FREE | Dubrovnik in 72 hours: The Ultimate Guide
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old Town
Arrival by Plane
If you arrive in Dubrovnik by plane (as I did), you'll land at Dubrovnik Airport (also known as Ruđer Bošković Airport). To get from the airport to the Old Town, you can take the airport shuttle bus, which takes about 30 minutes and stops at the Ploče Gate in the Old Town. Tickets can be purchased at the Platanus travel agency counter near baggage claim. A one-way ticket costs €10, while a round-trip ticket is €14 (2024).
Arrival by Bus
The drive to Old Town from the main bus station is only about 10 minutes. Just in front of the Dubrovnik main bus station, across the road, is a bus stop where you can catch buses 1a, 1b, and 3 to go directly to Pile Gate and Old Town. You can board Bus 3 directly at the terminal but will have to circle around and back to get to Old Town. The ticket costs €1.99 and must be paid in cash.
Old Town Exploration
After settling in at your hostel or hotel, it's time to explore the wonders of Dubrovnik's Old Town! Get lost in the charming maze of narrow, cobblestone streets, marveling at the stunning architecture steeped in history.
Walls of Dubrovnik
Stroll along the fortified walls that encircle the Old Town. Soak up panoramic views of the city and the glistening Adriatic Sea. Game of Thrones fans, get ready to spot filming locations from the series!
The price of a ticket depends on the season. In the Regular season (from March to October) the price is €35. In the Off-season (November to February) the price is €15. Children aged 7 to 18 pay €15, and children under 7 are free. The ticket is valid for 72 hours from the first scan.
You can buy tickets online at the official website or at the main entrance. The ticket includes the main walls, Minčeta tower, Western bulwark, Upper corner tower with the foundry museum, Fort Bokar, Archaeological site of St. Andrew's, and Fort of St. Lawrence.
The walk around the walls is considered moderately easy. While there are some stairs and inclines, the stunning views and historical significance make it well worth the effort!
Walking Tour
After exploring the stunning walls of Old Town, a must-do activity is joining a walking tour of the city! There are several guided tour options available, and I highly recommend the Free Walking Tour by Walkative.
These "pay what you wish" tours don't have a set price. Instead, you decide how much to tip based on your satisfaction with the guide's performance. Some people give €10, while others give €50.
During this 1.5-hour tour, you'll discover Dubrovnik's key attractions, including: St. Blaise Church, Stradun (the city’s main promenade) Onofrio’s Large Fountain, Ivan Gundulić Square, Jesuit Monastery, Dubrovnik Cathedral, Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace and Revelin Fortress.
Quick Tip: Mlinar Bakery
Located in the heart of the Old Town, grab a quick bite at Mlinar, a popular bakery offering delicious Croatian pastries like burek, krofnice, and kremšnita, all at affordable prices.
Sunset and Cliffside Plunge at Buža Bar
But the adventure doesn't stop there. For the truly daring, the Buža Bars offer a unique opportunity: a cliff jump into the crystal-clear waters below. With a drop of 18-27 meters (60 feet), it's a thrilling experience that'll leave you exhilarated and refreshed. Just remember to bring your swimsuit and a sense of adventure!
Nightlife
One of my favorite memories of Dubrovnik was the vibrant nightlife! The city, especially in the summer, turns into a party scene. The Old Town is a true paradise for those seeking a fun night out.
Pub Crawl
My tip: Do a pub crawl! It's the best way to discover the coolest bars and enjoy the Dubrovnik nightlife to the fullest. I did a few and had a blast! I tried a few, and they were a blast! Three top spots I recommend are The Gaffe Irish Pub, Pub Dubrovnik, and Irish Pub Karaka. They all offer great prices, excellent beer, and a fun atmosphere.
You can book pub crawls at most hostels, or directly through companies like Columbo Pub Crawl, Ziggy Star, Tourist Journey Pub Crawl, and Stag Croatia Pub Crawl. Each crawl ends the night at the lively Culture Club Revelin.
Culture Club Revelin
Housed within a 561-year-old medieval fortress, Revelin is a must-visit in Dubrovnik! As one of the city's hottest nightspots, it offers an incredible atmosphere with world-class DJs and top-chart performers. The drink prices are reasonable, and the music is fantastic.
The entrance fee varies depending on the night - if you go with a pub crawl, it's included in the price. I paid €20 at the door, but if a famous DJ is performing, tickets might sell out quickly, so it's a good idea to plan ahead.
Day 2: "I do Beach" - Ken, 2023
Banje Beach
One of my all-time favorite beaches! With crystal-clear waters and a rocky seabed instead of sand, this beach, located right next to the Old Town Walls, Banje Beach is a must-visit. From the water, gazing to your right, you'll be captivated by the entire walled city. Ahead lies Lokrum Island, while behind you, Dubrovnik's stunning hills create a breathtaking backdrop.
Heads up: the beach gets very crowded in the summer, so the tip is to get there early. The main gate opens at 8 AM, but to secure a good spot, arrive a bit earlier and use the stairs to the right of the Banje Beach Restaurant Lounge & Club.
Sveti Jakov Beach
Sveti Jakov Beach is a secluded and picturesque spot that you can’t miss on your itinerary. With its crystal-clear waters, rocky terrain, and stunning views of the Old Town, it’s ideal for a peaceful and relaxing getaway.
To reach Sveti Jakov, start from Old Town and head south along the coastal path, following the signs. After a short walk, you’ll find a set of stairs leading down to the beach. Note that the path can be steep and rocky, so be prepared. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the small caves along the coastline.
Quick Tip: Peppino's Gelato
After soaking up the sun on Dubrovnik's beautiful beaches, cool down with a scoop (or two!) of homemade gelato from Peppino's Gelato. Conveniently located just after the Ploče Gate, this gelato shop offers a delightful variety of flavors. My personal favorite is the lime, which is tangy, sweet, and the perfect antidote to a hot Croatian day.
Kayaking by the Sunset
Dinner at Dubranka 1836
One of Dubrovnik's highlights is its restaurants, especially those specializing in seafood. If you're seeking a place with great drinks, exceptional food, excellent service, and spectacular views of the city walls, I highly recommend Dubranka 1836. Located just beyond the Pile Gate (the western exit of the Old Town), this restaurant is ideal for a fresh seafood dinner.
My personal recommendation is the octopus. It's fantastic! The price-quality ratio is also excellent, with a main course and a drink costing around €35.
Day 3: Beyond the Walls
Lapad Beach
Start your day with a splash at Lapad Beach! While it's a bit farther from the Old Town, trust me, the extra effort is totally worth it. To get there, you can hop on bus number 4 or 6 from the bus stop near Pile Gate. Tickets are just €1.99, and you can buy them from the driver.
If you have some time and are feeling adventurous, ditch the bus and walk! It takes about 45 minutes, but honestly, it's the best way to get a feel for the city. You'll see all sorts of things and soak in the real Dubrovnik atmosphere. Plus, it's a lovely stroll along the coast.
Lapad Beach itself is perfect for relaxing. Every time I've been there, I've rented a lounge chair and spent the morning reading a book under the sun – pure bliss! The beach also has everything you need for a perfect day, from food and drinks to water activities for the whole family.
Bellevue Beach
A friendly reminder: bring a beach towel, especially during the summer, as the rocks can get quite hot.
Mont Srd hike or cable car to best viewpoint of the old town at the Sunset
After spending the day enjoying the beaches, it’s time to check out the city’s best viewpoint and catch an unforgettable sunset: the top of Mount Srdj. To reach the summit, you have two options: take the cable car located near the entrance to the Old Town, or hike through the forest to the top (which, as you might have guessed, is what I did). The cable car costs €27 for a round trip or €15 for a one-way ticket.
For the adventurous souls, the trail leads from Dubrovnik to Mount Srdj (check the starting points on the map). The hike is 5.1 kilometers long, taking about an hour to ascend and 40 minutes to descend. The path offers a mix of dense forest, open areas, and rough terrain. The most challenging part is the switchbacks, which can be quite deceptive, making you think you’re close to the top when you’re not quite there yet. But the view at the top is absolutely worth it. Make sure to start the hike at least 2 hours before sunset to enjoy the observation deck and the beautiful sunset over the Old Town.
Open movie theater at Kino Jadran
To cap off your unforgettable Dubrovnik experience, there's nothing quite like enjoying a movie under the stars within the historic walls of the Old Town. Kino Jadran offers a truly magical outdoor cinema experience. This charming venue transforms into a starry-night movie theater during the summer months, providing an ideal setting for film lovers.
For approximately €3.50, you can enjoy a movie in this enchanting outdoor theater. The screenings often feature blockbuster films, available in either English or with English subtitles.. It's an experience that will leave you with lasting memories.
As you wrap up your exciting three-day trip in Dubrovnik, you'll take away memories as memorable and enduring as the city itself. From the winding streets of the Old Town and its impressive city walls to the sunny beaches and thrilling cliff jumps, every moment in Dubrovnik combines history, culture, and natural beauty.
Whether you're enjoying fresh seafood at Dubranka 1836, taking in the amazing views from Mount Srdj, or watching a movie under the stars at Kino Jadran, Dubrovnik's charm will stay with you long after you've left. Soak up the city's magic, and let it captivate you just like it did me. Have a great trip, and may your time in Dubrovnik be as magical and unforgettable as mine was!
See you in your next adventure,
Maria
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