Deciding where to stay in Dubrovnik can feel like a daunting task, given its status as one of Europe’s most picturesque and sought-after destinations.
This city, with its rich history, stunning coastline, and UNESCO World Heritage status, offers a variety of areas to stay each with its own charm and appeal.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor looking for the fairy-tale experience of the Old Town or a family seeking the tranquil beaches of Lapad, Dubrovnik caters to every type of traveler with its diverse accommodation options.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to stay in Dubrovnik, highlighting the unique characteristics of each area to help you find the perfect spot for your visit. Plus, we’ll share our top hotel picks in each place to make your stay as memorable as possible.
Best Places To Stay in Dubrovnik
- Old Town: The heart of Dubrovnik, ideal for first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of all the historic action. Offers a range of accommodations but can be pricier.
- Pile: A family-friendly area with easy access to the Old Town and beautiful beaches, offering a quieter stay.
- Ploče: The most luxurious area, known for its opulent hotels and stunning views, perfect for a special occasion.
- Lapad: Best for beach lovers, with a mix of hotels and local amenities in a lively setting.
- Babin Kuk: Great for families and couples looking for beachfront retreats on a budget.
- Gruz: The most budget-friendly area, offering a local experience with convenient transport links.
- Cavtat: A charming coastal village ideal for those seeking a serene escape with easy access to Dubrovnik.
For more detailed descriptions and specific accommodation recommendations, read on.
1. Old Town, best area to stay in Dubrovnik for first timers
The Old Town is Dubrovnik’s most famous and historic area, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with medieval charm, stunning architecture, and lively streets.
✅ Staying here means you’re steps away from top attractions like Stradun, Onofrio’s Fountain, the Rector’s Palace, and the beautiful Church of St. Blaise. The city walls offer breathtaking views, and the nearby cable car to Mount Srd provides a stunning panorama of Dubrovnik. Restaurants, bars, and boutique shops line the stone-paved streets, creating a vibrant atmosphere both day and night.
❌ Accommodations are pricier and can be noisy, especially during peak season. With no cars allowed, you’ll need to carry your luggage through narrow streets and up staircases. Outdoor spaces in hotels and apartments are limited, and the summer heat can make exploring the city walls quite intense.
Best Hotels in Old Town of Dubrovnik
- (€€€) The Pucic Palace: The hotel offers a historic charm with spacious, character-filled rooms and superb cuisine. Guests rave about the friendly staff, delightful breakfasts, and prime location steps away from cafes, restaurants, and historic sites.
- (€€) Boutique Hotel Stari Grad: Stylish, comfortable rooms and exceptional rooftop breakfasts. Guests praise the friendly staff, amazing views, and calm atmosphere, though note the absence of an elevator.
- (€) Dubrovnik Old Town Apartments: Superb location, attentive and hospitable hosts, and the convenience of exploring Dubrovnik’s attractions with ease.
- (Hostel) Hostel Angelina Old Town: Prime location with clean, comfortable accommodations and a unique social experience through a guest WhatsApp group. Best for solo travelers.
2. Pile, best area to stay in Dubrovnik with family
Pile is a charming neighborhood just outside Pile Gate, the main entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town. It offers easy access to top attractions while being slightly quieter than staying inside the city walls.
✅ Pile is perfect for those who want to be close to Old Town but in a less crowded area. The neighborhood has great restaurants, cafés, and a few lovely beaches, including Pile Bay and Sulic Beach. Highlights include Fort Lovrijenac and Park Gradac, a peaceful green space with scenic views.
❌ Some areas are steep, which may be difficult for those with mobility issues. Traffic congestion near the main roads can cause noise, especially during peak hours. Accommodation options are more limited compared to other areas.
Best Hotels in Pile
- (€€€) Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik: Gorgeous building just a short stroll from Old Town. Friendly, accommodating staff and great breakfast.
- (€€) Heritage Villa Nobile: Beautifully appointed boutique experience with a phenomenal location next to the Old Town and kayaking spots. My favorite spot in Pile, I felt like a home away from home.
- (€) Apartments Cava Dubrovnik: Spacious accommodations with amazing views of the old town and sea, all within a short walk to major attractions. The welcoming host, Marko provided helpful local tips.
- (Hostel) Old Town Hostel: Affordable prime location. I would suggest to avoid it during hot summer months because of the lack of air conditioning.
3. Ploče, most luxurious area to stay in Dubrovik
Ploče is a prestigious neighborhood just east of the Old Town, known for its luxury hotels, historic villas, and breathtaking sea views. It offers a peaceful yet convenient location, just a short walk from the city center.
✅ Ploče is ideal for those seeking high-end accommodations with stunning views of the Adriatic and Old Town. The area is home to iconic hotels, charming private apartments, and attractions like the Museum of Modern Art. It also provides easy access to Banje Beach and Sveti Jakov Beach.
❌ The neighborhood is quite steep, especially if you stay higher up, so be prepared for lots of stairs. Luxury hotels dominate the area, meaning budget options are limited.
Best Hotels in Ploče
- (€€€) Hotel Excelsior: Lavishly decorated rooms combining dark wood furnishings and modern technology. This 5-star hotel offers stunning Adriatic views, an indoor pool, a glamorous spa, and a fitness center, having hosted high-profile guests like Elizabeth Taylor and Queen Elizabeth II.
- (€€) Villa Casa Bianca: Spacious, modern, and minimalist apartment with stunning sea views from a large terrace, just 800 meters from the Old Town.
- (€) Apartments Sv.Jakov: Clean, comfortable accommodations with a homely feel, featuring spacious balconies with stunning sea views and glimpses of the Old Town. (Bonus: optional garage parking).
4. Lapad, best place to stay in Dubrovnik for beach lovers
Lapad is a scenic peninsula about 3 km west of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, offering a perfect mix of beaches, hotels, and a lively dining scene. It’s ideal for visitors who want a relaxed coastal stay while still being close to the city center.
✅ Lapad has beautiful beaches like Copacabana, Cava, and Lapad Bay, surrounded by greenery and walking trails. The area features a lively promenade with restaurants, cafés, and bars. Regular buses take you to the Old Town in just 10–15 minutes, making it easy to explore.
❌ Some parts of Lapad feel more like a resort than an authentic Croatian neighborhood. It lacks major cultural attractions, and during peak season, beaches can get crowded.
Best Hotels in Lapad
- (€€€) Hotel Dubrovnik Palace
- (€€) Villa Peragro
- (€) Apartments Martha
5. Babin Kuk, best area in Dubrovnik for families and couples
Babin Kuk is a popular tourist area at the northern tip of the Lapad Peninsula, offering a mix of mid-range and luxury accommodations, from cozy hostels to high-end spa hotels and villas. It’s perfect for those seeking a beach-focused stay with plenty of amenities.
✅ Babin Kuk is home to some of Dubrovnik’s best beaches, including Copacabana, Cava, and Uvala, all equipped with showers, changing rooms, and sunbeds. The shallow, gentle shores make it great for families, though beach shoes are recommended. Water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, and sailing are widely available. Away from the shore, the area offers a variety of shops, bars, and restaurants, along with land and boat tours. It’s well-connected to the Old Town, just a 20-minute bus ride away.
❌ Babin Kuk feels more like a resort destination than an authentic local neighborhood. While it offers a lively atmosphere with great facilities, it lacks historic and cultural sites, making it less appealing for those looking for a traditional Dubrovnik experience.
Best Hotels in Babin Kuk
6. Gruz, most budget-friendly area to stay in Dubrovnik
Gruž is Dubrovnik’s main port area and a great choice for travelers looking for a more local and budget-friendly stay. It’s a transport hub with ferry connections, a central bus station, and easy access to the Old Town.
✅ Gruž offers some of the most affordable accommodations in Dubrovnik, from hotels to private apartments. The area has a lively harbor, a daily farmer’s market, and plenty of shops, cafés, and restaurants. Buses run frequently, getting you to the Old Town in about 10 minutes.
❌ The area has a more industrial feel and lacks the historic charm of central Dubrovnik. It can also get busy when cruise ships arrive, and nightlife options are limited.
Best Hotels in Gruz
- (€€) Berkeley Hotel & Day Spa
- (€€) Boutique Hotel Kazbek
- (€€) Hotel Adria
- (Hostel) Hostel EuroAdria
7. Cavtat - Dubrovnik's Charming Coastal Sibling
Cavtat is a picturesque seaside village on the Dubrovnik Riviera, located 20 km south of Dubrovnik. With a rich history, scenic harbors, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful stay with easy access to the city.
✅ Cavtat offers beautiful pebbly beaches, a charming harbor promenade lined with cafés and restaurants, and a mix of cultural attractions. Highlights include the House of Vlaho Bukovac museum, the stunning Racic Mausoleum, and the Lady of Snow Monastery. The village hosts summer festivals with traditional music and dance, and nearby Cilipi showcases Croatian folklore performances. Accommodation options range from family-run guesthouses to luxury villas.
❌ While Cavtat is well-connected to Dubrovnik by bus and boat, staying here means a 30–40 minute journey to the city. The nightlife is more relaxed, making it less suitable for those seeking a vibrant party scene.
Best Hotels in Cavtat
- (€€€) Casa Antika Suites
- (€€) Hotel Croatia
- (€) Apartments Mara & Petrunjela
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