Where To Stay in Dubrovnik: Local Guide (Best Areas & Hotels)

About Dubrovnik accommodation

If you’re unfamiliar with the city’s layout, you may wonder where the best area to stay is in Dubrovnik.

But the number one question for first-time visitors to Dubrovnik is whether it’s worth staying in the Old Town.

And if not, where else?

This was one of our biggest planning decisions before coming to Dubrovnik for the first time. And we feel your struggle! So, in this guide we will answer exactly that.

We’ll explore the best places to stay in Dubrovnik and help you make the best choice, considering budget, accessibility, and comfort needs.

Spoiler alert: Yes, Dubrovnik’s Old Town is absolutely worth staying in.

Best areas to stay in Dubrovnik as a tourist

Luckily, all the best neighborhoods to stay in Dubrovnik as a tourist are very well connected to the Old Town.

So even if you decide to stay outside the Old City walls, you won’t miss out on anything. Depending on your chosen area, you might be just a 5 or 10-minute bus/taxi ride away.

Old Town: The heart of Dubrovnik, the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with charming cobblestone streets, perfect for first-time visitors looking to stay in authentic Dubrovnik, as it was many years ago (but still with modern amenities).

Lapad: This area is perfect for beach lovers, with its pebble beach and easy access to the Old Town via a 10-minute bus ride. Lapad also has a vibrant restaurant and bar scene, making it a great place to unwind after a day of exploring.

Babin Kuk: Situated at the tip of the Lapad Peninsula, it offers beachfront resorts and a quieter Dubrovnik experience. This area is perfect for families and couples looking to relax and enjoy water sports activities.

Pile: Situated near the Pile Gate, this area is convenient for families and those looking for easy access to the Old Town. It offers plenty of nearby bars, restaurants, and great hotels.

Ploče: East of Old Town, known for its luxury hotels with easy access to Dubrovnik’s beaches, boasts breathtaking views of the bay and the island of Lokrum. Staying in Ploče allows you to enjoy a luxurious stay while still being close to the city’s main attractions.

Gruž: This budget-friendly area with a local vibe is located near the main harbor entry. It has a good selection of budget-friendly accommodations and great restaurant options.

Cavtat: Located near the Dubrovnik Airport, it’s a charming area that offers peaceful stays perfect for those looking for a more relaxed experience away from the crowds, but still with plenty of day trip opportunities and great connections to Old Town.

Old Town: Best area to stay in Dubrovnik for old-world charm

The Old Town of Dubrovnik, also known as Stari Grad, is the best area to stay in Dubrovnik for those seeking old-world charm and a truly authentic experience.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a gold mine of history and culture, with its well-preserved stone walls and historic buildings.

Staying in the Old Town immerses you in the city’s rich history and makes it easy to explore its main attractions, from the city walls surrounding it to all the must-see sites within it. The Franciscan Monastery, with its stunning cloister and ancient pharmacy, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

The Stradun promenade, the main street of the Old Town, is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, offering a vibrant atmosphere day and night. And as a Game of Thrones fan, you will be thrilled to recognize iconic filming locations within the city walls.

The Old Town is a pedestrian-only zone, which adds to its charm and allows for leisurely strolls through its squares and streets.

Plus, staying in the Old Town of Dubrovnik also provides easy access to nearby attractions, such as Lokrum Island, and the cable car ride to the top of Mount Srđ for breathtaking views.

Just outside of Old Town, you can sunbathe and swim at the famous Banje Beach. Or also rent a kayak to go to Lokrum or explore the nearby Betina Cave.

Best hotels in Dubrovnik Old Town

Here are our hand-picked top-rated hotels in Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

• Budget: Kingslanding Old Town Hostel – Sweetest Thing Apartment
  
  
• Mid-range: Apartment Matić – Villa Four Winds
  
  
• Luxury: Villa 5db – Dominus Little Palace

Lapad: The best area in Dubrovnik for beach lovers

With its stunning Lapad Bay and beautiful Lapad Beach, Lapad is the typical choice for beach lovers in Dubrovnik.

Situated on the Lapad Peninsula, this area offers a perfect blend of beachside relaxation and easy access to the city center for those seeking a beach holiday with the convenience of city amenities.

The picturesque Lapad Bay is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, making it a top destination for travelers who want to enjoy the Adriatic Sea while in Dubrovnik.

Best hotels in Lapad Peninsula of Dubrovnik

Here are our hand-picked top-rated hotels in Dubrovnik’s Lapad Peninsula.

• Budget: Room Dragica
  
  
• Mid-range: Apartment AB Batala – Apartments & Rooms V&M
  
  
• Luxury: Hotel Kompas – Hotel Dubrovnik Palace – California Apartments

Pile: Best area for families and easy access to Old Town

Pile is renowned for its accessibility to the Old Town and its family-friendly atmosphere.

Being close to the iconic city walls and Pile Gate, it offers convenience for exploring Dubrovnik’s rich history, main attractions and the ease of navigating to the Old Town and other parts of the city.

With modern amenities, a range of great accommodations, and nearby restaurant options, Pile, also known as Pile-Kono, is a great place to stay right outside the Old City walls.

Best hotels in Pile area of Dubrovnik

Here are our hand-picked top-rated hotels in Dubrovnik’s Pile area.

• Budget: Apartment Saint John
  
  
• Mid-range: Guest House Maria Bilicic – Guest House Libertas
  
  
• Luxury: Hilton Imperial – Apartments Villa Ankora

Ploče: Dubrovnik’s most luxurious area

Luxury hotels like Excelsior and villas like Villa Orsula and Villa Dubrovnik in Ploče make it the best luxury area within walking distance of the Old Town. It’s the go-to place for a luxurious stay in Dubrovnik, right on the waterfront, with many of the places having private beach access.

But even with the status of the most luxurious area, you can find some more budget-friendly apartments in the Ploče neighborhood, which is quite a large area of Dubrovnik and consists not only of waterfront properties.

Best hotels in Ploče area of Dubrovnik

Here are our hand-picked top-rated hotels in Dubrovnik’s Ploče area.

• Budget: Apartment Karmen
  
  
• Mid-range: Amorino Apartments – SoLeo Apartments
  
  
• Luxury: Hotel Excelsior – Villa Orsula – Villa Dubrovnik

Did you know? Hotel Excelsior is also where you can find the famous salt-water pool of Dubrovnik.

Gruž: The best area for staying on a budget in Dubrovnik

For staying on a budget in Dubrovnik, hotels in Gruž are your best choice. As well as the hotels between Gruž and Lapad area.

Situated in the city’s gateway, it offers a range of affordable accommodation options without compromising on convenience.

Gruž is the best part of Dubrovnik for a well-connected stay outside of the Old Town that won’t break the bank. It provides easy access to Dubrovnik’s main attractions, and since the marina of Gruž is also where cruise ships dock and frequent ferries take off, you can easily connect to nearby islands from that part.

Best hotels in the Gruž neighborhood

Here are our hand-picked top-rated hotels in Dubrovnik’s Gruž neighborhood.

• Budget: Hostel Free Bird
  
  
• Mid-range: Mediterranean Vista
  
  
• Luxury: Apartments Miljas – Apartments Marando

Babin Kuk: Beachfront resorts for families and couples

Located on the northern tip of the Lapad Peninsula, Babin Kuk offers beachfront resorts perfect for families and couples seeking a relaxing stay in Dubrovnik.

These resorts provide easy access to the Adriatic Sea and great beaches like Coral Beach and Copacabana.

With facilities like swimming pools, tennis courts, and water sports, Babin Kuk is the best area for both a tranquil and active vacation in Dubrovnik.

Fun fact: Babin Kuk means “grandma’s hip” in Croatian. And while we’re on the topic of weird place names, check out the super informative article by Total Croatia News: Things To Know About Croatian Place Names.

Best hotels in Babin Kuk

Here are our hand-picked top-rated hotels in Grandma’s Hip of Dubrovnik.

• Budget: Apartments Budman – Zara Apartments
  
  
• Mid-range: Villa Antea Apartments – Aida Apartments
  
  
• Luxury: Valamar President Hotel – Valamar Argosy Hotel – Valamar Lacroma Resort

Cavtat: Peaceful area to stay near Dubrovnik Airport

Nestled on the coast 20km south of Dubrovnik and right by Dubrovnik Airport, Cavtat offers charming stays perfect for those seeking proximity to the city without the hustle. Cavtat is an idyllic escape with a serene ambiance and picturesque views of the Adriatic Sea.

For a relaxing stay near the airport, we highly recommend the quaint town of Cavtat with its historic sites, waterfront promenade, and easy access to stunning pebble beaches.

Best hotels in Cavtat

Here are our hand-picked top-rated hotels in Cavtat.

• Budget: Villa Mimoza – Apartments Mira
  
  
• Mid-range: Apartments Villa Lukas – Villa AnMari
  
  
• Luxury: Hotel Seventh – Hotel Supetar

Best places in Dubrovnik for a longer stay: Comfy apartments outside Old Town

For longer stays, apartments in Dubrovnik are often a more comfortable choice, as you can get fully equipped kitchens, comfortable living spaces, and plenty of amenities.

The best apartments in Dubrovnik for long-term stays are in Lapad, Gruž, and Cavtat.

These areas are perfect if you’re planning on staying more than just a few days and are looking to do some day trips and using Dubrovnik as a base.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final thoughts on the best place to stay in Dubrovnik

For those seeking the quintessential Dubrovnik experience, staying within the captivating walls of the Old Town is unparalleled.

However, hotels in Lapad offer tranquility, and scenic Lapad Bay also makes it a top choice, especially if you want to enjoy the beaches on your Dubrovnik visit.

On our last visit, we stayed in the small but cozy studio Maslac on top of Lapad and loved it there. The bus stop was a 5-minute walk away, and we could easily reach the beautiful Lapad Beach by walking down the stairs (it was good exercise, but so worth it).

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To conclude it all, we highly recommend staying in the Old Town if you’re coming to Dubrovnik for just a day or two; otherwise, we recommend choosing one of the areas outside the old city walls.

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Thank you for reading this article on the best places to stay in Dubrovnik. Hopefully, we helped you find the perfect stay for your visit.

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