3 Days in Dubrovnik: The Best Dubrovnik Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Planning to spend three days in Dubrovnik? You’re definitely going to want a game plan.

When I visited Dubrovnik on my solo trip to Croatia, I quickly realized there is a right way and a wrong way to visit the city. By midday, the Old Town was packed with cruise ship crowds, and after one afternoon of squeezing through the busy streets, I knew I needed a better plan.

So instead, I spent my days exploring beaches, finding viewpoints, and taking an incredible day trip to Montenegro. Then, I saved the Old Town for the evenings once the crowds cleared out.

Honestly, that’s when Dubrovnik felt the most magical to me anyway. Quiet marble streets and way less chaos.

This itinerary is exactly how I’d spend 3 days in Dubrovnik again, with all my favorite spots, timing tips, and things I wish I’d known before visiting.

The Perfect 3 Days in Dubrovnik: Complete Itinerary

I’ve laid out this Dubrovnik itinerary exactly how I experienced the city myself… and honestly, I wouldn’t change much if I did it again.

Instead of spending all day fighting cruise ship crowds inside the Old Town, this itinerary mixes the iconic Dubrovnik experiences with beaches, viewpoints, and one of my favorite day trips from the entire Croatia trip.

You’ll still get to walk the famous city walls, wander the marble streets, and soak up those classic Dubrovnik views… just at the right times of day when the city feels far more enjoyable.

It’s the perfect mix of sightseeing, downtime, and a little adventure without feeling rushed or overly packed.

Day 1: Arrival + Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour

Today is all about settling into Dubrovnik, getting your first glimpse of the Old Town, and easing into the city without overpacking your schedule.

You’ll spend the afternoon wandering the marble streets, grabbing drinks at one of the coolest hidden bars in the city, and ending the night with a walking tour that gives you a much better appreciation for Dubrovnik’s history and layout before diving deeper into the next few days.

Afternoon

12:00 pm: Arrive via Ferry from Split

The ferry ride from Split to Dubrovnik takes about 4.5 hours. The views of the coastline the entire way are gorgeous.

Once you arrive at the Dubrovnik ferry port, just grab an Uber to Old Town. The ride is only about 10 minutes and was surprisingly affordable.

Since check-in likely won’t be ready yet, I highly recommend storing your luggage so you can start exploring right away instead of dragging bags through the stone streets. I used Radical Storage, and it made the afternoon so much easier.

Note: Most accommodations within the city walls don’t hold your luggage, as they generally don’t have a front desk or staff on site.

💡 Kate’s Tip: Dubrovnik’s Old Town has a lotttt of stairs and uneven stone streets. Plus, elevators don’t exist in these old buildings! Pack lighter than you think you need if you’re staying inside the walls.

1:00 pm: Lunch @ Bota Sare Oyster & Sushi Bar

After dropping my bags, I headed straight to Bota Sare Oyster & Sushi Bar for lunch because at this point in the trip, I was fully obsessed with Croatian oysters.

And honestly, this ended up being one of my favorite meals in Dubrovnik.

The oysters were incredibly sweet, buttery, and clean tasting, and the sushi was amazing too. It felt like the perfect lighter meal for a hot afternoon exploring the city.

I grabbed a table outside on the street and just soaked in the atmosphere of Dubrovnik for the first time while enjoying a glass of wine.

Such a good way to start the trip.

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Self-Explore Old Town

Before checking into your hotel, spend a little time just wandering around the Old Town with no real agenda.

This is honestly the best way to experience Dubrovnik at first. You’ll stumble across tiny alleyways, hidden staircases, little shops, and random highlights.

Here’s a list of must-see places I came across on my exploration:

• Gundulić Square Market (runs from 7 am – 6 pm)
• Stradun Street (the most beautiful street in Dubrovnik)
• Sponza Palace
• Church of Ignatius + the famous Jesuit Staircase (The “Walk of Shame” Steps from Game of Thrones)
• Zox Box Rooftop Bar overlooking the stairs
• Pile Gate
• Franciscan Monastery

One of my favorite little finds was actually Zox Box Rooftop Bar. It’s tucked above the famous Jesuit stairs and has such a fun little rooftop terrace overlooking the steps below.

I stopped for a drink here while escaping the crowds for a bit, and it ended up being one of those random little places I was really glad I found.

That said… this is probably when you’ll also notice just how crowded Dubrovnik can get during the day.

After about an hour weaving through the busy streets, I remember thinking, okay… people were not exaggerating about the cruise ship crowds. lol

Which is exactly why I structured the rest of this itinerary the way I did.

3:00 pm: Check In to Your Hotel

For my stay in Dubrovnik, I stayed at Apartments u Nikse, and I honestly thought it was the perfect location for exploring the city.

It’s tucked away in a quiet corner of Old Town, which made it feel way less chaotic while still being walkable to everything.

As someone traveling solo, I also appreciated that it felt really safe and the room was very comfortable.

👉 I highly recommend checking out Apartments u Nikse!

Evening

4:00 pm: Drinks @ the Secret Buža Bar

Okay… this place is SO cool.

Buža Bar is built right into the cliffs just outside Dubrovnik’s city walls. You’ll find the small hidden doorway on a quiet, out-of-the-way alley. It feels like you discovered a secret spot only locals know about.

You’ll walk through a small opening in the stone wall and suddenly find yourself overlooking the Adriatic with cliffside seating, people cliff jumping, and some of the best views in Dubrovnik.

I grabbed a drink here to kill time before my evening walking tour, and it quickly became one of my favorite spots in the city.

💡 Kate’s Tip: This is a cash-only bar when I visited, so make sure you have some euros on you. And get here way before sunset if you want to get a seat, because this place is very popular for sunset!

6:00 pm: Dubrovnik Discovery Old Town Walking Tour

I always recommend doing a walking tour early in a trip because it helps you understand the city so much better before exploring more on your own.

And Dubrovnik especially has so much history packed into those stone walls that I think it’s definitely worth having someone explain what you’re actually looking at instead of just wandering past everything.

This walking tour takes you through the main streets and landmarks in the Old Town while sharing stories about Dubrovnik’s rich history, culture, and even the impacts of the Yugoslav Wars, which I found really interesting and emotional to learn about.

It also helped me get my bearings inside the maze-like streets for the next few days.

👉 Fantastic tour and well worth it! Highly recommend booking it.

8:00 pm: Dinner @ Nautika

If you want a really memorable dinner experience in Dubrovnik, I’d try really hard to get a reservation at Nautika.

This restaurant came highly recommended to me over and over again, and it’s known for having some of the best views in Dubrovnik, overlooking the water and the city walls. It’s definitely more of a splurge dinner spot, but from everything I’ve heard, the experience is absolutely worth it.

Unfortunately, I waited too long to make a reservation, and by the time I checked, they were already completely booked out for my trip. 😭

So learn from my mistake and reserve your table way in advance if you want to eat here, especially during summer.

💡 Kate’s Tip: Request an outdoor table if possible. The views are supposedly incredible at sunset.

Day 2: Walk the Wall + Kayak Tour + Mount Srđ

Today is probably the most iconic day of your Dubrovnik itinerary.

You’ll finally experience the famous city walls, get out on the Adriatic by kayak, and end the day with the best viewpoint in Dubrovnik. It’s definitely a more active day, but it was also one of my absolute favorites.

The biggest key today is getting an early start. Trust me… experiencing Dubrovnik’s walls before the cruise ship crowds arrive completely changes the experience.

Morning

7:00 am: Explore Old Town Before the Crowds

I cannot recommend this enough.

Getting up early in Dubrovnik is so worth it. Before the crowds arrive, the marble streets are quiet, the light is soft and golden, and the city feels magical.

Honestly, it felt like a completely different city compared to the middle of the day.

💡 Kate’s Tip: If you want photos in Dubrovnik without massive crowds in the background… you’re gonna have to get up early!

8:00 am: Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls

This is one experience you absolutely cannot skip.

The city walls loop around the entire Old Town and give you incredible views over the orange rooftops, the Adriatic Sea, and nearby Fort Lovrijenac.

I really recommend doing the walls first thing in the morning, before the heat, and crowds get intense because there’s very little shade up there.

The full walk took me around 1.5–2 hours because I kept stopping for photos and viewpoints.

💡 Kate’s Tip: Tickets can be bought from the Pile or Ploce Gates. Cost is 40 euros per person. The walls open at 8 am, but start getting busy around 10 am.

But… If you prefer learning the history and stories behind the unique walls surrounding Dubrovnik instead of just wandering on your own, you can also book a guided walking tour of the walls.

I personally think this is a great option if you’re really interested in Dubrovnik’s history or want more out of the experience.

Be sure to stop at the Cafe on the Wall

It was such a great little surprise finding the tiny cafe on the wall about halfway around. By the time I reached it, I was ready for a stop and a cold drink.

Definitely try to grab a table overlooking the Adriatic!

10:00 am: Secret Beach (Beach Šulić)

After walking the walls, head down to Beach Šulić for a swim and some downtime.

This little hidden beach sits tucked below the massive cliffs of Lovrijenac Fortress and feels way more like a local hangout compared to the busier beaches closer to Old Town.

The water here was unbelievably clear, and after walking around the walls in the heat all morning, jumping into the Adriatic felt AMAZING.

I laid out here for a while, just relaxing and cooling off for a bit.

11:00 am: Viewpoint by Lovrijenac Fortress

Before leaving the area, make sure you walk up toward Lovrijenac Fortress for the incredible views overlooking both the beach and Dubrovnik’s walls.

This ended up being one of my favorite photo spots in the city.

Afternoon

11:30 am: Lunch near the Old Port

After the beach, it’s time to grab a relaxed lunch before heading out on the water again.

I’d recommend choosing somewhere close to the Old Port since that’s where most kayaking tours depart from. Honestly, this is a great time to just pick a spot that looks good and enjoy a slower meal in the shade before the afternoon adventure.

I recommend eating at Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe.

It’s right outside Pile Gate and above where you meet for your Kayak tour. Plus, the food is good, reasonably priced, and if you get a good table, you’ll get great views.

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Sea Kayaking Tour of Lokrum Island + Betina Cave

This was SUCH a fun experience and one of my favorite ways to see Dubrovnik.

The tour starts from the Old Port and takes you kayaking along the outside of Dubrovnik’s massive stone walls, which honestly look even more impressive from the water.

You’ll paddle around Lokrum Island, hear some stories from the guide, and stop at Betina Cave… which was one of the coolest swimming spots of the trip.

The cave is only accessible by water, and the bright turquoise water inside was unreal.

I was a little nervous about kayaking at first because my arms are weak lol… but it honestly wasn’t bad. The pace was manageable, and there were plenty of stops along the way.

👉 Click Here and Book the Kayak Tour I Did!

💡 Kate’s Tip: Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring as little as possible. The tour provided a small waterproof bag for my essentials, which was… a waterproof camera, sunscreen, cellphone, sunglasses case, and water bottle.

Evening

4:00 pm: Cable Car up Mount Srđ

After freshening up a bit, head over to the Dubrovnik Cable Car and ride up Mount Srđ for the best panoramic views in the city.

And I mean… seriously incredible views.

From the top, you can see the entire Old Town, Lokrum Island, the Adriatic coastline, and all those famous orange rooftops glowing in the late afternoon light.

This is hands down one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Croatia.

Grab Drinks at the Top

There’s a restaurant and terrace at the summit where you can grab drinks & food while taking in the view.

I ordered a spritz and just sat there for a while soaking it all in.

If you time it right, closer to sunset, it’s even prettier.

6:00 pm: Hike the Trail Down Mount Srđ

Instead of taking the cable car back down, I decided to hike the trail instead, and I’m so glad I did.

The trail winds down the mountainside with nonstop views over Dubrovnik the entire way. It’s a little steep in some sections, but overall, pretty manageable if you take your time and wear decent shoes.

PS. I hiked it in a dress and sneakers… so that should tell you that it’s not challenging at all.

I also loved that hardly anyone else was doing it. It felt so peaceful after such a busy day in the city.

💡 Kate’s Tip: To find the trail, you’ll walk uphill past the restaurant and slip between two stone walls. It’s not well marked, but you’ll find it. And don’t attempt this hike in flip flops. The trail is rocky and uneven in parts.

8:00 pm: Dinner

After a full day like this, you definitely deserve a good dinner.

I’d recommend choosing somewhere tucked into the quieter side streets of Old Town instead of directly on the main strip. The atmosphere feels way more relaxed in the evenings once most of the day-trippers leave.

I recommend Forty Four Restaurant. It’s a quaint Mediterranean seafood restaurant hidden in a narrow side street.

The food was fantastic, and the setting was romantic. A little pricey (but everything is pricy in Dubrovnik), but definitely worth it!

At this point in the trip, I was seafooded out and craving red meat, so I ordered their veal steak, and it was delicious!

💡 Kate’s Tip:I did not make a reservation and got lucky getting seated right away, but if you are a party of more than one, I recommend you make reservations.

Day 3: Montenegro Full Day Tour

Today was honestly one of the best days of my entire trip to Croatia!

I originally added this Montenegro day trip because I thought it would be a fun way to see another country while I was already so close… but it ended up becoming one of my favorite days of the whole itinerary.

The scenery is absolutely stunning, the little coastal towns feel completely different from Croatia, and it was honestly such a nice break from the crowds in Dubrovnik.

If you’re debating whether this day trip is worth it… 100% yes, it is!

Morning

7:30 am: Meet Your Tour Driver

It’s an early start today.

Most Montenegro tours pick you up outside Dubrovnik Old Town at a nearby meeting point before heading south toward the border.

The drive itself is honestly beautiful, with coastal views almost the entire way.

Depending on border traffic, it usually takes around 2–3 hours to reach the first stop in Montenegro, so I’d definitely recommend bringing water and maybe a small snack for the road.

💡 Kate’s Tip: Don’t forget your passport! You’re crossing an international border today, and they will check it.

Full Day Tour Through Montenegro

The tour visits places like Perast, Kotor, and Budva, and… every stop felt like a fairytale.

Kotor ended up being my favorite.

The town is surrounded by dramatic mountains and filled with little stone alleyways, cafes, cats everywhere, and gorgeous waterfront views. It kinda reminded me of a quieter, more relaxed version of Dubrovnik.

One of my favorite parts of the day was just wandering around with no agenda, grabbing a drink and lunch wherever my heart desired, and soaking in the scenery.

The Bay of Kotor is honestly one of the prettiest places I’ve ever seen.

And while it makes for a long day, I actually think this was the perfect way to spend one of my three days in Dubrovnik because it gave me a break from the crowds while still seeing something incredible nearby.

And if I’m being honest… I kinda think I love Montenegro more than Croatia!! That’s a bold statement… I know!

But I’m definitely going back just to explore Montenegro more! It blew me away!

👉 I hightly, highly recommend doing the Montenegro Day Tour I did!

Evening

7:00 pm: Return to Dubrovnik

You’ll likely get back to Dubrovnik after dark, depending on traffic and the border crossing.

After a long day, I honestly loved coming back and seeing the Old Town lit up at night again. The crowds thinned out, and the whole city felt calmer, quieter, and way more romantic.

Stroll Through Old Town at Night

Before heading to dinner, take some time to just wander around the marble streets one last time.

This was one of my favorite simple parts of Dubrovnik… just walking around at night with the glowing lanterns, hearing music drift out from restaurants, and enjoying a gelato as I people-watched.

8:00 pm: Dinner

Tonight’s the perfect night for a slower dinner and a glass of wine after such a full day.

I’d recommend finding somewhere tucked into the quieter side streets again instead of directly on the main strip. Some of the best meals I had in Croatia were the little places I found just slightly away from the crowds.

I recommend Dalmatino Dubrovnik!

This ended up being one of my favorite restaurants in the city because the atmosphere (outside) feels warm and cozy, the service is amazing, and the food is so good.

I had their oysters and the truffle-and-mushroom pasta! Highly recommend.

💡 Kate’s Tip: You absolutely need a reservation here, especially in summer. This place is super popular and books out fast.

Departure Day: Take Ferry Back to Split

Depending on when your flight home leaves, you’ve got two good options for your departure day.

Option 1: Early Ferry Back to Split & Fly Home

If your flight home leaves later in the day, you can catch the early ferry back to Split and head straight to the airport.

This is definitely the most efficient option if you’re short on time and want to make the most of your days in Dubrovnik.

Just make sure you leave yourself enough buffer time between the ferry arrival and your flight, especially during busy summer months.

💡 Kate’s Tip:I highly recommend booking your ferry tickets online in advance. The ferry lines can get long, especially in peak season. I booked mine on Omio.

Option 2: Late Ferry Back to Split and Fly Home in the Morning.

(This is the option I personally chose.)

Honestly, after several packed travel days, I really loved having one slower morning before heading back to Split. Instead of rushing straight to the airport, I got to enjoy one last relaxing morning in Dubrovnik without feeling stressed.

Sleep In + Enjoy Breakfast

Take your time this morning. Sleep in a little, grab a slow breakfast, and enjoy your final few hours in Dubrovnik.

I grabbed an outside table at Café Festival. Their breakfast was good, and their cappuccinos were really good! It was relaxing.

Explore Lokrum Island?

If your ferry isn’t until later in the afternoon and you still have energy, this is actually a great opportunity to visit Lokrum Island.

It’s a small island directly across from Dubrovnik with swimming spots, walking trails, peacocks wandering around, and really beautiful views back toward the city walls.

I didn’t personally do this because I was honestly exhausted by this point in the trip lol… but looking back, this would’ve been the perfect time to squeeze it in. I had more than enough time to do so!

💡 Kate’s Tip: The boat to Lokrum leaves every 30 minutes from the Old Town harbor outside Ploče Gate and only takes about 15 minutes. The boat ticket and entrance to the island are included in the price – €27 per person. If you go, make sure to hike up to the old fortress for panoramic views and float in the island’s “Dead Sea” lagoon!

💌 One last thing I absolutely had to do before leaving Dubrovnik was send postcards home. It’s one of my favorite little travel traditions and honestly one of the most meaningful souvenirs to look back on later. Plus, I always think it’s fun seeing how long they take to finally show up in my mailbox once I’m back home.

Catch the Afternoon Ferry Back to Split

In the afternoon, head back to the ferry port and catch your ferry to Split.

Again, I definitely recommend booking your tickets ahead of time because the lines at the port can get long and chaotic.

Spend the Night in Split

Once back in Split, spend one final night relaxing before your flight home the next morning.

I personally loved breaking up the travel this way instead of trying to cram the ferry ride and airport into the same day.

💡 Kate’s Tip: If you are looking for a great, affordable, and super convenient hotel for your final night in Split… I recommend Central Pearl by Nono Ban. It’s a short walk from the ferry and outside the city walls, so your Uber in the morning will pick you up right outside your door!

Catch Your Early Flight Home

The next morning, head to Split Airport and start the journey home… probably already planning your next Croatia trip because honestly, this country is so special.

More Awesome Things to Do in Dubrovnik (Alternative Ideas)

If you have extra time in Dubrovnik or just want to swap out a few activities from this itinerary, here are a few other experiences I seriously considered (or wish I had more time for):

Take a Game of Thrones Tour

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, Dubrovnik is basically a dream destination since so much of King’s Landing was filmed here.

You’ll already come across a few filming locations naturally while exploring Old Town, but there are also dedicated tours that take you to the major spots while sharing behind-the-scenes stories from filming.

Honestly, even as someone who isn’t a diehard fan, I still thought it was really cool seeing some of the famous locations in person.

Go Cliff Jumping

If you’re adventurous, cliff jumping is a huge thing around Dubrovnik.

You’ll actually see people jumping into the Adriatic right from Buža Bar, and there are several other popular cliff jumping spots around the city too.

I personally chickened out lol… but watching everyone else do it looked very fun.

Take an Elaphiti Islands Boat Tour

If you love boat days, swimming, and smaller island vibes, you’d probably love taking a full-day boat trip to the Elaphiti Islands.

This is one of the most popular day trips from Dubrovnik and usually includes stops at several islands with swimming, beaches, caves, and little seaside villages.

Take a Day Trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina

A lot of travelers visit Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina from Dubrovnik as a day trip, and it honestly looks stunning.

I chose Montenegro instead, but if you’ve already been there or want something different, this is another really popular option nearby.

Go Ziplining Above Dubrovnik

If you want a little adrenaline mixed into your trip, there’s also a zipline experience above Dubrovnik that looks SO fun.

The zipline is located on Mount Srđ, so while flying over the hillside, you get incredible panoramic views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding coastline.

I didn’t personally do this because I already had a packed itinerary, but honestly… if I went back, I think I absolutely would. It looks like such a cool way to experience the views from a completely different perspective.

Things to Know Before You Go To Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik was pretty different from the rest of Croatia in a few ways. It was more crowded, more expensive, and definitely more touristy than Split. But once I figured out how to experience it the right way, I ended up loving it.

These are the biggest things I think first-time visitors should know before spending 3 days in Dubrovnik.

Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik

Honestly, I think the best time to visit Dubrovnik depends entirely on what kind of trip you want.

If your dream is hot weather, swimming in the Adriatic, beach clubs, and that classic lively Croatia summer atmosphere, then summer is absolutely the best time to go. That’s when I visited, and while Dubrovnik was definitely crowded, the weather was gorgeous and perfect for all the outdoor activities in this itinerary.

That said… Dubrovnik gets very busy in peak summer because of cruise ships. Like… shoulder-to-shoulder crowded in parts of Old Town during the middle of the day.

Which is exactly why I structured this itinerary around early mornings, evenings, beaches, and day trips outside the city walls.

If you want fewer crowds and milder temperatures, May, early June, and September are probably the sweet spots. You’ll still have warm weather, but the city tends to feel a little less intense.

I’d personally avoid visiting Dubrovnik in the middle of winter unless you specifically want a very quiet trip. A lot of tours, restaurants, and activities slow down during the off-season.

How Many Days Are Enough in Dubrovnik

I think 3 days in Dubrovnik is honestly the perfect amount of time for a visit.

It gives you enough time to experience the major highlights like the city walls, Old Town, Mount Srđ, and a boat or kayaking tour… while still leaving room for slower moments and at least one day trip outside the city.

As beautiful as the city is, I don’t think you need to spend every single day packed inside Old Town. After a while, especially during summer, the crowds can start to feel overwhelming. Mixing in beaches, viewpoints, and somewhere like Montenegro made the trip feel way more balanced and enjoyable for me.

If you only have 1–2 days, you can still see the highlights, but your trip will probably feel rushed.

And if you have longer than 3 days, I’d honestly recommend using Dubrovnik as a base for more day trips rather than spending all your time inside the city itself.

For me, three days felt like the sweet spot. Enough time to really experience Dubrovnik without getting burned out by the crowds.

How to Get From the Ferry Port or Airport to Old Town

Getting to Dubrovnik’s Old Town is actually really easy once you arrive. Whether you’re coming from the ferry port like I did or flying directly into Dubrovnik Airport, you’ve got a few simple options…

Taxi/Uber

From the Dubrovnik ferry port, the drive to Old Town only takes about 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Ubers were easy to find and surprisingly affordable.

If you’re arriving from Dubrovnik Airport instead, expect the drive to Old Town to take around 25–30 minutes.

I personally preferred using Uber because the pricing is upfront in the app, so there’s no awkward negotiating or worrying about being overcharged after a long travel day.

That said, regular taxis are everywhere too and are perfectly fine to use.

💡 Kate’s Tip: Vehicles can’t drive directly inside Dubrovnik’s Old Town walls, so if you’re staying inside the walls, no matter how you arrive, expect to walk a little with your luggage once you’re dropped off.

Private Transfers

If you want the easiest and least stressful option, I definitely recommend booking a private transfer ahead of time.

This is especially nice if you’re arriving from the airport after a long international flight because your driver will already be waiting for you when you land.

I’ve used Welcome Pickups multiple times throughout Europe, and I’ve always had really good experiences with them. The cars are usually nicer than standard taxis, the drivers are professional, and it just makes arrival day feel smoother.

Honestly, after a long travel day, not having to think about transportation logistics is sometimes worth every penny.

Do You Need a Car in Dubrovnik?

Honestly… No.

In fact, having one would be more of a hassle than a help for this itinerary.

Most of your time will be spent around Old Town, which is completely pedestrian-only inside the walls. You’ll be walking pretty much everywhere anyway, and honestly, wandering the little stone streets on foot is half the experience.

For anything farther away, like the ferry port, beaches, or the cable car area, Ubers and taxis are super easy and relatively affordable. I used Uber throughout my time in Dubrovnik and never had an issue getting one quickly.

There’s also a public bus system that connects different parts of the city if you’re traveling on a tighter budget. I personally didn’t use it because walking and Ubers were just easier for me, especially while traveling solo.

And if you’re planning day trips like Montenegro or island tours, transportation is usually included anyway.

Between how walkable Dubrovnik is and how easy it is to use tours, ferries, and Ubers, I honestly think skipping the rental car makes more sense.

Currency & ATM Tips for Dubrovnik

One thing I always recommend when traveling abroad is to only withdraw cash from actual local bank ATMs.

In Croatia, I used banks like OTP Banka and Zagrebačka Banka, and had no issues. These are much safer and usually give you better exchange rates than the random Euronet-style ATMs you’ll see all over tourist areas.

Also, whenever the ATM asks if you want to be charged in your home currency or in euros… always choose euros/local currency. Your own bank will almost always give you a better exchange rate.

💡 Kate’s Tip: Keep some cash on you in Dubrovnik. Most places take cards, but smaller bars, bakeries, beach spots, and places like Buža Bar are cash only.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

If it’s your first time visiting Dubrovnik, I highly recommend staying inside the Old Town walls if your budget allows.

Yes, it’s more touristy… but honestly, there’s something really special about waking up inside those historic stone streets before the city fully comes alive.

Plus, being able to walk everywhere makes your trip so much easier, especially since Dubrovnik has a lot of stairs, hills, and traffic around the city.

That said, where you stay inside the walls matters. Some areas can get pretty noisy and crowded during the day and late into the evening.

I personally loved staying tucked away in one of the quieter corners of Old Town because I still got the full Dubrovnik experience without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds the second I stepped outside.

The Hotel I Stayed In & Really Liked!

Apartments u Nikše

This is where I stayed during my 3 days in Dubrovnik, and I’d absolutely stay here again.

The apartment is tucked into a quiet corner within the Old Town walls. I could walk everywhere in just a few minutes, but it still felt peaceful and relaxed once I came back at night.

The room itself was very clean and comfortable, and my room had a beautiful view of Dubrovnik with its stone buildings and red rooftops.

As someone traveling solo, I also felt really safe staying here, which is always something I pay attention to when booking accommodations.

One thing to know ahead of time though… like pretty much everywhere inside Dubrovnik Old Town, there are stairs involved. lol

So definitely keep that in mind when packing and hauling luggage through the city.

What to Pack for Dubrovnik

There were definitely a few things I was very glad I packed for Dubrovnik… and a few things I seriously wish I had brought once I realized how hot the city can get in summer.

Here’s what I’d recommend packing for your trip:

• Comfortable shoes with grip – The marble streets inside Old Town are polished smooth and get surprisingly slippery.
• Chic but breathable clothing – Croatians dress really nicely, especially at restaurants and bars, so I was glad I packed outfits that felt cute and lightweight.
• Wide-brim hat – The summer sun in Dubrovnik is INTENSE.
• Neck fan – I know this sounds dramatic lol… but there’s barely any airflow inside the walled city during summer afternoons.
• Water sandals – Most beaches around Dubrovnik are rocks and pebbles, not soft sand.
• Dry bag – Super useful for kayaking tours, beaches, boat trips, and island hopping days.
• Thermal phone case – My phone overheated constantly while walking around Dubrovnik in the sun, and I seriously wish I’d packed one.
• Sunscreen stick – So much easier for quick reapplication throughout the day without carrying around a giant bottle.
• Electrolytes – I massively underestimated how hot Croatia gets in summer, and these saved me more than once.

Where to Go After Dubrovnik

If Dubrovnik is just one stop on your Croatia itinerary, there’s a good chance you’re already trying to figure out where to head next.

For me, Dubrovnik was the second stop on my Croatia trip after spending several days in Split, and honestly, I loved combining the two cities together. They each have such different vibes, and I feel like they balance each other out perfectly.

If you’re planning your own Croatia itinerary, these are the other guides I’d recommend reading next:

• Is Croatia Worth Visiting? The Honest Pros & Cons You Need to Know – My honest thoughts after traveling through Croatia, including what surprised me most, things I loved, and a few things I didn’t.
• Is Croatia Safe for Solo Female Travelers? What I Experienced Traveling Alone – Everything about my experience traveling solo through Croatia as a woman, including safety, transportation, accommodations, and what it actually felt like on the ground.
• Epic 3 Day Split Croatia Itinerary (What to Do, Eat + Don’t Miss) – My full Split itinerary with island hopping tours, beaches, food spots, and all the things I personally loved most there.

That’s a Wrap

If you follow this itinerary for 3 days in Dubrovnik, you’re going to experience so much more than just the crowded main streets everyone posts on Instagram.

You’ll still see the iconic highlights, but you’ll also experience the quieter, more magical side of Dubrovnik too… sunset walks through Old Town, hidden cliffside bars, secret beaches, kayaking along the city walls, and one of the most beautiful day trips in the Balkans.

My biggest advice… Don’t try to cram everything into your trip. Dubrovnik is one of those places that’s best enjoyed slowly. Leave space to wander down random alleyways, stop for one more glass of wine, or sit by the water a little longer than you planned.

Those always end up being the moments you remember most.

Thanks so much for reading, and I hope this itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Croatia!

I’ll catch ya on the next adventure.