How To Spend 3 Days In Dubrovnik: A Perfect Dubrovnik Itinerary!

Last updated on February 26th, 2026 at 12:08 am

If you’re wondering how to spend 3 days in Dubrovnik, here’s the perfect Dubrovnik itinerary covering the iconic sights, scenery and hidden gems I’m sharing for anyone who wants to make the most of their stay in this beautiful city!

Dubrovnik is somewhere I always find myself returning to, the setting and sights are just so impressive, from the heritage attractions to the sunset bars and postcard views of orange rooftops and island scenery – I’ve seen this vision from almost every angle and it always leaves me in awe!

With three full-days in Dubrovnik to explore from sunrise until after sunset, you certainly have a diverse, if not aesthetically pleasing, 3-day itinerary ahead of you – and longer if you want to relax by the sea and enjoy a day out on the water!

I’ve put together this handy three-day Dubrovnik itinerary, based on my past experiences, whether you’re planning a long weekend or stopping a few nights before island-hopping your way to Split. This guide will help!

WHERE TO STAY FOR 3 DAYS IN DUBROVNIK

For three days in Dubrovnik, the best areas to stay are Old Town, Ploče, and Pile – all incredibly convenient bases and beautiful settings where you can easily wander to the city’s main sights, choosing the right spot can totally elevate your itinerary!

I’ve stayed in all three areas, and each offers something wonderful – from the atmosphere of the Old Town to the relaxed, scenic vistas of Ploce situated on the Riveria and the best thing is the accommodation choices are fabulous! You will be in boutique heaven!

Top Hotel Picks In Dubrovnik:

Planning your 3-day Dubrovnik itinerary? Here’s my top hotel picks!

• Boutique Hotel Stari Grad – best overall boutique & rooftop in old town!
• Bota Palace Suites – stylish suites in Old Town!
• Palace Natalie – beautiful Mediterranean style boutique!
• Hotel Excelsior – best 5-star hotel in Dubrovnik’s Riviera!

Read my full guide on where to stay in Dubrovnik

3 DAY DUBROVNIK ITINERARY: DAY 1

Explore The Old Town

Start your first morning in Dubrovnik by exploring the beautiful pedestrianised old town, and 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 shiny limestone street, Stradun from Ploce to Pile Gates, to get your bearings, then wander the charming cobbled lanes and have fun climbing the stairs; there are lots of nooks to get lost in and places to grab a coffee, but I would head to Cafe Festival right on Stradun, it’s more authentic and the oldest in town!

You can also hire a fantastic guide who will walk you through the city’s rich history and most important buildings in a couple of hours without wasting any precious time. 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!

However, you choose to explore, don’t miss the beautiful old town harbour, Cathedral or the Franciscan Monastery; these are some of the key spots of Dubrovnik Old Town, and while you’re at the top of the Jesuit Stairs, if you follow the wall along, you’ll find the infamous Buza cliffside bars!

You can read more about the Game Of Thrones Walking Tour and filming locations in my Game of Thrones tour review, and find out if it’s worth it!

Enjoy Lunch At Lucin Kantun Or Proto

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

I recommend either Proto, Above 5 or Lucin Kantun restaurants if you want to dive straight into great Croatian cuisine – each I’ve been to many times and have enjoyed immensely, they are gorgeous places, so it’s only fair I pass it on!

Above 5 is situated on the rooftop of one of the best boutique hotels in the old town, it offers incredible views and intimate dining experiences, while Proto is the best upscale fish restaurant in town with two gorgeous terraces and a fab menu – not all of it is fishy!

If you want to be situated within a charming cobbled street, Lucin Kantun is a great spot, specialising in lavender gin and well-presented small plates!

Relax At The Pool Or Beach

At the sunniest part of the day, 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’s incredibly scenic.

Banje is the iconic beach right next to Ploce Gate, just a few minutes’ walk from the old town. It’s very handy! On the pebbles, there’s a decent beach club with sun loungers, and the water here is remarkably shallow and clear – you must squeeze this spot into your Dubrovnik itinerary even if it’s just to see!

But an even better option is to stay and relax in your own abode – Ploce or Pile areas offer gorgeous boutique hotels with pools and terraces, like; Hotel Excelsior or Palace Natali, they are just two of the hotels I recommend, for more details, check out my full list of places to stay in Dubrovnik here!

Cable Car & Dinner With Views

For your first evening, I recommend taking the cable car to Mount Srd for amazing sunset views over the entire town and a meal to remember!

The cable car journey is only a few minutes, but the view is unbelievable! To make the most of it, I recommend booking a table on the incredible terrace of restaurant Panorama (see the image below!). You’ll need to reserve at least a week in advance – and for the best experience, head there 1-2 hours before sunset.

And while the food at this restaurant could easily be mediocre, it is not; you will find something to your liking from this people-pleasing Mediterranean menu!

Looking across the horizon at the highest viewpoint when there’s a golden glow is really one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik Old Town – you can also drop the restaurant reservations a cheeky note and ask for a table with the best view!

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

3 DAY DUBROVNIK ITINERARY: DAY 2

Breakfast At Gradska Kavana Arsenal

For your second morning, I recommend starting with a light breakfast or coffee at the lovely Gradska Kavana Arsenal, an institution in Dubrovnik, loved by locals and a place everyone should visit at least once!

Ignore the general advice to stay away from super central places in Dubrovnik Old Town, there’s really no need to here, sitting in this lovely spot, surrounded by gorgeous architecture and people watching is a fantastic thing to do!

(In general, my rule of thumb is if you want to sit in a beautiful square or Riviera hotspot, go right ahead, some of these are my favourite experiences, even if it costs a few dollars more!)

On the other side of the restaurant, you can enjoy your breakfast with a harbour view – this side is even more sophisticated, but leave some room for lunch!

Explore Beautiful Cavtat Bay

For the main part of today, you are going to see Cavtat Bay, the most beautiful spot along the coastline and one of my favourite places to visit, and we must find a way of squeezing it into your three-day Dubrovnik itinerary!

After breakfast, head down to the old town harbour where you’ll take an easy taxi boat to scenic Cavtat – it zips you across the water in 25 minutes, arriving directly on the stunning waterfront (reminiscent of Trogir and Split) with its palm-tree-lined prom, scenery and attractive restaurant terraces!

Cavtat is an extremely aesthetically pleasing place, you can easily spend a few hours here walking along the coastal trail, swimming among the rocky bays and sitting on one of the terraces for lunch, there’s a great selection – La Bohemia is one of my personal favourites!

You’ll also get a great view of the harbour as you leave on the small passenger boat and picturesque coastal views in both directions, for €10 it’s a steal! I’ve sent many friends and family to Cavtat from Dubrovnik, and the reaction is normally that it’s the best place they’ve visited in Croatia!

If you want the full day trip details, take a peek at my day trip guide from Dubrovnik to Cavtat – for inspiration and tips!!

Walk Dubrovnik’s Old Town Walls

After spending a lovely few hours meandering around Cavtat and enjoying lunch, head straight back to the Old Town, where you’ll soon begin the UNESCO walk along the walls – the most popular thing to do in Dubrovnik Old Town!

Late afternoon to early evening, in my opinion, is the best possible time walk along the walls – when the sun is less intense, the crowds have dispersed and there’s a beautiful shimmer over the Adriatic, it really is a lovely light! (see all of mine below and throughout this post!)

The route flows anti-clockwise from Ploce Gate, and although not strenuous in my opinion (it’s actually flat once you get up there), it will take a couple of hours to get round, due to stopping to take in the magnificent views – trust me, your phone will be filled with orange rooftop landscapes!

And the reason why I like Ploce Gate to begin is that you end at a lovely terrace called Sv.Petar, where you can enjoy a beverage with a view – when it’s not crammed with bodies! But save the urge to buy food, I suggest waiting for my wine and tapas recommendation below!

Croatian Wine & Tapas

At the end of this busy day of sightseeing and walking along the walls, I recommend finishing with a visit to my favourite wine and tapas bar, M’arden, in the heart of the town, so you don’t have to walk too far and it really is the best!

I’m reluctantly sharing this hidden gem, but this beautiful bar is the best way to relax over a glass of wine and talk about your amazing day. The atmosphere is unbeatable and sometimes there’s even a solo guitarist, which is just the cherry on top!

It’s the perfect place to spoil your loved one and enjoy the full range of Croatian wines with food pairings, the choice is incredible – but be sure to ask the sommelier for a helping hand!

3 DAY DUBROVNIK ITINERARY: DAY 3

Beach Day or Island-Hopping Boat Trip!

As you’re staying for 3 days in Dubrovnik and you’ve spent the first two ticking off all the major attractions of the old town, a lazy few hours by the sea or an epic boat trip on the last day will be a nice change of pace and create a well-balanced Dubrovnik itinerary! Here’s my top two boat trip picks!

Option 1. The Elaphiti Islands

The Elafiti Islands boat tour is my favourite – think hidden bays, turquoise water, and the most relaxing day at sea, it makes a great addition to any Dubrovnik itinerary!

You’ll spend the day hopping around this trio of islands Sipan, Lopud and Kolocep, with beach coves and authentic villages, and there’s a magical Blue Cave, a must-do experience when visiting the Elafiti Islands!

Plan your own itinerary to suit, 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!

(You have a choice of a full-day excursion, morning or an afternoon tour, whichever suits your schedule for the day!). Check out the full details here!

Option 2. Mljet National Park Island

A tranquil and natural oasis, Mljet Island is mostly a protected National Park built around two giant, bright blue saltwater lakes and lots of lush greenery.

It is a beautiful place and packed with serene walking paths, gorgeous views, beaches, caves, which you can swim or kayak and there’s even a monastery to explore in the centre of the lake!

A boat tour to Mljet is perfect for those wanting scenery and a little more adventure, there is knowhere else like it in Croatia! Find more details about this Mljet boat trip here!

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

Early Evening At Fratellos Prosecco Bar

Fratellos Processco Bar is one of my favourite spots in Dubrovnik for an evening drink, I can’t remember how I stumbled upon it, but this cool bar should be on everyone’s Dubrovnik itinerary! I mean, it’s built into the rock face with incredible sea views!

I recommend strolling over (it only takes ten minutes from Pile Gate), around an hour before your last evening meal (see the restaurant venue below) or if you’ve already eaten a substantial waterside lunch, stay here for a while longer, as they do light bites too!

But don’t miss Fratellos; it is a class above the rest, way more sophisticated than the cliff bars decorated with old fishing nets, instead you’ll get three lovely terraces, bags of ambience, soft jazz music and a fantastic cocktail menu!

Last Dinner With A Seaview

After pre-dinner cocktails, head back towards Pile Gate to finish up your trip in style with a stunning dinner by the sea, at the sought-after Nautika restaurant with beautiful Adriatic and Lovrijenac Fortress views!

Nautika is unbeatable for location, it’s a classy place with a stunning terrace, there’s even a pianist playing in the background, I’ve eaten here twice before and the food has been consistently delivered to a high standard, even the steak and risotto, which sound ordinary, but they were far from it!

You definitely need to reserve ahead for tables with a view, especially as it’s a Michelin-starred restaurant and one of the best-loved in town for a quiet, romantic evening. Honestly, this place is special and I think this is the perfect way to end your three days in Dubrovnik!

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!

WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK

Staying inside Dubrovnik Old Town is super convenient for three days, you’ll be having breakfast in a beautiful square surrounded by history, wine on the rooftop and can walk to every attraction. I’ve personally stayed here more than anywhere else in Dubrovnik and there are some beautiful boutique hotel options to choose from! Here’s my favourites:

Boutique Hotel Stari Grad – A stylish boutique hotel with beautiful rooms and a lovely rooftop terrace overlooking the most gorgeous part of the old town – book the room with a private balcony!

The Pucic Palace – One of the most iconic Dubrovnik Old Town hotels, set on a gorgeous square just steps from the main street, blending historic charm with luxury.

St. Joseph’s Boutique Hotel – A beautifully restored 16th-century townhouse tucked away in the Old Town. Rooms are elegant, perfect if you love history with modern comfort.

For a full breakdown of luxury hotels, beach resorts and best areas, see my complete Where to Stay in Dubrovnik guide.

Is 3 days in Dubrovnik enough?

Yes! Three days in Dubrovnik is enough time to see the main highlights without feeling completely rushed- it’s the sweet spot between sightseeing and relaxation, but if you can stay longer – great! You’ll have time for extra island-hopping and lazy afternoons by the sea or hotel pool, especially if you’re after a holiday vibe!

3 DAYS IN DUBROVNIK- USEFUL TRAVEL TIPS

When to visit Dubrovnik Old Town

Dubrovnik is best explored from May to June or September to early October, avoiding the peak season (July and August) and crowds. If you’re visiting the old town in Dubrovnik for the day, early morning or late afternoon is ideal – you’ll miss the peak cruise ship hours.

Book your hotel in advance

Dubrovnik is the most popular destination in Croatia, and the best boutique hotels often sell out months in advance – especially from May to September. I highly recommend booking early for the best choice, rates, and to be close to the old town for your 3 days in Dubrovnik. See my full guide to where to stay in Dubrovnik.

Book boat tours and restaurants ahead in summer

From June to September, the best boat tours and popular restaurants book out quickly. If island hopping or sunset cruises are part of your plan, it’s worth securing spots in advance (I share my favourites in my Dubrovnik boat tours guide).

Dubrovnik Old Town Dress Codes

The old town in Dubrovnik is a classy place! Walking shirtless or in swimwear through the old town is disrespectful and can even earn you a fine and some strange looks! Cover up when you’re not on the beach or a boat!

For more Dubrovnik travel tips, check out my complete guide to Dubrovnik for first visits!

3 DAYS IN DUBROVNIK – FAQ

Is Dubrovnik worth visiting?

Yes absolutely! Dubrovnik is worth visiting, especially for first-time visitors to Croatia. Dubrovnik combines dramatic coastal scenery, beautifully preserved history, and an atmosphere that’s hard to beat anywhere in Europe, your Dubrovnik itinerary (shown above) reflects all of this!

Can you spend a week in Dubrovnik?

Yes, you can definitely spend a week in Dubrovnik, I’ve often stopped for a week, there are lots of things to do in Dubrovnik, from sightseeing to relaxing on the beaches, discovering nearby islands and heritage villages, incredible boat trips and exploring nearby National Parks! Dubrovnik is a fantastic base!

Is it better to stay in Old Town, Dubrovnik?

For 3 days, the most convenient place to stay in Dubrovnik is the Old Town, where you will be within walking distance from the main sightseeing spots, including beaches and the harbour for water taxis and boat trips!

Still planning your Dubrovnik itinerary?

If you’re looking for more inspiration before you go, here are a few helpful guides on where to stay, where to eat and first-time visitor tips to keep you planning with confidence:

• Complete Guide To Dubrovnik – top tips & need to know for first time visitors!
• Where To Stay In Dubrovnik – the best areas, boutique hotels & luxury stays!
• Things To Do In Dubrovnik Old Town – best things to do, highlights & hidden gems!
• Day Trips From Dubrovnik – islands, bays & heritage towns worth visiting!
• Top Restaurants In Dubrovnik – where to eat & drink in old town Dubrovnik!

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