Dubrovnik is a city of stunning beauty located on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. Known as the «Pearl of the Adriatic,» this ancient city is steeped in history and surrounded by a fortified wall that has been standing since the Middle Ages. Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for travelers to Croatia. With so much to see and do, it can be challenging to plan your itinerary for a short trip. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you discover the best of Dubrovnik in just three days.
Day One: Exploring the Old Town
On your first day in Dubrovnik, you should focus on exploring the Old Town. The walled city is full of stunning architecture, narrow streets, and hidden alleys that are just begging to be explored. Here are some of the must-see sights in the Old Town:
What to See in Dubrovnik’s Old Town
- Stradun – the city’s main street that stretches from Pile Gate to the Old Harbor
- Rector’s Palace – a Gothic-Renaissance palace that served as the seat of government during the Republic of Ragusa
- City Walls – walk along the walls for stunning views of the city and the sea
- Onofrio’s Fountain – a large circular fountain built in the 15th century that supplied the city with water
- Franciscan Monastery – a stunning complex that includes a church, a library, and a pharmacy
Route to Follow in the Old Town
To make the most of your day in the Old Town, we recommend following this route:
- Start at Pile Gate and walk down Stradun
- Visit the Rector’s Palace and the nearby Museum of Dubrovnik
- Walk to the Old Harbor and take in the views of the sea
- Visit the City Walls and walk along the top for stunning views of the city and the sea
- Visit Onofrio’s Fountain and continue to the Franciscan Monastery
- End your day with a walk around the Old Town and dinner at one of the many restaurants
Where to Sleep in Dubrovnik’s Old Town
Staying in the Old Town is an excellent option for those who want to immerse themselves in the city’s history and culture. There are several hotels and apartments available in the Old Town, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations. We recommend booking your stay in advance, as the Old Town can get busy during peak tourist season.
Where to Eat in Dubrovnik’s Old Town
Dubrovnik is known for its delicious seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. There are plenty of restaurants in the Old Town to choose from, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. Some of our top picks include:
- Proto – a fine dining restaurant that serves Mediterranean and Croatian cuisine
- Kamenice – a casual seafood restaurant that has been serving customers for over 40 years
- Bota Šare – a seafood restaurant that focuses on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients
Day Two: Island Hopping
On your second day in Dubrovnik, we recommend taking a break from the city and exploring the nearby islands. There are several islands off the coast of Dubrovnik that are easily accessible by boat. Here are some of the must-visit islands:
What to See on Dubrovnik’s Islands
- Lokrum Island – a nature reserve that is home to a botanical garden, a monastery, and several swimming spots
- Mljet Island – a national park that is known for its stunning scenery and hiking trails
- Korcula Island – a historic island that is known for its beautiful beaches and medieval architecture
Route to Follow for Island Hopping
To make the most of your day of island hopping, we recommend following this route:
- Start your day by taking a boat to Lokrum Island
- Explore the island’s botanical garden, monastery, and swimming spots
- Take a boat to Mljet Island and hike through the national park
- Take a boat to Korcula Island and explore the town’s medieval architecture and beautiful beaches
- End your day by taking a boat back to Dubrovnik
Where to Sleep on Dubrovnik’s Islands
If you want to spend more time exploring the islands, there are several accommodations available, ranging from guesthouses to luxury hotels. We recommend staying on Mljet Island, as it offers the most opportunities for outdoor activities and stunning scenery.
Where to Eat on Dubrovnik’s Islands
Each island has its own unique cuisine, and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. We recommend trying local seafood and traditional Croatian dishes. Some of our top picks include:
- Konoba Škojera – a seafood restaurant on Korcula Island that offers stunning views of the sea
- Konoba Polače – a restaurant on Mljet Island that serves traditional Croatian cuisine
- Restaurant Botanical Garden – a restaurant on Lokrum Island that offers organic and locally sourced ingredients
Day Three: Free Tours and Museums
On your final day in Dubrovnik, we recommend taking advantage of the free tours and museums that the city has to offer. Here are some of the must-see sights:
Free Tours in Dubrovnik
There are several free walking tours available in Dubrovnik that offer an excellent introduction to the city’s history and culture. Some of the most popular free tours include:
- Old Town Walking Tour – a tour that explores the city’s historic Old Town
- Game of Thrones Tour – a tour that takes you to filming locations for the hit TV show
- City Walls Tour – a tour that takes you along the city walls for stunning views of the city and the sea
Museums in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is home to several museums that offer insight into the city’s rich history and culture. Some of the must-visit museums include:
- Dubrovnik Museum – a museum that showcases the city’s history and art
- Maritime Museum – a museum that explores Dubrovnik’s seafaring history
- War Photo Limited – a museum that showcases photography related to war and conflict
Where to Sleep in Dubrovnik
If you prefer to stay outside of the Old Town, there are plenty of accommodations available in other areas of Dubrovnik. Some of the most popular areas to stay include Lapad and Babin Kuk, which offer stunning beaches and plenty of restaurants and bars.
Where to Eat in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik has a vibrant culinary scene that offers something for everyone. From traditional Croatian dishes to international cuisine, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Here are some of our top picks:
- Konoba Dubrava – a restaurant that serves traditional Croatian cuisine and offers stunning views of the sea
- Orhan – a restaurant that serves Mediterranean and Croatian cuisine
- Pantarul – a restaurant that focuses on local and seasonal ingredients
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do I need to visit Dubrovnik?
We recommend spending at least three days in Dubrovnik to fully explore the city and its surroundings.
Is it expensive to visit Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik can be expensive, especially during peak tourist season. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly accommodations and restaurants available if you plan ahead.
When is the best time to visit Dubrovnik?
The best time to visit Dubrovnik is during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October), when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
Can I visit Dubrovnik on a day trip?
While it’s possible to visit Dubrovnik on a day trip, we recommend spending at least one night in the city to fully explore all that it has to offer.
Is Dubrovnik safe for travelers?
Dubrovnik is generally safe for travelers, with low levels of crime and a friendly local population. However, like any city, it’s important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Click here to visit the official tourism website of Dubrovnik for more information.
Dubrovnik is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone. We hope that this guide has helped you plan your trip and discover the best of Dubrovnik in just three days.
