24 Hours in Dubrovnik’s Old Town

Explore the best of Dubrovnik’s Old Town in one perfect day with the top sights, restaurants, bars, shopping, and activities from morning to night.

First things first, do as the locals do and caffeinate. For artisan coffee in a medieval alleyway, head to Cogito. If you prefer prime people-watching with your coffee, try an open-air cafe along Stradun, the Old Town’s main promenade.

Before it heats up, see Dubrovnik from above with a 1.25-mile or 2 km walk around the city walls. They were built in the 14th century and later fortified to protect the city from Ottoman invasion. The views of the Old Town’s terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic Sea are priceless.

By Pile Gate, the main access point for the city walls, visit Onofrio’s large fountain built in 1438. Centuries later, it’s still at the center of everyday life, offering refreshingly cool drinking water year-round. Across the street is the Franciscan Monastery. Inside is a lovely 14th-century courtyard and one of Europe’s first pharmacies, in business since 1317. You can buy organic face creams and soaps made by hand according to monks’ centuries-old recipes.

From Pile Gate, wander through the Old Town’s alleys toward Luza Square, where you’ll find the Clock Tower, Sponza Palace, Orlando’s Column, and St. Blaise’s Church. From there, check out Buža Gate and Ploče Gate and stroll through the picturesque port, or tour the 15th-century Rector’s Palace.

For a quick, cheap eat, head to Barba’s for seafood street food. It’s famous for its octopus burger, featured on Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil. For a more upscale, relaxing lunch, try Lucin Kantun Dubrovnik. It offers reimagined, traditional Croatian dishes in a picturesque alleyway.

Next, go for a scoop of world-class ice cream. By Pile Gate, Gelateria Dubrovnik is the star. Peppino’s Gelato, with two Old Town locations, is another gem. Cat lovers can’t miss Gianni’s by the port. They also sell the purrfect souvenir – a calendar featuring the feline residents of Dubrovnik’s Old Town!

When the sun blazes, head inside to the top shops. Dubrovačka kuća offers a curated collection of locally produced products, ceramics, and glassware through the store’s affiliation with the Museum of Arts & Crafts in Zagreb. Life According to Kawa features high-quality products made by Croatian artisans and designers.

In the late afternoon, go for a swim and drinks on a cliff at the bars Buža I or Buža II. If you prefer a beach, Banje Beach is only a few minutes walk from Ploče Gate. It has beautiful water and a postcard-perfect view of the Old Town.

For a romantic and fantastic meal, it’s hard to beat the waterfront Gradska Kavana Arsenal Restaurant for dinner (reserve in advance!). Or, to explore the region’s diverse cuisine, head to Taj Mahal Old Town for top-notch Bosnian food.

Watch a movie under the stars at the Jadran outdoor cinema or see the Linđo Folklore Ensemble perform traditional songs and dance. The linđo circle dance and klapa multipart singing are both on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

To cap off the night, head to D’Vino War Bar with over 100 varieties of Croatian wine plus charcuterie boards.