How Many Days Should You Spend in Dubrovnik?

With so many attractions on offer, it’s only natural to wonder how many days to spend in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is brimming with sights to see, from medieval fortresses to glimmering shorelines. 

No matter how many days you have in Dubrovnik, you will always be left wanting more of this Adriatic gem. However, you’ll be pleased to hear that many of the city’s highlights can actually be squeezed into twenty-four hours. 

Of course, allotting yourself more time to explore this beautiful part of the world, inevitably allows you to tick off more of its top attractions. So, how many days do you need in Dubrovnik?

In this article, we give you an idea of how much time you should set aside to explore this enchanting city.

Planning a trip to Dubrovnik comes with all kinds of questions such as – where to stay, how long for and how you’re going to get there. To ease the process, we have covered some key queries that crop up when organizing a trip to this gorgeous city.

Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik

Owing to its marvelous Mediterranean climate, Dubrovnik will offer a unique experience depending on which season you choose to visit. So, when is the best time to visit Dubrovnik? 

Dubrovnik in Spring

Spring is one of the best times of year to go to Dubrovnik. You will find mild temperatures during this time of year as a refreshing breeze balances the sun’s warming rays. 

This offers wonderful conditions to explore all of the top attractions in utmost comfort. The city is also likely to be relatively peaceful as the crowds of the summer season will not have arrived yet. 

Dubrovnik in Summer

If you’re looking for heat, head to Dubrovnik in the summer. You’ll be treated to plenty of sunshine and a buzzing atmosphere as the city is alive with fellow tourists. This is also the best month to go to Dubrovnik for its beaches. 

Bask in the sun’s rays as you lie back on golden shores, listening to the turquoise waves lapping in the distance. As summer is the peak tourist season, you will also be able to enjoy the maximum number of attractions and visiting sites. 

Dubrovnik in Fall

Many see Fall as the best time to visit Dubrovnik. Offering the best of both worlds, the bustling crowds of the summer season have begun to thin away while the temperature remains rather warm at around 67°F.

Another wonderful benefit to visiting Dubrovnik in Fall is the phenomenal array of seasonal produce on offer. Many local delights just come into their prime during this season. Prepare to enjoy incredibly fresh olives, pomegranates, figs and tomatoes.

Dubrovnik in Winter

The winter months fall under Croatia’s low season so some of the city’s attractions may well close over this period. However, you’ll still be able to enjoy many highlights including Stradun and the city walls. 

What’s more, you’ll be able to see these sites at their quietest! There are also a lot of cultural holidays going on in December. Attend the Dubrovnik Winter Festival to get into the Christmas spirit where you’ll find festive food, music and decorations.

How to Get to Dubrovnik

There are several ways to get to Dubrovnik, one of which is by flying to the city’s regional airport. It has a host of international connections along with daily domestic flights from other areas of the country.

However, one of the best ways to get to Dubrovnik is by boat. Take a Croatia cruise to glide up to the Pearl of the Adriatic in style, after exploring some of the other beautiful areas in the country such as Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, Split and Hvar.

How to Get Around Dubrovnik

The best way to get around Dubrovnik depends on where and what you’re wanting to see. For land-based attractions take a land tour. A local expert will lead you around all of the city’s top attractions while sharing fascinating insights about the area. 

When it comes to exploring all of its islands, go on a cruise. Picture yourself soaring across the Adriatic’s azure waters, stopping off at one breathtaking landmass after the next. 

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

The question of where is the best part of Dubrovnik to stay is likely to come up while planning your trip. Well, it all comes down to a combination of different factors.

Dubrovnik Old Town is seen by many as the best place to stay in Dubrovnik. This comes as no surprise considering that it is where you will find many of the top attractions to see in the city.

A stone’s throw away from some of Croatia’s most iconic and recognizable sites makes a truly enchanting place to rest your head! Another wonderful place to stay is the suburb of Ploče. 

Offering a luxurious take on a Dubrovnik vacation, prepare to be left spellbound by the range of lavish hotels sprinkled along its rugged coastline.

For those planning a loved-up escape for two, the island of Babin Kuk on the end of the peninsula is one of the most romantic places in Croatia. As a result, it is one of the best places to stay for couples.

You can tick off a host of the best things to do in Dubrovnik in twenty-four hours. Take a guided tour to be whizzed around all of the top sites in the city by a local expert, without any worry of missing out on anything. 

First thing’s first, you’ll likely want to head to the Old Town. Take a moment to appreciate its stunning medieval architecture by sitting down for a coffee on its cobbled streets. 

Be sure to stop by Stradun, the main street of the Old Town. Its beautiful Venetian buildings might seem a touch familiar. They have in fact featured in countless television and film productions including Game of Thrones and Star Wars. 

Another place to visit during your time in Dubrovnik is the City Walls. Truly stunning, they tower above the city’s terracotta rooftops. Stroll along the ancient stone walls, peering down at the hustle and bustle of the city and stunning shoreline below. And don’t forget to try one of the best restaurants in the city. 

After exploring Dubrovnik, why not head onto some of the other best places to go in Croatia such as Ston and Korcula on an Adriatic Delights Cruise?

Those wanting to have just a little bit more time to explore might consider spending two to three days in Dubrovnik. Staying for an extra day or two will allow you to investigate the city at a more relaxed place, on top of seeing some more sites. 

You might still wish to dedicate the first day to checking out the Old Town, going to the City Walls, Stradun and Rector’s Palace. Additionally, you could also catch the Dubrovnik Cable Car to the summit of Mount Srd.

Enjoy the ride, as you float up to the stunning mountain just behind the city, gazing through floor-to-ceiling windows along the way. At the summit, you will be greeted with jaw-dropping views over the city and its divine coastline.

Upon nightfall, you can explore the city’s famous nightlife scene. Dubrovnik bars and clubs lie nestled within the city’s Old Town streets and serve delicious cocktails well into the twilight hours. 

Alternatively, if you’ve gone to Croatia with kids, you might wish to sit down for a delightful meal in the Old Town before dandering to a local gelateria and chatting the evening away. On the second and third days, you can venture out to explore the city’s shoreline.

Lokrum Island makes a wonderful place to visit. The stunning landmass remains beautifully unspoilt, with flourishing untamed plantlife and primary residents limited to bunny rabbits and peacocks. 

Its rugged coastline is dotted with rocky bathing areas that make excellent swimming spots. In fact, the island is home to some of the best beaches in Dubrovnik. On top of this, you’ll find saltwater lakes and the ruins of the former Benedictine monastery.

Beyond Lokrum, you can visit the breathtaking coves of Banje, Porporela and Lapad. In fact, Taranto is one of the best diving spots in Croatia and lies a short boat ride away from Dubrovnik.

Delve deep into the turquoise waters where you will find a shipwreck to explore along with an array of interesting marine species. 

Spending four to eight days in Dubrovnik city opens up a wealth of opportunities to explore all of its top attractions along with the more under-the-radar gems. Dedicate the first few days to the cobbled streets of the Old Town. 

Visit all of the most popular attractions including the City Walls, Stradun and Rector’s Palace. Another spectacular place to visit is the city’s crown jewel: Dubrovnik Cathedral. Nestled within the Old Town, it is a glorious architectural masterpiece. 

Not just a pretty face, the cathedral is a treasure trove of local artifacts. After going to all of the must-visits in Dubrovnik city, you may choose to tour some of its nearby islands. 

An island-hopping tour is a wonderful way to explore patches of paradise along the city’s coastline. You can tick off everything from the swaying palms of Mljet to the nightlife scene of Split on a Signature Cruise.

Giving yourself an extra few days in Dubrovnik also enables you to venture out to the sought-after wineries of the Pelješac Peninsula. Here you can sample the region’s exceptional red, known as Plavac, along with award-winning fresh oysters and mussels in Ston. 

If you fancy taking an alternative approach to exploring Dubrovnik, why not embark on an eight-day Private Game of Thrones Tour? 

Prepare to feel like you’ve entered a movie set as you set foot in the real-life locations of Kings Landing and the City of Qarth. What’s more, this just so happens to be one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik. 

Along with watching the landmarks of one of history’s biggest television series come to life, you will also be able to tick off some of the top destinations in Croatia beyond Dubrovnik such as Krka Waterfalls and Split.