Planning a trip to Dubrovnik? You’re in the right place!
Fitting all of the city’s must-sees into just three days can be a tricky task, but don’t worry, I’ve done the hard work for you! After exploring every corner of Dubrovnik (and yes, sweating through those city walls in summer!) I’ve crafted the perfect three-day itinerary to ensure that your time here goes off without a hitch.
From sunrise views atop Mt. Srđ and swimming in secret coves to beautiful sunsets and wandering medieval streets that feel like a movie set, this guide covers it all. Plus, I’ve included all of the timing and insider tips you’ll need along the way. Let’s dive in!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Dubrovnik was this Old Town walking tour. Between the stunning views from Mt. Srd and exploring historic landmarks, it was the perfect way to see the city’s beauty, culture, and charm!
Day 1
Breakfast – Pekarnica Pile
Pekarnica Pile is a convenient place for breakfast this morning, since it’s just a 2-minute walk from the tour’s meeting point. But it’s also a must-visit in Dubrovnik because I just can’t get enough of their yummy bagels! Or if you want to try a local treat, grab one of their deliciously flaky bureks. This spot opens at 6 am, so you’ll have plenty of time to grab a bite before your tour begins at 9 am.
Morning – Explore the Old City with a guide and ride the cable car
When I visited Dubrovnik for the first time, I did this half-day city sightseeing tour, and it was the best way to experience the city from every angle—literally! Book this tour for 9 am and you’ll finish up at about 1:30 pm, just in time for lunch!
The tour kicks off with a ride up Mount Srđ on the iconic cable car, which offers breathtaking views of the city. From the top, you get a panoramic perspective of the Old Town’s terracotta rooftops, the glistening Adriatic Sea, and the nearby islands. It’s incredible!
After soaking in the views (and snapping a hundred photos), we headed back down to explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town on foot. Our local guide, Sara, was so knowledgeable and full of fun facts about the city’s history. We loved listening to all of her stories as we visited iconic landmarks like Rector’s Palace and Onofrio’s Fountain.
But the highlight for me had to be walking the city walls. This medieval defense fortress spans nearly 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) and provides an unforgettable view of the coastline. You can’t come to Dubrovnik without doing this!
This tour is the perfect introduction to Dubrovnik, and with over 500 glowing reviews, you know you can’t go wrong!
Book my favorite city tour here before it sells out!
Lunch – Soul Kitchen
Soul Kitchen is a lively, welcoming lunch spot just a 4-minute walk from where this morning’s tour ends. It’s so good that we always end up eating here at least twice every time we’re in Dubrovnik! This place offers fun fusion cuisine, with everything from pear salad to cauliflower tempura, and I highly recommend ordering the watermelon salad to start with. The service here is absolutely wonderful, and if you’re in the mood for something refreshing, I can definitely vouch for their signature drink!
Afternoon – Relax on the beach
You’ve had a busy morning of exploring, so this afternoon is all about relaxing at the beach before heading for a kayaking tour later. Dubrovnik gets HOT during the summer, but luckily, there are several beaches within walking distance of the Old Town where you can cool off with a refreshing dip in the Adriatic.
Banje Beach is the closest and most popular option, just a 10-minute walk from Old Town, though it can get crowded. It’s a pebbled beach which isn’t the comfiest to lie on, so you’ll probably want to rent a sunbed. Loungers start from around 100 HRK (€12).
For a quieter, more local vibe, I always enjoy visiting Plaža Sveti Jakov. It’s about 25 minutes away from the Old Town on foot or a 6-minute cab ride. There’s a lovely beach bar here where you can rent parasols and sunbeds from, or even SUP boards if you feel like going for a paddle!
Or, if you’re just looking to jump straight into the sea, Buža Beach is a hidden gem tucked right outside the city walls. It’s a secluded rock beach which is ideal for swimming!
Evening – Go kayaking at sunset
Is there a better way to end your first day in beautiful Dubrovnik than kayaking on the Adriatic with a drink in hand?
Short answer: no! This top-rated kayaking tour is an awesome adventure that’s both serene and exciting. It starts at 5:30 pm in the summer, or 4:30–5 pm during the spring, and 3:30 pm in the fall, in accordance with sunset times. Either way, it’s the perfect way to cap off a great first day in Dubrovnik.
If you’re hungry before you head out, make a quick stop at Burger Bar Jojo, located right beside the tour meeting point. You can grab a quick burger or salad to tie you over, especially since dinner will be on the later side tonight.
We had the best time on this tour! Paddling along Dubrovnik’s dramatic coastline was absolutely fantastic. We loved weaving past the towering city walls and exploring quiet coves that were only accessible by kayak. We even stopped at a hidden cave beach where we swam, snorkeled, and did a little bit of cliff jumping!
After lots of exploring, we stopped to float for a while and sip some local Croatian beverages, with epic views of the shore. It’s really moments like these that make us love traveling so much! No wonder it has hundreds of rave reviews—read them here!
Book this epic kayak tour here and enjoy FREE cancellation!
Dinner – Gradska kavana Arsenal Restaurant
I can assure you that the kayaking tour works up quite an appetite, so after freshening up from a long day in the sun, head for dinner at Gradska Kavana Arsenal Restaurant. There’s a fantastic outdoor terrace here that offers gorgeous views of the old port and the city walls, so it’s an unbeatable place to eat dinner! I love the truffle mushroom pasta here, and the octopus salad is a must-try for seafood lovers. It stays open until midnight, so you can always stay for a well-earned nightcap if you fancy it.
Related Read: Heading to Hvar next? Don’t miss our 3-day Hvar itinerary here, filled with scenic tours, hidden coves, and the best ways to explore the island.
Day 2
Breakfast – Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe
Start your second day in Dubrovnik with breakfast at Dubravka 1836, one of the best spots just outside the Old Town gates. Set right by Pile Gate, this place has a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea and Lovrijenac Fortress—so if you can, grab a table outside and soak it all in before the day gets busy.
The menu is a mix of hearty and lighter options, from eggs and fresh pastries to smoothie bowls and strong coffee (which you’ll definitely want before your zipline adventure!). I like that it opens right at 8 am, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed breakfast without feeling rushed.
It’s also super convenient for today’s plans—just an 11-minute walk (or a quick 4-minute drive) to the zipline meeting point for your 10 am start.
Morning – Soar Above Dubrovnik on a Zipline Adventure
If you’re up for a little adrenaline, this panoramic zipline experience is easily one of the most fun ways to see Dubrovnik from a completely different perspective. The 10 am tour fits perfectly into today’s itinerary, giving you just enough time after breakfast to make your way to the meeting point—and you’ll be finished around 1 pm, just in time for lunch.
We did this zipline on our trip, and it ended up being such a highlight. It’s set high above the city on Mount Srđ, with unreal views over Dubrovnik’s Old Town, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands. After a quick safety briefing, we zipped across two lines that stretched over the rugged landscape, and the views were unreal! Even if you’re a bit nervous, the guides are incredibly professional and made us feel totally safe the entire time.
What we really loved is that it’s not rushed. There’s time to take it all in, snap photos, and just enjoy being up there before moving on to the next line. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and sightseeing, and it’s easy to see why it has over 1,500 five-star reviews—it really is that good.
Check availability and book this popular zipline tour here!
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Lunch – Burger House Republic
After your zipline adventure, head back into Old Town for a casual (and very satisfying) lunch at Burger House Republic. We ended up eating here and it was exactly what we needed after a busy morning—quick, filling, and honestly just really good.
This spot is super highly rated, and once you try it, it’s easy to see why. While they’re known for their juicy, loaded burgers (which definitely hit the spot), the menu is actually pretty varied—you’ll find everything from classic cheeseburgers to seafood platters if you’re in the mood for something a bit different. It’s a great option if you want something relaxed without sacrificing quality.
Location-wise, it couldn’t be more convenient for what’s next. It’s just a 2-minute walk to the starting point of your Game of Thrones tour at 4 pm, so you won’t need to rush. After lunch, you’ll have some free time to wander around Old Town, pop into a few shops, or grab a gelato from nearby Gelateria Dubrovnik before your next activity.
Late afternoon – See Game of Thrones film locations
Calling all Game of Thrones fans! This epic tour is your chance to step right into the Seven Kingdoms! If you loved the hit TV show, then you have to book this tour starting at 4 pm.
If you’re a fan of the show, then I’m sure that you already know that Dubrovnik served as the filming location for King’s Landing. On this tour, you’ll explore the actual spots where some of the series’ most memorable scenes were filmed! As someone who has watched GoT multiple times, walking around all of these locations in real life was a surreal experience.
We visited key locations, including the Pile Gate, the Lovrijenac Fortress (aka the Red Keep), and the steps of the infamous Walk of Shame. One of my favorite moments was standing on the walls overlooking the harbor —if you’ve watched the show, you’ll instantly recognize this as Blackwater Bay!
Meanwhile, our local guide, Nino, also shared behind-the-scenes stories from the filming, which made the tour even more exciting for a die-hard fan like me.
As you can probably tell, I absolutely loved this tour, but I’m certainly not the only one who did. Check out THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews here!
Book your tour here and pay nothing until 48 hours before you go!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Optional activity – D’vino Wine Bar
I know not everyone is a Game of Thrones fan, so I’ve included an alternative for those who aren’t into dragons. After all, you’re right in the heart of Old Town—so whether you’re in the mood for a slow wander through the city walls or just want to kick up your feet at a quiet café, this is the perfect window to do it.
Grab a gelato, find a shady bench in Gundulić Square, or simply enjoy a slow stroll through the limestone alleys. Croatia also has some amazing wine, so take advantage of all the locally sourced vino right here in the city!
There are tons of great spots, but D’vino is my personal favorite. It’s everything a wine bar should be: secluded, cozy, and full of friendly staff with a real passion for wine. You can order by the glass or do what I do and get a tasting flight of several different varieties. They also have outdoor seating in the alley if you want to soak up some sun.
Dinner – Dalmatino Dubrovnik
Dalmatino Dubrovnik is right around the corner from the end of the tour, or just a few doors down from D’vino wine bar, so head here for dinner. They have fresh seafood, amazing pasta, and lots of delicious wine. Get the chocolate fondue for dessert—you won’t regret it!
Plus, the staff here are incredibly friendly and happy to recommend local specialties, which made the whole experience feel personal and relaxed. We loved the cozy atmosphere—perfect for winding down after a full day of sightseeing and sea air.
Day 3
Breakfast – Culto Restaurant
This morning’s tour offers hotel pickup in the city center, so if that’s where you’re staying, then just grab something at or near your accommodation this morning. If not, then you can head to the meeting point at 9 am.
If you do that, then grab breakfast at Culto Restaurant, which is just a 13-minute walk from the meeting point. It opens at 7 am during the week or 8 am on Saturday, so you’ll have plenty of time for breakfast. They have a ton of different options, including bureks with cheese or eggs and bacon on toast. Or if you want something lighter, have a croissant!
Do bear in mind that it’s closed on Sunday, though, so grab something near your hotel if your third day in Dubrovnik falls on a Sunday.
Full-day Elaphite Islands cruise
One of the best things about visiting Dubrovnik is that it’s perched on the edge of the Adriatic Sea, offering lots of opportunities for scenic boat trips! And for us, the best way to take advantage of this is to book this dreamy full-day cruise to the Elaphite Islands.
Not only is this tour the perfect escape from Dubrovnik’s busy streets, but it also includes delicious food, stunning views, and three island stops. The first of these is Lopud, which we totally fell in love with! Here, we had plenty of time to explore the charming town and relax at the picturesque Šunj Beach.
Next, we headed to Šipan, the largest of the Elaphite Islands. It’s got an incredible, laid-back charm, and we had the best time checking out its rustic villages and ancient olive groves. After strolling through the peaceful surroundings, we returned to the boat for a freshly prepared fish lunch. And don’t worry if fish isn’t your thing, because there are also chicken and vegetarian options available.
But the best part? Unlimited drinks are served onboard! Just when we thought the experience couldn’t get any better…
Then, the final stop of the day was Koločep, where we swam in crystal-clear waters and explored its serene beaches before cruising back to Dubrovnik. Honestly, whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or just soaking up the scenery, this cruise is an effortless way to explore the Elaphite Islands. No wonder it has so many glowing reviews!
Reserve your spot here and receive FREE 24-hour cancellation!
Dinner – Restaurant Panorama
Your tour will return around 5 pm, giving you just enough time to freshen up before heading to Panorama Restaurant. It’s a stunning spot that’s perched high above Dubrovnik, so you can hike up the hill or do what we did and take the cable car up here. After all, you might not want to get sweaty in your nice evening clothes!
This place is on the expensive side, but the splurge is worth it for your last night in the city. The views of the city and coastline are absolutely gorgeous, and the service is warm and attentive. We felt like VIPs! Just be sure to book a table because this place is in demand, and when you dine here, you’ll see why.
Evening – Drinks in Old Town
After an unforgettable dinner, toast the end of an epic trip with drinks in Dubrovnik’s charming Old Town. There are tons of fantastic bars here, so you’ll be spoiled for choice!
If you’ve fallen in love with Croatian vino, you can always stop by another wine bar for more, or head to Buzz Bar for the best cocktails in town. It’s a super friendly spot and it’s very reasonably priced given that it’s in the heart of Dubrovnik’s tourist center. We were really impressed by the beer selection here, too!
Related Read: For more helpful tips for your trip, check out our guide on some of the best things to do in Dubrovnik, complete with iconic sights, hidden gems, and local insights to make the most of your visit!
Where to Stay in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Now that you’ve got your Dubrovnik itinerary all sorted, you just need to find a great place to stay! From luxurious hotels overlooking the sea to cozy boutique stays and budget-friendly options, Dubrovnik offers something for every traveler.
So to help you plan the perfect trip, I’ve rounded up the best places to stay in Dubrovnik, catering to a range of budgets and travel styles!
Luxury – $$$
For a luxurious stay in Dubrovnik, the Rixos Premium Dubrovnik is my number one choice. This 5-star hotel boasts stunning Adriatic Sea views, modern and elegant rooms, and top-tier amenities. It’s got an outdoor pool, a full-service space, and multiple dining options, including a fine-dining restaurant with epic sea views. Plus, it’s conveniently located just a short walk from the Old Town. Does it get any better than that?
Prices range depending on the season, but usually start around €170 in the slow winter season and €400 during the busy summer season. Check all the options and book this luxury stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
The Hotel Adria is a fantastic mid-range option in Dubrovnik, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and Elaphiti Islands. The modern rooms are spacious and comfortable, and many of them feature private balconies where you can relax and soak in the scenery. There’s also an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and free parking, so it’s great if you’re planning to hire a car.
This hotel is located a short drive or a 20-minute walk from the Old Town. It’s close to all the best attractions while providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle.
Prices start at around €90 per night during the low season and €200 per night during the high season. You can check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.
Budget – $
The Hostel Sol is a fantastic budget-friendly option in Dubrovnik, offering clean and comfortable private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Each room includes free Wi-Fi and air conditioning, and the property features a shared kitchen for added convenience. Located near the Gruž Port, it’s an ideal base for catching ferries to nearby islands and is only a short bus ride away from the Old Town.
Rooms start as low as €60 per night, and you can visit Booking.com to make your reservation.
For more options, see all of Dubrovnik’s hotels listed here!
Related Read: For a full breakdown of the best areas and hotels in Dubrovnik, have a look at our detailed Where to Stay guide here!
Renting a Car in Europe
Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.
We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Europe
What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe
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Thanks for reading!
Three days was the perfect amount of time to soak up Dubrovnik’s magic—from sunrise at Mt. Srđ to swimming in secret coves and exploring medieval streets. This itinerary blends the city’s biggest highlights with off-the-beaten-path gems and plenty of time to relax and explore at your own pace.
Before you zip up your suitcase, don’t forget to read our other Europe travel blogs! Or check out some of our favorites below. We’ve explored cities near and far and love sharing tips, stories, and must-do experiences to help fellow travelers plan their next unforgettable adventure. Happy travels!
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