Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, Dubrovnik is Croatia's most famous seaside resort. It is also the main setting of the TV series "Game of Thrones," so after the success of this hit series, more and more tourists flock to Dubrovnik. So if you only have one day to explore this royal city and want to avoid the crowds, check out our suggestions for the most interesting and complete experience.
7:00 a.m.
Start your day with coffee and pastry. Croatians love a light continental breakfast, and unless you’re staying in a hotel, you’re unlikely to find an authentic cafe serving a hot cooked breakfast – except in subpar tourist traps. Dubrovnik has no shortage of delicious bakeries, so stock up on pastries and head to a cafe along Stradun, the city’s main thoroughfare, for a local breakfast experience.
8:00 a.m.
The first stop for any visitor to Dubrovnik is the City Walls, a well-preserved medieval structure. During peak season, visitors flock to the Old Town, so get there early to avoid the crowds and the midday sun. The Dubrovnik City Walls open at 8am, and it will take you a few hours to see them all. Afterwards, wander around the Rector's Palace to see the magnificent ancient relics from Dubrovnik's time as the prosperous and independent Republic of Ragusa.
Dubrovnik City Walls
Rector's Palace
10:00 AM
Time to take in the city views. Take the cable car up Mount Srd and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Old Town and the brilliant blue sea. Panorama Restaurant at the top boasts breathtaking views of Dubrovnik and the Elaphite Islands. While the food is quite tempting, its prime location means that prices are exorbitant. Adventurous visitors can pack a lunch and hike down the low hills at the foot of the mountain.
2:00 p.m.
Restaurants in Dubrovnik are extremely expensive, but if you want to eat before hitting the beach, there are still a few reasonable options to consider. Try Buffet Skola for fresh, quality sandwiches. If you want seafood, Bota Sare is one of the best and most affordable sushi places. Gundulićeva Poljana, an open-air market in the heart of the Old Town, is the perfect place to shop and prepare for your beach picnic.
Gundulićeva Poljana open-air market sells all essential goods at reasonable prices
3 p.m.
Spend the afternoon swimming or sunbathing on the stunning Sveti Jakov beach, just 20 minutes from the city centre. This beach is quieter and more secluded than the city beaches, making for a more relaxed picnic experience.
6 p.m.
After having fun at the beach, stop by Buza Bar, located on the steep cliffs, to soak up the spectacular scenery, watch the sunset and sip a refreshing cold beer. And if swimming is not enough, this bar also has stairs leading down to the sea so you can splash around.
Buza Bar during the day
Buza restaurant at night
8:00 p.m.
There are plenty of great places to eat in Dubrovnik depending on your budget. 360 Restaurant is a top choice for many celebrities on holiday in Dubrovnik, but it certainly doesn’t come cheap. Nautika is a great restaurant with more modest prices, but still up to many high Croatian standards.
Luxurious space of 360 restaurant
If you want a budget-friendly dinner that still includes fresh seafood caught that day, Lokanda Peskarija is the place to be; located in the main port area, this restaurant is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
Lokanda Peskarija restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating with stunning views of Dubrovnik's old town
