The Only 3 Days In Dubrovnik Itinerary You’ll Need!
Looking for the perfect way to spend 3 days in Dubrovnik? I’ve got you covered!
I grew up in Dubrovnik and after visiting more than 40 countries, it’s still one of my favorite places to explore.
After spending so much time in the city, I’m pretty convinced I’ve created the BEST itinerary to discover Dubrovnik in 3 days.
You’ll start with the must-see sights, like the iconic City Walls and Old Town, and then venture beyond to discover some of my favorite local spots and underrated gems.
Here’s the only Dubrovnik 3 day itinerary you need for an unforgettable adventure!
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Is 3 Days In Dubrovnik Too Much?
You might wonder if 3 days in Dubrovnik is too long. It’s not!
While you can visit all the main tourist attractions in Dubrovnik in one day, spending 3 days in the city makes for a fantastic city escape.
Dubrovnik is a beautiful town, and one of the best things to do is to wander the cobblestone streets and discover hidden gems and picture-perfect stone houses.
3 days will allow you to explore at a relaxed pace, enjoy the local restaurants, and pristine beaches.
Be prepared for crowds if you visit in summer because the city is next-level busy. Like, cruise ships unloading thousands of people type of busy.
However, most people never venture beyond Dubrovnik’s walls, and the surrounding region is packed with hidden gems and fascinating historical sites that are well worth exploring!
Dubrovnik: DAY 1
The first day of this Dubrovnik 3-day itinerary focuses on exploring the historic city center in the morning and relaxing on the beach in the afternoon.
Visit the Franciscan Church and Monastery
The moment you step through Pile Gate, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
Start your adventure at the Franciscan Church and Monastery, where you can check out one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe.
It’s right next to the entrance to the City Walls and is free to visit!
TOP TIP: Try standing on the famous Owl Gargoyle. The story goes: if you manage to step on it and keep your balance while taking off your shirt, you’ll find your true love!
Walk the City Walls
No trip to Dubrovnik is complete without walking the City Walls. It’s the city’s most famous attraction for a reason, offering unbeatable views of the terracotta rooftops and the sparkling Adriatic.
Dubrovnik’s Old City has been standing strong since the 13th century, and today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with history and charm.
You’ll have to get a ticket to walk the City Walls, but it’s worth the price. I suggest going early in the morning to avoid the strong sun. There’s no shade!
Explore the Old Town
I love wandering through the narrow cobblestone streets that branch off from Stradun. The best way to explore? Just pick a random street and see where it takes you!
Even if you skip the walls, there’s so much to see, from Sponza Palace and Orlando’s Column to Rector’s Palace and the iconic Jesuit Stairs (Game of Thrones fans, you’ll recognize these!).
And if you need a quick refresh, grab some water from Onofrio’s Large and Small Fountains.
Worried about costs? Many of these sights are completely free, perfect if you’re traveling to Croatia on a budget!
Go For A Dip At Banje Beach
After all that sightseeing, cool off at one of the many Dubrovnik beaches.
Banje Beach is the most popular option, just a few minutes from the Old Town, but it gets packed in the summer.
It’s divided into a free area where you can lay your towel on the sand and a section with beach loungers for rent, so there’s something for everyone!
Alternatively, you can also go to Beach Šulić. It’s a more local beach option, but it works great if you’re visiting Fort Lovrijenac nearby!
Finally, you can visit the Insta-famous Buža Bar and beach! You could’ve seen videos of people cliff-jumping outside City Walls.
Discover Dubrovnik at Night
But don’t call it a day just yet! You have to come back to the Old City at night.
I absolutely love the city at night! As the night falls and street lights illuminate stone houses and cobblestone streets, the atmosphere is pure magic!
Also, everybody gathers in the city for dinner or drinks, locals and tourists alike, and you can hear the lively chatter blending with acoustic music from the bars.
Dubrovnik: DAY 2
On your second day in Dubrovnik, it’s time to escape the crowds and do two of the most popular activities outside the Old City.
Take a Boat Over to Lokrum Island
Lokrum Island is one of my favorite escapes from the busy streets of Dubrovnik, and it’s just a 10-minute boat ride from the Old Port.
I suggest you start with sightseeing and then head to the beach. For such a small island, there’s a lot to do, so head over early to make the most of your ticket.
When I was a kid, we used to spend an entire day on the island, but you have a packed itinerary and you’ll want to head back to the city in the afternoon.
One of the island’s highlights is the Benedictine Monastery of St. Mary, surrounded by a lush botanical garden.
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, there’s the Iron Throne replica inside. It’s free to visit, so don’t miss your chance to sit on it!
The coolest swimming spot on the island is the Dead Sea, a natural saltwater lake!
Go On A Kayak Tour
Even if you skip Lokrum, you can still see the Old Town from a different perspective and discover hidden beaches on one of many Dubrovnik kayak tours.
Kayaking in Dubrovnik became popular several years ago, and it’s a fantastic active way to explore the coastline.
Tours run throughout the day in summer, so you can choose a time that suits you best. Just try to avoid the midday ones if you burn easily, the sun gets very strong!
🚣 Book the best Dubrovnik kayak tour here!
Admire The View From Srđ Hill
As you only have 3 days in Dubrovnik, the best thing to do is to split your day between Lokrum and another must-see—Srđ Hill.
You have 4 options for getting to the top of the hill: hiking, driving, local bus, or taking a cable car.
I don’t think you’ll have time to hike up after a day on Lokrum Island unless you’re a fitness enthusiast. In that case, go for it! It’s about an hour hike.
The cable car from the city center takes you to the top, where you’ll get the best sunset views in Dubrovnik.
The viewpoint is also a cool spot to grab a drink or even dinner, but I highly suggest calling and booking in advance, as it’s a small place with a lot of demand.
Dubrovnik: DAY 3
Your final day in Dubrovnik is a day for a day trip! I can’t believe how many people visit Dubrovnik and never take the time to discover more of the region.
I suggest either joining a boat tour to the Elafiti islands or exploring Cavtat and the Župa Dubrovačka region.
The first one is perfect if you’re visiting Dubrovnik in summer, while the other option works year-round.
Another difference is that while you could explore the region by public transport, it might be more enjoyable if you rent a car for the day.
Elafiti Islands Boat Tour
Going on a boat tour from Dubrovnik is one of the most popular things to do for a good reason! There are a lot of tours to choose from, but the best ones get fully booked quickly, especially private tours.
While you could get a local catamaran over to one of the islands, an organized boat tour is great as you get to visit several of the most popular islands in the area, Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.
If you opt for a full-day tour like this one, you’ll have about two hours on each island. It is more than enough time to explore the island, go for a swim, and admire traditional stone houses.
⛵ Book the best Elaphite Island Cruise here!
Cavtat and Župa Dubrovačka
Alternatively, you can explore small towns around Dubrovnik.
Cavtat is a bit of a hidden gem, as it’s so close to Dubrovnik yet often overlooked by visitors.
You can easily take a bus or taxi boat to Cavtat and spend a few hours wandering its charming cobbled streets, soaking in the beautiful architecture.
If you have a car, head to Konavoski Dvori next. It’s a really cool nature reserve with ruins of the old aqueduct and railway buildings.
History lovers should also visit the Sokol Fortress, which is a great place to learn more about the local history and the Dubrovnik Republic.
Arboretum Trsteno is another popular place to visit, made famous by the Game of Thrones.
Side Quests To Add To Your Dubrovnik Itinerary
You don’t like resting and think this itinerary is too slow-paced? I see you! Not everybody wants to spend their time chilling on the beach, and that’s ok.
Luckily, there are so many cool things to do in Dubrovnik that your itinerary can be jam-packed with activities.
Here are more fun activities to add to your Dubrovnik itinerary:
- Learn how to cook traditional Dalmatian dishes in this Dubrovnik cooking class
- Take a day trip to Kotor in Montenegro
- Swim on Pasjaca Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia
- Take a day trip to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bike over Dubrovnik with Dubrovnik Skybike
- Go on a wine-tasting tour on the Pelješac Peninsula
- Go for a hike in Petka Forest Park
- Taste traditional Croatian dishes on this Dubrovnik Food Tour
- See the Ombla River spring
- Try local wines directly from Konavle vineyards
- Join one of the local neighborhood nights held almost weekly during the summer
- Paint your own dishes to take home as souvenirs
Where To Stay In Dubrovnik?
Accommodation in Dubrovnik is notoriously expensive, but you can find good options if you book in advance and look outside the Old Town.
While the Old Town is incredibly beautiful, it’s pedestrian-only, and navigating with luggage can be a challenge. Plus, most hotels are located just outside the Old Town, so you won’t miss out on much if you choose to stay a little further out.
The whole city is walkable, but public transport is also reliable and frequent, so even if you stay just outside the city center, you’ll still be able to enjoy Dubrovnik during the quieter mornings and evenings.
My family lives in the Kono neighborhood, and I’d argue it’s the best area to stay in if you find something in your budget.
Best Places To Stay in Dubrovnik
- TOP Pick: Hotel Excelsior (my literal DREAM view)
- Mid-Range option: Hotel Lapad
- Budget Option: Any family-run studio
- Backpacker Hostel: Old Town Hostel
How To Get To Dubrovnik?
The easiest way to get to Dubrovnik is by flying. However, you can also get there by bus or by driving!
Flying to Dubrovnik
You can fly to Dubrovnik from all over Europe, especially in summer.
The airport is about 10km from the city center, and you’ll need to either grab a taxi or take a bus to the city center. The bus is just around 10€ and leaves you in the Old Town or Gruž, depending on where you’re staying.
Getting to Dubrovnik by bus
If you’re already in the area, taking a bus is a convenient and budget-friendly way to reach Dubrovnik.
You can take a bus to Dubrovnik from Zagreb, Split, and many other cities along the coastline.
Dubrovnik bus station is slightly outside the city center of Gruž. Although it’s borderline walkable, I recommend taking a bus to the city center or your accommodation.
Driving to Dubrovnik
I have driven to Dubrovnik several times, and I can’t complain. Depending on your budget, you can take the highway or the local road.
The highway makes sense if you’re coming from Zagreb or Pula, as I did, as it saves you a lot of time. Especially if you’re traveling in the summer when local roads are crowded.
Dubrovnik Travel Budget
So, how much does 3 days in Dubrovnik cost? It depends.
I know, not the answer you’re looking for. To give you a better answer I’ll need to know what type of traveler you are since you can spend anywhere from €100 to €600+ for a 3-day trip in Dubrovnik.
Let’s break down the costs to help you see which category you fall into.
Accommodation in Dubrovnik will cost anywhere from €30 per night for a hostel dorm to €250 for a night in an average hotel.
Sure, there are hotels where you’ll pay €1000+ per night, but most family-run studios are around €120 per night and are a popular choice for budget travelers.
When it comes to food, you can eat out for every meal or cook some in your accommodation to save money. On average, a dish in a restaurant will cost €15, not including a drink or a dessert.
Transportation can be €0 per day if you walk everywhere, or up to around €5.50 for a daily bus ticket.
The activities budget can also be €0 if you stick to the free activities, but it can be up to €200 if you opt for the activities I suggest in this itinerary.
Walking the City Walls will cost you €40, a boat to Lokrum island is €30, the Srđ cable car is €27 for a round trip, and boat tours to the Elafiti islands are around €70.
Summary: Dubrovnik 3 Day Itinerary
Dubrovnik is the perfect city break destination, with a charming historic center, lively nightlife, and beautiful beaches.
Visiting Dubrovnik is one of the top reasons to come to Croatia, so it tends to be pricey during the summer. However, the weather is usually pleasant year-round, so you can escape the crowds and visit in the shoulder season!
With 3 days in Dubrovnik, you’ll have enough time to visit all tourist attractions, go on a couple of day trips in the area, and enjoy the pristine beaches.
Now that your Dubrovnik itinerary is sorted out, are you visiting other places in Croatia?
