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If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you have most likely heard of Dubrovnik, Croatia. I am a Game of Thrones fan myself so when I was making plans for my Balkans trip with my friend Kathy, I knew I had to add Dubrovnik to the itinerary.

Not only is Dubrovnik known as one of its main filming locations of Game of Thrones, but it is also celebrated as one of the most exquisite coastal towns in Europe. The allure of the historic Old Town nestled amidst breathtaking scenery is truly captivating.

Despite having just 36 hours in Dubrovnik, I found it to be ample time to explore all the attractions on my list and even discover a few unexpected gems.

DAY 1

9:30 AM Game of Thrones Tour

The first thing I had to do in Dubrovnik was of course the Game of Thrones tour. This tour had the best reviews and it lived up to its hype. Our tour guide, Yelena, was absolutely wonderful. Since she was a local and a Game of Thrones fan herself, she talked about everything with infectious enthusiasm. It was truly amazing to see all the sites where the iconic show was filmed.

Starting with this tour in Dubrovnik was great because Yelena gave us tidbits about Dubrovnik and Croatia in general, adding an extra layer of depth to the experience. You also get a better layout of Old Town, allowing you to take note of the places that interest you along the way and visit them later on your own time.

As the tour neared its end, we stopped by the Jesuit Staircase where the infamous Season 5 “Walk of Shame” scene took place. We were even given the chance to reenact the Walk of Shame scene ourselves, with Yelena ringing the bell behind us, leaving us thoroughly entertained.

Game of Thrones tour guide — Our awesome tour guide, Yelena

Beautiful coastal view of Dubrovnik — Beautiful views of Dubrovnik while on **the tour**

12 PM Lunch at Food Bar Guloso

There are a plethora of charming restaurants and cozy cafes you can dine at within the historic Old Town, each offering its own unique ambiance and culinary delights. We ultimately decided on Food Bar Guloso for lunch.

Food Bar Guloso Dubrovnik — **Food Bar Guloso**

Pulled Pork Wrap at Food Bar Guloso — Pulled pork wrap at **Food Bar Guloso**

Our primary criterion was to find a place that offered casual yet delectable fare at reasonable prices, and Food Bar Guloso exceeded our expectations in every way. We were pleased to find comfortable outdoor seating complete with ample shade, creating a relaxed dining atmosphere.

I ordered the pulled pork and Kathy ordered the burger. Our entrees were elegantly presented on sleek boards, accompanied by fries served in charming wooden boxes. Our dining experience at Food Bar Guloso left us completely satisfied and content.

1 PM Dessert at Peppino’s

Peppino’s Gelato Factory was highly recommended as the top gelato spot in Dubrovnik, and naturally, we couldn't resist the temptation to sample it ourselves. With the scorching August sun beating down, the cool, creamy treat was just what we needed. To our surprise, there was no queue, and we were promptly served.

Sneaky Peanut & Caramel gelato in Dubrovnik — Sneaky Peanut & Caramel

The array of inventive flavors such as Caramel Goat-cha, Mango Majesty, and Lemon Power added a playful twist to the experience, and the accommodating staff graciously allowed us to taste a few before making our selections.

I chose to get Sneaky Peanut & Caramel which had rich peanut gelato topped with caramel cream and peanut crumbles. Kathy got a combination of Good Old Vanilla and Pistachi-Oh. We both thoroughly enjoyed our desserts.

1:30 PM Buza Bar

Buza Bar was another must-see location on my list during my visit to Dubrovnik. Even before the Game of Thrones frenzy, this enchanting spot was a well-kept secret, beckoning visitors to wander by the bar and venture towards the water to take an exhilarating leap off the cliffs into the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea.

Fast forward to today, it has transformed into a bustling hub in Dubrovnik, attracting countless visitors. While not everyone dares to take the plunge into the sea, observing the adventurous souls from the comfort of the bar proves to be an immensely entertaining experience.

People sitting at tables overlooking the sea at Buza Bar — **Buza Bar**

Visitors jumping off the cliff by Buza Bar

3 PM Banje Beach

Banje Beach, situated at 20000, Ploče iza grada, was perfectly nestled between Old Town and the apartment we were staying at, making it incredibly convenient for us to indulge in the stunningly azure waters of the Adriatic Sea. The revitalizing experience of swimming in such brilliant blue waters left me feeling completely refreshed and invigorated.

Banje Beach Dubrovnik Croatia — **Banje Beach**

6 PM Sunset at Bosanka Viewpoint

For an excellent sunset viewing, you need to go to Bosanka Viewpoint on top of Mount Srd. The views are absolutely stunning and it will simply take your breath away. Here, you can relish the breathtaking sight of the historic Old Town embraced by the enchanting Adriatic Sea, with majestic mountains serving as a picturesque backdrop.

There are several ways you can get to the viewpoint either by cable car, hiking, or Uber. We chose the easiest and cheapest route and took an Uber. We followed the advice of our knowledgeable tour guide and opted for an Uber, avoiding the queues for the cable car and enjoying the cost-effective advantage, particularly beneficial when traveling with a companion.

Overlooking Old Town Dubrovnik at Bosanka Viewpoint — Bosanka Viewpoint

Sunset at Mount Srd Dubrovnik Croatia — Sunset at **Mount Srd**

7:30 PM Homeland War Museum Dubrovnik

After a mesmerizing sunset, or maybe even before it, I highly recommend making a stop at the war museum nestled within the fort. For just a few Euros, the museum offers a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the tumultuous events of the 1990s war, adding depth and context to your visit.

Pictures from the 1990s war in Dubrovnik

8:30 PM Dinner at Panorama

To be completely honest, we hadn't intended on dining at Panorama, but we ultimately opted to do so in order to pass some time, given the large crowd heading back towards the main area near Old Town. I'm incredibly grateful that they were able to accommodate us with a table, as the quality of both the food and service at this establishment was truly exceptional.

I typically find that the cuisine at upscale, scenic restaurants tends to be lackluster, but this was certainly not the case at Panorama. The service, atmosphere, plating, and cuisine were all outstanding. I would unquestionably return to dine here again in a heartbeat.

DAY 2

6 AM Photography Walk in Old Town

If you want to get pictures of Old Town with nobody around, you’ll have to wake up at the crack of dawn to beat the crowd. This habit has become a ritual for me in every new destination, and the effort is always rewarding. The tranquil ambiance allows for breathtaking photographs and an undisturbed appreciation of the surroundings, free from the chaos of bustling crowds.

Jesuit Staircase Dubrovnik — Jesuit Staircase

7:30 AM Breakfast at Stradoon

There are not very many restaurants or cafes open before 9 AM in Old Town, but luckily Stradoon is open and they have some pretty decent food. We ordered the refreshing blueberry shake and a delightful croissant plate paired with an assortment of jams and butter. Sitting outside, we both thoroughly enjoyed our delicious morning meals amidst the charming surroundings.

Plate of croissants with fruit and jam — Breakfast at **Stradoon**

8 AM Walls of Dubrovnik

One of the main attractions within Old Town is walking the Walls of Dubrovnik, a breathtaking experience that offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Despite the significantly increased entrance fee in recent years, the experience of walking along the weathered stone pathways, and absorbing the storied atmosphere, is a captivating journey through centuries of history and culture.

Overlooking old town from the Walls of Dubrovnik — Overlooking old town from the **Walls of Dubrovnik**

They open at 8 AM and when we arrived a little after 8, there was already a line to get into the attraction. To make the most of the experience and avoid the intense midday sun, it's advisable to arrive as early as possible.

TIP: If you decide to do the Game of Thrones tour, you can get a discount at the Walls of Dubrovnik. Just make sure to keep your voucher from the tour.

12 PM Lunch at Restaurant Kopun

Restaurant Kopun , nestled just up the Jesuit Stairs in Dubrovnik, is a charming culinary gem that has garnered high praise in Michelin reviews for its exceptional offerings. Specializing in centuries-old Croatian recipes served with a contemporary twist, the restaurant presents a delectable menu featuring mouthwatering dishes such as Pasticada, Risotto, an array of fresh Seafood, and more.

Despite its prime location and outstanding reputation, Restaurant Kopun pleasantly surprises customers with its reasonable prices, making it a must-visit culinary gem in the heart of Croatia.

Taj Mahal is also highly recommended to try in Dubrovnik and our tour guide also suggested this restaurant. Despite its name, the restaurant serves traditional Bosnian dishes, and it is one of the most popular restaurants in Dubrovnik.

If you’re a foodie, you can try doing a food tour that starts at 10 AM and get the best of what Dubrovnik has to offer in local cuisine.

TIPS

Make sure to carry Euro currency. As of January 2023, Croatia only accepts Euro (they discontinued their original currency, the kuna, on December 31, 2022).
Carry a water bottle with you to stay hydrated. There are several water fountains within Old Town where you can refill your water bottle.
Protect your skin from the harsh sun by applying sunscreen and/or wearing a hat and sunglasses.
Explore Old Town early in the morning to take in the beauty of the historic town without the mass crowds.
Wear a bathing suit underneath your clothes so that you can enjoy a swim in the Adriatic Sea at any moment.
To save money, eating outside of the walls of Old Town is generally cheaper.
Parking and driving in Dubrovnik can be a nightmare, so plan to walk or take an Uber around the city.

WHERE TO STAY

At first, I was contemplating booking a hotel within the walls of Old Town, but after considering the hassle of lugging around our luggage through the car-free zone, I decided against it. Instead, I found a rental apartment near Old Town that perfectly suited our needs.

As we were on a road trip, having a parking space for our car was essential, and this apartment accommodated it. Additionally, its proximity to the beach allowed us to easily enjoy impromptu swims.

For those seeking a luxurious hotel within walking distance of Old Town, the esteemed Hilton Imperial and Hotel Excelsior are highly recommended. Both hotels have welcomed the cast of Game of Thrones, adding a touch of allure to these accommodations.