24 HOURS IN DUBROVNIK

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

• AIRPORT ARRIVAL:

  You can take a taxi, UBER, rental car, or airport shuttle bus to get from the airport to the Old Town. The airport can get quite hectic and busy. We recommend that you allow us to book a private airport transfer. It’ll cost the same or even be a bit cheaper than a normal taxi. Plus it’s always nice to have somebody waiting for you at the Arrivals hall. And as you walk past the crowded taxi line and get into your air-conditioned luxury vehicle, you’ll smile to yourself.

  Book an airport transfer

• BUS / FERRY ARRIVAL:

  If you are coming to Dubrovnik from the islands, other parts or Croatia, or Italy, you’ll most likely disembark your ship or bus in Gruz or the ACI marina. We don’t recommend a private transfer as it is easier and more cost efficient to jump in a taxi or UBER. Ask the driver to drop you off at Ploce Gate (the best gate to get to The Byron). Please don’t go to They Byron directly as we conduct all check-ins from our Croatian design boutique ‘Life According to KAWA’ located just outside Ploce Gate.

• CAR ARRIVAL:

  If you are arriving by car, be forewarned.... Dubrovnik is not a great place for vehicles. Donkeys, yes. Cars, no. The Old Town is completely pedestrian so you must park outside the Old Town (inconvenient and very expensive). If you have a rental car, ask for a city centre drop-off and/or pick up. You’ll find that everything is easily accessible by foot or taxi so you shouldn’t really need a car during your stay. However, if you do need your car, we can help arrange secure parking on a first come, first serve basis, in a secure one car garage located an easy 5-8 minute walk from your check-in point (our shop, Life According to KAWA). But please note, it’s not part of The Byron and costs 50 EUR per day.

  Book secure parking

• DUBROVNIK ARRIVAL:

  You are already in town. Perfect. Once you have checked out of your accommodation, come to Life According to KAWA for your check-in.

• The airport can get quite busy so it’ll be nice to have someone waiting to pick you up instead of having to wait in the crowded taxi line (Price is the same or less than a regular taxi).

• Book a luggage porter: If you have more than one small suitcase, consider booking a porter to take your luggage from Ploce gate to your room (8-10 minute walk and up some stairs). It’s not necessary but if you want to relax and take in the sights and sounds instead of labouring with luggage through the cobblestone streets, summer heat, and crowds, let us know, and we’ll arrange it. Porters charge per piece so we recommend using them only for larger bags.

ONE NIGHT IN DUBROVNIK

While an ideal itinerary for Dubrovnik is at least 2-3 nights, in 24 hours in Dubrovnik, you will see the major sights, get a feel for the UNESCO World Heritage site that is the Old Town, and leave hungry for more;)

Below, you will find the ingredients for a wonderful 24 hour stay or day in Dubrovnik.

THINGS TO DO:

• Local Tour (1-3 hours)

• Walk the Walls (1.5 - 2 hours)

• War Photo Ltd. (45 min - 1 hour)

• Swim or Shop (1 - 2 hours)

• Enjoy local cuisine or something different

• Drinks & Entertainment

DIRECTIONS

1. LOCAL TOUR: If this is your first time in Dubrovnik, a 1-3 hour local tour is highly recommended. Normally, we prefer to independently explore and discover a place on our own. But there is something appealing about being shown around town by a local expert. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or perhaps Game of Thrones lore, a local guide in Dubrovnik will enrich your experience and allow you to go on autopilot (i.e. no fights with the spouse or partner over getting lost). Our recommendation is to book a morning tour so that you avoid the midday heat and crowds. Or go in the early evening. You’ll find many tour guides available online but if you’d like us to help arrange for a private guide, we know some good ones. Send us a request and be sure to let us know what you are interested in so that we can tailor to your interests (also include date and your preferred time).

2. WALK THE WALLS: If there is anything you must do in Dubrovnik, this is it. Imagine visiting Cairo and skipping the pyramids. Same thing. Just make sure to go early in the morning or in the early evening. Avoid mid-day at all costs! Another tip is to bring bottled water and use the Ploce gate entrance. You’ll get a head start and avoid the que at Pile Gate. And even though you are probably wondering if it’s worth it, it sounds touristy, we recommend it. You’ll get a much better perspective of the Old Town, some great photos to make your friends and relatives jealous, plus if you have a fitness tracker, you’ll get steps in the grandest of ways.

3. WAR PHOTO LIMITED: This might seem like an odd or depressing thing to do on your holiday but War Photo Limited is a world class gallery and an important part of any visit to Dubrovnik. It offers a permanent exhibition about the conflict and breakup of Yugoslavia plus guest exhibitions from some of the world’s best war photographers. It has great air-con so perhaps a good place to visit after your guided tour or walking the walls in the morning.

4. SWIM THE WALLS: You could hit up any of the local beaches but for a truly unique experience (just steps away from The Byron), you’ll find a secret little hole in the wall that opens onto one of our favourite places to swim! In the summer, there is a bar & live music but you don’t have to partake if you don’t want to. Simply walk down the cliffs and enjoy!

5. SHOPPING IN DUBROVNIK: for locally produced or designed products from small batch Croatian designers, food artisans, & craft brewers, our favourite shop in Dubrovnik is Life According to KAWA. It’s open all year round and a quick 10 minute walk from The Byron (just outside Ploce Gate). Their knowledgeable & friendly staff are always happy to help. There is also a secret food room in the back where you can find international staples & other goodies (like Korean instant noodles, Mexican Takis, American snacks & candy).

6. EATING LOCAL: If Dubrovnik is your first stop in Croatia, here are our recommendations for local fare:

   Kopun - This is one of our favourite restaurants in the Old Town. It’s a place where we take friends or family. We celebrated Sanja’s 40th birthday here and the cast of Game of Thrones lined up in front of the Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius to take a picture with her (she was very embarassed and I told King Joffrey that I was happy - spoiler alert - that he died). Kopun specialises in local Dubrovnik recipes. We recommend their seafood dishes (our fave is the brodet - a traditional spicy seafood stew). It’s a great spot for families - the kids or husband can run around in front of the Jesuit church while you enjoy a cold beverage. For dinner, combine with sunset drinks at Buza cliff bar. (Casual. Old Dubrovnik recipes. $$$).
   Reservations: www.restaurantkopun.com

   Taj Mahal - Serving great Bosnian food influenced by the Ottomans, Taj Mahal recently received a well deserved Michelin recommendation. Try their Cevapi for an introduction to Balkan comfort food. But don’t stop there, they have lots of interesting dishes (plus options for vegetarians). Some of our guests enjoy it so much they go for both lunch and dinner! (Casual. Bosnian. Michelin Recommended. $$$).
   Reservations: www.tajmahal-dubrovnik.com

   Lady Pi Pi - One of the only places in town with a fire grill, serving simple but delicious fish and meat dishes plus fresh garden salads. If you get the chance, ask to sit at the back of the terrace where you will have a great panoramic view of the town. It is very popular and they don’t take reservations so we only recommend it for lunch and not dinner (because of the long lines). If you want to visit the most beautiful basketball court in the world, it’s just around the corner. (Casual. Local meat & fish grill. $$$)
   Reservations: no reservations.

7. EATING SOMETHING DIFFERENT: If you have been in the region for awhile and want to try something different:

   Azur - We love these guys! The passionate young chef/owner used to be a patron of ours when we ran a bar called Fresh*. He moved to China for awhile and returned to open up Croatia's first Cro-Asian restaurant! They received a Michelin recommendation and offer a great variety of tapas style bites that are meant to be shared. The restaurant is just steps away from The Byron and near the hole in the wall that leads to a great swimming spot and a low key spot for drinks. (Casual. Cro-Asian bites. Michelin recommended. $$$).
   Reservations: www.azurvision.com

   Bota Sare - this oyster and sushi bar is located nearby (on the other side of the Cathedral). It's a small little place with great oysters (the family has their own oyster farm in Ston) and the owner sources his own tuna (offers extreme fishing trips). Definitely try the oyster maki! (Casual. Oysters & Sushi. $$$).
   Reservations: www.bota-sare.hr/dubrovnik

8. SPLASHING OUT:

   Dubrovnik 360 - The first restaurant in Dubrovnik to be awarded a Michelin Star. The setting is monumental and service theatrical. Online Reservations only. (Fine Dining. Classic fare with modern interpretation. $$$$$)
   Reservations: www.360dubrovnik.com

   Above 5 - the only rooftop restaurant in Dubrovnik offers modern Mediterranean in a great setting. Booking is essential. (Fine Dining. 3 - 5 course Tasting Menu. $$$$)
   Reservations: www.above5rooftop.com

   Nautika - Superbly located just outside the city walls at Pile Gate. Nautika is renowned as one of the first fine dining restaurants in Dubrovnik. They also do great Gin & Tonics! (Fine Dining. Mediterranean. $$$$$)
   Reservations: www.nautikarestaurants.com

9. DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT:

   Rectors Palace - The Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra often has events here. Our recommendation is to skip the assigned seating and opt for standing room only tickets. Get there early and head up the stairs and sit on the bannisters overlooking the performance space, please just make sure not to fall.

   Tix: www.dso.hr

   D’VINO Wine Bar - If you enjoy wine and want to try some of the local varieties, this is the spot for you. Across the narrow cobblestone street, you’ll also find Glam Bar which offers local Croatian craft beer. So perhaps both you and your unrefined partner can be happy. Notice, we didn’t specify.
   Web: www.dvino.net or Glam Bar

   Gaffe Irish Pub - For live sports & pub fare, you have two choices. Gaffe and Gaffe2. Both have plenty of screens with good sight-lines. We really appreciate these guys because they also serve some of the most authentic Croatian food in an Irish pub that you’ll find anywhere in the world (we’re serious - during weekdays, they serve marende at Gaffe which is a home-style meal served to office and construction workers between breakfast and a late lunch).
   Web: www.gaffepub.com

   Revelin - If you have never partied in a 500 year old medieval fortress before, this could be your chance. To be honest, it’s been awhile since we’ve had an all nighter so perhaps we’re not the best to recommend nightlife but in our youth, we used to walk 15 miles frontwards and backwards, and we’d dance like there was no tomorrow. Trust us. It’s true! Just make sure to wake up in time for check-out otherwise, we’ll make you clean the room yourself:)
   Web: www.clubrevelin.com

TWO NIGHTS IN DUBROVNIK

Good job! You’ve hit the must see places and can relax a bit. Whether that means a simple siesta in the afternoon or a beach day, you are on your way to achieving fjaka (a local word that roughly translates into a simple & perfect state of lazy existence). If you are interested in activities, we also have some good recommendations!

THINGS TO DO:

• Coffee & Gelato or Cake (20min)

• How about a little basketball in one of the world’s most beautiful basketball courts?

• 1/2 Day or Full Day trip to:

  • Lokrum Island (3-4 hours)

  • CAVTAT

  • Wine Tour

  • A beach day at Coral Beach, Banje, or Sv. Jakov

  • BOWA

• Sunset Kayak or Cable Car or Catch some live music

DIRECTIONS

1. Coffee & Gelato: Breakfast isn't regarded as an important meal in Dubrovnik. Normally, locals skip it or have a shot of rakija, a simple spread of jam and bread, a small coffee and a large beer. Gradska Kavana (the city coffee house) does a decent breakfast and is a great place to people watch. But let’s indulge ourselves and check out Gianni (a 30 seconds walk from The Byron and probably the closest to a real patisserie inside the Old Town). Enjoy a proper coffee, gelato, & cake. Why not? You are on holiday:)

2. 1/2 DAY or DAY TRIPS: Here’s where things get a bit difficult. You’ll have to make a decision before the town gets overrun with tours. Do you want to spend a relaxing and rewarding half day on Lokrum island (otherwise known as the City of Qarth for all of us Game of Thrones fans); take a water taxi to the charming Illyrian town of Cavtat and eat at one of our favourite restaurants; have a beach day; or splash out and take a speedboat to BOWA and feel like a celebrity for the day?

3. Lokrum Island: It’s just a 10 minute ferry ride from the Old Town harbour. There’s walking trails, cliffs to be jumped, playing fields and parks, shaded olive groves, a botanical garden, inland dead sea, Napoleonic fort, an Iron Throne, and oh yes! Friendly peacocks! Order a gourmet picnic from our friend Alex or drop by our shop (KAWA) to grab some snacks and a nice bottle of chilled wine, some craft beer, or natural juices. It’s perfect for a 1/2 day or afternoon out...

4. Basketball & a real local lunch: Depending on the time of year, you’ll want to hit the courts early or later. We’ve got basketballs for you to borrow. And even if you don’t plan to partake, you can check the courts out and brag to all your friends that you were at the most beautiful basketball court in the world). If you go in the morning, plan to have lunch at the nearby Lady Pi Pi and head down the steps to War Photo Ltd. (sports, authentic food, and history in the span of 4 hours, nicely done!).

5. Cavtat: If you are looking to escape the crowds, catch a water taxi (leaves from the Old Town Harbour) to the wonderfully laid back Mediterranean village of Cavtat. Bring your swimming gear as you’ll find many amazing places to have a dip (plus there are showers). When you get to Cavtat, enjoy a nice stroll along the pine lined pathways, past pebbled coves, and beach cafes. The path will circle back to town where you can visit the home and gallery of one of Croatia’s most famous painters (Vlaho Bukovac) or just wander the narrow streets. Don't forget to go for a meal or cocktail at one of our favourite restaurants Bugenvila.

6. WINE TOUR: Travel along scenic roads amongst scattered villages and hills covered in vineyards to taste the terroir of Croatia. Visit three family-owned local wineries, each with its own philosophy of what the perfect wine ought to be. You will also enjoy a visit to the historical Town of Ston where you will have the chance to enjoy a bit of history or try world renowned local oysters. Tour is back in Dubrovnik in the evening hours, early enough to grab dinner in one of the local restaurants.

7. BEST OF LOCAL COUNTRY-SIDE: Enjoy sights, sounds, and tastes of Konavle Region. South of Dubrovnik lies countryside region of Konavle, stretched between the tall mountains and deep blue Adriatic Sea. Today, Konavle is a perfect hideaway from the urban hustle of Dubrovnik and offers a unique insight into the past for all those willing to explore it. Lovely vistas, delicious food and a look into local traditions will be on the menu as you explore away from the crowds. You will explore this picturesque region and experience its rich history, beautiful panoramas, and

   lovely local food. Visits will be made to a local history museum as well as an impressive medieval fort Sokol which provides stunning views over the region. Lunch of local delicacies will be served in a traditional family eatery where you will be introduced to some of the area’s most beloved food. There will also be time to visit the seaside town of Cavtat – a jewel of Dubrovnik area with wonderful promenade and an undeniable Mediterranean charm. After all the exploration and indulging in the best Konavle has to offer, you will still be back in Dubrovnik in time to enjoy afternoon and evening on your own.

8. SWIM: We don’t have a pool but just steps away from The Byron, you’ll find something even better - a little hole in the Old Town walls that opens onto one of our favourite places to swim! You can walk there in your slippers, jump in, and be back in bed in under 8 minutes! It’s a spectacular location and during the summer, you’ll also find a cliff bar that serves cocktails and sometimes, live music.

9. SHOPPING: If the sea is still not warm enough or your don’t feel like swimming, you can always go shopping! For locally produced or designed products from small batch Croatian designers, food artisans, & craft brewers, our favourite shop Life According to KAWA (OK, we are biased but still….)

10. Bugenvila -

11. Bowa is situated on the island of Šipan You will need to book in advance, 

    but it’s a special place to have lunch and then to relax by the sea afterwards. You can always combine it with a private trip around the Elaphiti islands (which we can arrange for you). 

    
    

    Tel: +385 91 636 611

    bowa-dubrovnik.com

    Price: ££££

12. Dubrovnik 360

    This Michelin starred restaurant has all the ingredients for a special evening out. Incredible views, theatrical service, & an innovative menu. Their tasting menus are highly recommended but a la carte is also available. Online reservations only.

    
    

    Tel: +385 20 322 222

    360dubrovnik.com

    Price: ££££

Lady Pi-pi

Situated on the high side of the Old Town, this is the 

only place in town with a fire grill. Simple traditional food with a great view. It’s quite a hike up the steps to reach it and you can’t reserve a table. So, we recommend lunch & suggest you walk by KAWA to the upper Buza Gate so that you avoid the steep stairs.

Price: ££

Lucin Kantun

Another place serving up small imaginative plates. They have very limited seating so make sure to reserve!

Tel: +385 20 321 003

lucinkantun.com

Price: £££

Orsan Restaurant

Located at the local marina, this is definitely worth a 10 minute taxi or UBER ride. Plan on lunch or early dinner so that you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Tel: +385 20 322 088

www.restaurant-orsan-dubrovnik.com

Price: ££

Price: ££

Pizza Castro

There is a lot of choice when it comes to pizza in the Old Town, but Castro’s is, hands down, the best one (and we’ve tried a few). 

Price: ££

Proto

This famous fish restaurant is located in the Old Town, just off of the Stradun. We’ve received mixed reviews. Some people love it while others didn’t see the value. But as they are one of the original fine dining spots, we’ve included them on our list. You might consider Orsan Yacht Club if you are looking for a more seaside vibe.

D'Vino Wine Bar - serving up some great local charcuterie and cheeses, this is a cosy place to get better acquainted with the joys of Croatian wine. (Casual. $$$. Wine Bar)

GREAT ESCAPES (DAY TRIPS)
Dubrovnik is a fantastic place but there are some really great and easy day trips. This year because of border issues, we do not recommend Montenegro or Mostar so consider:

CAVTAT
The lovely and laid back Mediterranean village of Cavtat is a great ½ day trip from Dubrovnik. You can take a local bus or hail an Uber. There might even be water taxis (from the Old Town harbour) depending on the weather. When you get to Cavtat, enjoy a nice stroll along pine lined pathways, past pebbled coves, and beach cafes. The path will circle back to town where you can visit its art museum or just wander the narrow streets. Don't forget to go for a meal or cocktail at Bugenvila!

KORCULA
We love Korcula. It holds a dear spot in our heart because without Korcula, we probably would be in Panama. We lived in 'the birthplace of Marco Polo' for several years and started our first business there, a wraps & smoothies joint called 'fresh*' (we literally had no storage so everything had to be made fresh;). The town has become much more touristed since we've lived there but it is still a gem of a place. It's a doable day trip by car or organized tour. If you want a bit more flexibility, we can arrange a private driver so you can stop in Ston for oysters and a look at the longest fortified walls in Europe. Plus you can enjoy some wine without worrying about having to drive.

SRD MOUNTAIN
Dubrovnik sits below the steep slopes of Mt. Srd. You can either walk, take a taxi, or cable car to the top. If you enjoy hiking, it takes just over 45 minutes to 1 hour. Otherwise, you can catch a taxi or UBER from Ploce Gate. If you want to take the cable car, please note the line-up can get really crowded when tour groups arrive. If that happens, consider skipping it for later or hail a taxi. The views are stunning but probably not worth the long wait. There is a restaurant and cafe at the top.

FOOD & WINE TOURS
If you fancy wine and stunning scenery, we can recommend a great local who runs bespoke food and wine tours up the Peljesac peninsula and around town. We love these guys! You can find more info here: www.insiderholidays.eu/welcome-to-insider-holidays

GUIDED WALKING TOURS
For private walking tours, we'd suggest early in the morning or later afternoon. The town is just too crowded during the day. We can recommend a wonderful and knowledgeable guide (550 KUNA/@1.5-2 hours).

HIKING AND PICNICS
If you are interested in doing some hiking or would like some personalised tours, talk to our good friend Alex (www.piknikdubrovnik.com). She is awesome!

KAYAKING
There are several local outfits that do 1/2 day kayaks or sunset tours near the Old Town. It’s a great way to see the Old Town from a different perspective. For the tours, we recommend: https://kayak-dubrovnik.com/