4 Days in Dubrovnik: A suggested itinerary

4 Days in Dubrovnik is not very long but long enough to see the main attractions and to experience life in the Pearl of the Adriatic. The vast number of attractions and activities offered in Dubrovnik and its area makes it hard to choose but we are here to help you make the most out of your stay. 

DAY 1
Spend the morning getting acquainted with the historic Old Town. One of the best ways to see the city is from the top of the City Walls. The spectacular views are definitely worth the climb up. Entrances to the city walls are located near the two main gates, and audio guides are available for rent.

When you’ve completed your wall walk, come down into town for a coffee, cool drink or snack at one of the many outdoor cafes. Café culture is an extremely important part of social life here, so you’ll want to “see and be seen” at your best in town as you watch the world walk by – the best people watching this side of Times Square.

To explore the Old Town further, self guided audio tours and group walking tours are available for hire at the Pile Gate. Or if you prefer, just stroll around on your own with a good guidebook. Don’t be afraid to get lost – that’s part of the fun, and you’ll always find your way back to the main street, Stradun.

When you’re ready for lunch, Old Town offers everything from a quick pizza or sandwich to fine seafood. Local tradition calls for a long, hearty lunch in the middle of the day, and a lighter meal in the evening.

After lunch, and a siesta if you feel like it, check out the city’s most popular beach, Banje. It’s located about 3 minutes from the eastern city gate, Ploce, in the Lazareti complex. Beach entrance is free, showers and changing areas are available. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for rent, and adventure seekers can try high speed inner tubing. There’s also a chic lounge bar and restaurant. (Banje is a pebble beach, so bring your water shoes, as well as plenty of sunscreen.) 

In the evening, choose a concert or performance to suit your style. Whether it’s a classical music concert on the
Dubrovnik Summer Festival program (July 10-Aug 25), a folk dance performance by the Lindo ensemble (Tuesdays and Fridays at 9:30 at Lazareti) or a late night disco party at Revelin or Fuego, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste. Current films (usually in English) are shown every night at the Visia 3D theater and the Kino Sloboda. Check the billboards, posters and placards near the city gates for the latest information. There’s always something happening.

DAY 2
If you’re up early, browse the green market on Gundulic Square for fresh fruits, vegetables, homemade liqueurs or a lavender sachet to take home. Best to get there early, vendors usually pack up by noon.

Then catch a boat from the Old Town harbor to the nearby island of Lokrum for a day of swimming, walking and relaxing on this green and lovely nature preserve, famous for its botanical gardens and beautiful peacocks. Boats depart every half hour in season from the pier.

Take a stroll around the island, on the well marked walking paths, visit the historic monastery and its peaceful courtyard, walk through the botanical gardens, and of course, swim! There’s a playing field and children’s playground near the “dead sea,” a calm and relatively shallow lake that’s good for young children. Cliffs on the southern side of the island are a great spot for more adventurous types, while many people also swim near the boat dock. (A nudist beach is located at the eastern tip of the island.)

Have lunch at the restaurant or snack bar, take a nap in the shade of an olive tree, or climb to historic Fort Royale at the top of island for a unique view. Don’t forget to check the signs for the time of the last boat back to town (camping and overnight stays are strictly prohibited).

Back in town in the evening, catch a concert, move or play, or, if you’re looking for nightlife, try bar-hopping through the old town.

DAY 3
This morning, ride the cable car up to the top of Mound Srd for yet another incredible panorama of the town. Enjoy a coffee or snack at the top, then visit the nearby museum which tells the story of the defense of Dubrovnik during the Homeland War for Independence in the 1990s.

The museum is located inside Fort Imperial, which was originally built by Napoleon’s forces, and used as a strategic defense position in this most recent war. Artifacts, photographs and videos bring history to life in this moving exhibit. The cable car station is located about 5-10 minutes’ walk from the city gates.

After lunch, visit one of the city’s museums – the Rector's Palace for a trip back in time to the days of the Dubrovnik Republic, the art museum near Hotel Excelsior, or the archeological museum inside Fort Revelin.

Catch a late afternoon swim on Banje, or take a taxi or bus to the walking promenade in Lapad, with a beach, children’s amusements and a brand new multiplex cinema.

DAY 4
Time for an exciting excursion. If you’re up for an active day, try sea kayaking! Full and half day guided trips are available from several companies. Booking and more information can be found at the Pile gate or online.

If you’d rather let someone else do the navigating, try a day cruise to some of the nearby Elafiti islands, including swimming, lunch and sightseeing. A variety of trips are available. Booking, tickets and more information are available at the kiosk stands in the Old Town harbour.

If you’d rather stay on shore, consider a day trip to the nearby village of Čilipi for a taste of traditional village life, crafts, and traditions, or to the village of Ston for some of the area’s best seafood and shellfish, and a visit to the historic sea salt pans, which are still in active use. Rent a car and go on your own, or book an organized group trip by bus at any tourist information office.

In the evening, enjoy a last stroll on the Stradun for ice cream, people watching and souvenir shopping.

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