One Day in Dubrovnik in Croatia.
Walking through the Old Town is like being in a film set.
The ancient architecture throughout the city makes Dubrovnik one of my favourite cities!
If you are heading to Dubrovnik soon and are unsure what to do in the mediaeval city, then this blog is for you.
After I spent several days exploring Dubrovnik, I have chosen the best activities in the city to fill up your travel itinerary.
As Dubrovnik is walkable in most parts, one day is enough time to enjoy many of these highlights.
Let’s start with an introduction to the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’.
A restaurant by the Old Town.
Some practical information before you visit.
Dubrovnik is located near the southern tip of Croatia, and even though it only has a small population, it is Croatia’s most popular city for tourism.
Its beautiful ancient architecture, stunning picturesque coastline, and mediaeval vibes draws in over 1 million international tourists each year.
Unfortunately the prices in the city reflect the surge in popularity over the last couple of decades, so it shouldn’t be your choice of destination if you are searching for a bargain.
I found Zadar in the North to be more budget friendly.
Despite its high costs, the city is still one of the best choices in the Balkans, if you want to experience the unique charm that the region has to offer.
Weather.
Summer (June – August).
Long sunshine hours, refreshing sea dips, and average temperatures between 23°C - 27°C.
Spring (March – May) & Autumn (September – November).
Cooler temperatures between 19°C - 22°C, earlier sunsets, and chilly evenings.
Winter (December – February).
Layer up for cold evenings, and average daytime temperatures of 10°C make sea dips a no go!
Currency.
Croatia adopted the Euros currency in 2023.
Dubrovnik Pass.
If you want to save some money on your Dubrovnik break, then you can purchase a Dubrovnik Pass, which covers your entrance for the city walls, the museums, and public transport.
These are available for 1 day, 3 days, or 7 days, and start at €35 per day.
Rooftop views of Dubrovnik Old Town.
Islands.
If you want a break from the Mediaeval vibe, then you can head to the islands.
There 14 islands scattered off the Adriatic coastline in Dubrovnik, with Lokrum Island being the highlight for many.
You will find beautiful nature across the island, so it is paradise and the perfect way to break up a longer trip to the city.
Crowds.
We all want the perfect Instagram shot in the picturesque Old Town, however, in peak summer months you are going to struggle to grab them, unless you start very early in the morning.
Cruise ships.
Dubrovnik is a very popular stop on Mediterranean cruise itineraries, with tourism numbers rocketing between June and August.
This makes the tourist attractions in the Old Town very busy on afternoons, so it is advisable that you pre-plan if you want to visit on a quieter day.
There are loads of hidden viewpoints in the city.
Take a tour of the city’s walls.
Dubrovnik rightly takes its place as the best-preserved walled city in Europe, and to enjoy the full aesthetics of its Old Town, you should take the famous tour of the city walls.
At 2000 metres in length, unbroken, and circling the whole Old Town, a wander along Croatia’s number one tourist attraction offers unmatched views of every pocket of the Mediaeval centre.
I caught a glimpse of palaces, churches, cobbled alleys, and of course, the beautiful Adriatic Sea.
I Found it fascinating, learning that walls have fortified the city for centuries, and still stand tall, despite external efforts to modernise certain sections over the years.
This is definitely an activity which you want to enjoy early in the morning, or towards sunset, so you can avoid the cruise ship crowds and midday heat.
It took around an hour to walk the whole loop, and I recommend that you complete the route in its entirety!
Walking the famous walls of the Old Town.
Spotting the walls as I arrived into Dubrovnik from the airport.
Admire the mediaeval architecture of the city.
Dubrovnik is considered as one of the most aesthetically pleasing, and best-preserved mediaeval cities in Europe, and is also designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
I noticed that most of the buildings in the Old Town have been built in Baroque style, however, this was not always the case.
Previously a wander down the cobbled streets of the Old Town would reveal plenty of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, however, many of the buildings in this style were destroyed by an earthquake in 1667.
You can still find some original buildings which have survived the test of time, such as The Sponza Palace, Rector’s Palace, and Revelin Fortress.
Admiring the architecture in the Old Town is more enjoyable with no crowds, and I was very pleased to experience it in this way when I went to visit the Jesuit Stairs first thing in the morning.
Enjoying the picture perfect Old Town.
A quirky doorway.
One of my favourite parts of exploring Dubrovnik were the little hidden pockets, such as doorways, fortress windows, and unique vantage points, all of which reveal picture-perfect aesthetics.
The Harbour area of the Old Town is a great spot to find many of these.
Ideal to capture some Instagram shots!
Awesome views from the Dubrovnik Walls.
Enjoy evening dining and drinks in the Old Town.
The city is a hotspot for foodies, with a combination of local, International, and seafood restaurants.
I enjoyed sit down meals, street food, and even a kebab after my rooftop drinks one evening.
Here are some highly rated options for you to add to your travel itinerary:
Ezza Steak & Cocktail Bar - fine dining experience, and awesome steaks.
Konoba Dubrava - Mediterranean cuisine, with a lovely local feeling, including cool waiters.
GreenGarden - Burger Bar - A more budget friendly option ideal for afternoon meals in the beautiful garden setting.
Many restaurants in the Old Town offer outdoor seating.
Rooftop bars.
One of my favourite activities in Dubrovnik was relaxing in the rooftop bars.
I visited several rooftop bars in the Old Town, all of which offered a chilled ambience, live music and cocktails.
The prices are expensive in them, however, if you visit before 7pm there are happy hour prices, or buy one get one free offers.
The bars I visited did not have a dress code, however, some of the rooftop bars in the city do, so prepare for this, if you are planning on visiting the high end establishments.
Zox Box was my favourite one, as it is located right next to the Jesuit stairs, so there is always a lively atmosphere in and around the bar.
You can grab a mojito to go as well, which was fun as I wandered back to my hotel.
There are rooftop bars throughout the Old Town.
Find the secret cliff bar in the Old Town.
If you want to add a little quirk to your Dubrovnik itinerary, then you should head to the secret cliff bar ‘Buza’.
The ‘hole in the wall’ bar is built directly into the rocks on the edge of the Old Town, and offers calming escape from the busy city in summer months.
I enjoyed a beer and a mojito in the bar as I watched tourists cliff jump below, and sea kayakers circle the city on the Adriatic on their afternoon tours.
If you want a spot of adventure, you should remember to bring your swimming shorts, so you can complete the cliff jumps, although it is close to 8 metres high!
If like I did, you just want to relax, then you can just enjoy the coastal breeze and beautiful sky at sunset.
Alcoholic, soft drinks, and coffees are available at Buza Bar, so it caters for customers all day long, although be mindful, that there was no toilet in the bar when I visited, so it should only be a stop for one or two beverages!
Buza Cliff Bar.
Make the most of the beautiful Adriatic Sea.
It is one thing enjoying the beautiful Adriatic Sea from the cliff bar, however, it is even better to experience it first hand through one of the many watersports which are available to do in Dubrovnik.
As with other spots along the Croatian coastline, you will find many boat tours, which will visit an island or two, offer some alcoholic beverages, and if snorkelling is your thing, you will also have a chance to swim with the fish.
For the more active travellers, you have the option of paddle boarding and sea kayaking, both of which are available as part of official tours or they can be organised yourself, for your own exploration of the city’s coastline.
Both options will be a fun experience, however, the guided tours offer some expert knowledge about the different landmarks along the seafront.
Paddle boarding and kayaking are popular in Dubrovnik.
Enjoy the best views of the Old Town from the cable car.
There is no doubt that my favourite view of the Old Town was from inside the Dubrovnik cable car, as it slowly ascended up Mount SRD.
Sunset time was perfect as the Old Town glowed up offering breathtaking photo opportunities.
The cable car has been operating for over half a century, taking international tourists up the mountain every few minutes. The development has expanded over the decades, so users can now enjoy a meal at the Panorama Restaurant at the top , as well as enjoying the different viewpoints.
You will have to wait in queues at both ends of the service in the majority of months through the year.
This is not a cheap activity coming in at €27 for adults, and €7 for under 12’s for a round trip, and although the actual cable car ride only lasts minutes, the views were worth it in my opinion.
You can hike up in around 40 minutes if you are fit and active, however, the temperatures make this difficult.
I personally think it’s worth the expense, so you can fit this activity in faster alongside the other delights in the city.
Save this activity until sunset for the best experience!
My favourite views of the city.
Climb the Jesuit stairs.
Any Game of Thrones fans will recognise the ‘Jesuit staircase’, as it was home to one of the most iconic scenes in the show.
However, even if you aren’t an avid Game of Thrones fan, the staircase has been one of the architectural highlights of the Old Town, ever since its construction in 1738.
It also has a practical use of connecting Gundulic Square to the Jesuit Church of St Ignatius, which are popular spots for tourists.
I enjoyed drinks in the rooftop bar right next to the stairs in Gundulic Square, and the restaurants were packed full on an evening also.
On my tour of the Old Town, our local guide told us that the designer of the staircase actually modelled the staircase on the Spanish Steps in Rome.
I could definitely see a resemblance, although the Jesuit stairs are smaller for sure.
As you can see below, I had a completely different experience when I visited early in the morning, compared to peak times.
Game of Thrones played a big role in increasing tourism in Dubrovnik, therefore, as you can imagine, many tourists flock to the staircase all day long.
The famous stairs empty is a very rare sight.
The stairs are packed most of the day.
What are the beaches like in Dubrovnik?
When I was researching Dubrovnik before I visited, I found that it isn't famed for long stretches of sandy beaches.
However, I found a variety of coves, bays, and beaches with pebbles, shingle, or rocky shores, so I still managed to relax in the beautiful sunshine, although I was hungover one of the days!
Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:
Rocky and Pebbled beaches.
Many beaches in Dubrovnik have pebbles or stones instead of sand. This might not be ideal for everyone, but the clear waters and interesting rock formations can add to the beauty of the beaches.
Clean and Clear Waters.
The Adriatic Sea boasts exceptional water quality, and the beaches in Dubrovnik are no exception. The clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.
In June, I found the sea to be warm, but refreshing!
Variety of Ambiance:.
Some beaches, like Banje Beach, are popular and lively with restaurants, bars, and water sports options. Others, like Sveti Jakov Beach, offer a more secluded and relaxed atmosphere.
Stunning Backdrop:
No matter which beach you choose, you'll be surrounded by Dubrovnik's stunning scenery, with dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and the picturesque Old Town often visible in the distance.
Bellevue beach offers some nice quiet vibes.
My favourite beach in Dubrovnik.
Bellevue Beach was my go to beach during my trip.
It is small, secluded and hidden, but it is worth discovering if you make the effort to find it.
You enter the beach area by descending down a steep staircase, which contributes towards the private feel on the beach.
I felt safe to swim and leave my bag unattended, but in my sight still.
There is also a beautiful (but expensive) restaurant on the beach, toilets, and the chance to swim in caves and cliff jump.
An awesome Adriatic Sea backdrop.
Arriving at Bellevue Beach.
When is the Best time to visit Dubrovnik?
The shoulder seasons (May or Late Sep/Oct) are the best choice if you want to enjoy the popular beach spots, and grab a table at the best restaurants in the Old Town without too much of a battle.
The peak summer months bring in the best weather, along with the crowds, so if you are visiting then, make sure you book your excursions, accommodation in advance, and be mindful about reserving your evening meals.
High Season (June to August).
Hot and sunny.
Most crowded.
Most expensive.
Shoulder Seasons (April, May, September, and October).
Warm and sunny.
Fewer crowds.
Moderate prices.
Low Season (November to March).
Cooler and possible rain.
Least crowded.
Least expensive.
Dubrovnik Old Town Harbour.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik.
From my experience in the city, I would strongly recommend these two options:
Old Town area for sightseeing, prime location, but more expensive.
A stylish functional option with modern decor, a very central Old Town location and a really large shower. There is an awesome authentic Bosnian restaurant really close by which is beautiful.
A 9.8/10 rating for location on Booking.com is confirmation as to how this choice can maximise your enjoyment of exploring the famous Old Town.
By booking this option you will find yourself in the heart of one of the most picturesque Old Towns in the world.
Gruz Port area to experience more of a local vibe, and cheaper options:
The views of the Adriatic Sea from my room were awesome, and the Gruz Port area is nice and quiet in comparison to the Old Town.
Despite it being located 2 km away along the coast, there are cheap and regular transport options to reach the popular tourist spots.
Relaxing in the private pool after a full day of exploring Dubrovnik is the best way to wind down and absorb the beauty of the city that you have just witnessed.
The 8.8 rating on Booking.com reflects your correct decision of choosing this option.
Gruz Port is another nice area of the city.
How to get around Dubrovnik.
When I visited Dubrovnik, I stayed in the Gruz Port area which is around 3.5km form the Old Town, so I used a range of different transport options during my stay.
Uber.
Uber was the most efficient way that I traversed Dubrovnik, and I didn’t have any issues with finding a driver, day or night, or meeting them throughout different spots in the city. In peak summer months, you may encounter traffic near the Old Town.
Taxi.
As above, there is an abundance of choices of taxis in Dubrovnik, but their prices reflect the city’s high prices.
Car.
Car rental is a popular choice for tourists who want to explore different parts of the region.
This is an ideal choice to drive from the airport to the city, or to go and explore natural wonders nearby, such as Kravica Waterfalls in Bosnia, or Krka Waterfalls further North in Croatia.
RentalCars.com is a very reasonable option as a provider, with the cost being under €30 for 4 days rental in Dubrovnik in summer months, with plenty of different vehicles being available.
Bus.
The main bus route in Dubrovnik passes all of the major areas of the city. I stayed near Gruz Port, and the bus stop was right outside of my hostel on the main road.
This made for an easy budget friendly method of reaching the Old Town.
Walk.
Depending on where you stay, the city is walkable. It took around 45 minutes for my walk from Gruz Port to the Old Town, which is quite far out. If your accommodation is located within a couple of miles of the Old Town you won’t have any problems walking.
I actually found the car traffic to be heavy in June, making drop off points less accessible and car parking more difficult to find, so walking can be the quicker option..
Most of the major sights are within easy walking distance of each other also.
Example of a One day Dubrovnik itinerary.
To make the most of a short trip to the city, you should mix in the ancient Old Town, a beautiful beach, and some quirky evening activities.
Here is the best order of activities to fill up your awesome day exploring Dubrovnik.
Morning.
Walls tour.
Jesuit staircase & other Old Town treasures.
Afternoon.
Relax at Bellevue Beach.
Enjoy watersports, swimming & cliff jumping in the Adriatic.
Lunch by the beach.
Evening.
Sunset Cable car ride.
Evening meal in Old Town.
Buza Bar for drinks.
My favourite Dubrovnik tour.
I visited Dubrovnik on my first ever solo trip, which was through the Balkans region.
I enjoy exploring new cities in a faster style of travel, so I can see more sights, therefore, this Dubrovnik Old Town & City Walls Guided Tour is an ideal choice to see the Old Town’s famous places in a timely manner, with an expert.
The tour guides in Dubrovnik are all locals who know the history of the city through personal experiences and their upbringings.
They all offer that Balkan charisma which I enjoyed in all of the nearby countries.
I loved the fact that I learnt so much on this tour, about the history of the fortresses and towers in the Old town, which were crucial to the protection of Dubrovnik’s people and prosperity.
Check the Dubrovnik Old Town & City Walls guided tour prices & availability on GetyourGuide.
Cruise ships are a regular site in Gruz Port.
While you are in the Balkan region.
Dubrovnik is located in the Balkan region close to Bosnia and Montenegro, therefore, it offers a great chance to visit multiple countries in one trip.
There are popular day tours to Montenegro from Dubrovnik, which include Kotor Bay & Budva, alongside other hidden gems in the beautiful country.
A day trip that I enjoyed was the Mostar & Kravica waterfalls one, as I got chauffeured around Bosnia & Herzegovina all day.
A morning dip at the waterfalls was refreshing, and exploring Mostar was one of my favourite ever travel experiences!
I found myself off the beaten track, as I searched for the Mostar graffiti art, which is in the same place where the war took place just decades ago.
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