If you’re visiting Budva and you want to complete your experience of Adriatic coast, we suggest you treat yourself to a magical day trip to Dubrovnik. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is just a few hours away from Budva and offers a perfect mix of rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking coastal views. Let’s guide you through how to make the most out of your one-day adventure from Budva to Dubrovnik.
Why Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting For?
Dubrovnik is famous not only for being a filming location for Game of Thrones but also for its stunning views, historical charm, and long-standing role as a major sea trade center. Starting in the 14th century, Dubrovnik rose in importance alongside Venice and Ancona, becoming one of the most vital trade hubs in the Adriatic. By the 16th century, it was enjoying its golden age, thanks to its flourishing maritime trade.
One of the city’s proudest achievements was gaining independence from Venetian rule in 1358, establishing itself as an independent city-state. At the time, having autonomy from Venice was a major achievement, considering that much of the region—from Istria in northern Croatia to Montenegro, including parts of today’s Albania and the Greek islands in the Ionian Sea—was under Venetian rule. By the 15th century, the Republic of Dubrovnik had full autonomy, electing its own princes and councilors, minting its own currency, and flying its state flag featuring St. Vlah. It even set up consulates abroad, reflecting its global influence.
This wealth and independence fostered a thriving cultural and intellectual environment, shaping the unique Mediterranean lifestyle still visible in the city today. Dubrovnik was also ahead of its time in social reforms, becoming the first city in the world to ban slavery in 1416. That’s why visiting Dubrovnik is like stepping back in time to a place where history, culture, and beauty collide, offering an unforgettable experience.
Setting Off from Budva
Start your day early to make the most of your trip! Whether you’re driving or booking a guided tour, the journey from Budva to Dubrovnik takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the border crossing. The coastal drive itself is an attraction, offering panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, dotted with charming villages, steep mountains, and hidden bays. Keep your camera ready for some picture-perfect stops along the way!
For a hassle-free experience, I recommend booking your trip through my favorite site, GetYourGuide. You can book a tour online weeks ahead of your holiday and even get a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip.
Pro Tip: During the summer months, consider taking a direct boat from Budva’s harbor to Dubrovnik. It adds a special Mediterranean touch to your journey. The catamaran leaves in the morning and returns in the afternoon, giving you plenty of time to explore the city without the hassle of crowded border crossings. Tickets start at €69 per adult.
Crossing the Border
As you head toward Croatia, you’ll pass through the border at either Debeli Brijeg or the less busy Kobila. A valid passport is required, and it’s wise to check visa requirements in advance if you’re not from an EU country. In summer, the crossing can take some time, but with stunning views of the Montenegrin coast, even waiting feels like part of the adventure.
Arriving in Dubrovnik – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Once you arrive in Dubrovnik, you’ll immediately understand why it’s one of Europe’s most beloved cities. As you walk through its historic stone walls and narrow cobbled streets, the atmosphere feels like stepping back in time.
1. Walk the City Walls
Although many guides recommend starting with the Old Town, we suggest walking the city walls first. This will give you a broader perspective, and it’s better to do it while your energy is high—especially on hot summer days. Built between the 12th and 17th centuries, the walls stretch for 1,940 meters and offer spectacular views of the orange-tiled rooftops and the sparkling blue Adriatic Sea. The walk takes about 1-2 hours, with cafés and a public toilet along the way. Entry starts at €35.
2. Explore the Old Town
Your next stop should be Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter through the grand Pile Gate and find yourself surrounded by medieval stone buildings, charming squares, and bustling cafés. For me, visiting churches in Old town is a valuable experience, no matter if you’re religious or not. Stroll along the main street, Stradun, unusually big and wide for a Mediterranean Old Town street which are usually narrow and very small. Once again, it stands as a witness of Dubrovnik’s glorious past.
3. Visit Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace
Dubrovnik is steeped in history, and if you’re a fan of learning about the past, you’ll love the Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace. The former served as the seat of the government in the 15th century, while the latter is now home to Dubrovnik’s state archives. These beautifully preserved buildings offer a glimpse into the city’s rich political and cultural heritage.
4. Lunch with a View
Some delicious Mediterranean cuisine comes at a right time to spice up the sightseeing! Dubrovnik offers plenty of great restaurants, and many have terraces overlooking the sea. Must-try are local dishes like seafood risotto, grilled fish with “Dalmatinsko varivo” garnish, or black cuttlefish ink pasta. Pair it with a glass of Croatian wine (we recommend Croatian Malvazia) and soak in the view!
A Touch of Game of Thrones Magic
For the fans of Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik offers a chance to walk through iconic filming locations from the series. Several key scenes were filmed here, including those set in King’s Landing. You can either explore on your own or join a guided Game of Thrones tour to see where the magic happened.
Sunset at the Fort Lovrijenac
It would be nice to end your day in Dubrovnik with a visit to Fort Lovrijenac, also known as Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar. This fortress sits high on a cliff and offers stunning sunset views over the city and sea. Since we were visiting with kids, we didn’t have enogh time to visit it this time but I bet it’s the perfect way to end your visit before heading back to Budva.
Tip: Be sure to check the working hours!
Returning to Budva
As the evening sets in, it’s time to drive back to Budva. You’ll have the gorgeous Adriatic coastline on your side, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a beautiful sunset along the way. If you would like to extend your trip, we recommend visiting Trebinje, a charming town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, only 30 km away from Dubrovnik.
Tips for the Trip:
- Travel Time: Plan at least 6 hours for the round-trip, including time at the border.
- What to Bring: Valid passport, sunscreen, comfortable shoes
- When to Go: Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Summer is the peak season for lively vibes, but it could be very very hot, so be sure to prepare well.
