How Many Days In Dubrovnik Is Enough?

If you are planning your very first visit to the city you may be wondering how many days in Dubrovnik you will need to see its major sights and attractions.

When you visit the beautiful city of Dubrovnik you will quickly see why it is often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’.

Founded in the 7th century, it enjoys a stunning seafront location on the Dalmatian Coast and boasts a historic Old Town – one of the world’s most perfectly preserved medieval cities. 

Tourists flock here from all over the world, drawn not just by the sights but also by its many cultural events, including festivals and art exhibitions.

Within a 2 day’s visit, you could certainly see Dubrovnik’s main highlights. The downside is that you would need to be prepared for a pretty hectic schedule, with little time to kick back and relax.

For that reason, you might like to plan a 3 or 4-day break instead.

This would give you enough time to enjoy Dubrovnik at a more leisurely pace, not only taking in its major sights but also giving you a real feel of the city’s culture.

Before making the final decision about how many days for Dubrovnik you’ll need, there are a few other things you might like to think about.

How To Choose How Long To Stay In Dubrovnik

Here are all the points to consider when deciding on the length of your stay in Dubrovnik, or in any new destination. I’ve also included a list of the best things to do in the city and an idea of how long each activity will take. 

You can use this information to put together an itinerary for your visit that will allow you to see your favorite attractions at a pace you find comfortable.

To help you figure out exactly how long you’ll need in Dubrovnik, make a list of the things you want to do in Dubrovnik, and consider the time of arrival and departure. Then, look at the distance between places to keep it realistic.

At the end of this exercise, you’ll know how many days in Dubrovnik you’ll need.

Time Of Arrival, Hotel Check-In Time, And Time Of Departure

When deciding how many days in Dubrovnik is enough, think about just how much you can realistically do on the days on which you arrive and leave.

A very late arrival time, for example, will mean you won’t get much sightseeing done that day.

It might be worth adding an extra night to your stay if the amount of free time on your first and last days is limited.

Next, plan what you will do with your luggage if your check-in and check-out times don’t coincide with your arrival and departure times.

You don’t want to be in a situation where you have several hours free for sightseeing but are stuck dragging your bags along with you!

First, check with your hotel or accommodation provider. Most will agree to look after your bags for you, although some may charge a small fee.

Ask in advance of your trip so that you will have time before you leave to make alternative arrangements.

There are plenty of private companies that offer luggage storage at various locations throughout the city. These can be booked and paid for online, guaranteeing your space and giving you peace of mind before you travel.

You can also leave your bags at the bus station for a fee – the opening hours are from 5.30 am to 10.30 pm.

If you haven’t booked anything in advance, keep your eyes open when you are out and about in the city, as many internet cafes have signs advertising this service too.

Activities In Dubrovnik

Use my list of ‘What to Do in Dubrovnik’ (below) along with your own research to plan your itinerary for the trip. It is very important to decide what you want to do in advance so that you can plan your time effectively.

As well as using my recommendations for how long to spend at each activity, you should account for the time you will spend traveling between attractions.

Remember that Dubrovnik can be very busy in July and August, so if that’s when you’re visiting you should allow extra time for queuing, too.

Note that many travelers prefer to book tours and activities in advance to save time, skip the queues and make the most of their holidays.

Browse Tours In Dubrovnik

Pace Of Activities

When it comes to travel, everyone is different. Some people are happy to move at a fast pace and fit in as many attractions as possible.

Others like their vacations to be a little more relaxed, with more time to spend at major landmarks or to simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. 

Decide ahead of time which type of traveler you are and plan an itinerary that matches your preferred pace.

If you over-schedule yourself you will likely be rushing from one attraction to the next without truly appreciating any of them.

Transportation

Before finalizing your Dubrovnik itinerary, think about how you will be getting around the city.

Some areas are ideal for walking, particularly the Old Town. Plus, of course, walking gives you the opportunity to take in a wealth of little details that you might otherwise miss.

However, some of Dubrovnik’s main attractions are too far apart to comfortably reach on foot, especially if you only have a limited amount of time.

So your next best option is to take advantage of the city’s public transportation system. There is a good network of buses, with a ‘hopper’ ticket available that you can use for up to 24 hours. 

Alternatively, you could opt for a taxi, although the heavy traffic and inconvenient one-way system can make traveling by taxi unbearably slow. Uber and Bolt also operate in Dubrovnik.

You could also choose to rent a car, which gives you a bit more independence. If you decide to visit the Old Town this way, it’s best to park at Ilijina Glavica, a 5-minute walk away.

What To Do In Dubrovnik

Here are the very best of Dubrovnik’s attractions and activities, along with my recommendations for how long you’ll need to set aside for each.

Explore Dubrovnik’s Caves

With views of the most beautiful parts of Dubrovnik’s coast, this tour with a local guide will take you and your group to seven different caves.

As you marvel at their stunning interiors – or stop for some swimming or snorkeling – you will learn more about the geology and history of the caves.

Drinks are included plus all the gear you’ll need – you’ll even have use of a GoPro to record your adventures!

Suggested time: 4 to 8 hours

See Where Game Of Thrones Was Filmed

As all Game of Thrones fans will know, Dubrovnik was the location for much of the filming.

This guided behind-the-scenes tour will take you to all the places you recognize, including Lovrijenac Fortress (Red Keep), the Pile Gate where King Joffrey was pelted with dung, and the fortified walls where Tyrion Lannister and Varys would stroll.

You’ll learn all the secrets of the show’s production and have the chance to take a photo on the iron throne.

Suggested time: 2 hours

Discover The History Of The Old Port

With scenic views of the Adriatic Sea and Dubrovnik’s Old Town, this guided walking tour brings the city’s history to life.

You’ll learn about the challenges that it faced in the past and how it fought to defend itself and maintain its status as a small independent republic. 

You’ll also visit the important landmarks that were so vital in the city’s protection.

Suggested time: 2 hours

Enjoy A Romantic Sunset Cruise With Dinner

One of the best ways to enjoy the views of Dubrovnik’s red-tiled roofs and impressive fortifications is from the water. Join a romantic cruise and board the ‘Karaka’ – a gorgeous 16th-century wooden ship.

Here you will enjoy a delicious dinner based on Dalmatian cuisine, a glass of sparkling champagne, and the moonlit city views with ambient music in the background.

Suggested time: 2 hours

Try The Local Delicacies

You can learn a lot about a destination from its food!

This enjoyable food and wine tour will give you the chance to sample the unique gastronomy available at four of the city’s restaurants whilst touring its World Heritage Site-listed Old Town.

The experience finishes with a taste of traditional Croatian cake at a charming patisserie located within the Old Town’s ancient walls.

Suggested time: 3 hours

Visit Nearby Montenegro

The Montenegro coast is located less than an hour away from the city of Dubrovnik and this day trip – taking in Bok Kotorska, Perast, Kotor, and Budva – makes the perfect way to see it.

You’ll have plenty of free time to explore, and will learn lots about Montenegro’s history, legends, and important cultural monuments along the way.

The tour includes a ferry journey across the Boka Kotorska Bay and the option of visiting the island of Our Lady of the Rocks.

Suggested time: 10 to 11 hours

Final Thoughts On Dubrovnik Getaways

So how many days do you need in Dubrovnik to do everything you want to do?

I hope this guide has helped you make that decision and plan your itinerary – and that you have a wonderful stay in this unique and historic city.

Here are some other useful guides to help you explore other parts of Croatia:

• 2 days in Dubrovnik
• Split 2-day itinerary
• How many days in Split