A 3 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary You’ll Want to Steal

Last Updated on 20th July 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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There’s no better destination in Croatia for a short escape than the beautiful town of Dubrovnik, packing dreamy landscapes, relaxing activities, tons of sightseeing, some beach time, and a gorgeous historical centre where to discover everything about the stories and the legends of this spectacular European city. Let’s see what are the best things you can do in 3 days in Dubrovnik…

Croatia is a beautiful country which borders alongside the Adriatic Sea. A European country, Croatia is best-known for its beautiful scenery, its major cities of Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Havar, and for its rich history.

For more inspiration, check out our guides to the best-kept secrets of Croatia, how to plan a honeymoon in Croatia, how to spend 3 days in Split, and how to spend one week in Croatia.

Where is Dubrovnik?

Located in the southern portion of Croatia, facing the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the region of Dalmatia. The city, originally known as Ragusa, is a famous tourist destination in the country.

The town is connected to the mainland through a bridge and it belongs to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites thanks to its impressive medieval buildings and its breathtaking fortified old town.

How to Get to Dubrovnik

If you’re looking for the easiest and most comfortable way to get to Dubrovnik, then you should consider flying into Dubrovnik international airport which is connected to several European countries as well as to Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, and other cities such as Split and Rijeka. Dubrovnik can also be reached by bus or car from other Croatian towns.

Distances to consider

Zagreb – Dubrovnik: 6 hr 32 min (608 km) by car

Split – Dubrovnik: 3 hr 25 min (237 km) by car

Organising your trip

It’s always a good idea to plan ahead when visiting such a popular destination. Keep in mind that Dubrovnik has recently become a cult place to visit for the fans of Games of Thrones, as many scenes of the legendary series were filmed in the historic district.

As such, many landmarks in town have become must-see attractions for hardcore fans of the fantasy series, so chances are that traveling in popular months such as July or August will find you battling to beat crowds and queue. 

I also suggest you carefully plan where to stay and what excursions or guided tours to book, this way you will avoid wasting time deciding what to do, and even save some money: booking early will always guarantee better offers, not to mention avoid disappointment when something ends up selling out closer to the time. 

How to get around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is quite easy to navigate on foot, especially when focusing on the old district. Driving in the more modern part of the city can be stressful, so try to rely on public transport (or even taxis) for peace of mind. Renting a bike can also be a good alternative.

If, instead, these three days in Dubrovnik are part of a more extended road trip in Croatia, or you need to travel from Zagreb or Split to Dubrovnik, renting a car can help save on travel fees, especially if you’re traveling with a group of friends and want to share travel expenses. 

If you’re planning to take a few day trips from Dubrovnik, to visit nearby areas such as Herceg Novi, Kotor (in Montenegro), or even the gorgeous Mostar in neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina, you can rely on organized tours or public long-distance buses. In this case, also renting a car can be a good idea.

When is the best time to visit Dubrovnik?

As mentioned above, the city has turned into a hot European destination and is bound to be crowded most of the year. It is a great city break for European citizens, making it popular in almost every season.

Both great weather and even a few escapes to the beach, summer is the best time to visit, however, it is always better to see Dubrovnik in late autumn or early spring to enjoy milder temperatures, lower accommodation fees, and fewer crowds.

Is 3 days enough time to visit Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik is a large city with plenty of attractions and even more to see. However, if you travel at a fairly fast pace with several rest stops, then you can easily explore all that this beautiful city has to offer over 72 hours.

Dubrovnik in three days: What to see and do

Day 1 in Dubrovnik

It is a good idea to start your visit by exploring the charming historic district and old town, set up your alarm clock early, and head directly to the old town to admire some of the local landmarks that you’ve probably already seen in countless pictures. 

Here you will be able to sit for a coffee in the middle of the morning, enjoy a light lunch, and even have an afternoon drink to rest your feet after so many hours of walking. Do pack a comfy pair of walking shoes because that’s the only way to navigate the old town… and there is a lot to see!

The first thing you might notice is that Dubrovnik’s Old Town is protected by high walls and stone towers, considered one of the safest protective systems in Europe during the Middle Ages.

A walk over the walls offers a unique perspective over the city and the myriad of limestone houses and red-colored rooftops, but also a unique view of Dubrovnik’s Old Port. Access the city’s old district through the famous Pile Gate which was built in 1537.

These two huge gothic stone arches connect to a wooden drawbridge of extreme importance in ancient times and a key element of the city’s impressive defensive system.

Not far from the area and dating from the mid-1400s, you will easily spot one of the better-known landmarks in Dubrovnik, the Onofrio Fountain.

The fountain, which channels water from a close-by aqueduct is situated right opposite the Church Of Holy Salvation, another place where to stop to admire the local architecture and learn about the past of the country.

Continue your day by walking along the main promenade in the town known as Stradum or Placa, this is the main street that leads you right into Luza Square where you can admire the imposing Dubrovnik Clock Tower, a landmark dating from 1444 and a favorite meeting point for locals, especially at noon, when the bell rings to mark the moment of the day.

The Stradun is a pedestrian street, and it is lined up with beautiful shops, cafeterias, and a few restaurants. For more good pictures of the city as well as this street, you can reach the top of the town walls and capture a panoramic view of the Stradun and the rest of the city as well.

For further panoramic views, walk towards the northern side of the old town to discover some picturesque staircases that lead your way up to the edges of the city.

Two more interesting places to discover during your first sightseeing morning in the old town of Dubrovnik include the stone-made baroque cathedral, which shelters incredible works of art by several Croatian and Italian artists, including a magnificent painting on the altar by Titian.

Not far from the religious building, you should stop for a while to visit the gothic Rector’s Palace. The place housed the main government seat for years but is now home to the Cultural History Museum, and the ideal starting point to learn everything about the history of Dubrovnik.

Suggested stops for drinks and snacks in Dubrovnik’s Old Town:

There are several places worth considering for a break when visiting the historic town of Dubrovnik, whether you want to enjoy a cup of coffee or simply find an excuse for a quick rest before continuing walking in town, these are some of the places you should consider:

Probably the most traditional place for a cup of coffee and some atmosphere is the well-known Cafe Festival, set in a typical stone building on the Stradum (address: Stradun 28).

For a different afternoon drink or even coffee, head to Soul Caffe (address: Uska ul. 5) instead, where sometimes it is also even possible to enjoy live music and a more festive atmosphere. 

A popular coffee spot for locals is Cogito (Ul. od Pustijerne 1), which you will find both in the old town and outside of the city walls. The old town venue is small, perfect for just a quick, restoring stop. However, it is said that they brew one of the best coffees in town.

Finally, Dubravka 1836 is probably the best place for a long break, some people-watching, and some of the best views of the coast. Pick a table at their terrace, only steps from the Pilar Gate, and enjoy a good drink and the breathtaking sunset panorama. 

Day 2 in Dubrovnik

Since you might be tired from the first day in the old town, it can be a refreshing break to spend a few hours at the beach before heading back to enjoy the more historic sights of Dubrovnik (yes, the old town is not over yet!)

You can choose to relax for a few hours on any of the beaches close to the city. However, if you’re looking for a tranquil spot, with soft sand and a nice shore for swimming, maybe not far from the Old Town, reach Banje Beach.

Here you can relax for a few hours, enjoy a few snacks or a quick lunch by the sea, and then head back to the city centre for a couple more visits.

Since not every corner of the old town has been explored, it is a good idea to go back if you are eager to discover some more imposing buildings that made the history of Dubrovnik. 

Start by reaching the Franciscan Monastery Complex which took centuries to complete, something easy to observe through the different architectural styles used in its construction. This gives it a somewhat eclectic style and adds a share of drama to the buildings. 

With elements from the Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque styles, the building features gorgeous cloisters, a church, an apothecary (considered the oldest pharmacy in the world, dating from 1317), as well as a library.

This last building houses more than 20,000 books and some remarkable original manuscripts that have shaped Dubrovnik’s history.

Reach Dubrovnik’s West Port by walking from the walls surrounding the town to visit Fort Lovrijenac, one more observation point with incredible views of the old district, as well as an architectural defensive masterpiece in itself. The fortress stands over some incredible rocky cliffs and it is one of the most scenic landmarks in Dubrovnik.

After a quick lunch stop, it might be the right time to enjoy a city walking tour. Sightseeing tours on foot, especially when held by locals, are my favorite way to learn curious facts, mysterious tales, and legends about a town that boasts such a long history as Dubrovnik does.

But worry not, an Old Town Walking Tour like this one won’t be redundant at all! It will show you all the spots that you may have missed during the first day and it will also add remarkable facts that you probably haven’t heard of coming from over 1,400 years of Dubrovnik’s dramatic history. 

For a more romantic look at the old town, you could pick a walking experience of the City Walls at sunset like this one, perfect to unwind before heading to dinner.

And finally, especially for hardcore fans of the TV drama series, maybe a Game of Thrones walking tour could be a more interesting bet like this one.

Day 3 in Dubrovnik

Devote the third day to explore some gorgeous natural landscapes and some close contact with nature. The area surrounding the city offers endless opportunities to observe the coast from afar and to enjoy some leisure time doing something completely different. 

One of the most popular things to do in Dubrovnik is to go sea kayaking. Trips often start in the West Harbor area, so this is the place to be if you want to hire a kayak and see the city from the sea.

Depending on how confident you feel, you can choose to simply paddle close to the city walls or venture into a more challenging experience kayaking to the nearby Lokrum Island, and visiting some beautiful sea caves just a few minutes off the coast of Dubrovnik.

It doesn’t matter whether you get to Lokrum Island with a kayak or take part in an organised boat tour like this one, this is an easy and often affordable half or full-day excursion away from the city. 

On Lokrum, you can check out some spectacular swimming spots and pristine beaches, admire the green, lush forests, or walk any of the several trails. Interesting visits not to miss include the Benedictine Monastery of Saint Mary and the famous Fort Royal. For a close-up of the local flora, you could also pay a visit to the island’s botanical garden.

Another excellent outdoor experience is a visit to Mount Srd, the mountain is a little more than 400 meters above sea level and it can be easily reached by cable car or bus, but it is also possible to go on an unforgettable hiking adventure to soak in the breathtaking sights of Croatia’s shoreline and the Adriatic Sea. The visit will grant some of the most perfect aerial perspectives of the old town as well.

A final note on 3 days in Dubrovnik

As you can see, this itinerary balances some interesting historical landmarks with a few natural landscapes and short day trips around the area.

The city, with its historical buildings, churches, and forts is a unique medieval gem that deserves a lot of walking. Take your time and explore at a relaxed pace, this is probably the best suggestion I can give you to make the most of your three-day Dubrovnik experience.

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Gabi Ancarola is a journalist and travel writer who has lived over 20 years in Italy, and has been living in Crete for the last five years. She hosts culinary tours, translates and writes for her Crete travel blog The Tiny Book. She’s written for Greek Reporter and published several travel guides about Greece.