If you only have one day to spend in Dubrovnik then you are going to need a constructive plan. Although the Old City is a car-free, self-contained entity and is relatively easy to navigate around you are still going to need some hot tips to maximise your stay.
Here are a few recommendations on our “must see” list. The best way to familiarise yourself with the city is by getting a bird’s eye view. Climb 432 metres over Dubrovnik with a ride on the cable car. The views are to die for, why not have a coffee in the Panorama Restaurant which offers aerial panoramas, it’s all in the name.
After an hour on the Srd Mountain you’ll need a swim, one of the most iconic beaches in Dubrovnik is the Banje Beach. You can either rent a sun bed or go to the public side of the beach, to the east, and roll out your towel for free. Time for lunch and the Old City offers over 100 restaurants, but beware there are many tourist traps, our choices are Kopun (home of capons), Proto (for an upmarket fish meal), Nista (vegetarian), Horizont (great service) or Kamenica (fresh fish and reasonable).
After lunch why not catch some Dubrovnik culture, there are many museums in the Old City but you only have a day so the Rectors Palace will give you a brief insight into the power of the former Republic of Dubrovnik. Have you got time to walk the city walls, probably not, but you could walk half of them. For a seaside view get on at the Pile Gate and for an over the roof tops view get on at the Ploce Gate, unfortunately the price is the same if you walk a half circle or full. If you don’t fancy walking anymore then relax with a long drink on the Stradun, the main street that runs like an arrow through the heart of Dubrovnik. Try cafe bar Cele or the close by La Bodega for a real “live like a local,” feel. And the island of Lokrum, a stone's throw fom the Old City, is a must visit. Great location for a swim or a walk around the botanical garden.
Dubrovnik City Card
Save time and money on your daytrip to Dubrovnik with the one-day Dubrovnik City Card. The card offers you entrance into all of the city’s museums, city walls, bus travel and discount in many stores and restaurants. You can but the card at over 50 outlets throughout the city, including hotels, restaurants and travel agencies. We would suggest buying at the Dubrovnik Tourist Board office on Pile just by the main entrance to the Old City. We would suggest buying at the Dubrovnik Tourist Board office on Pile just by the main entrance to the Old City. A one-day card costs 170 Kunas but if you buy online you will receive a 10 percent discount.
Cable car - Ride to the sky in three minutes
The Dubrovnik cable car offers 360 degree views that will leave you breathless, almost as breathless as if you had walked to the top of the 432 metres high Srd Mountain. The ride lasts around three minutes and tickets can be bought at the lower station of the cable car, an adult return ticket costs 120 Kunas and 50 Kunas for children. At the top is an observation deck, a restaurant and souvenir shops. You can also catch buggy ride over the countryside if you are feeling adventurous, it’s fun and dirty! In May the cable car runs from 9am to 9pm and leaves every ten minutes. Get to the back of the car for the best views over Dubrovnik as you climb the mountain.
Family friendly
The Banje Beach is great fun for all the family although be careful as the Adriatic gets deep relatively quickly!
Where to park
The public parking garage, Zagrebačka Street, is probably the best bet. Or park out of town and get a bus in and out.