The Best Dubrovnik 2 Days Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Days in Dubrovnik

Looking for the best 2 days in Dubrovnik itinerary? Great, I’ve got you covered. 

Dubrovnik; known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ is one of the region’s most dazzling destinations. The compact ancient Venetian-Gothic city is known for its glorious sunshine, spectacular architecture and picturesque cobbled streets, and of course, not forgetting the gorgeous turquoise-blue Adriatic Sea that surrounds it.

This Dubrovnik 2 days itinerary covers everything you’ll need to know to plan your perfect trip. I tell you everything from the best things to see in Dubrovnik in 2 days, how to get around and loads of insider tips I picked up during my trip, for the best know-how for visiting Dubrovnik.

So, whether you’re planning a weekend in Dubrovnik, a romantic city break or travelling on a longer trip around the region, this is the perfect Dubrovnik itinerary for you.

The Best Dubrovnik 2 Days Itinerary

This Dubrovnik 2 day itinerary is divided into sections. The first section gives an overview of the top things to do in Dubrovnik and how each day pans out. The second section breaks down each day in detail.

In the final section, you’ll find FAQs and of course useful travel tips.

10 Best Things To See In Dubrovnik in 2 Days

• Dubrovnik’s City Walls
• Dubrovnik Old Harbour
• Fort Lovrijenac
• Lokrum Island
• Srd Hill & Dubrovnik Cable Car
• Stradun
• Rector’s Palace
• Jesuit Stairs
• City Gates – The Pile Gate & The Ploce Gate
• Onofrio Fountain

…and of course the resident cats of Dubrovnik (they are everywhere!)

Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! 

Dubrovnik is a stunning city. Whether you’re interested in history and culture, spotting the Game of Thrones locations, island hopping or looking for a gorgeous backdrop to tie the knot, it’s difficult not to fall in love with this city.

In this article, I’ve included all the must-see Dubrovnik attractions in this 2 day Dubrovnik itinerary to help you make the most of your trip.

Dubrovnik In Two Days – Day By Day Overview

Day 1:

Visit the most iconic Dubrovnik landmarks in the old town and explore the picturesque cobbled streets early on in the day. 

Take the short ferry boat from Dubrovnik Old Harbour across to Lokrum Island to escape the peak crowds. 

In the evening take the cable car up to Srd Hill for panoramic views of the sun setting over the iconic city over a cocktail and meal. 

Day 2:

Immerse yourself in even more history as you climb the Old City Wall for an early morning wall walk before heading up to the old Fort of Lovrijenac. 

Escape the heat of the afternoon and the crowds by visiting some of the intricately decorated buildings and world-class museums. 

Finish the day off with a sunset kayak tour to see the city from a different perspective and visit a private cove to watch the sun go down over the Adriatic Sea. 

Bonus Day or Alternative Suggestion:

Escape the bustle of the crowds and head for the adorable fishing village of Cavtat or take a day trip from Dubrovnik to Montenegro.

This two days in Dubrovnik travel guide will cover everything you need to know.

You can download the information covered in this Dubrovnik 2 days itinerary, plus a map and checklist here for offline viewing.

2 Days in Dubrovnik – Know Before You Go

You are probably excited to discover the top landmarks Dubrovnik has to offer. So, before you travel, here are some helpful tips and information to help you make the most of your trip.

Getting to Dubrovnik

To reach Dubrovnik, you can fly directly to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), which is approximately 20 kilometres from the city centre. Alternatively, some visitors arrive by boat or cruise ship, as Dubrovnik is a popular port of call for many Mediterranean cruises.

Getting From Dubrovnik Airport to the Old Town

The cheapest option is to book a shuttle coach to transfer between Dubrovnik airport and Dubrovnik city centre. Coaches leave approximately 30 minutes after each flight arrival and drop off in either the Old Town of Dubrovnik or at the main bus station in Gruž.

If you’re a bigger group and don’t want to wait for the shuttle or after the more convenient option, then book a private transfer to get from Dubrovnik Airport direct to your hotel door.

Getting Around Dubrovnik

This Dubrovnik guide has been designed without the use of a car. The best way to explore the historical centre is by foot.

Dubrovnik also has a decent public transport system, as well as ferries to Lokrum Island. 

Where To Stay in Dubrovnik

There are so many options for places to stay during your Dubrovnik two day itinerary. There are so many choices that it can be overwhelming. Accommodation in Dubrovnik ranges from budget to luxury and is suitable for every budget. Here are my top picks.

Boutique Accommodation – 4* Dominus Little Palace

Comfort Accommodation – Room Bruna

Top Tips for Visiting Dubrovnik – Visiting Dubrovnik in 48 Hours

• Wear Comfortable Footwear – Make sure you’re wearing a comfortable pair of shoes with grippy soles. Although you’re in the city, the floor is often smooth and polished – it gleams in the sunlight.  Some parts of the city are uneven with gravel or stone floors. Dubrovnik also has plenty of steps, so be prepared for some serious leg work at times.

• Join A City Tour – If you want the easy option to see the main highlights while getting some data and insights into the history of Dubrovnik, then book one of the Dubrovnik Old Town guided walking tours.

• Beat the Crowds –  The best way to enjoy Dubrovnik’s stunning sights is to get there early before the crowds arrive. You’ll have more space and time to admire the city walls, Stradun, and other attractions, without having to deal with long lines or busy streets. 

• Stay Hydrated and wear Sunscreen – Dubrovnik can be very hot, especially in the summer. You don’t want to ruin your trip by getting dehydrated or sunburned, so make sure you drink plenty of water and apply sunscreen regularly. 

• Sample Local Cuisine –  One of the best parts of travelling is tasting new foods, and Dubrovnik has plenty to offer. I’m a vegetarian, so I didn’t try the seafood, which is what Dubrovnik is known for. Instead, I stuck to risotto and the sweet rozata. 

No time to read the whole article, but curious about what’s included in this Dubrovnik 2 days itinerary. Download this article summary and map straight to your inbox. 

Dubrovnik, Croatia – History in a Nutshell

There have been settlements in the area we now know as Dubrovnik which date back to Roman times. However, it wasn’t until the 13th century that Dubrovnik began to take on more of an appearance of what we recognise today. Previously the city was known as the Republic of Ragusa.

Historically, a moat separated Ragusa from the mainland and the walls were used as the City’s main defence. Today, the walls of Dubrovnik run for nearly 2km (1.3 miles approx.), and most of this you can walk around.

Although the Walls of Dubrovnik date back to the 13th century, additions, earthquakes and of course the civil war in the ’90s meant that they have changed considerably over the centuries. The defensive walls were initially built for protection from foreign attacks from the Venetians and Ottomans amongst others.

Between 1205 and 1358 Ragusa fell under the reign of the Venetians. Their legacy can still be seen today throughout the city, with plenty of Venetian-style architecture still dotted around the historical centre. Then from the 14th to 18th century, it was the turn of the Ottomans to reside over Ragusa.

The city was nearly destroyed during a devastating earthquake in 1667, with the only building surviving the quake being the Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace.

Dubrovnik gained the name ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. This comes from looking down on the city from above; you’ll see the gleaming and light-coloured, circular-ish-shaped city surrounded by the sapphire colour sea making it look like a giant peal. In 1918, Ragusa changed its name to Dubrovnik.

In 1979 the City of Dubrovnik became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then in 1991 was heavily shelled during the breakup of Yugoslavia. This caused detrimental damage to the iconic Old City. During the ’90s and ’00s, Dubrovnik underwent major reconstruction, restoration and repairs to bring the iconic city back to its former glory.

More recently, the city has gained even more popularity with tourists looking for filming locations for the popular series, Game of Thrones. For the die-hard fans, there is a whole side-line industry built on this newfound claim to fame, with dedicated tours and gift shops selling memorabilia for the show.

The Complete Dubrovnik 2 Day Itinerary

If you are planning to visit this Croatian gem, you might be wondering how to make the most of your time there. 

In this section, I will share with you the complete Dubrovnik 2 day itinerary that will help you explore the best attractions, enjoy the local cuisine and have an unforgettable experience.

Dubrovnik Itinerary – Day 1

Visit the most iconic Dubrovnik landmarks in the old town and explore the picturesque cobbled streets early on in the day. 

Take the short ferry boat from Dubrovnik Old Harbour across to Lokrum Island to escape the peak crowds. 

In the evening take the cable car up to Srd Hill for panoramic views of the sun setting over the iconic city over a cocktail and meal. 

Explore Dubrovnik Old Town

This Dubrovnik in 2 days itinerary starts with getting a feel for the city. One of the best ways to do this is by exploring the pedestrian-only historical Old Town to get your bearings. 

To save time during your 48 hours in Dubrovnik, it’s worth either doing a bit of homework beforehand, so you know exactly where to go (or you could download this map here). 

Another way to ensure you get the most out of the quieter hours is by booking an early morning tour of Dubrovnik.

Apart from the beautiful cobbled streets, these early morning tours will show you all the iconic landmarks in Dubrovnik including The City Gates; The Pile Gate & The Ploce Gate, the Stradun (this is the main street in the Old Town, and also the widest), Jesuit Stairs and the Onofrio Fountain (it’s worth knowing that you can fill up your water bottle here).

Although part of the fun with old cities, is getting lost in the myriad of little lanes, you could also pick up a map at the visitor centre or download this interactive map to navigate your way about. 

If you don’t mind the crowds or detest early mornings then you could opt for a small group tour of Dubrovnik instead which will also go to all of the must-see in Dubrovnik places. If you’re a keen photographer, then you might be interested in this photo tour of Dubrovnik.

If you’re opting to find your own way around the city, then be sure to add these places to your Dubrovnik bucket list

The Pile Gate & The Ploce Gate

These are the two main gates that go into the historical centre. The Pile Gate is to the west and the Ploče Gate in the east side of the wall.

Onofrio’s Fountain

Located at the Pile Gate end of the Stradun you’ll find the gigantic freshwater fountain. The water here is drinkable so you can fill up your water bottle.

Rector’s Palace

Between the 14th to 19th centuries, this building housed the seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa. 

Today this ornate, columned building houses the city museum where you’ll find a mix of artwork, costumes and artefacts documenting the city’s history. The Rector’s Palace was another filming location in Game of Thrones.

Clock Tower

Walking around the old city, you’ll be able to look up at the Clock Tower that stands in Luza Square. You’ll get a much more eye-level view of it when you do the city wall walk. It dates from 1444 and the bells chime each day at noon.

Dominican Monastery

You’ve guessed it, another filming location for Game of Thrones. I adored this little set of steps leading up to the 14th-century Dominican Monastery. You’ll find them between the Sponza Palace and the Ploče Gate. 

There is a gothic-style courtyard inside, as well as an original bell tower. If you’re interested in art, then a small museum houses 15th and 16th-century artwork, painted by Dubrovnik School artists.

Dubrovnik Old Harbour

The Old Port Dubrovnik is situated on the Eastern side of the City. The harbour is still in use with plenty of sightseeing boat tours, the ferry boat to get to Lokrum Island, as well as the water taxi to nearby Cavtat.

After doing some early morning exploration, as the crowds start to grow, head to the side streets to chill over a late breakfast or brunch. With such an early start, it’s quite a satisfying feeling to know you’ve got some awesome crowd-free shots and seen loads of Dubrovnik Old Town before the hoards show up.

Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik

If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, be sure to make a bee-line for all the major highlights very early in the day as these get particularly busy.  

Cats of Dubrovnik

One for the animal lovers here, keep an eye out for the super cute cats of Dubrovnik, they are EVERYWHERE! 

Casually lounging about on buildings, poking their heads out of windows and sitting in any warm spot they can find. The cats are mostly feral and just live in the city, however, they are used to tourists so they are quite relaxed if you want to get close to photograph them….which of course meant I took dozens of pictures of the cute felines.

Lokrum Island

The afternoon of your Dubrovnik 2 days itinerary continues over on Lokrum Island. By the afternoon, the heat in Dubrovnik can get intense, especially in the summer months.

It makes for the perfect sense then to escape the heat of the sun and the crowds by catching the boat over to nearby Lokrum Island. It’s just a 15-minute journey to take a mere 600 metres from the mainland! 

Lokrum Island is a Nature Reserve just off the coast of Dubrovnik Old Town and various boats to Lokrum Island depart from just outside the City Walls from The Old Port.

Although there are lots of different island hopping tours from Dubrovnik available, you only need the return ticket to Lokrum Island. The vendors selling tickets will try very hard to sell you tickets that you don’t necessarily need with lots of added stuff. Once on Lokrum Island, you will be ushered into the little cottage, this is where you pay the admission fee.

There’s a lot packed into this Dubrovnik in two days itinerary, so visiting the nature reserve is a welcome opportunity to chill in the shade of the pine, olive and cypress trees – they smell divine. If you have 3 days in Dubrovnik, you could easily spend a whole day, just here.

On the island there is a colony of very tame rabbits, look out for them in the grassy areas, and if you’re patient, they will come and eat out of your hand if you offer them food. There are also peacocks wandering about too – but don’t try to feed these. 

Also, it’s good to know. If you’re worried about tan lines, fret not, Lokrum Island also boasts its own nudist beach! It’s slightly off the main walking trail, so if you’re visiting with young children, you’ll be able to avoid this. 

Lokrum Island Highlights 

• Botanical Gardens
• Fort Royal
• Benedictine Monastery
• If you are a Game of Thrones fan then check out one of the props used in the series. You’ll find a Throne in the museum under the Monastery, you can also do a Game of Thrones tour of Lokrum Island!

After relaxing away in the afternoon, catch the return ferry back to the mainland. It picks up at the little jetty where you paid the entrance fee to the island. Find out more about Lokrum Island, here.

Getting to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik – Scams to Avoid

Beware A LOT of companies will try and sell you some form of ‘Island Hopping Tour’. If you have longer and aren’t doing Dubrovnik in 2 days, then it’s perhaps worthwhile, but a lot of them seemed overpriced.

Some of the ticket touts will also tell you that you can only get to Lokrum Island as part of one of these day tours. This is absolute nonsense. So, ask around for the best price.

Beaches Near Dubrovnik

If you’re wanting to enjoy a beach, without jumping on a boat, then just south of the Old Town is where you’ll find one of Dubrovnik’s popular spots; Banje Beach. 

From this beach, you will have a fabulous view of the Harbour and city walls, however, it’s worth noting during the peak summer months, this beach also gets packed, if you’re after a more tranquil beach, stick to the ones on Lokrum island. 

Another option is Sveti Jakov Beach. This hidden bay is located to the east of the Old Town of Dubrovnik although it’s about 30-40 minutes from the Old Town. Head out past Banje Beach, and keep following the road, keeping the sea to your right-hand side. 

Srd Hill & The Dubrovnik Cable Car

 In the evening head to Srd Hill. 

No worthy itinerary for Dubrovnik would be complete without a trip up to Srd Hill. One of the best times to go up the Dubrovnik Cable Car is about an hour before sunset during ‘The Golden Hour’.

At this time of day there is still enough light to see Dubrovnik Old Town, then watch the beautiful golden light hitting the rooftops as the sun begins to set. If you wait even longer and you’ll see The Walls of Dubrovnik illuminated as the Old Town lights come on.

To find the cable car station, head out of Dubrovnik Old Town and up the hill to the well-signposted Dubrovnik Cable Car. The cable car takes you right to the top of Srd Hill, which is where you’ll find the best vantage point for a sunset over the undeniably best view of Dubrovnik. The ride up takes less than 5 minutes.

If you’re feeling energetic and have the time, you can walk up. It’s a 412-metre climb. IF you decide to walk, the footpath is a well-defined zig-zag path up the face of Srd Hil. The walk is free to do – but you may be pushed for time on this two days in Dubrovnik itinerary unless you are an exceptionally fast hiker.

You could come to a compromise and walk up and get the cable car down or vice versa. If you don’t want to get the cable car, then you can also get a taxi to the top.

At the top, you’ll find Fort Imperial as well as a museum. You can also do the sunset zipline experience followed by a glass of wine, or go on the 4×4 off-road buggy safari!

This is also where the bar and restaurant are located, although, if you plan on eating here, book in advance, especially at peak times. If not, order a drink and watch the sunset while admiring the view.

The restaurant and bar are attached to the Cable Car station, and offer stunning views of Dubrovnik Old City, Lokrum Island and the surrounding areas; on a clear day, you can see up to 60km (37miles) and see the mountains of Herzegovina.

Restaurant Recommendation: Veggie & Vegan food in Dubrovnik

When you’re finished with the panoramic view, take the cable car ride back down to the Dubrovnik Old City. There’s plenty of choice in Dubrovnik for food, however, being a vegetarian, I’m always on the hunt for great places to eat with delicious veggie and vegan menu options.

I LOVED a place called Nishta, a cute little restaurant with pretty colourful tiles and décor with a tasty and healthy menu that changes daily. The food is freshly prepared and perfect to get a vegetable fix. One thing I found with the cuisine in Dubrovnik is that it’s very carb and seafood-heavy; I’m a fan of neither! Nishta this ticked all my boxes for something fresh and healthy. You’ll find this fabulous restaurant on Prijeko Street.

Great Bar Suggestion in Dubrovnik

To finish the first day of your Dubrovnik 2 day itinerary, it’s certainly worth wandering the streets just after dark to see it lit up. 

Take a walk around the city both inside and outside of the city walls to see them illuminated. If you’re not comfortable walking around on your own at night, or wondering where to find the best parts of the city illuminated at night, you can join a Dubrovnik at night tour. 

If you’re looking for a great place to drink, then head to Buza Bar. This unique bar is built into the rocks and overlooks the sea. Take a jacket as the sea breeze can get chilly, but the views are fantastic. From the outside, it doesn’t look obvious that this is a bar, however, look for the pretty cute doorway along Crijevićeva ul. 9.

Dubrovnik Itinerary – Day 2

Immerse yourself in even more history as you climb the Old City Wall for an early morning wall walk before heading up to the old Fort of Lovrijenac. 

Escape the heat of the afternoon and the crowds by visiting some of the intricately decorated buildings and world-class museums. 

Finish the day off with a sunset kayak tour to see the city from a different perspective and visit a private cove to watch the sun go down over the Adriatic Sea. 

Walk the Old City Walls of Dubrovnik

Your second day starts early again (sorry) with one of the top things to do in Dubrovnik; the city wall walk. 

This is also a must for your Dubrovnik bucket list. The gates for the Dubrovnik city wall walk open at 8 am but people start queuing to buy tickets and to get onto the walls by 7.30 am! It’s certainly worth getting a skip-the-line ticket and bypassing the queue. 

Another reason to do the city wall walk early in the day is to avoid the heat of the sun (especially if you’re visiting during July and August), aside from the towers, there is very little in the way of shelter – hint; take a cap or hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

The City Wall Walk has a one-way system, it goes in an anti-clockwise direction to keep the flow of people steady. Also, KEEP YOUR TICKET! – I’ll explain why in a minute.

The walls feature five bastions, fourteen square towers and two round towers. You will probably want at least a couple of hours here to see everything. Make sure you climb the tallest of the towers; the Micenta Tower. Being the highest point on the wall walk it has the best views.

To find out more about the walls and their history, as well as information about all the buildings you will see from up here it’s worthwhile booking a Dubrovnik City Walls walking tour which includes your entry fee and an official guide.

Visit Fort Lovrijenac

The Dubrovnik City Wall Walk will take about 2 hours, depending on how many times you stop to take photos! As the morning goes on you’ll notice the influx of other tourists and your once clear view of the wall and now shared with a multitude of other people. Time to make a move.

Head back through the Old Town and start the fairly steep climb of the hill to the west of the Old Town walls and up to Fort Lovrijenac. The 11th-century fortress, Lovrijenac Fortress is also known as the St. Lawrence Fortress. 

On the way up, look back to see Dubrovnik from across the water. Take a stroll along the shoreline on the way up to the Fortress for the cute little door in the rock.

You know I mentioned earlier about keeping your Dubrovnik City Wall Walk ticket, here’s why; Fort Lovrijenac is free to enter when you show your Dubrovnik Wall Walk ticket. Bargain! If you lost your ticket, you’ll have to buy another ticket to enter. Before you enter the fortress, look above the door. You’ll see an inscription carved in the stone: “Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro” which translates to ‘Freedom cannot be sold for all the gold of the world’.

To reach the fortress and for the best views of Dubrovnik, climb up the 175 steps. On the upper level, you’ll find canons and a tiny chapel, plus some of the famous Dubrovnik resident cats lounging about. 

Visit Dubrovnik’s Fabulous Museums, Palaces and Cathedrals

With this Dubrovnik itinerary, 2 days give you enough time to see a couple of the better museums. Most of the museums are indoors, so if you’re not a fan of the heat, these can offer a pleasant respite from the heat of the afternoon.

You’ll be spoilt for choice as to which museum or monastery you visit, however, some of the better ones are;

• Rector’s Palace – If you’re only going to visit one museum, then make sure this is it. The Rectors palace is historically one of the most important buildings in Dubrovnik. A new Rector was elected each month, by the Great Council, to represent the republic. 

During this month in seat, the Rector wasn’t allowed to leave the palace at any point except for government business. Inside the Rector’s Palace today you’ll find the Cultural History Museum.

• Sponza Palace-Historic Archives – I mentioned earlier in this article the array of uses this building had. The old customs house, today houses archives of the city, this is also where you can see the original 16th-century mechanism that controls the town bell and clock. 

The outside of the building is incredibly pretty, if you look closely, you will find a carving in Latin that translates to ‘Our weights do not permit cheating or being cheated. When I measure the commodities the Lord measures with me’ which dates back to the times when it was a customs house.

If you’re not interested in visiting museums, then check out the alternative itinerary below instead. 

Sunset Kayak Tour

So, you’ve seen Dubrovnik from the inside, from the walls and from above. Your second evening in Dubrovnik see the city from a different perspective. 

Now is the perfect time to complete the set and see the Old Town of Dubrovnik viewed from the water! On this 2 days in Dubrovnik itinerary, you’ll be heading out in a kayak to see the sun setting over the iconic city. 

The best way to do this and nicely complete your Dubrovnik itinerary is to opt for a sunset tour of Lokrum Island and Dubrovnik City Walls by Kayak. There are a few Kayak companies located just outside the Walls of Dubrovnik offering tours that go throughout the day, but one of the best options is the sunset tour.

The route takes you out of a small bay, around the outside of the city, across to Lokrum Island (remember from earlier, it’s only 600m from the mainland), in and out of little caves, and around Lokrum Island. Watch out for a spot of ‘sausage spotting’ as you row past the nudist beach before finally ending up at a secluded cave beach, only accessible by sea, before heading back to the Old Town for wine.

Because the cave beach, where you have a break, is only accessible via the sea, it’s only you and the small group you’re kayaking with. Here you can opt to chill on the beach or mingle with the group, although you could opt to swim while or try your luck at cliff jumping!

After some time on the secluded cove, you’ll row back to the mainland. As you do this, you’ll get to see the sun setting over the Old City of Dubrovnik. Once you’re back on the mainland, the wine starts flowing as you chill and chat in the cool dusky air of the harbour, with new friends from the trip. 

This is a fantastic way to end 2 days in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

I highly recommend this 3-Hour Sunset Kayaking Tour with Snack and Wine (this is the tour I did)

Alternatively, if you don’t want to do the sunset tour by kayak, but still experience the coves around Lokrum and the city walls from the water, then you might like this alternative option of a sunset cruise with dinner.

Dubrovnik Two Day Trip Options

One great thing about this 2-day itinerary, Dubrovnik is a fairly compact city. You can easily see the best of the city within a small amount of time. 

On a Dubrovnik one day trip, then the walls and the historical centre are the must-see things. Within two days, you can explore places like Lokrum Island. 

There are so many things to see in Dubrovnik, just outside the old town and further away so you could plan to spend a week here and still have lots to do.

Here are two great options for easy things to see from Dubrovnik. 

Visit the Fishing Village of Cavtat

A trip to nearby Cavtat can be a great option if you have three or four days in Dubrovnik, or you didn’t like the suggestion for the afternoon of day 2, where I recommended visiting some of Dubrovnik’s museums and palaces.

As an additional activity on this guide to Dubrovnik, head to one of the nearby fishing villages; Cavtat is the closest. This is also a great option if you have a few hours to kill, such as waiting for a flight (it’s close to the airport), or even if you just find the bustle of Dubrovnik Old City a bit too much.

Being only 18.5km from Dubrovnik, it takes about 20 minutes by car/ taxi to get to the seriously cute fishing village of Cavtat.

Things to Do in Cavtat

There are numerous things to see and do in Cavtat. Historically, Cavtat was a fishing village and in contrast to nearby Dubrovnik, still has some of this laid-back charm. Pretty galleries and a string of water-edge restaurants make this a great place to head for a bit of relaxation. Tree-clad promenade skirts around the peninsula and there are plenty of spots to get a sun lounger.

One great little find in Cavtat was the bakery Peco, selling THE biggest vanilla custard doughnuts I have ever seen. They also do loads of other freshly prepared bread-based products, delicious sandwiches and sweet treats to take out or eat in. It’s worth a visit to Cavtat for the bakery alone!

Getting to Cavtat

Getting to Cavtat is easy. Naturally, by taxi is the quickest. However, if you need to use public transport to get there, take the Number 10 bus from near the Dubrovnik Cable Car. The bus takes 20-40 minutes (depending on the time of day) and drops you right in the centre of Cavtat. There are 2 buses every hour.

Another way to do the Dubrovnik to Cavtat journey is by boat. This is by far the longest way to do the journey; it takes approximately an hour, BUT the payoff is that it’s the most scenic way. You can buy single or return journeys from the ticket booths at the harbour in Dubrovnik or Cavtat. Boats only run between April to November and arrive/depart from the old port of Dubrovnik to Cavtat harbour.

Dubrovnik to Montenegro Day Trip

One of the most popular day trips from Dubrovnik is to Kotor, Montenegro. Being only a 1.5 to 2-hour drive, it’s a great option to explore some other Balkan countries.

The city of Kotor is located in the divinely photogenic Bay of Kotor. It’s been dubbed ‘little Dubrovnik’ and features a similar array of maze-like narrow cobbled passages. 

Just like Dubrovnik, Kotor is also home to hundreds of cats who you’ll find lounging about in the alleys, on steps, or sprawled out in the sunshine. Again, like the cats in Dubrovnik, they are tame enough to get close to and photograph.

Similarly to Dubrovnik, the walled city of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you can whittle away a few hours exploring the stunning Venetian buildings on foot, taking an energetic hike up the hills, stopping off to admire views, one of the best views is from the Castle of San Giovani.

This is an easy day trip from Dubrovnik, unless you hire a car for the day, or want to try out the public bus service, the most efficient way to visit Montenegro from Dubrovnik is by an organised tour.

More Than 2 Days in Croatia?

You could easily spend longer. If you can spend 72 hours in Dubrovnik, then there are numerous day trips to take from the city. Here are my top picks for longer day trips from Dubrovnik. 

Dubrovnik in 2 Days – FAQs

I’ve given you a ton of information so far, as well as a load of juicy insider tips based on my trip to Dubrovnik. 

If you’re planning your Dubrovnik in 2 days’ vacation, this section has the answers to questions that come up. 

How’s Your 2 Day Dubrovnik Itinerary Shaping Up?

Hopefully, this Dubrovnik 2 days guide has answered everything you need to know about your trip to Dubrovnik. 

Although you could easily spend a lot longer than 2 days in Dubrovnik, this length of time does give you enough time to see the highlights of this fantastic little city. 

I had wanted to see Dubrovnik for so long, and the reality, it didn’t disappoint. It’s a phenomenal little city, and although it can feel overcrowded at times, there is plenty of solitude you can find here to take in the old-world charm. You’re going to love it! 

 Looking for more things to do on your Croatia itinerary? read more inspirational articles here…

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• 6 Of the Best Small Group Tours to Croatia
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