokol Fortress) – a more off-the-beaten-path attraction
- Pasjača Beach – stunning beach beneath a cliff
- Konavle County Museum – a quiet rural museum showcasing national dress, textile handcrafts, jewellery, musical instruments, and artistic paintings
LOCAL TIP
The outskirts of Dubrovnik, especially Cavtat and the neighboring villages, are the best alternative places to stay while visiting. Find out more in our Where to Stay in Dubrovnik guide.
Pelješac Peninsula
You can visit family-operated wineries at Pelješac Peninsula, a favorite for wine lovers, to taste and learn about the wine’s history, production techniques, and exceptional characteristics.
Located just one hour’s drive north, this area is famous for its award-winning red wine production, particularly of Plavac Mali and Dingač, with many wineries spread across the large peninsula.
- Best organized trips: Wine Lover’s Tour (three wineries in one day) and this private tour
Another great option is the full-day wine and food tour, which includes a wine-tasting and food tour in a winery and Ston, known for its 5.5-kilometer wall (the longest in Europe), the Ston saltworks, and oyster farms.
LOCAL TIP
Just off the coast of Pelješac is Korčula, a stunning island and the assumed birthplace of Marco Polo.
You can catch a ferry to Korčula (from Dubrovnik or Orebić port on Pelješac) or book the Korčula & Pelješac combo tour.
Fun activities
Below is our list of the absolute best activities in Dubrovnik worth doing on the last day.
| Sea Kayaking Tour |
| Simple but scenic zipline at Mount Srđ above Dubrovnik or 900-meter “Superman” zipline adventure just 4km south of the city. |
| An Off-road Buggy experience at Mount Srđ, ATV Quad Safari for some muddy riding through forests and rivers of the Konavle, and a sightseeing Countryside and Arboretum ATV Tour (with brunch). |
| The top-rated Jet Ski Adventure with transport to Zaton – the best starting point for jet ski rides to nearby islands. |
| Horseback Riding in Konavle with transport from the city, wine, and snacks – adjusted to each rider’s experience. |
| A Dubrovnik Cooking Class exploring the secrets of the popular Dalmatian cuisine in the beautiful Croatian countryside with a local family. |
Where to stay in Dubrovnik
We highly recommend reading our Where to Stay in Dubrovnik guide to find the best area and hotel within your budget.
Our hand-picked top-rated hotels in Dubrovnik’s Old Town:
- Budget: Kingslanding Old Town Hostel – Sweetest Thing Apartment
- Mid-range: Apartment Matić – Villa Four Winds
- Luxury: Villa 5db – Dominus Little Palace
Where to eat in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik has many delicious food options, from fresh seafood dishes and grilled meats to flavorful vegetarian and vegan dishes.
- Fine dining:
- Nautika (refined style of Mediterranean cuisine)
- Forty Four Restaurant (traditional regional and Croatian)
- Ezza (Steak & Cocktail Bar)
- Mid-range:
- Taj Mahal (Bosnian cuisine)
- Gradska Kavana Arsenal (Mediterranean)
- Soul Kitchen (international, vegetarian & vegan friendly)
- Street food:
- Burger Tiger (“the” burger spot)
- Vege Dub (vegetarian and vegan)
- Sandwich Bar Pile (fresh cheap eats, sandwich & salad)
Final thoughts and tips
Dubrovnik definitely deserves more than just one day, so if you have the time to make it a 3 to 5 day visit, you won’t regret it. We had a blast on our last week-long visit.
As a final tip, if you’re visiting in the summer and want more time at the sea, we recommend the 4-Night Sailing Trip. It includes visits to Koločep and Šipan on the Elaphite Islands, Mljet, and the Pelješac Peninsula – a great mix of sailing and sightseeing activities.
Thank you for reading our Dubrovnik itinerary. We hope we helped you plan your trip! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below 🥰 And make sure to read our other Dubrovnik & Croatia guides.
Continue reading
- Dubrovnik Travel Guide (things to do)
- One Day Dubrovnik Itinerary (24 hours trip)
- Free Things To Do in Dubrovnik
- Travel to Dubrovnik on a Budget
- Guide to Dubrovnik Old Town
- Best Beaches in Dubrovnik
- Best Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik Pass Review (must-have for saving money)
- Where to stay in Dubrovnik (best areas & hotels)
- Best Dubrovnik Bars & Beach Clubs
