If you only have one day in Dubrovnik, planning makes all the difference. Whether you’re visiting as part of a family holiday, stopping on a cruise, or squeezing Dubrovnik into a wider Croatia itinerary, this compact city is surprisingly doable in a day, even with kids.
This one day Dubrovnik itinerary focuses on the highlights you shouldn’t miss, while keeping things realistic for families. From wandering the historic Old Town to walking the iconic city walls and building in time for food breaks, rest stops and views that wow both adults and children, this guide shows you exactly how to spend a day in Dubrovnik without feeling rushed.
We visited Dubrovnik as a family, so if you’re also visiting Dubrovnik with kids, I’ve also included practical tips at the end of the itinerary!
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A Perfect One Day in Dubrovnik Itinerary that’s Family Friendly!
Below is our perfect way to spend a day in Dubrovnik. This is a great itinerary to follow if you’re visiting with or without kids; however, I have also added a couple of alternative extras to the end for those of you who’d like a faster-paced itinerary.
If you are visiting Dubrovnik as a family, check out our full guide here.
Morning – Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls
Walking the Dubrovnik City walls is the most iconic thing to do in Croatia. We found this to be such an enjoyable activity for the whole family.
I would recommend starting your walk as early as possible, as the walls get extremely busy. Some parts are quite narrow, and it was nice to explore these without too many people around, especially if you’re visiting with a toddler or small children! The walls open at 8 am, and by 11 am, there were huge queues.
From the walls you’ll see gorgeous views of Dubrovnic and also of the sea.
Unfortunately, it is not a budget-friendly activity. The entrance fee has rapidly increased in recent years due to the popularity of the walls. It will cost you €35 for adults. €15 for ages 7-18, and children under 7 can visit for free.
I’d recommend buying the Dubrovnik City Pass. It also costs €35 but includes a few other attractions (which I will talk more about below) and public transport if you need it. You can purchase it online or from one of the tourist offices in Dubrovnik.
DUBROVNIK CITY WALLS
TOP DUBROVNIK TOURS:
Morning – Dubrovnik’s Maritime Museum
Located inside Dubrovnik’s City Walls is the Maritime Museum. It is also included in the city pass I mentioned earlier. The museum is small but interesting.
There is also a children’s area upstairs, which was a perfect way to break up the walk for kids.
Including the museum visit, it took us around 2 and a half hours to walk the City Walls. If you’re without kids, you’ll be able to do it slightly quicker.
READ MORE: TIPS ON WALKING THE DUBROVNIK CITY WALLS WITH KIDS
DUBROVNIK’S MARITIME MUSEUM
Lunch – Family-Friendly Places in Dubrovnik Old Town
After the long walk around the city walls, you’ll probably be hungry!
You’ll find many great places to eat in Dubrovnik. We ate at a restaurant called Gradska Kavana Arsenal, which is located right on the harbour. The food here was delicious, and it has a luxurious vibe while being very child-friendly.
We always like to eat outside, if it’s possible, as it allows kids to have a bit more freedom. This place is spacious and has beautiful views. It also has a great baby-changing area in the bathrooms.
FAMILY BRUNCH IN DUBROVNIK
Afternoon – Explore Dubrovnik Old Town
After lunch, spend your afternoon exploring Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
The town itself is small and easy to explore on foot; however, there are a lot of steps to climb if you want to explore properly. There are some additional museums and galleries included in the Dubrovnik City Pass; you can see them here.
During our afternoon in Dubrovnik, there were quite a few rain showers. So, we chose to visit the Cultural History Museum. It’s a small museum, but we enjoyed it. There was a cute little area designed for children. You’ll probably have time to visit one or two museums if you’d like. Pick the ones that interest you most!
EXPLORING THE OLD TOWN
Late Afternoon – Museum or Playground Stop
We decided to head to a playground rather than a second museum. There are two playgrounds in Dubrovnik’s Old Town; we visited both.
The first is simply called Children’s Park and is located at the entrance to the Old Town. The second is called Old City Playground; it is a good option for small kids, but it’s at the top of a lot of steps. If you’re just going to visit one, the first one is better.
Optional One Day in Dubrovnik Itinerary Alternatives
It is possible to walk the City Walls and explore the Old Town in the morning if you’re out early. So, if looking for a faster-paced itinerary, you could consider adding one of the below to your afternoon itinerary.
- Visit Lokrum Island – Boat tours will take you to Lokrum Island, which would be a lovely place to spend an afternoon if you have good weather. These trips cost €27 per person, children from 5 to 15 cost 5€ and those under 5 are free.
- Ride the Cable Car – You can take a ride on Dubrovnik’s own cable car for more incredible views. This costs €27 for an adult round-trip ticket or €15 for a one-way ticket. Kids aged 4-12 ride for €7 for a round-trip and €4 for a one-way ticket, and children under 4 ride for free.
Tips for Visiting Dubrovnik with Kids
While I am a believer that, if children live there, it is a child-friendly destination, Dubrovnik is not the most toddler-friendly place we’ve been to. It is a stunning city, but exploring with little ones requires a bit of planning to make your day enjoyable for everyone. Here are my top tips for exploring Dubrovnik with kids:
- There are a lot of steps in the Old Town of Dubrovnik, which make having a pushchair (stroller) hard work, if you can use a baby carrier instead, it will make things easier for you! Of course, this isn’t an issue if you have older kids or teens! If you do need to bring a stroller, make sure it’s a leight-weight one that’s easy to manoeuvre over cobblestones and carry if needed.
- Start early to avoid the crowds, especially on the city walls and in the Old Town, where narrow streets can get busy. It was so peaceful early in the morning, but by 11 am, my son could no longer run about without being lost in the crowds!
- As usual, dont forget snack and sunscreen!
- Finally, read my full guide to Dubrovnik with kids here for more family tips.
EXPLORING DUBROVNIK WITH KIDS
FAQ’s About Dubrovnik
Yes, Dubrovnik is undeniably beautiful, and children can enjoy exploring the city walls or beaches. That said, it’s worth noting that the Old Town’s cobblestones, steep streets, and crowds can be tricky with toddlers, especially in the peak summer months. If you’re travelling with very young children, there are other destinations that might feel more relaxed and toddler-friendly.
If you only have one day in Dubrovnik, focus on a mix of the city’s highlights. Start by walking the City Walls (or just a section of them for incredible views. Stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants then, enjoy the pretty streets in the Old Town. If time allows (and the weather is nice) spend a while relaxing on the beach before wandering back through the charming streets.
For a short stop, like a cruise excursion, it’s best to focus on the heart of Dubrovnik. Spend your time exploring the Old Town, wandering its picturesque streets. You could consider walking part of the city walls or for a slower pace, grab a gelato or snack at a café and wander along the harbour. Three hours is just enough to capture the essence of Dubrovnik while keeping it stress-free.
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Happy Exploring,
