Itinerary for One Day in Dubrovnik Croatia & Travel Tips
If you are visiting Dubrovnik on a road trip or cruise, this one day itinerary is for you! Learn what to see and do with only one day in Dubrovnik.
From the sparkling blue waters to the orange roofed buildings and large walls, this city is gorgeous from every angle. In fact, the Old City of Dubrovnik is a UNESCO world heritage site.
On my first trip, we could only spend one day in Dubrovnik since we visited on a cruise. Recently, I was planning a trip back to the area and knew I had to revisit Dubrovnik, and loved it just as much!
After two trips to Dubrovnik, I have a good grasp on the top activities, what you must see, and what you can skip if you’re short on time.
This guide breaks down the absolute best things to do, restaurants, and tips so you can maximize your one day in Dubrovnik.
Itinerary for One Day in Dubrovnik
If you only have one day in Dubrovnik, this itinerary is for you. With longer time, I recommend doing one of the above activities on each day of your trip.
Morning Activity: Old Town Wall
When you first arrive in Dubrovnik, plan to get an early start to beat some of the crowds. For the first half of your day, roam the old town, checking out the shops and landmarks.
Be sure to also walk the city wall. There is a small entrance fee, but it is well worth it for the views. The city wall gets super crowded, so the earlier you can do this activity the better.
Once you finish walking the wall and exploring old town, stop for lunch to fuel up for your afternoon excursion.
Afternoon Activity: Organized Excursion
In the afternoon, the city will be much busier, so I recommend using this time to take an organized tour. Below are my top two recommendations for excursions in Dubrovnik, depending on your interests.
Option 1 – Game of Thrones Tour
Dubrovnik saw a huge surge in tourism over the past few years, partially due to the partial show, Game of Thrones.
The major city of King’s Landing in the show was primarily filmed in Dubrovnik. Now, tourists visit to see the tv sites in real life.
This Game of Thrones tour will show you all the popular spots from the show. Even if you aren’t a huge GOT fan, this tour is a great way to see more of the city and learn about it from a local.
Option 2 – Boat Tour
If Game of Thrones isn’t your style, or if you want to explore beyond the Old Town, this tour is a great option.
This boat tour departs from the Dubrovnik port then visits nearby islands, caves, and a beach. You will have the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear Adriatic from the beach and in the caves.
There are also snacks and drinks included in the tour.
The Top Things to Do in Dubrovnik
To tailor the above one day itinerary for Dubrovnik, here are some of the other great things to do. Most of these activities take a half day, so you can do around two of them in a one day visit.
1. Dubrovnik Walking Tour
This free walking tour gives a great overview of the history of the city. It also visits the major areas of the old town such as the port, government buildings, and church.
Taking this tour will give you a better understanding and appreciation of Dubrovnik.
The tour starts just outside of the Pile gate, then continues all around the city. The tour visits alleys I didn’t even know existed.
All in all, the Dubrovnik free walking tour takes around an hour and a half. I guarantee this tour will teach you things you wouldn’t learn from wandering on your own.
2. Walk Dubrovnik Old Town Walls
For 35 euros per person, you can walk the city walls around the entire town. The entrance to the walls is near the pile gate, and the ticket booth is next to the giant fountain and orange trees (it’s hard to miss).
The entry ticket grants you access to the walls and the loop around the entire city. Although it’s a bit expensive, the views from the wall cannot be beaten.
The walk around the walls is about 2 kilometers and takes 1-2 hours depending on how many photo stops you make. The walk can be a bit strenuous with quite a few stairs, so I don’t recommend this activity for people with mobility issues.
Be sure to take the loop slow, soaking in all the views and photography opportunities. There are also bars and cafés along the walk to stop for a drink with a view.
3. Kayak Tour
After soaking in the water views from the city walls, I’m sure you will be craving time on the water. To get the full Dubrovnik experience and see it from the water, I highly recommend a kayak tour.
It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. You will be able to explore the waters and get great photos of the city from a unique perspective.
This sunset kayaking tour is the best option because it comes with wine, bruschetta, and some of the best sunset views in the city.
4. Banje Beach
If you are craving water time and relaxation, Banje beach is one of the best Dubrovnik summer activities.
The beach is located next to the Old City and beach chairs can be rented for around 25 Euros.
Honestly, if you only have one day in Dubrovnik, I think your time is better spent. But if you have more time, a beach day is the perfect way to relax.
5. Mount Srd
Visit this mountain peak with a hike or cable car ride for panoramic views of the city and water. To get to the cable car, you will need to take a taxi or short walk from old town.
Tickets can be purchased directly at the cable car and cost 27 Euros for adults and 7 Euros for kids.
The Mount Srd peak definitely has the most expansive views of the city. However, if you are short on time, I’d prioritize the city walls because they give you equally create views but from more angles.
6. Buza Bar
The entrance to this bar is through a hole in the city walls. The bar is perched on the outside of the walls over the water, giving it amazing views.
In the summer, there are cliff jumping platforms you can jump off of into the ocean. Even if you don’t want to swim, this bar is a great place to visit for the views alone.
There are soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor for sale at the Buza bar. Alternatively, you are allowed to bring in your own food and drink.
Where to Stay in Dubrovnik Near Old Town
If you are visiting Dubrovnik on a cruise or day trip, you obviously don’t need a hotel. However, if you are staying for a few days or stopping on a road trip for a night, these are my top two picks for where to stay in Dubrovnik.
Hotel Excelsior– This hotel is stunning. I can’t stop scrolling through the pictures imagining a stay here. The hotel has a modern, tranquil style with incredible views of the water.
There is a large beachfront area, and indoor pool, three restaurants, and a spa. The Hotel Excelsior is also only a 10-minute walk to the heart of Dubrovnik.
Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik– This is another great option of where to stay near Dubrovnik Old Town.
It has private access to a rocky beachfront with loungers, and indoor pool, and decks with water views all along the front of the hotel.
This hotel is even closer to Old Town, making it super convenient for your vacation.
Vacation Rental – If you want to stay in the city walls, I highly recommend a vacation rental like this one. There is definitely something special about staying in the heart of the historic city center.
Where to Eat in Dubrovnik Croatia
Lady Pi-Pi – Local cuisine with some of the best views in the city. Arrive early for lunch or dinner to get one of the best tables in the restaurant since they do not take reservations.
Taj Majal – Michelin star Bosnian restaurant that was my favorite meal of the entire trip. The food is incredible, and not overly fancy or expensive as some Michelin restaurants are.
Pizzeria Oliva – Casual pizzeria in the heart of old town.
Peppinos Gelato – Known as the best gelato in Dubrovnik, with unique flavors full of mix ins such as nougat, nuts, and caramel.
aRoma Gelato – My favorite Gelato in Dubrovnik. This is actually a Croatian chain, so you will probably see a few on your trip. Their flavors are so good! Be sure to try the chocolate with orange flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dubrovnik Croatia
Before we get into what to do in Dubrovnik in one day, here’s a glance at some frequently asked questions about the island.
When is the best time to visit Croatia?
Croatia is a great summer destination, and I recommend visiting between May and September. Temperatures will be around 80 degrees, perfect for water activities in the beautiful Aegean sea. June through August will be the most crowded, so aim for May or September if you can.
What is the language in Croatia?
Croatian is spoked in Croatia, but English is widely spoken in Dubrovnik.
What is the currency in Croatia?
The current currency in Croatia is the Euro and credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere.
Summary of This One Day Dubrovnik Itinerary
This is a short guide for a short trip to Dubrovnik. I’m sure after spending one day in Dubrovnik Croatia, you will be wishing you had more time to stay (I sure did).
However, this guide will help you make the most of your day in the city, to see the most popular sites and experience the most popular activities.
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