How To Spend 3 Days In Dubrovnik: BEST Dubrovnik Itinerary!

Last updated on October 11th, 2025 at 10:53 pm

If you’re planning a trip to Croatia and wondering how to spend 3 days in Dubrovnik, I’ve got you covered!

Dubrovnik is one of the must-visit destinations in Europe – the Pearl of the Adriatic – offering visitors a mix of historic landmarks and breathtaking coastal views. With everything in easy reach, three full days is the perfect amount of time to soak up the charm of the Old Town and enjoy a day out on the water!

I’ve visited Dubrovnik several times and have found many gems that go beyond walking the walls and cliffside bars; there’s a lot more beauty to discover! So, I’ve put together this three-day itinerary that shows you the best things to do in Dubrovnik based on my top experiences!

In this perfect 3-day Dubrovnik itinerary, I’ve covered all the details you’ll need from where to stay, what to do and how to squeeze in a fantastic boat trip, plus insider tips including best dining options from your seasoned Croatia traveller!

How many days in Dubrovnik?

If you’re wondering how long to spend in Dubrovnik, the sweet spot is three full days! The city is easily walkable, so you don’t need a week to see it all, but you definitely want more than a quick day trip to enjoy its magic!

With three days you can:

• Wander the Old Town and walk the famous city walls.
• Enjoy epic views, Cavtat Bay and a waterside dinner.
• Take a boat trip to nearby islands or relax at the beach.

If you only have two days in Dubrovnik, you’ll still be able to see the highlights – but your itinerary might feel a bit rushed. Alternatively, if you can stretch to four or five days, you’ll have time for extra island-hopping and lazy afternoons by the sea or hotel pool.

Since most of the sights are close together, you can stay either in the old town or just outside the old town walls. Here are my top picks for where to stay in Dubrovnik:

Where To Stay In Dubrovnik: My Top Picks

If you’re staying in Dubrovnik for 3 days, you’ll want to be based somewhere central, I recommend Old Town or Ploce so you can make the most of your time. Here are my top hotel picks:

Luxury – Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik: Iconic 5-star stay with sweeping sea views, a private beach, and just a short stroll from the Old Town.

Boutique – Stari Grad Hotel: A gorgeous heritage property inside the Old Town, perfect for couples looking for charm and style.

Mid-range – Bota Palace Suites: Modern rooms, a pool, and a great location within walking distance of the city walls.

For more ideas, be sure to check out my full guide: Where To Stay In Dubrovnik!

3 DAYS IN DUBROVNIK ITINERARY

Whenever I’m in Dubrovnik, I like to wander the old town, eat in fab restaurants with views and spend some of the time enjoying the spectacular coastline – this 3-day Dubrovnik itinerary ensures your days will be split between sightseeing and relaxation to enjoy Dubrovnik to the fullest!

3 DAYS IN DUBROVNIK: DAY 1

Explore The Old Town

Start your first morning in Dubrovnik by exploring the old town, it’s the reason you came after all, and it’s a stunner! If you set off early, around 9.30-10am, you’ll beat the crowds and avoid the hottest part of the day (although most of the lanes are shaded for this reason).

Stroll along the main street, Stradun, to get your bearings, then explore the charming cobbled alleyways and have fun climbing the stairs; there are lots of nooks to get lost in! You can also hire a guide who will walk you through the city’s rich history. Alternatively, if you are a Game of Thrones fan, this is a good time for a GOT tour; you’ll be able to retrace your favourite scenes!

Don’t miss the Fort Lovrijenac, the Cathedral or the Franciscan Monastery; these are some of the key spots of Durbovnik old town, and while you’re at the top of the Jesuit Stairs, if you follow the wall along, you’ll find the Buza cliffside bars!

Psst! The Dubrovnik Pass is worth getting for discounted rates for museums and transport, including the wall walk and Lovrijenac Fortress. You’ll save around €20-€30 per person (the wall walk alone is €40).

You can read more about the Game Of Thrones Walking Tour and filming locations in my complete Game of Thrones Guide!

Enjoy Lunch At Lucin Kantun Or Proto

After walking around for 2-3 hours, you’ll be ready for a lovely lunch in the heart of the town, I know a few great spots depending on your taste!

I recommend either Proto or Lucin Kantun if you want to dive straight into great Croatian cuisine, both are authentic and classy restaurants I’ve been to many times and have enjoyed immensely, so it’s only fair I pass it on!

Proto is the best upscale fish restaurant in town with gorgeous terraces and a fab menu offering specials like seafood pasta and monkfish medallions, there’s also non-fishy starters and side dishes to choose between!

On the other side of the old town, charming Lucin Kantun is a real hidden gem with tables right on the cobbles. It’s a great spot for lavender gin and well-presented small plates. If it’s still on the menu, try the spinach filo pastry or the black risotto!

Relax At The Pool Or Beach

For your remaining couple of hours in the afternoon, I’m sending you to recharge! Part of the allure of staying in Dubrovnik is the turquoise blue of the Adriatic coastline – I love nothing more than relaxing by the water’s edge with a stunning view of Lokrum Island and the old town in the distance. It really is superb!

Bonje Beach is right next to Ploce Gate and there is a private beach club with sun loungers here, but an even better option is to stay in one of the hotels in Ploce with a pool and view; Hotel Dubrovnik or Hotel Excelsior. I recommend both of these hotels in my Where To Stay In Dubrovnik Full Guide!

Cable Car & Dinner With Views

On you’re first evening, I recommend a meal to remember! The cable car to Mount Srd is usually on most visitors’ itineraries, but an early evening meal at the top with panoramic views over the old city and Adriatic beyond is really special – and more worthwhile!

The view is unbelievable from restaurant Panorama, it has three or four terraces right at the top of the mountain, which you’ll need to make a reservation for – at least a week in advance.

Reserving your table around 1-2 hours before sunset ensures you get the best light and glow over the orange rooftops whilst you dine.

(Note: From March to October the Cable Car costs €27 for a round trip.)

For more inspiration, check out my curated list of Where To Eat In DubrovniK – Best Restaurants, Wine Bars And Experiences, featuring everything from rooftop fine dining to chic seaside spots.

3 DAYS IN DUBROVNIK: DAY 2

Breakfast At Gradska Kavana Arsenal

For this morning, I recommend starting with a light breakfast or coffee at the lovely Gradska Kavana Arsenal, it’s a place everyone should visit at least once. I know this is a super central spot just off the main Stradun, but I really enjoy sitting here and I’m sure you will too!

It’s a historic restaurant (of course) and an excellent people-watching spot; the terrace is elevated just enough so that your food is shielded from prying eyes. On the other side of the restaurant, you can enjoy your breakfast with a harbour view – this side is even more sophisticated!

Explore Beautiful Cavtat Bay

For the main part of today, you are going to see one of my favourite places in Dubrovnik, starting with Cavtat Bay! After breakfast, head down to the old town harbour where you can grab an easy taxi boat to Cavtat, the schedule usually starts at 10am and runs almost hourly (you pay €10 at the kiosk.)

You’ll get a great view of the harbour as you leave on the small passenger boat and scenic coastal views all the way to Cavtat, it’s such a lovely 30-minute journey!

Cavtat is a beautiful Riviera heritage town and bay on Dubrovnik’s peninsula with a nice coastal walk, rocky beaches and a selection of fab restaurants – one of my go-to places is Boheme! I’ve shared all the details in my Cavtat guide, do not miss it, everyone always says to me that it’s the best place they’ve visited!

Tip! Take your swim things because there are a numer of rocky beaches with super clear turquoise water, you might be temped to go for a dip!

Walk Dubrovnik’s Old Town Walls

After lunch in Cavtat, head back to Dubrovnik old town where you can begin the walk on the UNESCO walls around Dubrovnik – it is a must-do!

You’ll access the walls via Ploce Gate, next to the old town harbour, the fee is €40 per person – or included in your Dubrovnik Pass. It will be a lovely time to walk around 4pm when the sun is less intense and there’s a beautiful shimmer over the Adriatic.

Normally, the walk takes a couple of hours, mainly due to the number of stops you’ll have to take in the views and fill your phone with orange rooftop landscapes! Honestly, every corner looks so impressive! Along the walls, there are a couple of (cash-only) cafes where you can stop for ice-cream, snacks and drinks – but I suggest saving it for my wine and tapas option below!

Croatian Wine & Tapas

After the wall walk, I recommend finishing the day with a visit to my favourite wine and tapas bar M’arden. It’s the best in town in my opinion, with a huge range of Croatian wines and delicious pairings and so far it’s still a hidden gem!

You’ll find it on a rooftop terrace with pretty old town views, the atmosphere is unbeatable and there is even sometimes a guitarist playing, which is fabulous! The whole experience is just like a beautiful oasis!

3 DAYS IN DUBROVNIK: DAY 3

If you’re staying for three days in Dubrovnik, you can afford a relaxing day either on a beach or out on the water! Personally, I recommend spending your third day exploring the coast by boat – you can discover nearby islands like Lokrum or the Elafiti Islands on a full-day Dubrovnik boat tour, which usually includes swimming stops, lunch, and those dreamy Adriatic views.

Here are my absolute top three options for how best to spend your last day in Dubronvik. You are going to love what I have planned for you!

Take A Boat Trip To The Elaphiti Islands!

The Elafiti islands Dubrovnik boat tour is my favourite – think hidden bays, turquoise water, and the most relaxing day at sea!

You can easily spend the day hopping around this trio of islands Sipan, Lopud and Kolocep including a stop by the magical Blue Cave via a boat tour. I recommend going private for the best experience and flexibility.

You can plan your own itinerary, which is always the best way, but don’t miss boho luxe BOWA over-water restaurant and lounge set within a scenic, secluded bay, it’s one of my top tips I always tell people about!

(You have a choice of a full-day excursion, which is really worthwhile or a morning or an afternoon tour, whichever suits your schedule for the day!).

Check out the exact private boat trip I went on here!

Visit Scenic Mljet National Park Island

A tranquil and natural oasis, Mljet National Park is an island built around two giant, bright blue saltwater lakes and lots of lush greenery. It is a beautiful place to spend some time in and a complete contrast from Dubrovnik’s bustle!

At the park there’s paths you walk along that circle the lakes and in the centre, you’ll find a monastery sitting on a tiny island right in the middle, which you can visit. Aside from this, there are beaches and caves to explore, which is why a boat trip and guide are perfect for this location!

If you book this boat tour, your trip will cover these off-the-beaten-path locations seamlessly and on your return, there are two more stops: picturesque Elafiti Islands of Sipan and Kolocep!

Find more details about this Mljet boat trip here!

4 Hour Luxury Blue Cave & Elaphiti Islands

I love this luxury Blue Cave tour, it’s the perfect way to spend your last morning of your 3 days in Dubrovnik in style and comfort away from the crowds!

You will get to see some of the top highlights beyond the old town walls, including the chance to swim in the beautiful lagoon of Sunj Beach on Lopud Island, visit hidden gems on the island of Kolocep and explore the magical clear waters of the Blue Cave – a must-see!

If you take the morning tour at 10am you will have a more tranquil experience and it will give you some breathings space for your early evening drinks and meal!

Book your luxury Blue Cave and Elaphiti Islands morning tour!

Relax At On A Beach or Beach Club

If you fancy more relaxation time by the pool or sea after all that sight-seeing and walking don’t feel bad about it, especially if you are staying somewhere lovely with a pool! Alternatively, you can chill at Banje Beach Club, next to the old town walls or Clubs Coco-cabana and Coral Beach Club near Lapad, which is my favourite location as it’s set within a stunning bay!

I recommend arriving unfashionably early for the best choice of sunbeds. I normally get there for 10am for a relaxing morning and sipping cocktails at midday. Note that the beach clubs are best experienced outside of the busy summer months, such as early May – they get horrendously busy!

For more inspiration, I’ve shared the top-rated full or half-day boat excursions in my guide to the best Dubrovnik boat tours.

Evening Sunset Drinks At Fratellos Prosecco Bar

Toast your last evening in Dubrovnik with a glass of bubbly in Fratellos Prosecco Bar. Honestly, I was so happy I found this bar on my previous Dubrovnik trip; it is a class above the rest, way more sophisticated than the cliff bars decorated with old fishing nets!

Trust me, you don’t want to miss this beautiful place just outside of Pile Gate, boasting three terraces, bags of ambience, soft jazz music and a fantastic bar menu! Head there just before sunset, and if you want to sit on a tall stool, it’s best to reserve ahead!

Enjoy your last dinner with a seaview

After sunset drinks, head back towards Pile Gate to finish your trip in style with a stunning dinner by the sea, at the sort-after Nautika restaurant with beautiful Adriatic and fortress views!

Nautika is unbeatable for location, it’s a classy joint with a stunning terrace, there’s even a pianist playing in the background; the ambience is lovely! You definitely need to reserve ahead for a table on the terrace as it’s a Michelin-starred restaurant and one of the best-loved in town for a quiet, romantic evening!

Another great waterfront dining spot is Gradska Kavana Arsenal, in the old town harbour (the sister restaurant). If you’re looking for more ideas, I’ve shared all my favourite spots in this guide to the best restaurants in Dubrovnik old town!

Is 3 days in Dubrovnik enough?

Three days in Dubrovnik is the minimum amount of time to spend exploring the sights and attractions anything less would feel a little too rushed!

The city is walkable, but there’s plenty to see and do from historic attractions to adventures like walking the walls and the cable car to the harbour offering boat trips to some truly scenic locations – infact, you might even want to add another day!

Want to see more of the Adriatic? Treat yourself to a guided escape to Montenegro, Mostar, or Mljet National Park. I’ve shared the most scenic and stress-free options in my Dubrovnik day trips guide.

WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK

If you’re staying for 3 days in Dubrovnik, I recommend sticking with the old town, Ploce or Pile for convenience. From these locations, you can walk everywhere (Ploce and Pile are just outside of the town walls – a 10-minute walk away)!

All the best sights, restaurants and even boat trips will be literally moments away, I’ve stayed in all three spots and can’t fault either, but I particularly love Ploce for the views! Here’s my top hotel picks for accommodation in Dubrovnik!

HOTEL EXCELSIOR

Hotel Excelsior is an iconic 5-star hotel welcoming famous guests like Elizabeth Taylor! One of the best views of Dubrovnik Old Town with Mediterranean and coastline landscapes just outside of the city walls.

It’s perfect for a luxury experience, including romantic waterfront dining – if you’re looking to stay at the TOP hotel in Dubrovnik’s desirable Ploce location, this is it!

BOUTIQUE HOTEL STARI GRAD

Boutique Hotel Stari Grad, a stylish 16th-century historic boutique offering a stunning breakfast from the rooftop terrace with exceptional views from its central old town location!

All 9 suites are very high-end and feature light wood and marble details with classic and modern furnishings – a wonderful central stay. I can definitely recommend it based on my experience – the breakfast setting alone is worth it!

BOTA PALACE

Bota Palace Suites is right in the atmospheric old town, it’s perfectly located and renovated to an incredible standard – a mix of old town stone and style!

Note, it isn’t a hotel, but well-managed independent suites. It’s great for independent travellers who just want a lovely space to come back to! I’ve previously stopped for two nights in the beautiful deluxe room – bathrooms are fab!

For more accommodation details check out my complete guide; Where To Stay In Dubrovnik: Best Areas, Hotels, Boutiques & More!

3 DAYS IN DUBROVNIK- USEFUL TRAVEL TIPS

When To Visit Dubrovnik

The best time to visit Dubrovnik, is from May until early October, when the weather is warm and sunny and Dubrovnik is at its most vibrant! I prefer the shoulder season; May and late September for fewer crowds and better prices, plus it’s not scorching hot, so you can walk around the sights better!

July and August are the peak months and super busy and to be honest, probably best avoided if you can help it!

How To Get To Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Airport is only around 20 minutes from the old town, you can easily jump on the shuttle bus which arrives right outside the old town walls, it’s a set fee €10 and you pay the driver directly, taxi’s are €25.

If you’ve arrived by coach or ferry, you will be dropped off in Gruz, which is around a 10-minute drive into the old town – there are regular local buses and taxi available. Don’t forget to book your coach or ferry in advance!

Travelling Beyond Dubrovnik

If you’re island hopping, you’ll need to book a ferry at least 1-week ahead, which departs from Gruz Port. Popular routes are Korcula-Hvar-Vis-Split; you can find more information in my Croatian Island guide.

For those planning a road trip around Croatia, I recommend booking at least a week in advance with Discover Cars. They compare prices and provide the best option for Croatia, I’ve received great service through this company!

Travelling to Split or onwards to Montenegro? You can travel with the coach or if you’re up for an adventure and a bit more sightseeing, you can book a private one-way tour to Split.

3 DAYS IN DUBROVNIK CROATIA – FAQ

Can you spend a week in Dubrovnik?

Yes, you can absolutely spend a week in Dubrovnik if you’re looking to mix history, culture and leisure, there are beach resorts you can stay and relax. I also think splitting your week between Dubrovnik and Korcula Island is a fantastic trip!

Is it better to stay in Old Town, Dubrovnik or outside?

If you’re visiting Dubrovnik for 3 days or less, I recommend staying in the old town or Ploce just outside the old town wall (10-minute walk). Both are convenient for sightseeing with great transport links, it just depends on whether you prefer being in the heart of the UNESCO heritage town or next to the sea overlooking the old town.

Is a Dubrovnik 3 day pass worth it?

Yes and no! The Dubrovnik 3-day pass will save you a money and time, but only if you are planning on visiting all the main historic sights, such as the walls, Lovrjenac Fortress, Rector’s Palace, Franciscan Monastery Museum and if you plan on using the local buses, it will save you around €20 as walking the Dubrovnik walls is €40 per person alone!

3 Days In Dubrovnik – Final Thoughts!

While I always recommend staying for 4 or 5 days in Dubrovnik for a more relaxed itinerary (and more beach/pool time), 3 days in Dubrovnik is perfect if you want to see the main highlights, including historic sights, best restaurants and Dubrovnik’s scenic islands!

If you’re planning your own trip, I’d highly recommend booking a guided city tour to get all the insider stories, and if you only do one tour in Dubrovnik, make it a boat trip to the Elafiti Islands to see more of the Adriatic coast!

Ready to book? Browse the latest Dubrovnik tours and activities or compare prices for hotels in Dubrovnik old town and start planning your 2026 getaway today.

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Plan your Dubrovnik itinerary!

Here’s my go-to list of resources for transport, accommodation, and tours for travel in Dubrovnik Croatia!

• Booking.com for the best boutique rates
• Get Your Guide for unique day excursions
• Viator for incredible day tours
• Discover Cars reliable and best rates on rental cars
• Omni for coach or ferry travel

Read Next:

• Ultimate Guide To Dubrovnik: Things To See And Do In Dubrovnik
• 15 Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik Old Town 2026 Guide
• Top Things To Do in Dubrovnik Croatia (Beyond The City Walls!)
• 7 Best Day Trips From Dubrovnik Croatia, You’ll Love!
• 7 Top Dubrovnik Boat Tours (From Elafiti Islands & Beyond!)
• Dubrovnik Game Of Thrones Tour: Is It Worth It? (2026 Guide!)
• Dubrovnik Travel Guide: Where To Eat, Drink & Relax
• Where To Stay In Dubrovnik: Best Areas & Hotels!
• A Guide To The Best Restaurants In Old Town Dubrovnik
• Cavtat: A Scenic Day Trip From Dubrovnik
• How To Get From Split To Dubrovnik – A Complete Guide!

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