Where To Stay In Dubrovnik: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Dubrovnik is absolute magic. Think towering medieval stone walls, bright orange rooftops, and the deep blue Adriatic Sea everywhere you look. It is also full of bizarre history. The city officially banned slavery back in 1416, long before most of Europe. It even runs on a sewer system built in 1296 that still works today.

The Croatian port city has everything from a historic Old Town to UNESCO World Heritage Sites to five-star dining to beaches. There is something for everyone in Dubrovnik no matter how picky travelers are.

Not only is Dubrovnik a top destination for beach bums, culture vultures, and history buffs, but it attracts television fans thanks to being a film location for Game of Thrones.

Picking the right place to stay here can completely make or break your trip. You might want to stay right in the heart of the action, surrounded by centuries of history. Maybe you prefer waking up next to a quiet beach with a cold drink in your hand. Stepping foot outside your hotel could mean climbing hundreds of narrow stone stairs or taking a quick, flat walk down to the water.

Finding the right spot comes down to what kind of traveler you are. Here are the top neighborhoods in Dubrovnik to help you choose the ultimate base.

 

In this travel guide:

 

Old Town

Best area for: history, tourists, shopping

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is the part of the city most visitors come to see first. And for good reason.

Once we walk through the Pile Gate, it feels like we have stepped into another century. The limestone streets, huge stone walls and old palaces are everywhere. The historic center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Dubrovnik became an important Mediterranean maritime power from the 13th century onwards, and plenty of that history is still visible today.

Stradun is the main street and the natural starting point. It runs right through the Old Town and connects the two main gates. We usually use it to get our bearings before disappearing into the narrower side streets. The Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral and Franciscan Monastery are all close by. The City Walls are another must. Walking the full circuit gives us fantastic views over the rooftops and Adriatic.

This is very much a tourist area. In summer, the streets can get seriously busy, especially when cruise passengers arrive. Very few locals still live inside the walls, so the Old Town can feel surprisingly quiet outside the main tourist hours.

Best place to stay in Old Town

Boutique Hotel Stari Grad. Address: Od Sigurate 4, Old Town, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

 

Gruz

Best area for: life like a local, budget-friendly

Gruž is the bustling working-class harbor district tucked just a short trip west of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Centuries ago, wealthy Ragusa nobles built summer palaces along this bay to escape the summer heat.

Modern day Gruž morphed into an industrial base before settling into its current role as the main residential and transit hub for locals.

You will not find the usual swarm of Old Town tour groups here. Instead, it feels authentically local. Ferries, island catamarans, and cruise ships dock at the port every morning. Right across from the docks, we hit the open-air Gruž Market to grab fresh figs, olives, and regional cheeses directly from farmers.

Tucked away in a former carbon electrode factory nearby, the Red History Museum offers an awesome look into Croatia’s communist past. The food scene around the harbor keeps things grounded and relaxed.

When night falls, we head straight to the Dubrovnik Beer Company tucked in the old industrial zone. They serve delicious craft beers right inside the brewery, alongside incredible slow-cooked pulled pork sandwiches and burgers. It offers a refreshing, down-to-earth break from the tourist crowds.

Best place to stay in Gruz

Berkeley Hotel & Day Spa. Address: Ul. Andrije Hebranga 116a, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia.

 

Ploče

Best area for: views, seafront, luxury

Ploče is one of our favorite areas to stay in Dubrovnik if we want to be close to the action without sleeping right in the middle of it. The neighborhood starts just outside the Old Town at Ploče Gate. Cross the old bridge and you are suddenly looking at the sea, Lokrum and those famous terracotta rooftops.

There is plenty of history here. Ploče was an important trading point for centuries, as merchants travelling inland passed through the area. The Lazareti quarantine complex is a reminder of that past. It was built in the 17th century to quarantine people and goods arriving in Dubrovnik, helping the city keep epidemics at bay. Today, the old stone complex is used for cultural events, exhibitions and performances. Quite a career change.

Revelin Fortress is another big landmark. It was built to protect the eastern entrance to the city and now hosts cultural events and nightlife. Just below it, Banje Beach is the obvious place for a swim. We also like walking further along the coast to Sveti Jakov Beach. It is quieter, although getting back up those steps is a small workout.

Ploče feels more residential than the Old Town, but it is still very much geared towards visitors. There are elegant hotels, apartments and plenty of sea-view terraces. For a morning coffee or sunset drink, we would stop at the terrace of Revelin Club, right by the fortress. The views over the harbour are hard to beat.

Best place to stay in Ploče

Excelsior Hotel. Address: Ul. Frana Supila 12, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia.

 

Lapad

Best area for: families, beaches

Families will find luxurious accommodation in the Lapad neighborhood, and it’s ideal for parents with their kids on holiday.

Lapad is a peninsula that sits just west of the famous Old Town. Its name likely traces back to the Latin word for stone or rock.

Centuries ago, wealthy nobles built elegant Renaissance summer estates here. Today, it functions as a perfect mix of a leafy residential neighborhood and a chilled-out tourist spot. You get the resort perks without the suffocating crowds of the historical center.

The main draw is the stunning Uvala Lapad bay. A wide pedestrian walkway cuts through the neighborhood down to the sea. It is lined with pine trees, vibrant cafes, and ice cream parlors. We love strolling along the coastal path that wraps around the rocky shore. You can jump into the clear blue Adriatic off concrete sunbathing platforms along the way. Sunset views over the Elaphiti Islands from this path are unbeatable.

For dinner, try Pantarul. It sits slightly tucked away from the main beach strip. They focus on fresh local ingredients and incredible modern Croatian cooking. Their homemade pasta and fish dishes are outstanding. It feels like eating a warm meal at a friend’s stylish coastal home.

Best place to stay in Lapad

Kompas Hotel. Address: Ul. kardinala Stepinca 21, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia.

 

Pile

Best area for: nightlife, tourists, food

Pile is a bustling suburb of Dubrovnik. You will find the area around one mile north of Pile Gate just outside of the Old Town. Pile is a narrow region and takes visitors to the Lapad Peninsula. Pile’s northern portion bleeds into Gruz.

The area is busy during the day. Tour buses, taxis and day-trippers all seem to funnel through here. But step away from the main square and Pile feels much calmer.

The star attraction is, of course, Pile Gate. The entrance dates back centuries, with the outer Renaissance gate built in 1537 and an older inner gate behind it. There was even a wooden drawbridge that was raised at night. Crossing it still feels like entering another world.

We also like the views from Brsalje. This 19th-century promenade sits just outside the walls and looks towards Fort Lovrijenac. The fortress itself rises dramatically from a 37-metre-high rock. It is one of Dubrovnik’s most recognisable sights.

Pile is more tourist-oriented than residential, but it has a slightly more lived-in feel than the Old Town. There are cafés, small shops and practical places mixed in with hotels and restaurants. For breakfast or a coffee, we’d go to Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe on Brsalje. The terrace is a great place to sit before heading through the gate. It is also open from early morning, which makes it handy for an early start.

The best part? The Stradun is literally on the other side of the gate. Pile gives us a convenient base, with the sea, fortress and Old Town all within a few minutes’ walk.

Best place to stay in Pile

Hilton Imperial Hotel. Address: Marijana Blazica 2, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

 

Where travel critics stay in Dubrovnik

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Dubrovnik? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Dubrovnik.

 

Budget

Hostel Angelina Old Town.

“Hidden away in a quiet nook of the old town, this cute little hostel offers bunk rooms, a small guest kitchen and a bougainvillea-shaded terrace with memorable views over the rooftops.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: Ul. Plovani Skalini 17, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia.

 

Mid-range

Fresh Sheets Kathedral Bed & Breakfast.

“Fresh Sheets offers boutique accommodation smack in the center of Old Town. Run by a friendly Canadian-Croatian couple, the six comfortable rooms have views of either the cathedral or Buniceva Square.” — New York Times.

Address: Bunićeva poljana 6, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia.

 

Luxury

Boutique Hotel Villa.

“Sophisticated but relaxed, this five-star contemporary retreat is built into a cliff, overlooking the turquoise Adriatic towards Dubrovnik’s city walls. The 56 rooms and suites have private sea-view terraces. There’s a spa with an indoor pool, a beach with white parasols, and a gourmet restaurant.” — Telegraph.

Address: Vlaha Bukovac 6, Ploce, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

 

FAQ: Dubrovnik hotel tips

Looking for the best budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Dubrovnik? Or maybe you’re a backpacker looking for an excellent hostel? Want to know which Dubrovnik hotel serves a great breakfast? Here are the answers to all those and other questions about where to stay in Dubrovnik.

 

 

Best time to visit Dubrovnik

The best time to visit Dubrovnik is undoubtedly during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). During these periods, you’ll be treated to the most comfortable temperatures, perfect for strolling through the ancient cobblestone streets or soaking up the sun at one of the many pristine beaches.

Plus, these months offer the added benefit of avoiding the peak tourist season, which means fewer crowds and more opportunities to truly immerse yourself in the local culture.

Not only does visiting during these months offer impeccable weather and smaller crowds, but it also provides the chance to experience some of Dubrovnik’s most fantastic events and festivals.

In May, be prepared to be swept away by the vibrant and colorful Dubrovnik International Wine and Jazz Festival, where you can enjoy world-class wines, phenomenal jazz performances, and mouthwatering local cuisine.

Or, if you find yourself in this magical city in October, don’t miss the opportunity to partake in the Good Food Festival, a gastronomic delight that showcases the very best in Croatian and international culinary talent.

 

Best things to do in Dubrovnik

There are plenty of things to do in Dubrovnik and the surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Dubrovnik:

 

Dubrovnik: 1.5-Hour Old Town Guided Walking Tour

Enjoy a 90-minute walking tour into the historic heart of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Visit the city’s major landmarks and hear stories of how Dubrovnik became one of the world’s most prosperous and advanced maritime republics. Price: $21. More info.

 

Adventure Dubrovnik – Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour

Accompanied by a guide, paddle past the city’s medieval walls, leaving time for some snorkeling, swimming, and snacks at an isolated beach cave along Dubrovnik’s coastline. Price: $29. More info.

 

Dubrovnik Walks – Game of Thrones 2 h Walking Tour + Iron Throne Photo

You’ll hear behind-the-scenes tales and facts from your guide as you explore, stopping at all the major filming sites to explore and take photos. Price: $24. More info.

 

More things to do in Dubrovnik

 

Deciding where to stay in Dubrovnik

Let’s recap what we just learned in this article. We’ve covered the best areas of Dubrovnik above. Now you can decide where to stay while visiting!

 

Top 5 neighborhoods to stay in Dubrovnik

• Pile
• Ploče
• Lapad
• Old Town
• Gruz

 

As you have seen in this travel guide, there are a lot of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Dubrovnik is important. Whether you stay in Pile, Ploče, Lapad, Old Town or Gruz, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great stay in Dubrovnik.

 

Dubrovnik overview

🏨 Hotel prices:	Medium
🛏 Budget hotel:	$70
💑 Boutique hotel:	$130
⭐ 5-star hotel:	$250
🌎 Best area for first visit:	Old Town
👪 Best area for families:	Lapad
💎 Best luxury hotel:	Hotel Villa
👫 Best boutique hotel:	Boutique Hotel Kazbek
💰 Best cheap hotel:	Kompas Hotel
🎒 Best hostel:	Hostel Angelina

 

More Dubrovnik tips

See our other guides about the best places to stay in Dubrovnik:

Hotels in Dubrovnik

Cheap hotels in Dubrovnik

Hostels in Dubrovnik

Boutique hotels in Dubrovnik

Luxury hotels in Dubrovnik