Things to do with 1 Day in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a gorgeous town that has gained fame through movies ond TV shows such as Game of Thrones. Perched out in the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is a walled city with narrow alleyways, restaurants and shops. There is something truly wonderful about this little city and the views around every corner. In this guide we’ll explore 1 Day in Dubrovnik and the best things to do to make the most of your visit.

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Tips for Visiting Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is gorgeous – but it’s also busy! My top tip for visiting Dubrovnik is to try to plan your visit for outside the busy period. This means in the spring or fall. If you are planning to visit in the the summer, you should avoid visiting in the middle of the day when cruise ships are in town, and if you are visiting for the day on a cruise ship, you should be prepared for crowded streets.

We spent a full day in the area, but only chose to enter the city of Dubrovnik in mid-afternoon which was a good choice as it was much less crowded. We also came into the city in the early morning before things were open and enjoyed walking around town.

Here are a few other tips:

Visiting Dubrovnik can be an unforgettable experience, but it helps to have some insider tips to make the most of your trip. Here are the best tips for visiting Dubrovnik

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Dubrovnik’s Old Town streets are made of polished stone and can be slippery, plus there are plenty of stairs and steep alleys. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes with good grip for walking.
• Avoid Eating in the Main Tourist Areas: Restaurants in the center of the Old Town, especially on Stradun (the main street), tend to be overpriced. Wander a bit off the beaten path into the side streets to find better value and more authentic dining experiences.
• Use Public Transportation: Dubrovnik’s Old Town is pedestrian-only, but the local bus system is efficient and affordable for getting around the rest of the city. Consider buying a Dubrovnik Card, which offers free bus rides and discounts on attractions.
• Stay Hydrated: Dubrovnik can get quite hot, especially in summer. Carry a reusable water bottle, and you can refill it at the public water fountains around the Old Town. The water is safe to drink and very refreshing.
• Explore Beyond the Old Town: While the Old Town is the main attraction, there’s more to Dubrovnik. Visit other neighborhoods like Lapad for beautiful beaches or Gruž for a more local vibe and the bustling farmers’ market.

Things to do in Dubrovnik

Below you can see my top things to do in Dubroknik.

Walk the City Walls: This is the most popular thing to do in Dubrovnik and a must if you are spending the day. The iconic city walls offer breathtaking views of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea.

Explore the Old Town: In addition to walking around the town, it’s worth strolling through the center of the Old Town. A UNESCO World Heritage-listed Site, Old Town is known for its charming streets, historic buildings, and landmarks like the Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace.

Visit Dubrovnik Cathedral: This impressive Baroque cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, has a collection of relics and a beautiful altar and is worth a visit.

Stroll Along Stradun: The main street of Dubrovnik, lined with shops, cafes, and historical buildings, is perfect for a leisurely walk. This street is much wider than the narrow alleys in other parts of the old town

Relax at Banje Beach: Just a short walk from the Old Town, you can find several beaches to cool off. One of the most popular is Banje Beach which has stunning views of the city walls.

Take a Cable Car Ride: Ride the cable car up to Mount Srdj for panoramic views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands.

Visit Lokrum Island: A short boat ride from Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island is home to a botanical garden, the ruins of a Benedictine monastery, and beautiful beaches. This will take a few hours, so plan accordingly

Explore the Dubrovnik Maritime Museum: Located in the Rector’s Palace, this museum showcases Dubrovnik’s maritime history and naval heritage.

Discover the Fort Lovrijenac: Known as the “Gibraltar of Dubrovnik,” this fort offers incredible views and is a key part of the city’s defense system.

Explore Game of Thrones Filming Locations: Dubrovnik served as a backdrop for many scenes in “Game of Thrones.” You can take guided tours to see these famous spots. Here is one of the best Game of Throne Tours in town.

Visit the War Photo Limited Gallery: This gallery focuses on photojournalism and offers an in-depth look at conflict photography. This is a great way to see some of the history of this city.

Wander through the Dubrovnik Synagogue: One of the oldest synagogues in Europe, this site provides insight into the Jewish community’s history in Dubrovnik.

How to Spend a 1 Day in Dubrovnik

So – how do you turn this into a 1 day in Dubrovnik itinerary? We split our day in Dubrovnik up into and afternoon and the following morning, but here is a potential itinerary if you have a single day in Dubrovnik.

*This itinerary is pretty packed so you may also want to skip one of the afternoon activities to give yourself a break.

Morning

8:00 AM – Walk the City Walls

• Start your day early by walking the famous Dubrovnik City Walls. The views of the Old Town, the Adriatic Sea, and the nearby islands are stunning in the morning light. The entire walk takes about 1.5-2 hours, and the earlier you go, the fewer crowds you’ll encounter. The best way to do this is to book a tour and it’s best to do this early in the morning.

10:00 AM – Explore the Old Town

• After finishing your walk along the walls, head into Stradun, Dubrovnik’s main street. Stroll through the Old Town and explore landmarks such as the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, and St. Blaise’s Church.
• Grab a coffee or light breakfast at one of the charming cafés in the Old Town, like Cafe Festival on Stradun for a perfect people-watching spot.

11:00 AM – Visit the Dubrovnik Cathedral

• Stop by the Dubrovnik Cathedral (Assumption Cathedral), a beautiful Baroque church with a rich history. Don’t miss the treasury, which contains religious relics, including items from the 11th century.

Midday

12:00 PM – Explore Fort Lovrijenac

• Just outside the city walls, visit Fort Lovrijenac, known as “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar.” This fortress offers stunning views of the Old Town and is steeped in history. It’s also a quieter spot to take in the surroundings.

1:00 PM – Lunch at a Local Restaurant

• Enjoy a traditional Dalmatian lunch at a local restaurant. Try Taj Mahal, which offers a mix of Bosnian and Croatian dishes, or Proto Fish Restaurant for fresh seafood. Sample local specialties like black risotto or grilled calamari.

Afternoon

2:30 PM – Visit the Rector’s Palace and Cultural Attractions

• Spend time exploring the Rector’s Palace, which once served as the seat of government in Dubrovnik. It’s now a museum filled with historical artifacts.
• If you’re interested in history and art, you could also visit War Photo Limited, a gallery dedicated to war photography, or the Ethnographic Museum.

3:30 PM – Cable Car to Mount Srd

• Take the Dubrovnik Cable Car up to Mount Srd for incredible panoramic views of Dubrovnik, the Adriatic Sea, and the Elaphiti Islands. Spend some time taking photos and enjoying the vista.
• There’s also a museum on the Homeland War at the top, detailing the city’s defense during the 1990s conflict.

Late Afternoon

5:00 PM – Relax at Banje Beach

• Head to Banje Beach, just a short walk from the Old Town, for some relaxation by the sea. You can swim, lounge on the beach, or rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the coastline. We also enjoyed some of the smaller nearby beaches.

Evening

6:30 PM – Dinner with a View

• For dinner, dine at Panorama Restaurant, located at the top of Mount Srd, if you want a fantastic view of the sunset. Alternatively, head back to the Old Town and try Dubravka 1836, which offers scenic views of the city walls and coastline.

8:30 PM – Evening Stroll and Gelato

• After dinner, take a leisurely evening stroll through the Old Town. The streets are beautifully lit up at night, creating a magical atmosphere. End your day with some gelato from Peppino’s or grab a drink at a café overlooking the harbor. We got gelato right outside the city walls.