I experienced the trip of a lifetime on my 4 days in Dubrovnik and now you can too! Soak up all the best sights, both on and off the beaten path, with this dreamy 4 day Dubrovnik itinerary.
Dubrovnik, also known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, is a city like no other. In fact, at times it feels like you are stepping into an entirely different world. Located in the south of Croatia on the Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik is filled with stunning medieval architecture, a rich history, and many unique things to do. All of which are surrounded by shimmering blue water. It is no wonder Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s most popular destinations!
Built inside prominent city walls, Dubrovnik has been a protected UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. Used as a filming location for popular tv shows and movies, Dubrovnik’s fame has skyrocketed in recent years. With so many epic things to do, you’ll need a little bit of planning in order to maximize your time. And trust me, you’re going to want to soak up every minute.
In this post, you’ll find a fully detailed 4 day Dubrovnik itinerary, along with some great tips for visiting the city and avoiding the crowds. It can be used as a standalone trip to Dubrovnik or can be added to your overall Croatia itinerary. Happy reading!
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Are 4 days in Dubrovnik Too Much?
You can easily spend a full 4 days of adventure-filled time visiting Dubrovnik. In fact, it is the perfect amount of time. 4 days in Dubrovnik allows you to explore the city in depth, seeing all the main attractions at a pace that won’t leave you feeling rushed. If you are visiting in the draining heat of the summer months this can be especially important.
The PERFECT 4 Day Dubrovnik Itinerary
Day 1: Walking the Walls and Seeing the Sights
With so many places to explore, there is no better spot to start your 4 day Dubrovnik itinerary than Dubrovnik’s old town. Completely contained inside the city’s mighty walls, the old town is where the majority of tourists spend their time.
There are currently two city gates you can use to enter Dubrovnik’s old town. Pile Gate is the best one to enter through on your first day. This is the most visually appealing of the entrances and is located near the activities you’ll want to explore on day one. They also have a tourist visitor centre just outside where you can buy tickets to different attractions in the city.
Take a Walk on Dubrovnik’s City Walls
Starting off your first day in Dubrovnik with a bang, you’re going to head out for an early morning walk on the old city walls. This is the single BEST thing to do in Dubrovnik. You think the towering walls are impressive from the ground level? Wait until you see the views from the top. Jumping right in with a walk on the Dubrovnik city walls is also the perfect way to get a feel for the city and catch your bearings.
The defensive city walls were built around the 13th century to provide protection against outside threats. Nowadays, they gift visitors with amazing views of the old town and its landmarks from above, with the Adriatic sea sparkling blue around it all. This experience was the highlight of our entire trip to Croatia and honestly one of the best I’ve had in all my travels.
The walk is about 2 km in total. It takes about 2 hours to complete, accounting for a more leisurely pace and time needed for taking photos. You will do a full circle of the city’s old town going counterclockwise. There are also a couple of cafes located along the top. Another great stopping point is Dubrovnik’s Maritime Museum, located about halfway through the walk.
BONUS INSIDER TIP:
Get out early to start walking the city walls right for when they open. You will skip a ton of the crowds, which during the middle of the day can almost feel like you’re being herded along the wall. You’ll be able to take your time, enjoy a relaxed pace, and have more flexibility for stopping to take photos. During the peak season, the walls open at 8 am.
Cost of Tickets: You can purchase tickets for the Dubrovnik city walls for 200 Kunas. Alternatively, you can get the Dubrovnik city card. The Dubrovnik city card comes in one, three, and seven-day passes. The one-day pass (good for 24 hours from the time of first use) costs 250 Kunas and includes access to the city walls, the Franciscan Monastery, the Rector’s Palace, and several other museums throughout the city. It also includes the use of public transportation. I recommend the one-day option, especially if you are staying slightly out of the city centre.
The Franciscan Monastery
After enjoying the best views in the city, it is time to venture into more peaceful surroundings. Take a few steps from the city walls’ exit into the heavenly Franciscan Monastery. Inside you’ll find wide corridors, with marble stone floors. The sun shines through wide-open archways that lead to a dreamy outdoor courtyard in the centre. Constructed with a combination of gothic and renaissance style architecture, the Franciscan Monastery is a sight to behold.
The Franciscan Monastery is actually an entire complex, consisting of a church, a friary, the world’s third-oldest functioning pharmacy, and one of the oldest libraries in Croatia. While tourists aren’t able to visit the entire complex, specifically the church and the library, what you are able to explore is lovely enough.
Entrance Cost: Access to the Monastery is included with the Dubrovnik city card. Otherwise, the entry fee is 30 Kunas.
Take a Stroll Down Stradun and Explore the Rector’s Palace
After a peaceful moment in the monastery, take a stroll down Stradun. Stradun is the main street that leads from Piles Gate into Dubrovnik’s old town. It is a beautiful wide open street constructed with limestone. Nowadays, it appears as a shining white marble caused by the heat and friction of so many people walking on it over the years.
Once you reach the end of Stradun, take a right to walk a short way to Rector’s palace. Rector’s Palace once served as the administrative centre of Dubrovnik. It is where the governing leaders, known as Rectors, once lived and ruled while in power from the 14th century to the early 1800s. Nowadays, Rector’s Palace is home to Dubrovnik’s cultural history museum and is a great place to learn about the city’s past.
Even if you are not the biggest fan of museums, Rector’s Palace is worth a quick visit for the stunning architecture alone. Marvel at the main interior courtyard which is completely white in colour.
Cost of Entry: Included with the Dubrovnik city card or 100 Kunas without.
Afternoon Lunch Break on One of Dubrovnik’s Side Streets
One of the best experiences in Dubrovnik is enjoying a delicious meal on one of the city’s side street patios. Many of the restaurants in old town maximize all the outdoor space they can get and line tables along the narrow streets outside. If you want to escape some of the crowds and pricier restaurants, wander into one of the less busy side streets.
I highly recommend eating at Storia. Featuring to-die-for Italian cuisine, Storia is amongst the cheaper options and you won’t be surrounded by crowds. I ate here several times during my 4 days in Dubrovnik.
Bonus Insider Tip: People don’t typically eat lunch until 2 or 3 in the afternoon. As a result, many of the restaurants don’t even open until 12 or 1. Going earlier is a great way to avoid waiting for a table.
Visit Lovrijenac Fort for the Second Best View of Dubrovnik’s Old Town
After exploring Dubrovnik’s fortified city for the entire day so far, it is time to venture outside the walls to gain a new perspective. A few steps outside of Pile Gate, you’ll immediately notice Lovrijenac Fort standing tall on a cliff face along the ocean shore.
The climb to the top of the fort takes about 10 minutes. The fort itself is nothing special honestly and is now used for special events like concerts, plays, and parties. But the best part of visiting the Lovrijenac fort is the absolutely stunning views it provides of Dubrovnik’s old town. From the top, you’ll be able to look out directly across at the city walls perched high on picturesque sea cliffs.
Cost of Entry: The Lovrijenac fort entry is included on the same day of purchase for the Dubrovnik city walls.
Dinner and the Best Restaurants in Dubrovnik:
After an early start and a busy day, it is time to relax before enjoying your first dinner in Dubrovnik. The dining options are numerous in Dubrovnik, ranging from high-class fine dining to cheaper fast food eats. Dubrovnik’s cuisine places a heavy focus on delicious fresh seafood, however, you’ll be to find a diverse amount of options. The cost of eating out in Dubrovnik is significantly pricier when compared to other parts of Croatia.
Some of the best restaurants to add to your 4 day Dubrovnik itinerary include:
- Restaurant 360 – The only Michelin-starred establishment in the city, 360 is a fine dining restaurant set right in the Dubrovnik city walls. The entrance is what appears to be a secret entrance in the historic walls and you can sit outside overlooking the old town. The food is divine, the atmosphere is like nothing else, and the memories will last a lifetime. The experience at 360 is all about luxury.
- Glorijet – You know a place is good when the locals love it. Glorijet is located in the Gruz neighbourhood and is known as the best spot in town to get fresh affordable seafood. It has a cozy cave-like interior and is set in a historic building creating a unique ambiance like nowhere else.
- Stara Loza – An elegant restaurant with high-quality food, Stara Loza is known for its beautiful rooftop patio with views over Dubrovnik’s orange rooftops. At this restaurant, seafood is definitely the star of the show, but they also offer vegetarian options.
- Tabasco – If you are looking for a delicious and affordable pizza option close to Dubrovnik’s old town, then Tabasco is a good place to start. The restaurant features a wood-burning oven, lovely terraces, pizzas starting at 12 Euros, and many topping options.
- Preša – One of the cheapest options for eating in Dubrovnik’s old town, Preša is a popular fast food spot. Preša offers a wide variety, including burgers, wraps, salads, sandwiches, and more. It is a great option for grabbing a quick bite to eat on a budget.
Day 2: Dubrovnik’s Cable Car, Abandoned Forts, and Ocean Swimming
Ride the Dubrovnik City Cable Car
A trip to Dubrovnik is all about chasing amazing views. So we’re starting off day 2 of your 4 day Dubrovnik itinerary with a small thrill and some more stunning overlooks. Advertised as having the best view in the city, the Dubrovnik cable car is located a short walk outside the city walls. The cable car takes you on a 3.5-minute ride, 778 metres up to the top of Mount Srd. From the top, you will be gifted with unparalleled views of the old town and surrounding city with the vibrant Adriatic sea beyond.
The views alone are worth the trip, but there are also other activities you can partake in at the top of Mount Srd. There are buggy safari rides, a museum set in an old fort, a souvenir shop, and even some great spots to go for a walk.
Cost: The cable car ride costs 200 Kunas round trip. Alternatively, you can pay 100 Kunas for a one-way trip and then hike the opposite way. The hike takes about 45 minutes to reach the top of Mount Srd, or 30 minutes if you’re hiking downwards.
Hike to an Abandoned Fortress on Mount Srd
Another great activity to do at the top of Mount Srd is to hike for about 30 minutes to an abandoned fortress. Here you’ll find some more great views over the ocean and the surrounding mountains. The fortress is called Tvrđava Strinčjera on google maps and currently consists of ruins that are fun to explore.
There are no trail markers or much information about this hike online. However, it is quite easy to find your way there with proper instructions. To get there, you’ll walk down the paved road at the back of the cable car building. When you see a prominent dirt road/wide open path on the right, follow this all the way until you reach the abandoned fortress. Stay right whenever the road forks. It is a short enjoyable walk, with no difficult up and down sections.
Lunch at the Panorama Restaurant
After exploring the fortress ruins, make your way back to the cable car for lunch. Restaurant Panorama, right next to the cable car, is a great option if you want to enjoy a meal with a view. While very popular with delicious food, it is definitely amongst the most expensive restaurant options in Dubrovnik. If you prefer cheaper meal options then head back down into the city.
Wander Dubrovniks City Streets
After lunch, spend the rest of the afternoon simply wandering Dubrovnik’s streets. No street is the same and there are so many amazing hidden gems to explore. That’s why one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik is simply wandering.
Some of the Best Spots to See in the City:
- The city’s medieval-age fountains | Stop to simply admire them or fill your water bottles from the completely drinkable water spouting from their decorations. Check out the large Onofrio fountain that was constructed in the 15th century. It is located right across the entrance of the Franciscan monastery and Pile gate.
- Dubrovnik’s Old Port | This is the marina area with docked boats, amazing seafood restaurants, and a cool part of the city’s wall to marvel at.
- Gelato Shops | The gelato or ice cream in Dubrovnik is so good it deserves a special mention. There are a plethora of shops to grab this delicious treat and it’s the perfect way to cool down as you wander.
Finish Your Day with a Dip by Dubrovnik’s Old Port
Dubrovnik has several spots you can jump in for a swim to cool down. One of my favourites is located right by the old port. If you continue to walk around the corner out towards the sea, you’ll find a great swimming spot. There are concrete docks you can jump into the water from and lots of room to lay out your towel. You’ll enjoy this new perspective of the towering city walls from the ocean directly below them. It can also be a huge lifesaver on those hot summer days.
Day 3: Explore Lokrum Island and Witness the City Lights on a Night Tour
Swim, See Peacocks, and Explore Fortresses on Lokrum Island
On day 3 of your 4 day Dubrovnik itinerary, it is time to venture outside of the city to Lokrum island. The small island can be seen a short way away from the city’s shore. It is the perfect activity to fill a half day and venture a little off the beaten path. The island has wild peacocks, unique swimming spots with crystal clear water, and old forts. What more could you need?
Ferries to Lokrum island depart from Dubrovnik’s old port multiple times per hour in peak season. It takes about 15 minutes to get there. You can purchase your tickets right near the dock and can find the ferry schedule here.
I recommend taking the first ferry of the day. There are no overnight stays allowed on the island, so by arriving on the first boat you’ll have the usually busy island almost to yourself. Lokrum island has several adventurous things to do, with maps showing the key points and how to find them.
Some of the Best Things to Do on Lokrum Island are:
- Climb to the top of the island to visit Fort Royal – An old fort located at the very top of the island, Fort Royal was one of the most unique forts we explored in Croatia. You can wander through staircases inside and there are spectacular views of Dubrovnik’s shore.
- Go for a swim at one of the island’s many swimming spots – All along the perimeter of the island, there are gorgeous spots to swim. Even cooler than sandy beaches, there are metal ladders along rocky ledges to help you climb down into the crystal clear water. You also can lay your towel out and sunbathe on the rocks.
- Spot wild peacocks – One of the most unique parts of Lokrum island, is the wild peacock population living on it. All over the island, you’ll find peacocks young and old wandering about. They are used to being around humans so you are able to see them from very close.
Cost of Ferry Ride: 40 Kunas
Enjoy the Vibes at Banje Beach
After returning from Lokrum island, take a short walk to your next stop for the day. Located just outside of the old town, about 5 minutes from the Old Port is beautiful Banje beach. Banje is one of the best beaches in Dubrovnik. It features a shore filled with small round pebbles, brilliant blue-green hues to the water, and spectacular views of the old town backdropping it all. Banje is also known for its vibrant beach scene, with tons of water sports available and parasols/beach chairs for rent. There are also several beach bars to grab a fun cocktail and enjoy the vibe.
City Walking Tour at Night
When the sun starts to set, it’s time to venture out for a walking tour with a twist. Walking tours are one of my favourite ways to explore a city, especially those containing a rich history. And Dubrovnik sure has one. However, rather than going out during the day with the hoards (and by hoards, I mean large groups of 20+ people shuffling along behind a guide speaking through a microphone), venture out in the dark instead. There will be fewer crowds and the old town’s beauty is enhanced by lights shining in the dark.
We learned a ton about the old historical conflicts that led to the city being fortified, as well as the more recent history involving the war of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. The majority of the city was destroyed in the war and later had to be meticulously rebuilt according to UNESCO standards. The best way to learn all of this and more is with a knowledgeable local guide.
I booked a night walking tour through Airbnb experiences. It was a small private group of about 6 of us and the old town was a lot less crowded. For Game of Thrones fans, there are also tons of walking tours tailored to exhibit all the famous filming locations in the city.
Day 4: A Kayaking Tour, Hole in the Wall Bars, and Cliff Jumping
Take a Kayaking Tour Beneath Dubrovnik’s Walls
Starting off your final day in Dubrovnik, it’s time for yet another fresh perspective of the city. This time from the ocean. Sea kayaking tours are super popular in Dubrovnik. You’ll start by kayaking along the outer city walls, exploring a nearby hidden cave, and even venturing out to the shores of Lokrum island.
The sea kayaking tours take about 3 hours. You’ll depart from a small beach meeting point near Pile Gate and learn some kayaking techniques before venturing out. You can book your kayaking tour on Viator, Get Your Guide, or from tourist stalls in the city.
Cost: Average between 250 – 350 Kunas
Find Hole in the Wall Bars
After a morning of adventuring out on the water, it is time to check out the city’s final nooks, crannies, and ‘holes in the walls’. And you can do so by visiting a literal hole-in-the-wall bar. Grab a drink, climb down for a swim, and even get your blood pumping with some cliff jumping.
There are actually two bars that are located right on the ocean cliffside outside of the city walls. They are called Buza Bar and Bard Mala Buza Bar. You enter them through small hole-in-the-wall doorways that lead to the bars outside. You can choose to enjoy the bar or skip it and simply go for a swim. The drinks are cold, the swimming is fantastic, and the vibes? Immaculate! This is the perfect spot to spend the rest of your time in Dubrovnik.
Insider Tips for Avoiding the Crowds in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is one of the best destinations to visit in Croatia, and honestly in all of Europe. Already a popular spot, the city’s fame has skyrocketed in recent years as Star Wars and Game of Thrones fans flock to the city to see the famous filming locations. As a result, Dubrovnik and its old town can get pretty crowded at times. Here are some super helpful tried and tested tips for how you can avoid crowds in Dubrovnik:
- Avoid travelling to Dubrovnik during festivals or holidays. My last day in Dubrovnik was the start of a big festival and the crowds increased immensely.
- Go out early in the morning or later at night
- Eat lunch around 12 or 1 to avoid waiting for a table or feeling overcrowded on a patio. The popular lunchtime is around 2 – 3 pm.
- Consider checking the cruise ship schedules and planning around them. The cruise ships are another reason to explore the city early in the morning or late afternoon because most cruise visitors are in the old town between 9 – 4 pm.
Potential Day Trips from Dubrovnik
If you are planning on staying in Dubrovnik for more than 4 days, or you want to trade a day out of this 4 day Dubrovnik itinerary for an excursion instead, then there are tons of options for fantastic day trips. Dubrovnik is actually a great departure point for several epic day trips due to its proximity to other countries and several nearby islands. Some of these include:
1. Bosnia & Herzegovina
A Dubrovnik to Bosnia day trip is the perfect way to explore more of the Balkans and its cultural diversity. Stepping into Bosnia, you’ll be instantly transported from the warm seaside summer vibes in Croatia to a more outdoorsy Eastern European experience. There are some excellent points of interest that can be visited in a day, from lush cascading waterfalls to historic cobbled stone cities filled with Old Bazaars and iconic bridges to explore. All of which are within a couple of hours’ drive from Dubrovnik.
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2. Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
Only a two-hour drive from Dubrovnik, Kotor’s bay and town is well worth a visit. Set into an almost fjord-like bay surrounded by a mountainous landscape, the Bay of Kotor is filled with orange-roofed stone buildings, old churches, adorable squares, and vibrantly blue water. There is even some hiking to do in the region, where you can find some spectacular viewpoints over it all.
3. Elafiti Islands
The Elafiti islands are an archipelago of about a dozen nearby islands only a 1 hour and 20-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik. The islands are small and have an untouched remote feel to them, which provides a perfect reprieve from the busy life in Dubrovnik. Filled with yellow sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, and outdoorsy activities, the Elafiti islands are a fantastic peaceful day trip. To get to the Elafiti islands, you can take a ferry from Dubrovnik’s old port or book a boat trip excursion.
4. Korcula Island
Croatia’s coast is filled with beautiful islands to explore. Only 2 hours’ ferry from Dubrovnik, Korcula stands out as one of the best. The island features historic old towns, hidden beaches, beautiful nature, and even a prominent wine culture. If you are looking to see more of Croatia in a short amount of time, this is a great option.
Wine-tasting tours are really popular on the island. You can even find some that offer bike rides through the olive groves and vineyards along the way. You’ll bring home some amazing memories and maybe a couple of souvenir wine bottles too!
5. The Blue Cave Tour
Found all over “the best things to do in Croatia” posts, is the blue cave. Sometimes referred to as the Blue Grotto, this cave is a natural wonder that leaves everyone who visits enchanted. Inside the cave, you’ll witness bright silvery-blue light shining from the water. This phenomenon occurs due to sunlight reflecting off the seabed below. There is only a small opening in the cave’s roof for sunlight to reach inwards, making the bright blue water shine even brighter in contrast to the dark cave. You can book a boat trip to visit the blue cave from Dubrovnik. Many of these tours will include snorkeling or other islands in the excursion.
Final Thoughts on the Perfect 4 Day Dubrovnik Itinerary
There you have it folks, the absolute PERFECT 4 day Dubrovnik itinerary. From exploring the main attractions on the Dubrovnik city walls and Stradun to getting a little more off the beaten path on Lokrum island and Mount Srd’s abandoned fortress, you really are getting the most out of what Dubrovnik has to offer!
Happy adventuring!
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