Dubrovnik Itinerary: How to Spend 2 or 3 Days in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Need help planning your Dubrovnik itinerary? You’ve come to the right place! 

In this article you will find everything you need to know about spending two or three days in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Besides the best places to visit during a Dubrovnik weekend break, I have included useful tips to ensure you have the best time ever in Dubrovnik, such as where to stay, how to get around, where to eat and much more.

Dubrovnik is one of my favourite European cities. Known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is famous for its iconic Old Town walls, red roofs and pristine beaches.

I have visited Dubrovnik multiple times, but always find myself going back. The picturesque narrow streets of the Old Town are simply captivating, and are guaranteed to lure you in.

This Dubrovnik itinerary focuses on the best things to do in Dubrovnik in two or three days. As such, it’s perfect for those planning a weekend in Dubrovnik.

So what are you waiting for? Dive in and start planning your perfect Dubrovnik itinerary!

Logistical tips for 2-3 days in Dubrovnik

Before we dive into the details of my Dubrovnik itinerary, I wanted to include some logistical tips that will help you have a perfect time in Dubrovnik.

Are two days in Dubrovnik enough? 

Locals will always argue that no amount of time is enough to properly see a city. That said, two days in Dubrovnik is just about enough to get a good introduction to what the city has to offer.

If you have a third day in Dubrovnik, for example over a long weekend, then that’s even better!

You could spend days getting lost amongst the cute cobbled streets of Dubrovnik, spending time strolling around, soaking up local life and checking out unique cultural sights.

Some people only visit Dubrovnik on a day trip from Split, and they don’t know how much they’re missing out on! In fact, you could spend weeks on end getting to know the city!

But if you’re visiting Dubrovnik as part of a wider Croatia itinerary, then you’ll probably have to limit your time in the city. Don’t worry though – you can see a lot of Dubrovnik in just a couple of days. 

Your Dubrovnik itinerary for two days will include the main sights, as well as some fun tours around the Old Town.

And for those of you wondering what there is to do in Dubrovnik in three days, you’ll be lucky enough to go beyond the main town.

You’ll also have time to spend your extra day hopping on a boat tour to the surrounding islands. What a dream!

How to get around Dubrovnik 

Whether you’re spending two or three days in Dubrovnik, the best way to travel is by foot.

The main sights are pretty close together, especially in the Old Town, so you can just walk from location to location without it taking up too much time. 

The Old Town is actually entirely pedestrian, so you don’t have much of a choice!

Walking around is safe, it will help you save money on public transportation and will reveal more of the city’s beautiful architecture and cute streets. 

For sights a little bit further away it’s best to take a public bus. The buses in Dubrovnik are modern, easy to use and well organized. 

Tickets cost 12 HRK if purchased from a kiosk, or 15 HRK if you buy from the driver. These orange and white buses travel along 13 different lines and will take you pretty much anywhere you need to go in the city 

Best time to visit Dubrovnik 

Dubrovnik is a pleasant place to visit in any season, but there are some times of the year when the weather makes sightseeing much more fun.

Summer is by far the most popular time of year for people to visit Dubrovnik (it’s a must on every Croatia bucket list after all!), when the sun is shining and the days are nice and long.

But the summer peak season means crowds and queues, and it can get SUPER busy. Think huge crowds all over the Old Town, long waits to get into attractions and extremely busy restaurants.

That doesn’t mean that the summer months are a terrible time to visit, just make sure you adjust your schedule accordingly because it will take more time to get into sites.

Having said that, visiting out of season in late autumn and winter means cold temperatures and lots of rain, so it’s really not a great time to visit.

I would say that the best time to visit is in late spring / early summer, or late summer / early autumn, so you still get fine weather, just minus the crazy peak crowds of summer. 

Best tours for your Dubrovnik itinerary

If you want to see everything in Dubrovnik, with minimal planning, I suggest joining these popular Dubrovnik tours. Make sure to book online beforehand, especially if you’re travelling in high season, as they fill up fast!

Dubrovnik: Sunset Sea Kayak Tour with Wine & Bruschetta: This is one of my favourite things to do in Dubrovnik. You will kayak along the coast, discover hidden beaches and see the Old Town from a different angle.

Click here to book your kayak sunset tour in Dubrovnik!

Dubrovnik: City Walls Tour for Early Birds: This tour allows you to discover the Old Town walls of Dubrovnik with a local guide and before the big crowds arrive.

Click here to book your Dubrovnik Old Town walls tour!

 

Dubrovnik: Old Town Walking Tour: If you want to make sure you hit all the main sights of the Old Town, this tour is the perfect way to do so!

Click here to book your Dubrovnik Old Town walking tour!

Dubrovnik: Elafiti Islands Trip w/ Lunch and Optional Pickup: Not far from Dubrovnik you’ll find the beautiful Elaphiti Islands. A boat trip to these islands is the perfect day trip for those spending 3 days in Dubrovnik.

Check out prices & availability for your Elaphiti Islands boat tour here!

From Dubrovnik: 4-hour Elafiti Islands Private Boat Tour: This private option is great for those who want a little more privacy and can afford to splurge a little. You’ll experience the beauty of the Elaphite Islands all to yourself!

Click here to book your private boat tour to the Elafiti Islands!

Where to stay for 3 days in Dubrovnik

The best area to stay in Dubrovnik is the Old Town, or just outside. It will be a little more expensive than accommodation further out, but you will be so close to all the main attractions that it will be worth it.

I’ve listed below some options for every budget.

Budget: Hostel Angelina – This lovely hostel is right in the Old Town. It has spacious dorms and a fun sociable atmosphere.

Click here to book your stay at Hostel Angelina!

Mid-range: Buza Apartment – This hotel has awesome views over the Dubrovnik Old Town, as well as being just 30m from the nearest beach, while still offering an affordable price.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Buza Apartment!

Luxury: The Pucic Palace – If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is the perfect place to do so. Located right in the heart of the Old Town, this beautiful hotel has great views over the rooftops of Dubrovnik.

Click here to book your stay at The Pucic Palace!

Do you need travel insurance for 2 days in Dubrovnik?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance.

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance with  Heymondo.

Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

As a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance!

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

What to pack for 2 or 3 days in Dubrovnik

You don’t need much besides the usual travel essentials to have an awesome time in Dubrovnik. However, I listed below some key things you don’t want to forget!

Power bank – Whether it’s to check where you’re going with Google Maps, or to take beautiful travel pictures, you don’t want your phone to run out of battery!

Water bottle – You can drink the tap water in Croatia, so kill two birds with one stone by saving money and consuming less plastic!

International adapter – Depending on where you’re travelling from you might need an adapter to charge your electronics.

Fast drying towel – Whether it’s for the shower of your hostel dorm, after a a kayak tour or to lie on the beach, you’ll need one of these. I love them because they dry quickly and don’t take up much space.

Dubrovnik Itinerary: Day 1

The first day of your trip to Dubrovnik is going to be a busy one. There’s a lot to pack into this trip, so you should make sure you’re prepared for a big day out.

Walk on the Old Town walls

When it comes to working out what to see in Dubrovnik in two days, the first answer is always going to be exploring the Old Town. Day one starts with a walk along the Old Town walls. 

Built to defend the city, the stone walls date back to the 13th century. Stone towers were added to the fortification in the 15th century.

The walls were so well built that no invading force has successfully broken through them! Today, the walls make up part of the Old Town’s UNESCO credentials and are open for visitors to walk along them.

Exploring the 1,940-meter-long old walls offers up the best views over this storied part of the city and is a good introduction to what Dubrovnik has in store. 

Tickets cost 250 HRK for an adult; and they’re open every day from 9:00AM – 3:00PM.

Doing the whole loop along the old city walls can take up to 2-3 hours, or longer if you stop along the way taking photos of the epic views (which you probably will)!

Walking along the Old Town walls is considered the best thing to do in Dubrovnik, and it’s easy to see why! Make sure to go early morning, as it can get very busy in the afternoon with the visitors from cruise ships.

If you want to discover the Old Town walls with a local guide, you can a city walls tour like this one. It’s an early bird tour, that way you can see this iconic Dubrovnik sight with fewer crowds.

Click here to book your Dubrovnik Old Town walls tour!

Or check out prices & availability for your chosen dates below!

 

Explore the Old Town

After your morning walk on the walls, it’s time to head down into the streets of the Old Town.

Here you can spend a while soaking up the atmosphere of the area. The winding streets are full of history and are endlessly fascinating.

It’s in the Old Town where sights such as the Rector’s Palace, with its attractive arches and pillars, are located.

Dating back to the 13th century, the Rector’s Palace once housed government offices alongside the Rector’s living quarters.

The palace is now a museum and concert hall. It’s open every day from 9:00AM to 7:00PM, with ticket prices at 100 HRK. 

Nearby is the elegant 16th-century Sponza Palace and the baroque Church of St. Blaise, which is situated in the main square.

In front of the church is Orlando’s Column first unveiled in 1418. It’s a popular meeting spot for locals and pays tribute to the city’s hero knight. 

You could also stop by the 13th century Franciscan Monastery, a large complex which is home to a pharmacy that has been in operation since 1391.

If you want to make sure you don’t miss anything, you can join a walking tour like this one. That way you’ll have a knowledgeable local guide taking you to all the sights, and telling you about their rich history along the way.

Click here to book your Dubrovnik Old Town walking tour!

Or check out prices & availability for your chosen dates below!

 

Go for a kayak sunset tour

After a day on your feet in the Old Town, why not take things at a slightly slower pace and head off on a sunset kayak tour of Dubrovnik?

The waterfront city is stunning when seen from the sea and as the sun sets, the colours change and you get to see things from a different perspective.

The guided tour will lead you around the beaches and caves along the coast and you can even stop off for a swim at Betina Cave, before watching the sunset with a glass of wine. Dreamy. 

Seeing the Old Town walls from the sea, looming high above your kayak, is honestly one of the most impressive things I’ve experienced in Dubrovnik.

Plus, at sunset, the golden light will make everything look even more magical.

Click here to book your kayak sunset tour in Dubrovnik!

Or check out prices & availability for your chosen dates below!

 

Have dinner in the Old Town 

Then it’s time to head back into the Old Town for a delicious dinner. There’s a long list of fantastic places you could choose to eat, from tiny eateries serving local dishes to high-end dining experiences.

One of my favorite places to eat in Dubrovnik’s Old Town is Lady Pipi. The simple eatery is a relaxing place to enjoy a meal with views out over Dubrovnik.

In the evenings, they light up the grill and serve an array of delicious barbecue dishes; the freshly caught seafood platter is particularly delicious. 

Dubrovnik Itinerary: Day 2 

The second day of your Dubrovnik two-day itinerary is all about Game of Thrones. You’ll also get some time to chill out on the beach after the previous busy day, and soak up some views, too.

Join a Game of Thrones walking tour 

Game of Thrones fans literally cannot miss out on the chance to see some of the show’s filming locations in real life.

Dubrovnik’s picturesque streets, storied stone architecture and ancient city walls made it the perfect place to set the fictional city of King’s Landing. 

There’s a long list of tours that take visitors around the sights, or you can follow my guide to discover all the Dubrovnik Game of Thrones filming locations independently. 

But taking a tour will offer a more in-depth look at the filming locations, as well as history of sites and the buildings around Dubrovnik.

Most tours will visit Fort Lovrijenac, which is the location of the Red Keep, glimpse the location for the walk of shame at the Jesuit Staircase, head to the City of Qarth which was filmed on Lokrum Island – and while you’re there snap a photo on the Iron Throne. 

There’s also the Arboretum Trsteno, which is where the gardens of King’s Landing were filmed.

Most Game of Thrones walking tours of Dubrovnik, like this popular option, last around two hours, but if you’re really into the HBO series you might want to book the much more in-depth five-hour tour. 

If you follow my Game of Thrones article you’ll be able to find all the filming locations independently, but doing a guided tour will be more interesting, as you’ll learn interesting facts about the tv show production.

Click here to book your Game of Thrones filming tour in Dubrovnik!

Or click below to see prices & availability for your chosen date!

 

Chill at the beach

After you have spent the morning walking around Dubrovnik and discovering all the Game of Thrones filming locations, it’s time to take a break.

Being a city on the coast, Dubrovnik has some lovely beaches to relax on scattered around the area, with crystal clear waters and stunning views, although a lot of them are fairly small.

Some of the beaches are better known than others, but if you have time you could head to the more remote and off-the-beaten-track beaches. 

The pebbly Banje Beach is Dubrovnik’s main beach. Right next to the harbour, it’s a busy location but has some great views of the Old Town.

A good alternative to the crowded Banje Beach is Šulići Bay, the small slip coast right next to the Pile Gate, between the Lovrijenac and Bokar fortresses.

There’s not a lot here, but it’s a nice place to chill out for a few hours, plus there’s some small eateries nearby. 

Take the cable car to the viewpoint for sunset

Wind up your second day in Dubrovnik by heading up to the city’s best viewpoint for sunset.

Don’t worry: you won’t have to work up a sweat hiking up the mountain, as a cable car links the city with the top of the mountain for a fun experience. 

Built back in 1969, over the years the cable car has carried millions of visitors up to the slopes surrounding the city at the top of Srd Hill.

From the top there are panoramic views out over the region – on clear days it’s said that you can see up to 37 miles (60 km) away.

It’s no wonder that in the early 19th century the hilltop was chosen as the location for the Imperial Fortress. 

If you want to, there is a restaurant up at the top, the views from which are particularly amazing, but the prices are a bit inflated and the food isn’t as good as the places you might find down in the town. 

So if you don’t fancy dining with sky-high views, simply take the cable car back down for a spot of dinner in the Old Town. Tickets for the cable car cost 150 HRK for an adult round-trip ticket, and one-way costs 85 HRK.

Dubrovnik Itinerary: Day 3 

Those of you who are lucky enough to have three days to spend in Dubrovnik will have the chance to explore further afield.

The final day of your Dubrovnik three-day itinerary could be spent heading off on a boat trip to the Elaphite Islands. 

This enticing archipelago is made up of around 13 islands, scattered in the Adriatic Sea just northwest of the city.

Home to only around 850 people, the islands take up around 30 square km (12 square miles) and are home to tiny villages, beautiful beaches, pristine landscapes and stunning natural beauty.

It’s no wonder that they’re such a popular tourist destination!

But, despite being a top attraction, the islands are the ideal antidote to the busy streets of the Old Town. Two of the islands, Kolocep and Lopud, are actually entirely free of cars which makes them feel extra relaxing. 

Getting to the islands is easy. There’s a regular ferry series that travels between each of the main islands, as well as a catamaran which connects Dubrovnik to the island of Sipan.

If you would prefer to just sit back and let someone else plan the day, then why not join a tour of the Elaphite Islands? Several different day trips leave Dubrovnik and take groups of visitors around the archipelago. 

This Full-Day Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise, for example, takes you around the islands on a charming boat with a sunny deck for relaxing.

The tour sails to the islands of Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep, stopping off at each island to enjoy the stone villages, winding footpaths and – of course – beaches.

Lunch and hotel pick-up and drop-off are included, so you won’t have to worry about a thing. 

Click here to book your Elaphite Islands cruise on GetYourGuide or Viator, or check out prices & availability below!

 

Alternatively, for something a little more intimate, there’s this Private Boat Tour of the Hidden Beauties of Elaphiti Islands, where you spend the day being driven around the various gems of the island in your very own speedboat. 

And, if after all of that you’re left wondering, is three days enough in Dubrovnik?

Well, why not spend this trip getting a taste for what the city has to offer, and then you can plan to come back another time for an even longer adventure!

Book your private boat tour to the Elaphiti Islands on GetYourGuide or Viator, or check out prices & availability below!

 

Final thoughts on how to spend 2 days in Dubrovnik

There you have it, the ultimate Dubrovnik itinerary for two or 3 days! Have you been to Dubrovnik before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

In my opinion, Dubrovnik is one of the most interesting cities in Europe, which should feature on everyone’s Europe bucket list, if not travel bucket list.

The medieval Old Town, framed by the imposing city walls, paired with delicious cuisine and stunning natural scenery, make for the perfect city getaway.

On my last Croatia trip I also visited Split, and while I must say Split is a more exciting destination, since it offers some great day trips like Krka, Hvar and Omis, I personally find Dubrovnik more beautiful as a city.

I hope you will find this Dubrovnik itinerary useful in planning your Dubrovnik trip! Regardless of whether you spend 2 or 3 days in Dubrovnik. If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

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