ULTIMATE DUBROVNIK 3-DAY ITINERARY (2025): ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW!

If you’re finally planning your Dubrovnik 3-day itinerary, this blog post is literally all you need!

Dubrovnik is a magical place, and certainly a destination you must visit at least once in your life. I’ve spent many summers in Dubrovnik, and I’m here to share absolutely everything you need to know before planning your Dubrovnik 3-day itinerary!

This blog post is more focused on the itinerary, but if you need help with absolutely every detail, check out my ULTIMATE DUBROVNIK TRAVEL GUIDE. Everything you could possibly think of is right there. For a great itinerary, keep reading this blog post!

WHERE IS DUBROVNIK AND HOW TO REACH IT

Dubrovnik is a historic city located on the Adriatic coast in southern Croatia. It got a stunning nickname the “Pearl of the Adriatic” due to its magnificent medieval architecture, well-preserved city walls, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and definitely the most popular city in Croatia.

How to Reach Dubrovnik

There are several ways to reach Dubrovnik, and each year it gets easier as they add more direct flights each season. Here are your best options:

By Air

Dubrovnik has a modern and very busy airport located about 20 km (12 miles) from the city center. There are direct flights available from major European cities, and several direct flights connecting it to the United States, especially during the tourist season. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or private transfer to the city. The cheapest option is the shuttle bus, but if there are more of you, Uber is also a great option.

By Road

If you’re already in Croatia, a road trip to Dubrovnik might be a great idea. You can easily get to Dubrovnik from any region of Croatia, but you’ll probably drive from either Zagreb or Split. Croatia has excellent highways so your drive will be comfortable, but if you want a scenic drive, check out Jadranska Magistrala road. If you’re planning on doing a road trip, check out these guides on best stops along the way from Zagreb to Split and also from Split to Dubrovnik.

By Sea

If you want to come to Dubrovnik by sea, you can do that with a ferry or a cruise ship. Dubrovnik has a lively port (Gruž Port) that houses several different ferry lines and cruises all throughout the summer season. Ferries connect Dubrovnik with nearby islands (Elaphiti, Korcula, Mljet) and other Croatian cities such as Split and Hvar. You can also visit Dubrovnik from Bari in Italy.

If you’re thinking of cruising, there are several options for you, from local Croatian boutique cruises to huge cruises such as MSC, Norwegian, or Virgin Voyages. Check out my guide to best cruises in Croatia for 2025 here.

By Bus

Finally, if you’re not driving, you can reach Dubrovnik by bus from any major city in Croatia, or neighboring countries. Dubrovnik is well-connected by intercity buses to other Croatian destinations like Split, Zagreb, and Zadar, as well as to Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Check out Flixbus and Arriva for detailed bus schedules.

WHY VISIT DUBROVNIK

There are literally hundreds of reasons why you should visit Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is a truly captivating destination and the blend of history, culture, and natural beauty will leave you speechless. Here are only a few reasons why you must visit this city, but trust me when you come, you’ll find many more!

Firstly, there are the magnificent and one-of-a-kind Old Town and City Walls. These two together make a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, unlike anything you’ve ever seen. On top of the staggering City Walls, the Old Town has several incredible landmarks, museums, churches, and monasteries worthy of visiting.

Secondly, if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, the minute you get to the Old Town you’ll step into your favorite show. Dubrovnik was the filming location for King’s Landing and there are several guided tours that take you to key filming spots, such as the city walls, Fort Lovrijenac, and Pile Gate. If you don’t feel like getting a guided tour, you can do a self-guided one with the help of this blog post!

Next, the nature in and around Dubrovnik is otherworldly. Dubrovnik has several stunning beaches perfect for enjoying a good swim and some water activities. On top of that, you can enjoy gorgeous views of turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, and lush green landscapes. Some of the best views of Dubrovnik and its surroundings you can get from Mount Srđ.

Finally, there are loads of activities you can do to make this an active holiday you’ll remember forever. From walking the City Walls and hiking mount Srđ, to swimming, water sports, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. You can also take incredible day trips from Dubrovnik, whether that be to nearby islands or cities on the coast.

MUST-KNOW INFORMATION BEFORE VISITING DUBROVNIK

I’m sure you’ll be super excited before visiting Dubrovnik, but it’s important to be well-prepared before coming. Here is the most important information you need to know!

Best time to visit

Best time to visit Dubrovnik really depends on what you want from your holiday. If you’re coming for the beaches and want a summer holiday, your best bet is to visit during July or August. Unfortunately, those are also the months with the biggest crowds and the highest prices.

If the beaches and water sports are not the most important thing on this trip, I would recommend coming in the shoulder Seasons (April-May, September-October). These months still have great weather, but they also have fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates.

>>> BEST TIME TO TRAVEL IN CROATIA: FIND THE BEST MONTH FOR YOU

Money

The local currency in Croatia is the Euro (EUR) and Kuna is no longer accepted. You can use credit cards for almost anything, but it’s good to have some cash on you for small businesses and tips in restaurants (tips are not required, but welcomed!).

ATMs are widely available, so you don’t have to come with a huge amount of cash. Use local ATMs such as PBZ or Zagrebačka Banka for the best conversion.

Getting Around

It’s not hard to get around Dubrovnik, especially if you’re in or close to the Old Town. The Old Town is pedestrian-only, so you’ll do a lot of walking. If you’re close to the Old Town you can get there on foot, but if you’re further away, you can use public transport. The city has a reliable bus network operated by Libertas. Every bus that goes to Pile Gate will bring you straight to the Old Town. You should buy tickets in advance on a Libertas kiosk or from the driver (slightly more expensive).

If you don’t want to use public transport, you can use taxis – regular or Uber/Bolt. The regular taxis are often huuuugely overpriced, so I would skip them. I would not recommend having a car in Dubrovnik. You won’t really use it a lot since the city is quite small, and the parking is limited and extremely expensive, especially around Old Town. If you are coming with a car, try and book accommodation with a parking spot.

Must-Pack Items

Here are some of the items you must have with you in Dubrovnik:

Comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking, and Dubrovnik is full of stairs, uneven ground, and narrow streets.

Sun protection – If you’re coming during summer, do not come without sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The heat and the sun are often unbearable, and doing any activity without protection is almost impossible. If you’re coming in the shoulder seasons bring some layers for the evenings.

A reusable water bottle – You’ll need a lot of water in the heat, and there are plenty of locations where you can refill your water bottle in the Old Town.

Water shoes – if you’re going to be swimming, make sure you have your water shoes with you. Dubrovnik’s beaches are mostly rocky, so getting in and out of water can be torturous without water shoes.

Dubrovnik Pass

Finally, I would highly recommend buying the Dubrovnik Pass while you’re in Dubrovnik. This is a card which includes entrance tickets to several landmarks, public transportation tickets, and many discounts in various restaurants and souvenir shops. You can get in online or in Dubrovnik for 1, 3, or 7 days. Here’s a complete guide on everything you need to know about the Dubrovnik Pass, and if it’s worth buying. Spoiler, it is!!

WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK

Dubrovnik has a lot to offer when it comes to accommodation, it really depends on your budget. If you have a bigger budget, stay in a great hotel near the Old Town or in a lovely apartment in the Old Town. If you have a tighter budget, there are cheaper hotels and even more affordable hostels. You can check out the best neighborhoods and areas to stay in Dubrovnik here, and how to choose the best hotel in Dubrovnik for your budget here!

IS DUBROVNIK EXPENSIVE

Yes, Dubrovnik is quite expensive compared to other cities in Croatia, and even to some European cities as well. You can expect high prices at any major tourist destination and since Dubrovnik is so small, the prices often skyrocket. However, you can still visit and enjoy Dubrovnik on a budget if you prepare well. Here’s a detailed cost breakdown on everything in Dubrovnik, from accommodation to food and going out.

DUBROVNIK 3-DAY ITINERARY: HOW TO SPEND THE PERFECT 3 DAYS IN DUBROVNIK

Here’s how I would spend the three days in Dubrovnik. I’ve explored this town inside out, and this is the optimal itinerary for someone who’s visiting for the first time and wants to explore all the must-see locations without it being overly packed.

DAY ONE IN DUBROVNIK

MORNING: EXPLORE THE OLD TOWN & CITY WALLS

Start your day by waking up early and walking the most iconic Dubrovnik landmark – the City Walls. During summer, the City Walls are open from 8 a.m. Due to often insane temperatures, I would highly recommend you do the walk as early as possible. It will take about one to two hours to walk the walls completely, but that time will fly by as you take in the stunning views.

There are two entrances, and I would recommend starting at Ploče Gate as it’s usually less crowded than Pile Gate. You can buy entrance tickets online or in person for 35 euros, or you can buy the Dubrovnik Pass and have the ticket to the walls included in the price. Check out this complete Dubrovnik City Walls guide for any other questions you might have.

After finishing the City Walls, make sure you spend some time exploring the Old Town. Visit places such as Stradun (Dubrovnik’s main and most popular street), the Rector’s Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral, and the Dominican Monastery.

Find your way to Pile Gate and go visit the Lovrijenac Fortress. The entrance to this fortress is included in your City Walls ticket, and Lovrijenac will give you one of the most stunning views of the Old Town and City Walls. There are loads of stairs to the fortress, so be prepared.

After Lovrijenac Fortress, take a well-deserved break and grab some lunch at one of Dubrovnik’s delicious restaurants.

AFTERNOON: GO TO THE BEACH

Spend your afternoon at the beach! Depending on how far you want to go, there are a few beaches you can choose from. The most popular ones are Banje Beach and Sv. Jakov Beach, both stunning and only a few minutes from the Old Town.

If you’re staying in Lapad, there are some stunning beaches, there, and if you’re a fan of beach clubs/bars, check out Copacabana Beach or Val di Breno beach. Check out this list of 10 best beaches in and around Dubrovnik and choose the best beach for you.

EVENING: HAVE DINNER IN THE OLD TOWN

The Old Town is really magical in the evenings, so I would highly recommend you use the first evening to explore it at night and go for dinner at one of Dubrovnik’s famous restaurants. I would recommend the terrace of either Nautika Restaurant or Gradska Kavana Arsenal Restaurant. These restaurants are known for incredible local food and great atmosphere, so you’ll definitely remember your dinner for a long time.

DAY TWO IN DUBROVNIK

MORNING: STROLL THROUGH THE OLD TOWN

On your second day, explore the rest of the Old Town to get the full experience. Use your morning to explore the narrow streets of the Old Town. You can shop for souvenirs, sit down for a coffee or breakfast, or just stroll around and enjoy the views. Find your way to the Old Pharmacy at the Francisan Monastery, or do a Game of Thrones self-guided tour if you’re a fan of the show.

NOON: GO TO LOKRUM ISLAND

At around noon, find your way to the Dubrovnik port and take a boat to Lokrum island. The boat ride is 15 minutes long, and it’s 27 euros. The price includes the ticket to the island. Lokrum is a green oasis where people, both locals and tourists, escape from the crowds and enjoy peaceful beaches, stunning greenery, historical buildings, and relaxing atmosphere. You can explore the island and spend your afternoon swimming and sunbathing, before returning to the city.

If you’d like a more active visit to Lokrum, you can book a kayaking tour which starts right outside the Old Town and takes you around Lokrum island. After kayaking, you get to explore the island and its beaches.

EVENING: SRĐ VIEWPOINT AND DINNER AT PANORAMA

Visiting Srđ viewpoint will be one of the most unforgettable evenings you’ll have in Dubrovnik. Mount Srđ is the highest point near Dubrovnik and it gives you the most beautiful views of the Old Town and the surrounding area. You can reach it by cable car, taxi, hiking, or a buggy tour. Once you’re there, you can grab a drink and enjoy the view, go on a zipline, or try out the sky bike. For the perfect evening, book a table at Panorama restaurant and have dinner with the most stunning view of Dubrovnik.

DAY THREE IN DUBROVNIK – DAY TRIP

There are so many excellent day trips you can take from Dubrovnik; it would be a shame to miss all of them. Here are some of my absolute favorites, and you can choose the one that appeals the most to you!

Lopud island

Lopud is always my number one recommendation. No matter if you’re coming for a day or longer, this island is the perfect peaceful oasis only an hour from Dubrovnik. There are frequent ferries to the island, and a return ticket is 10 euros.

On the island you can enjoy sandy beaches, crystal clear sea, excellent restaurants, beach clubs, and fewer crowds. Read this Lopud guide for more information on this stunning island.

Cavtat

Cavtat is a small town near Dubrovnik and it’s an incredible option if you want to escape the crowds of the Old Town. This charming town is a real gem with an incredible walkway by the sea, great beaches, lovely old town, and landmarks of its own. You can reach it by bus, car, or a boat taxi.

Read this Cavtat guide to learn more about this cute little town!

Korcula

Croatia’s prettiest island is only a few hours from Dubrovnik. Korcula is a magical island often called “Little Dubrovnik” due to its own stunning Old Town. Besides its gorgeous Old Town, Korcula is known for the clear sea, amazing beaches, interesting villages, and great food. The ferry from Dubrovnik to Korcula is 2 hours, and it’s totally worth the trip. Read this blog post to find the best things to do on Korcula island!