ONE NIGHT IN DUBROVNIK

24 hours in Dubrovnik will make you want to come back for more or bemoan the fact that you didn’t stay longer. But don’t worry, below you will find the ingredients for a perfect 24 hour stay in Dubrovnik. You will see the major sights, have a good meal or two, and get a general feel for the UNESCO World Heritage site that is the Old Town. If you are staying longer, this is just the start of a wonderful adventure in Dubrovnik:)

THINGS TO DO IN DUBROVNIK IN 1 DAY:

• Check-in to your accommodation (30 min)

• Walk the Walls (1.5 - 2 hours)

• Local Tour (1-3 hours)

• War Photo Ltd. (45 min - 1 hour)

• Swim or Shop (1 - 2 hours)

• Enjoy a great meal (local cuisine, something different, or splash out at a Michelin recommended restaurant)

FIRST DAY IN DUBROVNIK
Welcome to Dubrovnik! As you approach the historic Old Town, you will see the monumental walls and fortress towers that were originally built between the 13th and 17th centuary. the After you have checked-in to your accommodation,

• CHECK-IN: Your check-in will be at our shop 'Life According to KAWA' (located just outside Ploce Gate). Please do not go to The Byron directly as there won't be anybody there to greet you. If you arrive early, you are most welcome to store your luggage at KAWA (Hvarska 2, Dubrovnik) until your room is ready at 16:00. Whenever possible we will do our best to offer an earlier check-in (it just depends on previous guests as we need enough time to properly clean and air your room out). If you are arriving by plane, we highly recommend you to book a private airport transfer with us (it’s the same price as a normal taxi and much more convenient), the driver will greet you at the arrivals hall with a sign with your name on it, drop you off at Ploce Gate (the easiest entrance to the Old Town to get to The Byron), and point you towards KAWA. If you are already in town or arriving by a different method, ask your driver to drop you off at Ploce Gate. Here is a google map link: Directions to Life According to KAWA.

• LUGGAGE PORTER: If you have heavy luggage (we empathise) or simply prefer not to worry about wheeling luggage through crowded cobble-stone streets & carrying bags up stairwells like a Paris walk-up, we can assist and arrange a city porter or local heart-throb to help you. Please let us know in advance so that we can book a city porter (the porters charge 10 EUR/bag).

• WELCOME TO THE BYRON!: Centrally located in one of Dubrovnik’s oldest quarters, The Byron offers simple luxury accommodation in an UNESCO world heritage building that was completely renovated and re-imagined. In modern times, this section of Dubrovnik’s Old Town is still full of life - a  living breathing residential neighbourhood where local denizens reside and work. As you wander the narrow streets and alleyways nearby, you’ll see laundry hanging, kids playing football, old-timers cursing, and fishermen coming back with food for the cat, a hangover, or both. Once we arrive to The Byron, we’ll show you to your room, answer any questions you may have, or leave you in peace.

• WALK THE WALLS: It’s time to explore. If there is anything you must do in Dubrovnik, this is it. Imagine visiting Cairo and skipping the pyramids. Same thing. 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. The best time to walk the walls is 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. We recommend that you purchase a Dubrovnik Pass as it includes the walls plus offers discounts or free entrance to other important attractions. You can purchase the pass online at: www.dubrovnikpass.com

• LOCAL TOUR: If this is your first time in Dubrovnik, a 1-3 hour local tour is highly recommended. 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).

• 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 in the afternoon to escape the heat.

• 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 where you will find yourself standing atop cliffs, backed by century old stone walls, overlooking the clear blue Adriatic. It’s also one of our favourite places to swim! During the spring & summer, there’s a cocktail bar where you can enjoy a cold refreshment and stare out at the sea.

• 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).

• EATING & DRINKING: There are many restaurants, cafes, & bars in Dubrovnik. We do extensive research by eating and drinking whenever we can (it's a tough job). Things can change during the season so we'll do our best to keep the list updated and accurate.

  BREAKFAST
  Breakfast isn't regarded as an important meal in Dubrovnik. Normally, locals skip it or have a shot of rakija and 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. Otherwise, if you are looking for baked goods, check out Gianni (which is nearby and is probably the closest to a real patisserie inside the Old Town, Mlinar on the main street, or Babic Bakery just outside Ploce Gate.

TWO NIGHTS IN DUBROVNIK

Good work! 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 aren’t ready to achieve fjaka, we can also recommend some great activities!

THINGS TO DO IN DUBROVNIK (DAY 2):

• 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

MUSEUMS & ENTERTAINMENT:

Dubrovnik Pass - If you are interested in visiting museums and other cultural sites, this is a great deal. Not only does it give you access to the Old Town walls, it also includes discounts and free entrance to many of Dubrovnik’s museums, galleries, and cultural sites. Available online: www.dubrovnikpass.com

Events - The tourist board of Dubrovnik provides a list of upcoming events & performances and and event calendar.

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

Live Music - During the summer festival, you’ll find live music & performances in nearly every square. Just a minute walk from The Byron, is a live Jazz Bar (Trubadur).

Sport - 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

Nightlife - 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. It’s true! Just make sure to wake up in time for check-out otherwise, we’ll make you clean the room yourself:) Revelin Night Club: www.clubrevelin.com. Otherwise, check the drinks menu below for a list of some slightly more sedate recommendations.

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/