One Day in Dubrovnik Itinerary: From The Cruise Port
Are you headed to Dubrovnik for one day on a cruise and are looking for an amazing itinerary? Then I’ve got you covered!
Dubrovnik is a stunning city in Croatia that is a staple on the schedule of many bigger cruise lines on their Eastern Mediterranean routes.
Luckily, the city is small and walkable – and with the right travel guide, you can easily explore it without getting lost. I had an amazing time visiting Dubrovnik on my cruise last summer.
Obviously, we’ll stop by some of the coolest spots you may know from Game of Thrones – which are also great Instagram spots!
To save you some hassle in planning, I have created this one-day Dubrovnik shore excursion for you!
Let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
- One Day in Dubrovnik Itinerary: at a Glance
- Guided Day Tour vs. Self-Guided One Day Dubrovnik Itinerary
- The Dubrovnik Cruise Port
- 1. Morning: Pile Gate
- 2. Walk Along The City Walls
- 3. Explore the Old Town Streets
- 4. Game of Thrones Spot: Jesuit Stairs
- 5. Lunch: Nautica
- 6. Afternoon: Fort Lovrijenac
- 7. Optional: Explore Lokrum Island
- What Can (Realistically) You See From Dubrovnik Cruise Port
- What To Wear On a Dubrovnik Shore Excursion
- Conclusion
- About the Author
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One Day in Dubrovnik Itinerary: at a Glance
🏰 Start at Pile Gate (9:00 AM)
🏰 Walk Along the City Walls (9:30 AM – 11:00 AM)
🏰 Explore the Old Town Streets (11:15 AM – 12:15 PM)
🏰 Game of Thrones Spot: Jesuit Stairs (12:30 PM)
🏰 Scenic Lunch: Nautika Restaurant (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM)
🏰 Afternoon: Fort Lovrijenac (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
🏰 Optional: Explore Lokrum Island (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM)
Guided Day Tour vs. Self-Guided One Day Dubrovnik Itinerary
If you are up for a little adventure, you can have a beautiful day seeing Dubrovnik by yourself with my guided walking tour.
However, if you crave a bit more guidance and like to have transportation organized, a guided shore excursion might be ideal. Here are my favorite ones:
Dubrovnik Cable Car Ride, Old Town Walking Tour plus City Walls
The Dubrovnik Cruise Port
Cruise ships docking in Dubrovnik typically use Gruž Port, about 2.5 miles (4 km) from the Old Town.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Transportation Options to Old Town:
- Shuttle Buses: Many cruise lines offer shuttle services to Pile Gate (Old Town entrance).
- Taxis/Ubers: Readily available at the port; the ride takes about 10 minutes (what we did – it is pretty cheap)
- Public Bus: Buses #1A, #1B, or #3 run from Gruž to the Old Town.
- Facilities at Gruž Port:
- Cafes, shops, and an information center are available nearby.
If your ship anchors offshore, tenders will bring passengers to the Old Town harbor, providing a more direct entry to Dubrovnik’s historic heart.
1. Morning: Pile Gate
Begin your day of exploration at the iconic Pile Gate, which also functions as the formal entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
This is where most cruise ship shuttles and buses will drop you off, so it is a great spot to start off our day in Dubrovnik.
Most of you will probably recognize this spot as the main entrance to King’s Landing – and take some pics for Instagram right away!
2. Walk Along The City Walls
After we head through the Pile Gate, it is time to climb onto the City Walls.
From the City Walls, you’ll get stunning panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and all of those terracotta rooftops
Look out for Minčeta Tower, which served as the exterior of the House of the Undying in Game of Thrones.
This is a great spot to take pictures! Make sure to bring water and sunscreen, since you’ll be really exposed up there!
Justin’s Tip: Keep in mind that there is an entrance fee (about USD 35) to walk the wall. Bring cash or credit cards!
3. Explore the Old Town Streets
To be honest, this part was probably my favorite of our Dubrovnik itinerary!
The Old Town is super charming and Instagrammable, and you can just wander around and take pictures while admiring the narrow alleys.
One of the main attractions of the old town is the Dubrovnik Cathedral. Tourists love the special architecture, and it is definitely a highlight for many.
Stroll down Stradun, the main street, and admire the Onofrio Fountain. Of course, you need to stop at Sponza Palace.
Also, make sure to stop by Rector’s Palace, another filming location used for the scenes in Qarth.
4. Game of Thrones Spot: Jesuit Stairs
Next on our itinerary is another classic Game of Thrones spot – the Jesuit Stairs. And if you don’t love Game of Thrones, you’ll still find this to be a pretty photo spot!
The Jesuit Stairs are near their beautiful St. Ignatius Church.
These are famous as the “Walk of Shame” steps from Cersei’s penance scene.
5. Lunch: Nautica
After all this walking, it is time to splurge a bit on a lunch with a view.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Nautika, a fine-dining restaurant near Pile Gate.
The restaurant has not only amazing food, but it also has a terrace overlooking the sea and fortresses. You should definitely try some fresh seafood – while soaking in views of Fort Lovrijenac (Red Keep).
6. Afternoon: Fort Lovrijenac
After this delicious lunch, it is time to check out the famous Red Keep a.k.a. Fort Lovrijenac.
The fort is featured in many awesome GOTR scenes, including Joffrey’s name day tournament.
Fort Lovrijenac, also known as “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar,” is located on a 37-meter-high cliff. You can find it just outside the Old Town walls, near Pile Gate where we had our lunch.
Justin’s tip: Fort Lovrijenac is included in the City Walls ticket, so you can visit both without paying extra. Also – wear good shoes, it is a bit of a climb.
7. Optional: Explore Lokrum Island
At this point, you’ll probably have to head back to your cruise ship.
If you have some extra time, you can head to Lokum Island and end your day in Dubrovnik there.
Take a short ferry to Lokrum Island from the Old Town port. It takes about 15 minutes to get there.
There, you can visit the Iron Throne replica in the visitor center, and explore the beautiful botanical gardens and Benedictine Monastery.
It is a lovely place – and perfect for a photoshoot in the approaching golden hour.
What Can (Realistically) You See From Dubrovnik Cruise Port
What you can see in a day in Dubrovnik really depends on how long your ship is gonna stay there.
If you have a full day, you can see the old town, lots of great Game of Throne spots, a famous fortress, and perhaps even sunset at Banje Beach before heading back to your ship.
You might even get to see the Dubrovnik city walls, a Franciscan monastery, and the Jesuit staircase.
You’ll see one of the other UNESCO World Heritage sites and even have lunch at a panorama restaurant with a view to die for.
Some companies even offer a day trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina to see Mostar or even to Kotor, Montenegro. Personally, I would stay in the city, instead of venturing out too far. Dubrovnik is an awesome destination and every Game of Thrones fan is probably gonna be delighted at the sights.
If you don’t want to see anything cultural at all, you can either book an ATV adventure tour or go on a sea kayaking tour instead.
What To Wear On a Dubrovnik Shore Excursion
For a Dubrovnik shore excursion in the summer, you’ll want something that’s practical yet stylish! Obviously, you’ll need to plan for a touch of Game of Thrones flair in your outfit.
Summers in Dubrovnik (June, July, and August) are hot, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the high 80s (24–31°C). The heat can be pretty intense, especially within the stone walls of the Old Town. So make sure to wear lightweight clothing.
I’d opt for a flowy, lightweight maxi dress in earthy tones—think deep greens, soft creams, or subtle golds. A dress with delicate lace detailing will give a medieval, GOT-inspired vibe while keeping you cool. Make sure to add a hat!
Pair it with comfortable strappy sandals! Opt for shoes with a cushioned sole for walking on all of these cobblestones.
If you go in April, September, or October, make sure to bring a light scarf or shawl along as well.
Conclusion
Dubrovnik has so much to offer for an awesome shore day from the cruise ship: rich history, stunning views, and loads of Game of Thrones magic.
After exploring the Old Town, we’ll start by walking the city walls, exploring Fort Lovrijenac, and seeing the awesome Jesuit Stairs.
Throw in a scenic lunch with a view and you’ve got the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation. And lots of fabulous Instagram-pics to show off at home.
If you’re craving more GOT vibes, don’t miss my post on One Day in Malta. It’s another dreamy spot where fantasy and history come together!
Keep on reading:
Awesome One Day in Bari Itinerary: From Cruise Port
How to Spend One Day in Santorini From Cruise Ship: Epic Itinerary
About the Author
Justin is a military pilot and travel blogger.
Justin enjoys discovering the world together with his wife and venturing out with his drone to take magical shots.
