Spending just one day in Dubrovnik
While it’s one of the best places to visit in Croatia, not everyone can give Dubrovnik more than a day. And we completely understand that!
For that reason, we created an ideal 1 Day in Dubrovnik itinerary, which will give you a great idea of maximizing your time in Dubrovnik and creating lasting memories in this gem of the Adriatic.
Please note that with this one-day Dubrovnik Itinerary, we assume you spend two nights in the city to explore Dubrovnik for one whole day.
How to get around Dubrovnik
Most of the exploring in Dubrovnik in this one day will be on foot.
However, to get into the Old Town, where most attractions are, we recommend taking a bus (outside the season) or a taxi in the season.
Not sure where to stay in Dubrovnik? Read our detailed Dubrovnik Hotel Guide (for all budgets) for the best options in the Old Town (and outside of it).
Customizing this itinerary
To customize this 1 day in Dubrovnik itinerary, we recommend only doing so for the afternoon part and sticking to the morning part as we planned it.
There are a ton of things to do in Dubrovnik. However, on this itinerary, we primarily focus on the highlights that truly give you a good insight into Dubrovnik. For a more detailed overview of what more you can see and do, read our Dubrovnik Travel Guide.
Now, let’s dive into how to best spend a day in Dubrovnik!
Detailed Dubrovnik 1-Day Itinerary
Early Morning: Enjoy a scenic walk on City Walls
Rise and shine, it’s Dubrovnik time!
The best way to kickstart your day in Dubrovnik is by walking along the iconic 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!
TRAVEL TIP
It’s worth being an early bird coming to the City Walls right at opening to enjoy it without the crowds.
If you visit only one ticketed attraction in Dubrovnik, let it be the City Walls! Travel tip: Read our Dubrovnik Pass Review and learn how to save money on tickets in Dubrovnik.
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.
On the southern part of the walls overlooking the marina and Lokrum Island, you will feel the cool morning breeze as you take in views of centuries of history, culture, and architecture.
Mid-Morning: Walk along ancient streets of 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 the perfect filming location for Game of Thrones.
As you stroll through the ancient streets, imagining being back in time is easy. Of course, you still need some imagination, but Dubrovnik Old Town is one of the only places in the world where this is possible.
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.
To learn more about Dubrovnik’s fascinating past and get an inside look into one of the buildings, we recommend stopping by Rector’s Palace. If you’re planning to enter and pay the ticket for just one building, let that be it.
For Game of Thrones fans, venture just outside the Old City walls to see Pile Gate (King’s Landing entrance) and walk to Fort Lovrijenac (Red Keep).
The ticket to City Walls, which you visit first thing in the morning, also includes Fort Lovrijenac, a fantastic place to get a different perspective of Old Town. The views from the fort are stunning.
Lunchtime: Eat delicious local food in a beautiful setting
Now that it’s time for lunch, we recommend one of the excellent restaurants in Dubrovnik Old Town. You’ve got plenty of delicious choices, from fresh seafood dishes and grilled meats to flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meals and vegetarian and vegan options.
- 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)
Afternoon: Unwind at Banje Beach or explore Lokrum Island
Looking to unwind and soak up the sun during your afternoon in Dubrovnik? Banje Beach is one of the best beaches in Dubrovnik and a perfect spot for some relaxation.
Located just outside the Old City with a beautiful view of the marina, Banje Beach is perfect for lounging on a beach chair with a refreshing cocktail or simply swimming in crystal-clear water.
- Also read: Dubrovnik Budget Guide
If you’re feeling like you want to cross off one more thing to do in Dubrovnik, you can hop on a boat to Lokrum Island. It’s just a short ride away (you can see it from the city walls and marina) and offers lush greenery, free-roaming peacocks, and a beautiful coastline.
You can walk along its botanical garden or find one of the swimming spots and relax there. Plus, you can sit on the original Iron Throne from Game of Thrones.
Late afternoon: Watch the sunset from Mount Srđ
To get the best views of Dubrovnik for sunset, visit Mount Srđ.
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.
- Also read: Free Things To Do in Dubrovnik
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.
- Also read: Best Dubrovnik Bars and Beach Clubs
Nighttime: Enjoy the night in Dubrovnik
As the sun sets over this gem of the Adriatic, a whole new world comes alive. The streets bustling with tourists during the day transform into lively hubs of music, laughter, and celebration.
Dubrovnik’s nightlife offers something for everyone – from cozy bars serving local wines to energetic clubs pulsating with beats that will keep you dancing until dawn.
For a quieter experience, a leisurely stroll underneath the starlit sky is pure magic. The ancient walls of Dubrovnik glow softly in the moonlight, casting a romantic ambiance over the city.
Final thoughts on spending just one day in Dubrovnik
While we absolutely recommend spending more than just one day in Dubrovnik (on our last visit, we spent a week there), we get it if you can’t.
It is definitely Croatia’s most expensive destination, and you require a bit more money to spend more time there and do more things.
However, hopefully, with our itinerary, you will see the best of Dubrovnik in just one full day without missing out on anything that makes it unique.
Have a great time exploring Dubrovnik!
Continue reading
- Dubrovnik Travel Guide (things to do)
- Guide to Dubrovnik Old Town
- Best Beaches in Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik Pass Review (must-have for saving money)
- Where to stay in Dubrovnik (best areas & hotels)
- Best Dubrovnik Bars & Beach Clubs