Dubrovnik in 1 Day: everything you need to know

If you are planning to visit Croatia, I recommend that you spend at least one day in Dubrovnik. This city, located on the shores of the Adriatic, is one of the most traditional on the Dalmatian coast and also one of the most beautiful, with its traditional architecture and natural beauty.

Perhaps 24 hours is not enough time to discover it in all its magnitude, but with this itinerary you can at least get an approximation. Here are the best things to do in Dubrovnik in 1 day.

Strolling through the picturesque narrow streets of Dubrovnik's Old Town in the morning is an experience that will transport you through centuries of history and one of the best ways to approach Dubrovnik for the first time.

If you plan to visit the city by plane, you can get there by transfer from Dubrovnik airport, as public transport does not run through the old town.

The narrow streets are lined with Renaissance and Baroque buildings, with balconies filled with colourful flowers contrasting with the white walls. The spirit of this part of town can be found in the centuries-old churches with their ornate facades and hidden courtyards.

Visit the belvederes and take a guided tour

The lookout points, strategically located along the city walls, offer panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea with its waters glistening in the morning light.

In addition, one of the alternatives for getting to know the old town is to join a guided tour of Dubrovnik, which will allow you to walk around the site with the assistance of an expert local guide and get as much information as possible.

By booking a guided tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town you will also get to see the Sponza Palace, the Church of St. Blaise and the Little Fountain of Onofrio, which marks the epicentre of Dubrovnik's old town. Since it's not too big a site, you'll be able to cover it in a couple of hours' walk.

Before you book a guided tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town, I recommend you head to the bars that line the streets in front of the cathedral for breakfast. As the sun rises over the horizon of the Adriatic Sea, the cosy atmosphere of these places creates the perfect setting for a breakfast in paradise.

If you plan to visit Dubrovnik in March, you will also be able to see the patron saint festivities of St. Blaise. The sound of the cathedral bells and the murmur of passers-by create a symphony in the background to accompany the authentic Croatian breakfast options.

The bars generally offer a variety of options, from delicious croissants and filled pastries to traditional dishes such as sirnica, a cheesecake that you'll find everywhere, especially if you're planning to visit Dubrovnik in June or during the summer months.

Discover the unmistakable silhouette of the Cathedral

As you enjoy your breakfast, the Gothic structure of the Cathedral looms in the background and is located just a few streets away from the Onofrio Fountain, so you can walk to it.

The façade details and carved sculptures are a silent witness to the Roman occupation of the city and will frame some of the best photographs of your trip.

Breakfast in the bars in front of the Cathedral is more than just a morning meal; it is an experience that combines gastronomic pleasure, popular in Dubrovnik, with cultural and visual immersion - and an ideal alternative to recharge your batteries to continue your full day tour!

Next on the tour, head to the Rector's Palace. Once the political and administrative centre of the Republic of Ragusa, this building now stands as an architectural treasure that captivates visitors with its distinctive architecture.

Inside the Rector's Palace you will find a series of magnificently decorated and furnished rooms, each reflecting different aspects of the life and society of the time. The frescoes on the walls and detailed decorative elements will transport you back to the Middle Ages.

Discover the palace's secrets on a guided tour

Beyond its exterior structure, one of the most fascinating aspects of the Rector's Palace is its basement, where the former prison is located. The gloomy cells and narrow corridors testify to Ragusa's past, which housed the regional prison in medieval times.

This site can be explored on a short guided tour of the building, which I highly recommend.

Also, as the palace is located close to the descent to the harbour, you can combine this experience with a boat tour in Dubrovnik or book a kayak tour with snorkelling in Dubrovnik, especially in the summer. This will also give you the chance to discover the city's skyline from the Adriatic.

It's midday and it's time for lunch. While you're in the harbour, take the opportunity to sample the exquisite local cuisine at Dubrovnik's waterfront restaurants.

Set against the backdrop of the Adriatic Sea, these restaurants offer a range of options that will allow you to savour the richness of the region's traditional cuisine. Among the not-to-be-missed dishes are:

• Brodetto, a fish and seafood stew cooked in wine and served with olive oil.
• Grilledfish, such as brancin and orada, are also considered delicacies that highlight the freshness of the sea and the regional culinary expertise.
• Peka, a typical meat dish simmered in a cast-iron bell. Meats, such as lamb or chicken, are combined with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, creating a delight full of intense flavours and succulence.
• The famous rozata, a dessert that combines the delicacy of flan with a touch of rose liqueur or local brandy.
• The local wines, which are part of some of the region's best kept secrets.

And if you plan to visit Dubrovnik with children, you can also find a special children's menu at each location.

After lunch, relaxing on Banje Beach is an experience not to be missed. This golden pebble beach, which can be reached by taxi or private transport in a 10-minute ride from the historic centre, offers an idyllic retreat for those looking to enjoy the crystal-clear water.

This is an ideal plan if you plan to visit Dubrovnik in June or during the summer months, when the temperature is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

However, if you are travelling at times of the year when the weather is not the best for getting into the sea, you can discover the beach on foot or choose other replacement options such as booking a Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik.

Join a Game of Thrones tour

If you are visiting Dubrovnik in December or are looking for a different activity for the winter months and don't intend to spend the afternoon on the beach, join a Game of Thrones tour to see the real-life scenes of the famous TV series.

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to discover the Tower of Immortals, which is actually the Franciscan Monastery. Most of the tours offer a break there to recharge your batteries and for fans to take pictures of the building and the scenery.

In addition, you can explore the Jesuit steps, which represented the Staircase of Shame. These steps offer spectacular views of the Old Town and the Adriatic, creating a magical and captivating atmosphere.

Watching the sunset from the top of Dubrovnik's Mount Srd is an experience straight out of a dream. This vantage point offers a panoramic view from which it is possible to watch the sun gently dip below the Adriatic horizon, painting the sky with warm, golden colours.

For the adventurous, the approximately 30-minute hike to the top of Mount Srd is an unmissable opportunity and an alternative to private transport, which will take you to the base of the mountain and then give you access to the funicular.

Are you up for a hike to the top of Mount Srd?

If you choose to climb to the top on your own, you will feel connected to nature and to the history that has shaped Dubrovnik over the centuries as you walk along the path surrounded by greenery.

Once at the top of Mount Srd, the panoramic view will transport you to another world and another era. If you plan to visit Dubrovnik in December, you will also be able to discover the typical Christmas decorations, which are very famous in the region.

As the sun begins to set and the sky is tinged with magical colours, the view from Mount Srd becomes a moment of reflection and wonder. Once the sunset is over, you can catch a glimpse of the old town lit up in one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik at night. Another alternative to discover the Dalmatian sunset is to book a night boat trip along the Dubrovnik coastline.

Saying goodbye to Dubrovnik is an act of nostalgia, and there is no better place to do so than in the shops and bars lining the iconic Stradun Street, which runs through the old town. At night, Stradun takes on a special charm with its cobblestones illuminated by the faint light of lanterns.

The shops along this thoroughfare offer a variety of handcrafted goods and souvenirs that capture the essence of Dubrovnik. From locally designed jewellery to hand-painted ceramics, each shop is a treasure chest of unique treasures that you can take back with you as a souvenir of your trip.

Dine in the restaurants of Stradun Street

In addition to the shops, the bars and restaurants along Stradun offer a delightful opportunity to sample local cuisine and drinks. Savouring Croatian dishes at an outdoor table under the starry sky is a sublime way to end your trip and one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik.

Afterwards, as the night progresses and the farewell approaches, the lights and sounds of Stradun will create an unparalleled atmosphere. The music filtering from the bars and the lively conversation of visitors and locals will contribute to a symphony of life that will echo in every corner of this unique city.

If needed, you can arrange a transfer to Dubrovnik airport from the walled city in advance.

Did you find this tour interesting? If you decide to do it, here is a summary of the itinerary so you can find out what to do each day at a glance.