Dubrovnik is named the “pearl of the Adriatic,” and it doesn’t take long to see why. With its infamous old town surrounded by the blue Adriatic sea, it’s a captivating city. Dubrovnik perfectly blends ancient history with culture and natural beauty, and it is loved by many of visit. Whilst there is a lot to see in Dubrovnik, all the top sites are close together which makes it one of the best destinations for a weekend trip in Europe. With this itinerary, you’ll discover the perfect way to spend 2 days in Dubrovnik. From hidden swim spots to top museums to beautiful Croatia Islands, this itinerary has it all.
You’ll be pretty busy and not a second will be wasted, but don’t worry, there will still be plenty of time to relax. It’s ideal for those who love to mix busy days with relaxing natural beauty. But feel free to take as much from it as you like.
This guest post was written by Kizzi from Off to Get Lost.
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Best Time to Spend 2 Days in Dubrovnik
The best time to visit Dubrovnik is during spring or fall. Not only do you get the best weather without it being overwhelmingly warm, but there are fewer crowds and accommodation is slightly cheaper. Temperatures range from around 18°C in April to 27°C in June, which is still pretty warm. The absolute best time is fall, when there are still temperatures in the 20s during September and October.
I would avoid traveling from late June to early September. Not only is it 30+°C outside, but the crowds make it almost impossible to move about the city. Dubrovnik’s old town and surrounding beaches are pretty small and it gets very uncomfortable with the amount of people who flood here in the summer months.
Day 1 in Dubrovnik
Exploring Dubrovnik’s Historic City Walls
Start your 2 days in Dubrovnik by exploring Dubrovnik’s medieval City Walls. From up here, you’ll see breathtaking panoramic views of Dubrovnik’s terracotta rooftops and the beautiful surrounding Adriatic. Give yourself an hour and a half to two hours to explore. This will give you plenty of time to take pictures and climb the small towers and forts along the way such as the Minceta Tower and Bokar Fortress. Hit the walls in the morning so you beat the heat and avoid the worst of the crowds.
The Old Town of Dubrovnik
Once you’ve seen Dubrovnik from around, it’s time to head down into the Old Town. First, you’ll pass through the impressive Pile Gate and be greeted by Onofrio’s Fountain which was built in the 1400s by Italian architect Onofrio di Giordano della Cava. Opposite, try your luck by standing on the Dubrovnik Maskeron, a small gargoyle that sits on the wall. If you can stay standing on its head, you’ll soon fall lucky in love. Inside the walls, grab a late breakfast (or early lunch!) at one of the quaint restaurants tucked down the narrow streets. Keep your eye out for local delicacies such as seafood risotto, filled with freshly caught mussels.
A few buildings you should make your way to are the Franciscan Monastery and Rector’s Palace. The Monastery is located just after the Pile gate, and contains a church, library, and the third oldest pharmacy in Europe, which is still open today! The 14th-century cloister at the center of the monastery is a beautiful and peaceful place to sit for a few moments away from the busy Dubvronik streets. Inside, you’ll find a small museum that takes you through the monastery’s history with a collection of relics.
Note: the Monstary closes at 2 pm, so make sure to get here early!
Further into the Old Town, you’ll find Rector’s Palace. It was built in the late 15th century and is a beautiful example of Gothic-Renaissance architecture. Today, it is the Cultural History Museum of Dubrovnik, and you can explore restored rooms, including the small prison cell that used to hold some of the city’s most notorious criminals.
Scenic Cable Car Ride and Sunset Views
Once you’ve fully explored the Old Town, it’s time to head up again and see the city from above. The evening is the perfect time to head to the top of Srđ Hill. 412 meters high, it is the best spot to see the whole of Dubrovnik. Whilst there is a cable car that runs to the top of the hill, if you have time, it’s well worth the hike up. The trail starts about 15 minutes from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, and the trail itself takes around 30-40 minutes. Give yourself an hour to stop and admire the views as you go along. Once you’re at the top, you can dine at the hilltop restaurant and watch as the sun sets. Or, if you’re traveling to Dubrovnik on a budget, bring some charcuterie with you and create your own rustic yet romantic dinner on the hillside.
From June to August, the last cable car down the hill is at midnight, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your evening. However, it’s always double-checking the timings for when you’re visiting. An adult round-trip ticket costs €27, whereas a single ticket costs €15, which is pretty pricy for the short ride. However, if you’re coming back in the dark, I’d recommend spending the money on the return ticket for your safety. Tickets can be bought online or at the lower cable car station.
Day 2 in Dubrovnik
I have two options for your second day in Dubrovnik. Both include hopping over to a nearby island and basking in some of Croatia’s beautiful natural scenery.
Option 1: Escape to the Island of Lokrum
The first option is a morning spent in Lokrum, a popular choice for many people coming to Dubrovnik. Just a 15-minute ferry ride away, Lokrum is an uninhabited island covered in pine, cypress, and olive trees. Take some time to explore the beautiful botanical gardens and medieval ruins of the Benedictine Monastery, but relaxing in the warm and tranquil Mediterranean waters under the shade of the woods is the highlight of Lokrum.
Another great way to explore the island is by booking a kayaking tour. With these guided tours, you’ll not only explore Lokrum but also get a chance to swim and snorkel in the Blue Cave and Betina Cave. The cave is just along from Dubrovnik and is only accessible from the sea. There’s also a sunset option to make the excursion even more special.
Whether you spend your morning or evening exploring Lokrum, you’ll have plenty of time to see some of the other coastal spots around Dubrovnik. Plaža Banje is a short ride east out of the Old Town and a popular destination for anyone wanting to relax by the water. This beach is made up of small pebbles with plenty of restaurants and bars nearby making it easy to spend your entire afternoon here.
Alternatively, you could head west of the Old Town to Plaža Danče. A popular spot for locals and rock jumping, this beach is primarily made up of large rocks with a small cafe for any refreshments. However, I’d spend a few hours here until you get hungry. Then, take a short walk around to Beach Bar Dodo. Here, you can relax with a cocktail, order some dinner, and watch as people jump from impressive heights into the water below.
Option 2: Swim in the Lakes of Mljet National Park
The second option for your last day in Durbvnik is to venture over to the island of Mljet. Whilst many people choose to stay in Mljet as it is slightly further away from Dubrovnik than Lokrum, it is a great day trip away from the bustling city of Dubrovnik. Take the hour-and-a-half ferry to Pomena and then take a short 10-minute walk to the stunning Mljet National Park. Pomena is also a great place for food lovers as it has a few small restaurants serving seafood and classic Croatian cuisine.
The national park is made up of a large Aleppo pine forest with two saltwater lakes at its center. The lakes are the park’s highlight. Spend a few hours dipping in and out of its waters, or explore them from a kayak which you can rent from the little lake. The park is also great for anyone who loves a good walk. The walk is about 10.8km and takes about 2.5 hours. That might sound like a lot but don’t worry. The best part is that you can stop as often as you like for a quick and refreshing swim in the salt water.
If you want a bit of a challenge, hike to the top of Mount Montokuc for incredible panoramic views of the entire park. It takes about 50 minutes, but it’s made of a pretty steep path, about half in the sun, and half in the shade. Whilst a challenge, the views are entirely worth it. There’s a small watch tower at the top which you can climb to see even further. I recommend going there as it was one of the best views I have seen. Just try to head there as soon as you get to Mljet to avoid the heat.
Final Words on Your 2 Days in Dubrovnik
Spending 2 days in Dubrovnik is an exhilarating whirlwind of exploration and discovery. This planned 2-day itinerary ensures that every moment is filled with wonder, whether you’re wandering through the narrow streets of the Old Town or soaking in the breathtaking sunset views from the top of Srđ Hill. On your second day, find yourself immersed in Croatia’s natural beauty with an island excursion to Lokrum or Mljet. Whilst both are different experiences, their serene atmospheres and pristine landscapes offer a peaceful respite from the bustling city. While the time may seem fleeting, these action-packed days provide a perfect snapshot of Dubrovnik’s charm and allure.
So, for those craving an active holiday filled with unforgettable experiences, 2 days in Dubrovnik promise an adventure like no other, leaving you with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for this remarkable country. If you want to stay for more days in the area, check out this 4-day Dubrovnik itinerary.
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