By now the city of Dubrovnik is no secret, and the orange-roofed city on the Dalmatian Coast is on most people’s bucket lists. Made uber-famous by HBO’s Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik is a mandatory stop on any Croatia itinerary. While you could easily spend a week in Croatia’s crown jewel and not see it all, you can hit the highlights in one day in Dubrovnik.
Old Town Dubrovnik, making my Westeros dreams come true
Immediately upon arrival in Dubrovnik, we realized that the Pearl of the Adriatic totally lives up to the hype.
This travel guide covers the essential information for how to plan your visit to the ancient walled city – the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat and drink, and top tips for maximizing your 24 hours in Dubrovnik.
One Day in Dubrovnik – Pin it for later!
When to Visit Dubrovnik
July and August are peak season for Croatia, so for still sunny days and lighter crowds visit in April through early June, or September through early October.
Set aside two or three nights to take it all in.
How to Get to Dubrovnik
Unlike the rest of Europe, the train system in Croatia isn’t as reliable or accessible. Utilize the following options for your arrival Dubrovnik:
By Plane
Dubrovnik has an international airport and flights run daily from major European hubs via EasyJet and RyanAir. As of this writing there are no direct flights from the U.S. to Croatia, so take advantage of the budget airlines once you arrive in Europe.
By Ferry
If traveling from Split or another island on the Dalmatian Coast, I would highly recommend taking the Jadrolinija ferry which runs daily from Split to Brač, Hvar, Korčula then on to Dubrovnik.
The ferry is a more enjoyable option than the bus and will likely get you there in the same amount of time. Traffic can be quite heavy during peak season, and the ETA you’ll see on Google Maps will be far from accurate.
The South entrance to Dubrovnik’s city walls
By Rental Car
Driving in Croatia is easy, but driving into Dubrovnik… not so much.
The Old Town of Dubrovnik is pedestrian-only, so if you are doing a road trip through Croatia I’d recommend dropping off the car prior to your arrival in Dubrovnik, as parking will be a bit challenging.
By Bus
The bus system in Croatia is a great option for getting around the country, but beware the buses often run late. Like, hours late.
Take the ferry if you can, but as a backup catch the bus that runs regularly from Split and along the coast.
The Saint Savior Church and Onofrio’s Fountain in Old Town
Where to Stay in Dubrovnik
If you only have one day in Dubrovnik, it’s well worth the steep price tag to stay within the city walls of Old Town.
While many of the larger hotels and resorts are outside of the city walls, you’ll have a more enjoyable experience being within walking distance of the main sights and attractions.
Click here to view hotels and accommodation options for Dubrovnik
The quaint streets of Old TownFor a mid-range option perfectly located in Old Town I’d recommend the Irundo Apartments. Their spacious flats have an old-world vibe featuring dark wooden beds and furniture, and the kitchenettes are a great bonus.
Airbnb’s are also readily available and a budget-friendly way to rent a room or apartment in the heart of the city. Here’s $40 off your first Airbnb reservation.
Classic Dalmatian architecture in Old Town
Things to Do in One Day in Dubrovnik
There are so many things to do in the city, so if you only have one day in Dubrovnik it’s going to be action-packed. Fortunately all of the major sights are within close proximity of each other, so you’ll be able to fit everything in without running around too much.
Just be sure to wear your walking shoes – there are lots stairs in the city!
Walk the city walls of Old Town
Grab a coffee from your hotel and kick off your one day in Dubrovnik by walking the city walls that enshrine the Old Town. The city’s massive walls dominate the landscape and are straight out of a story book.
Tickets are required for entry, but it’s well worth the entrance fee for bird’s eye views of the city and the surrounding Adriatic Sea.
Arrive at 8 a.m. when the walls open to gain a head start on both the day’s heat and the cruise ship tour groups. While door-to-door the walls only stretch 1.2 miles, plan for about one to two hours to walk the entire thing. Don’t fret, a cold drink is waiting for you at the cafe halfway around.
The domineering city walls of Old Town have stood for centuries
Take a Walking Tour
After you’ve walked the city walls in the morning, take a walking tour to learn about Dubrovnik’s dramatic history.
In its heyday, the Republic of Dubrovnik rivaled Venice and Naples, and its fascinating history is a tale of battles and sieges, civic pride and passion for the city and all that it represents.
Looking for a guided tour of Dubrovnik? Check out these options:
No visit to Dubrovnik is complete without learning about the siege of the city that occurred during the civil war that from the fall of Yugoslavia in the 1990’s. Hearing firsthand from our tour guide the stories of the seven-month siege of Dubrovnik’s Old Town was nothing short of moving.
Most tours meet at the Pile Gate then will take you through the Old Town and also give you a chance to…
Check out the Game of Thrones Filming Locations
Immediately upon arrival in Dubrovnik you’re transported to King’s Landing, but take your GoT obsession to the next level by seeking out the filming locations.
Even most of the historic tours will also point out the Game of Thrones filming sites while you’re taking a closer look at the city… Or if that’s all you’re after, check out a tour that’s devoted to GoT entirely.
Game of Thrones filming sites of the Jesuit Staircase from the “walk of shame,” main streets of Dubrovnik, the Fortress Lovrijenac watches over the Old Town
Go for a Swim in the Adriatic Sea
Once you’ve toured the city and walked the city walls, cool off and go for a dip at Buza Beach.
Tucked just outside of the south city wall, this swimming spot is the perfect spot to beat the summer heat. Even if you’re not in the mood for a swim, it’s worth a visit to watch others jumping in from the rocks.
Take a Kayak Tour
To witness the magic of the city from the sea, hop on one of the many kayak tours that leave from Pile Bay. Not only will you get a chance to see the Dubrovnik city walls from the water, many tours take you to neighboring islands like Lokrum.
Check out these kayak tour options through GetYourGuide:
Experience Dubrovnik by sea kayak for a different view of Old Town
Ride the Cable Car
For panoramic views of Old Town and the Adriatic, ride the cable car up to the Imperial Fortress at the top of Mount Srd.
While we personally didn’t have time to fit this in, I’m told this is well worth a visit.
Watch Sunset at Buza Bar
If you didn’t go to Buza Bar for sunset, did you even go to Dubrovnik? Buza Bar is nestled in to the cliffs and hovers over the Adriatic, and it offers prime views of sunset.
Watch the kayaking tour groups file back in to the harbor, and if you’re daring enough, bring your bathing suit and jump from the launch point on the cliff!
Arrive early for a seat by the ledge – this place fills up fast.
Sunset at Buza Bar
Have Dinner at Azur
If you only have one day in Dubrovnik, don’t miss dinner at Azur in Old Town for Asian fusion with a local twist.
Head here after sunset at Buza Bar, just be sure to make a reservation online in advance – the tables fill up in season.
The cobblestone streets of Old Town at night
Sip Local Wine at Razonoda
After a leisurely dinner at Azur, head to Wine Bar Razonoda for a glass of wine. Tucked into the winding streets of Old Town, has a genuine ambiance that contrasts the chaos of the otherwise touristy area.
Corks form orderly patterns on the walls, a full delicatessen style meat slicer rests on the bar, and they pour 100% local Croatian wines – perfect for cheersing to an amazing day in Dubrovnik.
READ MORE: 10 Amazing Things to Do in Šibenik, Croatia
The city walls of Old Town overlooking Pile Bay and the Adriatic Sea
Where to Go from Dubrovnik
Here are a few that I’d recommend:
Island Hopping in Croatia
After you’ve experienced the magic of Dubrovnik, head to the islands. The Dalmatian Coast is home to some of the world’s clearest water, and no trip to Croatia is complete without a visit to at least one of the islands.
From Dubrovnik, take the ferry to the islands of Korčula, Hvar, Brač, or even back to Split where you can jump off to some of the other islands like Vis.
READ MORE: A Beginner’s Guide to Island Hopping in Croatia
The stunning Stiniva Beach on the island of Vis
Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
From Dubrovnik, hop across the border to Bosnia & Herzegovina to the city of Mostar.
Check out one of the world’s most beautiful bridges, the Stari Most, and watch the bridge divers take the 33 meter plunge into the emerald river below.
Fall into a fairytale in Mostar, Bosnia
Montenegro
From Dubrovnik, rent a car or take the bus south to the neighboring Balkan nation of Montenegro.
Experience the beauty of the Bay of Kotor, another UNESCO World Heritage site, or the beautiful Sveti Stefan near the city of Budva.
Dubrovnik is not to be missed on any Croatian adventure, and it truly lives up to the hype. I hope that this one day guide to Dubrovnik helps you to maximize your visit!
Have you been to Dubrovnik? If so, what did you think?
These clever creatures get paid commissions for recommending other people’s goods and solutions to their audience.