We have a long one day cruise stop in Dubrovnik in May. 8 am to Midnight!! Obviously we will spend time in town but I was wondering if anyone had some ideas of what else to do. We don't want to go swimming. If we hired a guide or rented a car what would be the best places to see or experiences to have? Any great scenery or places of interest nearby? Thanks.
You can take tours to either Mostar or to Montenegro from Dubrovnik-there are several well-rated companies on trip advisor, however, be sure to have your PP's as you are leaving Croatia. We did a full day trip to Montenegro and really enjoyed it. Then, come back, walk up to across from the Jesuit church and find the restaruant with the Rooster symbol and have a great dinner in the cool of the evening.
I honestly don't think you will have time for anything else without severely shortchanging Dubrovnik (Montanegro and Mostar are substantial destinations and take up an entire day at a minimum, not a few hours)...so why not spend the whole day in Dubrovnik and enjoy walking the walls, going on the cable car, visiting museums (yes, they have multiple museums covered under their museum pass), dining, etc? Look into all the things you can do in Dubrovnik before making plans to go elsewhere. Although Dubrovnik is quite compact, I doubt you will run out of things do do in one day if you have broad interests. You can also take a quick boat ride to Lokrum, a small island across from Dubrovnik, and spend a few hours there.
I think a day trip to Mostar or Montenegro is a great thing to do if you're in Dubrovnik for a couple of days, but if you do that on your one and only day in Dubrovnik, you will miss out on what there is to see in Dubrovnik.
I'd recommend a boat ride (yes I know you're coming off a cruise ship, but this is a different kind of boat) either to Lokrum Island or to Cavtat. Either of these would be short trips you could do in the morning, spend as little or as much time as you want, and then come back.
As soon as you get off the ship, walk the walls first thing. It opens at 8:00 and starts to get crowded after 9:00 or so. You may be too late once you get there from the ship.
And the restaurant Jerry recommended is called Kopun, and it was wonderful. I ate there twice. Beautiful setting in a lovely square.
Then there's the cable car ride up, up and up, giving you a grand view of the Old Town, the Adriatic and the surrounding mountains. There's also a restaurant at the top. Short ride up and back with the option of a 90-minute hike back down.
Joining the chorus to remain in Dubrovnik for the only day you will be there. I have also had the pleasure of eating at the "Rooster" restaurant (Kopun? Thanks, I couldn't remember the name, either!) and I agree; wonderful food and an enjoyable evening on the square. I would save Mostar for another trip. As Agnes says, Mostar deserves at least an entire day. In my opinion, Montenegro would be a fine day trip IF you were going to be in Dubrovnik longer. As previous posters say, plenty to do in Dubrovnik to fill your day and they have posted some great ideas for you to consider.
Thank you all. I guess it makes sense to stay in Dubrovnik for the day. We will find enough to stay busy. Plus, we are in Kotor the next day.