HOW TO SPEND 3 DAYS IN DUBROVNIK: A PERFECT ITINERARY FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS!

PLANNING A 3 DAY TRIP TO DUBROVNIK?

Dubrovnik is a historic coastal city in southern Croatia, known for its ancient city walls, bright terracotta rooftops and dramatic Adriatic views.

If you’re visiting for a long weekend, this 3-day Dubrovnik itinerary shows you exactly how to spend your time without overthinking it – from exploring the Old Town and walking the famous city walls to island escapes and unforgettable coastal experiences.

Let’s get going!! 🤩

Planning your trip to Dubrovnik?
Start here:

Skyscanner ↗ to find the best flight deals to Dubrovnik airport.
Booking.com ↗ to browse the best places to stay in Dubrovnik.
🎟️ Viator.com ↗ to book epic activities, sea kayaking to GOT guided tours.
🛡️ Staysure ↗ for easy, reliable travel insurance (UK travellers only).

DAY 1: EXPLORE OLD TOWN, CABLE CAR & SUNSET AT PANORAMA BAR

ARRIVAL
Most international flights arrive into Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), located around 20 to 25 minutes from the Old Town. We were surprised at how small Dubrovnik Airport actually is!

If you’re planning a 3 day trip, we recommend arriving as early as possible to make the most of your first day!

WHERE TO STAY
Where you stay in Dubrovnik can slightly shape your trip, so it’s worth deciding what kind of experience you want.

JUST OUTSIDE OF DUBROVNIK
We stayed at Royal Neptun just outside the city in Lapad, which is perfect if you prefer a more relaxed, resort-style base. It’s right by the sea, has a beautiful promenade that runs all the way to Lapad town and is only around an 8 minute Uber into Dubrovnik Old Town.

💡 Royal Neptun has its own pools, but you can also use the heated rooftop infinity pool at the neighbouring Royal Blue Hotel’s ‘Blue Sky Bar’. The sunsets here were honestly unreal. See our video of it here.

Pictured: The jaw-dropping panoramic ocean views in the lobby of Royal Neptun hotel, Dubrovnik. Photograph taken by Jordie. — Hotel lobby of Royal Neptun in Lapad, Dubrovnik. *Photo by Jordie.*

OR, STAY IN DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN
If you’d rather be right in the heart of it all, stay inside Dubrovnik’s Old Town within its walls. You’ll be able to walk everywhere, which makes a huge difference on a short trip.

Even better, book an authentic cosy apartment full of character and properly soak it all in for a couple of days. We love the look of Stayeva 11 apartment!!

Or, The Pucic Palace is a beautiful and luxurious 5-star hotel set in an 18th century palace right in the middle of Old Town.

Walking the city walls of Dubrovnik Old Town is one of the best things you can do on your 3 days in Dubrovnik itinerary! Make sure you arrive early (from 8am onwards) to avoid the crowds! — Dubrovnik Old Town from the city walls, with Lokrum Island in the distance (see Day 2). Photo by Jordie.

MORNING: EXPLORE DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN
Head straight into Dubrovnik’s Old Town, cuddled within it’s City walls, and let yourself just wander. Getting lost down the labyrinth of tight cobbled streets is the main experience.

For me Dubrovnik’s Old Town could beat a movie set any day of the week. Every corner was bursting with character and oozed charm. Some streets can be quite steep with steps, just take your time, especially in the heat.

You’ll see LOADS of ice cream parlours dotted around, the perfect opportunity to cool yourself off!

Meander up and down the narrow streets of Dubrovnik Old Town to spot moments of magic! Photographs taken by Jordie. — See what I mean about oozing charm and character? *Photos by Jordie.*

Walking through the quaint streets of Dubrovnik Old Town is a must for any Dubrovnik itinerary! Pictured: You can spot this little bridge roughly around here (left), and be sure to visit this buzzing Irish Pub Karaka later on tonight (right)! Photographs taken by Jordie. — You can spot this little bridge roughly **around here** in Dubrovnik Old Town. *Photo by Jordie.*

DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN HOTSPOTS
If you did want a few hidden gems to head to first, find the hidden passage through the rock face that leads out to Café Buža. It’s perched right on the cliffs and is a perfect spot for a drink by the sea (just note it’s cash only).

Cafe Buža is a wonderful hidden gem and ocean side bar in Dubrovnik Old Town that you must add to your 3 days in Dubrovnik itinerary! — Pictured: The subtle entrance down to Cafe Buža (left), the view down to the ocean side bar seating (right). Photographs taken by Jordie.

💡 Game of Thrones fan? Don’t miss Jesuit Stairs in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, where Cersei’s famous “Walk of Shame” was filmed.

💡 Book this 5* Game of Thrones Extended Tour ↗ to be guided through all the key filming locations with a guide who was actually involved in the production!

AFTERNOON: CABLE CAR & PANORAMA BAR
Walk around 5 minutes from the Old Town to reach the Dubrovnik Cable Car station (located here).

Don't miss a ride on the Dubrovnik cable car off your 3 days in Dubrovnik itinerary! Head up and enjoy a delicious lunch or drink at the Panorama restaurant and bar! Photograph taken by Jordie. — Entrance to the Dubrovnik cable car. *Photo by Jordie.*

You can pre-book tickets online to skip queues (recommend this in peak season), or you can buy them on arrival.

The cable car ride itself only takes around 3 minutes. At the top, you’ll get insane panoramic views over Dubrovnik’s Old Town, the Adriatic Sea and nearby islands.

I would go as far as saying the view took my breath away! Truly, it’s one of the best viewpoints in the city.

Pictured: The jaw-dropping panoramic views of Dubrovnik Old Town you can see from Panorama Restaurant and Bar! A must do on your 3 days in Dubrovnik itinerary. Photographs taken by Jordie. — There’s a reason it’s called the “Panorama” Restaurant and Bar – just look at these views over Dubrovnik! *Photo by Jordie.*

After taking it all in on the observatory deck, head to down to the Lower Ground floor to Panorama Restaurant & Bar for the most scenic drink or lunch you’ll ever have!

💡 The Restaurant area at Panorama gets super busy so it’s worth booking ahead online if you can. If not, you can do what we did and grab a standing table for drinks, still just as good for soaking up the view!

Pictured: The walk from the main Dubrovnik Cable car building down to the Panorama restaurant outdoor terrace area! Photograph taken by Jordie. — Walking from observatory down to Panorama restaurant / bar area. *Photo by Jordie.*

🗺️ Add Dubrovnik onto this 7 day Croatia road trip adventure ↗
🗺️ Got a few more days? 3 days in Split ↗

🇭🇷 See all our Croatia travel guides ↗

DAY 2: CITY WALLS & SEA KAYAKING / BOAT TOUR

MORNING: WALK DUBROVNIK’S CITY WALLS
There’s a reason we didn’t suggest doing this on Day 1. The key is to get here as early as possible, ideally right when it opens at 8am!

We did this first thing and it made such a difference. By the time we finished (around 10am), it was already getting much busier walking along the narrow walls. If you can, don’t skip the early start. Honestly you won’t regret it!

Head to the Pile Gate entrance (pronounced Pee-lay), which is the best place to begin. Once inside the Old Town, you’ll see a large fountain in the main square. Turn immediately left and look for a small black gated entrance – this is where you access the city walls.

Pictured: The view from the top of the stairs up to the City Walls of Dubrovnik Old Town. Red arrow shows the route to take through the waterfall courtyard and immediately left to the black gate entrance. — View from above showing the route too. *Photo by Jordie.*

From here, climb the stone steps and begin the full loop around Dubrovnik’s famous walls.

It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, and the views are incredible the entire way round with the Old Town on one side and the Adriatic Sea on the other. Get ready for all my favourite pics:

Pictured: Beginning the walk along the city walk from Pile Gate entrance, with the iconic Fort Lovrijenac in the background! Can you spot Jordie?! Photograph taken by Liam. — Beginning the walk along City Walls, with Fort Lovrijenac to the right. Can you spot me?? The only person on the wall – benefits of coming early! *Photo by Liam*.

Pictured: The breathtaking views of distant Lokrum Island you can expect almost halfway round Dubrovnik Old Town City Walls! This is our favourite photograph from the whole trip. Photograph taken by Jordie. — My favourite view on Dubrovnik’s city walls! Distant Lokrum Island and endless sea! This is about halfway round. *Photo by Jordie.*

💡 There are small drink stalls along Dubrovnik’s City Wall route, but they’re very expensive. Bring a bottle of water with you.

💡 The City Walls have a toilet stop, roughly halfway through around here.

AFTERNOON: GET OUT ON THE WATER
You’ve spent the morning drooling over the stunning vastness of the Adriatic sea while trailing the city walls. Now, it’s your time to get yourself out there!

There’s a few ways you can do this:

Option 1: Sea kayaking (our top pick)
If you’re up for something a bit more active, sea kayaking is one of the most iconic things to do in Dubrovnik.

On this Dubrovnik Sea Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour ↗, you’ll paddle along the coastline with incredible views back towards the Old Town walls, explore Betina Cave and stop for a swim in the Adriatic.

You’ll also kayak out towards Lokrum Island, seeing the city from a completely different perspective.

No experience is needed and all equipment is included, making it a really easy one to book onto and just enjoy!

3-days-in-dubrovnik-itinerary — © All photography copyrights reserved by Dubrovnik Walks

Option 2: Boat tour (more relaxed)
Want to experience Dubrovnik from the water but without the effort of paddling? A small-group boat tour like this Blue Cave, Lopud & Sunj Beach Speedboat Tour ↗ is perfect!

With this tour in particular, you’ll visit nearby islands, swim in crystal clear water and explore spots like the famous Blue Cave, all at a much more relaxed pace. 🤣

💡Book the later 2pm afternoon slot to suit this itinerary.

EVENING: OLD TOWN DINNER & DRINKS
Back in Old Town for dinner and drinks, this is when the city really comes alive!! Soft lighting, candlelit tables, excitable chatter and people peeking out from the inset windows of the stone buildings enjoying conversation and a refreshing drink.

Pictured: Have a quaint dinner experience down one of the many laneways of Dubrovnik Old Town, revelling in the electric atmosphere. Photograph taken by Jordie. — Dinner down one of many laneways in Dubrovnik Old Town. *Photo by Jordie.*

DAY 3: MONTENEGRO DAY TRIP

Let’s end your 3 day Dubrovnik itinerary with a bang!!

Dubrovnik sits right on the border of Montenegro, which means you’ve got the incredible opportunity to visit another country in just one day!!

If you’re going to do it, do it properly with this 5* Private Tour: Montenegro Day Trip From Dubrovnik ↗.

You’ll head off the typical tourist trail with a local driver-guide, visiting the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor (often called Europe’s southernmost fjord) and the beautiful village of Perast. You’ll have free time to explore, swim or even visit the famous Our Lady of the Rocks island church.

The best part? It’s completely seamless. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included, plus a one-way ferry ride from Budva.

WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK

FOR A RELAXED RESORT VIBE

ROYAL NEPTUN
Set along the quieter and rugged shoreline of Lapad, just outside Dubrovnik. Just 10 minutes by UBER (€6-€8) to Old Town. Swimming pools, beautiful boardwalk promenade to Lapad town.

Book a room with a panoramic sea view – you won’t regret it! Breakfast included in your stay too.

Book your stay at Royal Neptun ↗

IN DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN

© All photography copyrights reserved by Stayeva 11.

STAYEVA 11 APARTMENT
Characterful Old Town apartment with modern comforts. Ideal location, fully-equipped home from home, air conditioned. Breakfast included.

Book your stay at Stayeva 11 ↗

© All photography copyrights reserved by The Pucic Palace.

THE PUCIC PALACE
5* hotel in the heart of Dubrovnik Old Town, once an 18th Century palace! Oozes splendour and luxury, great location for all sights and cafes.

Book your stay at The Pucic Palace ↗

CONCLUSION: 3 DAYS IN DUBROVNIK

In conclusion, this 3 days in Dubrovnik itinerary is the perfect mix of everything this iconic coastal city has to offer!

From losing yourself down the ancient streets of the Old Town, walking the famous city walls to sunset drinks overlooking the Adriatic – Dubrovnik delivers so much in only a short time.

We highly recommend making time to experience the city from the water too, whether that’s sea kayaking ↗ along the coastline or hopping on a boat to explore nearby islands. Seeing Dubrovnik from this perspective is something you won’t forget.

And if you have the time, the Montenegro day trip ↗ is an incredible way to take things one step further, ending your itinerary with a bang. You’ll head home feeling like you’ve truly made the most of Dubrovnik.

We hope you have the most amazing time. If you do follow this itinerary, get in touch at hello@theflainstravel.com.

We’d love to hear what your favourite part was! 🤩

A photo of Jordie, the author of this specific blog post and owner of the wesbite.

This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!

Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com

A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.

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