2 Days in Dubrovnik | Itinerary, Tips, Top Sights + Day Trips
Discover the perfect Dubrovnik itinerary! I'll show you what to see and do, where to eat, and tips for beating the crowds. Have more than 2 days in Dubrovnik? Choose from some of the top day trips and tours.
Dubrovnik is the most popular and well-known tourist destination in Croatia. And for good reason. The moment you step foot in Old Town, you'll be transported to another world.
It almost doesn't feel real with its traffic-free streets lined with cafes and shops, laundry strung between alleys, and ancient stone buildings topped with tiles in every shade of red and orange. Old Town oozes Medieval charm. The walls surrounding the city are still intact and are the top attraction in Dubrovnik.
Tourism has exploded due to Game of Thrones and cruise ships. While the hordes of crowds may be frustrating, Dubrovnik is still a must on any Croatia itinerary.
As long as you time your sightseeing priorities right, you'll have a memorable experience. Better yet, visit during the shoulder seasons to have a better chance of fewer crowds.
Before we get started on this Dubrovnik 2-day itinerary, let's first discuss how many days in Dubrovnik are ideal.
This map shows everything included in this 2-day Dubrovnik itinerary. Click the icon in the top-left corner to view a list of each pinned location. Select the top-right button to enlarge the map (it will automatically save it to YOUR Google Maps). To access this map once saved, open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), tap the "You" icon at the bottom, scroll to the bottom, and select "Maps". Your newly saved map should be listed at the top.
- Blue - day 1 in Dubrovnik sights
- Purple - day 2 in Dubrovnik sights
- Black - restaurants/gelato/bars
View of the Dubrovnik Walls from Lovrijenac Fortress
How Many Days in Dubrovnik Do You Need?
SHORT AND SWEET — TWO DAYS IN DUBROVNIK IS ENOUGH TIME TO EXPLORE OLD TOWN AND SEE THE TOP SIGHTS. FOUR DAYS IS IDEAL IF YOU WANT TIME TO RELAX BY THE BEACH/POOL AND ADD ONE OR TWO DAY TRIPS.
2 days in Dubrovnik is just enough time to explore Old Town and see the main sights. You could technically see everything with just 1 day in Dubrovnik, but it will feel rushed, and you'll regret not having a second evening to soak in the atmosphere.
Plus, with the current crowd levels, it's best to use mornings and evenings to see the sights and save the afternoons for relaxing by the beach or pool, escaping to a neighboring island, or sipping an espresso while admiring the views.
If you only have 1 day in Dubrovnik, you'll be forced to fit a lot of sights and activities into the afternoon, when the city can be extremely crowded.
If you're able to extend your Dubrovnik itinerary, I highly recommend 4 days so you can add a few day trips (more on that below).
Spend 2 days focusing on Dubrovnik itself and 2 days on day trips. There are several options:
- Visit neighboring countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina or Montenegro through a private or group tour
- Explore the Pelješac Peninsula with a stop at the walled city of Ston
- Join a wine tour
- Spend a day on the water with a boat or yacht tour/rental
Lokrum Island
Dubrovnik Itinerary - Day 1
Day one of your Dubrovnik itinerary will focus on Old Town (within the city walls).
Walk the city walls
Read my detailed post about walking the walls of Dubrovnik
The Dubrovnik city walls are an iconic symbol of the city and a must on any Dubrovnik itinerary. This is, after all, the #1 attraction.
The walls are about a mile long and take about 1.5–2 hours to walk while you enjoy breathtaking views.
As you stroll around the perimeter of Old Town, you'll see the glistening Adriatic Sea, iconic red rooftops, quiet courtyards, bustling squares, the lush island of Lokrum, and the Stradun (the promenade that runs down the center of Old Town) from above.
Tickets to walk the Dubrovnik city walls are €40 and include admission to Lovrijenac Fortress, the Western Outer Wall, and the Collection of Coins of the Republic of Ragusa.
The Dubrovnik Pass is also €40 and includes public transportation, as well as admission to several museums, galleries, and other attractions around the city—including the city walls. The pass is valid for 24 hours once activated.
Since the prices are the same, opting for the Dubrovnik Pass is a no-brainer if you plan to visit any of the other attractions covered by the pass.
Book your Dubrovnik Pass online so you can download the QR code to your phone. You’ll use it to enter the attractions covered by the pass, including the city walls.
Start your walk at the Pile Gate entrance. The moment you enter the Stradun through Pile Gate, turn left and you'll find the entrance to the city walls, with an employee at the bottom of the stairs scanning tickets.
Check the opening times before you go and arrive at least 10 minutes early. The hours for the Dubrovnik city walls vary by month, so it’s best to double-check the current schedule online.
I highly recommend walking the walls first thing in the morning. It gets crowded and hot in the afternoon, and the morning light is also best for photos.
Dubrovnik city walls - 2 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary
Consider joining a tour: The Dubrovnik city walls are a great place to learn about the city's history and stories while taking in the sights from above.
Walking tour
After you've gotten your fill of spectacular views from above, now is the perfect time to join a walking tour at ground level.
Game of Thrones tours are the most popular and a must for anyone who has seen the show.
I did this 2-hour Dubrovnik Game of Thrones walking tour in May and loved it! The guide was fantastic and shared plenty of inside scoop on the filming and cast, along with information about Dubrovnik and some interesting history tidbits.
This private Game of Thrones tour is another great option. The 3-hour tour combines the city walls with Game of Thrones filming sites.
Check out these tours if you're not into Game of Thrones:
- Get a quick taste of the history of Dubrovnik with this 1-Hour Discovery Walking Tour
- Learn Dubrovnik's secrets and hidden gems with a local on this 2-hour private tour.
- Eat and drink your way through Croatian cuisine with this 3-hour food walking tour.
Stradun - 2 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary
STROLL THE STRADUN AND WANDER OLD TOWN
Spend at least two to three hours wandering the Stradun and exploring Old Town. Depending on when your walking tour is, do this before or after the tour.
Stop in a few shops, sip an espresso at a cafe, order a scoop (or three) of the best gelato in Dubrovnik at Peppino's, and have a relaxed lunch.
I highly recommend Dubravka 1836. It's just outside Pile Gate and offers incredible views. The food is good and it's reasonably priced considering the location and views.
LOVRIJENAC FORTRESS AND GRADAC PARK
If you didn't already visit Lovrijenac Fortress and Gradac Park on your earlier walking tour, now is the time to make a quick stop. Your ticket to the city walls includes admission to Lovrijenac Fortress.
Wander through the fortress and be sure to go to the very top for views of Old Town across the bay.
After you leave the fortress, enjoy a quick escape at Gradac Park. This small, forested area is a nice break from Old Town, where it can get quite hot with all the stone.
Dubrovnik restaurants - 2 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary
Dinner and drinks in Old Town Dubrovnik
Enjoy Old Town once the day trippers have departed. Grab a cocktail at one of the many bars lining the Stradun. I like SNEK and Gradska Kavana Arsenal. Both offer ideal locations for people-watching and soaking in the Old Town atmosphere.
For dinner, I recommend Trattoria Carmen. You’ll also find several adorable sidewalk cafes along Prijeko Street. Check out Lucin Kantun and Restaurant Lanaii.
Cable car to Mount Srd - 2 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary
Dubrovnik Itinerary - Day 2
Ride the cable car up to Mount Srd
Buy an absurdly overpriced ticket to whisk you up to the top of Mount Srd. The cable car ride takes no more than 3 minutes and is €30 round trip or €17 one way. Even though it's expensive, it's worth it for the incredible views of Dubrovnik below.
Most people recommend going at sunset, but I recommend the opposite because I prefer to take the cable car up and walk back down. The ride is so fast you'll barely have time to take pictures, and the car can get so crowded that you'll be lucky to get a good photo.
Instead, take your time at the top and enjoy the views before walking back down to Old Town. You'll have plenty of opportunities to stop along the way and snap a million photos. If you go at sunset, you'll need to take the cable car back down since it'll be dark.
Just be sure to wear walking shoes, as the path is rocky, and don't wander off the marked trail. Though the area has been cleared of landmines, this was once a war zone, so it's best to stay on the designated path.
Walk of Shame steps - 2 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary
WANDER OLD TOWN A SECOND TIME BEFORE THE CROWDS DESCEND
If you're like me, I'm sure you'll be itching to return for another wander (and coffee/gelato break) around Old Town before the cruise ship crowds descend upon the city.
KAYAK TOUR (OR BOAT TRIP) TO LOKRUM ISLAND
Escape the crowds and visit the cursed island of Lokrum. Ferries depart from the Old Port in Dubrovnik. Tickets are €30 round trip and include entrance to Lokrum. Boats depart every 30 minutes in the summer (less often in other seasons) and whisk you to Lokrum in just 15 minutes.
Hike among the cypress, pine, and olive trees (you can explore the entire island in about two hours), sunbathe, swim, and visit the botanical gardens. Don't forget comfortable walking shoes and a bathing suit and towel.
This makes for a great half-day excursion during your 2 days in Dubrovnik.
Another option is to join a kayak tour that combines Lokrum Island with a few other beaches for snorkeling and swimming. Adventure Dalmatia offers a morning and sunset kayak tour. Unlike some of the larger tours with 40+ guests, this one caps the group at 20 people.
Most kayak tours circle around Lokrum Island, with little to no time on the island itself. If you're hoping to explore Lokrum Island, skip the kayak tour.
Cliff diving - 2 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary from Buza Bar
Entrance to Buza Bar - 2 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary
Buza Bar - 2 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary
Drinks and Cliff Jumping at Buza Bar
No Dubrovnik itinerary is complete without a visit to Buza Bar. If the weather is warm and the water is calm, take the plunge and jump off the city walls into the sea below. It's a popular activity during the summer months.
Otherwise, grab a seat at one of the tables (or among the rocks) and nurse a drink while taking in the views.
Dinner and drinks in Old Town Dubrovnik
Stop at D'Vino Wine Bar to sample Croatian wine before heading to dinner. Either stay within the city walls for your second night in Dubrovnik, or head just outside the walls and try Sesame. It has the most adorable outdoor seating and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Oysters in Ston - 2 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary
Sunset kayak - 2 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary
Mostar - 2 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary
Day Trips From Dubrovnik for Longer Itineraries
As noted earlier, I highly recommend spending 4 days in Dubrovnik. This gives you time for two day trips. Explore neighboring countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina or Montenegro, tour the Pelješac Peninsula wine region, or spend a day out on the water.
If you're visiting Croatia during the warmer months, you may want to use your extra days taking advantage of your hotel pool and nearby beaches while soaking up Dubrovnik's old-world atmosphere.
Below are some of the most popular tours and day trips from Dubrovnik.
Top food and wine tours from Dubrovnik
- 8-hour Ston, Oysters, and Wine tour from Dubrovnik - read about my firsthand experience
- Peljesac and Ston Small-Group Food & Wine Experience from Dubrovnik - 8-hour tour with a max of 8 guests
- Private Half Day Tour Oysters and Wine Tour from Dubrovnik
- Private Full Day Peljesac Wine Tasting Tour from Dubrovnik
There are pros and cons to group tours, especially ones crossing the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina or Montenegro. You spend a lot of time on the bus and you're on a schedule.
There is always the option to rent a car and do day trips on your own. Just make sure you're allowed to cross the border with your rental car and have the required permits and paperwork.
Also, keep in mind that the experience at the border can vary. Sometimes it's quick, easy, and over in five minutes. Other times there's a long line and it can take an hour or longer. Whether you go on a tour or rent a car, this is something you can't control.
Personally, I would not feel comfortable renting a car and attempting the border crossing on my own. This is a situation where I think it's worth paying for a private tour.
Banje Beach - 2 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary
In Summary
I hope this 2-day Dubrovnik itinerary helps with planning your upcoming trip. Dubrovnik has a lot to offer and is sure to leave an impression (crowds and all).
Be sure to leave time to slow down and relax during your Dubrovnik itinerary. This is not a city to be rushed!
Plan for heavy afternoon crowds and learn to embrace them. Explore Old Town in the morning and at night, and save the afternoons for activities outside the city walls or for soaking up some sun at your hotel pool or a nearby beach.
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2 Days in Dubrovnik | Itinerary, Tips, Top Sights + Day Trips
