Dubrovnik in 2 Days: everything you need to know

Dubrovnik is a magical and versatile city, known for its medieval charm. Many people come here attracted by its small streets and preserved spaces. To make the most of your stay, I suggest you plan your trip in detail, to define where you plan to eat and sleep. Transport should not be a concern in this city, as most places are within walking distance.

If you have two days available, the best option is to start with the old town and its surroundings. This way, you will discover the essence of the Adriatic Stone and take advantage of the best things to do in Dubrovnik. You will also have the opportunity to see the most popular and traditional places. On the second day you can relax on the beach or visit the most popular islands.

The Adriatic Coast is a city that can be covered in a short time, so it is perfectly suited for quick visits. The streets have shortcuts and the city is interconnected by gates and city walls. I recommend that on your first day you take advantage of Dubrovnik' s best activities, which are concentrated in and around the Old Town.

Pile Gate

The Pile Gate is a must-see, as it is an emblem of the Republic of Ragusa. Years ago it was the main entrance to the old town. It is very popular, as some of the best Game of Thrones tours in Dubrovnik visit this location where multiple scenes were filmed.

It is an excellent starting point if you want to walk around the city. It was built in the 16th century and is a very busy place. It is one of the best preserved medieval defence systems. During the walk you will pass by drawbridges, moats and the statue of Dubrovnik's patron saint, known as St. Blás.

This is one of the best activities in Dubrovnik, as it is both educational and recreational. I recommend having a map handy to easily locate the medieval gates and buildings. A few streets away you can stumble upon the Ploce Gate which offers incredible views of the city's Old Harbour.

Dubrovnik Old Town

From the Pile Gate you can access the Old Town in less than four minutes on foot. The best Dubrovnik tours offer guided tours to get to know the area in depth. It's a very complete area that I recommend you explore thoroughly. Some of the places you can't miss are:

• Stradun Street: it is a small street with multiple shortcuts that interconnect the city. It is very bustling and touristy, as it is home to the Orlando Column and the Onofrio Fountain. You will also find traditional shops, restaurants and locations where scenes from Games of Thrones were filmed.
• Sponza Palace: a multi-faceted building that served as a mint, school, customs house and armoury. You'll find lots of interesting facts about the Croatian War of Independence, so it's ideal if you're planning things to do in Dubrovnik with children. It is a two-minute walk from Stradum Street.
• Museum of Natural History: This is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik, as you can learn about the fauna and flora of the area. You can explore embalmed animals and famous exhibits. It is a three minute walk from the palace.
• Dubrovnik Cathedral: This is the site of the remains of the city's patron saint, so it's a mythical place you can't miss. It was built in 1713 and its dome can be seen from different points of the city. It is located two minutes' walk from the museum.

The Adriatic Stone will undoubtedly fascinate you with its monuments and emblematic sites, connected to medieval history. The Old Town is one of the areas that can be appreciated in a short time, so it is ideal for short itineraries.

Dubrovnik City Walls

On the Adriatic coast you can get anywhere on foot in a short amount of time, so I suggest you continue your tour and head to the Dubrovnik Walls. Specifically, they are located a five-minute walk from the cathedral. They were built in the 15th century to protect the city from external threats and clashes during the wars.

Every nook and cranny is steeped in history and was one of the main locations for the filming of Games of Thrones. As you walk around the area, you will come across the fortresses of St. John, Minceta, Bokar and Revelin. These are high points that offer breathtaking panoramic views. The walls offer fully preserved ancient areas, restored spaces and new areas, as you can see from the fact that some of the roofs are new.

St. John's Fortress

In mid-afternoon you can walk to St. John's Fortress, located less than ten minutes from the city walls. Taxis are also available in the city for no more than 5 euros, in case you don't want to walk too far. On arrival you'll find an impressive structure that was built in 1346 to protect the city's harbour.

Note that part of the fortress was demolished years ago, but it was rebuilt and now spins the port's chains. There is also an older section that has been preserved. It's an ideal activity if you're looking for things to do with kids in Dubrovnik, as it houses an aquarium and the Maritime Museum.

Also, from night cruises you can see the fortress towering over the city. It is an ideal plan if you are looking for a quiet ride or want to take advantage of the best Dubrovnik tours.

Dubrovnik Cable Car

To end the day I recommend heading to the Dubrovnik Cable Car, located nine minutes walk from the fortress. Here you can experience a unique experience from the top of the city. After a ride of about four minutes, you'll be 778 metres above sea level.

This is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik, as at the top level you can enjoy zip-line jumps, quad-bike rides, a revolving restaurant and a viewing platform that offers views of nearby islands, the city walls and other landmarks.

The best time to experience this experience is at sunset, which is around 7:30pm. If you're planning things to do in Dubrovnik in June, keep in mind that it tends to get crowded, so I recommend arriving early. Another option is to take advantage of the local terraces, such as Buza Bar which offers Mediterranean-style views.

Dubrovnik's coastline is full of hidden treasures that you can explore in a short time. You can start your day at Fort Lovrijenac or St. Lawrence Fortress, where you'll get amazing views of the city. Later, pack your sunscreen and soak up the sun's rays at one of the best local beaches. You can also venture to Mljet National Park and the Elaphiti Islands, located just a few minutes away by ferry.

Fort Lovrijenac

To start the day I recommend you to climb up to one of the most important fortresses in the city, Fort Lovrijenac or St. Lawrence Fortress. It is ideal at any time of the year, as it offers panoramic views of the medieval streets and nearby islands. The best Game of Thrones tours will take you on a guided tour of this building, as multiple scenes from the series were filmed here.

It's located on the entire tip of the coast and was built in 1018, so it tends to be very busy. To enter you must pay a fee of approximately 13 euros per person, and audio guides are usually available to help you learn more about this rock formation and its historical significance. It's open from 10:00 a.m., so it's a great way to start the day.

Note that if you pay the entrance fee to the ramparts, you can access this fortress completely free of charge. The best boat tours also offer stunning views of this fort, but from a different perspective.

Buza Beach

To continue your trip, I suggest you explore Dubrovnik's colourful beaches and head to Buza Beach. It is less than a twelve-minute walk from the fort, or you can take a taxi. There are residential areas in the vicinity where you can stay overnight for convenience. It is ideal if you are planning things to do in Dubrovnik in September, as you can take advantage of the last rays of summer sunshine.

Buza Beach is home to some of the best things to do in Dubrovnik, as there are beautiful coves, restaurants and passages through which you can escape to the old town. You can take the opportunity to jump off the cliffs, if you have previous experience. There are also banana boats, canoeing, and jet skiing.

There are guided experiences that offer aquatic adventures, such as kayaking or diving into the depths of the sea. Remember that to snorkel or scuba dive, a reasonable amount of time must pass before and after boarding a plane. At least twelve hours, as you absorb nitrogen and can suffer from heart or respiratory diseases.

Mljet National Park

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik, here is a different plan. To do this you need to drive from Buza Beach to the ferry port. The cost of the ticket per person is around 10 euros, but it's well worth it. Mljet National Park is about an hour's drive from the coast on ferry 9807. Specifically, it is located to the west of the island of Mljet.

The best excursions from Dubrovnik take you to the Croatian national park. It boasts striking lakes and other nature offerings. The entrance fee per person is approximately 13 euros. During this excursion you will come across mountains, cliffs with crystal clear waters and lots of green areas.

If you enjoy outdoor sports, this park is for you as it is ideal for hiking. You can also take advantage of a bike ride to explore the area in comfort. In addition, you will find ruins that belonged to communities of the Pomena people, which is nowadays consolidated as the tourist centre of the area.

Elaphiti Islands

Before heading back to the city, I recommend a quick stop at the Elaphiti Islands. First, take a taxi from the park to the harbour to get back on the 9807 ferry. The trip usually takes thirty minutes, but it's well worth it as you'll pass small islets. You'll also enjoy the calm waters of the Adriatic Sea.

You can also take advantage of the best Dubrovnik cruises, which offer guided experiences that take you to the most beautiful islands in the surrounding area. It can be considered a three-in-one excursion, as there are three stunning coves that you can visit on the same day.

You are not allowed to take cars on the ferries, but they can be covered on foot in a short time. In this archipelago you'll find quiet trails as well as beautiful beaches. You can take a boat to the surrounding islands of Koločep, Lopud and Sipan. From here the sunsets are breathtaking and there are picturesque villages not to be missed. To return to Dubrovnik note that the last ferry of the day leaves at 6:30pm and takes approximately forty-five minutes to reach your destination.

Without a doubt, this hidden pearl is a dream city that will probably leave you in awe. There's plenty to do, and the best thing is that most of the attractions are within easy reach. You can even travel to the nearby islands in no time at all by ferry. If you still want to continue exploring its wonders, I suggest you take at least 7 days in Dubrovnik and make the most of your time.