How many days do you need in Dubrovnik?

Two to three days is ideal: one for the old town and walls, one for Lokrum or the Elaphiti Islands, and one for a day trip to Montenegro's Bay of Kotor or Mostar.

When is the best time to visit Dubrovnik?

May, June, September and October offer warm weather with fewer crowds than July and August.

How do you avoid crowds in Dubrovnik?

Walk the walls at opening time or late afternoon, check the port's cruise ship schedule and stay overnight to enjoy the old town in the evening.

Dubrovnik Travel Guide (2026): Things to Do, Islands & Avoiding Crowds

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With its marble streets, mighty walls and red roofs above the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe – and one of the busiest. Plan carefully and you can still enjoy its magic without the crowds. Here are the best things to do in Dubrovnik and how to time your visit.

The old town

1. Walk the city walls

Dubrovnik's old town and city walls — Photo: fjaka on Pixabay

Nearly two kilometres of walls encircle the old town, with towers, forts and views over the roofs and the sea. Go at opening time or in the late afternoon, and bring water – there's little shade.

2. Stradun and the old town

Stradun, Dubrovnik's main street — Photo: FilipFilipovic on Pixabay

The polished limestone main street, Stradun, runs from the Pile Gate to the old port. Explore the side lanes, the Rector's Palace, the Franciscan Monastery with one of Europe's oldest pharmacies, and the Cathedral.

3. Fort Lovrijenac

Standing on a rock outside the walls, this fortress hosts summer theatre and offers views back to the old town. Your city walls ticket usually includes entry.

4. The cable car to Mount Srđ

Dubrovnik seen from above — Photo: adrimarie on Pixabay

Ride the cable car up Mount Srđ for a panorama of the old town and the islands – unforgettable at sunset.

The sea and islands

5. Lokrum

Lokrum island off Dubrovnik — Photo: FilipFilipovic on Pixabay

Just 15 minutes by boat, the island of Lokrum has a botanical garden, a ruined monastery, peacocks, rocky swimming spots and a small salt lake.

6. The Elaphiti Islands

Day cruises visit Koločep, Lopud and Šipan, with sandy Šunj beach on Lopud a highlight. For a private day, charter a boat – see our Croatian yachting guide.

7. Sea kayaking

Paddle around the walls and to Lokrum on a guided kayak tour, stopping at Betina cave beach.

Day trips

8. The Bay of Kotor and Mostar

A cruise ship in the Bay of Kotor — Photo: Markfo on Pixabay

Montenegro's Bay of Kotor and the old town of Kotor are a scenic day trip. Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with its rebuilt Old Bridge, is another popular excursion.

9. Ston and the Pelješac peninsula

Ston has some of Europe's longest defensive walls and famous oysters; the Pelješac peninsula is wine country.

Tips to beat the crowds

Check cruise schedules and plan old-town visits for quieter days.
Start early or stay late: the old town is magical in the evening.
Buy the Dubrovnik Pass for the walls, museums and public transport.
Stay outside the walls in Lapad or Ploče for better value.
Considering a longer stay? Croatia tops many lists of the best countries to retire.

Dubrovnik Travel Guide: City Walls, Islands and Tips to Beat the Crowds