Dubrovnik in 7 days

The 'Pearl of the Adriatic' - walled, fortified, and impossibly beautiful from every angle. Best time to visit: May-June and September-October. Average daily budget: $90 to $160 USD.

Day 1, Land & wander

Base: Old Town, The walled city. Stradun, Rector's Palace, the Franciscan monastery. Tourist central but essential.

Morning: City Walls at 8am. Two kilometres of ramparts, sea on one side, red roofs on the other. Empty and magical early.

Afternoon: Explore Old Town, The walled city. Stradun, Rector's Palace, the Franciscan monastery. Tourist central but essential.

Evening: Sunset from Fort Lovrijenac. The fortress west of the walls. The best place to watch the sun hit the old town.

Eat: Black risotto (crni rižot) at any waterfront konoba

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Ploče, East of the walls. Banje Beach, upscale hotels, the best views back toward the old town.

Morning: Lokrum Island morning. A 15-minute ferry to botanical gardens, a salt lake, and peacocks. Swim before the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Ploče, East of the walls. Banje Beach, upscale hotels, the best views back toward the old town.

Evening: Kayak around the walls at sunset. Paddle the Adriatic side of the city as the light turns golden. Guided tours include a beach stop.

Eat: Oysters from Mali Ston - sweetest in the Adriatic

Day 3, Food & markets

Base: Lapad, Where locals live. Family beaches, cheaper restaurants, a more relaxed pace.

Morning: Buža Bars - cliff-side bars literally outside the walls, accessed through holes in the fortifications.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Lapad, Where locals live. Family beaches, cheaper restaurants, a more relaxed pace.

Evening: Walk the medieval city walls. A complete circuit of Dubrovnik's 2km ramparts, with the terracotta rooftops on one side and the Adriatic on the other. Go right at opening or near closing to beat the heat and cruise crowds.

Eat: Pršut (Dalmatian prosciutto) with Pag cheese

Day 4, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Gruž, The port. Ferries to the islands, fresh seafood markets, less polished but authentic.

Morning: The abandoned Hotel Belvedere - a brutalist ruin with the best secret viewpoint.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Gruž, The port. Ferries to the islands, fresh seafood markets, less polished but authentic.

Evening: Cable car up Mount Srđ at sunset. Ride above the Old Town for the postcard view of the walled city against the sea. Time it for golden hour, then have a drink at the summit bar as the lights come on below.

Eat: Rozata - Dubrovnik's answer to crème brûlée

Day 5, Day trip

Base: Konavle (day trip), Rural valley south of the city. River swimming, traditional silk production, farm restaurants.

Morning: Konavle valley - 30 minutes south, river swimming and farm-to-table Croatian food.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Konavle (day trip), Rural valley south of the city. River swimming, traditional silk production, farm restaurants.

Evening: Coral Beach Bar on Lapad peninsula - locals' secret sunset spot.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Black risotto (crni rižot) at any waterfront konoba

Day 6, Hidden gems

Base: Old Town, The walled city. Stradun, Rector's Palace, the Franciscan monastery. Tourist central but essential.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Old Town, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Old Town, The walled city. Stradun, Rector's Palace, the Franciscan monastery. Tourist central but essential.

Evening: Dinner at Oysters from Mali Ston - sweetest in the Adriatic, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Old Town.

Eat: Oysters from Mali Ston - sweetest in the Adriatic

Day 7, Slow finish

Base: Ploče, East of the walls. Banje Beach, upscale hotels, the best views back toward the old town.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Ploče, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Ploče, East of the walls. Banje Beach, upscale hotels, the best views back toward the old town.

Evening: Dinner at Pršut (Dalmatian prosciutto) with Pag cheese, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Ploče.

Eat: Pršut (Dalmatian prosciutto) with Pag cheese

Hidden gems

Buža Bars - cliff-side bars literally outside the walls, accessed through holes in the fortifications.
The abandoned Hotel Belvedere - a brutalist ruin with the best secret viewpoint.
Konavle valley - 30 minutes south, river swimming and farm-to-table Croatian food.
Coral Beach Bar on Lapad peninsula - locals' secret sunset spot.

Getting around

The Old Town is pedestrian-only. Use the local bus to reach Lapad and Gruž. Ferries to Lokrum and the Elafiti Islands leave from the old port. For Konavle, rent a car or take a local bus.

Safety

Very safe. The main risk is heatstroke in July and August - the walls have no shade. Wear a hat, carry water, and avoid the midday wall walk. Solo travellers are common and comfortable.

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