Planning 2 days in Dubrovnik? Our detailed Dubrovnik itinerary shows you exactly how to spend 48 hours exploring Croatia’s most beautiful coastal city.
Walk the famous city walls, discover Game of Thrones filming locations, visit Lokrum Island, enjoy breathtaking views from Mount Srđ, and learn about Dubrovnik’s fascinating wartime history.
Based on our own experience, this guide includes practical tips, restaurant recommendations, mistakes to avoid, and the best things to do in Dubrovnik in 2 days.
Contents
- Introduction
- 2 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary
- Day 1 – Dubrovnik’s Icons and Incredible Views
- Day 2 – Islands, Filming Locations and Local Flavours
- If You Have a Third Day
- If You Only Have 1 Day in Dubrovnik
- Our Top Tips for Visiting Dubrovnik
- FAQs
- Related Posts
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Introduction
For many people of my generation, Dubrovnik wasn’t always the glamorous destination plastered across Instagram. Long before I ever knew it as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, I associated it with something very different.
As a teenager during the Yugoslav Wars, I remember watching disturbing images on the evening news. Bombed buildings, prison war camps, frightened families and a city under siege became my only impression of this beautiful corner of Croatia.
It was my dad who first told me another side of the story. He’d listened to my grandfather describe Croatia as one of the most beautiful places he’d ever visited – a jewel of the Adriatic with ancient stone cities, crystal-clear water and warm, welcoming people. Ever since then, I’d wanted to see it for myself.
When we finally spent 2 days in Dubrovnik, we discovered a city that was every bit as beautiful as we’d imagined – but also one that has quiet reminders of its modern wartime history.
The elderly owner of the apartment where we stayed welcomed us like old friends. He chatted with us over beer and homemade cake, recommending his favourite local places. He gave us three main pieces of advice:
- Visit the Homeland War Museum
- Don’t eat at the flashy restaurants Panorama & Nautika
- And don’t waste our money on the cable car.
We smiled and thanked him, and headed off to discover Dubrovnik for ourselves.
Over two days we walked Dubrovnik’s magnificent city walls, explored filming locations from Game of Thrones, sampled fresh oysters, enjoyed drinks at Micro Cafe – full of locals rather than tourists, and learned about the city’s remarkable recent history from people who had lived through it themselves.
This itinerary combines the famous highlights with the places that made us fall in love with Dubrovnik. If you’re planning 2 days in Dubrovnik, here’s exactly how we’d spend them, including a few things we’d do differently if we visited again.
2 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary
Is 2 days enough in Dubrovnik?
2 days is plenty of time to see the highlights in the Old City but if you’re planning to visit beaches and explore the new town, I would suggest staying longer.
Best time to visit Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is the most visited city in Croatia and is swamped by tourists throughout the hot summer months. For a quieter experience, you’ll find it less crowded and comfortable temperatures in early Spring and mid-Autumn. We visited in early April, which was ideal.
Where to stay
For a 2-day trip, I’d stay as close to the Old Town as your budget allows. Being within walking distance of Pile Gate makes early-morning wall walks and evening dinners much easier, and you’ll get to experience Dubrovnik after the day-trippers have gone home.
We stayed in a local apartment just outside the walls, which gave us a quieter base while still being only a few minutes from the Old Harbour. If you’re deciding between the Old Town, Pile, or Ploče, I’ll be sharing my full Dubrovnik hotel and apartment recommendations in a separate guide soon.
Should you buy the Dubrovnik Pass?
If you’re planning to walk the walls, buying the Dubrovnik City Pass is a no-brainer. A standalone ticket for the walls costs roughly the same as the pass, so you may as well get the extras thrown in – including Lovrijenac Fortress and a handful of museums.
🗺️ Google Map of this itinerary
Day 1 – Dubrovnik’s Icons and Incredible Views
Begin your day early, before the crowds descend, with a walk around the ancient walls in the morning sunshine. Explore the sights of Dubrovnik Old Town before lunch, then head up to Mount Srđ for spectacular views and a sobering look at the city’s wartime history. Round off the day watching the sunset from the Panorama restaurant and bar.
- Morning: Walk the Dubrovnik Walls
- Lunch: Bota Sare Oyster & Sushi Bar
- Afternoon: Admire the Views from Mount Srđ
- Dinner: Panorama or Nautika Restaurant, or your pick in the Old Town
Walk Dubrovnik’s City Walls
Dubrovnik City Walls have to be the highlight of a trip to Dubrovnik. This was easily our favourite activity. I wasn’t sure it would be worth the entry price but it absolutely was – the views are incredible.
We were lucky as there were only a handful of other people at the walls on our visit. We arrived at 8am, stopped for a drink and took way too many photos.
I’m afraid of heights and admit that some parts of the walk had my stomach in knots but the views are worth it.
My advice:
- Go as early as possible
- You need a fairly good level of fitness to do the walk
- The walk takes 1.5 – 2 hrs (although you could rush round in under an hour)
- There are places to stop for refreshments and comfort breaks
- Buy the Dubrovnik City Pass as it costs the same as the entrance price
Explore Dubrovnik Old Town
After the walls, take a leisurely walk around the Old Town. You’ll love the cobbled streets, hidden alleys and ancient stone buildings. Here are a few places to look out for.
- The Stradun – Dubrovnik’s polished limestone main street, so smooth underfoot from centuries of footsteps that you can practically skate down it. At one end you’ll find Onofrio’s Fountain, a 15th-century fountain where you can refill your water bottle.
- Jesuit Stairs – the Baroque staircase beside the Church of St Ignatius, better known to Game of Thrones fans as the setting for Cersei’s Walk of Shame. There’s a cocktail bar right beside it that’s leaned fully into the GOT theme.
- Rector’s Palace – a beautiful Gothic-Renaissance building that once housed the city’s rulers, and later did a stint as a filming location in the series.
- Dubrovnik Cathedral and the Franciscan Monastery – both worth a look if you like old churches and cloisters.
- Old Harbour (Stara Luka) – a pretty working harbour with clear blue water, fishing boats and restaurant terraces. This is also where the Lokrum ferry departs from.
Lunch Recommendation
Bota Sare Oyster & Sushi Bar – we ate fresh oysters with a glass of sparkling wine here – sublime!
Afternoon – to Sunset
Admire the Views from Mount Srđ
For the most astounding 360-degree views of Dubrovnik, you must visit Mount Srđ. At the top, you’ll find a few activities and entertainment options, including ziplining, buggy safari, live music, open air cinema evenings and two restaurants.
I would highly recommend visiting the Imperial and Homeland War Museum. And even if you don’t end up eating at the Panorama Restaurant – enjoy a drink at the bar overlooking the view.
Tip: If you’re planning to eat at the Panorama Restaurant book it months in advance if you want a front-row table.
Skip the Cable Car (Here’s Why)
As I mentioned before, our host tried to warn us about the cable car but unfortunately we ignored him. I know you don’t want to skip it because I didn’t either – but it really is a big waste of money. The cable car costs 30 Euros for a ride that takes less than 5 minutes. Our biggest Dubrovnik regret was not listening to this advice!
If I visited again I’d drive or walk up instead, combining it with the museum.
Visit the Homeland War Museum
Our host recommended this place so we went on our last day of the trip. Really we should have combined it with the cable car.
The Homeland War Museum is housed in Fort Imperial – a fortress built in the early 1800s. Inside are photographic exhibits that tell the devastating story of the 1990s Yugoslav War.
It turned out to be one of the most moving experiences of our trip. Seeing the photographs and hearing the stories transformed those hazy memories from my teenage years into something deeply personal and human. I left feeling both saddened by what the city had endured but also proud of British soldiers who, despite being criticised by the media, went to help defend Croatia.
Dinner Recommendations:
Option 1: Panorama Restaurant
The Panorama Restaurant offers outdoor seating over the most incredible views of Dubrovnik. It’s extremely busy so it’s best to book months in advance if you want a front row table.
We didn’t eat here and just stopped for a cocktail in the bar area.
Option 2: Nautika
This is where we ate – one of the most romantic restaurants in Europe. Our host warned us away from Dubrovnik’s flashier restaurants and told us only show-offs ate here. I almost cancelled the booking but it was too late and I’m glad.
He wasn’t completely wrong – it certainly attracts a glamorous crowd and it is eye wateringly expensive – but for our 25th wedding anniversary it became one of the most memorable meals we’ve ever had. For one magical evening, we felt completely spoiled.
Day 2 – Islands, Filming Locations and Local Flavours
Today, have a lazy morning brunch at Bistro Revelin with beautiful views over the harbour before you visit all the Game of Thrones filming locations. Learn all about the behind the scenes gossip from a local who was around during filming.
Spend the afternoon on Lokrum island for the second part of your tour, enjoy a late lunch surrounded by peacocks (watch out – they’ll want some too!). Relax on this beautiful island before heading back for dinner in the Old City.
- Morning: Brunch at Bistro Revelin
- Mid-morning / Afternoon: Game of Thrones Tour
- Lokrum Island
- Dinner:
Game of Thrones Walking Tour
If you’ve never watched an episode, swap this tour for a free walking with GuruWalk to learn about the history and pick up recommendations from a local guide.
Our GOT guide was a brilliant storyteller – he spoke four languages, had spent much of his childhood in Berlin after his family fled during the war, and later moved back to Dubrovnik as an adult, keeping close ties to Germany.
He knew every location inside out – how scenes were shot, which buildings doubled as parts of King’s Landing and Qarth, and which locals he knew had landed parts as extras. It’s the kind of detail you won’t get wandering round on your own with a map.
See availability and prices for the Original Game of Thrones Walking Tour
Lunch
On Lokrum Island we saw two restaurant choices. We ate a Greek salad and tuna ciabatta at the first restaurant as we came off the boat. It wasn’t too expensive considering their lack of competition.
Afternoon
A short ferry ride from the Old Harbour takes you across to Lokrum, and it’s a proper change of pace after two busy mornings. Bring your swimming things, wander the walking trails, and keep an eye on your food around the resident peacocks – they have no shame about helping themselves.
Highlights to build your afternoon around:
- Swimming spots and rocky coves away from the crowds
- The Botanical Garden and Benedictine Monastery ruins
- The official Iron Throne, for your Game of Thrones photo moment
- Walking trails looping around the island
Two to three hours is plenty to see the main spots without feeling rushed.
Ferry Information
Ferries run from the Old Harbour (Stara Luka) roughly every 30-60 minutes in season, and the crossing takes about 15 minutes. We paid 15 Euros return but some city passes include a discount so it’s worth checking if yours does. (Timings and pricing vary by season).
Dinner Recommendation
Head back into the Old Town for your last evening. If you haven’t already tried the local oysters, this is the night to do it – freshly shucked and served on ice is how I’d order them again.
Dalmatino Dubrovnik is one of the best value restaurants in the Old Town. Locals recommend it for excellent quality and value.
If You Have a Third Day
If you’re staying longer, here’s how we’d fill an extra day:
- Relax at the beach – Banje Beach is the easiest option, a short walk from Ploče Gate, with sun loungers and a beach bar. For something quieter and arguably prettier, head to Sveti Jakov Beach instead.
- Go sea kayaking around Dubrovnik’s walls – a completely different perspective on the fortifications, and a nice low-key way to spend a morning. You can rent a kayak from the beach next to Lovrijenac Fortress.
- Visit the new town – if you want a break from the tourist crowds and see the marina.
If You Only Have 1 Day in Dubrovnik
If you’re short on time, here’s the highlights we’d choose for a single day:
- Walk the City Walls first thing in the morning
- Explore the Old Town
- Lunch at Bota Šare or similar
- Game of Thrones walking tour (short version)
- Sunset at Mount Srđ with a cocktail at the Panorama bar
- Dinner in the Old Town
Our Top Tips for Visiting Dubrovnik
- Walk the city walls first thing in the morning, before the cruise crowds arrive.
- We wouldn’t pay for the cable car again – walk or drive up instead.
- Don’t skip the Homeland War Museum, even if history isn’t usually your thing on holiday.
- Stay overnight if you can – the city is a different, quieter place once the day-trippers leave.
- Don’t be put off Nautika if you’re celebrating something – it’s expensive, but it really is extra special.
- Visit Micro Cafe to see where the locals hang out for inexpensive coffee and drinks.
FAQs
Is 2 days enough in Dubrovnik?
Yes, for the main Old Town highlights. If beaches, Lokrum, or day trips are on your list too, consider staying three or four days instead.
Is Dubrovnik expensive?
It’s one of the pricier cities in Croatia, particularly for restaurants and attractions in the Old Town. You can manage costs with the City Pass and by eating where locals do, outside of the Old Town.
Is Lokrum worth visiting?
Yes – it’s a relaxing contrast to the busy Old Town, and easy to reach on a short ferry. The locals come here to escape the tourist crowds.
Is the cable car worth it?
In our experience, no. The views from the top are lovely, but the price doesn’t match a five-minute ride. Walking or driving up gets you the same view for far less.
What shouldn’t I miss in Dubrovnik?
The City Walls, the Homeland War Museum, and at least one proper meal with a view – whether that’s a splurge like Nautika or a cheaper spot.
Can you walk everywhere in Dubrovnik?
Within the Old Town, yes – it’s compact and pedestrian-only. Getting up to Mount Srđ or across to Lokrum will need a cable car/drive/walk or a short ferry respectively.
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