Travel Tips

Dubrovnik Itinerary in One Day

Located on the Adriatic coast of Croatia, Dubrovnik is a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. With its well-preserved medieval old town, stunning beaches, and breathtaking views, it’s no wonder that Dubrovnik has become a popular destination for travelers from around the world.

Exploring Pile Gate: The Gateway to Old Town

Our journey begins at Pile Gate, the iconic entrance gate to Dubrovnik’s old town. This monumental gate was built in 1537 and topped with the statue of San Biagio, the city’s patron saint. As we cross the stone bridge that leads to the gate, we’re transported back in time to an era of grandeur and majesty.

Pile Gate is not only a stunning architectural landmark but also a great place to start our exploration of Dubrovnik’s old town. The gate was built during the Renaissance period and features a unique blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles. As we walk through the gate, we’re greeted by the sound of seagulls and the warm sunshine that illuminates the narrow streets of Old Town.

Morning in Old Town: A Walk Along Stradun

After crossing Pile Gate, we find ourselves on Stradun, the main street that cuts through the entire old town. This pedestrian-friendly street is lined with shops, cafes, workshops, and stalls, making it a shopper’s paradise. As we walk along Stradun, we can’t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer beauty of the city.

Stradun is a bustling street that’s filled with life and energy. We pass by colorful buildings, each one adorned with intricate stone carvings and ornate balconies. The street is lined with shops selling everything from traditional Croatian clothing to handmade souvenirs. We also find plenty of cafes and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine.

As we continue our walk along Stradun, we come across the beautiful Ploče Fountain, a stunning example of Baroque architecture. This ornate fountain was built in 1761 and features intricate carvings and sculptures. It’s a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Dubrovnik’s old town.

Discovering Loggia Square and Clock Tower

Just a short distance from Pile Gate lies Loggia Square, considered the heart of Old Town. This charming square is surrounded by beautiful palaces, including Palazzo Sponza, the Loggia delle Campane, and the Palazzo della Gran Guardia. The Clock Tower, built in the 15th century, towers over the city skyline, its bronze figures ringing out every hour.

Loggia Square is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture, with buildings designed by some of the most prominent architects of the time. We can see intricate stone carvings, ornate balconies, and stunning fountains. The square is also home to several museums, including the Dubrovnik Museum and the Museum of the Republic.

San Biagio Church: A Gem of Baroque Architecture

As we wander through Old Town, we come across the beautiful San Biagio Church, dedicated to the city’s patron saint. This stunning church boasts a baroque style and a fourteenth-century statue of San Biagio, one of the few surviving relics from the 1706 fire.

San Biagio Church is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in history and architecture. The church was built during the Renaissance period and features intricate stone carvings, ornate balconies, and stunning stained-glass windows. We can also see several important artworks, including paintings by renowned artists such as Tintoretto.

Palazzo dei Rettori: A Royal Residence

Just a short distance from Loggia Square lies Palazzo dei Rettori, one of Dubrovnik’s most beautiful buildings. This baroque palace was once the residence of the city’s rulers and now houses the Dubrovnik Museum, featuring an impressive collection of city history.

Palazzo dei Rettori is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, with intricate stone carvings, ornate balconies, and beautiful gardens. The palace was built during the 17th century and features several important artworks, including paintings by renowned artists such as Rubens. We can also see several important historical artifacts, including documents from the city’s medieval period.

DEAL 1

Journeys of a Lifetime, Second Edition: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips

Featuring 120 new destinations, this best-selling inspirational travel guide reveals 500 celebrated...
Completely revised and updated for its 10th anniversary
Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's legendary travel writers, this fully...

Cathedral: A Symbol of Faith and Spirituality

After exploring Old Town, we head to the stunning Dubrovnik Cathedral, also known as the Cattedrale dell’Assunzione. This beautiful cathedral is home to precious relics, including a piece of the Holy Cross, although its authenticity remains disputed.

The Cathedral is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in history and spirituality. The cathedral was built during the Renaissance period and features intricate stone carvings, ornate balconies, and stunning stained-glass windows. We can also see several important artworks, including paintings by renowned artists such as Tintoretto.

Mount Srd Funivia: A Breathtaking View

To experience the breathtaking views of Dubrovnik, we take the funivia (cable car) to the top of Mount Srd. From here, we can see the entire city and its surroundings in stunning detail. We can also hike up Mount Srd if we prefer a more leisurely pace.

The funivia ride offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding landscape. We can see several important landmarks, including the old town, the cathedral, and the Dubrovnik Walls. The ride is relatively short, but it provides breathtaking views that are hard to forget.

Dubrovnik Walls: A Walk Along History

As the day comes to a close, we return to Old Town for a walk along the ancient walls at sunset. These walls have witnessed centuries of history and offer breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding landscape.

The Dubrovnik Walls are a must-see attraction for anyone interested in history and architecture. The walls were built during the medieval period and feature several important landmarks, including towers, bastions, and gateways. We can also see several important artworks, including paintings by renowned artists such as Tintoretto.

A Day in Dubrovnik: Itinerary Highlights

Here are the highlights of our itinerary:

Pile Gate: The iconic entrance gate to Old Town.
Old Town and Stradun: A walk along the main street that cuts through the entire old town.
Loggia Square and Clock Tower: A visit to the heart of Old Town and its beautiful clock tower.
San Biagio Church: A tour of this stunning baroque church.
Palazzo dei Rettori: A visit to one of Dubrovnik’s most beautiful buildings.
Cathedral: A tour of the city’s stunning cathedral.
Mount Srd Funivia: A ride up Mount Srd for breathtaking views.
Dubrovnik Walls: A walk along history and natural beauty.

Tips and Tricks

Move around the city on foot: Dubrovnik is best explored on foot!
Avoid driving if arriving by car, as parking is expensive and gets cheaper as you move away from the old town.
Watch out for heat in summer: it’s very hot! Don’t forget to bring water and consider a relaxing break at Banje Beach!

FAQs

What are the best times to visit Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik is mainly an autumn vacation destination, but can be visited during the summer months as well.
How do I get around Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik is best explored on foot, and there are also buses and taxis available.
What are the must-see attractions in Dubrovnik?
Pile Gate, Old Town, Loggia Square, San Biagio Church, Palazzo dei Rettori, Cathedral, Mount Srd Funivia, and Dubrovnik Walls.
Can I hike up Mount Srd?
Yes, you can hike up Mount Srd if you prefer a more leisurely pace.
What is the best way to enjoy the views of Dubrovnik?
Take the funivia (cable car) to the top of Mount Srd for breathtaking views.
Is Dubrovnik safe?
Dubrovnik is generally a very safe city, but as with any tourist destination, it’s always a good idea to take necessary precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Can I visit the old town without a guide?
Yes, you can visit the old town without a guide, but we recommend taking a guided tour to get a deeper understanding of the city’s history and culture.

We hope that this itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Dubrovnik!

Donation Box

National Traveller: Free for All, Thanks to You

In a world where information often comes with a price tag, we’ve chosen a different path: to stay free, forever. Because we believe in accessible, independent, and trustworthy content for everyone—no barriers, no subscriptions, just great stories, guides, and insights.

But we can’t do it alone. Advertising doesn’t cover our costs anymore, and yet we remain committed to delivering the quality you deserve. Every guide we create, every destination we explore, every piece of advice we share—it’s all made possible by readers like you.

If you value what we do, consider making a voluntary donation. Together, we can keep National Traveller free and thriving for everyone, everywhere. Let’s build a better-informed, better-connected world—starting right here, today. Donate Now

Up Next

London Itinerary in 7 Days

Don't Miss

What to Eat in Bolzano And Where: 10 Typical Dishes And Best Restaurants