Last summer we were looking for a sunny getaway and we opted for a short break of 3 days in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Dubrovnik is one of the top tourist destinations of the Mediterranean, located on the southern coast of Croatia on the Adriatic Sea. The city has kept much of its old look and it features impressive medieval architecture so much so that it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dubrovnik is best known for its old town, surrounded by city walls. If you have watched the Tv series “Game of Thrones”, you would probably recognize Dubrovnik’s old town as “King’s Landing”. We spent 3 days in Dubrovnik, and now we’re going to tell you all about it so that you can get some inspiration for your next trip!
Dubrovnik Old Town
The Old town of Dubrovnik, one of the world’s finest and most perfectly preserved medieval towns in the world, is a must-see. For centuries, Dubrovnik rivaled Venice as a trading port with its huge defensive walls, and it is possible to walk along them to enjoy the best views of the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Walking in the old town of Dubrovnik is truly like being brought back to the past. We highly recommend joining a Guided Walking Tour to learn more about the history of Dubrovnik. The most popular highlights of Dubrovnik’s old town are Sponza’s palace, the Rector’s palace, the cathedral, Saint Blas church, Onofrio’s square, and the market square.
For the fans, the Game of Thrones Tour is something not to be missed. A local guide will conduct you through this unique walking tour of the main areas of Dubrovnik, which were chosen by the Game of Thrones team to set some of the most important scenes of the capital of the Seven Kingdoms: King’s Landing.
Visiting the Dubrovnik City Walls
For those interested in walking on the defensive city walls and visiting the fortress, there is an admission fee. The ticket price for adults is approximately 33 Euros, which includes access to the fortress. Our tour of the walls took around 1.5 hours, allowing for a leisurely pace and stops for photographs. Be prepared for numerous steps along the way. Given the intense summer heat, we recommend scheduling the tour for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest hours of the day. Despite the physical exertion, the walk offers breathtaking views of the entire city and the nearby Lokrum island.
As mentioned earlier, admission to Dubrovnik’s walls includes access to the Lovrjenac fortress, an integral part of the city’s defensive system. Situated outside the western wall atop a 37-meter-high sheer rock, the fortress commands stunning views of the sea. Accessible via approximately 200 steps, Lovrjenac has served as a filming location for numerous scenes in Game of Thrones and serves as a stage for Shakespeare’s Hamlet during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. Its three terraces offer perfect vantage points for capturing picturesque views of the city.
Whare to stay in Dubrovnik
Tourism in Dubrovnik is primarily concentrated in two distinct areas: the Lapad Peninsula and the Old Town. The Lapad Peninsula, known for its residential neighborhoods, is particularly favored by families. It boasts attractions such as Copacabana beach and a natural park, offering a more tranquil atmosphere compared to the bustling Old Town. Conversely, the Old Town is the heart of Dubrovnik’s tourism, bustling with activity day and night. While it offers a vibrant atmosphere and numerous attractions, including historical sites and cultural landmarks, visitors should be aware that it can get noisy, especially during the evening hours.
During our trip to Dubrovnik, we stayed at Tango & Mango Apartments. These apartments are located in a small lane within the Old Town. Despite being very central, the lane is quiet and we could not hear any noise. Our apartment, though compact, exuded coziness and was equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable stay. If you’re planning a 3-day trip to Dubrovnik, we highly recommend staying within the Old Town for its charm and convenience. Below, we’ve included a map of Dubrovnik to help you choose your ideal accommodation.
Enjoying a nice dinner
In addition to its ancient architecture and breathtaking panoramas, Dubrovnik boasts a plethora of dining options. The Old Town is dotted with charming restaurants catering to various tastes, many tucked away in picturesque narrow lanes. Why not indulge in a night out and savor some of the best local dishes? Traditional Croatian cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors, including:
- Crni rižot: Black Risotto with squid ink and cuttlefish.
- Buzara: stewed seafood, typically containing shrimps, scampi, mussels, and clams, and cooked in white wine, olive oil, garlic, and parsley.
- Brudet: fish stew usually served with polenta.
- Pasticada: stewed beef marinated in wine and herbs and cooked in a special plum sauce.
On our first night in Dubrovnik, we dined at Lokanda Peskarija Restaurant by the small port. Enjoying a delightful fish grill for two and local white wine, we were treated to stunning views of the port and city walls. We highly recommend this restaurant for its scenic setting and quality fish.
When dining in Dubrovnik, note the varying portion sizes; some starters may suffice as main courses due to their generous servings. If uncertain, don’t hesitate to ask your server for clarification.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town comes alive at night with a vibrant atmosphere. Numerous outdoor bars offer delicious cocktails, while gelato shops provide high-quality, refreshing treats—perfect after a satisfying dinner and leisurely stroll.
Relaxing at the beach
As you know already, we love beaches and natural settings and therefore, we couldn’t miss the beautiful beaches of Dubrovnik. During our 3 days in Dubrovnik, we went to Banje beach and Sveti Jacov beach.
Banje Beach
Banje Beach, just a 10-minute walk from the Old Town, features a mix of pebbles and sand, so water shoes are advisable. Umbrellas and sunbeds are available for rent starting from 6€. The beach offers a bar & restaurant serving main courses, snacks, and refreshments. While Banje Beach can get crowded, the clear blue waters and the breathtaking backdrop of the Old Town make it worth a visit.
Sveti Jacov Beach
Sveti Jacov Beach, approximately a 30-minute walk from the Old Town, offers a serene escape. Less crowded than Banje Beach, it’s popular among locals. The beach, a mix of pebbles and sand, warrants water shoes for swimming. Umbrellas and sunbeds, starting from 8€, are available for rent. With one bar and restaurant on-site, visitors can enjoy refreshments and shelter from the summer heat. However, accessibility may be a challenge due to the nearly 200 steps leading to the beach, making it unsuitable for those with disabilities.
Must Know About Dubrovnik
Local Currency
From January 2023, Croatia is a member of the Eurozone and the Euro is the official currency. Cards are accepted widely in Croatia, especially in Dubrovnik. If you intend to visit Dubrovnik for a short period, there would be no need to convert your cash. The best way to pay in Croatia is to use a card with low or no currency conversion fees. During our 3 days in Dubrovnik, we have used Revolut for its ease of use and its low exchange rates. If you wish to download Revolut, an easy-to-use app, handy to have for all travels, you could do it through our referral link.
Drinkable water
Tap water is completely safe to drink in Croatia, and the Dalmatian region enjoys one of the cleanest waters in the world. All you have to do is bring your water bottle and re-fill from the fountains, like the popular Onofrio’s fountain, and enjoy the freshest and cool water.
QUICK TIP: Take advantage of drinkable water while in Dubrovnik and avoid buying plastic bottles. At departures gate 1 of Dubrovnik airport, there is a tap with free water to refill your bottle.
How to get to/from the airport
To reach Dubrovnik’s Old Town from the airport, the most convenient option is the Platanus Bus. Tickets can be purchased online or at the kiosk inside the airport. The bus stop is located just outside the arrivals exit, on the right-hand side. To get to the old town, simply get off at the first stop. On the way back to the airport, the bus stop is located at the Dubrovnik cable car.
Alternatively, if you prefer the convenience of a private transfer, you can book one from the link below.
What to pack for a 3-day trip to Dubrovnik
3 days in Dubrovnik will give you a small taste of the city and, in our opinion, it is enough time to enjoy the town. Packing smart and light is advisable; there’s no need to carry heavy luggage.
In our blog post “What to pack for a summer trip” we have talked about smart packing.
Time for conclusions…
In this blog post, we talked about our 3 days in Dubrovnik. Whether you are opting for a short break or a road trip to Croatia, do not miss the opportunity!
Although we have found Dubrovnik to be quite expensive, let’s remember our motto: travelling is a life experience…it has no monetary value…it truly enriches you inside.
With this spirit, we keep travelling around the world, meeting new cultures, and making memorable experiences.
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