3 Days in Dubrovnik: Cobblestones, Coastlines And Hidden Gems

Cobblestone streets with scenic stone buildings, reminiscent of Medieval times.

Crystal clear rocky shorelines, perfect for cliff jumping.

Mouthwatering local dishes, slow-cooked to perfection, that inspire new culinary traditions. 

Sounds like paradise, right?

Dubrovnik, a beautiful Southern Dalmatian city dappled with copper roofs and historic architecture, is an incredible Central European destination ideal for adventurous travelers, history nerds, and fans of Game of Thrones, whose fantasy-like scenes of King’s Landing mirrors Dubrovnik Old Town. 

I was lucky enough to spend eleven days in Dubrovnik in pursuit of discovering the best secret swim spots along the coast, experiencing snapshots of history frozen in time by Medieval architectural practices, and visiting the real-life Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik. 

Not only did I check off everything on my Dubrovnik bucket list, I also discovered Dubrovnik’s hidden gems, indulged in a number of the city’s best restaurants, and collected travel tips for Dubrovnik like iron coins received from Jaqen H’ghar – all of which I intend to share with you in this jam-packed 3-day Dubrovnik Itinerary!

As the people of Braavos say, Valar Dohaeris, “All men must serve”. 

In this Dubrovnik itinerary, I intend to serve you with my recommendations for how to spend an incredible 3 days in Dubrovnik, with tips for the best areas to stay in Dubrovnik and where to indulge in the unforgettable local cuisine. 

Many travelers, especially those visiting Dubrovnik on a cruise stop, will only have a few days (or a few hours) to spend in Dubrovnik. This unique Dubrovnik 3-day itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to discover Dubrovnik’s highlights and hidden gems in a short time.

You’ll discover the incredible history of this former maritime republic that reveals itself in the narrow cobblestone alleyways of Old Town, shrouded in the glory of a modern Central European city.

Read on to learn how to spend a unique three days in Dubrovnik!

When is the Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik?

The best time to visit Dubrovnik is in late September when the weather cools down, fewer cruise ships dock at Port Gruž (less cruise tourists!), and the Adriatic Sea is warm enough for swimming.

I visited Dubrovnik during the last week of September through the first week in October, and I found the weather to be very pleasant most days. Shoulder season in Dubrovnik is characterized by mild sunny days, with the possibility for scattered showers in the afternoons. 

Before I arrived in Dubrovnik, the weather app insisted that my itinerary would be filled with rainy days and cloud cover. However, that wasn’t the case when I arrived – I only truly experienced one rainy day in Dubrovnik and opted to stay inside for a relaxing spa day at the Sun Gardens Hotel Spa (only €35 for a full-day pass!).

My recommendation for visiting Dubrovnik is to avoid summer at all costs. Despite the rising trend in “European Summer” vacations, I find this season of travel to be the busiest, hottest, and most stimulating. You’ll have a better experience in Dubrovnik with cooler weather and fewer summer tourists. 

Here’s a look at the weather in Dubrovnik during each season:

Weather in Dubrovnik During Peak Season

Peak season in Dubrovnik occurs from June through early September. During Dubrovnik’s peak season, tourists flock from around the world to experience the warm waves of the turquoise Adriatic Sea, which fluctuates between 70–80°F (22–27°C) depending on the month. 

The summer season in Dubrovnik welcomes the most cruise ship visitors, between 8,000 – 10,000 visitors per day. Only two cruise ships are allowed to dock at Port Gruž at one time to limit over tourism, but the summer season sees a frequent rotation of ships each day. 

If you plan to visit Dubrovnik during peak season, you’ll want to book your accommodation well in advance and consider making dinner reservations before you arrive. Travelers can expect high season pricing during the months of June – early September, so budget accordingly!

Weather in Dubrovnik During Shoulder Season

Shoulder season in Dubrovnik occurs from late April to May and from Mid-September to Mid-October. Dubrovnik’s shoulder season has the most pleasant weather. In May, the weather warms up and rain subsides. In late September, the weather cools significantly, but the ocean temperature remains perfect for swimming. 

The shoulder season in Dubrovnik sees fewer cruise ships docking at Port Gruž, so busier parts of the city like Dubrovnik Old Town will have fewer tourists queuing at local museums and waiting in line for afternoon gelato.

If you plan to visit Dubrovnik during shoulder season – my recommendation! – you’ll have more flexibility to book accommodations and reserve dinners closer to your travel dates.

However if you have a specific hostel or hotel in mind, don’t hesitate to book early! Pricing in Dubrovnik during shoulder season doesn’t change significantly from peak season – Dubrovnik is expensive regardless of when you travel. However, travelers who visit Dubrovnik during shoulder season may experience Dubrovnik attractions with slightly fewer tourists and much better weather (less hot!).

Weather in Dubrovnik During Off Season

Dubrovnik’s off season occurs from November to April. The weather cools off significantly during Dubrovnik’s off season, with highs in the mid-50s (°F) (10–13°C) and lows hovering around 45°F (4–7°C). November to April in Dubrovnik sees an increase in rainfall and the sea temperature cools considerably. 

Visiting Dubrovnik during off season might be enticing due to fewer crowds and cool weather, however I don’t recommend traveling during this season because many accommodations and restaurants close during this time. Additionally, ferry lines reduce transport or stop running completely during Dubrovnik’s off season, so you’ll have a harder time island hopping.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

From cozy, social hostels to seaside, scenic villas, there is no shortage of places to stay in Dubrovnik for every type of traveler. Here are my recommendations for where to stay in Dubrovnik for first-time visitors, large groups, or luxury seekers:

Dubrovnik Old Town

If you’re visiting Dubrovnik for the first time, I recommend staying in Dubrovnik Old Town, the picturesque, historic walled city, where a lot of Dubrovnik attractions and restaurants are clustered. 

Dubrovnik Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow cobblestone alleyways, stone buildings with picturesque copper roof tiles, and serene harbors. Accessible by three gates – Pile, Buža and Ploče – Old Town is a great place to stay for first-time visitors who want to be immersed in the intriguing history and architectural wonder of Dubrovnik.

BEST BUDGET

City Walls Hostel

Offering travelers a variety of accommodation types, from dorm rooms to private abodes, City Walls Hostel is a perfect place for budget travelers or financially-conscious travel groups. This family-owned hostel is steps away from Dubrovnik’s scenic cliff sides and Old Town’s best restaurants. 

BEST BUDGET

Dubrovnik Studio Apartment

If there was ever a place to pretend to be Cersei, gazing formidably upon King’s Landing from a window in the Red Keep, it would be this Dubrovnik Studio Apartment. I found this gem of an accommodation when looking for affordable vacation rentals in Dubrovnik and fell in love with the location (right outside the Buža gate), the view (perfect for Game of Thrones fans), and the amenities (full service kitchen).

BEST BUDGET

Hotel Imperial

The Hilton Imperial may not be in Dubrovnik Old Town, but it is as close as an opulent luxury hotel property can be. This five-star hotel in Dubrovnik offers incredible rooms for bougie travelers and its proximity to the Pile Gate makes it a great place to stay for travelers who want to be *near* Old Town but out of the hustle and bustle. 

Other Nearby Neighborhoods

Pile-Kono

The Pile-Kono neighborhood begins at the Pile Gate, steps away from Dubrovnik Old Town, and extends northwest along the Dalmatian coast towards the residential area of Dubrovnik (Lapad).

Pile-Kono is home to some of Dubrovnik’s best luxury villa rentals and a collection of sea-facing apartment rentals. This area is perfect for couples, families or groups who want to be within walking distance of Dubrovnik Old Town, but far enough to escape the “busy-ness” after a day of exploring.

Lapad

The Lapad Peninsula, north of Dubrovnik Old Town, has three main neighborhoods: Babin Kuk (northernmost Lapad), Lapad (Central), and Montovjerna (southernmost Lapad).

This peninsula has a variety of accommodation types. Clustered along the shoreline are the peninsula’s luxury hotels and scenic villas. Further inland lie the residential rentals and affordable vacation properties. If you choose to stay in Lapad opt for accommodation along the coastline to enjoy incredible views of the Adriatic Sea.

Ploče

The Ploče neighborhood extends southeast from the Pile Gate. This area of Dubrovnik has a collection of luxury properties and fancy villas, many of which offer scenic, unrivaled views of the Adriatic Sea and Lokrum Island. Villa Dubrovnik, one of the most lavish hotels in Croatia, lies in the Ploče neighborhood. This area of Dubrovnik is perfect for travelers hoping to plan a grand, luxury-forward escape to Southern Dalmatia.

How to Spend 3 Days in Dubrovnik: A Unique Itinerary

Day 1 In Dubrovnik

Discover Historic Dubrovnik Old Town and Visit Lokrum Island

Nothing worthwhile was ever achieved on an empty stomach. Start your first morning in Dubrovnik at one of the city’s many local bakeries. 

A pekara is the place to visit for fresh bread, burek (a flaky, cigar shaped roll usually filled with meat or cheese), or buttery pastries. Dubrovnik Old Town has a variety of local bakeries with Mlinar being the most popular (there are several locations, one on the Main Street, Stradun). I also really enjoyed Babić Pekara, which is located steps away from the Ploče gate (second location in Dubrovnik Old Town).

After grabbing a quick breakfast, escape the bustling streets of Dubrovnik Old Town and venture towards Dubrovnik West Harbor and Fort Lovrijenac. 

Fort Lovrijenac, a formidable 11th century stone fortress that towers over Dubrovnik Old Town, is a great place to visit early because this monument gets very busy during the day. This is also one of the first stops on the popular Dubrovnik Game of Thrones tour, so if you are a fan of the TV show or would like to book the tour, plan to do so early in the morning to beat the crowds.

Dubrovnik guided tours, including the Game of Thrones tour, will require you to purchase a ticket to Fort Lovrijenac (not included in the price of the tour). Consider purchasing the Dubrovnik Pass (official website), a multi-ticket city pass that provides access to Dubrovnik’s major attractions, before you embark on your tour.

After enjoying the sweeping views of Dubrovnik Old Town and Dubrovnik’s Pile neighborhood from Fort Lovrijenac, venture back to Old Town. Along the way, you’ll pass by Dubrovnik West Harbor, easily recognizable by Game of Thrones fans as Blackwater Bay.

This scenic harbor was one of my favorite places to visit during sunset when colorful clouds paint the sky and the stone city walls change from weathered grays to bright oranges and pinks.

Steps away from Dubrovnik West Harbor is the Love Stories Museum, a small collection of trinkets, art, and artifacts from timeless love stories.

The museum itself isn’t much, but I couldn’t pass up on the chance to discover ways in which love has shaped others, and reflect on the ways in which love has redefined my own life. At the Love Stories museum, you’ll have a chance to leave your heart in Dubrovnik, metaphorically and literally, by writing a love note and pinning it to the heart wall. Dubrovnik Pass holders get discounted tickets to the Love Stories museum. 

From Dubrovnik West Harbor, head towards Pile Gate, one of three entrances – Dubrovnik’s most accessible entrance – into Dubrovnik Old Town. To many, this gate is simply a portal back to Medieval times when the maritime republic of Dubrovnik was at its most powerful. To some, this gate was the location where the people of King’s Landing rioted against King Joffrey (a Game of Thrones reference). 

Let’s just say it ended up messy (iykyk!).

I have two recommendations for lunch on your first day in Dubrovnik. The first is a hole-in-the-wall (literally) place to grab a quick bite. Holy Burek is the place to try burek, a cigar-shaped flaky pastry with cheese and meat (or spinach for vegetarians). This is one of the most affordable “quick bites” in Dubrovnik. 

My second recommendation is a local Croatian restaurant with an Italian name. Trattoria Carmen was one of my most unforgettable meals in Dubrovnik.

This family-run Croatian restaurant serves local dishes like Pašticada and dirty macaroni. Since Trattoria Carmen doesn’t accept reservations, you’ll have to queue outside the restaurant for a table. I recommend visiting during lunch time because this restaurant is always line-out-the-door busy for dinner. 

After getting your first taste of local cuisine for lunch, head to Dubrovnik Old Town Harbor on the eastern side of Old Town to catch the ferry to Lokrum Island. 

Lokrum Island is a beautiful nature reserve just 15 minutes by ferry from Dubrovnik. Featuring vibrant greenery, beautiful nature trails, and countless secret swimming spots, Lokrum Island is a perfect place to spend the afternoon. 

This island also holds the very artifact that divided Westeros – the Iron Throne. Game of Thrones fans will want to stop by the monastery where Qarth Garden scenes were filmed and get a photo on the Iron Throne. If you booked this Game of Thrones guided tour + Lokrum Island option (my top guided tour recommendation), your guide will tell you fun secrets about the filming locations and crown you “Protector of the Realm”.

Once you’ve discovered the untamed beauty of Lokrum Island, catch the ferry back to Dubrovnik Old Town to wrap up the day. Head to the City Walls for sunset. 

For dinner, Konoba Moby Dick ($$) and Starra Lozza ($$$) are two incredible recommendations for fresh seafood in Dubrovnik Old Town. 

That concludes day one of your Dubrovnik itinerary!

Day 2 in Dubrovnik

Explore Local Beaches and Indulge in Croatian Cuisine

Forget about Banje Beach. Yes, it’s popular, but it’s always crowded and the hypnotic techno of the loud speakers drowns out the sounds of the waves.

For day two of your Dubrovnik itinerary you’ll be exploring some of Dubrovnik’s best beaches beyond Banje and the busy cliffside of Buža bar.

Start your morning with breakfast. For a quick bite, visit a local pekara (bakery) to indulge in mouthwateringly sweet pastries or delectable savory breakfast burek.

If you prefer a sit-down restaurant where you can unwind from the previous day’s adventures, I recommend visiting Gradska Arsenal for classic breakfast dishes like omelettes and Eggs Benedict. During my eleven days in Dubrovnik, I visited Gradska Arsenal twice – once for dinner and once for breakfast – and really enjoyed this restaurant!

Day two of this Dubrovnik itinerary will take you beyond the scenic cobblestone streets of Dubrovnik Old Town to the Lapad Peninsula and Pile-Kono area – a discovery of not only the two less-touristy neighborhoods in Dubrovnik, but also their corresponding beaches (local-approved!). This “beach crawl”, a scavenger-hunt-like journey to Dubrovnik’s best beaches, was one of my favorite things I organized while in Dubrovnik.

From Old Town, walk along Branitelja Dubrovnika street towards the Lapad Peninsula. The first beach on the crawl is the farthest, but as you venture from beach to beach along the crawl, you’ll walk closer and closer to Old Town with each destination. If you prefer not to walk, use the local buses for affordable transport to the Lapad Peninsula.

The first stop on the beach crawl is Bellevue Beach. This pebble peach is situated beneath steep cliffs and will require you to descend and ascend several flights of stairs. Popular amongst locals and travelers staying at the nearby resorts, Bellevue Beach offers incredible snorkeling, sunbathing, and cave exploration. 

The next stop on my Dubrovnik beach crawl, less than 10 minutes from the pebble shore of Bellevue Beach along Branitelja Dubrovnika, is a scenic, tourist-free cliffside called Club Boninovo. Don’t let the name fool you…Club Boninovo is anything but a cliffside club. This scenic, serene cliffside has incredible views of the Lapad Peninsula and the Adriatic Sea. 

Continue walking about 3-4 minutes towards Dubrovnik Old Town and you’ll discover a “hole-in-the-fence” (literally) pathway that leads towards more scenic cliffs in Dubrovnik.

There’s no true name for the next secret swimming spot, but you’ll know it when you see it (minor bushwhacking involved). If not, you’ll find your own secret swimming spot – a truly local way to find tourist-free beaches and cliffs. At this secret swimming spot, I somehow found the courage to cliff jump. That is, if you consider a ten-foot drop to be a cliff.

The last spot on my Dubrovnik cliff crawl, and my favorite of the four spots I recommended, is a rocky beach loved by locals and tourists alike. Plaža Danče is a popular natural “beach” just ten minutes from the Pile Gate.

By this point, you’ve worked up an appetite. Just outside the city walls are two picturesque seafood restaurants: Dubravka 1836 and Nautika. As sister restaurants, Dubravka 1836 and Nautika offer similar menus. However Nautika is more upscale than Dubravka 1836, so your choice depends on your budget. Regardless, both restaurants are INCREDIBLE.

Fueled with a full belly and ready to explore, use the afternoon to visit some of the museums on the Dubrovnik Pass. Game of Thrones fans will want to stop by two museums in Dubrovnik Old Town: Rector’s Palace and Ethnographic Museum Rupe. Both are included on the Dubrovnik Pass. 

Rector’s Palace is a baroque style palace that served as the Game of Thrones filming location for the Residence of the Spice King. The exterior of the Ethnographic Museum Rupe, a collection of Croatian folk and farm traditional artifacts, served as the filming location for Littlefinger’s brothel. For more info, read my complete guide to Dubrovnik’s Game of Thrones filming locations!

If there’s one thing you try while in Dubrovnik, make it traditional Croatian Peka. Peka is tender, smoky meat or octopus slow-cooked under an iron bell. This traditional cooking practice requires patience and unique tools, but produces some of the best slow-roasted meat you ever have. 

For Peka in Dubrovnik I recommend visiting Konoba Pjatanca, a family-owned restaurant steps away from the Ploče Gate that specializes in Peka, fresh seafood, and unforgettable desserts.

You’ll need to call at least four to six hours ahead if you want to order Peka because it takes time to slow-cook. I loved the Peka experience at Konoba Pjatanca so much, I visited twice to indulge in the tender, buttery veal Peka. When travelers ask me for recommendations about where to eat in Dubrovnik, I ALWAYS mention Konoba Pjatanca. 

If you have energy after this jam-packed day of swimming and exploring, I recommend closing out day two of your Dubrovnik itinerary at a show in Dubrovnik. The Dubrovnik Symphony and the Linđo Folk Ensemble are two unique experiences to end your night in Dubrovnik.

The Dubrovnik Symphony hosts musical events all over Dubrovnik. When I visited Dubrovnik, the Symphony hosted a magical free performance of Disney songs outside the scenic steps of the Church of Saint Blaise. 

The Linđo Folk Ensemble is an authentic cultural performance showcasing the historic dance traditions of the region. Linđo performances occur in the Dubrovnik Lazaretti outside the Ploče Gate. 

That concludes day two of your Dubrovnik itinerary!

Day 3 in Dubrovnik

Island Hop or Take a Day Trip to the Pelješac Peninsula

Your third and final day in Dubrovnik will be a choose your own adventure day.

Day one of this unique Dubrovnik itinerary was a journey back in time – a discovery of Dubrovnik’s historic fortresses, towering stone walls and nearby island paradise.

Day two of this unique Dubrovnik itinerary was a self-guided exploration of Dubrovnik’s best beaches and a discovery of local culinary traditions.

For day three of this three-day Dubrovnik itinerary I have a few recommendations for how to spend your final day in Dubrovnik:

OPTION 1: Stay Local and Kayak Around Dubrovnik

Kayaking around Dubrovnik is the perfect adventure activity for active travelers who want to explore Dubrovnik by the sea. This kayaking tour will bring you from the pebble shores of Beach Bokar, just beneath the monumental City Walls, around the seaside walled city, to a hidden cave along Dubrovnik’s coast, Betina Cave. You’ll pass by Lokrum Island and discover incredible views of Dubrovnik Old Town.

OPTION 2: Visit the Elaphiti Islands

Having planned to spend eleven days in Dubrovnik, my itinerary allowed for many opportunities for day trips from Dubrovnik. One of these adventures was a day trip from Dubrovnik to the Elaphiti Islands. The Elaphiti Islands are a collection of three small islands – Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep – just 30 minutes to 1 hour from Dubrovnik (depending on the island).

There are two ways to visit the Elaphiti Islands: via guided tour or a DIY adventure using the local ferries. Travelers who don’t want to navigate the local ferry network will enjoy booking this three-island cruise to visit Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep in a single day trip. This tour offers a set itinerary, with set timing for each island. Otherwise, you can plan to visit each island using the local ferries and do-it-yourself. 

I visited Koločep using the local ferries and found the ferry network easy to navigate and affordable. Note: You’ll need to keep an eye on ferry timetables if you DIY this adventure – it may not be possible to see all islands in one day depending on the season of travel.

OPTION 3: Rent a Car and Visit the “Great Wall of Europe”

The third option for day three of this unique Dubrovnik itinerary is to rent a car and visit the inland village of Ston on the Pelješac Peninsula.

This village features the longest wall in Europe, what I like to call the “Great Wall of Europe” (unofficially). The Ston Wall, a 7,000 meter wall fortifying the small village of Ston, was originally constructed to protect the Ston salt pans that brought significant wealth to the region. 

You can walk along the Ston Walls for around €15. Depending on how much you intend to climb, the Ston Walls can take approximately 30 minutes to one hour to explore. The higher up on the wall you climb the more you’ll be able to see!

Ston and its seaside neighbor Mali Ston – the location where the region’s oysters are harvested – are great places to visit on the Pelješac Peninsula. Alternatively, if you don’t want to rent a car, you can book this guided tour to Ston from Dubrovnik.

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