3 perfect days in Dubrovnik

I can’t lie, I have not watched many Game of Thrones episodes. (I know, I know, don’t come at me.) Though fans of the show flock to Dubrovnik to visit King's Landing in real life—the series used the city as a backdrop—it’s not what drew me to this Dalmatian destination. I came for its picturesque Old Town, crystal-clear shoreline, and piles of fresh seafood, not to mention regional wine.

Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik was established in the 7th century and became a maritime trading superpower over the next 500 years. Today, its popularity and tourism push can be partially attributed to its inscription to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979—and eventually its starring role in Game of Thrones. There’s so much to see and do here—which is why I’ve planned the perfect three-day itinerary in Dubrovnik, incorporating real Tripadvisor traveler reviews along the way.

Start your day as early as possible to avoid the crowds. I recommend making a beeline for the Walls of Dubrovnik, since the narrow paths can get congested as the day goes on, and the afternoon heat isn't ideal for climbing dozens—if not hundreds—of stone steps. But first, coffee. Fuel up at Cogito Coffee, the Dubrovnik branch of a Zagreb-based chain. Conveniently, Cogito is near one of the entrances to the wall, by the Maritime Museum.

The stone walls that currently surround Old Town have protected inhabitants since the 13th century, and today, you can stroll atop them to get a bird's-eye view of the medieval city and the harbor. While you’re up here, stop by the fortresses and towers that have long protected the city—there are even a few cafés and shops, too. Keep in mind that while you can spend as much time as you'd like on the walls, you can only move in a counterclockwise direction, so as to keep the traffic flowing. All in, the path atop the walls is just over a mile long, but plan to spend at least 90 minutes to two hours on your journey. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, and don't forget to pack sunscreen. There's not much shade!

Now that you've circled Old Town from above, it's time to explore it on the ground. Take a breather from all those stairs with a seated lunch. Lucin Kantun has tapas-style Croatian classics while Nishta is the city's first vegan eatery. And if you're willing to brave some more steps, go to Lady Pi-Pi, a stunning outdoor restaurant perched high above the main street, Stradun. (Keep your eyes peeled for it while you’re walking on the wall.)

After lunch, spend a few hours meandering the well-worn streets of Old Town. The district might be fairly small, but there's seemingly no end to the number of tiny alleys and wider pedestrian thoroughfares, where you might find a hole-in-the-wall gelato shop or a local boutique selling artisanal wares. Be sure to make time for some of Old Town's main attractions, too, like the Rector's Palace and Dubrovnik Cathedral.

OLD TOWN TOUR OPTIONS

At golden hour, head to the famous Buža Bar for sunset drinks. This café is built into the rocks outside the city walls, and to get there, you'll actually have to go through a genuine hole in the wall. Most people just stop by for drinks, but the brave can even go cliff diving here. A solid alternative for pre-dinner (or post-dinner) drinks is D'vino wine bar, where you can taste a selection of Dalmatian wines.

For dinner, continue the wine party at Bura Bistro, a sommelier-owned restaurant that is known for its wine cellar as well as its global cuisine. It's all about fresh ingredients, so the menu is ever-changing. Or for a more formal affair, try the Michelin-starred Restaurant 360, built into the Dubrovnik walls.

Croatia is a coastal country, and a visit to Dubrovnik, in particular, would not be complete without an excursion to one of the nearby islands. Lokrum is the easiest to get to—it's a 15-minute ferry ride from the port in Old Town.

The island is now a nature preserve, meaning it no longer has any permanent inhabitants. But for a small fee, you can explore the hilly island on foot, visiting sites like the 11th-century Benedictine monastery, the botanical garden (look for the wild peacocks!), and the hilltop ruins of Fort Royal. Plus, the real Game of Thrones Iron Throne can be found in the visitor center.

If you'd like to stay on Lokrum through the afternoon, stop for a seafood lunch at Lacroma Restaurant or grab a quick bite (like a cheese plate) at Lacroma Snack Bar. Then, it's time to hit the water—you are on an island, after all! There are a few pebble beaches around, but you're free to scramble over the rocks and jump in, too. You can also swim in the Mrtvo More, a very salty lake in which it's easy to float, similar to the Dead Sea.

If you prefer paddling rather than swimming, head back to town and rent a kayak for the afternoon. Or you can join one of the many kayaking tours in the seas around Dubrovnik—some even visit nearby archipelagos, such as the Elafiti Islands, where you’ll find sea caves (don't miss the Blue Cave on Kolocep) and even a sand beach (Sunj beach on Lopud). If you're spending time on Sipan in the Elafiti Islands, make a lunch reservation at Bowa Restaurant, located in a picturesque cove that's accessible only by boat.

SEASIDE TOUR OPTIONS

Keeping with today’s island theme, make a reservation at one of the many restaurants on the Elafiti Islands. On Sipan, book a table at Konoba Kod Marka, a family-owned seafood restaurant right on the water—you can walk there from the ferry port in just 10 minutes. (The octopus cakes are a standout.)

On Lopud, try La Villa Restaurant, where you can dine under a vine-covered canopy right on the water. It, too, is only a 10-minute walk from the ferry port. For some after-dinner fun, make your way back to the mainland, but stay near the sea. You can head to Banje Beach Club for a DJ-driven dance party.

You've seen Old Town and you've visited the islands, so now it's time to see what exists outside of Dubrovnik’s walls. Many of the city's museums can be found in the newer parts of town. For art lovers, there's the Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik (MOMAD). Housed in a 1939 palace, the collection spotlights artists from southeast Europe.

Those looking to dive into Dubrovnik's history should visit the Homeland War Museum, located inside Fort Imperial. Tip: Take the scenic cable car to the top of Srđ mountain to get here. The museum documents the Homeland War fought in Croatia between 1991 and 1995. Going a bit farther back in history, the Red History Museum explores life in communist Yugoslavia.

For something a little lighter, there's also the Love Stories Museum, which collects love stories and mementos from around the world.

You've had an action-packed trip so far, and you could probably use a little R&R. Take the afternoon off by visiting one of the city's pebble beaches and enjoying the sun loungers or cool Adriatic sea. Banje Beach is located just outside of Old Town and has great views of the walls and Lokrum. By day, the Banje Beach Club has light bites and cocktails at the ready. You can even pamper yourself by booking a massage here.

If Banje is a little too crowded for your taste, walk a little farther to Sveti Jakov, a gorgeous spot at the base of a cliff. Rent sun loungers or have a leisurely lunch at the beachfront restaurant and bar. Alternatively, on the other side of Dubrovnik is the Lapad peninsula, home to a handful of low-key beaches. Copacabana Beach, while smaller than its namesake in Brazil, is a crescent-shaped stretch with plenty of room to sprawl out.

BOAT TOUR OPTIONS

For your final night in Dubrovnik, treat yourself to one of the city's fine-dining restaurants. Michelin-starred Nautika is the place to go for an elegant evening out, with terraces overlooking Lovrijenac fortress and the sea. As with many restaurants in town, seafood is certainly the star, but don't sleep on the veal cheek or lamb. You can order off the à la carte menu, or you can choose the five- or seven-course tasting menus.

For a slightly more casual affair, have dinner at Nautika's sister restaurant, Panorama, which is located atop Srđ mountain, right at the cable car station. It does indeed have a panoramic view of Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands.