How to Spend One Day in Dubrovnik: A Perfect Itinerary
Planning to spend one day in Dubrovnik? Whether you’re coming for the day from a cruise or cities like Split, there is so much to pack in this gem of a city.
Coming back from another trip to Dubrovnik for the 6th time myself, I can safely say I’m obsessed.
There is something magical about the Old Town. Whether you’re a Game of Thrones enthusiast, a lover of medieval architecture, or a huge fan of Mediterranean seafood, the charms of the city are clear to see.
The great thing is, the city’s highlights can easily be explored in a day.
In this post, I’ll guide you on how to best spend a day in Dubrovnik. It’ll include the best things to do, practical information like top restaurants, when to visit and extra activities if you plan to stay longer.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission if you use them at no extra cost to you.
Is one day in Dubrovnik enough time?
Yes absolutely. You can walk in and around the Old Town in just a few hours. Or if you’re a speedy walker like me, in just under 30 minutes!
Once you’re finished in the Old Town, there will be plenty of time left to head up to Mount Srd, relax on a beach, take a Game of Thrones tour or Kayak around the Adriatic Sea.
If you have extra time in your itinerary, I recommend venturing outside the city to places like Lokrum Island or Trsteno Arboretum.
I always recommend spending 2-3 days in Dubrovnik, as a day trip to Cavtat, Kotor or Mostar is simply too good to miss.
However, if you are just visiting the Old Town on a cruise ship or from a nearby city like Split, one day is plenty of time to experience the magic of the city.
What to do in Dubrovnik in one day
1. Walk along the City Walls
Begin your day in Dubrovnik with a walk along the ancient City Walls, which have acted as the city’s defensive structure since the 9th century.
Encircling the Old Town, the City Walls are the best way to see the Old Town’s terracotta rooftops, the Adriatic and charming alleyways from up close.
The City Walls stretch over 2km, taking 1.5 to 2 hours to walk the circular route at a steady pace
Top tips for walking the walls:
- Purchase the Dubrovnik one-day pass. The Dubrovnik one-day pass is an absolute steal, giving you access to the walls, alongside other major attractions in the Old Town. It costs €40, which is the same cost as a ticket to just access the walls!
- Start your walk as soon as you arrive. By midday, the walls get massively crowded. Beginning early will also allow you to avoid the scorching heat, as there isn’t any shade up there.
- Bring water to save costs! There are a few refreshment stands on the walls and a cocktail bar, but expect to pay premium prices because of its location.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Some parts of the walk are uneven and require you to climb stairs.
- Bring your essentials to protect yourself from the sun. As there is no shade, bring sun lotion, a hat, sunglasses and water to hydrate you to battle the heat.
- Pick an entry gate. There are 3 entry gates. Pile Gate is the most popular. Ploce Gate and the entry by the Maritime Museum are far less crowded. If the walk proves a struggle, you can exit via any entry.
Recommendation: If you’re unsure, I highly recommend this fantastic guided tour that takes you around the City Walls with an experienced guide.
Note: Tickets for the City Walls can be purchased at a Dubrovnik tourist office or online. The price includes one free entry to Fort Lovrijenac.
2. Explore the Old Town
Now that you’ve seen the Old Town from the City Walls, venture inside and explore the medieval architecture, cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways up close.
The Old Town has three access gates: Pile Gate, Ploce Gate and Buza Gate.
I recommend entering through Pile Gate, as you’ll start with a fantastic view of the wide Stradun, the best place in Dubrovnik for window shopping!
Stradun is the Old Town’s longest street, lined with establishments and adorned with the city’s bell tower.
When you walk through Pile Gate and enter the Stradun, you’ll instantly find Onofrio’s Large Fountain to your right.
This fountain was built in the 15th century as part of the city’s water supply system and has provided drinkable water ever since. This is your go-to location for refillable water.
Once you’ve finished exploring inside the walls, make sure to head outside to the picturesque Dubrovnik Old Port and walk around the outer walls.
The Old Port is where you can catch various boat trips out of Dubrovnik, including a ferry to Lokrum Island.
Top tip: For the best views of the harbour, exit the Old Town from Ploce Gate and walk until you can see it from the side. Or grab a coffee on the outside terrace of Gradska Kavana Arsenal Restaurant for a gorgeous view from your table.
3. Take a history dive in the Old Town
Alongside the fantastic views and medieval walls, the city has plenty of history to dive right into
From learning about the history of Ragusa in Rector’s Palace, to seeing Dubrovnik’s treasures in Dubrovnik Cathedral.
You’ll be surprised how much you can see in as little as 1–2 hours of exploring, with everything within a minute’s walk from each other. Here are the best museums to visit.
Rector’s Palace
Cost: €15 (Free with Dubrovnik Pass)
The Rector’s Palace served as the home of the Rector from the 14th century to 1808, when Dubrovnik was its own state known as the Republic of Ragusa.
Rectors acted as the country’s majors and oversaw 5,000+ rectors elected over 450 years due to one rule: they must only serve for one month.
Its Cultural History Museum showcases this history through old documents, coins and monuments used during the Regusa era.
The architecture alone is worth a visit. The palace has some fantastic Gothic-Renaissance architecture and a baroque staircase, which was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
Franciscan Church and Monastery
Cost: Free to enter the church. €6.00 for the Monastery (Free with Dubrovnik Pass)
As you enter the Old Town through Pile Gate, you can spot the Franciscan Church and Monastery just to your left.
It has long served as a place of worship and residence for the Friar monks since the 13th century, while also acting as a place for healing for the poor and sick.
Though most of the grounds were damaged in the 1667 earthquake, it has since been restored and holds old religious monuments and ancient artefacts kept from before the earthquake.
You’ll also find the third oldest active pharmacy in the world, an old library, a church and a beautiful cloister with a garden oasis in the middle. My favourite hidden gem in Dubrovnik!
Sponza Palace
Cost: Free
During the Ragusa era, the Sponza Palace acted as the customs house. Merchants up and down Dubrovnik brought their goods to the palace to be taxed before distributing them to customers.
Inside the Sponza Palace, you can find archives of old documents in the Regusa Era of Dubrovnik, including manuscripts and records dating back to the 14th century.
Fun fact: The Sponza Palace is a prime location for weddings and has a space large enough to host a ceremony for up to 150 people.
Church of St. Blaise
Cost: Free
The Church of St Blaise has been a long-standing symbol of religious importance and history in Dubrovnik.
Inside is a huge altar with a detailed statue of St Blaise adorned with a lovely church interior.
Dubrovnik Cathedral (Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary)
Cost: Free (€4 to enter the treasury)
Built in a baroque style, this cathedral features elegant domes, a grand interior and a treasury featuring over 200 relics of saints.
Inside the cathedral, look out for the altarpiece ‘Assumption of the Virgin Mary’, a celebrated work in Dubrovnik and held above the altar to show its significance.
Other museums worth visiting (1 hour)
- Maritime Museum: Free with the Dubrovnik Pass (Duration – 20 minutes).
- Ethnographic Museum: Free with the Dubrovnik Pass (Duration – 20 minutes).
- Church of St. Ignatius: Admission is free (Duration – 10 minutes).
Top tip: The Dubrovnik Discovery and History tour (1.5 – 2 hours) is a brilliant way to explore the best Dubrovnik monuments with a highly knowledgeable guide.
4. Take a Game of Thrones Tour of Dubrovnik
It is no secret that Dubrovnik was a huge filming location for Game of Thrones, doubling down as the city of King’s Landing.
Since its inclusion in Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik has become a global tourist attraction, with fans from across the globe coming to experience George R. R. Martin’s world through the city.
For those who prefer a self-guided tour, you can find many Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik by yourself.
Some of the top locations include the Jesuit Stairs, the filming location for Cersei’s Walk of Shame, or locations around the Dubrovnik West Harbour, used to film Blackwater Bay and more.
Top recommendation: For Game of Thrones fans eager to learn more about the show’s trivia around the filming locations, I highly recommend joining a Game of Thrones tour.
Even if you’re not a fan of the show, the tours take you around many of Dubrovnik’s main attractions, including Rector’s Palace and Fort Lovrijenac (The Red Keep), providing insights into their significance to the city.
You’ll learn more than just the lore of Westeros.
5. Visit Fort Lovrijenac (St. Lawrence Fortress)
Cost: €15 (Free with the Dubrovnik City Walls ticket)
Fort Lovrijenac is the city’s fort, perched on a 37m high cliff overlooking the Old Town.
Its high cliff position gives it the name the ‘Dubrovnik Gibraltar’. For centuries, it was used as the city’s first line of defence against sieges, spotting any danger coming from the Adriatic Sea.
Although the fortress doesn’t have much inside, the outer section has more on offer to see. You’ll find various cannons and an incredible view looking back at the Old Town.
Today, the fortress is used as a performance theatre, showcasing various performances in the main courtyard. It holds the Midsummer Festival here every year.
Getting there: To find Fort Lovrijenac from the Old Town, walk from Pile Gate in the direction of the Dubrovnik West Harbour till you get to the steps that lead towards the fortress. Head up these stairs and you’ll get to the entrance of the fortress.
6. Relax or visit a local beach
After all your sightseeing, now it’s time to relax at one of Dubrovnik’s beautiful beaches to soak up the sun.
If you’re looking for a quick stop at a beach, Banje Beach is your best option. This is a lot more touristy as it is only a 5-minute walk from the Old Town.
You can hire sun loungers for around €25 a day or pop a towel down for free.
Good to know: Beaches in Dubrovnik are mostly pebbly, so you may choose a sun lounger for a more comfortable experience.
If you don’t fancy relaxing here, don’t miss a photo opportunity just seconds away, with a beautiful panorama overlooking Banje Beach with the backdrop of the Old Town.
Those looking for a much quieter beach and cheaper sun loungers, I highly recommend heading further to Plaža Sveti Jakov.
It’s around 50 minutes from the Old Town and recommended by most locals. Though it doesn’t have the backdrop of the Old Town, we found it a lot more peaceful.
7. Kayak along the Adriatic Sea
There is no better way to experience Dubrovnik’s crystal clear waters than by sea kayaking.
Kayaking is a hugely popular activity in Dubrovnik for locals and tourists. Along Pile Harbour, you can find hundreds of kayaks lined up next to rental stations.
You can choose to go on a self-guided or a guided kayaking tour. My partner and I chose to do a guided kayaking tour, as we had no experience kayaking.
And despite how strenuous and tiring it was, the experience is one massive adrenaline rush.
Trips are available late in the morning, afternoon, and sunset. I highly recommend choosing a time when the sun is at its least volatile, as you’ll have no shade and be doing continuous strenuous activity.
During your kayaking tour, you’ll kayak around the city walls, along the coast of Dubrovnik and head to nearby coves. Tours last over 3 hours.
8. Take a Cable Car up Mount Srd at Sunset (or hike)
As the last part of your day in Dubrovnik comes to an end, finish it off in style by taking the cable car up to Mount Srd at sunset to capture otherworldly panoramic views of Dubrovnik.
Mound Srd stands 412m above sea level, overlooking the Dubrovnik Old Town.
From a far distance, you can see the Old Town’s terracotta rooftops with the backdrop of the Adriatic. Alongside neighbouring villages with a stunning sunset glow.
Getting there: To get to Mount Srd, you can take a cable car or hike up there. For the cable car, tickets can be purchased at the lower cable car station. View the current Dubrovnik cable car pricing.
For those who choose to do the Mount Srd hike, the ascent takes up to 1 hour. We chose to do the cable car up and hike down, as it saved us a lot more money.
It only takes 30-40 minutes to hike down!
It is important to note that from November to February, the cable car is closed. Therefore, hiking up there would be your only option during those months.
9. Enjoy a meal with a panoramic view
While you soak up the sunset views on Mount Srd, why not treat yourself to a delicious meal to go with them?
Restaurant Panorama offers a chance to dine in style, with one of the most beautiful panoramas of Dubrovnik right from your table.
We enjoyed some delicious Mediterranean food, topped off with local Croatian wine. The service is also incredible, and overall, simply the best way to finish any night in Dubrovnik.
Top tip: Book your reservations at this restaurant way in advance.
We managed to secure a reservation for the front-row terrace spot, which is the best view of Dubrovnik from the restaurant. However, we had to book 3 months in advance just to secure it.
Extra things to see during your day in Dubrovnik if you have time
If you’re like me, a quick explorer and find yourself having extra time during your day in Dubrovnik, here are some extra things you can add to your itinerary.
Lokrum Island
The tranquil island of Lokrum is just 600m off the coast of Dubrovnik, a short 15-minute ferry ride away from Dubrovnik.
It is a protected nature reserve with a large collection of plants, a botanical garden, peacocks, rocky beaches, and a monastery. Our favourite highlights are the Dead Sea and the hidden cove!
Lokrum Island was also used for the city of Qarth in Game of Thrones.
You can find an Iron Throne replica in the Visitor Centre and take a few pictures on the throne! Plus, there is a Game of Thrones exhibition alongside it.
We managed to see everything on the whole island in 2-3 hours, but I highly recommend spending half a day here.
Read on: Lokrum Island day trip from Dubrovnik
Trsteno Arboretum
If you have 2 to 3 hours to spare, consider visiting one of the oldest arboretums in Europe.
The gardens are home to an incredible collection of plants, centuries-old trees and elegant Renaissance fountains.
The arboretum makes a tranquil escape from the bustling crowds of the Old Town. It is no surprise that it was used for Highgarden in Game of Thrones.
Navigating the bus to here may be difficult with a tight schedule. If you plan to see all the Game of Thrones locations, I recommend taking this guided tour, as it includes a visit there.
Important information for your day in Dubrovnik
How to get around Dubrovnik
The Old Town of Dubrovnik can only be explored on foot as no vehicles can enter.
If you need public transport to and from the Old Town, you can get a bus from the A1 bus station (right next to Pile Gate) to the main bus station or out of the city.
Use this Dubrovnik bus map to help you navigate around the city by bus.
Best time to visit Dubrovnik
The best time to visit Dubrovnik is in May and October. This is when crowds are at their quietest, the weather is at a warm but comfortable temperature, and restaurants and accommodation are much cheaper.
Summer is still a beautiful time to visit, but as Old Town is compact, the large tourist crowds are easily felt, and the prices skyrocket.
Winter is the quietest time to visit. However, many restaurants and local tourism sites shut for the season, so you won’t get the full experience.
Recommendation: One of my main Dubrovnik tips for all seasons is to avoid cruise days if you’re not coming from a cruise.
Cruise days are hugely noticeable in Dubrovnik. Tours tend to get fully booked, restaurants fill up fast, and you instantly feel the impact of high numbers in the compact Old Town.
You can use the Dubrovnik cruise schedule to plan around it.
Should you purchase a Dubrovnik one-day pass?
Yes absolutely. The Dubrovnik pass gives you free access to many museums in Dubrovnik, alongside discounts on local eateries and tours.
It’s a no-brainer if you plan to visit the Dubrovnik City Walls. The City Walls cost €40 to enter alone, which is the exact cost of the pass.
You then get the bonus of free access to many attractions included in this Dubrovnik itinerary. A Dubrovnik Pass can be purchased from any tourist office around the Old Town or online.
Where to eat and drink in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is brimming with top-quality restaurants, bars, and cafes where you can enjoy a nice, lovely time out. In addition to Restaurant Panorama, here are some of the good restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from during your day in Dubrovnik.
Fine Dining:
- Restaurant 360: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers delicious food and gorgeous views of the Old Port. It is located next to Ploce Gate.
- Nautika: Voted one of the most romantic restaurants in the world, this Michelin-recommended restaurant has unparalleled views of Fort Lovrijenac, with fine dining. Make sure to book way in advance to secure your spot here!
Casual spots:
- Stara Loza: The Prijeko Palace’s hotel restaurant has an open terrace with amazing rooftop views of the Old Town and a great seafood selection to go with it.
- Buza Bar: Referred to as the ‘Hole in the Wall,’ Buza Bar is one of Old Town’s hidden gems. It serves drinks perched on a cliffside, with many tables facing the Adriatic Sea.
- Dubravka 1836 restaurant & café: Part of the Nautika restaurant chain, this restaurant is a stunning location to have breakfast, lunch and dinner, overlooking Pile Harbour. We came here for breakfast and had a delicious iced coffee to top it off.
Key tip: If you are on a low budget for food, head to the street vendors around the Old Town
Barba and Food Bar Guloso are brilliant options for street food.
Where to go if you have more than one day in Dubrovnik
The incredible benefit of travelling to Dubrovnik is that it is located within a short distance of some fantastic places like Cavtat and in neighbouring countries like Bosnia and Montenegro.
Here are some of the best day trips you can do.
Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls
On our first trip to Dubrovnik, we did a private guided tour across the border into Bosnia, having an amazing time visiting Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls.
A notable highlight was the Mostar Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We were lucky to visit on a day when divers jumped off it during the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
After a trip to Mostar, we headed to Kravica Waterfalls. Unlike Krka and Plitvice in Croatia, you can swim in the basin of Kravice next to the surrounding cascades.
In our opinion, it easily rivals Skradinski Buk waterfall in Krka National Park for sheer beauty and is much less crowded!
Read on: Bosnia day trip from Dubrovnik
Kotor and Perast
Visiting Montenegro is another incredible day trip to take from Dubrovnik. We took this guided tour on our second visit.
At the start of the trip, you’ll head to the tiny picturesque town of Perast, famous for its island church, ‘Our Lady of the Rocks’, which you can visit on a boat.
Then onwards to the Old Town of Kotor, which is reminiscent of Dubrovnik, with its beautiful architecture in its old stone houses and cobblestone streets and old stone houses.
I highly recommend hiking to the San Giovanni Fortress to view it at its best. It is a bit of a climb, but 100% worth it. It easily rivals many of the best views I’ve seen in Dubrovnik.
Read on: Kotor day trip from Dubrovnik
Cavtat
For a more relaxed day out, Cavtat is a fantastic day trip option from Dubrovnik. With just a short ferry or bus ride, you can escape the bustling crowds of the Old Town and visit this charming town.
I always speak about how underrated Cavtat is. It has that same Adriatic feel as Dubrovnik, with stone buildings, a lovely harbour, pretty beaches and architecture with half the tourists.
Each visit is spent exploring the promenade, eating gelato, climbing the Racic Maosuleum for gorgeous views and watching the sunset from a nearby hike around the peninsula.
Getting there: To get to Cavtat from Dubrovnik, take the #10 bus from Dubrovnik Bus Station.
Read on: Dubrovnik to Cavtat day trip guide
Final thoughts
Well, there you have it! I hope this guide helps you have a magical day in Dubrovnik, as I have many times.
From its ancient City Walls to the medieval alleyways, the charm of the city is unmatched. Whether you’re visiting on a cruise or making a day trip from nearby cities like Split, there’s so much to unpack in just one day.
Dubrovnik is one of my favourite cities and I hope you love it too.
Let me know how your experience in Dubrovnik goes, or if you have any questions, leave them in the comments below!
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