How Many Days In Dubrovnik Is Enough? (With Itinerary Ideas)
How many days to spend in Dubrovnik, Croatia? When you’re planning a trip to Croatia’s tourist hotspot of Dubrovnik – the pearl of the Adriatic – one important thing to consider is how long you’re going to need in Dubrovnik to give you the chance to see it all.
Here is my guide to help you decide how much time you need to explore the city of Dubrovnik
The number of days you can spare to visit this jewel of the Adriatic will affect your trip. While you can see the same number of sights whether you spend one or three days in Dubrovnik, the less time you have, the more rushed your trip will be.
I have created the perfect Dubrovnik itinerary to inspire your next trip. It’s full of all the information you’ll need, including guides on what to do each day, the public transport situation, and even some day trips you can take from Dubrovnik. It’s all you need to make sure your vacation runs as smoothly as possible.
What itinerary you choose will depend on how long you’ll be in Dubrovnik, whether that’s one day, a week, or even longer.
Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!
How Many Days To Spend In Dubrovnik?
So, how many days do you need in Dubrovnik?
The answer is… that it depends.
If you have just one day in Dubrovnik, it’s enough to see the city’s main sights—especially if you book a full-day tour.
After all, many cruise ships arrive in Dubrovnik, and they often have one day to spare for a whirlwind tour of its medieval city walls and explore the old town.
But I would recommend that you spend at least 2-3 days in Dubrovnik.
That way you can see the main sights and hit up some Game of Thrones filming locations. After that, if you have a week or more to spare, it just means you can take things at a more leisurely pace and possibly go on a few day trips to other destinations in the vicinity.
Since 2 days is the minimum I’d recommend, let’s start there…
How To Spend 2 Days In Dubrovnik
A 2 days in Dubrovnik itinerary is ideal for ticking off the main sights without rushing it on a one-day tour. You can take the cable car to the top of Mount Srd, walk the city walls, and give yourself time to explore.
As well as seeing the main sights, two days in Dubrovnik is just enough to get a good feel of the city.
How To Spend 3 Days In Dubrovnik
For a long weekend in Dubrovnik, a three-day itinerary will include not only the main sights of the city but also exploration of the surrounding area. Visit Dubrovnik with three days to spare, and you’ll find it’s a good amount of time to take a tour of the old town (this can be done in a day, really), plus a day trip to Lokrum Island and a beach or two as well.
How To Spend 4 Days In Dubrovnik
Of course, having four days in Dubrovnik gives you ample time to see the city’s main attractions. You can even spread them out over the four days, giving you a slower pace and letting you get an insight into the city.
Then again, 4 days also gives you more scope for planning day trips from Dubrovnik or finding a beach in Dubrovnik to chill out on for the day. Simply put, 4 days is the perfect amount for a short break.
A Day Trip To Dubrovnik
Yes, a day trip to Dubrovnik is definitely doable. If you’re in Croatia already but don’t have many days to spare, then it’s an option. You can travel from Split to Dubrovnik with ease (3 hours by car), while Zagreb, the capital city, also has good travel options to Dubrovnik.
However, as travel times are pretty long, I always recommend spending at least one night in Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik Itinerary Ideas
Dubrovnik offers a wealth of culture and history, all packed within its amazingly well-preserved medieval city walls. Whether you’re here for 1 day or several days, check out our itineraries below for the ultimate Dubrovnik trip.
One Day In Dubrovnik
If you have one day in Dubrovnik, I recommend a walking tour. It’s the ideal way to get an introduction to the city and its offerings. A local guide will lead you around the UNESCO-recognized old town, and you will learn all about the city’s main sights.
On a walking tour, you’ll see historical landmarks such as Onofrio’s Fountain, Orlando’s Column, and the Rector’s Palace. You’ll also see Dubrovnik Cathedral, which dates back to the 17th century.
Afterward, make sure to head over to Buffet Skola for some delicious lunch. It’s located just off Stradun, the main street. It’s a sandwich joint that’s been around for decades (they even make their own bread). It’s affordable and delicious.
In the afternoon, walk the walls. They’re slightly pricey but worth it to soak up the city’s medieval history. You can walk the whole circuit and learn how they were built to protect the city from attack.
Then, ride the cable car to the top of Mount Srd. Time your visit for sunset, when you’ll be able to catch some breathtaking views of Dubrovnik with the sky changing color. In the evening, head to Buza Bar. Set on the cliffs themselves, it’s often cited as the most beautiful bar in the city.
Day Two – Dubrovnik In 2 Days
Within 48 hours, you can follow the one-day itinerary as above and then add more to your day two in the city.
Your second-day itinerary starts with a trip to the Maritime Museum. Located inside the vaults of Fort St. John, the museum tells the tale of Dubrovnik’s maritime heritage as the capital of the Republic of Ragusa. It’s a fascinating place to learn about the city’s former importance in the Mediterranean trade.
Afterward, if you have time, the city’s aquarium is located inside the same building. It’s an interesting insight into the marine life of the Adriatic Sea. The aquarium does a lot of conservation work, especially for sea turtles.
If you’re feeling hungry, find lunch at the small Barba. It’s a fast-food eatery that serves burgers, freshly made fish, and sandwiches.
Exploring Dubrovnik further, the sea calls. Catch the boat over to Lokrum Island, which takes around 15 minutes. This uninhabited islet is home to a ruined monastery, a hilltop fort, and a botanical garden.
The monastery is home to a replica of the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones—this photo opportunity is definitely a good reason to visit! There’s also swimming, hiking, and the chance to have a bite to eat on Lokrum.
For dinner, head to Proto. This restaurant has been going strong since 1886 and has a menu that’s heavily influenced by local cuisine. Expect fresh fish and delicious pasta dishes.
Day 3 In Dubrovnik
An itinerary for 3 days includes everything mentioned so far, plus a third day of fun. After seeing the main attractions in Dubrovnik, this next day gives you enough time to explore more of the city and its surrounding coastline.
Begin your day early by taking the shuttle boat from Dubrovnik to the village of Cavtat. The trip takes an hour, and you can see the sparkling Dalmatian coastline from the sea.
Cavtat is a picturesque, historic place. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with Renaissance mansions and lovely beaches. Spend some time here taking in the attractive waterfront, dip your toes in the sea, and soak up the coastal atmosphere.
If you’re hungry, there’s a restaurant in Cavtat called Bugenvila. It’s a charming spot that serves up a host of exciting dishes made using locally sourced ingredients.
Then, it’s time to catch the boat back to Dubrovnik. If you’ve got time, you could step inside the city’s cathedral to see its ornate interiors. Or you could visit the Museum of Modern Art, near the Ploce Gate.
After some dinner at one of the town’s many charming restaurants, why not cleanse your palette with some of the best gelato in Dubrovnik at Peppino’s Gelato Factory?
Brands We Use And Trust
Day Trips From Dubrovnik
If you have more full days to spend in Dubrovnik, then it’s a bonus. For example, if you add one more and have four days in Dubrovnik, you’ll have the opportunity for more day trips—visiting the island of Korcula, for example.
More time in Dubrovnik means more exploring. Korcula is just one of the many islands that can be easily reached by taking day trips from Dubrovnik. A week would be the perfect amount of time to get to explore this stretch of the Dalmatian coastline.
But you could choose to spend as long as you want in Dubrovnik. Ferry connections allow easy access to a long list of islands and coastal destinations, including Hvar, Brac, Sipan, Kolocep, Mljet, Lopud, and even Split.
Facts About Dubrovnik – Planning A Trip
Population
Dubrovnik has a population of 41,562 (as of 2021). The majority of the population, around 90%, are of Croat ethnicity.
Language
Croatian is the language most widely spoken in Dubrovnik. Many people are bilingual and speak English or Italian (mainly older generations) as a second language.
Currency
As of January 2023, when Croatia switched from using the kuna to the Euro, the Euro started being used in Dubrovnik. 1 Euro is equal to around $1.09.
Plugs
Croatian plugs are types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins plus earth clips). The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. A universal adapter is advised.
Main International Airports In Dubrovnik
The main airport is Dubrovnik Airport (the code is DBV), which is just over 15 kilometers (9.5 miles) from the city center. It’s Croatia’s third-busiest airport and has many European flight connections, particularly in the summer season when many big-budget airlines fly there (TUI, EasyJet, Ryanair, etc.).
Where To Stay In Dubrovnik
Where you choose to stay in Dubrovnik depends on how long you’re there for. If you don’t have many days to spend in the city (and especially if it’s your first time visiting), then you might want to stay somewhere very central — in the old town itself would be ideal.
Then again, if you’ve got plenty more time, you could afford to stay further out from the center and experience a more local slice of life.
Either way, there are plenty of hotels in Dubrovnik to choose from. Here are some of the best places to stay in the city, from luxury accommodation to budget options.
Luxury – Hotel Lapad
This 4-star property is set in a grand historic building. It’s the ideal place to stay in Dubrovnik if you want to stay in style and comfort. It overlooks Gruz Harbor and is well connected with buses stopping just on the doorstep.
On-site facilities include a restaurant, garden terrace, live music, and an outdoor swimming pool. The beach is also nearby.
Click here for more information and the latest prices..
Mid-Range – Art Hotel Dubrovnik
Overlooking the sea, this polished hotel boasts modern bedrooms with balconies and private bathrooms. It’s just a 15-minute walk from here to explore old town, making it a convenient spot. Perks include a sea-view restaurant, terrace, bar, and restaurant, as well as a complimentary breakfast.
Click here for more information and the latest prices..Budget – Guesthouse Rustico
Located in the center of the old town, this budget hotel occupies a gorgeous 14th-century building. Staying here means being within easy walking distance to a whole host of top sights, so you won’t have to waste time catching public transport. Rooms are cozy and decorated with shabby chic decor, and period features add extra charm.
Click here for more information and the latest prices..Tips For Planning A Trip To Dubrovnik
Best Time To Visit Dubrovnik
Figuring out what time of year you should plan your Dubrovnik trip can be tricky. For many, even despite the huge crowds of tourists, summer will be best simply because of the weather. Others may prefer to visit when there are practically no tourists, even if the weather isn’t as good.
To help you work out when it is best to visit Dubrovnik, we’ve taken a look at what the city is like throughout the seasons of the year.
Fall
Autumn is shoulder season in Dubrovnik, meaning that the weather is still relatively good, and the tourist crowds have thinned out after the hordes of visitors during summer. September and October have average temperatures of around 77°F (25°C), but it can be warmer than that this time of year.
It’s only in November that it starts getting chilly.
Another plus of visiting this time of year as opposed to the other shoulder season (springtime) is the warm seawater. Having been warmed up by the summer heat, the seas are ideal for swimming and spending days at the beach.
September still sees a fair number of tourists, but the weather is still very warm, and a number of festivals take place across the month. Fewer tourists visit in October.
Although some of the accommodation and restaurant options close after the summer season, there’s still a lot to do, and the city still has good energy. It’s a good time of year to visit if you want a good balance of nice weather and fewer tourists.
Spring
Spring is a beautiful time of year to visit this historic city. You may not be able to spend much of your vacation on the beach, but the weather is ideal for walking the walls and seeing the historic sights of the old town.
The average temperature in April is around 59°F (15°C), with around 22 millimeters of rainfall expected on average across the month. But as time moves on, there’s more sunshine and warmer temperatures. In May, you can expect an average temperature of 70°F (21°C), but it’s still chilly at nighttime, dropping to around 52°C (11°C).
Summer
Summer is Dubrovnik’s peak travel season. Not only do tourists come here on vacation, but many cruise ships arrive daily, with hundreds of passengers disembarking to explore the city. It can be super busy.
If you’re planning on visiting Dubrovnik during the summer months, then you should book your accommodation as far in advance as possible.
It’s not necessarily a pleasant time of year to visit. The weather can be really hot, often reaching over 95°F (35°C), and the old town can get particularly congested at this time of year with cruise ship passengers arriving throughout the day.
But don’t let that put you off. There’s plenty of opportunity to escape the crowds by spending time on the nearby islands and surrounding beaches.
Winter
If you’re in Dubrovnik for winter, you can expect great value for money. The old town is much less crowded than at other times of the year, and accommodation and flights are cheaper. However, certain hotels and restaurants will be closed for the season, and ferry and bus services may also reduce their schedules.
That said, winter is an excellent time of year to see a more local slice of life in Dubrovnik. Visit around Christmas time, and you’ll be treated to seasonal celebrations such as the Winter Festival and the Christmas Fair.
It is quite cold, however. January is the coldest winter month in Dubrovnik, with average temperatures of 51°F (11°C), but lows of 32°F (0°C) are not uncommon.
Move This Adventure To Your Inbox & Get An Instant Freebie
No spam. Unsubscribe at any time.
How To Get Around Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a reasonably compact city, with most of the major sights confined to within the medieval walls. But if you’re staying outside of this area or want to explore further afield, then it helps to know about the public transport in Dubrovnik. Let’s take a look at how to get around in more detail.
Ferry
Boats are definitely your friend when it comes to getting from Dubrovnik to other coastal destinations and islands in the Adriatic Sea. Aside from being a huge port where cruise ship after cruise ship turns up in the high season, there are plenty of ferry services that run from Dubrovnik to nearby islands.
The ferry companies that operate from Dubrovnik are Grad Dubrovnik, Jadrolinija, Kapetan Luka, Montenegro Lines, and TP Line.
Of the 12 routes that pass through the port, 11 accept bicycle travelers, and 3 are car ferries. They serve 18 destinations, with between 42 and 49 sailings per day in high season and 12-20 per day in low season.
Journeys can be a matter of minutes or several hours, depending on exactly where you’re sailing.
The ferry port can be found in the suburb of Gruz, which is located 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the old town.
Buses
If you want to see more of what Dubrovnik has to offer outside of its old town (or if you’re staying outside the city center), then getting the bus is the best option. Operated by a company called Libertas Dubrovnik, the city’s bus network is reliable and easy to use.
Buses usually run from 6 a.m. until midnight. Thirteen bus routes connect the old town to surrounding suburbs, the main port, and beach resorts such as Lapad and Babin Kuk.
A ticket for one bus ride costs €1.99. Tickets are also available in increments of time, making them valid for a certain amount of time from when they’re first used:
1-hour ticket — €1.73
24-hour ticket — €5.31
72-hour ticket — €11.95
Generally, it’s cheaper to buy tickets in advance from vendors throughout the city. You could also opt to get a Dubrovnik Pass, which gives you access to several tourist sights in the city and bus transport.
Taxis
Taxis are found at cab ranks throughout the city. They charge fares based on official rates posted on the taxi ranks themselves.
Uber is also available, which might be more cost-effective and convenient for getting where you need to go.
If you want to go further afield, you might want to hire your own car.
Bicycle
Some people choose to hire bicycles during their trips to Dubrovnik. You can rent them from several different companies dotted around the city. Visit tourist information for a list of places to rent bicycles.
Final Word On How Many Days In Dubrovnik
No matter how many days in Dubrovnik you have to spend, there’s no doubt you’re going to have an amazing time. Keep our helpful itineraries in mind, make sure to plan your trip so that you’re visiting for a time of year that suits you, and book your accommodation in advance. Planning ahead is key to having the best possible time in this Dalmatian gem.