DUBROVNIK
DISCOVER MY 3 DAY ITINERARY
In June 2022, I spent three days in Dubrovnik, Croatia with my sister during at two-week European holiday. Here's my itinerary with my recommendations:
Day 1
Private Transfer to Hostel
Our hostel coordinated a private taxi to take us from the airport to the front of the old town entrance--this was worth it to us because we split the cost and
it's obviously much for flexible with time. There is a bus you
can take from the airport for 50 kuna, but it drops you off at
the top of the stairs--so depending on where you are lodging,
this could be better for you, but our hostel was on the ground
level.
Check into Old Town Hostel
The location of this hostel could not have been better! The building was right off of the Stradun or main street in Old Town Dubrovnik and this made it sooo easy to run back to our rooms to drop something off or change. I didn't realize just how many steps there are in the old town and how steep it was so I'm super grateful we didn't have to drag our luggage up. The building itself is simple--no frills, so AC. We were in a four person room which was super spacious and even though there was no AC there were lots of fans. It is quite humid in Dubrovnik, so I imagine visiting in July and August would be tough without AC, but I didn't mind it too much in mid June.
Recommendation: Go for it! The location was just TOO convenient to stay anywhere else. If you'd like to book a hotel or airbnb, please take in account the stairs--a couple flights isn't a huge deal, but if you end up with a place where you have to walk up eight steep flights every time to get back to your room... that would be rough.
Snack at Gourmet Mediterranean Cuisine
After checking in, we stopped by a nearby restaurant for a spritz and a meat/cheese plate. All of these restaurants are so charming--I feel like it's hard to pick a bad place. This was the perfect way to kill a bit of time before our walking tour.
Recommendation: Go for it! Like, I said I didn't have a bad meal in Dubrovnik, so anywhere that is convenient for you.
Free Walking Tour
I loved this walking tour and our guide. It was the perfect amount of time exploring the top hits of the city and our guide was very knowledgable and helpful. Dubrovnik has a very interesting history; here are a few highlights: They were part of the Venetian empire from 1200-1358 AD, but the Venetians are their rivals--even to this day. They remained an independent nation for the next 450 years because of their excellent negotiating skills and diplomacy. The unofficial city motto: be nice to everyone and be honest with no one. Cheeky. They were a Nazi puppet state during World War II, but they were able to keep the synagogue hidden and it is the world's second oldest synagogue. And lastly, they abolished slavery in 1416, pretty darn cool. We learned about lots of other interesting stories including nuns mysteriously getting pregnant and sex workers being state officials, so you should definitely check it out.
Recommendation: Go for it! No better way to get acquainted with a city.
After freshening up, we headed to Taj Mahal which is actually a Bosnian restaurant. It was very delicious and we ordered a lot of random things: I got a chilled yogurt mint soup which I've never had before (and Caitlyn scoffed at) but it was so refreshing in the hot humid air, I loved it. We split a cheesy bruschetta and had a traditional pastry. Every local told us to come here when we asked for recommendations, so I definitely think it's worth trying out!
Recommendation: Go for it! Like most places in Dubrovnik in the summer, you should make a reservation for dinner, especially if you have more than two people. Caitlyn and I were able to squeeze into most places because it was just the two of us, but only just barely.
Dinner at
Taj Mahal
Drinks at the Irish Bars
After dinner, we followed the noise and found ourself in an Irish bar... in Croatia. Turns out there are quite a few Irish bars in Dubrovnik and they are very popular. It was a fun time for sure, but there were a lot of very young people that go there--I swear there was a group of 16 year olds there, some looked even younger.
Recommendation: Eh, if you have time. There are only so many places to go out in the small Old Town, so if you like wrapping up your night with a beer and some music, you'll likely find your way here anyway. Haha.
Day 2
We started off our relaxed day eating lunch at Dubrovka 1836. It has one of the nicest views of the old town, however I thought the food was lackluster.
I would suggest coming here for drinks and maybe an
appetizer to enjoy the view, but eat lunch or dinner
elsewhere.
Recommendation: Eh, if you have time.
Lunch at Dubrovka 1836
Cloisters and Pharmacy Museum
Right next to the entrance to the Old Town is the Pharmacy Museum and the Cloisters. The entrance fee is included with the Dubrovnik card (which you will need to walk the city walls) and it was a lovely stop. The Pharmacy Museum was unfortunately closed the day we went because it was a national holiday, but it is the oldest working pharmacy in the world. We took a peek through the windows and it was funny to see modern medication on the medieval shelving.
Recommendation: Go For it! It's a short excursion and conveniently located.
We took the opportunity to do a little shopping and admire the "Shame steps" as they are now known thanks to Game of Thrones. There are a ton of little gift shops scattered around and I bought a small olive oil and beautiful print.
Recommendation: Eh, if you have time. Although Dubrovnik is more expensive than most European cities, they have interesting merch--particularly if you are a GOT fan.
Shopping
Stopped for a little afternoon prosecco and strawberries in the square. You have a lovely view of area and our tour guide told us Kamenice was a great restaurant for food.
Recommendation: Eh, if you have time.
Drinks and Fruit at Buffet Kamenice
Foot Massage at Touch of Thai
After many days of constant walking in the heat, I found a decently priced massage place near the hostel. I got a 30 minute massage for 250 kuna (around $33 USD) and it was a godsend. Noon has such a relaxing demeanor and her place was gorgeous. This is a perfect way to get a little R&R during your vacation without eating up too much of your time or your budget.
Recommendation: Go for it! Next time I'm in Dubrovnik, I'm definitely setting up another appointment with Noon.
Walk the City Walls
Around 5 or 6pm, we started Dubrovnik's biggest tourist attraction--walking the city walls. Everyone says to walk the walls early in the morning, but since we are not morning people.... we figured we'd walk it toward the end of the day. And one of our roommate said it was really crowded in the morning and still very hot, so do with that what you wish! It was quite hot, yes, but it wasn't crowded. However, I wish I would have known just how long it was going to take (and how tiring). There are a ton of steps and throughout the entire walk, so I wish we had given ourselves more time to relax while on the wall. There are many little drink and ice cream kiosks around and my suggestion is to stop at every one! You're there to enjoy the view so instead of racing around the walls like we did, have a cocktail or an ice cream and have fun. Another suggestion if you aren't fond of the sun: maybe bring a small umbrella? I didn't see anyone with umbrellas but while I was up there, it would have been nice. Dubrovnik is really humid so I feel like the time of day rarely matters, just go whenever you want and take your time.
Recommendation: Go for it! This is an absolute must-do in Dubrovnik. The views are spectacular from every angle. And you really feel like you're in King's Landing.
Dinner at Gradska Kavana Arsenal
This has got to be my favorite dinner we had on our whole European holiday. The food was delicious, the wine kept flowing, the service was impeccable, and the view was spectacular. I was blown away by the service especially; we had a blast with our fancy wine decanter and my steak was delicious. I highly suggest getting a reservation if you have a group larger than two and request waterside seating. We loved watching the boats come and go while we sipped on our Croatian wine.
Recommendation: Go for it! Delicious.
Drinks at
Buza Bar
We made a mistake... so after dinner, we headed to Buza Bar--everyone had recommended this to us; but we didn't realize that nighttime is a bad time to go. It was pitch black and I mean pitch black. So, I have zero photos because there was literally nothing to see. The bar itself is very casual and is perfect for the daytime, where you can cliff jump and swim and then enjoy some refreshments.
Recommendation: Go for it! Just go in the day time.
Club Revelin
That night we went to Club Revelin, which resides in a medieval fort and is a UNESCO world heritage site. It's the only of its kind! The club itself is pretty classic; DJ playing electronica, neon lights, crowded dance floors. But it was definitely an experience you can't do elsewhere.
Recommendation: Go for it! Or don't. Depends on how old you are and your vibe truly.
Day 3
Ferry to Lokrum Island
The next day we took the Ferry to the Island of Lokrum. The ferry cost 200 kuna (around $27 USD) and spent the whole day exploring the small island and running from peacocks. There's lots to see and do on this little island!
Recommendation: Go for it! It's incredibly calm and serene and we didn't see half of what the island had to offer.
Lunch at Lacroma Restaurant
After getting off the ferry, we followed the path to Lacroma Restaurant. We split the burger and it was... fine. There are only two restaurants on the island, I would suggest packing a picnic or going to the other one.
Recommendation: Skip it.
Swimming in the Dead Sea Lake
This was without a doubt the best part of Lokrum in my opinion. The little lake was so charming and pretty. I loved floating around and exploring the little cave. It's called the Dead Sea Lake because of the salty consistency of the water and although it's not as salty as the real Dead Sea (see my website for that itinerary), it was enough to allow you to bob there.
Recommendation: Go for it!
Drinks at Cocktail Bar Lake
There's a little cocktail spot overlooking the lake with overpriced drinks, classic Dubrovnik. But it was delicious and we were adamant on having a relaxing day.
Recommendation: Eh, if you have time.
Laying out by the Rocks
We found a little secluded spot on the rocky cliffs to lay out and enjoy the sun. I wish she would have spent the 100 kuna on a chair rental though... we were consistently harassed by peacocks. Listen, okay. Peacocks are beautiful. I get it. But they are still birds and I don't want birds that close to my face, you know? So, don't be stingy and just rent the chairs.
Explore the Knights Museum and Game of Thrones Museum
After being driven out of our spot by a peacock, we walked around a bit and stumbled upon the Knights museum. The island was once inhabited by medieval Knights who historically placed a curse on the island. Anyone who tried to seek the island for their own would die a painful death. The museum was interesting, if not a little creepy, but it's a fun little change of pace. The Game of Thrones Museum was right next door--it just features clips and pictures from the filming of the show and the main spectacle was the Iron Throne, of course.
Recommendation: Go for it! The Iron Throne is a can't miss if you're on the island of Lokrum. The museums are small and surround a beautiful garden.
Snack at
Rajski Vrt
We stumbled upon this restaurant after walking around the garden and the ruins of the monastery. Caitlyn was obsessed with the bruschetta we ordered and I got another yogurt mint soup. This restaurant was much nicer both in ambience and quality of food.
Recommendation: Go for it! I would definitely stop by for lunch or a snack if you're on the island!
Dinner at Segreto
After returning to Dubrovnik and freshening up, we headed out for dinner. We didn't have a plan and just decided to walk around and feel out what looked good. This is easy when it's just the two of you. We ended up dining at Segreto and it was delicious! We had a lovely server, and the food was so good.
Recommendation: Go for it! Like I've said multiple times, the restaurant quality in Dubrovnik is really good so there are lots of lovely little spots with great food.
Cocktails at The Bar
After dinner, we grabbed a couple cocktails at a place called The Bar near our hostel and enjoyed our last night in Dubrovnik!
Recommendation: Eh, if you have time. It's a quiet spot with good cocktails but nothing crazy.
Goodbye Dubrovnik!
we headed to London next!