Dubrovnik, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a city steeped in history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking coastal views. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of “Game of Thrones,” or simply looking to soak in the Mediterranean charm, Dubrovnik has something for everyone.
If you’re wondering how long you need to spend, 2 days in Dubrovnik is the perfect amount of time to see all of the main attractions, explore the small side streets, enjoy the nearby islands and more! Keep in mind that the Old Town is very small, and you can walk from one end to the other in less than 10 minutes.
Dubrovnik is a quintessential walking city, with its enchanting Old Town entirely pedestrian-only. As you navigate through its medieval gates and traverse the historic cobblestone streets, you’ll uncover hidden gems and breathtaking views at every turn. So, be sure to bring your walking shoes to comfortably explore all that the city has to offer. Here’s a detailed two-day Dubrovnik itinerary to help you make the most of your visit!
Table of Contents
Discover Dubrovnik: A Two-Day Itinerary
Getting Around and Essential Tips
Transportation, Tickets, and Tours
Dubrovnik Pass & Pedestrian Streets
Dubrovnik’s Old City is strictly pedestrian, adding to its charm. As you explore, you’ll walk along centuries-old streets, entering through one of three medieval gates: Buža, Ploče, or Pile. To make the most of your visit, consider purchasing the Dubrovnik Pass, which covers entrance fees to major attractions for just 35 euros.
For fans of the popular TV series, a Game of Thrones walking tour is a must. Dubrovnik served as the primary filming location for King’s Landing, and a local guide who worked as an extra on the series can provide fascinating behind-the-scenes insights.
If you’re traveling to Dubrovnik from overseas, it’s recommended to get travel insurance. The last thing you want is to have an unexpected medical emergency occur while you’re in a different country with no insurance to cover the costs!
Even if you don’t end up using it, getting travel insurance is a small investment for having peace of mind. This allows you to focus on having a memorable, relaxing vacation instead of worrying about what could go wrong.
I always go with Heymondo. They’re one of the most reliable travel insurance companies that will provide you with simple and flexible coverage. Whether you’d like to protect against medical emergencies, lost luggage, or trip cancellations, Heymondo has you covered!
As a reader of The Road Is Life, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance by using the link below!
Start your day with a walk along Dubrovnik’s iconic city walls, a must-see attraction offering spectacular views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. Enter via the Ploče Gate entrance to avoid the crowds, and enjoy the 2-hour walk around the walls. This is the best way to get a feel for the city’s rich history.
This is recommended as an early morning walk to avoid the crowds and be able to get a birds-eye view of the city! Gates open at 8am and I recommend entering via the Ploče Gate entrance for the least crowded start point. Ploče Gate also provides some great views over the harbour!
Hours: 8am opening, closing depends on the season
Price: 35 euros or free with Dubrovnik Pass
Dominican Monastery
Next, head to the Dominican Monastery near Ploče Gate. This peaceful spot is perfect for escaping the tourist bustle. The Gothic cloisters and impressive art collection make it a serene and culturally enriching stop.
Hours: 9am – 6pm
Price: 3 euros
Enjoying the epic view from the city walls of Dubrovnik, looking out over Fort Lovrijenac
Sponza Palace, Clock Tower, and St. Blaise’s Church
Walk into the Old Town to a picturesque square housing St. Blaise’s Church, Sponza Palace, and the iconic clock tower. St. Blaise’s Church, built in the 18th century, honours Dubrovnik’s patron saint with stunning baroque architecture. Sponza Palace, a 16th-century Gothic Renaissance building, now houses the city archives.
The iconic clock tower, originally erected in 1444 and rebuilt after the 1667 earthquake, stands proudly at the end of Stradun, symbolizing the city’s resilience. As you walk through the square, notice that the smooth marble-like stones of the square are a testament to the daily foot traffic in the area dating back for centuries!
Sponza Palace Hours: 8am – 7pm
Price: Free (entry to some places in Sponza Palace can cost 3.50 Euros)
Sponza Palace
Afternoon
Lunch at Buža Bar
Just a 4 minute walk away, enjoy a light lunch at Buža Bar, perched on the cliffs outside the city walls. This hidden gem offers stunning sea views. Make sure to bring cash as they do not accept cards.
Rector’s Palace and Dubrovnik Cathedral
Continue with a visit to the Rector’s Palace, a Gothic-Renaissance building housing the Cultural History Museum. This museum provides fascinating insights into Dubrovnik’s past, including its time as an independent republic and its experience during the 1991 war.
Afterward, cross the road to visit Dubrovnik Cathedral, rebuilt after the 1667 earthquake and partially funded by King Richard the Lionheart.
Rector’s Palace Hours: 9am – 6pm
Dubrovnik Cathedral Hours: 8am – 7pm with the exception of Sunday 11:30am – 7pm
Price: Rector’s Palace is free with Dubrovnik Pass & Free for the Cathedral
Rector’s Palace -Dubrovnik
Evening
Cable Car to Mount Srđ for Sunset
Take an evening ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car to Mount Srđ. While it’s a great view at any time of day the panoramic views of Dubrovnik, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands are simply breathtaking at sunset. In just 4 minutes the cable car takes you 778 meters above the city for excellent views!
Lunch and dinner reservations at the Panorama Restaurant and Bar at the top may be hard to come by in peak season, but it’s great to stop for a drink and offers an incredible view for sunset! Check out this combo ticket that includes a walking tour, city walls and cable car admission all in one.
Cable Car Hours: 9am – 12am
Price: 27 Euros
Stradun & Onofrio’s Fountain
After your cable car ride, return to the city center and take a leisurely evening walk through the illuminated streets of the Old Town along the Stradun, Dubrovnik’s main street. Filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes, this is a perfect place to have an evening coffee, dinner, or a nightcap.
At the western end of Stradun, you’ll find Onofrio’s Fountain, a large circular structure providing fresh water since the 15th century. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere after an exciting day!
Taking the cable car up Mount Srđ is a must during your 2 days in Dubrovnik
Day 2: Islands and Coastal Adventures
Morning
Fort Lovrijenac
Start your second day with a visit to Fort Lovrijenac, also known as Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar. This fortress, dating back to 1038, played a crucial role in defending Dubrovnik from Venetian attacks.
The views from the fort are stunning, and during the summer, it hosts plays, including performances of Hamlet. If you decide to take a kayak tour by sea, some places also include this or the later mentioned Lokum Island on the tour.
Hours: 8am – 7pm
Price: 15 Euros
Franciscan Monastery
On the way back, head to the Franciscan Monastery. The Franciscan Monastery is a beautiful retreat from the crowds and is famous for its pharmacy, one of the oldest in Europe. The walls of the monastery still bear the scars of the 1991 war, adding a poignant touch to your visit.
Hours: 9am – 2pm
Price: Free with the Dubrovnik Pass
Take in the view of Dubrovnik from Fort Lovrijenac
Afternoon
Lokrum Island
In the afternoon, take a short ferry ride from the Old Town to Lokrum Island. This quick 10-minute journey takes you to a serene island with botanical gardens, the ruins of a Benedictine monastery, and beautiful spots to relax by the sea.
Don’t miss the Dead Sea, a small saltwater lake on the island. The island also offers great restaurants and cafes. You can easily spend a few hours here relaxing!
The ferries leave from the Old Port in Dubrovnik roughly every half an hour – the first ferry is at 9am, and the last ferry back is at 7pm during the peak season (don’t miss it!). From December to March the ferry doesn’t run and a visit to Lokrum is not possible.
Ferry Hours: 9am – 7pm during peak season
Price: 27 euros (includes ferry ride and entrance fees)
End your visit with a fine dining experience at Nautika Restaurant, known for its excellent seafood and stunning views of the Adriatic and the city walls. This restaurant is the perfect place to reflect on your Dubrovnik adventures. A reservation is required in peak season in order to get a table!
Lokrum Island can be seen in the background
Other Things to Do
Kayaking Tour
For those looking for a bit more adventure and activity, kayaking around the city walls and islands is a fun and active way to see the city from a different perspective, and it’s an experience you won’t forget. Visit this site to find prices and book your kayaking tour online.
Beach Time at Banje Beach
Relax at Banje Beach, one of Dubrovnik’s most popular beaches, located just a short walk from the Old Town. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy morning.
Get the most of your Dubrovnik Pass
If you have extra time, visit the Maritime Museum, Dubrovnik Natural History Museum, House of Marin Drzic, or the Cultural History Museum all included with your Dubrovnik Pass.
The stunning Banje Beach, Dubrovnik
Day Trips from Dubrovnik
From Dubrovnik, a day trip to the beautiful islands of Hvar and Korčula offers a delightful escape, each boasting stunning landscapes. For a closer excursion, visit Cavtat, a picturesque coastal town just a short drive away.
If you’re keen on travelling internationally, you can easily explore neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina or Montenegro, adding a few more countries to your travel log. Check out my complete guide on taking a day trip to Mostar from Dubrovnik to plan your adventure.
These day trips from Dubrovnik provide a wonderful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, making them perfect additions to your Dubrovnik itinerary.
Old Town is the most popular area to stay in Dubrovnik, and for good reason. It’s close to major sites, restaurants, and shops. The area is small and pedestrian-only, so you can walk from one end to the other in less than 10 minutes. Old Town dates back to the 7th century and is accessed through medieval gates, adding to its historical charm.
However, due to its small size, it can be crowded in summer and large chain hotels are hard to come by. For just 2 days in Dubrovnik, I would recommend trying to find something within Old Town or just outside so that you can maximize your time in the area!
Accommodation Options
Budget: Look for short-term apartment rentals (Airbnb, Booking.com) or guest houses and private bed-and-breakfasts within the Old Town.Guest House Alliyais a great option for those on a budget who don’t wish to stay in a hostel. Located a few km outside of the Old Town, a short bus ride is all it takes to get there.
Mid-Range
The Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik – Just outside Old Town City Walls, this lovely hotel offers a highly-rated and stunning stay with all of the modern amenities of a well-known hotelier.
Luxury
Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik– This is an iconic luxury hotel with breathtaking views of Old Town from afar. While popular in the area, additional transportation to and from the Old City is required from this hotel.
Exploring the narrow alleys of Dubrovnik’s Old Town
Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik
The best time to visit Dubrovnik is during the Spring and Fall when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are thinner. Summer is the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. During Summer, the weather is also much warmer. Winter is quieter but can be chilly and some attractions may have reduced hours.
Dubrovnik is a city that captivates with its history, beauty, and charm. With this two-day itinerary, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience exploring all that this stunning destination has to offer. Safe travels!
Wishing you a wonderful 2 days in Dubrovnik!
Enjoy this 2 Day Dubrovnik Itinerary? Pin it for later!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may receive a small commission on purchases made through these links. By making any purchase, you are directly supporting The Road Is Life Travel Blog which allows me to continue providing you with free high-quality travel guides. I only recommend products/services I have tried/love!
