Dubrovnik: A Perfect 2 Day Itinerary
Every year, my parents and I go on a trip somewhere. We’d planned to visit Croatia pre-COVID, and finally managed to get there earlier this month (Sept 2023), so now that I’m back (with a serious case of back to work blues), I’m kicking off the new series of posts. Whilst there, we spent our time in two bases – Dubrovnik and Split, and I’m starting my series in the former.
I totally fell in love with Dubrovnik. Its old town, a maze of steps and alleys in beautiful stone, is truly magical. Its many churches and monasteries, with pretty cloisters, offer sanctuary from the crowds and heat of the day. The water, constantly lapping the rocky coastline as a background sound against the hubbub, is crystal clear. It is utterly beautiful, and it’s the perfect European city break if you’re after sun, sea, history and views.
There’s no getting away from the fact that Dubrovnik is busy, but with patience and two days (and two early mornings) you can definitely make the most of what this city has to offer. If you have longer, the end of this article also includes a number of recommendations for extensions.
Itinerary Day 1: Within the Old Town Walls & Mount Srd
Walk the City Walls
Start the day at Dubrovnik’s most famous attraction before it gets busy. The views across the city and out to the sea are truly spectacular and the full loop is special first thing in the morning. Gates open at 8am, and enter via the Ploce Gate entrance for the least crowded start point.
Time required: 1.5-2hrs
Price: EUR35/Free with the Dubrovnik Pass
Ploce Gate & Surrounding Streets
One of the main entrances to the city, Ploce Gate provides some special views over the harbour and it’s fun walking over the drawbridge through the ancient entrance way. The streets leading down from Ploce are also some of the most beautiful in the city – especially if you can get them empty as I managed to.
Time required: 15 mins
Price: Free
The Dominican Monastery
One of the most peaceful spots in the city, and perfect for escaping the tourist bustle – head in to the Dominican Monastery near to Ploce Gate and soak in the beautiful cloisters. There’s also a small museum which had some nice artefacts in, and we had it virtually to ourselves.
Time required: 30mins
Price: EUR3
Sponza Palace, Clock Tower & St Blaise’s Church
Walking in to the Old Town, you’ll enter a square housing St Blaise’s Church, Sponza Palace and the iconic clock tower. Perfect for a few photos, the floor is like marble with the stones being constantly smoothed by the daily footfall. There are also lots of bars and restaurants if you want to stop for a drink or food.
Time required: 15 mins
Price: Free (entry to Sponza Palace at certain points can cost EUR3.50)
Rector’s Palace & Cathedral
Just up the road is the incredible Rector’s Palace, home to a really interesting museum on the history of Dubrovnik, including its role as a republic, independence and the 1991 war. The building itself is also super special with a stunning courtyard perfect for a coffee – and again once inside it wasn’t too busy at all.
Afterwards cross the road to the Cathedral, which had to be rebuilt after the 1667 earthquake (though previous cathedrals have existed here in the 7th, 10th and 11th century). The money to build the basilica was partially contributed by the English king Richard the Lion Heart, as a votive for having survived a shipwreck near the island of Lokrum in 1192 on his return from the Third Crusade.
Time required: 1.5hrs
Price: EUR17/Free with the Dubrovnik Pass (Rector’s Palace), Free (Cathedral)
Stadrun & Franciscan Monastery
Head down the main street in Dubrovnik, Stadrun, towards the Franciscan Monastery. There are lots of shops to browse along the way and I highly recommend getting some of the delicious ice-cream from aRoma Gelato – delicious.
Once at the Franciscan Monastery, it’s time to find another safe haven away from the bustling crowds. The monastery is beautiful, and its famous for its Franciscan Pharmacy, one of the oldest in Europe. We also found it interesting that the walls of the Monastery still bear the scars of the 1991 war, with missile holes marked.
Time required: 1hr
Price: EUR5/Free with the Dubrovnik Pass
Explore Dubrovnik’s Side Streets
One of the best things to do in Dubrovnik Old Town is to wander off down the streets. There are so many picturesque streets with churches at the end, or steep steps, or even holes in the walls leading to bars looking out at the sea (Buza Bar). We happily spent an hour or so just wandering in the evening once the cruise ship crowds have all left.
Time required: 1hr
Price: Free
Cable Car to Mount Srd for Sunset
Walking back out of the Old Town City via Ploce Gate, head to the Dubrovnik cable car to take a ride up to the viewing platform. The best time of day to visit is sunset to capture the incredible views. You can’t see the sunset from the viewing platform and have to walk down to the car park and round past the war museum to the rocky outcrop to be able to see it. We sat down with a picnic to take in the views.
Time required: 1.5hrs
Price: EUR27
Homeland War Museum
Also at the top of the mountain is the Homeland War Museum, which is open until 10pm each day. After watching the sunset, head in to the museum to learn all about the 1991 war as Croatia left the former Yugoslavia. Seeing the photos of the ancient town walls being bombed and the loss of life was really impactful and really worth learning about.
Time required: 1-2hrs
Price: EUR5
Itinerary Day 2: Fort Lovrijenac & Lokrum Island
Fort Lovrijenac
Fort Lovrijenac is classed as part of the city walls, though it is across the bay. It dates back to 1038 and was a vital strategic fortress to protect Dubrovnik from the Venetians during the 11th century. During the summer the Fortress also hosts plays so if you’d like to see Hamlet in an incredible location you can!
Time required: 1hr
Price: EUR15/Free with the Walls ticket from yesterday (if you paid EUR35 and didn’t use the Dubrovnik Pass)
Dubrovnik Harbour
Walking back through the old town and in to the harbour provides a perfect spot for a drink looking out at the moored boats. There are also some nice restaurants here, and some tasty ice cream stands.
Time required: 30mins
Price: Free
Lokrum Island
From the right side of the harbour, you can buy your tickets to visit Lokrum Island. Lokrum is about 15 minutes off the mainland, and designated as a nature reserve. It’s home to a monastery, LOTS of peacocks, a botanical garden, a fort with lovely views and lots of walking trails and swimming spots. There are also a number of nice bars and restaurants for lunch/dinner/cocktails and it makes for the perfect escape from the bustling city. Finish off your time in Dubrovnik relaxing here before heading back to the mainland.
Time required: Half a day
Price: EUR27
