Planning a trip to Dubrovnik and looking for that perfect 2 days in Dubrovnik itinerary for your first visit?
One of the most magical places in the Mediterranean, the city of Dubrovnik, located in southern Croatia, is a joy to visit.
The glamorous city, known as “the Pearl of the Adriatic,” has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Dubrovnik is not only a must on any Croatia itinerary, it is also one of the best cities in Europe you can visit.
And since featuring extensively in Game of Thrones, the popular TV show, Dubrovnik’s draw as a travel destination has only increased.
With its solid medieval walls, complete with bastions and towers, its striking main street, picturesque location on the Adriatic, and many historic landmarks, Dubrovnik will captivate you.
Old Town Dubrovnik is compact, making it easy to explore in just two days. Whether you are planning a weekend in Dubrovnik or it’s on your itinerary for the country, our itinerary will help you plan your own trip to this fabulous destination.
In this 2-day Dubrovnik travel guide, you’ll find a day-by-day itinerary for the best things to do in Dubrovnik in 2 days, along with our suggestions for where to stay in Dubrovnik, suggestions for eateries, and the best time to visit.
We also have suggestions for day trips from Dubrovnik if you are planning to make the city a base from which to explore nearby.
Excited? Let’s get started discovering the perfect 2 days in Dubrovnik itinerary!
IN THIS ARTICLE…
The Best 2 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary
With More Time in Dubrovnik
Getting to Dubrovnik
Getting Around in Dubrovnik
Where to Stay in Dubrovnik
The Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Dubrovnik
The Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary for Dubrovnik
Day 1 of Your 2 Days in Dubrovnik
Today you will walk the famous city walls of Dubrovnik and then spend the rest of your day exploring Old Town Dubrovnik.
From the town gates to the many monuments and the hilly side streets, Dubrovnik is packed with charm, and just wandering the old town, soaking in the atmosphere, is one of the best things to do here!
Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls!
The City Walls, also known as the Walls of Dubrovnik, almost completely enclose the Old Town.
Well preserved, the Dubrovnik city walls are among the finest examples of defensive walls in the world.
The solid stone walls were built for defensive purposes. They run for close to two kilometers (or 1.2 miles), and include several towers, bastions, and forts.
The Minceta Tower, topped with a Gothic crown, is the highest point along the walls.
Walking the city walls is at the top of many a visitor’s Dubrovnik itinerary, and rightfully so.
As you walk along the top of the walls, you will enjoy stunning sea views over the azure Adriatic, and sweeping views of the orange roofs of the Old Town spread out beneath you.
The slightly blush-toned pale gray stone wall contrasts beautifully with the warm terracotta roofs of the Old Town, the green speckled slopes behind, and the shimmering blue ocean.
It’s an incredibly photogenic walk.
You can only walk the wall counterclockwise, and the most popular place to start the walk is at the Pile Gate, although there are a couple of other entrances.
As Dubrovnik’s top attraction, the Walls of Dubrovnik can get congested, so plan on arriving early (at opening time). You can also opt to walk the walls toward the end of the day for thinner crowds.
Buy tickets in person at the entrance, or online at Viator. The walls walk is included in the Dubrovnik City Card. Otherwise, entrance is 35 € per adult at the time of writing.
Or, for a more immersive experience, join this highly-rated guided tour for early birds!
On the 2-hour tour, you’ll learn a lot about the history of Dubrovnik and the walls as you stroll. Entrance is extra.
>> Check price and availability on this guided tour of the Walls of Dubrovnik now!
Stroll Stradun, Old Town Dubrovnik’s Main Street
Start your exploration of picturesque Dubrovnik Old Town by strolling Stradun.
Stradun, paved with smooth limestone, is the pedestrianized main street running through the city’s Old Town.
Officially known as Placa, the street is just around 300 meters (about 0.19 mile) in length, and connects the Pile Gate in the west with the Ploce Gate in the east.
Although it dates back to the 13th century, most of the buildings along the sides of Stradun were built anew after an earthquake in 1667 caused a lot of damage.
Near the Pile Gate, stop to snap photos of the gorgeous Large Onofrio’s Fountain. It’s usually crowded, with people resting along the side, but a brief rain shower cleared it for a few minutes one of the times we were here.
The fountain was part of the city water supply system, and the water is potable.
Near the Ploce Gate, admire the slender Orlando’s Column, the Dubrovnik Bell Tower, and the Small Onofrio’s Fountain.
You may be lucky and chance upon a traditional dance and music performance at Luža Square, at the end of the Stradun, as we did on our first visit to Dubrovnik.
Numerous shops and cafes line Stradun, and if your feet need a little rest, stop at one of the cafes to enjoy a drink and a spot of people watching.
Be warned though, the drink prices are steep on the Stradun!
If you’d like to get a guided overview of Old Town Dubrovnik before you delve deeper, this popular walking tour is just 90 minutes and will walk you by the sights of import, with commentary.
>> Check price and availability on this Dubrovnik Old Town walking tour now!
Admire the Dubrovnik Cathedral
The Assumption Cathedral in Dubrovnik is a Roman Catholic church.
The cathedral is built of the city’s characteristic rose-toned gray stone, which takes on a more golden tone during the sunny days of the Croatian summer.
What’s interesting is that the church was bankrolled by Richard the Lionheart, the fabled English King. He was so grateful to have survived a shipwreck on Lokrum Island that he gladly donated funds for the construction of a big church.
However, the Romanesque basilica that was built with his funds in the 12th century was destroyed in the 1667 earthquake, following which the cathedral was built in its current form.
Set foot inside, and the highlights you can expect include a treasury decorated with gold and silver, a Titian polyptych, Assumption of the Virgin, and a stunning Baroque altar of Saint John, which features purple marble.
The baroque cathedral was completed in 1713, and also contains some key relics of St. Blaise.
The cathedral is free to enter, although there is a small fee for the treasury.
Tour the Rector’s Palace
Right next to the Dubrovnik Cathedral is the Rector’s Palace.
The Rector’s Palace in Dubrovnik is essential for anyone with an interest in architecture. It was built in the Gothic style, but also has Renaissance and Baroque elements.
As a building it’s very beautiful, and the small cultural history museum inside houses an absorbing collection of artworks and other objects.
If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you may recognize the Rector’s Palace as the Spice King’s mansion in Season 2.
The late 15th century palace was constructed for the city’s former elected governor. Inside are the rector’s private quarters, offices, public halls, and even a dungeon.
Don’t miss the sweeping staircase in the atrium, which is used during summer for music concerts. It certainly has the wow factor!
The Rector’s Palace is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. (4 p.m. in the winter). Entrance is included in the Dubrovnik Card, otherwise the fee at the time of writing is 15 euros for an adult.
Take a break for lunch!
Meat lovers should head to Taj Mahal Dubrovnik (make a reservation to avoid long wait times). They serve traditional Bosnian dishes.
Vegans and vegetarians have a range of fresh and flavorful options at Nishta. There’s a small salad bar and the desserts we tried here were great!
For Croatian cuisine featuring fresh seasonal ingredients, try Bistro Tavulin, a Michelin-recommended family-run restaurant in the old town.
Visit the Sponza palace
If you enjoy history and architecture, you must make time to visit the beautiful Sponza Palace as you explore Old Town Dubrovnik.
This palace dates from the 16th century, and is also known as Divona.
Like the Rector’s Palace, Sponza was constructed in a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architectural style, with the addition of grand Corinthian columns for good measure.
You can view a small art collection here on the ground floor, and the palace is also home to the Dubrovnik State Archive, not open to the public.
What’s also special about Sponza Palace is that it was one of the Old Town’s only buildings to survive the 1667 earthquake here.
Step inside the Church of Saint Blaise
Since the 10th century, St. Blaise has been the patron saint of Dubrovnik. He is celebrated on City of Dubrovnik Day – or St Blaise Day – on February 3 each year.
The church of St. Blaise in the center of the Old Town looks a little like an ornate wedding cake, and is attractively topped with a dome and several prominent statues.
The current church is a Baroque structure that was completed in 1715 after the previous one was badly damaged.
The interior is richly decorated, with an impressive marble altar.
A gold-plated silver statue of St. Blaise amazingly survived a major fire here in 1706, despite other gold, silver and bronze statues being melted by the flames.
As well as its miraculous survival, the statue stands out due to the model of the city the saint is holding in his palm.
Entry is free.
Visit the Franciscan Church and Monastery
Located near the Pile Gate, the Franciscan Church and Monastery complex includes a friary, a library, a church and a pharmacy.
It dates from the 14th century, and has a collection of ancient manuscripts on site.
The Baroque church has a beautiful interior, with an ornate altar. The cloisters are gorgeous, and the pharmacy one of the oldest in Europe.
Scientific and artistic realms are both represented here. There’s a magnificent pietà above the church door, a range of laboratory equipment and medical books in the pharmacy, and intriguing objects including gold jewelry and chalices.
The church is free to enter, but there is a fee of 4 euros per adult for the monastery. Entry is included in the Dubrovnik Card.
Snap a photo of the Jesuit Stairs
Thanks to Game of Thrones, the Jesuit Stairs are one of the most popular photo spots in Old Town Dubrovnik.
This is where the famous “walk of shame” scene from season five was (partly) filmed.
Built in 1738, the impressive Baroque staircase is picturesque regardless, and at the top of the 137 stairs you will find the beautiful Church of Saint Ignatius, in the Bošković Square.
The square at the bottom is Gundulićeva Poljana, and here’s where a morning green market is held.
The staircase reminded me of the Spanish Steps in Rome!
Visit the Dominican Monastery
The Dominican Monastery is located near the Ploce Gate. It looks more like a fortress than a monastery, and dates back to the time the city walls were built.
The church here is a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque, and contains a large painted Gothic crucifix. Look for the bas relief by the famous Croatian artist Ivan Mestrovic.
The cloister dates back to the 15th century, and there is also a museum that holds a beautiful Titian painting.
The monastery has an entry fee of 4 euros per adult at the time of writing.
Snap photos of the Pile and Ploce Gates
Old Town Dubrovnik’s Pile and Ploce Gates are gorgeous.
As you walk in and out during your 2 days in Dubrovnik, be sure to stop to admire the gates and snap photos!
A stone bridge leads to the Pile Gate, and the views from the bridge are beautiful. You may see locals in medieval costumes here.
Ploce Gate also has a drawbridge over a moat, and views over the harbor.
Wander the side streets
Climb up the steep steps from Stradun and wander up and down the little alleys on the side of the hills.
The stone facades are lovely, with spots of color from flower pots, and you can get photos of laundry draped across the narrow alleys!
The streets just above Stradun are lined with eateries, and here and there you will come across small souvenir shops.
Ride the Mt. Srd Cable Car to the top!
Cap off your sightseeing on day one of your 2-day Dubrovnik itinerary with a ride up to a panoramic viewpoint!
Dubrovnik isn’t only a city situated by the glimmering Adriatic Sea. It’s also flanked by hills, and you will definitely want to take the cable car ride up Srd Hill to the peak, 1,300 feet above sea level.
There’s no finer place in Dubrovnik for sweeping views over the Old Town and coastline. Especially during clear weather, when you can see for over 35 miles!
Your ride will take under five minutes, and transport you almost 800 meters (about 2,500 feet).
Once at the top, there’s a restaurant with views, a snack bar, and shops selling gifts and other curios.
You can also hike to the top, ride an ATV buggy to the top of the hill, or ride up in an e-tuktuk at sunset!
If you visit on your own, you can opt to dine at the Panorama Restaurant & Bar. We enjoyed our dinner here, and the views over Old Town Dubrovnik and the ocean are splendid.
Enjoy dinner and drinks!
For a special meal, book a table at the Michelin-starred Restaurant 360. It’s located in the old town, and offers both a la carte and tasting menus.
Sit on the terrace for views over the port and the town. The menu is based on local flavors and ingredients, prepared using French cooking techniques.
We loved our dinner at Restaurant Pjerin. It’s located in Hotel Villa Dubrovnik, about a 15-minute walk from Old Town Dubrovnik.
There were lots of vegetarian a la carte options for me, and my husband loved his seafood risotto.
The terrace has a view of the town, and, of course, the sea.
Day 2 of Your 2-Day Dubrovnik itinerary
You’ll start your second day in Dubrovnik with a visit to the stolid Fort Lovrijenac, which sits just outside the old town.
Then you will take a boat tour to the small island of Lokrum, followed by a Game of Thrones tour and some beach time!
Tour Lovrijenac Fortress
Lovrijenac Fortress is often referred to as Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar.
Like the rock of the latter, the site is perched above sea level. It’s topped by a medieval fortress, and shaded by pine trees.
This fort served as a filming location for the Red Keep in King’s Landing in Game of Thrones.
Each wall at Lovrijenac Fortress is between four and 12 meters thick, and inside there is a chapel and a courtyard used as a theater.
While there isn’t much to see inside the fort, the views are well worth the climb!
You can access the fort by climbing the steps leading from the small beach close to Pile Gate in the city.
It’s a steep climb, with lots of steps, so take your time. Stop often to catch your breath and snap photos!
At the top you will be rewarded with fabulous views over Old Town Dubrovnik.
The fort opens at 8 a.m. throughout the year, so plan on an early start! Entrance is included in the Dubrovnik Card, or your city walls ticket.
Admire the picturesque port
Back in Old Town Dubrovnik, head to the little port.
Porat Dubrovnik is so picturesque!
Just walk out through the opening in the walls at the eastern end of the old town and you will emerge in the compact harbor.
Sightseeing boat tours depart from this small port, and there are a few restaurants along the periphery.
Take a Boat Tour to Lokrum Island
Lokrum Island is really easy to reach by ferry from Dubrovnik, as it’s only about 15 minutes from the mainland.
There are regular sailings from the port in the city’s Old Town, or you can take an organized tour including boat travel.
Once you reach Lokrum Island, there is more than enough to see that justifies the short journey.
Lokrum’s attractions include natural pools, a salt lake, a botanical garden, shady walking trails, a Benedictine monastery, and even some handsome peacocks strutting around like they own the place!
As a nature reserve, Lokrum is home to many species of Croatian flora, in addition to some from overseas.
Once you’ve seen all you want to, you can simply unwind by taking a dip in the ocean or hanging out on the rocks, or head back on the next ferry.
Though Lokrum is uninhabited, there are a few places to eat and drink on the island.
Take a Game of Thrones Tour
You can’t visit Dubrovnik and not take a GOT tour!
Dubrovnik served as the main filming location for King’s Landing on the popular TV show.
Fans of the popular show can not only walk in the footsteps of the show’s characters, but also learn about the city’s rich history on a themed tour.
On a walking tour of the top filming locations in Dubrovnik, your guide will offer insight into events that took place during filming and behind-the-scenes scoops.
We enjoyed this 90-minute tour that worked out for our itinerary, but there are a variety of Game of Thrones tours from which you can choose.
There’s even a highly-rated tour that combines GOT locations in Old Town Dubrovnik with Lokrum, which served as the location for Qarth.
>> Check price and availability for this highly-rated GOT tour now!
Soak in the sun at Banje Beach
If you feel like enjoying some beach time in Dubrovnik, then Banje Beach will make sure you get more than your fix of fun in the sun!
From the tiny beach, there are fabulous views of both Lokrum Island and the Old Town, and everything you need from dawn until dusk is available right here.
In fact you can dance the night away if you want to, as there’s a nightclub right here at the beach club too.
For golden sands, places to eat, water sports, and a location right by the oId town, Banje Beach is pretty much unbeatable!
Enjoy a drink at Buza Bar
Buza Bar, also known as Cafe Buza, is famous for its stunning views over the Adriatic. It’s the cliff top position that makes this place truly special.
By day, visitors can plunge into the ocean from the rocks to take a dip here, and at dusk get ready to witness one of the most memorable sunsets you’re likely to see in a lifetime.
A good range of soft and alcoholic drinks is served at Buza, and it has the feel of a hidden gem. In fact, you’ll need to walk through a hole in the wall to reach it.
When you visit, bring cash, because they don’t accept credit cards.
There are no toilet facilities either, so it isn’t a spot to linger, but still worth visiting for a quick drink with a view.
With more time in Dubrovnik…
Do you have more than 2 days in Dubrovik? There’s plenty more to see and do, in and around the city.
Go sea kayaking or snorkeling
Adventure-loving visitors to Dubrovnik will want to book a guided sea kayaking and snorkeling excursion in Dubrovnik.
The super popular excursion lasts 2.5 hours, and you will paddle past the city walls to Lokrum, taking in views of Old Town Dubrovnik, on your way to a secluded beach cave along the coast.
Here you will have time to swim or snorkel and enjoy some snacks before heading back.
There are several departures, including one that lets you take in sunset, but slots book up so reserve early!
>> Check price and availability for this sea kayaking and snorkel excursion now!
Take a small-group boat tour to the Blue Cave
This Blue Cave is located on the island of Kolocep near Dubrovnik. Kolocep is one of the Elaphiti Islands.
On this very popular half-day excursion, you’ll visit a series of three caves to marvel at the half-light, half-darkness in these mysterious caverns.
If you are a strong swimmer, you can explore the caves and swim in the crystal clear waters here.
This is a small-group excursion, and there are other stops for swimming.
>> Check price and availability for this blue cave tour now!
Take a green break in Gradac Park
Located just a short walk from Old Town Dubrovnik, Gradac Park is a great place to enjoy a little tranquility in nature.
There’s lots of shade, benches if you want to sit for a bit, and a goldfish pond to admire.
The views over the sea, Fort Lovrijenac, and the old town are lovely.
The best way to get here from Old Town Dubrovnik is to exit via the Pile Gate and then head to Sesame Restaurant. Then turn left onto Ulica Don Frana Bulica to get to the park.
Visit Other nearby beaches
With more time in Dubrovnik, visit some of the other local beaches! Top choices include Uvala Lapad and Sveti Jakov.
Uvala is also known as Lapad Beach or Lapad Bay Beach, and comprises a concrete, pebble-dashed ledge on the waterfront.
It’s a well-equipped spot, with sun loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms, and showers. Prices can be steep, but it’s convenient, clean, and always popular!
To reach Lapad Beach, take bus route 4 or 6 from the city, unless you’re already staying in one of the many hotels in the area.
Sveti Jakov beach is an idyllic secluded cove to the east of the Old Town.
It offers a clean sweep of fine golden sand and very inviting blue waters, and is backed by towering cliffs.
The beach is only around a mile from the Old Town, and has a beach bar and restaurant, parasols, a volleyball court, and jet-ski and kayak rentals.
For Sveti Jakov Beach, you can catch bus numbers 5 or 8.
Close to the church you’ll find a staircase with over 150 steps leading down to the sand, so this isn’t ideal for anyone with a mobility impairment.
Take a Tour to the Elaphiti Islands
The Elaphiti Islands are a little archipelago near Dubrovnik, made up of several sparsely populated islands occupying about 11.5 square miles.
There are three main islands, plus three smaller ones and a clutch of little islets. Two are traffic-free, which makes them a peaceful escape from the busy city.
Kolocep is the smallest and most tranquil of the three main islands, and offers clear waters, sandy coves, local churches, and pine forest walks.
Lopud is the middle-sized island, and is also car-free. Again you can enjoy walks here, relax on the beach or rent a kayak or bike to explore further.
Sipan, the biggest island, does have roads and traffic. As there are two villages on this island, there are more churches to visit and restaurants to sample than at the other two main Elaphiti Islands.
Most people visit on a guided full-day tour. This popular 8-hour cruise allows you time on each of the three main islands. The tour includes lunch and onboard drinks.
>> Check price and availability on this full day Elaphites cruise now!
Do a day trip to Montenegro
If you’d like to visit another country from Dubrovnik, Montenegro makes for a fabulous day trip.
The Bay of Kotor is incredibly scenic, and includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of Old Town Kotor, Perast and the surrounding region.
Walk through atmospheric Kotor Old Town, and climb up to the top of the Fortress of San Giovanni for fabulous views.
Take a boat tour to the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks in Perast, stroll the waterfront in Perast, and be awed by the natural beauty of the Boka Bay.
Enjoy the beauty of Old Town Budva and snap photos of Sveti Stefan.
We spent 7 days in Montenegro and fell in love with its beauty. If one day is all you can spare, go!
You can rent a car and visit independently, but you may be charged a cross-border fee. Remember to bring your passport!
If you’d rather not drive, you can visit by guided tour. This popular tour stops in Old Town Kotor, Perast, and Budva, and includes an optional boat tour to Our Lady of the Rocks.
>> Check price and availability for this guided day tour of Montenegro now!
Or take a day trip to Mostar!
Another option for a cross-border day trip from Dubrovnik is to the charming city of Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina.
The major attraction in Mostar is Stari Most, the strikingly handsome old bridge over the Neretva River. During the day, in season, local divers plunge into the river waters from the bridge for donations.
Wander the cobblestone streets of the historic center, browse the old bazaar on the east bank, climb to the top of the minaret at the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, and visit one of the house museums: Muslibegovic House, Biscevic House, or Kajtaz House.
We spent a night in Mostar to be able to photograph Stari Most early and late, but the historic core of Mostar is compact enough that you can explore it in a few hours.
En route to Mostar, or on the way back, stop at Kravice Falls.
A large waterfall on the Trebižat River, Kravice Falls is reminiscent of Skradinski buk at Krka National Park or the cascades at Plitvice Lakes.
You can do the day trip independently if you have a car or you can visit on a guided tour.
This highly-rated full-day tour includes a guided walking tour of the old town in Mostar, as well as entrance to Turkish House (Kajtaz House).
>> Check price and availability for this full-day tour of Mostar and Kravice Falls now!
Visit Mljet National Park for the day
Mljet National Park, one of Croatia’s eight national parks, covers a part of Mljet Island, which lies in the Adriatic Sea not too far from Dubrovnik.
If you want to take a day trip to this lovely park, consider a guided boat excursion from Dubrovnik.
In Mljet National Park, you’ll find two saltwater lakes, Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero. In the middle of the larger lake is an islet that houses a former Benedictine monastery from the 12th century.
You can walk or cycle paths around the two lakes, or go kayaking or swimming. You can also go hiking in the hills around the lakes for stunning aerial views.
On the guided tour, you’ll travel to Pomena, the town that’s the gateway to the national park, and then get time to explore the park.
You’ll then spend some time at a sea cave and a beach before heading to Lopud, one of the Elaphiti Islands, for a stroll, and then a visit to the blue cave in Kolocep.
Bring your swimsuit for this excursion!
>> Check price and availability for the tour to Mljet National Park and Elaphiti now!
Getting in for Your 2-Day Dubrovnik Trip
Arriving by Air
If you plan to fly into the city, Dubrovnik has an international airport, located 21 kilometers (about 13 miles) from Dubrovnik Old Town.
There aren’t many direct flights if you are visiting from the US, so you’ll likely need to connect via London or Frankfurt or another European hub.
To get to the old town from the airport, you have several options.
You can opt for a private transfer, which comes with an English-speaking driver and a guaranteed price.
You can also take a taxi. The taxi rank is outside the passenger terminal of Building B (Arrivals).
The airport shuttle bus is another convenient option. It stops at the Pile Gate. The shuttle departs 30 minutes following each aircraft arrival at the airport, daily.
Arriving by car
If you are on a Croatia road trip and have a rental car, you can, of course, drive to Dubrovnik Old Town.
If your accommodation does not come with free parking (we suggest booking such a stay!) there are public parking lots near Old Town Dubrovnik, but parking can be pricey. Ilijina Glavica is the largest lot.
You can also park in a lot by the Gruz Port, where you’ll get better prices, and then take a bus into the old town.
Arriving by Public Bus
You can also arrive by public bus from other cities in Croatia, such as Split or Zagreb, or other nearby countries.
Croatia has a reasonably efficient bus system, and the buses we rode were clean and on time, with room for bags. We only rode short distances though, for day trips.
Arriving by Ferry
The ferry is another popular way to get to Dubrovnik in season.
The ferry terminal is located in Gruž, about 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) from the Old Town.
You can take a private transfer, taxi, or bus from the terminal to the old town.
Getting Around in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Old Town is very compact and a pedestrian area other than for delivery vehicles.
You can walk to all the sights we’ve described in our main itinerary, other than where indicated, such as the cable car to the top of Mt. Srd or the bus or a taxi to beaches outside the Old Town.
Rideshares are also an option for places outside the city walls.
If you decide to stay in Lapad or Babin Kuk, you can also use a private taxi boat in season to get to and from the Old Town.
Where to Stay in Dubrovnik
With just two days in Dubrovnik, you’ll ideally want to stay in or close to Old town Dubrovnik.
On our first visit to the city, we splurged on a stay at the Hotel Villa Dubrovnik, set into the cliffs a short drive from the old town.
Rooms here are luxuriously furnished, and the terrace offers views of the old town and Lokrum Island.
The breakfast here was one of the best we’ve had in Europe so far. Sumptuous, and delicious!
They also offer a shuttle service to the gates of Old Town Dubrovnik.
>> Check price and availability at Hotel Villa Dubrovnik!
The Pucic Palace is a boutique property located inside the walls of Old Town Dubrovnik. Rooms are air-conditioned and elegantly furnished.
>> Check price and availability at Hotel Pucic Palace!
The Scalini Palace is a boutique hotel located in the old town, perfect for sightseeing. It is housed in a Baroque structure several centuries old.
Rooms are spacious and well-appointed. There is no elevator, though.
>> Check price and availability at Hotel Scalini Palace!
Dubrovnik Old Town Apartments offers units with free wifi and air-conditioning. Some apartments have kitchens. There is an onsite restaurant.
>> Check price and availability at Dubrovnik Old Town Apartments!
The Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices on accommodations. Think May-June or September-October. In September, you can still swim in the Adriatic!
July and August are peak season. Old Town Dubrovnik will be very congested during that time frame. It’s also hot, and dry.
Winter is low season, with some hotels, restaurants, and businesses closed, but you will find the Old Town blissfully uncrowded. You can still walk the walls and the museums are all open.
Stradun hosts a Christmas market in the days leading up to Christmas.
From a weather perspective, expect rainy days in the winter and early spring, and pack rain gear.
One other thing to note: Dubrovnik is a super busy cruise port.
If you plan to visit during the cruise season (May through October), look up the port calendar and try to time your visit for days when the least number of ships is in port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is very compact, making it possible to visit the major sights in two days. In fact, you can cover it in one active day, and leave the second day for a day trip to one or more nearby islands, and some beach time if you visit in the warmer months.
Yes, absolutely! The Old Town in Dubrovnik is small and compact, and you can walk everywhere. In fact, walking is the preferred way to take in the pretty stone facades and soak in the ambience, with many Game of Thrones locations to admire. You should be aware, though, that there are many steps to get up into side streets from Stradun, the main street.
Walking the walls in Dubrovnik should be at the very top of your itinerary for Old Town Dubrovnik. The views over the Adriatic Sea and the orange rooftops are breathtaking, and the walk is a great way to experience the history and charm of Dubrovnik.
More Croatia Travel Inspiration
Planning a visit to Croatia? We have an in-depth 10 day Croatia itinerary to help you plan your first visit!
If you are looking to explore just the scenic coast, we also have a Croatian coast itinerary you can follow.
Also be sure to check out our guide to the best things to do in Split, as well as must-do day trips from Split, including the historic town of Trogir.
And if you like picturesque coastal towns, be sure to read our guide to Rovinj, located on the Istrian coast.
We also have a compilation of the best things to do in Zadar — the old town is so beautiful! And a guide to the best day trips from Zadar, including to Krka National Park.
Also discover our one-day guide to Zagreb, the capital city, and our round-up of the best day trips from Zagreb, including Plitvice National Park and the beautiful Baroque town of Varazdin.
If you enjoy nature, we also have a round-up of the eight national parks in Croatia, with tips on how to visit each park.
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