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.
QUICK INFO
As a general top choice for first-time visitors to Dubrovnik, we recommend staying in the Old Town for its old-world charm.
For beach lovers, staying in Lapad or Babin Kuk is the best choice, as they offer great beaches, are well-connected to the rest of the city, and have some amazing hotels.
For true luxury, we recommend checking hotels in Ploče, which offers some truly next-level accommodation options.
For a more peaceful environment outside of Dubrovnik, staying in Cavtat hotels is a great choice. It’s conveniently close to the airport and connected to the Old Town by bus, taxi or water taxi.
For budget travelers, your best choice for accommodation in Dubrovnik is Gruž, where you can find affordable hostels and rooms. As well as Cavtat, with affordable apartments near the airport.
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.
Wondering what the best things to do in Dubrovnik are?
Read our Complete Guide To Dubrovnik.
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
RECOMMENDED: Villa 5db
Situated right in the heart of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, just one street away from the main street of Stradun, Villa 5db offers a luxurious stay in a place that makes you feel like you’re a few centuries back in time.
Even though it’s right in the heart of it all, it remains relatively quiet, ensuring a comfortable stay in a central location. This makes it easy to pop in and out of main attractions, restaurants, and bars.
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
RECOMMENDED: Hotel Kompas
Perfectly located right at the side of Lapad Bay and steps away from Lapad Beach, Hotel Kompas is a perfect choice for a comfortable stay in Dubrovnik.
Wondering which the best beaches in Dubrovnik are?
Read our Complete Guide To Dubrovnik Beaches.
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
RECOMMENDED: Hilton Imperial
Situated in Pile, the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik Hotel offers a perfect blend of a stay with rich history and modern amenities for a proper comfortable stay.
The hotel provides breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and is only a few minutes walk away from Pile Gate, the main entrance to the Old Town, and all the main attractions.
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
RECOMMENDED: Hotel Excelsior
Dubrovnik’s Hotel Excelsior is housed in a century-old royal villa that seamlessly combines old-world charm with modern amenities.
Within walking distance of the city walls, this 5-star hotel offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, superb facilities, delicious food, and above all, a truly exclusive location.
Did you know? Hotel Excelsior is also where you can find the famous salt-water pool of Dubrovnik.
Looking for the best bars and beach clubs in Dubrovnik?
Read our Complete Guide To Dubrovnik Bars and Beach Clubs.
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
RECOMMENDED: Apartments Miljas
With an ideal location, great studio apartments, and plenty of amenities like a beautiful pool and lounge area, Apartments Miljas is a top choice in Gruž.
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
RECOMMENDED: Villa Antea Apartments
In contrast to the big hotels and resorts of Babin Kuk, the Villa Antea Apartments offer a more private experience in well-equipped apartments, plus a great rooftop pool and terrace.
Located a 15-minute walk from Copacabana Beach, Coral Beach Club, and Lapad Beach and right next to a bus stop for Old Town, it’s very well positioned.
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
RECOMMENDED: Apartments Villa Lukas
With well-equipped apartments within walking distance of Cavtat, Apartments Villa Lukas offers a comfortable and affordable stay, complemented by excellent facilities like a hot tub and outdoor pool.
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
Old Town in Dubrovnik is the best area for first-time visitors. It offers old-world charm and proximity to the main attractions.
In Dubrovnik, the best family-friendly accommodations are in Lapad, which offers a perfect blend of beaches and amenities for all ages. Another great choice is nearby Babin Kuk, with its superb beachfront resorts.
It’s worth staying in Dubrovnik Old Town for its historic charm, picturesque streets, and proximity to main attractions. The vibrant atmosphere and stunning views make it a top choice for those seeking an authentic Dubrovnik experience.
Old Town is the best area in Dubrovnik to stay in for nightlife, as you’ll be close to the vibrant scene with bars, clubs, and live music spread throughout the many narrow streets.
Experience the authentic local vibe in Dubrovnik by staying in Gruž. This area offers a budget-friendly stay while immersing you in the city’s daily life. It’s also right next to a bustling market and local eateries and is one of the Dubrovnik transportation hubs.
In Dubrovnik, budget-friendly options include staying in Gruž, known for affordable accommodations close to the city center, and Cavtat, which offers charming stays near the airport at reasonable prices. Both areas are ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking convenience. Plus, both are just a short bus/taxi ride away from the Old Town. Or even a water taxi from Cavtat.
Yes, some hotels in Dubrovnik do provide free parking, but it’s not that common. If you’re coming to Dubrovnik with a car or intend to rent one while there, we recommend staying further away from the Old Town, where parking is more available. Areas of Lapad, Babin Kuk, and Cavtat are best for staying with a car in Dubrovnik.
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).
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.
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.