Dubrovnik in 2 days: Old Town walls and Lokrum island

Two days is the right minimum for Dubrovnik

One day in Dubrovnik leaves you wanting more. Three days gives you breathing room to explore the islands. Two days hits the sweet spot: enough time to walk the walls properly, get lost in the Old Town lanes without rushing, take the cable car to Srđ, and spend a morning on Lokrum island — the forested nature reserve a short ferry ride from the Old Town harbour.

This itinerary is designed for visitors staying in or very near the Old Town, travelling without a car, using the excellent Jadrolinija ferry connections. It requires no rush, no border crossings, and no complicated logistics.

Day 1: the walls, the Stradun, and a sunset swim

Morning: city walls at opening time

Begin at Pile Gate at 8 am when the walls open. The Dubrovnik city walls are a 2 km circuit at heights up to 25 metres above sea level, offering continuous views of the Adriatic on one side and the Old Town’s terracotta roofscape on the other. Allow 90 minutes to walk the full circuit without rushing.

Guided city walls tour with included entry and historical context from a local guide

The Minčeta Tower at the northwest corner is the highest point and the best single viewpoint. The section above the eastern harbour — looking down onto the small boats and across to Lokrum — is the most photographed stretch.

Buy tickets in advance online during June–September. The walls attract 5,000–8,000 visitors per day in peak season; arriving at 8 am is the single most effective strategy for a manageable experience.

Late morning: Old Town at street level

After the walls, descend and walk the Stradun from end to end, then turn off into the side streets. The Franciscan Monastery just inside Pile Gate contains one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies (operating since 1391) and a tranquil Romanesque cloister — worth 30 minutes. The Cathedral treasury houses Dalmatian religious art including a reliquary said to contain part of the True Cross.

Old Town walking tour covering the Franciscan Monastery, Sponza Palace, and the neighbourhood history

The Rector’s Palace — the medieval seat of Dubrovnik’s government — is one of the best small museums in Croatia: good coverage of the city’s remarkable 450-year history as an independent merchant republic (the Republic of Ragusa) without crowds.

Afternoon: Banje Beach and the eastern harbour

After lunch in one of the side-street konobas, walk to Banje Beach east of Ploče Gate. The beach is pebbly but the setting — looking back at the walls rising straight from the sea — is exceptional. The sea here is clear and swimmable by late May through October.

Alternatively, take the cable car to Srđ in the mid-afternoon for the panoramic summit view (€18 round trip, 4 minutes each way). The late afternoon light is particularly good from the summit.

Evening: sunset from the walls or Fort Lovrijenac

If you walked the walls in the morning, consider joining the Karaka sunset cruise on a replica 16th-century galleon — a two-hour sail along the walls with drinks included. This is one of Dubrovnik’s genuinely memorable experiences and sells out quickly in peak season. Book at least a day ahead.

Dinner in the Old Town: the lanes above the Stradun on the south side (around Ulica od Puča) have the highest concentration of good konobas at reasonable prices. Expect €25–40 per person including wine.

Day 2: Lokrum island and the Game of Thrones connection

Morning: ferry to Lokrum

Regular ferries to Lokrum depart from the Old Town harbour (Stara Luka) every 30–60 minutes from May through October. The crossing takes 15 minutes; the return ticket costs around €21. Ferries are run by the Lokrum trust, not Jadrolinija. First ferry is typically at 9 am.

Lokrum island and Game of Thrones filming locations tour departing from the Old Town harbour

Lokrum is a nature reserve: no permanent residents, dense Mediterranean forest, a 12th-century Benedictine monastery (now in ruins), a saltwater lake called Mrtvo More (Dead Sea), and free-roaming peacocks that the Benedictines introduced centuries ago. It is a genuinely peaceful escape from the mainland crowds.

Mid-morning: the Dead Sea lake and Fort Royal

The Dead Sea lake is a shallow saltwater inlet connected to the sea — calm, warm, and excellent for swimming. It fills up by midday in summer; arrive early.

Climb the path to Fort Royal at the island’s summit (247 m). The views encompass Dubrovnik’s walls, the Elaphiti Islands to the northwest, and the Pelješac peninsula. Allow 20 minutes for the climb.

Lokrum’s Game of Thrones connection is genuine: the Royal Gardens and the areas around the monastery were used as Qarth in seasons two and three of the series. A permanent exhibition in the monastery ruins displays a replica Iron Throne and original props.

Afternoon: return to Dubrovnik, Srđ cable car

Return ferry to the Old Town by 1 pm. After lunch, take the cable car to Srđ if you haven’t done so yet — or revisit the Old Town at the leisurely pace that day two allows, including the War Photo Limited gallery (haunting documentary photography) and the Dominican Monastery museum.

Srđ cable car round-trip ticket with views over Dubrovnik and the Elaphiti Islands

The fort at the summit has a museum dedicated to the 1991–1992 Siege of Dubrovnik — an important and often overlooked context for understanding the city as it is today.

Evening: the Old Town without the crowds

By 6 pm most day-trippers have left. This is the best time to be in the Old Town: quieter streets, better light for photography, and restaurants serving dinner from 7 pm. The small harbour (Stara Luka) with fishing boats reflected in still water is a particular pleasure at dusk.

Practical notes

Where to sleep: Staying inside the Old Town walls is atmospheric but expensive; budget €120–250/night for a decent room. Lapad Bay (bus 5/6 from Pile Gate) offers good mid-range hotels at €70–130/night with a pleasant beach promenade. Ploče area just outside the eastern walls is another good option.

Getting around: No car needed. Bus 1A/1B connects Gruž port and the main bus station to Pile Gate. Within the Old Town and for Lokrum, everything is on foot or by ferry.

Walls tickets: Book online at the Dubrovnik city walls official site in summer. On-the-day tickets are often available at the gate by 8 am before tour groups arrive.

Lokrum ferry: Run by the Lokrum nature reserve trust (not Jadrolinija). Seasonal — typically May to October only. No ferries off-season.

Costs: Walls entry ~€35, cable car ~€18 return, Lokrum ferry ~€21 return. Budget €80–100 per person for entry fees, lunch, and dinner per day.

Frequently asked questions about this itinerary

Is two days enough to see Dubrovnik properly?

Two days covers the essential Dubrovnik experience: the walls, the Old Town in depth, Lokrum island, and the Srđ cable car. What you miss is the day trips — Mostar, Kotor, or the Elaphiti Islands — and the slower pace of the 3-day classic itinerary. If this is your only visit, two days is satisfying; if you can extend, three days is better.

When is the best time of year to visit Dubrovnik for a 2-day trip?

May, early June, and September are ideal: warm enough for swimming, Lokrum ferries running, and crowds considerably lighter than July–August. See the complete guide to the best time to visit Dubrovnik for detail on crowds, weather, and pricing by month.

How do you get to Lokrum island?

Ferries run from the Old Town harbour (Stara Luka) every 30–60 minutes from approximately May through October. The crossing is 15 minutes; the return ticket is around €21 (2026 prices). Ferries are not available off-season, and the island closes to visitors in winter.

Where should I stay for a 2-day Dubrovnik visit?

Old Town accommodation is the most atmospheric but fills fast and commands premium prices. Lapad Bay offers good value and regular bus connections to the Old Town. For a full breakdown of neighbourhoods and hotels, read the where to stay in Dubrovnik guide.

Can I do the walls and Lokrum on the same day?

Yes, but it makes for a long day. Walk the walls early (8–10 am), take the Lokrum ferry at 11 am, spend the late morning and early afternoon on the island, return by 2 pm, and use the afternoon for the cable car. This packing is manageable but leaves no room for rest. The two-day split above provides a more comfortable experience.