Dubrovnik Itinerary: What to See and Do in 3 Days

A look at the enchanting historic center of Dubrovnik (Ragusa) and it’s easy to see why this Croatian city is so popular. With its mighty walls and the sparkling blue water surrounding it, the city will surely captivate any tourist visiting while completing their itinerary in Croatia.

So, where to start a trip to Dubrovnik? Let’s dive right into how you can make the most of your time there. To do this, you’ll want a detailed Dubrovnik itinerary like this one, which will show you all the best places to visit in Dubrovnik and how you can fit them into a few days. Keep reading for our guide on what to do in Dubrovnik in 3 days to ensure a truly memorable experience.

The perfect 3-day itinerary in Dubrovnik

Visitors may be surprised by how much they can do with 72 hours in Dubrovnik. You’ll probably be able to see the city’s attractions and even go on a day trip to one of the many islands along the Croatian coast. While in Dubrovnik, you will spend most of your time in and around the city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

However, before getting to our Dubrovnik itinerary, we just wanted to remind you to purchase travel insurance. You never know what will happen, and trust us, you don’t want to be stuck with thousands of dollars in medical bills. As a wise man once said, “If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.” So don’t leave home without it.

We also created a 10+ day Croatia itinerary, if you want to extend your stay.

Dubrovnik Itinerary (Ragusa): Day 1

To start your visit, head straight to the famous historic center of Dubrovnik, where you will understand why this city is so popular.

Stradun

Entering the historic center of Dubrovnik through the main Pile Gate, you will find the city’s main street, Stradun, in front of you. Since the 13th century, this limestone street running the length of the old town has been the main artery of Dubrovnik. Along it, you will see countless elegant Venetian buildings that will make you feel as if you have traveled back in time. The street is so scenic that it has been used as a filming location not only for Game of Thrones but also Star Wars. Before heading down the street, take a moment to admire the 15th-century Great Onofrio Fountain just inside Pile Gate.

Clock Tower

At the end of Stradun is Luza Square, surrounded by some of Dubrovnik’s most cherished landmarks. One of these landmarks, dating back to 1444, is the Dubrovnik Clock Tower. Next to the clock tower’s bell are two green bronze figures with clubs who strike the bell every day at noon. Interestingly, besides its traditional clock, the tower also features an old digital clock which looks quite strange on an old stone tower. Elsewhere on the square, you’ll find other magnificent monuments, including the beautiful 16th-century Sponza Palace. It is one of the few buildings to survive the brutal 1667 earthquake.

Rector’s Palace

Continuing, we encounter one of the city’s most important buildings, the Rector’s Palace. From the 14th century until 1808, this was where the head of state, known as the rector, resided. It also functioned as the city armory and prison. During a visit to the majestic Gothic building, you will have the chance to see its chambers and halls, as well as learn about the history of Dubrovnik and the Republic of Ragusa, of which it was once the capital.

Dubrovnik Cathedral

Just above the Rector’s Palace is the city’s main place of worship, the Dubrovnik Cathedral. This baroque colossus was built in 1713 to replace the city’s original cathedral, destroyed in the earthquake. While the cathedral’s exterior blends with the rest of Dubrovnik’s stone buildings, inside you will find something that makes it stand out. The cathedral has a triptych on the altar featuring works by the acclaimed Venetian artist Titian. There are also artworks by renowned Croatian and Italian artists in many of the side chapels.

Dubrovnik City Walls

There really is no way to miss the huge city walls surrounding Dubrovnik’s historic center. These tall walls rise above the city rooftops and connect the impenetrable massive stone towers. Dubrovnik’s old town was widely considered to have some of the best defenses of any place during the Middle Ages. Now, as impressive as the walls are from the outside, they are nothing compared to the views you get walking along the tops of these intact city walls.

The uninterrupted walkway along the walls is just under two kilometers long and offers breathtaking views of the old town throughout the circuit. From up there, you can admire Dubrovnik’s orange rooftops, spot the tops of landmarks like the cathedral, and admire the sparkling city coast.

Old Town Stairs Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s old town is quite flat, while the northern end of the city runs on a rather steep slope. There you are more likely to find large and long stairways running between houses rather than streets. While exploring this part of Dubrovnik will probably take your breath away, these narrow stairs are exceptionally photogenic and well worth it.

Cafe Buža

End your long day of walking in the old town by treating yourself to a drink at Cafe Buža, a bar with a perfect view. Nestled between the city walls and the Adriatic Sea, this bar is the ideal spot to grab a glass of wine or beer and relax as the sun sets below the horizon. You can even take a cliff jump here and take a swim to cool off.

Dubrovnik Itinerary (Ragusa): Day 2

Now it’s time to explore beyond the walls of Dubrovnik’s old town and see what else the city has to offer.

Fort Lovrijenac

The walls and towers surrounding the historic center are not the only defenses that once protected Dubrovnik. The imposing Fort Lovrijenac fortress sits on rocky cliffs opposite Dubrovnik’s western port. This makes it incredibly scenic but also a place that offers superb views of the old town popping up from its formidable walls.

Sea Kayaking

Head down to Dubrovnik’s western port, where you regularly see a series of kayakers setting off from the small stone pier. Kayaking from here is not only a fun way to get out on the water and exercise; it also gives you a chance to see the city from a completely new perspective. The city walls look even more daunting when you paddle underneath them. All kinds of kayak tours are available, from a ride along the edge of the walls to tours that take you to Lokrum island off the city coast. We recommend the following kayak tour.

Game of Thrones Walking Tour

Dubrovnik must be one of the most famous locations for the many Game of Thrones shoots. The Old Town was used to portray King’s Landing throughout all seasons of the show. There are a number of spots you might recognize in the city. Sure, you can try to hunt them down on your own, but a quicker option is to take a themed walking tourGame of Thrones and have someone show you places like the Jesuit stairs where Cersei’s Walk of Shame was filmed. You can book a GoT tour here.

The TV series “Game of Thrones” seems to have no crisis; rather, more and more viewers have become passionate about the series’ stories and consequently are enchanted by the uniqueness of the natural sets chosen by the screenwriters. We have already discussed here on FullTravel.it the Game of Thrones locations in Ireland, but it is not only the Emerald Isle that has hosted scenes in the various seasons of the fiction.

There are also other European countries that lent the beauty of their lands to create unforgettable Game of Thrones scenes. For example, there is a country very close to Italy and chosen by many compatriots for summer vacations; combining both passions, one might consider organizing a Game of Thrones tour in Croatia.

You can start in Dubrovnik, first heading towards the Minčeta Fortress: many important scenes have been filmed here over the years. The same goes for Lovrijenac and Bokar Fortresses, similarly used to recreate the Lannister castle atmosphere. Then just organize a walk around Dubrovnik to recognize many familiar places for series fans. Moving outside the city, you can also visit Lokrum Island, recognizable as the Qarth scenes set. Finally, it is also recommended to visit the Trsteno Arboretum botanical garden.

Mount Srd

It is finally time for the definitive view of Dubrovnik, which you can only get by taking a cable car to the top of Mount Srd. This 412-meter-high mountain overlooks Dubrovnik directly and offers a perfect view of the old town. However, you don’t only get sublime views of Dubrovnik; you can also see along the coast to the many nearby islands. Standing next to the giant cross and the ruins of Fort Imperial, you’ll also have a fantastic spot to admire the sunset, making it the ideal way to conclude your second day in Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik Beaches

As interesting as sightseeing can be, it’s fine to spend part of your trip just relaxing, and what better place to relax in Croatia than on the beach! Dubrovnik boasts a handful of different beaches, but Banje and Lapad Beach are two of the most popular. Banje Beach is just east of the old town, meaning you can be sure you will find many tourists there. Lapad Beach, on the other hand, is a few kilometers away but is also a fairly busy sandy beach. Another option you might consider is Bellevue Beach, a smaller pebble beach near Lapad Beach.

Dubrovnik Itinerary, Surroundings: Day 3

After experiencing the best of Dubrovnik on your first two days there, you can now take a look at all the fantastic spots surrounding the city. There are plenty of day trips from Dubrovnik to choose from, but the following are some of the most popular.

Lokrum (Lacroma)

The easiest place to go if you’re looking for a day away from Dubrovnik is Lokrum Island, located just off the coast of Dubrovnik with beaches and forests, not to mention some interesting landmarks. Its main swimming spots are the main beach along the southwest coast and the saltwater lake known as the Dead Sea.

With trails running through it, the forest is pleasant if you want to take a nature walk. As for Lokrum’s landmarks, there is the Benedictine Monastery of St. Mary and its charming botanical gardens, and there is also Fort Royal, from which you can enjoy views over the water to the old town.

Korcula (Curzola)

One of the most beautiful islands along Croatia’s coast is Korcula, which explains why it is such a popular day trip destination. Start exploring the town of Korcula and its charming historic character. You can visit the main attractions such as St. Mark’s Cathedral with its Venetian architecture and Marco Polo’s House, where the famous traveler was born.

Korcula is equally famous for its natural attractions, including several wonderful beaches. The Pržina beach in Lombarda is probably the easiest to reach, but there are many around the island for sunbathing and swimming. Winemaking is another dominant industry on Korcula, so you might also spend the day tasting some of the local creations.

Elaphiti Islands

If you’re interested in seeing several islands in one day, then hopping from one island to another in the Elaphiti Islands is the way to go. There are 14 islands in this archipelago northwest of Dubrovnik, and tours usually stop at the larger islands like Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud.

Each island offers something different to visitors, meaning you can see different sides of island life by hopping from island to island. Koločep is known for its orange groves, lemon groves, and a secluded medieval chapel hidden among them. Šipan offers a classic example of a historic Croatian marina. The last one is Lopud, the perfect stop for swimming and sunbathing thanks to the white sands of Sunj Beach.

There is much you can experience around Dubrovnik in three days . After the visit, you should have no trouble understanding why this Adriatic city is so popular.

Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik

To get the most out of any trip, it’s important to consider when you plan to visit. This is especially true with an extremely popular tourist destination like Dubrovnik. This means that finding the best time to visit Dubrovnik depends not only on the weather but also on how crowded the city will be with tourists.

Dubrovnik, like the rest of Croatia, is most popular during the summer when the city struggles with over-tourism. The high season in Dubrovnik means accommodations are limited and at their most expensive, lines are longest, and tours or activities might be fully booked.

To avoid these issues, consider scheduling your visit in May, September, or October instead. During these months, the weather is still good for visiting the city, going to the beach, and hopping from one island to another, but you won’t be hit by high season rates.

If you’re looking to save money, consider planning your trip to Dubrovnik during the low season. From December to March is when Dubrovnik is quietest, and you can expect accommodations to be cheaper. However, many of the best things to do in Dubrovnik are seasonal, so there may be some attractions closed and activities like swimming or visiting the islands that won’t be possible.

How to get around Dubrovnik

You should have no trouble getting around while visiting Dubrovnik. When you visit the Old Town and surroundings, you have no choice but to walk everywhere since the Old Town is a pedestrian zone. The historic center is not huge, so you won’t be covering long distances. Keep in mind, however, that there are many stairs.

When heading to places outside the historic center, you might find public transport a useful and handy alternative. Buses are the only form of public transport in Dubrovnik, but they will take you where you need to go. Tickets, valid for one hour, start at 12 HRK if purchased at a newsstand or a Libertas kiosk and 15 HRK if bought from the driver.

You will likely arrive in Dubrovnik by plane or by ferry. To get from the ferry terminal at Port Gruz, take buses 1A, 1B or 3 and get off at Pile Gate, the last stop. To go from the airport to the city, it’s best to take a dedicated airport bus. The bus costs 50 HRK one way or 80 HRK round trip and takes about 30 minutes to reach the Old Town.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

The popularity of Dubrovnik means there is no shortage of accommodations to choose from. The challenge is finding a place that fits your budget and travel style and still has rooms available. It is for these reasons that we highly recommend booking your accommodation well in advance.

As for where to stay in Dubrovnik, this is where things get interesting. While the Old Town is obviously one of the best places to stay in Dubrovnik, you will pay for the convenience. Budget travelers will likely need to look beyond the Old Town walls, towards nearby neighborhoods like Pile, Ploce, or Lapad. One thing to keep in mind is that the higher up you stay on the hill, the more steps you will have to climb each time you return to your accommodation.

You won’t find a grander place to stay in Dubrovnik than the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik. This five-star hotel is located just outside the Old Town walls and treats guests to classic and elegant rooms and suites, as well as an indoor pool and spa.

There are plenty of mid-range accommodations and apartments, with Villa Four Winds II being a great example of the value you can find. This cozy guesthouse, located in the Old Town, will make you feel right at home. The apartments feature useful amenities like a refrigerator, kettle, and air conditioning.

For more accommodation options in Dubrovnik, check Booking.com. This platform, FullTravel’s partner, continually offers the best rates and its customer service is reliable.