Dubrovnik is a gem on the Adriatic coast – but not a hidden one! It’s the place everyone knows, everyone wants to see, and everyone visits. But there is a massive difference between just showing up and actually knowing how to navigate this place.
In this updated 2026 guide, I’ll share my personal experience and insider tips to help you make the most of your five-day visit by sharing this perfect itinerary that will cover all the best attractions in the city.
While more days would give you more time to truly enjoy what this popular Croatian destination has to offer, 5 days in Dubrovnik are not that bad either. But let’s see what you should do during this time!
A Quick Look at the Itinerary
- Day 1-2: Master the Old Town, including the City Walls and hidden sunset spots.
- Day 3: Choose your own adventure: Island hopping the Elafiti or oysters in Ston.
- Day 4: A day trip to “Little Dubrovnik” (Korčula Island).
- Day 5: Lokrum Island or chilling on the coast.
Let’s jump right in and make the in-depth plans now!
Day 1: Discovering the Old Town
After you check in your hotel, no matter where it is located (the best hotel deals are in Lapad, a residential suburb, only 3 Km from the Old City), catch the bus or walk to the Pile Gate (the main entrance to the Old Town).
Pro Tip: Before you walk through that gate, stop and get the Dubrovnik Pass first. If you plan to DIY and walk the City Walls and also visit at least two museums, the pass makes more sense price-wise (and there are various options available, from 1 day to week-long passes).
The pass costs roughly the same as the single entry ticket for the Walls, but also includes other major museums like the Rector’s Palace, and free bus transport. You can buy it online too.
I recommend avoiding a leisurely walk on Placa or Stradun during the hottest part of the day, between noon and 4 PM. Instead, visit one of the many churches or museums that offer a welcome break from the heat. For lunch, try one of the traditional restaurants in the Old Town.
During these hours, it’s better to visit some of the many churches or museums around, which you will encounter in the area. Stop for lunch in one of the many Dubrovnik old city restaurants.
Alternatively, I recommend going to the Porporela beach, a small pier with the Red Feral (warning light), while waiting for the sun to get lower on the sky.
It is an ideal place for a quick refreshment in the hot Dubrovnik summers, located under St. John Fort. Be warned that it gets really crowded during the main season!
After 5.30 PM it’s time to visit the Dubrovnik city walls, your ultimate Dubrovnik experience, and the first must-do activity on our itinerary.
Grab a big bottle of water and head back to Pile Gate where is the entrance to the city walls. You will need the water to be hydrated during a relatively long, but easy walk.
This 2 Km long walls will take you about two hours of slow paced walking. If you prefer guided tours with Game of Thrones story and historical background of the walls, it’s best to take this organized tour (it’s more convenient than just only the entrance ticket).
After this amazing walk on the Dubrovnik walls, it’s time to go back to Stradun or Placa street, where you can best feel the ‘pulse of the city’, the favorite promenade walk of all Dubrovnik citizens, young and old, as well as of all tourists coming from all over the world.
There are many charming cafes there where you can enjoy a refreshing drink, and people watch and be amazed at how beautiful Dubrovnik really is. The prices in the area are a bit higher since it’s touristy, but you deserve it!
If you want a less expensive experience, you can do the same by resting on the steps of the St. Vlaho Church (make sure to visit it) or in front of Orlando’s Column (my favorite place).
After resting for a while or just idling around that area, you can explore some Dubrovnik nightlife venues, nested within the city walls.
When it’s time to go back to your hotel, take a bus back from Pile gate, or get into a taxi and head home. Your first day is over.
Day 2: Still Exploring the Old Town
Start your day early to beat the crowds, with a visit to Paninaro (Google Maps link here). I personally love their sandwiches made with fresh, homemade bread, ham, and cheese. Early mornings here mean you get the fresh bread right out of the oven.
If you want something traditional, go to a bakery (Pekara) and ask for a burek (a meat or cheese-filled pastry).
Later, treat yourself to a refreshing ice cream or one of the best crepes at Dolce Vita on Nalješkovićeva Street 1a (click here for Google Maps link).
With your hunger satisfied, spend the rest of the day exploring the smaller streets that branch off from Stradun. Today is the perfect time to visit the churches, museums, and palaces tucked away in the Old Town.
Game of Thrones fans shouldn’t miss the Jesuit Stairs. This is the location of the famous “Walk of Shame” scene. It’s located near St. Ignatius Church. Even if you haven’t seen the show, the Baroque architecture here is stunning.
Later in the afternoon, make sure to enjoy the spectacular scenery in the city. The best way is to take a cable car from Kralja Petra Kresimira IV street (check the map).
You don’t have to worry about the time, as cable cars run from June to August up to midnight. The entrance fee is around 27 Euros (make sure to double check as the prices can change).
Day 3: A Day Beyond the Walls
A trip to Dubrovnik is incomplete without a taste of its surroundings. On this day, choose your own adventure outside the city limits.
One option is to explore the Dubrovnik archipelago – the Elafiti islands (Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan) offer a mix of quiet beaches and scenic views.
Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan are the main islands. Lopud is my personal favorite because of Šunj Beach, a rare sandy beach in a country of pebbles. You can book a “Three Island Cruise” which includes drinks and lunch, or take the local Jadrolinija ferry for a cheaper, DIY adventure.
If you prefer a larger island experience, consider spending the day in Mljet. I’ve written detailed guides on these islands, so make sure to read them too.
Another choice is to spend a whole day in North Western part of the Dubrovnik region, visiting the Peljesac peninsula and Veli and Mali (Big and Small) Ston towns exploring the Ston walls (called Croatia’s China walls), sampling the best food in Croatia (oysters and mussels).
This will be one of the most exciting days among your 5 days in Dubrovnik, no matter what choices you make.
I really can’t recommend one or another, as there’s awesomeness no matter what you choose. Sometimes, it’s best to have more options and take a decision yourself.
Day 4: Visit Korčula Island
For day four, we are going further afield. I suggest a day trip to Korčula.
Known as “Little Dubrovnik,” Korčula is a medieval walled town that claims to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. It is greener, slightly quieter, and incredibly charming.
I recommend booking this guided tour here (it includes Croatian wine tasting as an added bonus!), as doing it all yourself might be a challenge and free spots might be difficult to find without advanced planning.
This small town will offer you a much-deserved break to recharge your batteries, soak in the sun at one of the many beaches available in the area and sample some more local cuisine inside the town itself.
Day 5: Winding Down
It’s your last day. You want to relax, but you also want one last “wow” moment.
While Banje Beach is the most famous (and photogenic) beach right outside Ploče Gate and below the luxurious Dubrovnik hotel Excelsior, it is also incredibly expensive and crowded. If you want the “VIP” feeling with a view of the Old Town, go there. But be prepared to pay a premium for lounge chairs.
The beach has its own reception, restaurant and café bar on the waterfront, but expect very high prices here to accompany the high-quality services and food.
The beach offers a unique experience of sunbathing on the gravel base and a bath with a view of the old town, the city walls and Lokrum island. Perhaps it is best place to relax and to reload your empty batteries.
At the same time, for a better experience, I recommend hopping on the ferry to Lokrum Island actually. It takes 15 minutes to get there and Lokrum is a protected nature reserve. There are no cars and no overnight stays allowed!
The original Iron Throne from the series is located in the visitor center here, and it’s free to sit on for photos. It is the ultimate place to recharge your batteries before your flight home.
See: The “Dead Sea” (a small salt lake perfect for floating), the botanical gardens, and the peacocks that roam freely.
Budgeting for Your Five Days in Dubrovnik
We need to be brutally honest here: Dubrovnik is expensive. It is one of the priciest destinations in Europe right now, and high season brings even higher prices.
If you are budget-conscious, here is what you should keep in mind:
Accommodation: Prices skyrocket starting June, all the way to August. Visiting in the shoulder season (May or late September) can save you 30-40%.
Realistic Budget: For a couple staying in a modest apartment/hostel, cooking one meal a day, and using the bus, expect to spend closer to €160–€180 per day (total for two).
Mid-Range: If you want a 3-star hotel, nice dinners, and wine, budget €300+ per day.
Money-Saving Tip: Buy your water, beer, and snacks at a supermarket (like Konzum or Tommy) outside the Old Town walls. Prices inside the walls are marked up significantly.
I wrote a more in-depth guide to travel prices in Croatia, make sure to check it out as they apply to the popular Dubrovnik too.
Conclusion
In my opinion, this is the best itinerary for Dubrovnik, if you only have five days to spend here. It’s going to be a bit busy, but it’s worth doing all the activities that I have recommended, as well as visiting all the places above.
But if you feel that there should be other “must-see” things included in the itinerary, let us all know by sharing your thoughts down below.
I was in Debrovnick in the old city last year and purchase some earrings that are hand made and would like to purchase more. They are from a small store and hand made with femo. Can you please forward me the name of the shops within the old city as I may remember it if I see It. Is was owned by a young man and lady with a small child.