How to spend a Sunday in Dubrovnik like a local

Dubrovnik is one of the most popular tourist destinations and given its small size, you often find yourself wanting to escape the crowd. To truly experience the city, you have to think like the locals and plan your day wisely.

As locals, we try to avoid crowds and find peaceful places as much as possible. Even in this small and bustling tourist town, we still find ways to enjoy a quiet, relaxing day. So, this is how to spend a lazy Sunday in Dubrovnik like the locals.

Sunday in Dubrovnik like locals

Early in the morning in the old town

The key to experiencing Sundays like locals in Dubrovnik during the warm summer months is to start the day early to enjoy a quiet morning coffee before waking up in the city.

Start your day by stake or ploce door (two main entrances) to the old town. During these earlier times, you will notice that the delivery van provides fresh groceries for the restaurant in preparation for another busy day.

One thing Croatians absolutely need to do every day is to enjoy a long and dressed cup of coffee.

Although many European countries operate very quickly, we prefer a more spontaneous and relaxed approach where coffee time is not negotiable no matter how busy the day is. This is for the peace of our souls.

A good place for coffee in the morning is on Straden Street below the clock tower. While some people may call it a tourist trap because of the price increase, in the early morning you can sometimes capture the coffee for happy hour.

Here you can absorb the beauty of the amazing architecture of Dubrovnik and watch locals head to the masses or workers busy with the day.

As you drink coffee, listen to the stable strike of the city’s iconic bell tower, two bronze figures that have been ringing the bells since the 15th century.

These beloved characters, known as Zelenci (green), have long helped residents track time due to their aging patina. Many Dubrovnik natives don't even need to check their watches. They can simply tell the time through the bell.

Half a day to Lockrum Island

Start early

Even though Lokrum Island is usually recommended as a must-see attraction for visitors, it is also a beloved retreat for locals. Each local has its own rock, an informally reserved sunbathing site that they expect uninterrupted relaxation.

Lokrum is the best in the morning hours and is therefore designed to catch the 9am boat from the old town. The next departure time is not until 10 a.m., but after that, the ships leave every half hour, which means the island is starting to get busier.

During a happy hour, you will experience the island with minimal crowds, allowing you to find your own quiet corner to enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere.

The most beautiful morning upon arrival is the Portoc, which is on the left as you leave the boat. This rocky beach area is perfect for finding a secluded place where you won't be bothered.

Beat noon

At about noon, when the heat intensified, it headed towards the Dead Sea, a small lagoon on the island. There you will find a shadow bar that offers another coffee or even a cocktail, as well as quick bites like sandwiches and burgers.

The comfortable chair with a comfortable cushion makes it an ideal place to read, watch the island freely roam the peacocks, and listen to the soothing sounds of cricket.

For nature lovers, the Botanical Gardens in Lokrum are worth a visit. It has a fascinating collection of exotic plants, including towering palm trees, cactus and eucalyptus, many of which were brought by seafarers in the 19th century.

Some say that the Benedictine monks who once lived on the island planted the first species, and their famous curse still shrouded Lockrum, warning those who tried to call it themselves.

The island cursed by monks

Speaking of legend, the Benedictine monastery is one of the most interesting places on the island. Monks lived for centuries, but were forced to leave in the early 19th century after Napoleon's army occupied the island.

According to legend, on the last night, monks damned Lokrum, in a solemn procession with handstand candles on it, warning that unfortunately anyone who tried to occupy the island.

Many people who have tried to own Lokrum have suffered strange fates over the years.

Discover the secret of Lokrum

To add some mystery to your visit, try finding the arch open to the sea in the rocks. This is one of the most photographed attractions on the island.

It is not easy to find it hidden and need some place to climb up the rocks, though. But the effort is definitely worth it.

Need a prompt? It's somewhere near the Dead Sea, so if you're already there, consider yourself close. Remember, you may want to wear water shoes for this adventure.

In a cool part of the day, consider a brief hike to the Fort Royal built by the French during the Napoleon occupation.

It sits at the highest point on the island and offers panoramic views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea. The fortress is strategic to oversee the maritime route, and now it is in ruins, but it remains a fascinating place to explore.

The climb is worth it, especially in the late afternoon or around sunset when the heat is lower and the golden lights at sea make the view even more magical.

For Game of Thrones fans, Lokrum Island is home to the famous Iron Throne where you can take photos and be like the ruler of Westeros.

Like the locals

But besides sightseeing, Lokrum offers a lot of work. You can easily spend the whole day here. For a more active experience, you can rent a kayak or paddle board to explore the hidden bay.

Many locals also take their families for a full-day picnic, packed sandwiches and homemade food to really make the most of their time on the island.

Whether it’s on a table under the shade of pine trees or sitting on the grass, soaking in a quiet setting, there are many beautiful places to enjoy a picnic.

One of the local favorites is a simple treat: a dish with fresh tomatoes that often spend time on the beach.

Whether you like to wander around, sunbathe on the rocks, or just stare into the endless blues of the Adriatic Sea, Lokrum is only 15 minutes from Dubrovnik’s old town, but it feels like a world.

In the old town of Dubrovnik at night

Most locals will tell you that the best spot is Dolce Vita, a gem known for its creamy ice cream. If you have a sweet tooth, you might even end up ordering their famous pancakes. But don't feel introverted; they are a local tradition.

It's just one way to spend Sunday in Dubrovnik: enjoy the slow morning, escape from nature, and taste the simple pleasure that makes it truly unique.