Dubrovnik in 2 Days: 2-Day Friends' Weekend in Dubrovnik
A fun, vibrant 2-day plan for friends who want history, sea adventures, great food and lively nights — with group-friendly venues, shared-cost options, and one active highlight (sea kayaking). Best visited in September for warm water, thinner crowds and long golden evenings.
Highlights
- Walk the City Walls for panoramic Old Town views
- Sea kayak and swim around Lokrum Island
- Sunset on Mount Srđ by cable car
- Cliffside drinks at Buža Bar
- Dance/night out at Culture Club Revelin
Itinerary
Day 1
Old Town immersion, active sea adventure, and a lively club night.
Walk the City Walls of Dubrovnik (start on the Pile Gate)
Begin with the iconic walls to get unbeatable views of Old Town, Adriatic and cliffs — best done early to avoid the heat and cruise-ship crowds.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy tickets online or arrive right at opening to avoid queues; groups can often jump lines together.
- Bring a lightweight jacket for sea breeze on exposed sections and a camera for dramatic wide-angle shots.
- Wear comfortable shoes — cobbles and steps are steep; keep valuables zipped (pickpocket risk in crowded spots).
Coffee & quick snack with a view at Gradska Kavana Arsenal
Group-friendly terrace café in a sunny harbor-side spot — ideal for regrouping after the walls and planning the afternoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a large table when you arrive — they’re used to groups and will seat 4–6+ together on the terrace.
- Order a sharable mezze or local pastries to keep costs low and share tastes.
- If you want sailing/sea-kayak operator recommendations, the staff know reliable local companies and pickup points.
Seafood lunch at Lokanda Peskarija (Old Harbour)
Casual seafood spot right on the water — fresh catches and shareable plates mean easy splits for groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a few whole-fish or mixed plates to share; it’s easier and more social than individual orders.
- Ask for separate checks in advance if splitting costs — staff are familiar with group billing.
- Request a shaded table by the water for the best vibe and photos after the walls walk.
Short transfer / regroup
Quick walk/transfer from the Old Harbour to the kayak meeting point — use this time to rehydrate and apply reef-safe sunscreen.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm the kayak meeting spot and bring any pre-booking confirmation screenshots.
- Keep a small dry bag with phone IDs and cash for quick access.
- Use this transfer to change into swimwear under light layers if needed.
Sea kayak tour around Lokrum Island (guided, group-friendly)
A 3–4 hour guided sea-kayak experience exploring caves and swimming spots around Lokrum; great for team photos and a playful afternoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a guided group tour (many companies accept 4–8 people per guide) so costs are shared and logistics are simple.
- Bring a water-resistant phone pouch, towel, swim shoes, and small cash; the guide will point out the best swim stops.
- If anyone is inexperienced, ask for a tandem kayak so they can pair up and share effort.
Refresh & quick hotel rest at Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
Return, shower and regroup before dinner—choose a nearby hotel for a short transfer back to Old Town.
Tips from local experts:
- If you haven't booked, Hotel Excelsior is group-friendly and centrally located for quick Old Town access.
- Use this time to swap into dry clothes and charge phones for nightlife photos.
- Ask reception about late-table bookings at nearby restaurants and club guestlist options.
Dinner at Restaurant Proto (classic Dalmatian seafood)
A sit-down meal with local seafood specialties; a comfortable, slightly upscale option that accepts groups and shared orders.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a table in advance for 4–6 and request a family-style menu to share dishes and split costs easily.
- Try several small starters (olives, marinated fish) and a main fish to divide between the table.
- Ask for local wine by the carafe to keep the vibe festive and the bill manageable.
Night out at Culture Club Revelin (inside Revelin Fortress)
Dance and enjoy DJ nights in a dramatic fortress setting; one of Dubrovnik’s best nightlife venues for groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the event calendar and pre-book a table/guestlist — large groups should reserve a table to stay together.
- Expect a cover charge on event nights; splitting the cost and putting someone in charge of the tab makes entry smoother.
- Dress smart-casual (some nights have dress codes) and plan a meeting spot in advance in case someone lags behind.
Day 2
Local markets, fort views, Mt. Srđ sunset and relaxed wine & cliffside drinks — social and flexible for a friendly group.
Morning local market stroll & Stradun walk
Browse the outdoor market stalls (Gundulićeva poljana area) and stroll the main street Stradun while the city wakes up.
Tips from local experts:
- Split up to sample different stalls (cheeses, pastries) then regroup to trade tastes — easy shared-cost bites.
- Arrive early for cooler temps and better produce; vendors will often let you try small tastes.
- Keep an eye on a central meeting spot (e.g., the Orlando Column) to regroup between shops and photos.
Coffee & views at Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe (pile area)
A relaxed stop for coffee or a second breakfast with sweeping views of the walls and sea — good for group selfies.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table by the windows/terrace if you want the best views; groups should book ahead for weekend mornings.
- Order shareable plates (cheese/charcuterie) for a light group snack and lower per-person cost.
- If anyone wants last-minute souvenirs, staff can point to quieter shops off the main drag.
Explore Fort Lovrijenac (the 'Gibraltar of Dubrovnik')
Short boat-free excursion to the cliff-top fort with sweeping sea and Old Town views — fun for group photos and a bit of local history.
Tips from local experts:
- Fort access is by a short walk from Old Town; wear sturdy shoes and bring water — it’s exposed and sunny.
- Group photo tip: the best wide-angle shots are taken from the outer bastion overlooking the sea.
- If you’d like to sit and chat, the flat terraces outside the fort are good for a quick picnic or shared snacks.
Casual lunch at Pantarul (modern Dalmatian, group-friendly)
A respected local spot that balances creative local food with a comfortable group atmosphere; nice mid-day pause.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a midday table and ask for a sharing-style menu to sample several plates without high per-person cost.
- They can often accommodate dietary requests (veg/vegans) — mention group needs when booking.
- Order a carafe of local wine or a few bottles to share; it’s convivial and simplifies splitting.
Cable car up Mount Srđ for late-afternoon views
Take the Dubrovnik Cable Car for sweeping panoramas and a golden-hour vantage point — perfect for sunset photos and relaxed social time.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy return cable-car tickets in advance or arrive a bit earlier than sunset to avoid lines; group discounts sometimes apply.
- Bring a light layer — it’s often windier and cooler on the summit, even in September evenings.
- There’s a café at the top for drinks; splitting a few platters and watching the sunset is ideal for a group.
Cliffside sunset drinks at Buža Bar
A classic cliff-hole bar carved into the Old Town walls — spectacular for a relaxed drink while the sun dips.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive early to snag a small group spot on the cliff; seating is limited and first-come-first-served.
- Buža is a drinks-and-snacks place — plan dinner elsewhere; split bottles or pitchers to keep it social and affordable.
- Watch your step on the cliffs; groups should appoint a lookout to secure a table and guard belongings.
Evening wine & small plates at D'Vino Wine Bar (live, social vibe)
Wrap up with a relaxed wine-focused evening — excellent wine lists, small sharable plates and a convivial atmosphere suited to groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table for 4–6 in advance; they’re experienced with groups and can arrange tasting flights to share.
- Ask the sommelier for carafes or tasting boards to keep costs down while sampling local varieties.
- If you want live music or a busier vibe, check the nightly program; otherwise this is a great spot for relaxed conversation and tasting.
