7 Things To Do in Dubrovnik in 24 Hours

- George Bernard Shaw

Flying in Dubrovnik with the understanding that we only have a day to spare was definitely worth it. Despite the scary small plane that took us from Zagreb to there, I would do it all over again – well maybe, drive there instead of fly.

With the pristine blue waters of the Adriatic Sea as a backdrop against the orange-tiled roofs of a medieval city – Dubrovnik looks like something out of a movie or a fairy tale book. Either way, these are the 7 things to do in Dubrovnik in 24 hours should you be crazy enough to do it, like we did.

1. Get lost in the Walled City and the Old Town Area

There are many walled cities in the world – but nothing is as beautiful as the Dubrovnik. Completely intact and still being lived by locals whose families have lived there for generations. Little alleys skirt through town and pave to tiny staircases. I suggest when you do this, every few steps – stop and look back, it provides another vantage of the city. Each step is a nudge of nuance and yet provides another great photographic perspective. The windows across each other’s houses are so close that it gives another meaning to the word neighbour. With clothing lines connected from one house to another’s – being nice to your neighbour is a must – otherwise, no dry clothes. In getting lost – try to find the Clock Tower, St. Blaise’s Church – a baroque church known before for paganism and the Rector Palace. As most people enter through the Old City, try to find the Pile Gate (Vrata od Pila) – a lot of local artists display their pieces on the pavement in this area. Walk the Stradun – the main thoroughfare, which is a UNESCO world heritage area. If you have exhausted the strength of your legs from climbing through the tiny stairs - venture out in the Old town. Little alley ways, coffee shops and restaurants - a glimpse of how the locals live.

2. Do the Game of Thrones Tour

If you are like me who has lived and breathed GoT whether the book or the TV series – and hated the last season, it is a must to do the Game of Thrones tour. Yes, going to these movie location tours removes the mystery behind but since the place is breathtakingly beautiful – it becomes more fun.

The Walk of Shame by Ceirsei Lannister to the area where Robert Baratheon was massacred to Littlefinger approaching Sansa and more. The best part is – they give you real swords to play and pose with. The tour guide even anoints you as a knight if you are lucky!

3. Visit the Lovrijenac

Want to see a different perspective of the Old Town – then climb up to the Lovrijenac.

This is a fortress and a theatre known as Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar located west, outside the city walls providing an uninterrupted view of the Adriatic Sea and a bird’s eye view of the Walled City.

It was built to defend the city against Venetian rule sometime in the 10th century. Showing that the city is well defended from a possible land or water invasion.

4. Search for a Panoramic View

Dubrovnik is a photographer’s or an artist’s paradise. Anywhere you go, there is always something to get inspired by. However, it is a must that you see it from a higher vantage. In the two times I have been there – there are three possible ways this can be done.

One – take the Cable car. It goes up to Mount Srd in just four minutes. This would give you a great panoramic view – plus there’s a restaurant there called Panorama Restaurant, because aside from good food it also provides, as you guessed it, a panoramic view.

Two – take the hop on hop off bus tour. Not the best if compared with the rest of the world because no commentary and almost next to zero information on where you are - but good to for a scenic drive. This might be less popular to some, but we got lucky when we took this as we were the only people on the bus. The bus loops outside the town and stops at a certain point where it shows you the harbour, the Old City and the Adriatic Sea. Exactly just like those endless postcards, you see.

Three – from the main gate, walk to the Old Town parking area. There you will see steps climbing up to the local residences. Keep climbing until you see a balcony-like perched at one of the stairs landing with a bench. I remember sitting there from dusk until the night sky becomes velvety blue.

5. Go Kayaking

If you are sporty, outdoorsy and like water activities – then kayaking would be a great option as one of the things to do in Dubrovnik. Normally, this takes around two hours. Two hours of floating in the blue seas of the Adriatic and looking at the city from a different perspective. Best to do it during the summer months as it could get chilly and the waves can be a bit choppy during the cooler seasons.

6. Appreciate the Sunset

I love sunsets.

Most of my paintings revolve around the colours of the setting sun. In Dubrovnik, the best place to see the sunset would either be at Lovrijenac or by plank in the West Harbor area.

If you can be there before sundown – this is the best place to view the city when the sun sets. So incredibly breathtaking that it even inspired me to create a painting and write a short story about it.

7. Visit the New Town area or Eat at Dubravka 1836

Well, Dubrovnik is more than its old town area. If you have the time – take the public transport to the New town area like a local and get your face squished through the bus window or some random stranger’s armpit. There’s shopping, beautiful beaches with amazing vista of the sunsets that makes you speechless, and the marina.

If you can’t find the strength anymore from trying to fit everything in just a few hours – then visit Dubravka 1836. Their squid ink pasta is to die for. Plus, you have the option to sit with the view of the Walled City and the water – scenic, and tranquil with good food.

24 hours will fly by but as if you have lived for a week.

Stay at the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik - it is located steps from the Old Town Main Gate. You get either the Adriatic sea view or the Old town view. It's a win win either way.We got the Old town view. And never in my life have I been more thankful to gaze upon rooftops. I must have spent an ample time just sitting there from our 24 hours in Dubrovnik.