Conquering Dubrovnik in 4 Days - An Epic Travel Itinerary
Updated: May 12
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Welcome to the Pearl of the Adriatic!
This sneaky little city has been playing hard to get on my travel list for ages! But thanks to Kiu’s craving for a warm autumn escape, we finally turned our gaze towards this medieval city’s sunny Mediterranean charm. And boy, am I grateful we did the Dubrovnik travel! We got the thrill of ticking off a long-awaited dream destination!
Dubrovnik, this resilient beauty has stood strong and proud despite wars, attacks, earthquakes, and invasions. This walled city has a blend of Venetian Gothic and Renaissance styles in palaces, churches, and public buildings and is simply mesmerizing! How can anyone not have you on their top 10 travel list? It’s mind-blowing!
Agenda: Conquering Dubrovnik in 4 Days Where is Dubrovnik? Dubrovnik - A history buff's paradise When to visit Dubrovnik and Weather Suitability How to reach Dubrovnik? Parking in Dubrovnik 4 days in Dubrovnik |
So where is Dubrovnik?
Praised by Lord Byron, Dubrovnik is a city located in a very young country Croatia (Hrvastska) with a rich history and significant geostrategic and geopolitical importance. Situated on the southern coast of Croatia, Dubrovnik is a city situated in the broader Balkan Peninsula, bordered by Montenegro to the south, while Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina lie across the Adriatic Sea. The city's roots can be traced back to the 7th century when it was part of the territory of the Roman Empire, and its historical significance and stunning coastal location have made it a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
Dubrovnik - A history buff's paradise
Located in the southern portion of Croatia, facing the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the region of Dalmatia. The town is connected to the mainland through a bridge and it belongs to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites thanks to its impressive medieval buildings and its breathtaking fortified old town.
On the south side of the country, there is a rocky island called Laos. This island is known for its rugged terrain and natural beauty. Moving towards the mainland, we come across Ragusa, which is now Dubrovnik, was once a Roman village. Ragusa has a rich history and is known for its historical architecture and cultural heritage. Finally, there is Dubrava, an area characterized by its oak woods and ship production. The oak woods in Dubrava have been a valuable resource for shipbuilding throughout history.
When to visit Dubrovnik and Weather suitability
Dubrovnik is expensive, so plan well and ahead of time. Summer between June and August is the most expensive time to visit with steep accommodation prices and crowds around the tourist areas. Summer is the best time to visit, however, it is always better to see Dubrovnik in late autumn or early spring to enjoy milder temperatures, lower accommodation fees, and fewer crowds.
How to reach Dubrovnik?
By flight - All major cities in the world are connected by air to the airport in the capital Zagreb. Flights in Europe are well connected from many major cities in EU to the airport in Zadar, Dubrovnik, split and Zagreb.
By car - You can also drive down from neighbouring EU countries into Croatia. The road network is fantastic to Dubrovnik.
By train - Unfortunately there are no direct trains to Dubrovnik, however you may take a train to Split and from Split you can take a bus or car to Dubrovnik.
Parking in Dubrovnik
Parking in the old town of Dubrovnik can indeed be a costly affair. While it is not impossible to find parking, it is important to note that parking in residential areas is strictly prohibited and can result in fines. To avoid such penalties, visitors are advised to utilize parking garages available in the vicinity. However, it is worth mentioning that parking fees in these garages can be quite expensive, with the cheapest option typically starting at €24 per day. Alternatively, there are open parking spaces available, but the hourly rates can go up to €7. It is advisable to plan ahead and budget for parking expenses when visiting the old town of Dubrovnik to avoid any surprises.
4 days in Dubrovnik
We landed in Zadar international airport as Ryanair tickets to Zadar was pretty economical and from the airport Zadar city center was 7 kms away. We had planned a drive down in Croatia covering Dubrovnik, Split, Krka National park and Zagreb. We decided to spend the night in Zadar before heading to the most awaited medieval walled city of Dubrovnik.
Day 1 - Drive down and Experiencing Dubrovnik by night
We started leisurely on this day since it was a 4 hours drive to Dubrovnik and we wanted to be well rested to enjoy the night attractions of Dubrovnik on arrival. We wanted to reach by sunset so that we could stroll in the city in its evening golden hues and experience the true medieval feeling by night under the city’s yellow lights.
The landscape is rocky with shrubs throughout and occasional bridges showcasing a brilliant view of the inland seas through densely packed brick colored rooftops. We reached our apartment in Ul. od Nuncijate, which offered gorgeous views of the mountain and Adriatic Sea which was a stone’s throw from Dubrovnik. We opted for an accommodation in the outskirts (5 minutes driving distance) to beat the exorbitant accommodation tariffs, for free parking and for great views of this Mediterranean beauty.
After settling in and a round of hot coffee with the jaw dropping view, we finally headed to the old town at about 5 pm. We started with strolling in the charming historic district and old town. There are 3 entrances to the walled city, out of which the main entrance is the Pile Gate on the western side of the old town. The first thing we noticed as we approached the old town were the high walls and stone towers. It is considered one of the safest protective systems in Europe during the Middle Ages. Once we entered the Pile Gate, we were welcomed by the magnificent Onofrio's Fountain, a beautiful 15th-century fountain and bustling street filled with shops, cafes and restaurants. We noticed narrow alleys that ran up great, long flight of stairs that actually ran between houses.
We were a bit wary about Dad’s situation here considering the multitude of steps and steep inclines, so we decided that dad would pretty much stick to exploring the Old Town which is quite flat, so he wouldn’t have problem with climbing. While exploring this part of Dubrovnik is likely to take it out of you, these narrow staircases are exceptionally photogenic and well worth the effort. The northern end of town runs up the side of quite a steep incline, so dad decided to avoid that section too.
But before we could climb the steps, we walked along the main bustling street or promenade in town known as Stradun or Placa. Since the 13th century, this limestone street has been the main street and we spotted countless elegant Venetian buildings. Word has it that the street glistens thanks to the countless number of people walking on it day in and day out, however it is also known that the street is polished every night to maintain its pristine appearance and luster. This iconic street has served as a filming location for not just Game of Thrones but also for the Star Wars franchise.
When you arrive at the other end of Stradun, you'll land at a square which is one of the most prominent squares in Dubrovnik - Luza Square for it accommodates the historical marvels Sponza Palace, the Clock Tower, the Church of Saint Blaise, Orlando's Column, and Onofrio's Small Fountain (more about these marvels in Day 2 below). Starting from Palace Sponza, we strolled through an arch that revealed a harbour hosting a multitude of boats and yachts. This is Porat Dubrovnik. This charming harbour was encircled by ancient pier walls and observation points. One can observe the stunning sunset by the pier or from one of the high-end restaurant terraces located there. On the pier, various boat tour companies were available, offering options for private or group day tours to the Blue Cave. Then via another archway, we landed at the same Luza Square, however at its other end that housed the Church of and the Knežev dvor or Recter’s palace.
Heading closer towards the Recter’s palace, the darkness was beginning to set in. We noticed its beautiful Corinthian and Ionic architecture of its columns under the yellow lights. Then we walked into Od Puca which opened onto the Gundulić Square. It was 6 pm and we happened to just witness some green market that was closing its shutters for the day. It is the city market during the day, a nice area for outdoor dining in the evening. We walked through the market and quickly glimpsing through its products. We then sat by the statue of Gundulić and did some people watching.
Tip: Just next to this statue, is situated the Konzum supermarket which sells the basic food items and groceries. Since this supermarket is closed on Sunday, we decided to stock up for our apartment with milk, yogurt, bread, banana, eggs and some other basic items before the closure of the supermarket. (Timings: Open from 7 AM to 8 PM from Mon to Sat).
The night was weighing in when we decided to head for dinner. In the vicinity we found a restaurant that dished out great Asian dishes (Azur) so we decided to dine there. After a sumptuous dinner, we called it a day and returned to our apartment.
Day 2 - Walking tour
Intrigued and excited from the attractions seen from the previous evening, we were ready early, kids in tow, to explore the magnificent medieval city of Dubrovnik. We had a heavy breakfast in our apartment and headed for our walking tour in Dubrovnik. We booked our English tour on GetYourGuide 'Dubrovnik: Old Town Walking Tour' for the 11 am slot. That way by the end of the tour, we were in time for a hearty lunch. We had to assemble by the Pile Bus Stop/taxi drop-off point for our guide. Ensure you carry a bottle of water, have your hat and sunglasses in place and make a toilet run before you start this tour.
Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour
We started our tour at Pile Gate with a view of the iconic Minceta Tower (the highest point of the city walls). Next we were guided through the main entrance of the walled city, The Pile Gate. This grand gate was constructed in 1537 and is adorned with impressive stone architecture, and serves as a gateway to the renowned Old Town. During the summer months, visitors have the opportunity to witness an interesting changing of the guard ceremony at the Pile Gate. Guards are dressed in traditional Croatian uniforms for this ceremony adding a touch of historical charm to the experience.
As you enter through the main arch, you will be welcomed by the Onofrio Fountain, which dates back to the 15th century. It was built by the architect Onofrio della Cava (thus the name) and functioned as a integral part of the city's water supply system. The fountain received its water from the nearby water viaduct, which brought fresh water from a source outside the city walls. The fountain provided free drinking water to the residents and visitors of Dubrovnik, especially during a time when access to clean water was crucial. Today, the Onofrio Fountain is a gorgeous symbol of Dubrovnik's history and you can see locals and tourists still gathering here and refilling their bottles with fresh drinking water.
The Church of Holy Salvation is located opposite the Onofrio Fountain. On April 6th, 1667, Dubrovnik was struck by a devastating earthquake that caused significant destruction within the walled city. In this devastating earthquake that resulted in the collapse of numerous buildings, and leading to the loss of lives, the Church of Holy Salvation managed to survive. One must give credit to the church's construction materials, including sturdy stone and solid masonry, along with its location in a relatively open area. Th, including the construction of houses with specific stair designs to enhance safety and stability.
Fact: The disaster from the earthquake prompted the Republic of Dubrovnik to implement new building regulations in the walled city. Most houses are designed with their bedrooms, bathrooms, and living rooms on the first level, while the kitchens are situated on the second floor. This layout is intended to minimize the risk of fire damage during natural disasters like earthquakes, as it can reduce the risk of fires spreading from kitchens to living areas in the event of structural damage during seismic activity.
The Franciscan Church and Monastery. One of the most popular attractions in Dubrovnik which showcases a harmonious blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque styles. The complex encompasses stunning cloisters, a beautiful church, an pharmacy dating back to 1317 (considered the oldest pharmacy in the world), and a library. The pharmacy is particularly renowned for its lavender cream, which has been produced for centuries. An intriguing tradition associated with the monastery is the act of men balancing on a stone near the complex, removing their shirts, and then skillfully wearing them again. This tradition, known as "mescarones," is said to bring good luck (often ending in love and marriage) and is often performed by locals and visitors alike. The entrance to the monastery museum is €6 for adults, €3 for kids and students and €5 for group adults - cash only.
We walked along the promenade to the other end which brought us to the famous Luza Square. This square houses a couple of magnificent architectural gems, beginning with the imposing Dubrovnik Clock Tower, a landmark dating from 1444 and Sponza Palace from the 16th century. In addition to accommodating the State Archives of Dubrovnik, the palace also showcases photographs of the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Croatian War of Independence in the early 1990s. It is one of the few buildings to have survived the brutal 1667 earthquake. The grand Baroque structure of St. Blaise Church or the Dubrovnik Cathedral located across it was built in 1713 to replace the city’s original cathedral, which was destroyed in the earthquake. One can explore the baroque cathedral from inside and witness the incredible works of art by several Croatian and Italian artists, including a magnificent painting on the altar by Titian.
Next we turned our gaze towards the gothic Rector’s Palace. This was where the head of state, known as a rector, ruled from the 14th century to 1808. Nowadays, this major 15th-century landmark is home to the Cultural History Museum, but it used to serve not only as the rector’s office but also as an armory and prison. Every month the rector would be changed.
Turned right and we walked into Od Puca which opened onto the Gundulić Square. Here we witnessed several vendors selling their local produce in the Gunduliceva Poljana market. During the day, it is an attractive location where vendors put up their stalls to sell their homemade products like honey and olive oil, traditional Croatian souvenirs and crafts, flowers and plants, local cheeses and handcrafted jewellery and clothing. We bought the local Rakia made of mandarin and some fresh home grown plums.
From here we proceeded to our final stop, to the opposite corner (kitty corner) of the market from where we enter and continue down Uz Jezuite to the beautiful steps usually filled with other picture-taking tourists. The famous ‘Walk of Shame’ was filmed here. If you haven’t gotten the context, it is because it is only known the viewers of the famed television series GOT where one of its main protagonists Cersei Lannister walks down the flight of stairs naked and onlookers shout ‘Shame, Shame, Shame’ condemning her for her distasteful deeds.
After much photo opportunities and tracing Cersei's steps, we climbed the steps being sure to turn around to look at the street and square behind us, then proceeded into the square at the top of the steps. On our right stood the magnificent St. Ignatius Church. Mum and dad quickly paraded into the church and exclaimed at its beauty! Be sure to go in!
The tour lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes and we covered all of the main attractions of Dubrovnik. In the remainder of the day, we utilized our time to explore these same attractions in depth and detail.
Tip: For GOT Fans, take the Dubrovnik: The Ultimate Game of Thrones Tour.
Day 3 - Mount Srd, Walk the Walls, and Uvala Lapad Beach
We started early on this day too, because we had 3 agendas in mind. In morning visit Mt. Srdj, in the afternoon walk the walls and in the evening head to the beach.
A nice but not must-do experience in Dubrovnik is a trip to Mount Srd, which stands at a little over 400 meters above sea level. If you want to treat yourself to awe-inspiring panoramic views of Croatia's picturesque shoreline and the sparkling Adriatic Sea, then this is definitely something for you. The mountain can be conveniently accessed by cable car, private car, bus, or even by hiking. We took the cable car because the kids insisted, however if you have a car, it would be better to drive by yourself instead of spending 20 euros per head. . Apart from that, there is a restaurant and booths offering adventure rides such as driving all-terrain vehicles through rugged and scenic terrain and the coolest new adventure trend sky biking, basically biking in the air.
However, it is important to note that Mount Srd also holds a somber historical significance. During the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s, the mountain served as a vantage point from which enemy forces launched bombs into the walled city of Dubrovnik.
Walking the Walls. The walls are the leading cause of why Dubrovnik is called the Pearl of the Adriatic. Dubrovnik is circled with protective forts and walls, including the Old Port. The walls run continuously for 1940 meters in length, surrounding most of the city, and have a maximum height of around 25 meters (83 feet). There are exactly 1080 steps on the Dubrovnik City Walls. You climb a little, you walk a little, you pause a little and admire the reaching shorelines, the beautiful sunset or cocktails in Buza and Buza II cliff bars. I'd suggest trying their locally sourced fresh mandarine juice or pomegranate juice, available for 7 euros per glass, made from fruits grown in their own orchards.
Walking further, you become enveloped by a splendid panorama of terracotta-topped roofs in all directions, and I found myself utterly charmed by this magnificent spectacle. The walk duration was roughly 1.5 -2 hours depending on your pace of walk and stops along your walk. Don't be surprised if you spot an unusually high number of cats in the walled city!
For the ones who'd like to explore the City walls with a guide, book your tour here - Dubrovnik City Walls Sunset Walking Tour.
Fact: It's not by chance – there's a specific reason for their abundance in the city. Cats in Croatia have a history tied to a major event: the Black Death in the 14th century. This deadly disease spread through rats and fleas, causing millions of deaths across Europe, including in Croatia. To control the rat problem and the disease, cats were brought in. Even after the epidemic ended, cats stayed in Croatia. They're not just good at catching rats; they're also seen as symbols of good luck and protection.
Sunset at Uvala Lapad Beach. Following an invigorating stroll along the city walls, we returned to our apartment to give our weary feet a well-deserved break. Eager for relaxation after the long walk, we chose to visit a beachfront restaurant at Lapad Beach. There, we savored the sunset while enjoying delightful local wine and a delicious plate of Pasta Napolitana (popular dish in Dubrovnik) at Uvala Lapad Beach.
Day 4 - Fort Lovrijenac, Banje Beach
Our last day in Dubrovnik, and since we still could access the Fort Lovrijenac with the tickets of the wall, we decided to explore this one last observation point with incredible views of the old district.
Do you know the story of the cleverly painted wall at Fort Lovrijenac and the Venetian attack?
According to the legend, during a time when Dubrovnik was under threat of attack by the powerful Venetian Republic, the Ragusians devised a clever plan to deceive their enemies. Knowing that the Venetians were observing the fort from a distance, the Ragusians painted the wooden walls of Fort Lovrijenac to resemble stone. From afar, the fort appeared impenetrable and heavily fortified, deterring the Venetians from launching a direct assault. Believing that the fort was too difficult to conquer, the Venetians decided to abandon their plans to attack Dubrovnik. The clever ruse of the painted walls saved the city from a potentially devastating invasion. Way to go Ragusians ! They surely knew how to defend their city against powerful adversaries.
The complete round trip, including breaks for the parents and kids to catch their breath, lasted 1.5 hours. Typically, it takes about an hour to fully explore the fort. Afterward, we opted to indulge in our favourite tacos at a Mexican restaurant in Dubrovnik, even though they didn't quite live up to the best tacos we've ever had. However, the allure of enjoying tacos during our vacation was too strong to resist. After a full day of being so cheerful and excited, it was time to peak that excitement a few notches up for our kids. Our final stop of the day was Banje Beach. A pebbled beach adjacent to the old town and a 15 minute walk in the other direction is Banje beach. Those seeking a relaxed affair with some sun and sand can head to this beautiful spot which offers a wonderful contrast to the historical charm of the old town.
Other things to do
Kayaking to the nearby Lokrum Island. If you pick the 8 am slot on GetMyGuide, it lasts for 1.5 hours vs the ones later in the afternoon or the sunset tour which lasts 2.5 hours. Ideally the island is just 600 metres away and the saltwater lake there is ideal for swimming. You can also explore the 12th century historic Benedictine monastery.
Elafiti Islands Trip w/ lunch and optional pick up. Its a full day programmer with unlimited drinks and water and with lunch to the Elafiti Islands. The Elafiti islands is a picturesque archipelago where one can explore historic villages, swim in the crystal clear waters or just sunbathe on its shores. Additionally you can hike scenic trails and savor fresh seafood in nearby restaurants. The boat ride typically takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on which island you visit, including Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.
Lindo Folklore Ensemble - Experience every Tuesday and Friday from 9:30 PM over 100 artists in authentic national Croatian costumes perform traditional Croatian songs and dances at Lazareti. This Lazareti or the Dubrovnik Lazzarettos consist of interconnected buildings positioned 300 meters from the Dubrovnik walls. These buildings formerly served as a quarantine facility for the Republic of Ragusa.
Blue Cave Tour- You can snorkel or swim in the blue waters or sunbathe in the Croatian sun on the island of Koločep. Take a private boat or group tour to the Blue Cave. As the name suggests, the blue cave is a natural sea cave known for its mesmerizing blue glow inside the cave when the sunlight filters through the water and mirrors off the pristine seabed.
Accommodation
Accommodation rates in Dubrovnik can be high, particularly during the peak tourist season from April to October. Although prices may moderate during the off-peak season from November to March, they are not as budget-friendly as in some other European tourist destinations.
Hotels:
Finding budget-friendly options within the Old Town can be challenging. Notable exceptions include 7oaks Noble House and Boutique Hotel Stari Grad, both located in the heart of the old town. Priced around Euros 300-350 per night, these accommodations are suitable for solo travelers and families.
For those willing to expand their budget to Euros 600 and above, several options are available in the Old Town. The Pucic Palace stands out as a fabulous choice, featuring old-world decor and a delightful outdoor space for breakfast.
Luxury seekers can opt for either Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik or Hotel Bellevuee , both five-star properties within walking distance from the Old Town, are also enticing options.
Apartments:
Numerous apartments within the Euros 150-350 per night range can be found in the Old Town, such as Royal Palace Buza, Guest House Forty-Four, and Bota Palace, offering exceptional experiences. For families, 'The House Nina' apartment in the Old Town is a spacious and budget-friendly choice, ranging from Euros 100-150 per night, with a garden and patio.
Many Old Town apartments lack parking provisions, necessitating parking in nearby garages. However, some apartments, like SUNce Palace Apartments and Celenga Apartments, provide free offsite parking.
Luxury seekers can consider Villa Lapisa, priced at Euros 2000 per night, centrally located in the city center or Palazzo Vimbula, a five star luxury villa located in Mokošica (4 kms away from Old Town) priced at Euros 1000 per night.
Outside Old Town:
For a cost-effective alternative to the bustling Old Town, consider accommodations in surrounding areas such as Ulica Vlaha Bukovca (15 mins walk from Banje beach), Hrvatskog Crvenog Kriza (1 min walk from Dubrovnik City Parking and 10 mins drive to Old Town), and Lapad (home to an array of stunning beaches and a 14-min drive to Old Town).
And with this, I come to the end of my adventure in this amazing medieval city of Dubrovnik. Finally I got to check it off my list. Hit me up if you have any questions.
If you enjoyed my Dubrovnik travel blog, give it a thumbs-up, subscribe for more, and share with friends. Have questions or need more travel insights? Feel free to reach out. Here's to your future enchanting adventures in Dubrovnik!
Great read and you look stunning in the pictures 😊