One Day In Dubrovnik: How To Spend 24 Hours In The City!

Last Updated: January 10 2024

One of the most-visited destinations in Croatia, Dubrovnik is a fascinating city! Often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, this place is known for its breathtaking location along the Mediterranean.

If you’ve only got one day in Dubrovnik, then you’ll want to make the most of your time. Luckily, we’ve got the perfect itinerary for you. It includes all the top attractions such as the City Walls, Fort Lovrijenac, Mount Srd, and Restaurant Panorama.

This Dubrovnik travel guide is going to cover everything you need to know for your trip. That includes the best things to do, where to stay, and other helpful information.

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A Quick Overview of Your One Day in Dubrovnik, Croatia

• Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls

• Fort Lovrijenac & City Viewpoint

• Guided Sea Kayaking Tour

• Explore the Old Town

• War Photo Limited

• Dubrovnik Cable Car

• Restaurant Panorama

• Dubrovnik’s Nightlife

Your One Day In Dubrovnik – Morning

Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls

If you’ve only got one day in Dubrovnik, then you’ll want to prioritise the City Walls. These impressive walls were built all around the Old Town, with the first set of walls dating back to the 9th century.

From the top of these walls, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and Dubrovnik. Not to mention, you’ll get a fantastic view of the famous ‘Kings Landing’ from Game of Thrones.

The total length of the city walls surrounding the Old Town is around 2 km (1.2 miles). For the best experience, allow at least 1.5-2 hours for this activity, so you can take your time.

We’d also suggest starting the walk early, as this is a popular spot, so naturally, it becomes busy towards the late morning/early afternoon. The two main entrances for the city walls are at Pile Gate and Ploče Gate. Just be aware that you’ll need to purchase a ticket beforehand.

Fort Lovrijenac & City Viewpoint

Fort Lovrijenac is another must for your Dubrovnik one-day itinerary! This striking fortress is a hugely popular tourist attraction and sits 37 metres (121 feet) high, perched on a cliff edge.

It’s thought that this incredible fortress dates back to at least the 13th century, with some records suggesting that Fort Lovrijenac may have been built as early as the 10th century.

Fort Lovrijenac is typically open Monday to Sunday, 9 am – 3 pm. If you can, visit on a weekday for a quieter experience. You can always go on a guided tour as well to learn more about the fortress. Better yet, entrance is included with the City Walls ticket.

On the way to Fort Lovrijenac, spend some time at this viewpoint. In our opinion, this is undoubtedly one of the best viewpoints in the city, as you’ll get fantastic views of the Old Town and harbour from here.

Guided Sea Kayaking Tour

Even if you’ve only got 1 day in Dubrovnik, we’d recommend heading out on a kayaking tour. This is hands down one of the best ways to admire the city’s beauty, as you’ll get a unique perspective from the Adriatic Sea.

This guided sea kayaking tour lasts for 2-3 hours. Along the way, you’ll make several swimming stops and you’ll get fantastic views of Lokrum Island as your guide takes you out.

As well as all equipment and safety gear, you’ll have fresh fruit and water included in the tour. If you go on a sunset kayaking tour, you’ll also have a glass of wine included.

For those who prefer to explore self-guided, you can simply rent a kayak instead. Then, you can head out into the bay and admire the views for yourself, rather than sticking to a specific route. The decision is yours!

Your One Day In Dubrovnik – Afternoon

Have Lunch in the Old Town

After an action-packed morning, it’s time to grab something to eat. Luckily, there are plenty of fantastic restaurants to choose from, especially in the Old Town. Based on our own experience, we found many of them to be affordable as well, so there’s something for every budget.

Here are some great restaurant options in the Old Town:

• Taj Mahal – This popular restaurant specialises in Bosnian cuisine and there are plenty of delicious dishes to try. Boasting a lovely atmosphere and great service, this place is a must-visit.

• Gradska Kavana Arsenal Restaurant – From this eatery, you’ll be treated to scenic city and sea views. It’s also a great spot for trying the local Mediterranean cuisine, especially seafood dishes.

• Barba – A rather unique restaurant, Barba is a charming spot known for its unique seafood dishes. This includes the octopus burger, shrimp burger, octopus salad, and fresh oysters.

Explore the Old Town

To make the most of your Dubrovnik 1 day itinerary, you’ll want to take your time exploring the Old Town. This spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site is surrounded by the City Walls, and its history dates back to the 7th century.

Famous for its terracotta-roof houses, charming alleyways, and medieval architecture, Dubrovnik’s historic centre has so much to offer. Not only that but this area is entirely pedestrianised so you don’t have to worry about cars or traffic.

Below, we’re going to take you through some of the best places to visit in the Old Town. These are the places we’d recommend heading to first!

Places to visit in Dubrovnik Old Town

• Dubrovnik Port – The Old Port of Dubrovnik is a highlight for sure, with its surrounding city walls, charming fishing boats, and city views. It’s a great place to wander around and take it all in.

• Stradun – Stretching from the Old Port to Pile Gate is Stradun, the main street of Dubrovnik. Here, you’ll find a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops, so take your time and enjoy the atmosphere.

• Rector’s Palace – Another must for your Dubrovnik itinerary, this building was built in the 15th century. It’s now the Cultural History Museum and has been lovingly restored over the years.

• Sponza Palace – Dating back to the 16th century, Sponza Palace is located on Luža Square. The Gothic architecture is fantastic, and the palace houses photographs from the Croatian War.

• The Dubrovnik Cathedral – This cathedral dates back to the 17th century. Within you’ll find several religious paintings, impressive sculptures, and towering archways, among other highlights.

• The Church of St. Blaise – This baroque church is also known as Crkva Svetog Vlaha. The building’s exterior is impressive enough, but the interior also houses a statue of the Sveti Vlaho.

• The Franciscan Monastery – A large complex, known for its fantastic architecture, large paintings, and ornate altars. It’s now home to a small museum and historic pharmacy.

• Jesuit Staircase – A famous Game of Thrones filming location, seen in the ‘Walk of Shame’ scene. To get here, turn right from Gundulićeva Poljana and you’ll be there.

War Photo Limited

Before heading out for dinner, we’d suggest visiting War Photo Limited. This incredible exhibition centre is also located inside the Old Town and is just a short walk from Pile Gate.

The two permanent exhibitions are the ‘Limited Edition Print Room’ and ‘The End of Yugoslavia’. The latter will take you through images and videos that document the break-up of the former Yugoslavia.

Many of the photographs found in this exhibition centre have been taken by renowned photojournalists. As you wander around, these photographs offer a unique insight into the wars that took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Kosovo.

War Photo Limited is open every day from April to October but opening hours differ depending on the time of year. The usual opening hours are 10 am – 5 pm, but from May to September the centre is open until 10 pm.

Your One Day In Dubrovnik – Evening

Take the Cable Car up to Mount Srd

If you’re wondering what to do in Dubrovnik for a day then we’d highly recommend heading up to Mount Srd. You can hike to the top, but we’d suggest taking the cable car instead if you’ve only got one day.

If you take the cable car up, you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping views of the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik, and the surrounding islands. You’ll get an even better view once you reach the top of Mount Srd.

For the best experience, we’d recommend heading up in the cable car while it’s still light. This way, you’ll have time to take some photographs at the top, before watching the sunset from here.

Just keep in mind that Dubrovnik cable car is only open between March to October. It’s shut during the winter months, so you’ll need to either catch the bus or hike.

Have Dinner at Panorama Restaurant & Bar

At the top of Mount Srd, you’ll find Panorama Restaurant & Bar. It’s located right next to the cable car station and is the perfect place to dine if you’ve only got one day in Dubrovnik.

From this restaurant, you’ll get panoramic views of the city, the Adriatic Sea, and surrounding islands (including Lokrum). Not to mention the food here is delicious, with a variety of options, ranging from seafood dishes to meat specialities.

This place is also known for its extensive wine list and refreshing cocktails so what’s not to like?

Like the cable car, this restaurant is only open from March to October. Opening hours differ depending on the time of year. It typically opens at 9 am but shuts between 5 pm – 12 am.

To ensure you get a table, we’d recommend reserving a place in advance. The Panorama Restaurant & Bar is an extremely popular spot, especially during the busy summer months.

Enjoy Dubrovnik’s Nightlife

To end your 1-day Dubrovnik itinerary, why not appreciate the city’s nightlife? Honestly, there are plenty of awesome options, where you can end your trip and reminisce on your adventure.

Here are some great bars and clubs:

• Buzz Bar – The best thing about this place is that there’s seating outside, so you can enjoy the atmosphere as you have a drink (or several). The drinks are also great value for money.

• THE BAR – Known as one of the city’s best cocktail bars, this place handcrafts exceptional drinks. Each cocktail is well-presented and the staff are extremely friendly and helpful.

• Dubrovnik Beer Factory – There’s a great selection of beers on tap at this establishment, as well as other Croatian beers. If you’re feeling peckish, there are some tasty food options too.

• D’vino Wine Bar Dubrovnik – As the name suggests, this place has an extensive wine selection. They also offer wine tastings throughout the day if you find yourself with more time.

Have More Than 1 Day in Dubrovnik?

If you’re looking to see the best of Dubrovnik in a day, then we’d recommend following the above itinerary. You could include more, but then your trip may feel rushed.

However, if you have some extra time, then there are tons of other fantastic attractions and experiences just waiting for you!

Below, we’ve included a few more popular activities and attractions. A Game of Thrones tour is a really popular option, especially if you’re a movie or TV buff like us! There are several fantastic museums in the city too, so there’s something for everyone.

Game of Thrones Tour

Dubrovnik is famous for being a filming location for the popular TV show, Game of Thrones. This city was the filming location for Kings Landing, making it a must-visit for any fan.

There are several awesome spots to visit in the city, that you’ll recognise from the TV show. This includes the Pile Gate, the City Walls, the Trsteno Arboretum, and Minčeta Tower among others.

This Game of Thrones tour is run by Mediterranean Experience Ltd. and lasts for 2 hours. You’ll visit all the famous filming locations in the city, including The Jesuit Steps, the Old Town, and Large Onofrio’s Fountain. Not to mention, you’ll get to take a photograph on a replica Iron Throne.

There’s also this GOT walking tour where you’ll get to hear behind-the-scenes stories from your guide, as well as visit the filming locations. This tour lasts for 2 hours as well, and you’ll visit Fort Lovrijenac.

The Red History Museum

When putting together an itinerary for Dubrovnik, we’d highly recommend including the Red History Museum (Muzej Crvene Povijesti) if you have the time.

This fantastic museum is one of a kind as it documents what everyday life used to be like in Croatia during the Yugoslavian communist regime. The building is set into three parts; Socialism in Theory, Socialism in Practice, and Socialism in Memory.

As you wander around, you’ll learn all about the Yugoslav Communist Party and the impact this had on the country. These exhibits take you through how the party started, the secret agencies that were used, as well as how they operated during WWII. As such, you won’t want to rush your time here.

For the best experience, you’ll want to download the free app which provides additional information. Opening hours for the Red History Museum differ depending on the time of year.

Relax on the Beach

After visiting the city’s main attractions, we’d suggest heading to the beach. Luckily, you’ll have plenty to choose from, many of which are found near the Old Town.

Plaža Banje is one of the most popular beaches in the city. It’s located right near the MOMAD Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik and offers stunning views of Dubrovnik, as well as Lokrum Island. Just be aware that Banje Beach can get busy, especially during the summer.

Bellevue Beach is under a 10-minute drive from the Old City. It’s a great place to swim around as the waters are really clear, but it’s quite a steep walk down to the bottom so prepare yourself for some steps.

Another popular option is Uvala Lapad Beach which is around a 12-minute drive from the Old Port. There are umbrellas and sun loungers available to rent here if you want to relax.

Take a day trip to Lokrum or Cavtat

If you’ve only got 24 hours in Dubrovnik then we’d avoid taking a day trip out of the city. There’s just far too much to see in this amazing destination. However, for those who have 2 days or more, you’re in for a real treat if you head to Lokrum or Cavtat.

Just a 15-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik is Lokrum Island. We spent a couple of hours exploring this beautiful place, known for its rocky beaches, botanical garden, and peacocks. It was another filming location for Game of Thrones too.

If you have a full day, then we’d recommend heading to Cavtat. This is actually where we stayed, and we couldn’t recommend this town enough. The architecture here is beautiful, and there are plenty of things to do, including walking the Coastal Path and visiting the Bukovac House Museum.

Take a day trip to Bosnia-Herzegovina or Montenegro

There are plenty of awesome things to do in Dubrovnik itself. However, if you’re looking to tick off another country then heading to Bosnia-Herzegovina or Montenegro is certainly possible! Just be aware that these are full-day trips, so are more suitable if you’ve got at least two or three days in the city.

This Montenegro day trip lasts for 11 hours and will take you to some beautiful locations. This includes the towns of Kotor and Perast, with Our Lady of the Rocks being a highlight.

If you’d prefer to explore Bosnia-Herzegovina, then this small-group tour is another fantastic option. On this tour, you’ll get to visit the Kravica Waterfalls, the historic city of Mostar, and the coastal town of Neum.

For both day trips, you’ll need a passport as well as a visa (if this is required), as these are different countries.

Helpful Information for Your One Day in Dubrovnik

How to get to Dubrovnik

When visiting Dubrovnik, there are a couple of ways to get here! Flying into the city tends to be the most popular option, with Dubrovnik Airport being just a 25-minute drive from the Old Town.

Now, the city has no train station but there are plenty of bus routes that service this city. These arrive here from elsewhere in the country, as well as Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro. Ferry services also run throughout the summer, including one from Bari, Italy.

It’s also possible to reach this city by boat. We stayed in Cavtat, just across the bay and the journey took us around an hour. There are also catamaran services from other destinations in the country.

Of course, if you’re road-tripping Croatia (or Europe in general) then you can always hire a car. Just keep in mind that the Old Town is pedestrian-only so you’ll need to find parking elsewhere!

How to get around Dubrovnik

The majority of attractions in this Dubrovnik itinerary are located in and around the Old Town. As such, you can easily walk between them, especially as the Old Town is pedestrian-only

Unlike other destinations in Europe, you can’t really cycle in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. The streets are far too narrow and crowded, although cycling is a great option if you want to explore the city’s outskirts.

If you want to head out of the city, then there are plenty of day trips on offer. From the bus station, you can visit other destinations in Croatia. However, you won’t need public transport to get around the Old Town itself.

When it comes to exploring the coastline, we recommend hiring a kayak or heading out on a tour. Finally, if you want to head up to Mount Srd, then you can either take the cable car or hike!

The best time to visit Dubrovnik

In our opinion, the best time to visit is during the shoulder months (May-June and September-October). We visited in May, and had a fantastic time, as there were fewer crowds. The climate was also very pleasant, as the temperature wasn’t too hot and there was a nice sea breeze!

July and August tend to be the most popular months, as temperatures are at their warmest. Not only that, but you’ll find plenty of festivals on during this time. However, the crowds can be intense and affordable accommodation can get booked up quickly.

The low season is between November and April, and you can find some great deals during this time! Temperatures in November are still pleasant, and even in the cooler months, Dubrovnik is a great place to explore.

During December, there’s also the winter festival, so you can really get in the festive spirit.

Exploring Dubrovnik by tour

If you’re looking to see the best of Dubrovnik in one day, then you can always opt for a guided tour. We tend to explore self-guided as we like to go at our own pace. However, if we’re short of time, then we often look for day tours, especially as this allows us to see a lot in a small amount of time!

Here are some popular tour options:

• Dubrovnik: Old Town Walking Tour – This 1.5-hour walking tour is run by a licensed guide, and you’ll visit some of the city’s most historical landmarks, including the city walls.

• Dubrovnik Super Saver – This awesome super-saver tour lasts for 4.5 hours. It includes a cable car ride up to Mt. Srd, a walking tour of the Old Town, and an entrance to the city walls.

• Old Town Food Tour – This 3.5-hour tour will give you a real taste of the local cuisine. You’ll get to sample a variety of delicacies while learning about the city’s culture and history.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik, Croatia

To make the most of your 1 day in Dubrovnik, you’ll want to base yourself in the Old Town. This means you’ll be close to all the city’s major attractions and there will be plenty of eateries nearby. Otherwise, you may waste precious time. However, just be aware that prices will often be more expensive!

Here are our best recommendations:

Budget: Apartment Neva

This is one of the more affordable studio apartments in the city. It sleeps two people and is located in the Old Town, just a 5-minute walk from Onofrio’s Fountain.

Offering city views, a private kitchenette, free WiFi, and a private bathroom, this place has a lot to offer. With free WiFi, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a coffee machine, you’ll have everything you need.

Mid-range: Palacio Celeste

Palacio Celeste offers a variety of spacious suites and rooms, sleeping between 2-3 people. You’ll also be just a short walk from the centre of Dubrovnik and Buza Beach.

Although more expensive, the Deluxe Junior Suites are a great option! Better yet, there’s a car rental service available at the property, which you can use to take day trips out of the city.

Luxury: Dubrovnik Old Town Apartments

If you’re after something more luxurious, then this place offers a variety of rooms, suites, and studios. Many of these sleep two people making them a fantastic option for couples.

Attic Studio is one of the best options and sleeps up to four people. This apartment includes a living space, a private kitchen, and an ensuite bathroom. It features plenty of amenities too!

Frequently Asked Questions about Spending a Day in Dubrovnik

What is a good budget for Dubrovnik?

We’d recommend a budget of at least £50-£70 per day. However, we’d recommend allowing more money for attractions as there’s so much to do in this city!

Unfortunately, Dubrovnik is an expensive city. Luckily, you’ll find plenty of free things to do here, so there are ways to cut costs. Not only that, but we found many of the restaurants to be very affordable.

Can Dubrovnik be done in a day?

The highlights can be seen in a day, but we’d recommend spending at least two or three days in Dubrovnik if you can. Especially as there are so many fantastic day trips on offer (including to other countries).

If you do only have one day in Dubrovnik, then make sure you prioritise the city walls and the Old Town. We’d also recommend heading up to Mount Srd on the cable car, as the views are fantastic!

How much is a one-day Dubrovnik card?

A one-day Dubrovnik Pass will cost you €15 (£13), There’s also a three-day pass €25 (£21) and a seven-day pass €35 (£30), depending on how long you want to stay here.

A Dubrovnik Pass includes free transport on the city’s bus system and entrance to 12 attractions. This includes the City Walls, the Maritime Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Bukovac House.

Is Dubrovnik a walkable city?

Absolutely! We found Dubrovnik to be extremely walkable, especially as the majority of attractions are found in the Old Town. In fact, the Old Town is pedestrian-only so you won’t have to worry about cars.

This is great for those who are short on time, as you won’t waste time on public transport. There are bus services, but you’ll only need to use these if you’re headed out of the city.

Final Thoughts on Your One Day In Dubrovnik

If you only have 1 day in Dubrovnik, then you’ll want to make the most of your time. Plan out your itinerary beforehand and prioritize the attractions that interest you the most.

Whether you’re looking to walk the city walls, explore the coastline by kayak, or indulge in the local cuisine, this amazing city has something for everyone.

With plenty of things to do, a great climate, and jaw-dropping views, this amazing city offers the perfect summer getaway!

If you have other questions about spending a day in Dubrovnik don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our Instagram, Facebook, or in the comments below!

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