Let’s be real- planning sucks. Putting together an itinerary for a trip can be so tiring and tedious. Which is where we come in. If you’re headed to Croatia, more specifically Dubrovnik- we’ve got an entire four-day Dubrovnik itinerary.
Whether you’re headed to Dubrovnik for a few days, or maybe just stopping over- feel free to use this itinerary in its entirety or pick and choose your favorite options for a more DIY approach to trip planning.
Table of Contents
Here’s how to spend four days in Dubrovnik, Croatia:
Dubrovnik Itinerary: Day 1
Day one of your Dubrovnik itinerary is all about unwinding and getting used to your new surroundings. On day one, after arriving and checking into your accommodations, take a stroll to the market for a snack, take in incredible views of the city, then relax with a soothing cruise.
Day 1 Morning:
- Arrive at the airport and make your way to the downtown core
So, you’re off the plane and got your luggage, now what? Get to downtown Dubrovnik by airport shuttle, local city bus, or taxi. For all details and info, check out our Dubrovnik Transportation Guide.
- Arrive at your hotel and check in
Where should you stay in Dubrovnik?
If you’re only going to be staying in Dubrovnik for a short time, it’s recommended to stay in the Old Town. You’ll be close to most of the major attractions and historical sites.
Travelers with kids should look for accommodations in the Lapad district. It boasts a picturesque bay and beaches.
Tourists on a budget are recommended to check out the Gruz area, while a little further out from the city center, cheap eats and drinks as well as affordable accommodations can be had here.
Lastly, the Ploce area is a hip neighborhood with nightclubs, great views, and museums.
Pro-Tip: Once you’ve checked in, be sure to *check out* out our Dubrovnik Transportation Guide to reacquaint yourself with how to get around the city. Then read our list of 10 Essential Things to do in Dubrovnik for more ideas and suggestions on activities.
- Hit up the market to grab a snack
After all that travel, you’re probably hungry so first stop- Old Town Market to get yourself something to nibble on. The market is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., perfect for an afternoon treat. Pick up a pastry, or something more savory and sit down on a bench to people watch.
- Hop on the Dubrovnik Cable Car
Once you’ve got your energy up, give yourself a crash course in the Dubrovnik landscape by jumping on the Dubrovnik cable car. It’s a great way to start acquainting yourself with the city sights while taking it easy and not overdoing it on your first day. Depending on the season, the cable car is open quite late so if you’re pressed for time, opt to enjoy a ride later on in the evening and catch sight of the skyline at night.
The cable car station is conveniently localized in Old Town and is accessible by foot. From atop Srd Hill, you can overlook the entire city. On a clear day, you can see up to 60 km (37 miles) and you can admire the magnificent Imperial Palace.
Dubrovnik Cable Car Service Hours
January: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
February – March: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
April: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
May: 9:00 – 9:00 p.m.
June – August: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
September: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
October: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
November: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
December: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Ticket Prices:
Adult (round-trip): 150,00 kn
Adult (one-way): 85,00 kn
Child (round-trip, 4 – 12 years): 60,00 kn
Child (one-way ticket, 4 – 12 years): 40,00 kn
Children up to 4 years of age are free of charge
- Catch a sunset cruise around Lokrum Island
Finish your first day in Dubrovnik with a sunset cruise around Lokrum Island. Depart from the Dubrovnik port and catch a glimpse of the city and nearby Lokrum Island, illuminated in the night sky. Feel the breeze as you sail aboard a 16th-century style karaka ship on the Adriatic Sea. Sip on a glass of wine and delight in a delicious Croatian cuisine dinner. It’s an excellent (and romantic) way to finish off your day (especially if you’re traveling with a special someone!).
Timetable:
May 2019: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
June 1 – August 20, 2019: 7:30pm – 9:30pm
August 21 – August 31, 2019: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
September 1 – September 15, 2019: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
September 16 – October 15, 2019: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
- Grab a late-night glass of wine
Feeling a little restless, or trying to fight the jet lag? Treat yourself to a glass of wine at a local wine bar before you hit the sack. We suggest hitting up D’Vino Wine Bar in the heart of Dubrovnik Old Town. Order a snack if you’re feeling peckish, or opt for a wine tasting; D’Vino offers wine tastings that allow you to sample decadent wines from Croatia. Staff are on-hand to guide you through your wine tasting journey, or choose to enjoy the bar’s lively atmosphere.
D’Vino Wine Bar Address:
Palmotićeva ul. 4a, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Service Hours:
Daily, 8:00 a.m. – late
Pricing:
Wine tastings take place all day, starting at 55kn and upwards (for three 50ml glasses)
Dubrovnik Itinerary: Day 2
Ramp things up on day two of your Dubrovnik itinerary! Start off the day with a walking tour where you’ll see Dubrovnik’s major landmarks (including Game of Thrones filming spots), gorge yourself on seafood, then wander around Dubrovnik museums before hitting up a hot cocktail bar.
- 8:00 a.m.: Indulge in a delicious Dubrovnik breakfast with a view
Pack your bags for a day of sightseeing then start the day right- with a tasty Croatian breakfast. We recommend going to Stradun Street, a pedestrian limestone lane in the Old Town. It’s the main street in Dubrovnik and filled with quaint cafes and charming bistros. It’s a popular area and any breakfast joint you pick should provide a mix of European and more North American breakfast options. Here are a few spots we recommend checking out:
Cafe-Bistro Orlando: Take a moment on their sidewalk patio and people watch while you sip an espresso.
Placa no. 3 (Stradun)
Daily, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Cele Cafe & Lounge: Stop by for breakfast, lunch or even cocktails on their outdoor patio and admire the surrounding ancient buildings.
Placa no. 1 (Stradun)
Daily, 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Cafe Festival: Take a seat on a patio and enjoy a latte with a pastry at this enchanting cafe. If you’re there at night, take advantage of live music until midnight.
Stradun 28, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Daily, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
- 10:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Meet for a Game of Thrones walking tour of Dubrovnik Old Town
After breakfast, go to Pile Square in Dubrovnik Old Town for 10:15 a.m. and embark on a walking tour of the city as you stop at GoT filming locations and iconic sets from the TV show. You’ll head inside the walls and see historic monuments and landmarks while reliving scenes from the show. Pay a visit to the notable ‘Red Keep’, i.e. Fort Lovrijenac, an 11th-century castle that sits atop a 37-meter high cliff. Walk around the UNESCO World Heritage site and appreciate the ruins steeped in history and hear from a knowledgeable guide.
- 1: 30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Savor a seafood lunch
Being on the sea means Dubrovnik is plentiful with fresh seafood. While staying in Croatia, be sure to load up on all things crustacean and shellfish! For your day two lunch, we suggest hitting up Barba for a shrimp burger. It’s a fun, casual spot to get some succulent seafood, that won’t break the bank.
Daily, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
- 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Get a dose of history and culture at a museum
Wander into one of Dubrovnik’s museums and gain insight into the past and learn about the rich Croatian life. Spend your afternoon at one of these museums, or save these activities for a rainy day on the itinerary and museum-hop while you avoid any nasty weather outside.
Franciscan Church and Monastery: The Franciscan Church and Monastery is a large complex with the first monastery being built in the 13th century. The monastery contains two points of interest: the Museum of Pharmacology and the library. The pharmacology museum is held in one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe and includes a collection of antique bottles and educational displays. In fact, the pharmacy is actually still functioning today; so you can pick up some beauty products after your trip into Dubrovnik’s past. At the library, you can work your way through a selection of 20,000 books including 1,200 valuable manuscripts!
Address: Poljana Paska Miličevića 4, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Admission Price: 15 kuna
Rector’s Palace: The Rector’s Palace was once the seat of the rector (a member of the clergy), nowadays it is open to visitors as the Dubrovnik Cultural History Museum. Meander along the hallways of this massive house to take in the antique furniture and artwork from the 15th and 16th century. Get a feel for life as an upperclassman in Croatia as you discover this elaborate home.
Address: Ul. Pred Dvorom 3, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Admission Price:
Adults: 100 kuna
Children and students: 50 kuna
Ethnographic Museum: If you really want to deep dive into the Croatian culture, take a trip to the Ethnographic Museum. The museum holds about 6,500 objects of Croatian heritage from the Dubrovnik area. This includes: traditional costumes from the Croatian people, tools, and objects from daily life.
Address: Od Rupa 3, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Admission Price:
Adults: 130 kuna
Children and students: 50 kuna
Maritime Museum: The Maritime Museum is located at Fort St John, a large fort that guards the Dubrovnik Old Harbor. Also located within the fort is an aquarium and Pulitika Studio. The Maritime Museum was founded in 1949 and now houses over 5,000 objects of Dubrovnik’s maritime past.
Address: Tvrđava Sv. Ivana, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Admission Price:
Adults: 130 kuna
Children and students: 50 kuna
Pro-Tip: Dubrovnik’s Museums are almost like a collective of museums that include: Cultural History Museum in the Rector’s Palace, Maritime Museum in Fort St John, Ethnographic Museum in the Rupe/Holes granary, Archaeological exhibitions in Revelin Fort. One ticket is valid for entry into all of the above plus: House of Marin Drzic, Dubrovnik Natural History Museum, The Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik, Gallery Dulčić Masle Pulitika, Studio Pulitik.
For more museums to check out during your stay in Dubrovnik, take a look at our list of the 10 Essential Things to do in Dubrovnik.
- 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Try Asian-Croatian fusion for dinner
Sample Mediterranean food with an Asian twist at Azur in Dubrovnik. The Croatian chef opened their first restaurant in China and has now brought their learnings and influence back to their hometown. Azur is located on a quiet lane in Dubrovnik Old Town. Dishes consist of fresh, local ingredients like mussels and shrimp.
Address:
10, Pobijana ul., 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Service Hours:
Daily, 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Cocktails at Cave Bar More
After dinner, treat yourself to a cocktail at Cave Bar More. Which, like the name suggests, is in an actual cave! Rocky walls, jagged ceilings and low lighting make for a uniquely cool ambience. If you want to the sunset or admire the landscape in the evening, the bar also has a patio right on the water.
Address: Nika i Meda Pucića 13 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Open daily, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Dubrovnik Itinerary: Day 3
Take a day trip out from Dubrovnik for day three of your itinerary. Escape the bustle of the busy city and head out to one of the neighboring islands via ferry.
- 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Breakfast at a cafe
Don’t skip the most important meal of the day! After leaving your hotel with everything you need for the day, begin your morning at a Dubrovnik cafe for a coffee and breakfast. Here’s a few options:
Caffe bar Giro: A coffee house with indoor and outdoor seating. Nom on a savory or sweet croissant and grab an espresso or coffee.
Address: Vukovarska ul. 34, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Service Hours:
Open daily, 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Restaurant Sesame: If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, in a picturesque setting, opt for Restaurant Sesame. Sit down for a delicious bite underneath the shade of the towering trees.
Address: Dante Alighieri 2, 20000, Dubrovnik
Service Hours:
Open daily
Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Lunch: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Dinner: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Stara Loza: Pamper yourself to an upscale breakfast at Stara Loza. Sit inside the decadent interiors and dine on high-quality, local dishes. Also an excellent option for dinner or lunch!
Address: 24, Prijeko ul., 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Service Hours:
Friday, Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Tuesday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
- 10:00 a.m. Hop on a ferry to Sipan Island
- 11:05 a.m. Arrive at Sipan Island
Sipan Island is the largest of the Elaphites- a group of 13 islands, some of which are uninhabited. Visit the islands and experience provincial life, unwind on the beaches or take a dip in cool waters. This island has a rich heritage, artifacts found here indicated that the Romans once lived on this ancient land.
Bask in the sun on the sandy beach, or take a refreshing dip in the Adriatic. There are several church ruins on Sipan including St. Peter’s from the 11th century and Church of the Holy Spirit built in the 1500s. If you feel like embarking on an adventure, you can choose to grab a ferry from the port on Sipan to one of the other Elaphites Islands.
- 5:45 p.m. Catch the ferry back to Dubrovnik
- 7:00 p.m. Enjoy a traditional Croatian meal
For your last dinner in Dubrovnik, make sure you taste what an authentic Croatian dish is like. Here’s a few traditional joints that offer up a number of national dishes:
Restaurant Komin: Old school dining at its finest!
Address: Ul. Iva Dulčića 136, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Service Hours:
Open daily, 12:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Above 5 Rooftop Restaurant: Appreciate a rooftop view of the city while you taste local seafood and dishes with a modern twist.
Address: Ul. od Sigurate 4, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Service Hours:
Open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Address: Ul. Nikole Gučetića 2, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Service Hours:
Open daily, 10: 00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Dubrovnik Itinerary: Day 4
For your last day in Dubrovnik, enjoy the natural and historic beauty of the city before you make your way back to the airport.
- 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Eat a hearty breakfast
Because this is your last day, you’ll probably want to jam in as much fun as possible! Stay close to your accommodations and pick up a quick breakfast before heading out for the day.
Bon Appetit Dubrovnik: Cheap and cheerful eats can be had at this spot. It’s known for its pizza so in a pinch for lunch or dinner grab a slice and some beer here.
Address: Obala Stjepana Radica 31, Dubrovnik 20000, Croatia
Service Hours:
Open daily, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Mr. Fresh: If you’re on the go and need something fast but healthy, try Mr. Fresh.
Address: Od Pucha 14, Dubrovnik 20000, Croatia
Service Hours:
Weekends, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- 9:30 a.m. Venture out to Lokrum Island on the ferry
Day one finished with a sunset cruise around Lokrum, but if you haven’t had the chance to trek across the island itself- take this chance to do so. Ferries to Lokrum run every 30 minutes in the summer and the trip is only about 15 minutes making it an easy half-day trip. Ferry tickets are 40 kuna a person. Ferry details can be found here.
From Lokrum Island, you can catch sweeping views of the mainland, or opt to go for a refreshing swim in the Dead Sea. You can also take in some history- Lokrum Island is home to the Benedictine monastery ruins which date back to the 12th century. If you’re trekking about Lokrum Island, chances are you’ll also run into some of the animal inhabitants such as peacocks and turtles.
- 1: 00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Grab lunch in the Old Town
Stuff your face full of tasty, Mediterranean goodness one last time before you go back home. Here’s two restos to enjoy your last meal in Dubrovnik in:
Mlinar Bakery: If you just want to grab and go, pick up some yummy sweet or savory pastries at this bakery and make your way to your next destination.
Address:
Stradun 28, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Service Hours:
Monday – Friday: 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Weekends: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Pupo Taverna: Carboload on pasta, feast on fish, or munch on meats at this Mediterranean eatery.
Address: Miha Pracata 8, 20000 Dubrovnik
Service Hours:
Open daily, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- 2:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Stop at Gornji Ugao Tower and Minčeta Fort
Quickly eat a bite at one of the Old Town joints, or head to the Old Town market for a snack before paying a visit to Gornji Ugao Tower and Minčeta Fort.
Dubrovnik is a goldmine for history buffs, so you know it has some incredible museums and heritage landmarks. In the heart of the walled, Old Town is Gornji Ugao Tower and Minčeta Fort. Minčeta Fort was originally built in 1319; the Gothic-style fort is one of the most prominent towers found along Dubrovnik’s defensive walls. Gornji Ugao Tower is a preserved foundry under Minčeta Fort.
- 5:00 p.m. Check out of accommodations then travel to the airport
We put together this schedule to include the essential must-do activities as well as interesting things to do for any type of traveler. If we’ve done our job right with this itinerary, you’re pretty sad at this point, a little exhausted, thoroughly happy and fully satisfied with your Dubrovnik vacation!
