If you have 5 days in Croatia and want to spend them in Dubrovnik, here’s a detailed 5-day Dubrovnik itinerary to help you with your planning!
Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most popular city, and it’s no surprise that many travelers choose to start their Croatian adventure here. There’s so much to see and do, both in the city and in the beautiful surrounding areas. This 5-day Dubrovnik itinerary is the perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and island-hopping day trips.
Read the ULTIMATE DUBROVNIK TRAVEL GUIDE for all other important information, from how to reach Dubrovnik to where to eat, party, or go on a day trip.
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you.
5-DAY DUBROVNIK ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival & Old Town Exploration
Morning
Once you land at the airport, you have a few options to get to Dubrovnik. The cheapest way is the airport bus, which takes you to the main bus terminal. Tickets are available at the booth right by the exit. If you prefer a more comfortable ride, you can take an Uber or Bolt, which usually costs between 20-40 euros, depending on the time of day and season. Official taxis are the most expensive option, so always check the price before hopping in.
After checking into your hotel, head out for a coffee at one of the bars in the Old Town. You’ll find cute cafés and pubs tucked away in charming narrow streets, or you can grab a spot on Stradun, the main street. Just keep in mind that it’s the most expensive option.
Afternoon
Spend your first afternoon enjoying lunch at one of Dubrovnik’s great restaurants. After a delicious meal, take a stroll through the Old Town towards the old port. Along the way, explore the charming streets, Rector’s Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral, and more. Once you reach the port, soak in the views of ships sailing in and the stunning Lokrum Island. If you have some extra time, take a short walk to the famous Dubrovnik Old Town basketball court. It’s truly one of a kind and offers an incredible view of the city, perfect for snapping photos.
Evening
Use your first sunset in Dubrovnik to grab a drink at one of the best sunset spots, Buza bar. It’s a stunning bar right outside the city walls looking towards the Adriatic Sea and Lokrum island. This place is also a popular cliff diving spot so you can watch people diving off the high cliffs, or even dive yourself for your first swim in the sea. Once the sun sets, take a night stroll through the city to see Dubrovnik at night.
Day 2: Go to the Beach & Walk City Walls
Morning
Start your morning with coffee and breakfast in the Old Town. While you’re there, grab a Dubrovnik Day Pass—it’s a great way to save money if you’re planning to explore the city in depth. With it, you can walk the iconic City Walls and visit several museums included in the ticket. If one day isn’t enough, you also have the option to get a 3-day or 5-day pass.
Try to climb the City Walls before 10 a.m. to avoid the strongest sun later in the day. I personally recommend starting at Ploče Gate, but you can also enter from Pile Gate. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to walk the entire circuit, and the views are absolutely worth it. Before you go, check out this guide for everything you need to know about visiting the City Walls.
Afternoon
After the active morning exploring the city walls, spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach. There are several options when it comes to Dubrovnik beaches, but the closest one to Dubrovnik Old Town is Banje beach. This is a stunning beach overlooking the Old Town, but since it’s so close it can get a bit crowded. If you’re up for a short walk, Sv. Jakov Beach is another great choice. This beach usually has less people than Banje beach, but it’s still a popular spot.
If you’re looking for something less crowded, take a boat from the old port to Lokrum Island. This beautiful island has plenty to offer, including several rocky beaches where you can swim without the crowds. It’s easy to explore in just one afternoon, so if you’re up for it, definitely give it a go!
Evening
Spend your evening visiting Fort Lovrijenac, a stunning fortress near Pile Gate. It’s included in your Dubrovnik Pass, and I highly recommend climbing up for breathtaking views of the Old Town, especially at sunset. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll love it here, as it was used in several scenes from the show! Afterward, enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the many great restaurants in Dubrovnik.
Day 3: Escape to an Island
Morning to Afternoon
Take a short Uber ride or walk to Gruz Port, where you can catch a boat for a day trip to the beautiful Elaphiti Islands. The islands are absolutely stunning and definitely worth a visit. You have two options for exploring them: You can book a tour that takes you to the three main islands—Lopud, Koločep, and Šipan, giving you a chance to explore all three in about 8 hours.
Alternatively, you can grab a ferry ticket and visit just the one island you prefer, spending the day there. If I had to choose, I’d say Lopud is the best of the three, it offers the most to see and do. The island is home to some beautiful sandy beaches, perfect for everyone, including families with kids. The most popular spot is Šunj Beach, a long, sandy beach with beach bars and sports equipment available. Here’s how to make the most of a day trip to Lopud, and if you’re planning to stay overnight, here’s how to enjoy the best two days on the island.
Evening
Use your evening for another incredible sunset dinner. I would recommend Gradska Kavana Arsenal or Bistro Revelin for a memorable evening. Both restaurants have great food and even better views of the Old Port of Dubrovnik. You surely won’t miss with either choice.
Day 4: Beach Day, Exploring & Cable Car
Morning to Afternoon
After breakfast, find your way to Trsteno, a small village near Dubrovnik. You can reach it easily by Uber or Bolt. In Trsteno, you can explore one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe, Arboretum Trsteno. There are hundreds of unique plants and trees in the Arboretum, and you’ll get some absolutely stunning views of the Adriatic Sea as well.
After you return to Dubrovnik, spend the day at Sv. Jakov Beach, or choose one of the private beaches such as Coral Beach Club or Copacabana Beach. There you can rent chairs or sunbeds, have lunch, and luxuriously enjoy your afternoon.
Evening
In the late afternoon and early evening, take a ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car. It’ll take you up to Mount Srđ, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, which are especially stunning at sunset. While you’re up there, you can also visit the Croatian War Museum for a bit of history.
Once you’re done, use your evening to explore Lapad. There’s a gorgeous promenade along the coast with stunning views and excellent restaurants. Lapad is a great place for a delicious dinner in Dubrovnik!
Day 5: Relaxing Day & Departure
Morning to Afternoon
Take an Uber or water taxi from the Old Town port to Cavtat, a charming little town just a few kilometers from Dubrovnik. Explore the town, stroll along the Rat Peninsula Trail, and maybe even take a swim in the sea. For lunch, you can either grab a bite in Cavtat or head back to Dubrovnik. Once you’re there, take one last walk through the Old Town, snap some photos, and pick up a few souvenirs.
After exploring, leave for the airport by bus or Uber. Make sure you leave on time and check the traffic before going!
