How to Spend 2 Days in Dubrovnik, Croatia – A Solo Travel Guide

Dubrovnik is one of those cities that looks like a postcard. It’s almost unreal, and then you see it in person and wow, it doesn’t disappoint. The medieval walls, sea views, and marble streets make Dubrovnik a perfect stop in Croatia. When I visited Croatia a few years ago, it felt like it was a country that was still a little unknown. All I knew is that it was Greece’s cheaper neighbor. Check out my posts on Greece here if you’re interested: Santorini and Athens.

I finished the school year in June and decided that Croatia was just a short flight away from Spain and I had some time to go explore. I spent two days in Dubrovnik along my Croatian trip and I would definitely recommend visiting. It’s worth it.

If you’re traveling solo, Dubrovnik is a great mix of walkable, safe, and scenic which is perfect for wandering at your own pace without feeling rushed in this amazing city.

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Day 1: Old Town and the City Walls

Morning: Stroll Through Old Town

Start your first morning as early as you can, cruise ships usually arrive around 10 am. After that it tends to get a little busier in the city center. You can start by heading to Pile Gate and wander the streets of the town. The Old Town is small but full of beautiful churches, hidden alleys, and stone buildings. Take your time walking through the city, the architecture is amazing and the stone alleys are easy to get lost in (which is a good thing).

Make your way down Stradun Street, the city’s main square. Top things to see:  Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, and the Dubrovnik Cathedral. Solo travel tip: take your time at a coffee shop or bakery, sitting alone here is natural, and the atmosphere makes it easy to soak in the city at your own pace.

Afternoon: Walk the City Walls

Walking the Dubrovnik City Walls is non-negotiable. It’s what they’re known for and every photo featuring Dubrovnik has the walls in them. The views over the terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic Sea are unforgettable. I think I have like 50 photos just from the walls because each view is a little bit different, I went a little overboard with the pics, but better too many than not enough.

It should take a couple hours, as always I recommend a tour (link here) so you can learn the history behind the walls. It was hot when I was in Croatia, especially warm on the top of the walls. Croatia is known for its sunshine so drink lots of water and wear cool clothes.

If you’re traveling solo, this is one of those moments where you won’t feel awkward at all, everyone is too busy staring at the views.

Lunch: Cliffside Views

After the walls, time to grab some lunch. I would definitely find a restaurant with some sea views. The food is great in Croatia. Fresh, lots of seafood, and great gelato. Perfect before you tackle the rest of the day.

Another great place to go with cliff and sea views is Santorini, Greece. Check out my post here.

Afternoon: Jesuit Steps and Hidden Corners

The Jesuit Steps were built in 1738 and connect the Gundulić Square to the Jesuit Church. The steps were inspired by the Spanish Steps in Rome. The stairs were one of the backdrops for Game of Thrones season five (there are also some Game of Thrones tours you can take while in Dubrovnik).

Next, you could go explore the quieter southern side of Old Town. There are great views of St. John’s Fortress and the Revelin Fortress from the south side. There are also some cliffside cafes which are only accessible through holes in the walls.

Evening: Sunset and Dinner

Try taking the cable car up Mount Srđ for sunset. It’s a perfect place to watch the sunset. The cable car is a short ride, so I would plan to get there early as it can get busy, but the view down to the city is amazing. You can see all of Dubrovnik as it floats in the sea (check out this tour, which includes the cable car).

Day 2: Coastline, Beaches and Relaxation Time

Morning: Lokrum Island

Take a short ferry to Lokrum Island, just 10 minutes from the Old Port. It’s ideal for solo travelers, it’s quiet, there are botanical gardens, peacocks wandering around, and places to swim. If you plan on swimming, you might want to bring water shoes, the coastline is beautiful but not super sandy. I did a little hiking there and got some great photos from the top of the island. It’s a pretty easy hike and worth the views.

Late Morning: Beach Time

When you’re back in Dubrovnik, you could go to Banje Beach or Šulić Beach. Take some time to relax, sit by the sea, or read a book, enjoy the quiet alone time.

Afternoon: Free Time or Kayaking

Use the afternoon to do what fits your energy:

• Kayaking around the walls
• A long coffee break in Old Town
• Shopping for local souvenirs like lavender or handmade jewelry

I went kayaking in the afternoon. It was fun, great views of the city, and it was a good cool off on a hot day. I would recommend one of the tours here.

Evening: Final Dinner and Walk in Old Town

On your last evening, take one more walk through Old Town after dark. The stone streets glow under lantern light and the restaurants are open late for a relaxing last dinner. It’s the perfect moment to reflect on the trip, especially if you’re traveling solo.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

For a quieter experience, stay just outside Old Town, Ploče or Lapad are great areas. You’ll be close enough to walk in but far enough to escape the crowds. I stayed in Old Town on my trip, but wouldn’t have minded staying a little outside the center.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Dubrovnik

Is 2 days enough in Dubrovnik?

Yes, 2 days is enough to see Dubrovnik’s highlights without feeling rushed. You’ll have time to explore the Old Town, walk the city walls, enjoy a sunset from Mount Srđ, and still slow down for meals and sea views. For most travelers, 2 days is the best balance, 3 days would be a great option too. Nice and relaxed. If you’re continuing on in Croatia, check out my post: Best Places to Visit in Croatia.

Can Dubrovnik be visited as a day trip?

Dubrovnik can be visited as a day trip, but I wouldn’t recommend it. One day in Dubrovnik is worth it only if you’re short on time. You can see Old Town and walk the city walls, but the experience will feel rushed, especially during peak season. I don’t think you’ll get enough out of Dubrovnik in one day. It would be tough.

What is the best month to visit Dubrovnik?

The best months to visit Dubrovnik are May, early June, September, and October. These shoulder-season months offer warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to July and August. I went at the end of June and the weather was getting a little warm for me and it was beginning to get crowded. If I was to go again I would go in May or September.

Is Dubrovnik expensive?

Yes, Dubrovnik is one of the more expensive destinations in Croatia, especially in summer. Food, accommodations, and attractions inside Old Town tend to cost more, but visiting in the shoulder season and staying just outside Old Town can help reduce costs.

Do you need to book Dubrovnik attractions in advance?

During peak season (June–August), I recommended booking city wall tickets, cable car rides, and tours in advance. In the shoulder season, you can usually buy tickets on arrival.

Is Dubrovnik safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Dubrovnik is very safe for solo travelers. The city is walkable, well-lit at night, and used to tourists. As always, use basic travel awareness, especially in crowded areas.

Before you decide not to go…

When I first arrived in Dubrovnik, I worried about navigating it alone, wondering if I’d feel awkward wandering the streets or sitting by the sea. But those moments of hesitation quickly faded. I enjoyed the quiet early morning squares, the views from the walls, and the delicious gelato when I needed to cool down. Traveling solo here isn’t about being alone, t’s about noticing everything around you, taking it in, and feeling proud for taking the journey.

Looking for places to stay? Check out some recommended hotels below.

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