Dubrovnik can offer a lot, no matter if you’re visiting it for a day or staying in it longer. A lot of people visit Dubrovnik for a day, and that’s perfectly fine since there is a lot to see and experience in just 1 day in Dubrovnik and this article brings our suggestion for a Dubrovnik 1 day itinerary.
We spend a lot of time in Dubrovnik each year for our Love and Ventures photography project, and through the past years, we got to know most of the secrets for the best experience of this magical city in southern Croatia. Stick with us to the end and find out how 1 day in Dubrovnik can be a great experience.
Our itinerary suggestion for your 1 day in Dubrovnik Keep in mind that this is our suggestion, a 1 day in Dubrovnik in a way we would spend it. You can change it according to your preferences. It’s going to be a day packed with beautiful places and stunning views. Let’s embark and explore Dubrovnik in 1 day.
Let’s say that we’re starting at 8 AM, although we suggest you start even earlier if you have the opportunity to do so. There’s nothing better than the streets of the Old Town at 7 AM. But since most of the attractions and tourist places open at 8 AM, we’ll start our Dubrovnik visit at that time.
Also, since we’re spending just 1 day in Dubrovnik, we’re not going to put any of the adventure activities or Dubrovnik day trips in this itinerary, but rather we’re going to focus on visiting and exploring some of the most famous places in Dubrovnik.
Morning: Explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town and City Walls 8:00 AM – Start Your Day Early at Pile Gate
Arrive at Pile Gate, the main entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
Park your car at one of the parking lots outside the Old Town, there are few of these. Use public transport or walk to the Old Town. There is a large parking lot located some 15 minutes away from Old Town. There are also a few closer parking lots, but keep in mind that these are much more expensive.
Grab a quick breakfast at Gradska Kavana or a local bakery for fresh pastries and coffee.
8:30 AM – Walk the City Walls
Start your walk before the crowds and heat by walking the City Walls first thing in the morning.
This 2-kilometer loop offers the best views of the Adriatic Sea and Dubrovnik rooftops.
This route usually takes 1.5 – 2 hours to complete.
10:30 AM – Explore the Old Town’s Highlights
Walk along Stradun, the main pedestrian street in Dubrovnik. If you’re visiting in summer, it will slowly get more crowded at this period.
Stop by Onofrio’s Fountain and Orlando’s Column.
Explore Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace, key historical landmarks of Dubrovnik.
Visit Dubrovnik Cathedral and Church of St. Blaise before going for a lunch break.
Midday: Lunch and Relaxation Perfect, you explored the most famous places of the Old Town in the morning. The cruise ships arrive in Dubrovnik port and Old Town will get flooded by the visitors from these boats. But that’s ok because after lunch we leave the Old Town and the crowds.
12:00 PM – Enjoy a Local Lunch
Head to Konoba Dalmatino or Taj Mahal (not Indian, but a famous Bosnian restaurant!) for authentic Dalmatian or Bosnian cuisine.
Try black risotto, grilled fish, or seafood pasta.
If you prefer a scenic setting, Nautika Restaurant offers breathtaking sea views in Dubrovnik.
Afternoon: Lokrum Island Adventure After lunch, it’s time to go for a short boat ride toward Lokrum Island and explore this beautiful island.
1:30 PM – Take a Boat to Lokrum Island
An island just a 15-minute boat ride away from Dubrovnik’s Old Port.
Swim in the Dead Sea Lake, walk through botanical gardens, and visit the Game of Thrones Iron Throne exhibit.
Enjoy a refreshing drink at Lacroma Restaurant, a peaceful seaside café.
3:30 PM – Return to Dubrovnik and Enjoy Some Free Time
Wander through the Old Town’s charming narrow streets.
Visit local artisan shops for handmade jewelry, olive oil, or lavender products.
Enjoy a gelato at Peppino’s, Dubrovnik’s most favorite ice cream shop.
Evening: Sunset Views and Dinner on Mount Srđ Evenings in Dubrovnik are best enjoyed on Srđ, the hill rising above Dubrovnik and the best place to observe the setting sun kissing the Adriatic Sea.
5:30 PM – Ride the Dubrovnik Cable Car to Mount Srđ (Adjust this part according to the sunset time)
Take the cable car for a stunning panoramic view of Dubrovnik and the nearby Elafiti Islands.
Visit the Imperial Fortress, which played a crucial role throughout Dubrovnik’s history.
Take in the best sunset views in the city.
7:00 PM – Enjoy Dinner with a View
Have a dinner at Panorama Restaurant, offering a spectacular sunset backdrop and the most magical views of Dubrovnik below you.
Try local specialties like octopus salad, grilled lamb, or truffle pasta.
Night: Walk the Old Town by Night & Drinks After dinner, it’s time to return to the Old Town one more time and experience Dubrovnik at night. It’s something completely different, and we suggest you end your 1 day in Dubrovnik with a walk through the parts of the Old Town you have not yet visited.
9:00 PM – Evening Walk & Drinks
Walk through Stradun at night and enjoy the magical ambiance.
Visit Buža Bar, a cliffside bar with a stunning sea view.
If you prefer cocktails, D’Vino Wine Bar offers fantastic Croatian wines.
Want to experience Dubrovnik’s nightlife and end your 1 day in Dubrovnik that way? Try Culture Club Revelin, set inside a medieval fortress.
Good & Bad Sides of This Dubrovnik 1 day Itinerary Like all the things in life, visiting Dubrovnik in just 1 day has some good and some bad sides. Here they are:
Pros:
This itinerary covers all the major highlights of Dubrovnik in just one day.
It offers a balanced mix of history, nature, food, and adventure.
Avoids midday crowds by spending afternoons outside the Old Town.
Spectacular views from the City Walls and Mount Srđ.
Cons:
Can be exhausting, especially if done in the summer heat.
Expensive, as Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s priciest destinations.
Crowds are unavoidable, especially in peak season (July & August). Just accept them, and move on.
Alternative Options for a More Relaxed Day If this fast-paced Dubrovnik 1 day itinerary seems too much, we suggest you consider these alternatives:
Skip Lokrum Island and instead enjoy a relaxed afternoon at Banje Beach.
Instead of climbing the City Walls, visit Lovrijenac Fortress, which is less crowded.
Swap Mount Srđ for a sunset kayak tour around the city walls. We can’t decide on what’s better.
Before You Venture for a 1 day in Dubrovnik And that’s it. A lot can be seen in Dubrovnik in just one day. From our personal experience, we believe that 2-3 days in Dubrovnik are optimal for the best experience of this town, but hey, you have to work with what you have. We hope this article gave you some useful ideas on what your 1 day in Dubrovnik might look like. Remember, change the itinerary according to your preferences. Maybe you’re more of a kayaking type and would enjoy it more than looking at a sunset from a Srđ Hill. We’re that type too.
Enjoy your day in Dubrovnik!
