Summary
Enchanting views, fascinating history, and unspoiled beaches are just some of the highlights Dubrovnik has to offer.
With its ideal location on the southern coast of Croatia and a beautifully preserved Old Town, Dubrovnik has been the site of many blockbusters like “Star Wars” and “Robin Hood,” as well as the HBO series Game of Thrones. While movies and shows played a significant role in putting Dubrovnik on the map, it has always had plenty of attributes for the perfect European getaway: idyllic beaches with crystal-clear water, fresh seafood, local wines, warm people, and an impressive Old Town. To top it all off, the international airport is only a 30-minute drive away, making Dubrovnik the perfect starting point for exploring Croatia.
Like most European destinations, the summer months are the peak season in Dubrovnik. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid June to August when it’s the hottest and most crowded. Instead, opt for the shoulder season — either May or early autumn around September and October — to escape the massive tourist crowds while still enjoying warm weather and available excursions. Moreover, don’t forget to explore the Dubrovnik Pass, providing access to top sights and free public transport throughout your time in this enchanting city.
While days can be spent fully exploring Dubrovnik, it’s possible to enjoy the city’s charms even if you have a shorter visit. Here is a three-day itinerary that covers a blend of beaches, historic sites, and local cuisine.
Day 1: Explore Old Town and Fine Dining
Begin the day with coffee and picturesque views at Gradska Kavana in the heart of the Old Town. Their raised terrace overlooks Stradum — the main pedestrian walkway connecting the two entrances of the city — and is ideal for people-watching.
Hire a local guide to learn the city’s enthralling history or stroll around independently. You’ll recognize many filming locations from Game of Thrones, such as the Walk of Shame staircase (Jesuit Steps) and the Red Keep (Fort Lovrjenac). Be sure to wander the charming narrow side streets and hike the steep stairways.
Don’t miss the Franciscan Church and Monastery, which houses one of the world’s oldest pharmacies. Right outside, a strange-looking gargoyle head protrudes from the wall across from Onofrio’s Fountain. Legend says that if you can stay balanced on the head, you’ll be lucky in love.
After your morning exploration, take the Dubrovnik Cable Car up to the peak of Mount Srd for lunch at Panorama Restaurant & Bar. As the name suggests, they offer the best aerial views of the Old Town, Lokrum Island, and the Elaphiti Islands in the distance. Enjoy cocktails and a delightful array of Mediterranean meat and fish dishes. For the descent, choose the cable car, opt for a scenic hike, or if you’re feeling adventurous, zip line your way down.
Finish the day with a spectacular view at one of the city’s most elegant fine-dining restaurants. Located just outside Pile Gate, Nautika overlooks the sea and the fortresses of Lovrijenac and Bokar. Menu highlights include a trio of seafood delicacies, lamb Dalmatian-style, and an extensive Croatian wine list. (Tip: request a terrace table when making your reservation.)
Day 2: Discover History and Relax on the Beach
Start your day by heading to the City Walls, an unforgettable experience that allows you to view the city from a new perspective. Enter at Ploče Gate and arrive just before opening to beat the crowds. As you walk the 1.2-mile path, breathtaking views of both the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea await. Make sure to climb up the highest point of the walls at Minceta Tower to truly appreciate the narrow maze of terracotta roofs. Exit at the Maritime Museum and grab coffee at Cogito, a local favorite known for the best specialty coffee in town.
Spend the remainder of the morning at the Cultural History Museum, a 15th-century Gothic-Renaissance palace, to learn about the city’s tumultuous past. For lunch, head to Barba, which offers modern street food. Their mixed platter is a must-try, including octopus burger, tempura prawns, fried calamari, oysters, and octopus salad.
In the afternoon, you have various options: relax at Banje Beach for a delightful swim with exceptional views of Old Town, embark on a guided sea kayaking adventure around the City Walls, or catch a 15-minute ferry to Lokrum Island. The latter is an uninhabited nature reserve featuring a Benedictine monastery, a beautiful botanical garden, wild peacocks, and several swimming spots.
For dinner, head to Azur Dubrovnik for a unique take on local cuisine – “Mediterranean with an Asian twist,” featuring dishes like seafood laksa, K-Pop chicken sliders, and garlic prawns. Alternatively, consider Victoria Restaurant at Villa Orsula, where local ingredients meet Peruvian flair, such as grilled octopus with Peruvian spices, spring potatoes, garlic aioli, and anticucho sauce, enjoyed beneath a grapevine-covered terrace by the sea.
Day 3: Island Hopping Adventures
Spend your final day touring the Elaphiti Islands with Rewind Dubrovnik. Their private and customizable trips allow you to explore a breathtaking archipelago full of hidden coves, historic harbor towns, and sandy beaches at your own pace. (Pro-tip: start early to enjoy popular spots like the Blue Cave all to yourself!) Make sure to include a local wine and olive tasting at a family winery on Šipan Island.
After returning to the port, continue your adventure at the most popular cliffside bar in town: Buza Bar. To access it, walk through an unmarked door in the city wall and find yourself on the edge of a cliff. Enjoy a drink while soaking in the stunning sunset views over the Adriatic Sea and Lokrum Island. An alternative option for a beachside bar is Beach Bar Dodo, located beneath Fort Lovrjenac, which offers a local vibe and picturesque views.
Conclude your evening at D’vino Wine Bar for a drink before soaking in the gorgeous sunset on the outdoor terrace at Lady Pi-Pi, renowned for its Croatian cuisine. Be sure to order the octopus salad and grilled fish for your final seafood feast in Dubrovnik. (Reservations are not accepted here, so be prepared for a wait during peak dinner hours.) If you’re not quite ready to end your night, grab some gelato — the carob and fig flavor is highly recommended — from Peppino’s Artisan Gelato and enjoy it on the Jesuit Stairs.
