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 will often find yourselves wanting to escape the crowds. To truly experience the city, you must think like a local and plan your day wisely.

As locals, we try to avoid crowds as much as possible and seek out peaceful spots whenever we can. Even in this small yet bustling tourist town, we still find ways to enjoy a quiet, relaxing day. So, here’s how to spend a lazy Sunday in Dubrovnik like a local.

A Sunday in Dubrovnik Like a Local

Early Morning in The Old Town

During the warm summer months, the key to experiencing a Sunday in Dubrovnik like a local is to start your day as early as possible to enjoy a tranquil morning coffee before the city wakes up.

Start your day by heading to the Old Town through either Pile or Ploce Gate, two of the main entrances. At these early hours, you’ll notice delivery vans supplying restaurants with fresh groceries, preparing for yet another busy day. 

One thing Croatians absolutely need to do daily is enjoy a long, unhurried coffee. 

While many European countries operate at a fast pace, we prefer a more spontaneous and relaxed approach, and no matter how busy the day gets, coffee time is non-negotiable; it’s for the peace of our souls.

A great spot for your morning coffee is right on the main street, Stradun, below the bell tower. While some may call it a tourist trap due to its higher prices, in the early morning, you can sometimes catch a Happy Hour for coffee.

Here, you can soak in the beauty of Dubrovnik’s stunning architecture and watch locals heading to mass or workers busily setting up for the day.

As you sip your coffee, listen for the steady strikes of the city’s iconic bell tower, where Maro and Baro, the two bronze figures, have been striking the bell since the 15th century. 

These beloved figures, known as Zelenci (the Green Ones) due to their aged patina, have long helped residents keep track of time. Many Dubrovnik locals don’t even need to check their watches. They can tell the time simply by the sound of the bell.

Half-Day Trip To Lokrum Island

Start Early

Even though Lokrum Island is often recommended as a must-see for tourists, it’s also a beloved retreat for locals. Every local has their own rock, an unofficially reserved sunbathing spot where they expect uninterrupted relaxation. 

Lokrum is at its best in the morning hours, so aim to catch the 9 AM boat from the Old Town. The next departure isn’t until 10 AM, but after that, boats leave every half hour, meaning the island starts to get busier.

For one blissful hour, you’ll experience the island with minimal crowds, allowing you to find your own quiet corner to enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere.

Once you arrive, the prettiest morning spot is Portoc, located to the left as you step off the boat. This rocky beach area is perfect for finding a secluded place where you won’t be disturbed. 

Beat The Midday Heat

Around midday, when the heat intensifies, head toward the Dead Sea, a small saltwater lake on the island. There, you’ll find a shaded bar offering another coffee or even a cocktail, along with quick bites like sandwiches and burgers. 

The cozy chairs with comfortable cushions make it an ideal place to read a book, watch the island’s freely roaming peacocks, and listen to the soothing sounds of crickets.

For nature lovers, Lokrum’s Botanical Garden is worth a visit. It boasts a fascinating collection of exotic plants, including towering palm trees, cacti, and eucalyptus, many of which were brought over by seafarers in the 19th century. 

Some say the Benedictine monks who once lived on the island planted the first species, and their famous curse still lingers over Lokrum, warning those who try to claim it as their own.

An Island Cursed By Monks

Speaking of legends, the Benedictine Monastery is one of the most intriguing spots on the island. The monks inhabited Lokrum for centuries but were forced to leave in the early 19th century after Napoleon’s army seized the island. 

According to legend, on their final night, the monks placed a curse on Lokrum, walking in a solemn procession with upside-down candles, warning that misfortune would befall anyone who tried to take possession of the island. 

Over the years, many who attempted to own Lokrum suffered strange fates.

Discover Lokrum’s Secrets

To add a bit of mystery to your visit, try to find the archway in the rock that opens up to the sea. It’s one of the most photographed spots on the island. 

It’s not easy to find, though, as it’s tucked away and requires some scrambling over rocks to reach. But the effort is absolutely worth it. 

Need a hint? It’s somewhere near the Dead Sea, so if you’re already there, consider yourselves close. Keep in mind that you might want to wear water shoes for this adventure.

For a cooler part of the day, consider taking a short hike up to Fort Royal, a fortress built by the French during Napoleon’s occupation. 

Sitting at the highest point of the island, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea. The fort was strategically built to oversee maritime routes, and while it’s now in ruins, it remains a fascinating place to explore. 

The climb is well worth it, especially in the late afternoon or around sunset, when the heat is lower and the golden light over the sea makes the view even more magical.

For Game of Thrones fans, Lokrum Island is home to the famous Iron Throne, where you can snap a picture and feel like a ruler of Westeros. 

Lokrum Like a Local

But beyond sightseeing, Lokrum offers plenty to do; you could easily spend the whole day here. For a more active experience, you can rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore hidden coves. 

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

There are plenty of beautiful spots to enjoy a picnic, whether at a table under the shade of pine trees or simply sitting on the grass, soaking in the peaceful surroundings.

One of the local favorites is a simple treat: pate with fresh tomatoes, often enjoyed as a snack while spending time on the beach. 

Whether you prefer wandering around, sunbathing on the rocks, or simply gazing at the endless blue of the Adriatic Sea, Lokrum is just 15 minutes from Dubrovnik’s Old Town but feels like a world away.

Evening in Dubrovnik Old Town

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

This is just one way to spend a Sunday in Dubrovnik like a local: enjoying slow mornings, escaping to nature, and savoring simple pleasures that make life here truly special.