The stunning city of Dubrovnik is often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. It enjoys a beautiful ocean backdrop and was once a powerful republic, defended from invaders by vast city walls.
These spectacular walls still stand today, just one of the many attractions that bring visitors here from all over the world.
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Its scenic cobbled streets and impressive Venetian-Gothic architecture are frequently bathed in sunshine, whilst the city regularly hosts festivals and cultural events.
The culinary scene is vibrant, with restaurants serving everything from locally sourced fare to contemporary cuisine. And the city is also home to one of the world’s coolest bars, with the best views you’ve ever experienced!
If you plan to see the best of Dubrovnik in 2 days, you might wonder how to fit in all the main attractions. This guide is designed to help!
We’ve created the perfect itinerary for a weekend in Dubrovnik trip, helping you enjoy the best of its sights at a comfortable pace.
We also suggest the best places to stay in the city, with ideas suitable for every budget.
Day 1
You’ll spend your first day in Dubrovnik soaking up its history. You’ll start by walking on the City Walls, then explore the fascinating streets and buildings of the Old Town.
Morning – Walk Dubrovnik’s Famous City Walls
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Snek by Congo, located at the end of Stradun. There are many dishes to choose from, the portion size is hearty, and the prices are very affordable.
Now it’s time to head to the City Walls. There are a couple of good reasons we recommend starting your day here.
In part, it’s because the City Walls are Dubrovnik’s main attraction. As if their historical importance wasn’t enough, they became even more famous through their appearance in Games of Thrones as the stage for Kings Landing.
Subsequently, they get VERY busy – so visiting as early as possible is the best way to avoid the crowds.
The other reason is that temperatures can get very high later in the day, and there is very little shade up on the walls. A morning visit is much more comfortable.
We recommend you book a guided tour to explore the walls.
The Walls – originally built between the 13th and 16th centuries for defense purposes – are huge in scale. And the great thing is that you can walk the entire 2 km length.
Starting from the main entrance at Pile Gate you’ll enjoy fantastic views, taking in the city itself, the ocean, and Lovrijenac (St. Lawrence Fortress).
You’ll walk in a counterclockwise direction, and it will take around 2 hours to complete the circuit. This allows for plenty of time to stop and take photos. There are cafes and toilets available along the route, but we recommend bringing some extra water with you.
Afternoon – Explore The Old Town And Harbour
After lunch – and a spot of people-watching – on the terrace of one of the many restaurants along Stradun (the main street), it’s time to explore the Old Town itself.
Fortunately, it’s extremely compact and pedestrian-only, so you can see a great deal even with just 2 days in Dubrovnik!
Grab a map from the visitor center (navigating the narrow lanes can be confusing), then check out some of the main sights. Starting back at Pile Gate, you can see the Franciscan Monastery and Museum, with the famous Large Onofrio’s Fountain right opposite.
The water here is safe to drink, so it’s a good spot to refill your bottle!
At the other end of Stradun, you’ll find other important buildings, including Dubrovnik City Hall, the Synagogue Museum, the 16th-century Sponza Palace, and the Bell Tower.
At the end of Stradun and to the right are the 15th-century Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin.
If you get time, head to the area of the Old Port. It looks very scenic with all the fishing boats bobbing on the water, and there are lots of sightseeing boat tours available.
Evening – Enjoy Fine Local Food In The Old Town
Enjoy a meal made with fresh local ingredients to end the first of your two days in Dubrovnik. We recommend the Michelin-rated Proto Restaurant, located where the Široka and Vara streets intersect.
It specializes in seafood, which you can enjoy on the charming rooftop terrace.
For drinks, head to the Buza Bar (also known as the hole in the wall). Built into the rocks right above the sea, it is often described as one of the most beautiful bars in Dubrovnik.
Day 2
On the second day, you’ll visit one of Croatia’s greatest landmarks, relax in a nature reserve just off the coast, and then take a cable car ride up to Srd Hill.
Morning – Visit Fort Lovrijenac
Start your morning with a relaxed breakfast at Caffe Bar The Kop, located right between the City Walls and Fort Lovrijenac. Then head to the fort itself – an integral part of the city’s landscape and well known to Game of Thrones fans as the ‘Red Keep’.
The fort is believed to date back to the early 1000s and was built to defend the city against the Venetians. To get to it, you must go to Pile and look for the steps leading down behind Gallus restaurant.
You’ll come to a kayak center at Kolorina bay, and from there you’ll need to follow the steep, narrow path to the Fort’s entrance.
Unfortunately, the fort has no signage to tell you about its history. But it’s an incredible place to walk nonetheless, with views of Dubrovnik and the bay that are simply stunning!
Afternoon – Take A Boat To Lokrum Island
Up to now, you’ve spent much of your 2 days in Dubrovnik exploring its ancient buildings. So for your final afternoon, you’ll appreciate its natural beauty instead!
Lokrum Island is just 15 minutes by boat from Dubrovnik Old Town – you can catch a ferry from just outside the City Walls. If you use the official Lokrum boat, entry to the island is included in the cost of your ticket (200 HRK). If not, you will need to pay on arrival.
Alternatively, you could book a kayak tour to visit Lokrum Island.
The island is beautiful and tranquil, providing a welcome respite from the heat and crowds of the mainland.
Immediately you’ll notice the lovely scent of the pine, olive, and cypress trees that dot the island.
You can visit the picturesque 19th-century Botanic Gardens, see the ruins of a Benedictine monastery, or – during the summer months – soak up the sun and enjoy the water along the coastline.
Peacocks roam the island freely, and there is even a colony of tame rabbits that you can feed by hand. The Royal Fort offers excellent views from the top of the island’s center.
Evening – Watch the Sun Set From Srd Hill
What better way to end your weekend in Dubrovnik than by watching the sun go down over the city from the top of Srd Hill.
To reach it, look out for signs for the Dubrovnik Cable Car. This takes you right to the top in under 5 minutes. Here you’ll find viewing platforms, a museum, and a fort. There is also a bar and restaurant for dinner and cocktails.
The views are wonderful, especially when the golden sun rays hit the rooftops as it starts to set. You’ll then see the city’s lights, with the spectacularly illuminated Walls. It’s an impressive sight that will give you a lasting memory of this fabulous destination.
Are 2 Days In Dubrovnik Enough?
As you can see from this itinerary for two days in Dubrovnik, you’ll have plenty of time to see the city’s main attractions.
You may need to add an extra night to your stay if you arrive late on your first day or leave particularly early on your day of departure.
Where To Stay In Dubrovnik
Here are our recommendations for the best places to stay in Dubrovnik, no matter what your budget!
Best Budget Accommodation
Ideal for a low-cost stay within Dubrovnik’s City Walls, the Hostel Angelina Old Town is just 650 yards from the popular Banje Beach and 400 yards from the Pile Gate.
Both dormitory-style rooms with lockers and private rooms are available, whilst the shared kitchen offers facilities like a fridge, oven, and toaster. There is also a common room for relaxation.
The beds are comfy, and there is a terrace overlooking the town where you can meet other travelers and enjoy the views!
Best Mid-Range Accommodation
Just a 20-minute walk from the Old Town, Hotel Lero is 5 minutes from the beach and features a wellness center, a seasonal outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants.
The modern rooms are air-conditioned, and all have a flat-screen TV, safe, minibar, and kettle. Meanwhile, the bathrooms contain either a bath or shower, with complimentary toiletries, a bathrobe, slippers, and a hairdryer.
A buffet breakfast is served daily, and you have a choice of cuisine, from the Dalmatian and international fare at The Terra Restaurant to the Bosnian cuisine at the à-la-carte Taj Mahal.
Best Luxury Accommodation
For the ultimate in luxury, spend your 2 days in Dubrovnik at the Boutique Hotel Stari Grad.
Recently renovated and just a 2-minute walk from the beach, it is one of only two hotels located within the City Walls.
In addition to a great location, it offers private en suite bathrooms with hydromassage showers, a rooftop terrace restaurant with panoramic views, and excellent attention to detail.
The atmosphere is very intimate, with only 8 beautifully decorated rooms and wonderfully attentive staff.
Final Thoughts On Dubrovnik In Two Days
If you’ve been wondering what to do in Dubrovnik in 2 days, I hope you’ve found this guide helpful.
Dubrovnik is a fascinating city with a great climate and so much to explore. This Dubrovnik 2-day itinerary includes all of its main attractions, ensuring you’ll have both an enjoyable and memorable stay.
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