How to Spend 3 Days in Dubrovnik, Croatia's Crown Jewel

With its tranquil Old Town setting, imposing medieval walls, and shimmering Adriatic views, it's easy to see why Dubrovnik dazzles visitors. As one of Croatia's premier destinations, this coastal pearl deserves at least 3 days on any Mediterranean trip. Follow this insider's guide to maximize your quick visit to the "Pearl of the Adriatic."

Day 1 in Dubrovnik: Old Town and City Walls

Start your first day by walking Dubrovnik's spectacular city walls, completely encircling the medieval core. As you traverse the 1.2 mile circuit along the ramparts, enjoy panoramic vistas over orange roof tiles, the deep blue sea, and distant Elafiti Islands. Gaze down over the stone streets winding through the Old Town as you learn about Dubrovnik's rich history and strategic fortifications.

For the best experience, begin early in the morning when the summer sun isn't too intense. Bring water, a hat, and wear sneakers for comfort walking the walls' uneven steps. Pace yourself and take breaks - certain sections have few opportunities to exit once you begin.

Afterward, descend into the immaculately preserved Old Town to wander along the gleaming marble Placa, or Stradun, pedestrian street. Pop into the Gothic Rector's Palace housing cultural exhibits and climb the stairs to view the ornate auditorium.

Visit the impressive Dubrovnik Cathedral which dates back centuries and houses modern artworks by local painters and sculptors. For panoramic views, climb the cathedral's tower, entering from inside the Church of the Annunciation.

Grab lunch at a restaurant with al fresco seating along Stradun to relax and people watch. Try the fresh seafood and squid ink risotto at Azur or tuck into pizza on the terrace at Oliva Pizzeria.

Spend the afternoon visiting other cultural attractions like the Maritime Museum inside Fort St. John and the folklife exhibits of the Rupe Ethnographic Museum.

Later, ride the Dubrovnik Cable Car up Mount Srd for incredible sunset views and photo ops overlooking the entire fortified city and coastline. After, unwind with a glass of local wine or craft beer as live music fills the air at Buzz Bar tucked just inside the city walls.

Day 2: Island and Beach Escape

Avoid the summer crowds with a quick ferry trip to car-free Lokrum Island located just offshore. Wander the lush botanical garden's walking paths, peek inside a 10th century Benedictine monastery, and swim at the rocky beaches as peacocks flutter by.

Take an inland dip in the Dead Sea, a salinated lake where you can float effortlessly due to the high salt content, which is also said to have healing properties.

For lunch, enjoy seafood with views at the cliffside Panorama Restaurant and Bar above Banje Beach. Try their squid risotto or the Lokrum burger made with beef and bacon.

Afterward, relax on Banje's inviting sands with rentable loungers or seek out more seclusion at St. Jacob Beach reached by stairway.

In the evening, toast to new adventures and friendships over craft cocktails and Mediterranean small plates at Bard Mala Buža. This trendy bar is dramatically set right on the city walls overlooking the sea.

Day 3: Šipan Island Day Trip

Pack a swimsuit for a day trip to the tranquil Elaphiti Islands, accessed via a short ferry ride northwest of Dubrovnik. Begin with the closest, Šipan, brimming with tiny medieval towns backed by hills dotted with olive groves and cypress trees.

Wander sleepy Šipanska Luka's palm-lined waterfront, 15th century shipbuilding collection, and climb the hill to picturesque Hill Fort. Have a relaxed lunch of just-caught seafood pasta overlooking the harbor at Villa Šipan.

Spend the afternoon swimming at Šipanska Luka's pebbly beach or the rocky-yet-swimmable Zaklonjenica Cove. For dinner, watch the sunset and tuck into more fresh fish at easygoing Restaurant Dubrovnik in Suđurađ.

Getting Around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik's compact Old Town is very walkable. For farther destinations, Uber or taxis are readily available. The city also offers boat connections via affordable ferries, water taxis and shuttles. Local buses run to Banje Beach, Port Gruž, and Lapad peninsula - purchase tickets at kiosks or on board.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

Inside the Old Town walls, boutique hotels like Villa Orsula or Villa Dubrovnik pamper guests with history and luxury but come at higher prices. Those watching their budget can actually save money by staying just outside the city center. Great affordable options on the adjacent

Lapad peninsula includes Hotel Kompas with gorgeous sea views. Or choose an apartment rental in the peaceful Ploče neighborhood, an easy walk east of Old Town.

Beyond the Well-Trodden Tourist Track...

Looking to venture beyond the standard Dubrovnik tourist circuit? Check out the unique sea-to-table restaurant Barba for Mediterranean cuisine featuring fresh catches from the

Elaphite Islands. Tour the centuries-old Dominican Monastery's cloister and museum. Take a kayaking excursion to discover hidden coves and caves. Or sip Croatian wine on a countryside tour to Pelješac vineyards. The possibilities in Dubrovnik are endless!

Dubrovnik dazzles visitors with its medieval beauty, azure waters, and relaxed island getaways. Follow this 3 day insider's itinerary to experience the very best of Croatia's Adriatic jewel. What are you adding to your own Dubrovnik travel bucket list?