The Ultimate 5 Day Dubrovnik Itinerary (Delicious Seafood, Historic Old Town and Crystal Clear Waters )

Somewhere everyone should visit is Dubrovnik. This stunning coastal city is renowned for its medieval Old Town and as a filming location for the hit series Game of Thrones. With crystal-clear Adriatic Waters, well-preserved city walls, and an incredible food scene, Dubrovnik offers something for everyone. This 5 Day Dubrovnik Itinerary will give you all the information on where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Dubrovnik.

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Itinerary Overview:

Day 1 - Arrive

Day 2  - Exploring Dubrovnik Old Town

Day 3 - Boat Tour

Day 4 - Day Trip to Cavtat or Lokrum Island

Day 5 - Visit Mount Srd

Day 6 - Leave Dubrovnik

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

Rixos Dubrovnik* - This is where we stayed, and I would highly recommend it. Located within walking distance of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, it offers the perfect balance of relaxation and access to the main attractions. 

Hotel Bellevue* - Luxury boutique hotel with a beach with gorgeous views over the Adriatic. With its private beach, it is an excellent choice.

Best time to visit Dubrovnik

April-May - Fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures

June-August - Peak season and hottest weather

September-October - Fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures in the day but cooler at night.

Winter - Quiet, but many shops, hotels and restaurants are closed.

Arrival Made Easy

Dubrovnik Airport is approximately a 25 -30 minute drive from the Old Town and surrounding hotel areas. We arranged our airport transfers through Holiday Extras and found the service reliable, convenient and stress-free.

How to get around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is an extremely walkable destination, particularly within and around the Old Town. Many top attractions can be reached on foot. However, be prepared for plenty of steps. Alternatively, Uber is super easy to use in Dubrovnik and is reasonably priced.

Day 1 - Arrival

Afternoon

After checking into your hotel, take some time to unwind and settle in after your journey. Relax by the pool or take a walk around the surrounding areas before heading out for your first evening out.

Dinner - Nautika

I highly recommend dining here on your first night. With its spectacular views of the fortress Lovrijenac and the delicious seafood from local waters, it is the perfect restaurant for your first night. While it is more expensive, the quality and views make it worth it.

Day 2 - Exploring Dubrovnik Old Town

Morning

To start your first day, I recommend heading to Dubrovnik's Old Town and walking the famous city walls. 

This 2km loop offers incredible views of the town and even some Game of Thrones filming spots. Dedicate a few hours, walk around, and visit the few bars they have on the wall.

Walking the walls costs 40 euros per person, which is very expensive; however, it is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik, so I do recommend it and the expense. 

Top Tip - Do the city walls early, as it can get very busy later on in the day, and it also gets very hot up there. We went in the afternoon and really struggled with the heat. 

After finishing the City Walls, head to Fort Lovrijenac. Visiting this spot is typically included in your City Walls ticket. This 11th-century fortress is a Game of Thrones filming spot and offers panoramic views of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. 

Lunch - Holy Burek

For a quick bite in the city centre, I recommend going to Holy Burek. Burek is a Balkan dish that is a must-try when visiting Dubrovnik. We got a cheese burek and a spinach-and-cheese burek.

Sweet Treat - Peppino’s 

After a busy morning, you have earned a gelato, and the gelato in Dubrovnik is delicious. We constantly came back to Peppino’s during our stay. 

Afternoon

Dubrovnik is a perfect place to wander aimlessly and explore the tiny alleyways hidden behind the main streets. While strolling, make sure to stop at:

Stradun - this is the main street, so you can’t really miss it. 

Rector's Palace - this palace once served as the seat of the Republic of Ragusa’s ruler. Inside, you’ll find a small museum and an elegant courtyard. 

Dubrovnik Cathedral - a baroque cathedral with an impressive interior and artwork

Sponza Palace - an early 1500s building that has been used as a government and business centre. 

Jesuit Steps - famous staircase leading up to the Jesuit church. Game of Thrones filming location. 

Fransiscan Monastery - a monastery famous for its cloister. Within the monastery, there is also one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe.

Old Port of Dubrovnik - scenic harbour area with boats and lovely views. 

Dinner -Taj Mahal

Serving traditional Bosnian cuisine, this family-run restaurant is known for its authentic dishes passed down through many generations. Many of the dishes require advance ordering, as they use traditional long-cooking methods.

Day 3 - Boat Tour

Morning

Today, take a boat tour to experience Dubrovnik from the sea. This excursion takes you to the beautiful Blue Caves, where you can swim and see some of the area's most beautiful coastal scenery. I have linked to a private tour here* and a small-group tour here*.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon relaxing at your hotel.

Dinner - Libertas

For dinner, I highly recommend heading to Libertas Fish Restaurant. Set right on the Adriatic Sea, this elegant restaurant offers stunning waterfront views.

The menu focuses on fresh seafood, including catch of the day, and the cooking style can be customised to your preferences. We chose to have ours cooked in a salt crust, and this was incredible.

Day 4 - Cavtat or Lokrum Island

Morning & Afternoon

Today I recommend taking a trip outside Dubrovnik and visiting either Cavtat or Lokrum Island, two of the area’s most popular day trips. 

Cavtat 

Located about 30 minutes by boat from Dubrovnik, Cavtat is a charming coastal town known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful waterfront. Spend the day strolling along the waterfront promenade, exploring the picturesque Old Town streets, and enjoying the harbour views. 

Lunch - Restaurant Tiha

For lunch, I recommend dining at Restaurant Tiha, a waterfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and local Dalmatian dishes. 

Lokrum Island 

Just a 15-minute water taxi from Dubrovnik, Lokrum is a peaceful, uninhabited island. Highlights include swimming in the island’s Dead Sea saltwater lake, visiting the historic Benedictine Monastery featured in Game of Thrones, wandering through the botanical gardens, and taking a photo on the Iron Throne replica. 

Dinner - Restaurant 360

Enjoy dinner at this iconic restaurant, set along Dubrovnik’s medieval city walls near St John's Fortress. The terrace offers spectacular views with tasting menus and a la carte options.

Day 5 - Mount Srd and Panoramic Views

Morning

Today, I highly recommend seeing Dubrovnik from above. The views from Mount Srd are incredible and well worth the trip up. It offers a completely different perspective of the Old Town and coastline, as well as fantastic photo opportunities.

There are two main ways to reach the top of Mount Srd: 

Dubrovnik Cable Car

A return ticket costs 30 euros. The Cable Car allows you to explore the top at your own pace. At the top you’ll also find a popular restaurant called Panorama, a great spot for drinks or lunch with stunning views. 

Tuk Tuk Tour

This is the option we chose and would highly recommend. I have linked the tour here*. This is the perfect option if you want more insight into Dubrovnik's history. The tour will take you to several viewpoints around the city and offer insightful commentary along the way.

Afternoon 

Spend your final afternoon relaxing at your hotel and enjoying some free time before your last evening in Dubrovnik.

Dinner - Marco Polo

This small family-run restaurant, featured in the Michelin Guide, serves a blend of traditional and contemporary dishes. Popular dishes include mokfish Wellington and black risotto arancini.

Things to do if you have extra time

• Kayaking around the city walls - incredible views of the city walls.

• Banje Beach - have a nice, relaxing day lounging in the sun with cocktails.

• Visit Montenegro - Montenegro is another Balkan country you can visit within a two-hour drive. You can visit Kotor, which is a UNESCO-listed Old Town, for a day, or you can add on a few days in Montenegro at the end of your trip. I have written a full guide to Montenegro, which you can read here.

  
  

Final thoughts 

Dubrovnik is a destination that definitely lives up to the hype. From wandering the ancient city walls and exploring the streets of the Old Town to taking boat trips along the Adriatic and enjoying incredible seafood restaurants, there is something for everyone. Five days gives you enough time to experience the highlights whilst also enjoying a slower pace. Dubrovnik is a destination that will leave you wanting to return.