Dubrovnik is the most visited destination in Croatia, the most searched query about Croatia online, its Old Town is under the protection of UNESCO, and so many more positive things. Each year, a large amount of people visit it and enjoy in many great things Dubrovnik offers. How many days are you going to spend in Dubrovnik is up to you and your preferences, but we bring you our suggestion of an itinerary for 3 days in Dubrovnik. We believe that 3 days in Dubrovnik are enough to experience the most of this gem of southern Croatia.
Dubrovnik is a city that combines history, culture, and stunning natural beauty that surrounds it. With its UNESCO-listed Old Town, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking views, Dubrovnik offers plenty to explore and experience. This Dubrovnik 3-day itinerary is the perfect way to experience the city’s highlights while leaving enough time to enjoy in its charm.
Here’s our ultimate guide to making the most of your 72 hours in Dubrovnik.
Introduction to 3 days in Dubrovnik We spend at least 1 whole month per year in Dubrovnik and through the past years, we get to know most of its secrets. We believe that 3 day stay in Dubrovnik offers optimal balance and gives you enough time to experience the best of it. In this guide for 3 days in Dubrovnik, we included all the things we, as locals, would like to get from the visit to Dubrovnik. We hope that it will be helpful in planning your days in Dubrovnik.
Of course, the final itinerary is up to you, in the list below you might find some activities or places that are not interesting to you. In that case, we suggest you change it to something you would like to do.
Here’s what our Dubrovnik 3 day itinerary looks like.
Day 1: Discovering the Old Town The first day in Dubrovnik will be all about the Old Town. You probably just landed and want to keep it as easygoing and relaxed as possible. Through our work with people visiting Dubrovnik, we have noticed that a lot of them are overly ambitious and want to fit in as much as possible in 1 day, all while having jet lag and still haven’t recovered from their trip.
Keep it low impact on the first day, walk a bit, and spend a lot of time sitting and soaking in the atmosphere of Dubrovnik. Here’s how the day 1 in Dubrovnik might look like.
Morning: Explore the City Walls Start your first day by walking Dubrovnik’s iconic city walls. This 2-kilometer circuit offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, the terracotta rooftops of the Old Town, and the nearby Lokrum Island. This is the best immersive view of the Old Town you’ll see during your stay in Dubrovnik and as such, it’s a great idea to start your visit by it.
Also, if you’re visiting Dubrovnik during the summer months, start the walls tour as early as possible to avoid the heat and the crowds.
Highlights :
Tower Minčeta: The highest point of the walls offering stunning panoramic views.
Fort Bokar: A picturesque corner overlooking the sea.
Pile Gate: The main entrance to the Old Town.
Tips :
Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
Sun protection is also a must when visiting during summer.
Late Morning: Walk Through the Old Town After the city walls, wander through the narrow stone streets of the Old Town. First, immediately after you descend fro mthe walls, find a small cafe in a secluded alley and rest for a while. You have just walked for 2 kilometers and it’s a good idea to rest before continuing.
Dubrovnik Old Town is not huge and you’ll be able to visit a lot of interesting places in just few hours. During your walk through the Dubrovnik Old Town visit landmarks like:
Stradun : The central street in Old Town, lined with cafes and shops.Rector’s Palace : A Gothic-Renaissance palace with a museum.Sponza Palace : A beautifully preserved 16th-century building.Church of St. Blaise : A baroque church dedicated to the city’s patron saint.
Lunch Enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants, preferably one that serves the local food.
Afternoon: Visit Fort Lovrijenac Also known as the “Gibraltar of Dubrovnik,” Fort Lovrijenac is a must-see and guardian of the Old Town. It’s located just outside the city walls and it offers spectacular views and insight into Dubrovnik’s strategic importance. The walk to the Lovrijenac entrance is a bit steep so take your time and enjoy the view during the ascent.
Evening: Sunset at Mount Srđ Finally, for the end of the day, take the Dubrovnik Cable Car to Mount Srđ for a breathtaking sunset. The panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea are something you will remember for a long time.
Tips :
Arrive early to secure a good spot. A lot of people is coming to view the sunset from Srđ, but it’s large area and you’ll easily find a spot to enjoy a peaceful sunset.
For the end of the day, enjoy dinner at the Panorama Restaurant , located at the top.
Suggested activities for Day 1 in Dubrovnik
Day 2: Islands and Beaches That’s it, with day 1 we have completed all the things you need to see when it comes to Dubrovnik Old Town, now is the time to enjoy the sea and beaches. The second day will be all about relaxation and easy activities.
Morning: Lokrum Island Take a short boat ride from Dubrovnik’s harbor to Lokrum Island, a nature reserve perfect for a morning of exploration and swimming in a crystal clear Adriatic Sea.
Highlights :
Benedictine Monastery: A historic site with beautiful gardens.
Dead Sea: A small saltwater lake within the island, the perfect place for swimming.
Scenic hiking trails with great viewpoints.
Tips :
Pack swimwear, sunscreen, and water.
The boat ride takes about 15 minutes and runs frequently.
Lunch Grab a casual meal on Lokrum or return to Dubrovnik for lunch at a seafood restaurant near the harbor.
Afternoon: Banje Beach or Sunset Kayaking Now you have a choice on what to do. The first option would be to relax on Banje Beach , Dubrovnik’s most famous beach, known for its stunning views of the city walls. Alternatively, you can join a sunset kayaking tour , which typically includes paddling around Lokrum Island and a stop at a hidden beach for snorkeling.
Evening: Fine Dining Enjoy, you’ve deserved it. Indulge in a fine dining experience at 360° Dubrovnik , a Michelin-starred restaurant offering exquisite cuisine and spectacular views of the Old Town.
Suggested activities for Day 2 in Dubrovnik
Day 3: Culture and Day Trips Good morning, it’s your third day in Dubrovnik before you venture to explore other parts of Croatia. You have just spent 2 stunning days in Dubrovnik and the third one will wrap up your experience of this city in southern Croatia.
Morning: Explore Local Culture Visit Dubrovnik’s cultural gems, such as:
Dominican Monastery : A tranquil site with an impressive art collection.Franciscan Monastery : Home to one of the world’s oldest pharmacies.War Photo Limited : A thought-provoking museum documenting conflicts in the region. It might be a ‘hard’ topic for a vacation, but it really provides you with an insight into some of the most turbulent years in Dubrovnik.
Lunch Enjoy lunch at any of the Dubrovnik restaurants.
Afternoon: Day Trip to Cavtat Take a 45-minute boat ride or drive to Cavtat, a beautiful coastal town south of Dubrovnik. Walk along its waterfront, visit the Mausoleum of the Račić Family, and relax at one of the town’s peaceful beaches.
Evening: Wrap Up with a Walk and Wine Return to Dubrovnik for a peaceful evening. Experience the most famous places of Old Town at nighttime. Walk along the illuminated Stradun and enjoy a glass of local wine.
Suggested activities for Day 3 in Dubrovnik
Additional Tips for Visiting Dubrovnik As soon as you reach Dubrovnik, you’ll be amazed by its beauty and history. It’s one of the most preserved medieval towns in the world. However, you’ll notice that the crowds can get pretty intense which can affect your overall experience of Dubrovnik. Here are a few more tips regarding your visit:
Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik : Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer mild weather and way less tourists.Avoiding Crowds : Plan your visits to the most famous locations early in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially during summer. This is a good way to avoid both the heat and the crowds.Getting Around : Dubrovnik is not so large and best explored on foot. For trips outside the city, taxis, buses, and ferries are convenient. Try to use your car as little as possible since the traffic in Dubrovnik can be pretty dense and parking spots might seem impossible to find.What to Pack For Your 3 Days in Dubrovnik : Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, and swimwear are some of the most important accessories.Stay Flexible : Adjust to the weather and other things that might affect your Dubrovnik experience. For example, if it’s going to rain for 1 day during your stay, then plan some indoor activities for that day.Watch The Cruise Ships Schedule: Find out when the cruise ships come to Dubrovnik and stay out of the Old Town while the groups from these ships are on a tour. There is a huge influx of people in these periods and it can really ruin your experience.Get The Dubrovnik Pass : It’s a great way to visit many places with a single card and no need to pay for each place individually and wait in queues.
Before you venture for your 3 days in Dubrovnik This is our version of Dubrovnik 3 day itinerary which we believe covers all the things you have to visit when staying for 3 days in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is a city that will most definitely leave a lasting impression on you and we encourage you to explore a lot when staying in it. Three days might not seem much, but as you can see from this itinerary, they are more than enough to visit all the most important places of Dubrovnik. A lot of people choose Dubrovnik as the first place they’ll visit in Croatia, stay in it for 3 days, and then travel to Split for example, and explore the rest of Croatia.
Enjoy your 3 days in Dubrovnik.
