Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stunning blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. In three days, you can fully immerse yourself in its ancient charm, from walking the iconic city walls to savoring local delicacies in picturesque streets. Start by exploring the winding alleys and stunning architecture, dive into the city’s rich history at museums and forts, then unwind by the seaside or take a boat trip to a nearby island. Here’s my itinerary to perfectly enjoy Dubrovnik.
Day 1: Arrival in Dubrovnik – A City of Stories
After a long overnight flight from D.C., we touched down in Dubrovnik. We reserved our stay at Tudisi Lux Suites, which placed us directly on the iconic Stradun Street — Dubrovnik’s limestone-paved main street, buzzing with history and charm. After years of travel, we’ve learned that staying close to the central location is worth the extra money spent on lodging. Being steps away from the city’s pulse made it easy to shake off the jet lag and jump right into the magic of Dubrovnik’s medieval charm.
Day 2: Dubrovnik’s Old Town Charm
The best way to meet Dubrovnik? From above. We kicked things off with the legendary City Walls Walk from Pile Gate early to avoid the heat, taking in panoramic views of terracotta rooftops, the sparkling Adriatic, and iconic Game of Thrones filming spots like Minceta Tower.
Tip: Get the Dubrovnik Pass. It’s the same price as the wall but the pass also gives you free entry into key sights and free bus transport. We bought the 3-Day Pass for an extra fee to give us more time to explore.
After a few hours on the City Walls, grab lunch at one of the restaurants near Stradun. Try the Black Risotto, the local dish with black squid ink, or one of the fresh seafood dishes, before exploring the rest of the Old Town sights.
- Franciscan Monastery & Pharmacy: One of the oldest working pharmacies in Europe. It’s free with the pass.
- Onofrio’s Fountain: The large circular fountain by the Pile Gate that was built in the 15th century to bring drinkable water into the town.
- Gundulić Square Market: Perfect for grabbing local figs, lavender, candied lemon and orange peels, and handmade crafts souvenirs. You will need cash for this.
- St. Ignatius Church & Jesuit Stairs: The stairs are modeled after the famous Spanish Steps. GOT fans will recognize this dramatic staircase. (Hello, “Walk of Shame”).
- Dubrovnik Cathedral: A striking Baroque church with a grand dome and richly decorated interior, built on the site of earlier churches dating back to the 7th century.
- Rector’s Palace: The Palace is a stunning blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture that once served as the seat of the Republic’s elected rector, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich political and cultural past.
- Church of St. Blaise: A stunning Baroque church dedicated to the city’s patron saint, known for its ornate facade and grand staircase.
In the evening, walk through the Ploče Gate to Harbour Viewpoint for that postcard-perfect photo. Enjoy dinner at Bistro Revelin nearby with fresh Adriatic flavors while overlooking the harbor and the sea in the sunset. We had the stonebass fillet and monkfish with prawns and mussels and both were amazing!
Day 3: Fortress, Island Escape & Sunset
Get an early start and head to Lovrijenac Fortress. (The entrance fee is also included in the Dubrovnik Pass.) Built in the 11th century, it served as both a military stronghold and a powerful symbol of independence. The panoramic views from the top are breathtaking, offering sweeping vistas of the Adriatic and the iconic city walls.
As you exit the fortress, follow the narrow path to the right that winds down to Pile Bay, a peaceful cove where locals swim and kayaks glide through beautiful emerald waters. The small park along the way provides a perfect lookout point to pause and take in the cinematic scenery—one that Game of Thrones fans will instantly recognize.
Get an early lunch near Stradun or by the harbor before going to Lokrum Island, where food choice is limited. A short ferry ride (15 minute) will take you to Lokrum Island where peacocks roam freely and the Iron Throne from GOT beckons for a photo op. Yes, you can sit on the actual Iron Throne!
Afterwards, take a short hike up The Path to Paradise to Fort Royal and you will be rewarded with stellar views of the sea and the Dubrovnik Old Town. Walk back down and head to the small, serene saltwater lake called Dead Sea for a swimming experience, surrounded by lush greenery. You can also take some stunning photos at the natural stone bridge nearby or enjoy the crashing waves on the rocky coastline.
Back in Old Town, we stumbled upon Barba in the narrow side streets heading up to Buža Gate and it served up the tastiest octopus burger I’ve ever had — simple, flavorful, unforgettable in black squid ink buns. Take a cable car ride to Mount Srd and watch the sunset melt into the Adriatic from the mountaintop. The colors? Unreal.
Wrap up the day, wandering around Old Town narrow streets and do some last minute souvenirs shopping. If you’re in for a late night treat, stop by at the churro place and try their Dubai flavor churro! Simply amazing and addictive.
