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Where to Stay in Dubrovnik: Best Neighborhoods & Areas

So, you’ve got your plane tickets to Dubrovnik, Croatia and you’re dreaming of Game of Thrones-esque settings, fresh seafood, and picturesque islands. But when it comes to choosing where to stay in Dubrovnik, well, you’re stumped. No prob! We’ve put together this handy accommodations guide with the best areas and neighborhoods to stay in as well as affordable, mid-range, and splurge accommodation options.

As a reminder, once you’ve figured out your accommodations, be sure to head over to our Transportation Guide and 10 Essential Things to do in Dubrovnik for the full vacation planning experience from KKday!

 

But first things first, here’s where to stay in Dubrovnik:

Old Town Dubrovnik:

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik: Best Neighborhoods & Areas

Old Town Dubrovnik is the most central location when looking at areas to stay in Dubrovnik. Many of the main Dubrovnik attractions and landmarks are located in the Old Town so sightseeing is accessible by foot.

This historic walled city center is UNESCO protected and the most popular neighborhood to stay in for tourists; you might have to deal with crowds but the nearby restaurants and sights make it worth it. Because of the convenient location, expect to find higher prices for hotels and restaurants.

Old Town Dubrovnik attractions include the Old Town city walls, Lovrijenac Fortress, Franciscan Church and Monastery, and Rector’s Palace. Stradun is the city’s main street where you can shop, dine, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. If staying in Old Town, be sure to check out the Game of Thrones Walking Tour to see GoT filming locations up close and in-person and get an overview of this significant neighborhood in Dubrovnik’s past.

Pros: Location, location, location; close to restaurants, bars, and landmarks

Cons: Pricier than other areas, busy and more touristy

Best for: First-time visitors

Accommodations recommendations:

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik: Best Neighborhoods & Areas

$ – Affordable accommodations

Dubrovnik Old Town Hostel: This hostel is located right off of Stradun- Dubrovnik’s main street and just a few minutes by foot to the Old Town walls. It is a hostel so you might need to share a room with a few other travelers but prices start at about US$20/night.

Address: Ul. od Sigurate 7, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

 

$$ – Mid-range accommodations

Villa Sigurata: This Old Town Dubrovnik hotel is situated in a 17th-century stone residence. Adjacent to this hotel are museums, landmarks, and monuments. Enjoy cozy and rustic rooms starting at US$74.

Address: Cubranoviceva 11 – Old town, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

 

$$$ – Luxury accommodations

The Pucic Palace: If you really want to treat yourself, stay at Pucic Palace. This intimate residence in Old Town Dubrovnik is in a charming, stone brick house. The terrace and restaurant provide an enchanting little escape and the most popular Dubrovnik activities are all within walking distance of the hotel.

Address: Ul. od Puča 1, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

 

Lapad:

Lapad is a mostly residential area of Dubrovnik. With lush greenery and sandy beaches, many travelers opt to stay at the seafront hotels, though most hotels will probably be at least walking distance to the beach.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik: Best Neighborhoods & Areas

If you’re staying in Lapad, most likely you’re looking to bask in the sun and unwind with a good book on a beach chair. However, tourists who wish to also admire the sights of Old Town can easily take a bus into the city center. Copacabana, Cava and Uvala Bay are the three main beaches in this Dubrovnik neighborhood.

The main beach may be busy with other tourists but you can step away from the bustle and find a secluded beach on the western and southern shores. Locals prefer to head to Solitudo, Neptun, or Gorica Svetog Vlaha.

Pros: Quick bus ride into Old Town, swim, snorkel and relax on the beach

Cons: Main beaches can be quite busy with tourists, not as convenient for sightseeing

Best for: Families with children

Accommodations recommendations:

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik: Best Neighborhoods & Areas
Photo by Neela, Ste & children Lamb via flickr

$ – Affordable accommodations

Dubrovnik Backpackers Club: This inexpensive hostel is located on the Lapad peninsula. Rooms start at about $20/night and beaches just a 10-minute walk away. The hostel is clean and family-friendly but also popular with younger, solo travelers.

Address: Mostarska ul. 2D, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

 

$$ – Mid-range accommodations

Hotel Lapad: On the waterfront, this mid-range Lapad hotel features modern interiors, a swimming pool and a view of the Gruz harbor. Rooms start at about $100/night. Get some sun and sand, hop on the bus to the Old Town or take a break in your room surrounded by palm trees and watch the boats come in.

Address: Lapadska obala 37, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

 

$$$ – Luxury accommodations

Hotel Dubrovnik Palace: Rest your head at this upscale hotel in the Lapad area of Dubrovnik. The hotel boasts amenities like an indoor and outdoor pool, chic restaurant, and a spa. Catch a glimpse of the Adriatic sea from your room and enjoy the beachfront property.

Address: Masarykov put 20, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

 

Gruz:

The neighborhood of Gruz is one of the best areas to stay in Dubrovnik when you’re on a budget. Gruz is home to many inexpensive hostels and hotels, making it a popular alternative for young travelers. In Gruz, you’ll find Dubrovnik’s harbor as well as cheap eats and drinks.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik: Best Neighborhoods & Areas
Photo by Katie Hunt via flickr

Because the harbor is so close, you can catch a water taxi to Lapad, or head out to the bordering Elaphiti Islands. The main bus station is fixed in Gruz, meaning you can quickly hop on a bus to any other Dubrovnik neighborhood.

Gruz may not be the Old Town but there are still historic landmarks to be seen nearby. These off-the-beaten-path sights include: Sunj (a sandy beach on Lopud Island), and Cavtat (a small town south of Dubrovnik).

Pros: Inexpensive place to stay in Dubrovnik, views of the stunning harbor  

Cons: Further out from the Old Town

Best for: Travelling on a shoestring

Accommodations recommendations:

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik: Best Neighborhoods & Areas
Photo by Donald Judge via flickr

$ – Affordable accommodations

Hostel Free Bird: This new hostel contains six rooms and four bathrooms as well as shared common areas. It’s not a huge spot so you’ll want to ensure you book early, but it’s within walking distance to the Gruz bus station and main strip. Bes start at about US$20/night.

Address: Ul. Andrije Hebranga 53a, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

 

$$ – Mid-range accommodations

Hotel Petka: Get a seaside view from your room’s balcony and enjoy Dalmatian cuisine at Hotel Petka in Gruz, Dubrovnik. Favorably located, near bus stops and a walkable distance to the harbor. A room will run you about US$80/night.

Address: Obala Stjepana Radića 38, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

 

$$$ – Luxury accommodations

Hotel Adria: Still a bargain at about US$100/night, Hotel Adria provides guests with stunning views of Lapad and the Elaphiti Islands. Take advantage of the hotel swimming pool, bar and tasty restaurants.

Address: Radnička ul. 46, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

 

Ploce:

East of Old Town, you’ll find the Dubrovnik neighborhood of Ploce (on the west end, you’ll find Pile). Both Pile and Ploce are great places to stay in Dubrovnik but we’ll be highlighting Ploce here because of the hip restaurants, beautiful views and trendy nightclubs that all reside in Ploce.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik: Best Neighborhoods & Areas
Photo by Ben & Gab via flickr

In Ploce, you’ll want to head over to Banje Beach, the closest beach to Old Town. At night, dance the night away at Banje Beach Night Club or Lazareti Music Club. Stroll along Porporela to witness views of the city, or step into a cable car and admire a panoramic view of Dubrovnik.

Pros: Combine swimming with sightseeing

Cons: Limited options, pricier

Best for: Travelers who enjoy a good party but also want some of the historic sights

Accommodations recommendations:

$ – Affordable accommodations

Hostel Villa Angelina Old Town Dubrovnik: The rooms are this hostel are pretty no frills, but the location, terrance and common areas make it a great value. A room might be about US$40/night, but you can find yourself in the Old Town walls within minutes.

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

 

$$ – Mid-range accommodations

Turtle Apartments: Opt to stay in a guesthouse-style apartments near Ploce Gate. These welcoming apartments are spacious, homey and comfortable. Just a quick walk over to Old Town or other areas of the city, these apartments start at around US$120/night.

 

$$$ – Luxury accommodations

Hotel Excelsior: Very close to the Old Town, Hotel Excelsior is a grandiose hotel in the Ploce neighborhood of Dubrovnik. The hotel is on the beach and has a world-class spa and restaurant with bar. At over US$200 a night, this hotel is definitely a delightful splurge option.

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

 

Babin Kuk:

Babin Kuk is a wealthy district within the Lapad area of Dubrovnik. If you’re heading to Croatia for a sunspot getaway and looking to indulge, book yourself a hotel in Babin Kuk. Copacabana Beach is located within Babin Kuk and offers up water sports, swimming, and fine dining. Enjoy delightful Mediterranean and Croatian cuisine, romantic bars and sunbathing.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik: Best Neighborhoods & Areas
Photo by Donald Judge via flickr

Pros: Relaxing, beach resort vibes

Cons: Further away from historic sights

Best for: Couples, seniors, families

Accommodations recommendations:

$ – Affordable accommodations

Hotel Neptun Dubrovnik: Sit on your hotel balcony and appreciate the seascape of Babin Kuk at Hotel Neptun Dubrovnik. In the evening, enjoy dinner on the terrace while the sun sets. From the hotel, you can arrive at the Old Town with a 10-minute drive. The hotels in Babin Kuk aren’t cheap, but this is a more affordable option at around US$140/night.

Address: Ul. kardinala Stepinca 31, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

 

$$ – Mid-range – luxury accommodations

Royal Blue Hotel: Couples who come to Babin Kuk for some quality one-on-one time, should look into staying at Royal Blue Hotel. The peaceful, beachfront accommodation counts an adult-only rooftop pool and bar with views of the bay and sea, among its features. A room will run you about US$200/night.

Address: Ul. kardinala Stepinca 31, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

 

Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik: In need of some vitamin D? Stay at Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik; highlights of this hotel include the indoor and outdoor pools, the adjacent pebble beach, and the spa. You can quickly make your way to the shore to hop on a boat for an island cruise around Dubrovnik, or simply take the bus down to the city center. A room will start at around $200/night.

Address: Ul. Iva Dulčića 34, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

 

Take into account your budget for your trip first, when choosing the best area to stay in Dubrovnik. Closer to the beachfront, or Old Towns means your wallet might get more of a workout. Fortunately, there are many affordable hotel or apartment options to stay in. Be sure to look at what we recommend the area is “best for”, when choosing your accommodations as well. Dubrovnik, Croatia isn’t a vast city, so no matter where you choose to stay, the city and its most popular tourist attractions are easily accessible by foot, bus, or taxi.

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