WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
A UNESCO Heritage site, the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic and one of the most visited destinations in Europe all year-round. While its famed walls are its main treasure, there’s a load more to be explored beyond these walls. Let us show you where to stay in Dubronvnik.
So whether you’re a Game of Thrones die-hard fan checking out the series locations or you’re just interested in the city’s rich historical sites and outstanding landscape, this guide will point you in the right direction to find the best places to stay in Dubrovnik and the right area to suit your needs. Let us show you where to stay in Dubrovnik, Croatia!
Dubrovnik is spread across 6 mains areas: Old Town, Pile, Ploce, Gruz, Babin Kuk and Lapad which makes it trickier to choose the best location to stay, especially if it’s your first time there.
We’ve listed the highest rated hotels in each area but, if you prefer to slow travel like us, there’s plenty of Airbnbs available. If you’re new to Airbnb, sign up using this link and get £25 off your first booking, and if you want some tips on how to book the perfect Airbnb long-term rental, read this post.
Old Town
Perfect for time-short travellers with some cash to spare
The fairy-tale like Old Town is the heart and soul of Dubrovnik and if you choose to stay there, you’ll be right in the middle of the action. You’ll be able to explore the main historical sites on foot and have easy access to the neighbouring islands by ferry which is very convenient, especially for first-timers visiting the city. But this convenience comes at a cost, as prices within the city walls are higher than anywhere else in Dubrovnik and, as expected, it’s constantly busy with tourists.
What to see
City Wall
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Adriatic and the Old Town by taking on a 1,5-hour walk along the 2km long fortifications that surround the city.
Stradun
The main street that stretches along the Old Town is perfect for people watching with its constant movement of people going up and down along its length.
Franciscan Monastery
Oldest working pharmacy nested in a 13th-century romanesque-gothic style building complex.
Rector’s Palace
The most important public building of great historical value that once was the seat of the government.
Sponza Palace
This was one of the few buildings in Dubrovnik to survive the devastating 1667’s earthquake that hit the city.
Buza Bar
Buza means hole because you literally have to go through a hole in the wall to enter the bar. It sits right on the edge of the cliffs above the sea offering striking views of the Adriatic. Once you start spotting the ‘Cold Drinks’ signs, just follow them to get to Buza bar.
How to get there
Pile and Ploce gates are the two entrances to the Old Town and most connecting buses from other neighbourhoods will stop at Pile gate.
Bear in mind that the Old Town is completely pedestrianised so you won’t find any parking space and you’ll have to walk from the gates to your accommodation.
Where to stay
HIGH-END
This is a 17th-century baroque building with traditional features and modern amenities, located in a quiet corner of the Old Town.
MID-RANGE
This 16th-century stylish boutique hotel has been recently renovated and is conveniently located steps away from the City Walls.
BUDGET
Located in a narrow alley in the heart of the Old Town, this guesthouse mixes comfort, character and convenience for exploring the city on a budget.
Pile
Perfect for time-short travellers with less cash to spare
Distance to the Old Town: 0.5 miles
Pile is the name of the western entrance gate as well as the area located on the west side of the Old Town. The area is ideal for those wanting to be conveniently near the Old Town’s attractions but not willing to spend as much money.
What to see
Dance Beach
One of the oldest public beaches in Dubrovnik, this rocky beach is very popular with locals.
Gradac Park
Located on top of the cliffs above Dance Beach, locals and the odd tourists come to this park to spend some tranquil time away from the crowds.
Lovrijenac Fortress
This sheer rock fortress that overlooks the sea is one of the most impressive locations in Dubrovnik.
Boninovo Cliffs
This place’s morbid past as a suicide cliff has slowly being replaced as a tourist point of interest due to the stunning panoramic ocean views it offers.
How to get there
Most city buses connecting the other neighbourhoods to the Old Town will stop here.
Where to stay
HIGH-END
Located minutes away from the Old Town, this sumptuous 1897’s building looks like something out of a Wes Anderson film.
MID-RANGE
These apartments are elegant, comfortable, beautifully decorated, pet-friendly and just a stone throw’s away from the Old Town and the beach.
BUDGET
Surrounded by orange trees and gardens, this 19th-century guesthouse is hidden away in a quiet corner near Dubrovnik’s hustle and bustle.
Ploce
Perfect for a mix of swimming and sightseeing
Distance to the Old Town: 0.4 miles
Ploce is the name of the eastern entrance gate as well as the area located on the east side of the Old Town. Similar to Pile, those staying there can benefit from the same convenience of those staying within the city walls whilst spending slightly less, enjoying astonishing views of the area and having easy access to the beach.
What to see
Banje Beach
The most popular beach in the area due to its easy reach from the Old Town.
Lazaret
A group of connecting historical buildings that once served as a quarantine station and now houses cafes and art events.
Srd Mountain
Stunning panoramic views of the Old Town just a short cable car ride away at eye-watering prices.
Lokrum Island
It takes only 15 minutes by ferry to get to Dubrovnik’s most visited islands where you can swim in a hidden mini-lagoon or strip off on its nudist beach. Make sure to not get the two mixed up.
How to get there
Bus 5 or 8 from the coach station or a shuttle bus from the airport.
Where to stay
HIGH-END
A spectactular seafront hotel in a prestigious location divided between a 1913’s villa and a contemporary wing.
MID-RANGE
This is a 4-apartment villa that features modern stylish decor and magnificent ocean views from their spacious terrace.
BUDGET
An unassuming guesthouse with well-equiped apartments, spacious common areas and an outdoor pool.
Gruz
Perfect for the price conscious and slow travellers
Distance to the Old Town: 1.7 miles
Gruz is where the coach station is located and is just a 20-minute walk from the Old Town, Babin Kuk and Lapad peninsula making it a very convenient location to explore Dubrovnik but without breaking the bank. We stayed in this neighbourhood when we were in Dubrovnik and thought it was the perfect mix in terms of location, price and character, especially when staying there for many days as we did.
What to see
Gruz Market
This is Dubrovnik’s largest and cheapest open market which is the place to go for fresh fruit and vegetables.
Dubrovnik’s Beer Company
Head to this place to taste locally brewed beers and see where the locals hang out.
Day Tours
A lot of ferries to the islands depart from Gruz harbour and you can easily take any buses to neighbouring towns like Cavtat or countries like Montenegro from the main coach station.
How to get there
Although we recommend the stroll to the Old Town, buses 3 or 8 can get you there from Gruz.
Where to stay
HIGH-END
Overlooking Gruz Bay and Elafiti Islands, this upscale hotel offers modern facilities including a wellness centre, pools, sauna and a gym.
MID-RANGE
This family-owned contemporary hotel has a spa on site. All rooms have balconies with some of the rooms featuring seaview.
BUDGET
Located just accross the ferry terminal, this hotel that opened its doors in 1867 has all the necessary facilities for a comfortable stay.
Babin Kuk
Perfect for families and outdoorsy types
Distance to the Old Town: 2.5 miles
Babin Kuk is a quieter and more secluded part of Dubrovnik famous for its luxury seafront resorts. Ironically, it’s also where Dubrovnik’s only camping site, Solitudo, is located. The area is perfect for picturesque coastal walks or lazing by the beach. You’ll find many swimming platforms and even a dog dedicated beach. Cute!
What to see
Copacabana Beach
Nothing like its Rio equivalent but the place certainly rewards you with some exclusive views of the intriguing Daksa island.
Cava Beach
A secluded beach set in stunning natural scenery that can be easily accessed from most local resorts.
How to get there
Buses 2a, 5 or 6 link this area to the Old Town.
Where to stay
HIGH-END
A luxurious ocean front property surrounded with pine forest, perfect for those seeking relaxation.
MID-RANGE
Renovated in 2015, this elegant 91-room hotel boasts magnificent panoramic ocean views in a serene setting.
BUDGET
This cosy hotel lies along a nice promenade near many bars and restaurants between Babin Kuk and Lapad.
Lapad
Perfect for sunset lovers
The leafy residential area of the Lapad peninsula is where you’ll find a mix of tourists and residents hanging out side-by-side at the many local bars and restaurants. The main road that leads to pebbly Sunset beach is the hotspot for those wanting to relax on one of the many sun loungers available and have a drink whilst waiting for stunning sunsets views. Alternatively, walk along the path on the right-hand side of the beach towards one of the luxury hotels to find your own private water-edge romantic sunset gazing spot.
What to see
Lapad/Sunset beach
The largest stretch of beach in the area surrounded by restaurants and cafes.
Petka hill
The perfect place for nature lovers which offers spectacular views of the city.
Cave bar
Tucked away in a natural cave, this unique bar is the perfect place to have a drink while soaking in Lapad’s beautiful landscape.
How to get there
Buses 4 and 6 this area to the Old Town, or alternatively, you can get to Gruz for more options.
Where to stay
HIGH-END
Set in an enviable seashore location, this sophisticated hotel offers quality service and facilities, including a scuba diving centre.
MID-RANGE
A great beachside hotel that offers facilities that include a spa and wellness centre, indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna and a steam bath.
BUDGET
A small and comfortable family-run hotel located just a short walk from the beach and the many cafes and restaurants in the area.
That’s a wrap! We hope that our guide can help you find the best Dubrovnik accommodation to make your stay in this magical city full of history, nature and lazing cats, as memorable as ours.
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