Dubrovnik Weekend Itinerary
Planning a Dubrovnik weekend itinerary? This city truly has it all – history, culture, and incredible views packed into one unforgettable trip. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik charms with its ancient city walls, baroque buildings, and winding cobblestone streets. In just a couple of days, you can explore its UNESCO-listed Old Town, take in sweeping coastal views, sail to nearby islands, and unwind with fresh seafood and local wine. Whether you’re a history lover, foodie, or just after a stunning escape, this Dubrovnik weekend itinerary is perfect for making the most of your time.
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Dubrovnik Weekend Itinerary: Sightseeing
I’d highly recommend getting the Dubrovnik City Pass if you plan to visit the major attractions. The entrance to the City Walls is ¢40. The Dubrovnik City Pass is ¢40 for a one day pass, which includes the city walls, along with eleven other historic sites and museums. As a bonus, public transportation is also included on the Dubrovnik Pass.
When planning your Dubrovnik weekend itinerary, walking the iconic city walls is an experience you can’t miss. These walls are where Dubrovnik truly shines, offering sweeping views of the terracotta rooftops, the sparkling Adriatic and the historic forts that make this city so special. It is one of the top things to do in Dubrovnik and for good reason.
Keep in mind that it can get very hot on the walls during the summer months, so aim for an early morning or late afternoon visit to avoid the midday sun. Along the way, you’ll also find a couple of small bars perched on the walls – perfect for taking a break and enjoying a drink with a view if you have a bit of extra time.Two of my favourite sites included in the Dubrovnik Pass are the Franciscan Monastery and the Rector’s Palace. The Franciscan Monastery features a beautiful cloistered courtyard and houses one of the oldest working pharmacies in Europe. The Rector’s Palace, once the political heart of the Republic of Ragusa, offers a glimpse into Dubrovnik’s rich history—and even made an appearance as a filming location in Game of Thrones.
Another major site that's worth the price is the cable car up to the top of Mount Srđ. For ¢30 ticket, you get the views of the sunset over the Adriatic. When you get the the top, there's an observatory with a bar and a restaurant. If you exit the observatory, turn left and walk down the road, you'll reach this beautiful lookout where people congregate to watch the sunset. The terrain is rocky, so I'd recommend wearing sturdy shoes, and bringing a banket if you'd like to have a picnic. If you have the extra time, you can also take a hiking trail up and down the mountain. Dubrovnik Weekend Itinerary: Swimming Spots. One of the best things about Croatia is that its entire coastline is open to the public, meaning you can enjoy stunning seaside spots even near luxury hotels. While scrolling on TikTok, we discovered the beautiful in Dubrovnik, which has a tidal pool right on the coast – the perfect place for a dip with incredible views.
If you're adventurous, you might consider going to Buza Bar. It's a little bar on the cliffs, and a great place to set up for the day to soak up the sun. It's even gotten so popular, they put in a second bar a bit further down the road. They have some ladders down into the water, so it's a great place to go for a swim. You'll also see lots of people cliff jumping from here.
Dubrovnik Weekend Itinerary: Daytrips
There are plenty of incredible day trips you can take from Dubrovnik. A stroll along the Old Port will reveal stands and kiosks offering everything from boat tours to guided excursions. You could spend the day exploring the beautiful Elaphiti Islands, a small chain just off the coast, hop on a water taxi to visit charming seaside towns further up the coast, or even cross borders to discover neighbouring countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina or Montenegro.
One of the best ways to make the most of your Dubrovnik weekend itinerary is by booking a boat tour to the Elaphiti Islands. We booked ours through Get Your Guide, and it was a fantastic way to explore three of the most beautiful islands near Dubrovnik – Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud – plus enjoy a swim in the stunning Blue Cave.
Koločep was our first stop and the quietest of the three. Near the dock, there’s just a small convenience store and a simple restaurant, which gives it a peaceful, untouched feel. We spent our time walking the island’s paths and soaking up its natural scenery.
Our final island was Lopud, and it had the liveliest atmosphere. The island is dotted with restaurants, shops, and beach bars, and it’s home to one of the few sandy beaches near Dubrovnik. The beach is a short five-minute golf cart ride from the dock, and there are plenty of loungers and umbrellas available for a small fee. Despite visiting on a weekday in July, it wasn’t crowded, and there was even a beach bar with shaded seating for those wanting to relax out of the sun.
Travel tip: Bring some cash for this excursion. While Dubrovnik is mostly card-friendly, many smaller and family-run businesses on the Elaphiti Islands prefer cash.Next, we visited Šipan, the largest of the Elaphiti Islands. Just a short walk from the dock, we found a charming olive oil and wine tasting (not included in the tour). It felt like a hidden gem – we were welcomed by a local family at a place called Danicic, which made the experience even more special.
Our final island was Lopud, and it had the liveliest atmosphere. The island is dotted with restaurants, shops, and beach bars, and it’s home to one of the few sandy beaches near Dubrovnik. The beach is a short five-minute golf cart ride from the dock, and there are plenty of loungers and umbrellas available for a small fee. Despite visiting on a weekday in July, it wasn’t crowded, and there was even a beach bar with shaded seating for those wanting to relax out of the sun.
Travel tip: Bring some cash for this excursion. While Dubrovnik is mostly card-friendly, many smaller and family-run businesses on the Elaphiti Islands prefer cash.
Dubrovnik Weekend Itinerary: Bars & Restaurants
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Another great day trip from Dubrovnik is Cavtat, a charming coastal town just up the coast. It’s the perfect spot to visit if you have a few hours to spare, especially before or after your flight, as it’s only about a 10-minute drive from the airport. I took the water taxi from Dubrovnik to Cavtat for around €15, and some vendors do accept card payments.
Cavtat sits on a picturesque bay with calm, clear waters, making it ideal for a swim. The town has a relaxed vibe, lovely waterfront promenades, and plenty of excellent restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood or a coffee with a view. It’s also a great little escape when Dubrovnik feels crowded, especially on days when large cruise ships are in port.
Dubrovnik Weekend Itinerary: Restaurants
There are so many amazing restaurants and bars to check out in Dubrovnik. A little further out from old town, you'll find the Hotel More, which is home to 2 of my favourite restaurants. The Cave Bar is located almost at water level and is situated over a number of floors, and there's a room with a cave room at the very back with glass floors overtop a cave pool. Upstairs from the cave bar, you'll also find Restaurant Tramuntana, with stunning views looking out onto the Adriatic and the old town of Dubrovnik. Panorama Group restaurants are always a hit and they operate restaurants with some of the most stunning views. Nautika is located just outside the old town, and has fantastic views of the city walls. They also run the restaurant at the top of the table car, Panorama Restaurant.
If you're interested in exploring more of the Balkans and Central Europe, check out my post on Central Europe bucket list ideas.