5 Day Dubrovnik Itinerary – Including Day Trips

Dubrovnik, Croatia, is a marvelous city steeped in history and filled with amazing views around every corner. It’s also a bit difficult to get around if you’re focused on accessibility. When I decided to visit, I knew it would be tough, so I carefully planned out a 5 Day Dubrovnik Itinerary that included day trips and plenty of rest and relaxation.

In this post, I’ll take you through where to go, what to eat, and how to do it all without ending up in a world of pain.

Dubrovnik may be best known for its terracotta rooftops, medieval walls, and shimmering Adriatic views, but it also makes an excellent base for exploring this corner of the Balkans. In five days, you can wander through Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, cruise to the Blue Cave, cross into Montenegro, and spend a day among the waterfalls and Ottoman architecture of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This itinerary includes three excursions, balanced with two slower days in Dubrovnik. Because the Montenegro and Bosnia trips involve drives and unpredictable border waits, I’ve deliberately placed a less demanding day between them.

5 Day Dubrovnik Itinerary at a Glance

Before You Begin

Dubrovnik is hilly, sunny, and crowded during the summer. Staying near Pile Gate, Ploče Gate, or along a direct bus route will make getting around much easier. Travelers who need elevators and step-free access should verify the entrance carefully before reserving an Old Town hotel—historic properties frequently have stairs even when a listing describes them as accessible. So while logically it makes sense to stay close to the action, it might be better to stay in one of the more accessible properties in Lapad. I stayed at Dubrovnik Palace to avoid the steps present in many Old Town area hotels.

The official Dubrovnik Pass includes admission to the City Walls, participating museums and galleries, and public transportation. Compare the current price with the attractions you intend to visit before buying it.

For the Montenegro and Bosnia excursions, bring your physical passport. Croatia belongs to the Schengen Area, but Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro do not, so police and customs checks remain at the land borders. Summer waits can be substantial. Check the entry requirements for your nationality and never leave your passport in your hotel safe on excursion days. The U.S. State Department confirms that these borders retain passport and customs checks.

Day 1: Discover Dubrovnik’s Old Town

Morning: Walk Through Pile Gate and Along the Stradun

Begin at Pile Gate before the streets become crowded and the midday heat settles over the city. Once you cross the drawbridge, descend into the Old Town and stop at the large circular Onofrio’s Fountain. From here, the polished limestone Stradun runs directly through the heart of Dubrovnik.

Give yourself time to explore the Franciscan Church and Monastery, Luža Square, Orlando’s Column, Sponza Palace and the Church of St. Blaise. The Old Town is compact, but its side streets climb sharply away from the Stradun. Wandering without a rigid schedule is half the fun. If you can’t do stairs, please check out my step-free guide to Old Town Dubrovnik.

Late Morning: Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls

The City Walls stretch for approximately 1.2 miles, or 1,940 meters, around the historic center. The complete circuit typically takes between 90 minutes and two hours, depending on crowds and how frequently you stop for photographs.

Go as early as possible, carry water, and wear shoes with reliable traction. There is almost no shade on the walls. The views over the Adriatic, Fort Lovrijenac, and Dubrovnik’s tightly packed rooftops are spectacular, but the route contains numerous stairs and is not wheelchair accessible. Because of all the stairs, I chose not to walk the walls.

If, like me, you cannot manage the walls, you can still enjoy beautiful views from the Old Port, Porporela breakwater, Pile Gate and the upper station of the Dubrovnik Cable Car.

Afternoon: Rector’s Palace and the Old Port

After lunch, visit the Rector’s Palace, once the administrative center of the independent Republic of Ragusa. Its arcades, courtyard, and elegant mixture of Gothic and Renaissance architecture offer a quieter contrast to the walls.

Continue past Dubrovnik Cathedral to the Old Port. Walk onto Porporela, the stone breakwater beyond St. John’s Fortress, for sea views and a welcome breeze.

Evening: Dinner Inside the Walls

Remain in the Old Town for dinner, but step away from the busiest part of the Stradun before choosing a restaurant. The narrow lanes around Gundulić Square and the Old Port contain plenty of alternatives.

My picks for the best places to eat are: Taj Mahal Restaurant and Poklisar Restaurant.

For sunset, enjoy a drink overlooking the water or walk just outside Pile Gate for views of Fort Lovrijenac.

Accessibility and Energy-Saving Tips

The Stradun and several adjoining squares are comparatively level, although the stone can become extremely slippery when wet. Many side streets contain steep staircases, and the City Walls are inaccessible to wheelchair users. Following my step-free guide will keep you from having to scale the cliffside.

Visitors with limited stamina may want to explore the central Old Town in the morning, return to their hotel during the hottest part of the day, and come back for dinner. A guided accessible tour of Old Town Dubrovnik can help avoid unnecessary hills and stair-filled detours.

Day 2: Take a Blue Cave and Elaphiti Islands Boat Trip

Morning: Cruise to the Blue Cave

Book a half-day excursion to the Blue Cave on Koločep, one of the Elaphiti Islands near Dubrovnik. This is not the famous Blue Cave on Biševo, which is normally visited from Split or the island of Vis.

Koločep’s Blue Cave is reached by boat from Dubrovnik, generally in about 20 to 30 minutes. Sunlight passes through the water and illuminates the cave in vivid shades of blue. Many excursions also stop at the Green Caves, Šunj Beach on Lopud, or a sheltered swimming area.

Tours are weather-dependent and may be changed or canceled when sea conditions are unsafe. A morning departure frequently provides calmer water and leaves the afternoon free.

Important Blue Cave Note

On many tours, passengers must enter the Blue Cave by swimming from the boat. The cave itself is not a walk-in attraction. If you do not swim, ask whether you can remain aboard and view the entrance from the boat.

You can read all about my Blue Cave experience here and decide if the trip is for you.

Standard speedboats may require passengers to step down, balance on a moving surface, or climb a small ladder after swimming. Travelers with mobility disabilities should discuss their exact needs with the operator before booking. A private boat may provide more flexibility, but it does not automatically make the cave accessible.

I recommend the following Blue Cave Tour.

Afternoon: Rest and Explore Lapad

Return to your hotel for a rest before heading to Lapad. The waterfront promenade around Uvala Lapad offers a less demanding alternative to the staircases of the Old Town. Stop for lunch, ice cream, or a drink overlooking the water.

If you would rather stay close to the historic center, spend the afternoon at Banje Beach or relax at a café near the Old Port.

Evening: Ride the Cable Car to Mount Srđ

Take the Dubrovnik Cable Car to the top of Mount Srđ shortly before sunset. The journey lasts less than four minutes and provides panoramic views of Dubrovnik, Lokrum, the Elaphiti Islands and the Adriatic.

The cable car’s official accessibility information states that both stations, the cabins, restrooms, and upper-station elevator accommodate disabled visitors. The lower station is uphill from the Old Town, however, so consider arriving by taxi if steep streets are difficult. Check current operating information directly with the Dubrovnik Cable Car.

Day 3: Take a Day Trip From Dubrovnik to Montenegro

Leave Dubrovnik early for a full-day excursion into Montenegro. To keep the day enjoyable, I recommend concentrating on Perast and Kotor rather than trying to squeeze Perast, Kotor, and Budva into a single rushed itinerary.

Expect the excursion to last approximately 10 to 12 hours. Border traffic can make the return time unpredictable, particularly in July and August. I visited in July, and the crossing took about 30 minutes, but I have heard horror stories of it taking far longer.

You can read all about my experiences on the Montenegro day trip here.

Morning: Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks

Your first major stop is Perast, a small Baroque town on the Bay of Kotor. Its stone palaces and waterfront churches sit between the mountains and an almost impossibly calm stretch of water.

From Perast, small boats travel to Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny artificial island topped by a blue-domed church. According to local tradition, the island grew as residents placed stones in the water over generations.

Tours often allow around 30 minutes on the island. If you have limited mobility, confirm the boarding arrangement before purchasing the boat ticket. Water levels affect the height of the step between the boat and the dock.

Afternoon: Explore Kotor

Continue around the bay to Kotor. The city’s medieval center sits within a dramatic landscape of water and steep mountains. UNESCO recognizes the region for the relationship between its fortified towns, historic architecture, and natural setting. Learn more from UNESCO’s official listing for the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor.

Enter through the Sea Gate and explore Arms Square, the Clock Tower, St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, and the maze of small lanes within the walls. Stop for a relaxed Montenegrin lunch before returning to Dubrovnik.

The climb to San Giovanni Fortress is beautiful but extremely strenuous, with more than 1,000 steps. It is unnecessary on a short day trip, especially during hot weather. I definitely passed on this climb. The rest of Kotor is flat and fairly easy to navigate.

Accessibility and Energy-Saving Tips

Perast’s waterfront is relatively compact, while Kotor’s Old Town is mostly level but paved with uneven stone. Churches, shops, and historic buildings may have steps at their entrances. While visiting, I found plenty of step-free shops and cafes with step-free outdoor seating.

Pro tip: Choose a small-group or private tour with hotel pickup if possible. Confirm whether the vehicle can store a folding wheelchair, rollator, or other mobility aid. Travelers who cannot board the Our Lady of the Rocks boat can enjoy Perast’s waterfront while the rest of the group visits the island.

This is my pick for a tour of Montenegro from Dubrovnik. It includes hotel pick-up.

Day 4: Enjoy a Slower Day in Dubrovnik

After two days involving boats, border crossings, and early starts, Day 4 is intentionally flexible.

Morning: Visit Dubrovnik’s Museums

Return to any Old Town attractions you missed on Day 1. Good choices include:

• The Cultural History Museum inside the Rector’s Palace
• The Maritime Museum in St. John’s Fortress
• The Red History Museum near Gruž
• War Photo Limited
• The Homeland War Museum on Mount Srđ

Choose one or two rather than attempting to visit everything. This is also a good time to take a guided walking tour focused on Dubrovnik’s history, architecture, food, or filming locations.

Afternoon: Choose Your Own Low-Key Adventure

Depending on your energy level, choose one of the following:

Lokrum Island: Take the short ferry from the Old Port to Lokrum, one of the Best Islands In Croatia, for gardens, shaded paths, peacocks, swimming areas, and the ruins of a Benedictine monastery. Word of warning: the island has rough surfaces and several inclines, and is not wheelchair accessible.

Lapad: Return to Lapad for an easy waterfront lunch and a gentle promenade.

Cavtat: Travel south to this attractive seaside town for a quieter waterfront and harbor views.

Hotel and beach time: There is absolutely nothing wrong with spending an afternoon beside the pool or Adriatic. A five-day itinerary does not have to become an endurance test.

Evening: Sunset Beside the Adriatic

Enjoy a final unhurried evening in Dubrovnik. Reserve a waterfront dinner, return to Mount Srđ if the weather spoiled your first visit, or find a table near the Old Port.

Day 5: Visit Bosnia and Herzegovina

Your final day is another full-day international excursion. Most Dubrovnik-based tours combine Kravica Waterfalls with Mostar, sometimes adding the historic village of Počitelj. I recommend this tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can read about my experience in Bosnia and Herzegovina here.

Leave early, carry your passport, and bring some cash. Bosnia and Herzegovina uses the convertible mark, although euros may be accepted at some tourist-oriented businesses. Do not assume every restaurant, ticket office, or market stall accepts cards.

Morning: Kravica Waterfalls

Kravica is a wide curtain of waterfalls surrounded by greenery near the town of Ljubuški. Water from the Trebižat River tumbles into a broad natural pool below.

The appearance of the falls changes throughout the year. Spring generally brings powerful water flow, while summer offers warmer conditions and the possibility of swimming when permitted. Water shoes are a must around the rocky shoreline. Without them, you’ll tear up your feet.

The lower waterfall area is not reliably wheelchair accessible. Reaching it involves sloping paths, stairs, and potentially slippery surfaces. Travelers with mobility limitations should take the tram down to the waterfalls. This costs 1 Euro each way.

Afternoon: Explore Mostar

Continue to Mostar, one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most recognizable cities. Its historic center developed through Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Austro-Hungarian influences.

The centerpiece is Stari Most, the graceful Old Bridge spanning the Neretva River. The original 16th-century bridge was destroyed in 1993 and later reconstructed. The Old Bridge area became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 as an outstanding example of a multicultural urban settlement. Read UNESCO’s history of Mostar and Stari Most.

Explore the Old Bazaar, Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque area, and the lanes on both sides of the river. Leave time for a Bosnian lunch, perhaps ćevapi, stuffed vegetables, burek, or a platter of grilled meats, followed by strong Bosnian coffee and a slice of baklava. The food was the highlight of my trip. Come to Mostar hungry, and you will not regret it.

Accessibility and Energy-Saving Tips

Mostar’s Old Town presents some mobility challenges. Its cobbled lanes are uneven, and the Old Bridge is steep, curved, and extremely slippery. Wheelchair users and travelers with balance problems should not feel pressured to cross it. You can ask your tour guide for some of the more accessible viewpoints. Honestly, getting pictures of the beautiful bridge was more interesting to me than trying to climb across it.

There are views of the bridge from the riverbanks and surrounding streets, although the quality of access varies. A private excursion is the best option for travelers who need additional time, a customized drop-off point, or space for mobility equipment.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

For a first visit, consider one of these areas:

Pile: Convenient for entering the Old Town without staying directly inside it. It is busy, but it provides straightforward access to taxis and buses.

Ploče: Known for beautiful views and proximity to Banje Beach. Many properties sit on steep hills, so inspect the location carefully.

Lapad: A good choice for beaches, restaurants, modern hotels, and a quieter atmosphere. You will need a bus, Uber, or taxi to reach the Old Town. This will take you about 15 minutes. Lapad is my choice when visiting Dubrovnik.

Gruž: Convenient for boat excursions and the main bus station. It is practical and generally less expensive than staying beside the historic center.

Inside the Old Town: Atmospheric and central, but frequently difficult for anyone who cannot manage stairs. Taxis cannot deliver passengers directly to most Old Town accommodations. Cars are not allowed in Old Town, so you will have to wait for pickup just outside the Pile Gate. Consider this if you have trouble lugging your luggage a long distance.

The Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik

May, June, September and early October usually offer the best balance of warm weather and manageable crowds. July and August bring the hottest temperatures, busiest streets, and longest border waits.

Blue Cave excursions are most dependable during the warmer boating season, but every departure remains subject to wind and sea conditions. Spring and autumn travelers should keep some flexibility in the schedule in case the boat excursion needs to move to another day.

Tips for Planning the Day Trips

• Carry your passport on both international excursions.
• Leave room for border delays instead of making nonrefundable evening plans.
• Ask whether attraction admission, boat tickets and meals are included.
• Confirm the vehicle size and air-conditioning before booking.
• Discuss mobility equipment and boarding needs directly with the operator.
• Bring water, sun protection, and any medication you may need during a long delay.
• Download offline maps for Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Check whether your phone plan includes roaming outside the European Union. Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina may not be included in EU roaming packages.
• Avoid scheduling an early flight on the morning after a day trip that could return late.

Frequently Asked Questions About A 5 Day Dubrovnik Itinerary

Are five days enough for Dubrovnik?

Five days provide enough time to experience the Old Town and take several excursions. Travelers who prefer a slower pace should add one or two days or choose either Montenegro or Bosnia rather than visiting both. If you’re worried about accessibility and chronic pain, choose Montenegro as it is more accessible and less difficult.

Can you visit Montenegro from Dubrovnik in one day?

Yes. Perast and Kotor can be combined comfortably on a full-day excursion from Dubrovnik. Adding Budva is possible, but it reduces the time available around the Bay of Kotor and makes the day feel more rushed.

Can you visit Mostar from Dubrovnik in one day?

Yes. Dubrovnik-based excursions commonly combine Mostar with Kravica Waterfalls. Expect a long day with two international border crossings and potentially unpredictable traffic.

Which Blue Cave do you visit from Dubrovnik?

Most Dubrovnik Blue Cave tours visit the sea cave on Koločep in the Elaphiti Islands. It should not be confused with the Blue Cave on Biševo, near Vis.

Do I need a passport for the day trips?

Travelers crossing from Croatia into Montenegro or Bosnia and Herzegovina should carry a valid physical passport unless their nationality is specifically permitted to travel with an accepted national identity card. Entry and visa rules vary by citizenship, so verify them before departure.

Is this itinerary wheelchair accessible?

Parts of it can be adapted, but the entire itinerary is not wheelchair accessible. The Dubrovnik City Walls, swimming entrance to the Blue Cave, and Kravica’s lower waterfall area present substantial barriers.

The Dubrovnik Cable Car is accessible, and portions of Dubrovnik, Perast, Kotor, and Mostar can be explored with advance planning. A private driver and carefully selected boat operator will provide more flexibility than a conventional group tour.

Final Thoughts on Spending Five Days in Dubrovnik

This itinerary covers three countries, medieval cities, a glowing sea cave, mountain-framed bays and one of Europe’s most beautiful reconstructed bridges, all from a single base in Dubrovnik.

The schedule gives you time to appreciate Dubrovnik instead of treating it solely as a departure point. Start early, leave room for border delays, and protect that slower fourth day. The Adriatic will still be there if you need to replace a museum with an afternoon nap.

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