5-Day Dubrovnik Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip

Dubrovnik packs an incredible amount into a compact destination — pearl of the adriatic with medieval walls and sapphire seas. Five days gives you enough time to hit the highlights, discover a few secret spots, and still leave room for spontaneous detours.

Here is a tried-and-tested 5-day itinerary that balances must-sees with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Old Town — UNESCO-listed walled city with marble streets. Take it easy — grab a coffee, orient yourself, and shake off the jet lag.

Late Afternoon: Head to City Walls walk for your first taste of what makes Dubrovnik special. The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos and the crowds start to thin.

Evening: Dinner in the Old Town — UNESCO-listed walled city with marble streets area. Try Black Risotto (Crni Rižot) — squid ink risotto with cuttlefish — it is the quintessential local dish and the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Highlights

Morning: Start early at Fort Lovrijenac. Arriving before 9 AM means fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to Lokrum Island. Budget about 2–3 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

Evening: Explore the Gruž — port area with daily market and local restaurants neighborhood on foot. Street food stalls serve excellent Peka — slow-cooked meat or octopus under an iron bell with vegetables at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Day 3: Deep Dive into Culture

Morning: Visit Old Town Stradun — one of Dubrovnik's most culturally significant sites. Hire a local guide for about $15 to get the stories behind the sights.

Afternoon: Wander through the Ploče — upscale area east of Old Town with luxury hotels district. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize, so the vibe is refreshingly authentic.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mid-range dinner featuring Pašticada — Dalmatian braised beef stew with gnocchi. Expect to spend around $35 per person.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Today is about discovery. Head to Buža Bar — cliff bar with hidden entrance through the city wall — a spot most tourists overlook entirely.

Afternoon: Check out Island of Mljet — national park with saltwater lakes and monastery, 1.5 hours by catamaran. The Babin Kuk — resort area with pebble beaches and pools area is great for a leisurely walk and a late lunch.

Evening: Experience Dubrovnik's nightlife scene — Buža Bars — cliff-edge cocktails outside the city walls.

Day 5: Final Gems & Departure

Morning: Use your last morning to visit Trsteno Arboretum — Renaissance garden used as Game of Thrones location or revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Late Morning: Pick up souvenirs at Stradun — souvenir shops with lavender, coral jewelry, and embroidery — support local artisans and avoid airport markup.

Afternoon: Head to the airport with memories (and a full camera roll) to last a lifetime.

Pro Tips

• Transport: Dubrovnik is small and walkable — Old Town is entirely pedestrian
• Budget: A comfortable mid-range daily budget is about $140 per day including meals, transport, and activities.
• Packing: Pack water shoes for rocky Adriatic beaches You will average 12,000–15,000 steps per day on this itinerary.
• Etiquette: Learn a few Croatian phrases — locals appreciate the effort
• Safety: Dubrovnik is very safe with negligible violent crime

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Daily Total	$50	$140	$400
5-Day Total	$250	$700	$2000

Final Thoughts

Five days in Dubrovnik is enough to fall in love with the place — and to start planning your return trip. This itinerary is a starting point; feel free to swap days around based on weather, energy levels, and serendipitous discoveries.

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