1 day in Dubrovnik: our itinerary (+ photos)

A single day in Dubrovnik is not much, and it’s already a lot. The city concentrates in a small space a superb medieval heritage, panoramic views over the Adriatic Sea and a UNESCO-listed Baroque old town. To make the most of these few hours, it’s all a question of priorities.

We offer four 1-day itineraries to suit all tastes: the must-sees for first-time visitors, a cultural version for museum and history enthusiasts, a nature and sports version for the more active, and a program designed for families with children.

This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.

Practical tips for visiting Dubrovnik in 1 day

Dubrovnik Pass

Before you embark on your day out, here are a few useful things to keep in mind. The Dubrovnik Pass is recommended if you’re planning several visits: it includes access to the city walls, Fort Lovrijenac, the Rector’s Palace, the Maritime Museum, MOMAD and several other municipal museums, as well as unlimited use of the city buses. The 1-day pass costs €40, and is cost-effective after two or three visits. Please note that the Red History Museum is not included. Full details on the official Dubrovnik Pass website.

Getting around and parking in Dubrovnik

The city bus network is efficient and inexpensive. Lines 1A and 1B connect the Old Town (Pile stop) with the port of Gruz and the Lapad district. Tickets can be purchased from the driver for around €2, or are included in the Dubrovnik Pass. The Old Town can be visited entirely on foot. If you’ve rented a car, please note that the Old Town is entirely pedestrianized: it’s impossible to enter by car. The nearest parking lot to the Pile Gate is Parking Ilijina Glavica (approx. €5/hr). In high season, parking spaces are scarce, so it’s best to park on the outskirts and take the bus to the center.

Where to sleep in Dubrovnik

For accommodation, see our selection of the best hotels and areas to stay in Dubrovnik.

Option 1: Dubrovnik’s must-sees

Is this your first visit to Dubrovnik? This itinerary brings together the city’s most emblematic experiences, from medieval ramparts to swimming in the Adriatic Sea, from the baroque streets of the Old Town to the panorama of Mount Srd at sunset. All the must-sees in our article on what to do in Dubrovnik.

9am: Walking the ramparts

The day begins on the ramparts, when they open at 9am. These medieval fortifications, whose construction dates back to the 14th century, encircle the entire old town for almost 2km. From the top of the walls, the views of the orange-tiled roofs, the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding islands are breathtaking. The looping route allows you to observe the city from all angles, both on the seaside and inland. At this early hour of the morning, the light is favorable and the crowds still absent. Allow around 2 hours to cover the entire circuit. Admission is €40 for adults, included in the Dubrovnik Pass. Several access points are available, notably near Porte Pile to the west and Fort Revelin to the east. Read all our tips in our article dedicated to Dubrovnik’s ramparts here. We also recommend booking a guided tour to learn more.

11 a.m.: Stroll through the old town

From the heights of the ramparts, wander down into the narrow streets of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. This labyrinth of white limestone, lively squares and Baroque facades reveals itself at every turn. We enjoyed leaving the Stradun for the hillside alleys, which are quieter and just as interesting. Don’t miss the 15th-century Grande Fontaine d’Onofrio, or the Renaissance palaces along the way. Allow 1h30 for a leisurely stroll. Access is free from Porte Pile or Porte Ploče. A guided tour of the historic center will tell you more about the history of these places. You can also read our article on Dubrovnik’s old town here.

12pm: A break at the Franciscan Monastery

Nestled just inside the Porte Pile, the Franciscan Monastery is a little-known spot for visitors in a hurry. Founded in the 14th century, it houses one of Croatia’s oldest Romanesque-Gothic cloisters, whose intricately carved double columns provide a tranquil backdrop before lunch. Also on site is one of Europe’s oldest surviving pharmacies, open since 1317. Admission is included in the Dubrovnik Pass. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., allow between 30 minutes and 1 hour.

1pm: Lunch

We recommend a konoba in the side streets of the old town, far from the touristy addresses of the Stradun. Restaurant Kopun is a benchmark for authentic Dalmatian specialties, including roast rooster Ragusan style. Restaurant Konoba Dubrava, meanwhile, offers fine local cuisine in a warm and welcoming setting.

2:30 pm: Visit the Rector’s Palace

The Rector’s Palace is one of Dubrovnik’s most representative monuments of Gothic-Renaissance architecture. Formerly the seat of government of the Republic of Ragusa, it housed the elected rector, whose term of office lasted just one month. Its collections trace the history of this city-state through period furniture, official portraits and ancient coins. The loggia with its elaborate columns on the façade and the sculpted details of the capitals are also worthy of note. Allow 1 hour for a standard visit. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Included in the Dubrovnik Pass.

3:30 pm: Swimming at Banje Beach

Just a 5-minute walk from Porte Ploče, we recommend Banje Beach, Dubrovnik’s most famous beach. It offers a view of the city walls and the island of Lokrum, with clear water. It’s a good place for a mid-afternoon swim before heading back up to the heights. Access is free, although some areas offer deckchairs for a fee.

5pm: Sunset at Mont Srd by cable car

If you want to see Dubrovnik from the heights, Mount Srd, at 412 m, is in our opinion the best vantage point. Don’t miss a ride on the cable car. It connects the old town to the summit in just a few minutes, with beautiful views of the rooftops, the Adriatic Sea and the island of Lokrum all along the way. We recommend the climb at the end of the day: the light on the ramparts is pleasant at this time of day. At the top, the Imperial Fort houses a museum dedicated to the Croatian War of Independence. Price: €25 return, including fort. The bottom station is at Petra Krešimira IV, a 10-minute walk from the Ploče Gate. Further information on the official Dubrovnik cable car website.

8pm: Dinner and evening on the Stradun

In the evening, the Stradun takes on a quieter atmosphere. We loved the baroque facades that light up and the café terraces that come alive. For dinner, Restaurant 360 is an unmissable 1-Michelin-star gourmet address. Located on the ramparts, with a terrace overlooking the old port (€150 to €200 per person, reservations on 360dubrovnik.com). For another address with a sea view and a more polished, less formal style, Nautika is a good option.

Option 2: Dubrovnik culture

For history, art and heritage enthusiasts, Dubrovnik offers a fine concentration of museums and monuments. Our itinerary takes you from the treasures of the Baroque Cathedral to the collections of the Red History Museum, including MOMAD and the War Photo Limited gallery.

9am: Assumption Cathedral and its treasures

The day begins with the Cathedral of the Assumption, built in the Baroque style between the 17th and 18th centuries. Here we discovered a treasure: the gold and silver reliquaries, a polyptych attributed to Titian and the reliquary of the skull of St. Blaise, patron saint of the city. Admission to the cathedral is free, while a visit to the treasure trove costs €4 (cash only, shoulders covered). Open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm. Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour.

10 a.m.: The Rector’s Palace

Just a few steps from the cathedral, the Rector’s Palace is representative of Dubrovnik’s Gothic-Renaissance architecture. Its collections trace the history of the Republic of Ragusa through period furniture, official portraits and ancient coins. The loggia with its elaborate columns and sculpted capitals on the façade are well worth a visit. Allow 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest. Open daily from 9am to 6pm. Price: €15, included in the Dubrovnik Pass.

11:30 a.m.: The Franciscan Monastery

The Franciscan Monastery, founded in the 14th century, is worth a stop next for its tranquil Romanesque-Gothic cloister. We found the finely sculpted double columns to be a beautiful decoration. The adjoining museum houses a collection of illuminated manuscripts and religious paintings, and the pharmacy, in operation since 1317, is a must-see. Price: €6, included in the Dubrovnik Pass. Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.

1pm: Lunch

For your lunch break, we recommend Restaurant Zuzori. It offers elegant cuisine combining fish and seafood from the Adriatic in a beautiful setting. A great place to recharge your batteries before the afternoon!

2:30 pm: MOMAD, Dubrovnik Museum of Modern Art

Housed in the Villa Banac, the Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik (MOMAD) exhibits works by Croatian artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. We found the visit interesting. An address for art lovers wishing to discover local creation beyond the medieval and baroque heritage. The museum is included in the Dubrovnik Pass.

4pm: The Red History Museum

If you’re a history buff, we think the Red History Museum is a must-see. Housed in the former TUP graphite factory founded in 1953, this privately-owned museum offers an immersion into the Yugoslav period from 1945 to 1991 through a well-designed interactive scenography. We found the room devoted to Goli Otok, the Communist-era prison island, particularly interesting. Not included in the Dubrovnik Pass. Price: €9 for adults. Open daily from 9.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. See our tips in our article dedicated to the Red History Museum.

6pm: Palais Sponza and War Photo Limited

For this late afternoon, we recommend two addresses in the old town. The Palais Sponza, one of the few buildings to escape the 1667 earthquake, is a fine example of 16th-century Gothic-Renaissance architecture. Its façade and loggia make it one of the most successful buildings in the old town. A few steps away, the War Photo Limited gallery presents photojournalism exhibitions on contemporary conflicts with a committed artistic approach.

8pm: Dinner

To round off the day, choose Restaurant Pjerin, offering creative Mediterranean cuisine in a refined setting. An authentic and chic address, well suited to a day of cultural visits!

Option 3: Dubrovnik nature and sport

We also find that Dubrovnik offers a good setting for outdoor activities: kayaking along the medieval walls, strolling through the Lapad forest park, swimming and zip-lining over the old town. We’ve designed this itinerary for those who want to get moving while discovering the city from a different angle.

9am: Kayak along the ramparts or Lokrum island, your choice

To start the day, we suggest two options to suit your mood. The first: kayaking from the old town, along the Adriatic side of the city walls to sea caves carved into the limestone rock. Accessible to beginners and supervised by guides, this is a great way to discover Dubrovnik from the sea, accessing inaccessible coves on foot. Allow 3 to 4 hours. Book your kayak trip now.

The second option: the island of Lokrum, a nature reserve accessible in ten minutes by shuttle bus from the old port. Covered with pines, centuries-old olive trees and Mediterranean plants, it is home to a botanical garden founded in the 19th century by Archduke Maximilian of Austria. An inland sea lake offers calm waters for swimming. We fell in love with the place! Find all excursions to Lokrum here.

1pm: Lunch

Back from your seaside getaway, head to the Lapad district for lunch. Restaurant Pantarul in the Lapad district is a bistronomic restaurant serving delicious dishes made with local produce.

2:30 pm: Lapad Forest Park

Now that you’ve arrived, it’s time to take advantage of the Lapad peninsula. Located 4 km west of the city center, it is Dubrovnik’s residential and seaside district. Its forest park offers shady paths for a stroll away from the hustle and bustle of the old town. We found the atmosphere more local and the seaside pleasantly wooded.

16h: Beaches Uvala, Banje, Bellevue or Buža

In mid-afternoon, it’s time for a swim. If you want to stay in Lapad, go to Plage Uvala. Alternatively, you can head to Plage Banje, just outside Porte Ploče, which offers views of the ramparts and Claire water. Plage Bellevue, nestled at the foot of the cliffs to the west, is quieter and offers a beautiful perspective of the fortifications from the sea. For the more adventurous, we suggest Plage Buža, accessible via a passage cut into the seaward ramparts. The setting is wilder, with landscaped rocks. Note that most of Dubrovnik’s beaches are pebbled.

6pm: Tyrolean traverse over the old town

To round off a day of nature and sport, why not take a zip-line descent over Dubrovnik? We recommend this activity for the views over the bay and the city, and for the thrills! From the heights, you’ll fly over the tiled roofs and the Adriatic Sea. The activity lasts just a few minutes; including transport and formalities on site, allow around 1 to 2 hours. Book your zip-line above Dubrovnik.

8pm: Dinner

After an active day, here’s one of our top addresses: Restaurant Bura Bistro & Bar. It offers creative cuisine based on local produce in a relaxed atmosphere.

Option 4: Dubrovnik with your family

Between the Game of Thrones trail, free peacocks on the island of Lokrum, views from the cable car and ice cream on the Stradun, Dubrovnik is a great place to visit for families with children. Here’s our program for a successful visit with children.

9am: Game of Thrones tour of the Old Town or Museum of Illusions

To start the morning, it all depends on the age of your children. For Game of Thrones fans, whether adults or teenagers, we recommend a dedicated guided tour of the Old Town, where you can see the sets of the series and get a behind-the-scenes look at the filming. These tours are also open to those unfamiliar with the series. Book your Game of Thrones visit now. For younger children, the Museum of Illusions in the Old Town is a fun alternative with its visual experiments and interactive installations.

10:30 a.m.: Maritime Museum

Then head for Fort St. John, home to the Dubrovnik Maritime Museum. Here, we saw the evolution of local navigation from Antiquity to the 20th century through more than 5,000 objects. Ship models, old maps and navigation instruments. Models of large merchant sailing ships will interest young and old alike, including a 19th-century nava that could measure up to 80m. Allow 1 hour. Price: €10, included in the Dubrovnik Pass. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 7pm. Find out more in our article dedicated to the Dubrovnik Maritime Museum.

12pm: Lunch

For lunch with the family, it’s time for street food. We liked Restaurant Barba, a popular address for Dalmatian-style takeaway burgers in a relaxed atmosphere. Restaurant Holy Burek offers burek, a speciality of puff pastry filled with meat or cheese, ideal for a local and economical meal.

1:30 pm: Lokrum Island or Banje Beach, your choice

We recommend two options for the afternoon. The island of Lokrum, accessible in 10 minutes by shuttle bus from the old port (€5 to €8 return), is popular with families. Children love the peacocks that roam freely between the ruins of the Benedictine monastery. The inland sea lake offers calm waters for swimming. For a more bathing-oriented afternoon, the Banje Beach just outside the Ploče Gate is in our opinion easily accessible and offers a view of the ramparts.

3:30 pm: Ice cream on the Stradun

Back to the old town for a break on the Stradun. This large pedestrian thoroughfare paved with polished limestone is the heart of Dubrovnik. Ice cream parlors, cafés and terraces enliven the route. We loved strolling along it, but also enjoyed a good ice cream. Do the same!

5:30 pm: Cable car ride to Mont Srd

Conclude the afternoon with a cable car ride to Mont Srd. The climb goes up to 412 m above sea level and offers, in our opinion, a superb view of the entire old town, the Adriatic Sea and the island of Lokrum. The route itself is a fun one for the whole family. At the top, a bar and panoramic restaurant are available to extend the experience. Price: €25 return. The bottom station is at Petra Krešimira IV, a 10-minute walk from the Ploče Gate.

7:30 pm: Dinner

To round off the day with the family, head for the terrace of Gradska Kavana Arsenal, a café and restaurant overlooking the old port. Its historic setting, varied cuisine and lively atmosphere are ideal for an evening out with the kids. We recommend this address.

Discover Dubrovnik differently: excursions

Dubrovnik day trips from other Croatian cities and islands

A day trip to Dubrovnik from Split is also an option. The two cities are separated by 225 km, a drive of around 3h30 if you opt for a rental car. The beautiful Dalmatian coastline makes for a pleasant drive. A day trip is perfectly feasible. Many organized tours offer this kind of escapade.

Dubrovnik from Hvar or Korčula is a great option if you’re staying on these Dalmatian islands: ferries regularly link these destinations to Dubrovnik, with crossings taking around 2h to 3h depending on the connection.

Excursions from Dubrovnik

If your stay allows it, Dubrovnik is a good starting point for some escapades in the surrounding area. Just a few nautical miles to the northwest, we loved the Elaphites archipelago, which comprises three inhabited islands (Koločep, Lopud and Šipan) with wild coves and quiet villages. Lopud’s peacefulness, with its sandy beaches rare to this coastline, will particularly appeal to you. A scheduled ferry or organized excursion is all you need for a day’s escape.

We also suggest a trip to the Blue Grotto (Modra špilja), located on the island of Bisevo. Here, an original light phenomenon occurs: sunlight filters through an underwater opening and bathes the interior in an intense blue, especially in the middle of the day on a clear day. We recommend that you book this excursion in advance, as places are limited.

For a sea outing, you can also try kayaking. Leaving from the old town, you can follow the ramparts and reach caves that are inaccessible on foot. Book your kayak trip here.

For a quieter getaway, we also liked the small town of Cavtat, 18km south of Dubrovnik. It can be reached in 20 minutes by boat or car and offers a seaside and historical atmosphere that we found very pleasant.

Find all our recommendations in our guide to the best excursions from Dubrovnik.