Where to Stay in Dubrovnik: Best Areas to Stay + Top Hotels
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, I’ve got you covered with a list of charming neighbourhoods and unique places to stay in Dubrovnik.
5 Best Areas to Stay in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, based on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, is home to a variety of neighbourhoods, each with its own 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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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-Timers & Main Sights: Dubrovnik Old Town
Best area for:
First-time visitors to Dubrovnik
Visitors seeking nightlife
Groups of friends
Tourists
History buffs
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.
Best Hotels to Stay in Dubrovnik Old Town
($$$) The Pucic Palace
Home to a restaurant that serves up delicious food and a wine bar with a vast selection of bottles, The Pucic Palace oozes luxury and is home to air-conditioned rooms and free Wi-Fi.
($$) 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.
Check availability & best rates
($) 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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Things to See & Do in Old Town
Walk the Old Town walls
Visit the Rector’s Palace
Take a stroll around Dubrovnik’s centre
Check out Dubrovnik’s Cathedral
2. Where to Stay in Dubrovnik Without The Crowds (Yet Closest to Old Town): Pile
Best area for:
Travellers on a budget
Tourists wanting to stay outside of the Old Town
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 Hotels to Stay in Dubrovnik Near Old Town
($$$) Hilton Imperial
With five stars that attest to its brilliance and amenities, such as air-conditioned rooms, an indoor pool, and a wellness center, you’ll struggle to find many places more luxurious than this to enjoy your stay in Dubrovnik.
($$) 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.
Check availability & best rates
($) 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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Things to See & Do in Pile
Cool off in Park Gradac
Visit Pile Gate
Take a stroll around the pretty streets of Pile
3. Where to Stay in Dubrovnik for couples & Luxury Seaside Resorts: Lapad and Babin Kuk Peninsular
Best area for:
Couples
Luxury lovers
Beachgoers
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 Hotels in Lapad & Babin Kuk
($$$) President Hotel, Valamar Collection
This stylish hotel promises guests a first-class experience, a wellness centre, stunning views, and a unique beachfront location, with a breakfast that attracts rave reviews.
($$$) 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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($$) Hotel Dubrovnik Palace
Offering 24-hour room service, Hotel Dubrovnik Palace offers four different restaurants, including a beach restaurant, spa facilities, and a fitness studio.
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Things to do & see in Lapad and Babin Kuk
- Walk along the coastal path to find hidden swimming areas
- Relax on Lapad Beach
- Enjoy a tipple in Cave Bar MORE
- Visit Forest Park Velika for views, hiking and jogging
4. Where to Stay in Dubrovnik near the Beach: Ploče
Best area for:
Beach lovers
Visitors seeking luxury hotels
Travellers who don’t mind challenging walks
The Ploče neighbourhood is located east of Dubrovnik’s famous city walls and offers picturesque views over the Old Town harbour and the Adriatic Sea.
Ploče also offers close proximity to some of Dubrovnik’s most stunning beaches, including Banje Beach and St James Beach, both of which are popular swimming and sunbathing spots for visitors to Dubrovnik.
One of the other benefits of staying in Ploce is that it’s close to the airport, so you’ll save valuable time and money, with many of the hotels in this area offering an airport shuttle service. There are also public buses here to transport you to Dubrovnik’s central gem, the Old Town.
One thing to note is that this area is home to pretty rocky terrain, so if your mobility is impaired or your fitness levels aren’t high, it might be worth looking elsewhere for accommodation.
Best Hotels to Stay in Ploče
($$$) 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.
($$) Villa Ragusa Vecchia
This stunning building dates back to 1830 and promises beautiful wood and stone details as well as spacious air-conditioned rooms and an airport shuttle service.
Check availability & best rates
($) Apartments Green Scenic
If you want to stay somewhere more spacious with the option to cook your own food, you’ll love Apartments Green Scenic, which is equipped with air conditioning, free WiFi, and a kitchen and dining area.
Check availability & best rates
Things to See & Do in Ploče
Spend a day at the beach
Enjoy views of the harbour
Explore the area on foot
5. Where to Stay in Dubrovnik for Island Hopping & on a Budget: Gruž Harbour
Best for
- Travellers on a layover
- People who want easy access to Dubrovnik and its surrounding areas
Many visitors use Dubrovnik as a jumping-off point for further travel or visit it as one of their many spots on a tour of Croatia, and with Dubrovnik’s many transport connections, it’s certainly not a bad idea.
Gruž Harbour is a great spot for a layover or travelling through to the islands, as well as if you’re on a budget.
But you’ll find more than just a place to catch a ferry at Gruz Harbour. The area is home to open-air fruit and vegetable markets like Gruž Market, shops, tourist offices, and even some old mansions where you can see how the city’s wealthy inhabitants used to live.
Best Hotels to Stay in Gruž
($$$) 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.
($$) 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.
Check availability & best rates
($) 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.
Check availability & best rates
Things to See & Do in Gruž Harbour
- Catch a ferry to a nearby island
- Enjoy the sights and sounds of the harbour
- Explore one of the outdoor food markets
Book Your Trip To Croatia
Book Your Flight
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Book Your Hotel
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Book Your Tours & Activities
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Where to Stay in Dubrovnik – Frequently Asked Questions
For first-time visitors, the best place to stay in Dubrovnik is Old Town or just outside it in Pile.
Old Town → walkable, historic, close to all major sights and nightlife
Pile → same location benefits, but better value and easier access
If you stay too far out, you’ll lose time and spend more on transport, which quickly offsets any savings on accommodation.
The best area to stay in Dubrovnik depends on your personal priorities:
Old Town → best for sightseeing and atmosphere (however busy)
Lapad → best mix of value, beach access and hotels
Babin Kuk → best for luxury stays and sea views
There’s no single “best” area, but choosing the wrong one will impact your daily logistics and overall experience.
For cheaper accommodation in Dubrovnik, look outside the Old Town:
Pile → closest budget-friendly option to Old Town
Lapad → better value hotels and apartments
Gruz → cheapest area, but less scenic
Staying inside Old Town at a low price usually means compromising heavily on space, noise or quality.
If your priority is beach access, stay in:
Lapad → best overall for beaches + restaurants
Babin Kuk → quieter, more upscale coastal stays
Old Town has limited direct beach access, so it’s not ideal if you plan to spend most of your time by the water.
If you’re not renting a car, stay in: Old Town, Pile or Lapad.
These areas have the best walkability and public transport connections. Staying further out increases reliance on taxis and adds friction to your trip.
Stay inside Old Town if:
You want full immersion and easy access to sights
Stay outside (Pile or Lapad) if:
You want better value, more space, and easier access
Commercial reality: most travellers overpay for Old Town when staying just outside offers a better overall experience.
Yes, Dubrovnik is one of the most expensive places to stay in Croatia, especially in peak season (June–September).
Old Town → highest prices
Lapad → mid-range value
Gruz → budget options
Prices can vary significantly depending on how early you book and your exact location.
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 to 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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