Where To Stay in Dubrovnik: Ultimate Guide for 2025
Located in Southern Dalmatia on the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, Dubrovnik is an eye-catching city known for its distinctive Old Town, which is home to ancient walls, historical attractions, and the city's iconic red roofs.
If you're looking for a holiday that blends sunbathing at the beach with soaking up cultural sights, you'll love Dubrovnik as a destination. Plus, a significant number of Game of Thrones scenes were filmed in this eye-catching city, so if you're a fan of the show, it's well worth a visit.
If you're wondering about the best area to stay in Dubrovnik for tourists, we've got you covered with a list of charming neighbourhoods and unique places to stay in Dubrovnik.
Let me show you all the options for where to stay in Dubrovnik.
The best areas to stay in Dubrovnik: 5 best neighbourhoods
Dubrovnik, based on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, is home to a variety of neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct personality and attractions. One of the best things about Dubrovnik, though, is that most of the neighbourhoods are within walking distance of one another, so even if you're staying slightly out of the walls of the Old Town, you'll still find it easy to get close to the action.
Old Town
Dubrovnik Old Town is the city's beating heart and is arguably the best place to stay in Dubrovnik to see the main sights and soak up the atmosphere. One of the most popular tourist activities in Dubrovnik is walking the town walls, which you can easily do from this central location of Old Town Dubrovnik.
Lapad and Babin Kuk
Most of the historical sites are also in the Old Town, but that doesn't mean you should skip one of the lesser-known neighbourhoods. If you're looking for the best place to stay in Dubrovnik for couples, for example, search for accommodation in Lapad and Babin Kuk Peninsular, where you'll find luxury resorts with spacious rooms and the possibility of a private beach.
Ploče
Travellers intending to spend the majority of their time in Dubrovnik on the beach should look at Ploče, which allows you to enjoy the city's sunny coastline while still being close to the centre of this UNESCO world heritage site. Beaches in cities can sometimes be dirty and unappealing, but Dubrovnik somehow manages to preserve the beauty of its beach even against the backdrop of a thriving city.
Gruž Harbour and Pile
If you, like many other travellers, are using Dubrovnik as a stop-off point for island hopping, you'll find the most convenient area to stay in is Gruž Harbour. Those looking to stay near the historic centre but perhaps pay a little less (and encounter fewer tourists!) should look into Pile.
1. Where to stay in Dubrovnik for the first time & main sights: Dubrovnik Old Town
Old Town is Dubrovnik's beating heart and it's where the majority of first-timers and tourists stay when they take to Dubrovnik for a holiday. It's home to the ancient city walls, Dubrovnik Cathedral, and streets lined with lots of great bars, restaurants, and cafes. You can have a day as active or relaxed as you like here, with plenty of places to sit and people watch as well as plenty of places to get your steps in.
Need to know the best places to stay in Dubrovnik's Old Town? I've got you covered.
Take a look at the following hotels with amenities such as an outdoor pool, air conditioning, and spacious rooms.
Best area for:
First-time visitors to Dubrovnik
Visitors seeking nightlife
Groups of friends
Tourists
History buffs
Things to do & see
Walk the Old Town walls
Visit the Rector's Palace
Take a stroll around Dubrovnik's centre
Check out Dubrovnik's Cathedral
Best hotels to stay in Dubrovnik Old Town
($$$) The Pucic Palace
Home to a restaurant that serves up delicious food and a wine bar with a vast selection of bottles, The Pucic Palace oozes luxury and is home to air-conditioned rooms and free WiFi.
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($$) The Byron
Set in a historic building with a location that allows you to access all of the city's main sights easily, The Byron is an absolutely charming and well-equipped hotel.
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($) Guesthouse Rustico
This 3-star hotel in Dubrovnik offers accommodation in a trendy shabby chic style, set in a building from the 14th century and complete with clean, well-equipped rooms.
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2. Where to stay in Dubrovnik Closest to Old Town: Pile
Situated just in front of the well-known Dubrovnik landmark, Pile Gate, the neighbourhood of Pile is close to the Old Town but slightly less busy, although you can still expect to encounter a lot of tourists during the high season.
You won't necessarily find super cheap hotels, but you can expect to pay slightly less than what you'd pay in Dubrovnik's beloved Old Town.
The small residential quarters found in this area give Pile a more authentic feel, and you'll enjoy streets lines with ideal spots for people-watching with a coffee. This neighbourhood is also home to some greenery in the form of Park Gradac with views of Fort Lovrijenac.
Just watch out – thanks to its central location and large roundabout, Pile can attract a lot of traffic, so have your wits about you while crossing the road here!
Best area for:
Travellers on a budget
Tourists wanting to stay outside of the Old Town
Things to do & see
Cool off in Park Gradac
Visit Pile Gate
Take a stroll around the pretty streets of Pile
Best hotels to stay in Dubrovnik Near Old Town
($$$) Hilton Imperial
With five stars that attest to its brilliance and amenities, such as air-conditioned rooms, an indoor pool, and a wellness center, you'll struggle to find many places more luxurious than this to enjoy your stay in Dubrovnik.
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($$) Stone Elegance
Stone Elegance is the name of the arguably best boutique hotel in Dubrovnik and this is exactly what you'll encounter once you step inside, as well as air conditioning, free WiFi, and paid airport shuttle service.
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($) B&B Villa Dubrovnik Garden
Set in one of Dubrovnik's typical stone houses, this charming and affordable B&B offers guests access to stylish air-conditioned rooms, including family rooms and easy access to all of Dubrovnik's must-visit sights.
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3. Where to stay in Dubrovnik for couples & luxurious seaside resorts: Lapad and Babin Kuk Peninsular
If you're heading to Dubrovnik for a romantic getaway, you probably have an image of beachfront hotels, a swimming pool, and enjoying fresh seafood on the terrace in this charming Adriatic city.
Located a 45-minute walk from the historic city charm of Dubrovnik's Old Town lies Lapad, a coastal community where you'll find plenty of luxury hotels and resorts as well as caves and beach bars (and even a beach bar in a cave!).
Babin Kuk is located on the Lapad Peninsular and most of the hotels here are just a short walk from some of Dubrovnik's best beaches, with clear, shimmering, turquoise sea. If you're looking for a more peaceful getaway with your significant other or hoping to spend your honeymoon in Dubrovnik, Lapad and Babin Kuk should be the first on your visit list.
Bear in mind that it's a little further out than other areas in Dubrovnik, so you'll need to walk for 45 minutes or catch a 15-minute bus or Uber to arrive at the Old Town.
Best area for:
Couples
Luxury lovers
Beachgoers
Things to do & see
Walk along the coastal path to find hidden swimming areas
Relax on Lapad Beach
Enjoy a tipple in Cave Bar MORE
Visit Forest Park Velika for views, hiking and jogging
Best hotels in Lapad & Babin Kuk
($$$) Rixos Premium Dubrovnik
If you're looking for a 5-star beachfront hotel that specialises in luxury, look no further than Rixos Premium Dubrovnik, which offers guests two tranquil swimming pools, three bars and three restaurants, and even a casino.
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($$$) Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection Hotel
This stylish hotel promises guests a first-class experience, a wellness centre, stunning views, and a unique beachfront location, with a breakfast that attracts rave reviews.
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($$) Hotel Dubrovnik Palace
Offering 24-hour room service, Hotel Dubrovnik Palace offers four different restaurants, including a beach restaurant, spa facilities, and a fitness studio.
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($$) Valamar Argosy Hotel
The beautiful beachfront Valamar Argosy Hotel features both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, air-conditioned rooms, and free WiFi in all areas.
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4. Where to stay in Dubrovnik near the beach: Ploče
The Ploče neighbourhood is located east of Dubrovnik's famous city walls and offers picturesque views over the Old Town harbour and the Adriatic Sea.
Ploče also offers close proximity to some of Dubrovnik's most stunning beaches, including Banje Beach and St James Beach, both of which are popular swimming and sunbathing spots for visitors to Dubrovnik.
One of the other benefits of staying in Ploce is that it's close to the airport, so you'll save valuable time and money, with many of the hotels in this area offering an airport shuttle service. There are also public buses here to transport you to Dubrovnik's central gem, the Old Town.
One thing to note is that this area is home to pretty rocky terrain, so if your mobility is impaired or your fitness levels aren't high, it might be worth looking elsewhere for accommodation.
Best area for:
Beach lovers
Visitors seeking luxury hotels
Travellers who don't mind challenging walks
Things to do & see
Spend a day at the beach
Enjoy views of the harbour
Explore the area on foot
Best hotels to stay in Ploče
($$$) Hotel Excelsior
If picturesque views, modern rooms, and luxurious finishing touches are your thing, you'll love Hotel Excelsior, which offers a 24-hour hotel reception, a wellness area, and a sea view for most of the hotel rooms.
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($$) Villa Ragusa Vecchia
This stunning building dates back to 1830 and promises beautiful wood and stone details as well as spacious air-conditioned rooms and an airport shuttle service.
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($) Apartments Green Scenic
If you want to stay somewhere more spacious with the option to cook your own food, you'll love Apartments Green Scenic, which is equipped with air conditioning, free WiFi, and a kitchen and dining area.
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5. Where to stay in Dubrovnik for island hopping & on a budget: Gruž Harbour
Many visitors use Dubrovnik as a jumping-off point for further travel or visit it as one of their many spots on a tour of Croatia, and with Dubrovnik's many transport connections, it's certainly not a bad idea.
Gruž Harbour is a great spot for a layover or travelling through to the islands, as well as if you're on a budget.
But you'll find more than just a place to catch a ferry at Gruz Harbour. The area is home to open-air fruit and vegetable markets like Gruž Market, shops, tourist offices, and even some old mansions where you can see how the city's wealthy inhabitants used to live.
Best for
Travellers on a layover
People wanting easy access to Dubrovnik and its surrounding areas
Things to do & see
Catch a ferry to a nearby island
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the harbour
Explore one of the outdoor food markets
Best hotels to stay in Gruž
($$$) Apartments and Rooms Villa Naida
This sustainable 4-star accommodation offers BBQ facilities, on-site parking, and even a garden, with each unit having its own seating area and air conditioning.
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($$) Berkeley Hotel & Day Spa
At Berkeley Hotel & Day Spa, you'll find a gorgeous on-site spa, stunning sea views, and rooms with stylish decor and modern amenities.
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($) Rooms Baza
This affordable 3-star hotel boasts air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free WiFi, and a convenient location for accessing the city's transport.
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Book Your Trip To Croatia
Book Your Flight
I recommend using Skyscanner as the easiest way to find and compare the best airfares to and within Croatia.
Book Your Hotel
My top pick for finding the perfect accommodation is Booking.com, as they guarantee the best room rate available, plus you get free cancellation on most bookings.
Book Your Tours & Activities
I like finding and pre-booking tours with Get Your Guide and Viator. You will book with instant confirmation, great customer support, and free cancellation for many activities.
Access Money Overseas Without Hidden Fees
I highly recommend getting a Wise account to withdraw money in Croatia, pay for meals on the Visa card, or shop in Euros. With Wise, you always pay the real exchange, so you never pay more than you need to.
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Where To Stay in Dubrovnik – Frequently Asked Questions
⭐ Is Dubrovnik worth visiting?
Naturally, the question of whether or not you should visit somewhere depends in part on your personal preferences, but the versatility of Dubrovnik ensures there's something for almost everyone. History lovers will adore the ancient city walls and old cathedrals, while those seeking sun, sea, and style can enjoy a week in a luxury hotel overlooking the beach.
In short, whether you're seeking historical sights, hunting for Game of Thrones filming locations or seeking atmospheric bars and cosy cafes, there will be something for you in Dubrovnik.
📍 Where can I find the main area in Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik's city centre is its Old Town, which boasts access to the famous city walls as well as the best selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants. Despite attracting tourists in their droves every year, the Old Town still manages to be as clean as it is welcoming, with tons of sights on offer for history buffs.
📅 How many days should I stay in Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik is pretty compact, so you don't need a long time to see the whole city. If you're short on time or budget, you can see most of Dubrovnik in a long weekend trip. Alternatively, if you're in the market for a few extra days of soaking up the sun, there's enough to do to keep you entertained for a week. This UNESCO world heritage site is also a great jumping-off point for island hopping, so bear that in mind if you intend on travelling around other parts of Croatia.
🗺 What’s the best area to stay in Dubrovnik?
If you're wondering where to stay in Dubrovnik for the first time, the Old Town is the obvious choice and it's also the best area to stay in Dubrovnik for nightlife. Do bear in mind, however, this will be one of the most expensive places to stay as well as the busiest. Those seeking a cheap hotel in Dubrovnik should look outside of the city centre at somewhere like Pile for something more budget-friendly that's still within walking distance of the main sights.
🚶How to get around Dubrovnik? Is Dubrovnik walkable?
Your own two feet offer the best way to get around this beautiful city. There are tons of pedestrianised streets, too, so the city is actually better for walking than it is for driving. The compact size means you'll never have to drive too far to get from one place to the next. If you'd rather not walk everywhere, Dubrovnik's buses offer an easy transport option to nearby beach areas.
🏨 Should I stay in Old Town Dubrovnik or Lapad?
Naturally, the Old Town offers the best access to the main sites as well as Dubrovnik's best bars and eateries. If you're looking for the best place to stay to enjoy the coast or find 5-star hotels in Dubrovnik, look out for the hidden gem, Lapad. Lapad allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the Old Town while retaining proximity to both the Old Town and the airport.
❓ Is Dubrovnik or Split better?
If you're interested in visiting Croatia, both Dubrovnik and Split should make it onto your list of destinations. Both cities are charming and beautiful and offer access to historic attractions and sunny beaches.
Split's nightlife is a little better and it can be cheaper than the more elegant, slightly more upmarket Dubrovnik. Split is also a great spot to visit if you intend to take day trips to other parts of Croatia. With its striking city walls and cleaner beaches, Dubrovnik can be viewed as Split's slightly more grown-up older sibling, but both cities offer access to sun, sea, and sights.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik – Final Words
Hopefully, my list of the best hotels to stay in Dubrovnik will help you find the right accommodation for you in this city that's known globally for its beauty and laid-back vibe. If you're wondering where should I stay in Dubrovnik, make a list of your needs and preferences and use them to find a suitable neighbourhood from my guide.
Whether you're looking for where to stay in Dubrovnik with family or where to stay in Dubrovnik on a budget, I hope you enjoyed this guide and have a great trip!
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