Best Things To Do In Old Town Dubrovnik In Two Days

I have been to Dubrovnik twice and can say that spending two days in Dubrovnik is the perfect amount of time to enjoy a short break in one of Croatia's most popular destinations. The old town is steeped in history and is easily walkable, allowing you to experience most of the must-see attractions in Dubrovnik in two days.

Known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, the UNESCO-protected Old Town is home to narrow, cobbled streets, terracotta-roofed houses, and ancient buildings. Outside the city's walls, beautiful beaches and the turquoise Adriatic sea make visiting Dubrovnik even more enticing.

As a Game of Thrones fan, I loved seeing the locations used in the series and dining out on local dishes in traditional restaurants. While I didn't venture into the water myself, adventure seekers can include a kayaking tour from the Old Town and explore the coast.

In this Dubrovnik Old Town itinerary, you will find out how to walk the city walls and explore Dubrovnik's Old Town, watch the sunset from the top of Mount Srd, and cruise across to Lokrum Island to see its peacocks and rabbits that roam freely on this historic island. Believe me, the short boat trip from Kings Landing to Lokrum is worth booking.

By spending two days in Dubrovnik, you will also have time to visit the neighbouring Elaphiti islands, which are beautiful to see.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dubrovnik

When is the best time to visit Dubrovnik? 

Late spring and summer months – the weather is more pleasant, and the sun is out. If you travel in July/August, be prepared for large crowds, especially from cruise ships.

Autumn - On both occasions, I visited Dubrovnik in September. The weather remains warm and sunny, with fewer crowds, except when the cruise ships are in port. It's a lovely time to wander around the Old Town as it's not too hot.

Winter - Dubrovnik can be cold, so be sure to wrap up well.

Is 48 hours in Dubrovnik enough?

Old Town Dubrovnik is compact and walkable, allowing you to see most of its attractions in just 2 days. If you prefer to explore Dubrovnik and want time to relax on the beach, I would recommend adding an extra night. Dubrovnik is a popular European destination for a 3-night city break in Europe.

Are there any guided city tours of Dubrovnik?

Numerous Dubrovnik tours are available to help you learn more about the ancient city. From historic guided sightseeing to Game of Thrones tours, there is something for all visitors to enjoy.

Where to stay in Dubrovnik

I stayed at Guest House Forty Four. It was clean, comfortable and in an excellent location, five minutes from the city walls.

Discover availability and pricing for alternative accommodations in Dubrovnik here.

How to get from Dubrovnik Airport to the Old Town

Pre-book a private airport transfer with Welcome Pickups and arrive in comfort straight to your hotel door.

Dubrovnik Two-Day Itinerary

Day One - Morning

Walk the Dubrovnik Walls  

The old town walls of Dubrovnik date back to the 13th century and are approximately 2 km long, comprising 17 towers and the St. John Fortress.

Travel tips for visiting the Old Walls in Dubrovnik

• Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the hordes of tourists during the day.
• The entry fee is €40 for adults €15 for children (2025 prices).
• Walking the walls takes around 1 - 2 hours, depending on your fitness level.
• Remember, there are only three access/exit points around the walls, so be sure to grab a map to know where they are in case you need to exit.
• Although there are a few cafes along the walls where you can stop for refreshments, I recommend bringing plenty of water.
• Bring your camera for the fantastic shots over the rooftops of the old town and out to sea.

Day One - Afternoon

Explore Dubrovnik Old Town

One of the best things to do in Dubrovnik is to explore the narrow alleyways, stone stairways and secret passageways that crisscross the Old Town. You'll find amazing coffee shops, stumble upon hand-crafted local jewellery shops and be guided to local bakeries by the smells of fresh bread wafting through the air.

If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you will feel like you are on the set until you pinch yourself and realise everything is authentic. As you stroll around the Old Town, you will see sights such as the Jesuit Staircase, which was used as the Steps of Shame, where Cersai Lanaster walked.

Travel tips for exploring Old Town Dubrovnik

• Don't preplan, just go for a wander. You won't get lost as all streets seem to lead back to the centre.
• Walk up and down the Placa (Stradun), Dubrovnik's main street, made of white marble, with beautiful late-Renaissance houses on each side of the street. It is mesmerising in the evening when the lights illuminate the buildings.
• Visit the Rector’s Palace, once the siege of the government and the most important public building.
• Be amazed by the treasures and artwork in the Cathedral.
• Stop for lunch or a chilled glass of wine at one of the restaurants lining the back streets.
• Explore the artisan coffee shops tucked away in the side alleyways. Cogito Coffee is my favourite.
• Visit Sponza Palace, built in 1520 and housing the most important documents about Dubrovnik’s history.
• Join a Game of Thrones walking tour if you are a fan. I recognised several locations and had fun taking photos in these spots.
• Be amazed at the number of cats you will see. Hundreds live in the city, and we even spotted a cat sanctuary on one of the streets.
• Take in the views of Dubrovnik from different points in the city.

Day One - Evening

Take the cable car to the top of Mount Srd.

For the best sunset spot in Dubrovnik, head to the top of Mount Srd

Travel tips for using the cable car in Dubrovnik

• Give yourself an hour to queue for the cable car before the sun sets. For obvious reasons, it gets jam-packed.
• Make sure you have your camera for the stunning photos you can take during the day, of the baked clay tiles on the houses and at night, of the sunset over the Elafiti Islands.
• Don't stay with the crowds on the viewing platform; instead, walk around the back of the building along the road and find a secluded spot on the cliffside to sit and experience the sunset in your own space.
• If you wish to dine at the restaurant, please make a reservation; otherwise, feel free to bring your own picnic.
• When the sun has set, wait a while before heading back down on the cable car. We queued for 40 minutes to get back down, and in hindsight, we wished we had waited for the crowds to disperse.
• Take something warm with you. At 412 metres above the city, it can be quite chilly when the sun sets.
• If you don't want to take the cable car, you can do a great hike up Mount Srd.

Day Two - Morning

Sail over to Lokrum Island

See the roaming peacocks, the monastery ruins, and the Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Exhibition.

Travel tips for visiting Lokrum Island

• Hop aboard a ferry from Dubrovnik's old harbour and enjoy the 10-minute ride to the island. The first boat departs at 10:00 a.m., and the last boat leaves at 4:00 p.m. They run every hour.
• Explore the abandoned 15th-century monastery and the botanical gardens.
• Visit the Game of Thrones Exhibit, sit on the replica iron throne and imagine you are the ruler of everything!
• Marvel at the peacocks brought to the island by Maximilian, the 19th-century Austrian Archduke, who roam freely alongside the rabbits!
• Take one of the walking paths through the green pine forests that lead down to the coast. You will discover rocky coves with waters ideal for swimming.
• Take a picnic with you or grab a bite from one of the several cafes on the island. Then sit under a tree and admire the azure waters surrounding the island.
• Take the steep trail leading to the ruins of Fort Royal Castle. The reward is the stunning 360-degree panoramic view, but remember to bring water; it's a tough walk to the top.

Day Two - Afternoon

Sail to one of the Elafiti Islands

The three inhabited islands near Dubrovnik all offer a different experience.

What to do on the Elaphiti Islands

• Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan are the three islands that can be reached by the Jadrolinija ferry from Old Town Dubrovnik. You can use each island as a jumping-off point for another one.
• Organised day trips will take you to all the islands and provide activities such as snorkelling and lunch.
• If you enjoy hiking, consider visiting Kolocep, which offers several different routes around the island.
• After your hike, enjoy a glass of Croatian wine at the cafe by the ferry terminal.
• Ensure you allow sufficient time to purchase your ticket before boarding. The ferries are very punctual, arriving and departing.
• Visit Sunj Beach on Lopud to enjoy a sandy beach (one of the rare few in the area).
• Golf buggies will take you to the beach for a small fee if your legs aren't quite up to it. I walked, which is quite a trek, especially on a hot day.
• Visit the church and gardens on the island of Lopud.

If you have time, when you return to Dubrovnik Town, head to Banje beach, the most popular beach in Dubrovnik and finish your day off with a spectacular view of the harbour and the city walls. The perfect way to end your 48 hours in Dubrovnik.

If you decide to extend your 2-day Dubrovnik itinerary by a day or more, one of the most popular day trips from Dubrovnik is to Kotor, Montenegro. Kotor is a UNESCO-listed, smaller version of Dubrovnik and is often referred to as "Little Dubrovnik". Despite its size, it is a beautiful Balkan city to visit and is only a 2-hour drive away from Dubrovnik.

Would I recommend two days in Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik is worth visiting for two days. It is steeped in history, has some lovely beaches and offers travellers lots of exciting things to see. It can also serve as a starting point to discover some of the other best places to visit in Croatia.

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