Dubrovnik, Croatia’s “Pearl of the Adriatic,” offers the perfect blend of medieval charm, stunning coastal scenery, and pop culture fame for an unforgettable three-day escape. This UNESCO World Heritage city captivated audiences worldwide as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, but its appeal goes far beyond the screen. From ancient city walls to crystal-clear Adriatic waters, this itinerary will guide you through Dubrovnik’s timeless beauty while revealing both its famous filming locations and hidden local gems.
Day 1: Old Town and City Walls
Morning (8:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
Start early at Dubrovnik City Walls to beat the crowds and heat. This 2-kilometer walk around the medieval fortifications offers spectacular views over the terracotta rooftops, Adriatic Sea, and surrounding islands. The walls took centuries to build and reach up to 25 meters high in places.
Key stops include Minčeta Tower (the highest point), Fort Lovrijenac (St. Lawrence Fortress), and Fort Bokar. Game of Thrones fans will recognize these as various King’s Landing locations, including the Red Keep and Blackwater Bay battle scenes.
Photography tip: Morning light is perfect for photos, and you’ll avoid the midday cruise ship crowds.
Afternoon (12:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
Explore Stradun (Placa), Dubrovnik’s main pedestrian street paved with limestone that gleams like marble. Visit Onofrio’s Large Fountain and Sponza Palace, a beautiful example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
Climb the steps to Dubrovnik Cathedral to see Titian’s paintings and the Treasury’s collection of relics. Take the cable car or hike up Mount Srđ for panoramic views over the Old Town and islands – this viewpoint offers the classic postcard shot of Dubrovnik.
Visit Rector’s Palace, former seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa, now a museum showcasing Dubrovnik’s rich maritime history.
Evening (5:30 PM – late)
Enjoy dinner at Nautika Restaurant for upscale dining with fortress views, or try Kopun for traditional Croatian cuisine in a medieval setting. Game of Thrones fans should visit Dubrovnik West Harbour where many waterfront scenes were filmed.
End your evening with drinks at Buža Bar, a cliff-side bar literally built into the city walls with dramatic sunset views over the Adriatic. Access is through a small hole in the wall – look for the “cold drinks” sign.
Transportation: Dubrovnik Old Town is entirely pedestrian – comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Day 2: Islands and Coastal Beauty
Morning (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Take a ferry to Lokrum Island, just 10 minutes from Dubrovnik’s Old Port. This nature reserve island features botanical gardens, peacocks roaming freely, and the ruins of a Benedictine monastery. The island also served as a filming location for Qarth garden scenes in Game of Thrones.
Explore the Dead Sea Lake, a small saltwater lake perfect for swimming, and climb to Fort Royal for elevated views back to Dubrovnik. The island has several walking trails through Mediterranean vegetation.
Swimming tip: Bring swimwear – Lokrum has beautiful rocky beaches and crystal-clear water.
Afternoon (1:00 PM – 5:30 PM)
Return to Dubrovnik and take a bus to Banje Beach, the city’s main beach with views of the Old Town walls. Rent a sunbed and umbrella, or find a spot on the pebbles for free. The beach has several restaurant options for lunch with a view.
Alternatively, take a boat trip to the Elafiti Islands (Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan) for a more secluded island experience. These islands offer sandy beaches, pine forests, and traditional Croatian fishing village atmosphere.
Evening (5:30 PM – late)
Experience Dubrovnik’s sunset from the City Walls or Mount Srđ cable car station. The golden hour light on the limestone buildings is absolutely magical.
For dinner, venture into Lapad Peninsula for more local dining options away from tourist prices, or stay in the Old Town and try Proto for fresh seafood – they’ve been serving fish since 1886.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion and Hidden Gems
Morning (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
Take a Game of Thrones walking tour to see filming locations including the Jesuit Stairs (Great Sept of Baelor steps), Ethnographic Museum (Littlefinger’s brothel), and Fort Lovrijenac (Red Keep exterior). Even non-fans will appreciate learning about Dubrovnik’s real history.
Visit Franciscan Monastery Museum to see one of Europe’s oldest working pharmacies (dating from 1317) and beautiful cloisters. The monastery’s library contains over 30,000 volumes, including precious medieval manuscripts.
Afternoon (12:30 PM – 5:00 PM)
Explore Pile Gate area and walk along the Adriatic Sea coastline to Hotel Bellevue area for dramatic cliff views. This walk offers stunning photo opportunities of the city walls from sea level.
Take a kayaking tour around the city walls for a unique water-level perspective of the fortifications and hidden caves. Several companies offer half-day tours that include equipment and basic instruction.
Visit War Photo Limited, a powerful museum documenting conflicts in the 1990s and around the world, providing important context for understanding modern Croatian history.
Evening (5:00 PM – late)
End your Dubrovnik adventure with a sunset dinner at Restaurant 360°, a Michelin-starred restaurant with panoramic views, or opt for the more casual Aziz for excellent Middle Eastern cuisine.
Take a final evening stroll through the Old Town when it’s beautifully illuminated and less crowded. Stop for gelato at Peppino’s or enjoy Croatian wine at D’Vino Wine Bar.
Practical Information
Getting Around
- Walking: Old Town is entirely pedestrian
- Local Buses: Connect Old Town to beaches and suburbs
- Taxis: Available but expensive within the small city
- Cable Car: Connects Old Town to Mount Srđ
- Boats: Regular ferries to nearby islands
Budget Estimates (per person, EUR)
- Budget Traveler: €50-80 per day
- Mid-range: €100-150 per day
- Luxury: €200+ per day
Best Time to Visit
- Peak Season: July-August (warm, crowded, expensive)
- Shoulder Season: May-June, September-October (ideal weather, fewer crowds)
- Winter: November-March (mild, quiet, many closures)
- Festival Season: July-August (Dubrovnik Summer Festival)
Where to Stay
- Old Town: Historic charm but expensive and crowded
- Lapad Peninsula: Beach access and better value
- Gruž: Near port and bus station, good for island trips
- Pile: Just outside Old Town gates, convenient location
Croatian Specialties to Try
- Black Risotto: Made with cuttlefish ink
- Peka: Meat and vegetables cooked under a bell-shaped lid
- Fresh Seafood: Grilled fish, octopus salad, mussels
- Pašticada: Traditional Dalmatian beef stew
- Rozata: Croatian crème caramel dessert
- Croatian Wine: Try local varietals like Plavac Mali
Essential Croatian Phrases
- Bok: Hi/Bye (informal)
- Hvala: Thank you
- Molim: Please/You’re welcome
- Oprostite: Excuse me
- Govorite li engleski?: Do you speak English?
- Koliko košta?: How much does it cost?
Game of Thrones Filming Locations
- Minčeta Tower: House of the Undying
- Trsteno Arboretum: Red Keep gardens (30 km from Dubrovnik)
- Fort Lovrijenac: Red Keep exterior
- Jesuit Stairs: Great Sept of Baelor steps
- Pile Gate: King’s Landing entrance
- Lokrum Island: Qarth garden scenes
Money and Payments
- Currency: Croatian Kuna (HRK) – Note: Croatia adopted the Euro (EUR) in 2023
- Credit Cards: Widely accepted in restaurants and hotels
- ATMs: Available throughout the city
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants if service charge not included
Cultural Etiquette
- Dress Code: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches
- Greetings: Handshakes are standard
- Dining: Wait for host to say “Dobar tek” (good appetite)
- Beach Etiquette: Topless sunbathing is acceptable on some beaches
Emergency Information
- Emergency Services: 112
- Police: 192
- Medical Emergency: 194
- Tourist Police: 021-638-133
Practical Tips
- Crowds: Visit early morning or evening to avoid cruise ship crowds
- Sun Protection: Strong Mediterranean sun requires sunscreen and hat
- Comfortable Shoes: Limestone streets can be slippery when wet
- Water: Tap water is safe to drink
- Luggage: Many accommodations have stairs – pack light
Day Trip Options
- Mostar, Bosnia: Famous bridge and Ottoman architecture (3 hours)
- Kotor, Montenegro: Stunning bay and medieval town (2 hours)
- Split: Diocletian’s Palace and more Game of Thrones locations (4 hours)
- Korčula Island: Medieval town and wine tasting (ferry connection)
Dubrovnik masterfully balances its roles as a living medieval city, modern tourist destination, and international filming location. Whether you’re walking the ancient walls where kings once ruled, swimming in the crystal-clear Adriatic, or recognizing scenes from your favorite TV show, Dubrovnik offers experiences that feel both timeless and thoroughly contemporary. This three-day itinerary provides a perfect introduction to Croatia’s most famous city, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning a return trip to explore more of the stunning Dalmatian coast before you even leave.
