Where To Stay In Dubrovnik: 8 Area Guide For Every Traveler

Are you planning your trip and not sure where to stay in Dubrovnik?

Fear not! We know that planning a trip can be challenging at times. This is especially true if you’re visiting a destination for the first time. Inevitably, the dreaded “Where should we stay?” question comes up.

We struggled with this exact question when planning our recent trip to Dubrovnik. Ultimately, we decided to stay in Old Town and it worked out perfectly for us.

Unfortunately, you can’t answer this question with a “one-size fits all” mentality. In the end, it depends on what you plan to do while you’re there. That doesn’t mean we don’t have an opinion. Of course we do! 

By the time we left, we had a good feel for the city. We’re going to share our thoughts and experiences with you so you can feel more confident with your own decision.

Where To Stay In Dubrovnik

Though it’s known mainly for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Town, Dubrovnik extends well beyond the famous city walls.

There are several ideal areas to consider. Your plans and what kind of vacation vibe you’re looking for will determine which area is best for you.

If you’re only visiting for a couple of days, taking taxis back and forth might not be ideal. It can also get very hot so walking long distances may not appeal to you either.

We’re going to give you the low-down on different neighborhoods including why they’re ideal. We’ll also give you the pros and cons of staying in each. 

As a bonus, we’ll give you our top picks for accommodations to help narrow your choices. Let’s get started!

1. Old Town – Best Overall Area to Stay in Dubrovnik

Old Town is, hands down, our pick for the best overall area to stay in Dubrovnik. 

This is where we stayed when we visited recently and we were happy with our decision for a few reasons.

The main reason is that Old Town is truly the heart of Dubrovnik. This is where many of the must-see attractions are including the famous city walls and Onofrio’s Fountain.

In addition, you have easy access to the Old Town harbor. This is the departure point for ferries to Lokrum and Cavtat as well as many water sport activities.

Old Town is also convenient if you want to take the cable car up Mt. Srd. The station is located just outside Ploce Gate.

If you need more convincing, you also have access to many restaurants and bars in a relatively small area. This means you don’t need to travel far to find something that appeals to you.

Pros:

• Very Walkable – So many of Dubrovnik’s must-see sights are located within or just outside the famous city walls.
• Dining & Nightlife – Some of Dubrovnik’s best restaurants and bars are just steps away.
• Historic Atmosphere – There’s nothing quite like staying within the city walls of Old Town. It’s a unique experience unlike any other.
• Early and Late Hours Without Crowds – This is key. Staying in Old Town allows you to experience it before and after the crowds which is a much different vibe.
• Mid-Day Rest – You can escape to your hotel if the crowds and/or heat are too much for you.
• Pedestrian-Only – Old Town is pedestrianized which makes it easier to navigate the streets without having to worry about traffic.

Cons:

• More Expensive – Because it’s the center of activity, accommodations and restaurants are more expensive than other areas of Dubrovnik.
• Noisy and Crowded – Old Town can get quite crowded and noisy during the peak tourist season.
• Pedestrian-Only – This can be a con because you’ll need to navigate the cobblestone streets with your luggage. If you’re arriving by taxi, you’ll be dropped off outside the city walls. If you’re arriving by car, parking will be more challenging.
• Uneven Walking Surface and Stairs – There are many cobblestone streets that may be difficult to navigate when it’s crowded. In addition, there are many steep stone staircases which isn’t ideal for those with mobility issues.
• Accommodations Without Elevators – The age of the buildings inside the city walls means they may not have elevators. This includes apartment buildings and hotels so this may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
• Limited Grocery Stores – If you’re renting an apartment, you’ll find limited options for groceries within Old Town. You may need to travel to areas such as Lapad or Gruž to stock up on supplies.  

2. Babin Kuk – Best Area for Families

If you prefer an area that’s family-friendly and luxurious, Babin Kuk is the perfect place for you.

This neighborhood is located on the very northern tip of the Lapé Peninsula and just north of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. It’s known for its lush green spaces and upscale resorts. It also has easy access to three of Dubrovnik’s beaches: Copacabana, Uvala and Cava.

The seaside promenades and walking paths make Babin Kuk a relaxing contrast to the bustling city center. This makes it perfect for family outings. In addition, you’ll find a variety of restaurants and cafes waiting for you. 

If you want to visit Old Town, Babin Kuk is just a few kilometers away. Just grab a taxi or take advantage of the city’s convenient bus service. If you choose to walk, it will take you approximately 45 minutes each way. 

Pros:

• Peaceful & Scenic – Babin Kuk is a much quieter area making for a more relaxing stay.
• Access to Beaches – Three of Dubrovnik’s beaches are within walking distance: Copacabana, Uvala and Cava.
• Larger Resorts – If you prefer to stay in resort style hotels, this is the place to be. You’ll find accommodations with services such as pools, spas and restaurants.
• Pedestrian-Friendly – Babin Kuk offers several well-maintained walking paths making it ideal for anyone that enjoys an early morning run.
• Restaurants & Cafes – There’s a good variety of restaurants and cafes available. You’ll find them to be less crowded and touristy.
• Value For The Money – Being a bit further outside of Old Town, hotels and restaurants will be more affordable.
• Family-Friendly – Babin Kuk’s beaches, parks and resort amenities make it ideal for families with children.

Cons:

• Distance From Old Town – Traveling back and forth to Old Town might be inconvenient. A taxi or bus will take 10-15 minutes each way. Walking will take about 45 minutes each way.
• Lacks Historic Charm – When you think of Dubrovnik, you think of medieval architecture and narrow, cobblestone streets. You won’t get that in Babin Kuk. It’s primarily resort-focused so it may feel generic and less authentic compared to other areas of the city.
• Less Nightlife – Since Babin Kuk is a quieter and more spread out area, you’ll find less nightlife options available. Most will be located within the large resorts.

3. Ploče – Best Area for Couples

Just east of Old Town, you’ll find the luxurious neighborhood of Ploče. It’s name is shared with one of the three gates that lead into Old Town. Ploče Gate is only a few minutes’ walk away.

It’s sandwiched between the hillside and coastline so it offers breathtaking views of Lokrum Island, the Adriatic and Old Town.

Ploče definitely has an upscale vibe. It’s where you’ll find some of the most elegant restaurants and luxurious hotels such as Hotel Excelsior and Villa Dubrovnik. This makes it a favorite of honeymooners or couples looking to elevate their vacation experience.

There’s also the added benefit of being close to Banje Beach, the most famous beach near Old Town.

Pros:

• Close to Old Town – Ploče is located within a 5-10 minute walk of Old Town. It’s a perfect location for anyone that wants easy access to the famous sights and dining in Old Town. You can then retire to a more serene atmosphere at the end of a busy day.
• Spectacular Views – Its proximity to Old Town affords some areas of Ploče some of the most amazing panoramic views. 
• Upscale Accommodations – Ploče is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in Dubrovnik.
• Quiet and Refined Atmosphere – You’ll be close to the action of Old Town but without the crowds. This makes it ideal for romantic and relaxing stays.
• Scenic Walks – There are beautiful walking routes making it ideal for evening or morning walks.
• Fine Dining – There are several fine dining restaurants in Ploče. Many of them offer some of the best city and sea views around.

Cons:

• More Expensive – Ploče is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Dubrovnik. This means that the accommodations and restaurants come with a higher price tag.
• Lots of Stairs & Steep Walks – Ploče is built into the hillside so you’ll find many stairs and steep inclines. This is something to keep in mind if you’re walking to or from Old Town or the beaches.
• Fewer Shops & Services – There’s a limited number of grocery stores and casual eateries in Ploče. You’ll need to go into Old Town or other neighborhoods if you’re looking for those options.
• Quiet At Night – This can be considered both a pro and a con depending on your interests. If you’re looking for nightlife, Ploče isn’t the place you’ll find it. However, Old Town is within walking distance so it’s the best of both worlds as long as you don’t mind walking a bit.

4. Gruž- Where to Stay If You’re Doing Day Trips

Gruž is where you’ll find the main ferry and cruise port for Dubrovnik. Many ferries arrive and depart from here for destinations such as Split, Hvar, Korcula, Elafiti Islands and Mljet.

It’s located about 2-3 kilometers from Old Town and has a very authentic feel to it. This differs from the heavy tourist areas such as Old Town.

Pros:

• More Affordable Accommodation – Since it’s a less touristy area, you’ll find the accommodations to be more affordable.
• Authentic Vibe – If you’re looking for a less touristy more authentic experience, this is the place for you. You’ll find local bakeries, markets, homes and schools instead of souvenir shops.
• Great For Day Trips – Its proximity to the ferry port makes it ideal for doing day trips.
• Easier Parking – If you’re traveling by car, there are more parking options than areas such as Old Town.

Cons:

• Industrial Vibe – Its location near the port can give it an industrial feel.
• Farther From Old Town – Old Town is a 10-15 minute ride by taxi or bus. If you want to walk, it will take you 30-40 minutes each way.
• Less Dining & Nightlife Options – You’ll need to travel into Old Town if you’re looking for more options.

5. Pile – Where to Stay In Dubrovnik for First-Timers

Even though Old Town is our pick for the best area to stay in, it can be quite pricey in the peak tourist season.

Therefore, our pick for anyone visiting Dubrovnik for the first time is Pile. Pile is located directly outside Pile Gate which is the main entrance to Old Town. Upon entering, you’ll be at the very beginning of Stradun, the main street that runs through Old Town.

Pile is by far the most convenient neighborhood to Old Town without actually being in Old Town.

Pros:

• Just Outside Old Town – Pile is almost an extension of Old Town since it’s so close. This is perfect if you plan to spend a lot of time visiting Old Town.
• Easy Access To Transportation – There are taxi stands in Pile. It’s also one of the main stops for the city buses. This makes it convenient for those without cars.
• Starting Point For Tours – Because of its location just outside Pile Gate, it’s the meeting point for many tours.
• Accommodations – You’ll find a good mix of accommodation options including apartments and small hotels.
• Quieter At Night – Compared to Old Town, Pile is much quieter at night. However, if you’re looking for nightlife, you’re close enough to walk to Old Town. You can find bars that stay open a bit later here.

Cons:

• Gets Busy – Its location just outside Old Town means it can get quite busy during the day. This also means it can be noisy and congested at times.
• Limited Access To Beaches – If you’re a beach-goer, Pile may not be the best option for you. Other areas such as Lapid or Babin Kuk may be better. Even Ploče has convenient access to Banje Beach.

6. Lapad – Where to Stay In Dubrovnik for Beaches

Also located on the Lapé Peninsula and next to Babin Kuk is Lapad. Lapad has a very suburban feel with many parks including Petka Hill Park. It also has several walking and biking trails.

 It offers a great mix of nature, modern amenities and, of course, beaches.

If you stay in Lapad, you’ll enjoy convenient access to several beaches. This includes Copacabana and Cava located in Babin Kuk as well as Uvala Lapad beach and Sunset beach.

Pros:

• Green Space – Like Babin Kuk, you’ll find many walking and biking trails. There are also seaside promenades giving Lapad a much more laid back feel than Old Town.
• Uvala Lapad Promenade – This pedestrian-only promenade follows the coastline and is dotted with cafes and restaurants. It’s a great place to stroll and people-watch.
• Beaches – As mentioned above, you have access to a few beaches as well as several beach bars.
• Accommodations – You’ll have your pick of accommodation choices including mid-range hotels, all-inclusive resorts and private apartments. Its distance from Old Town means you’ll have more budget-friendly options
• Dining & Entertainment – Lapad offers a larger variety of restaurants, cafes and bars compared to Babin Kuk. Like the accommodations, you’ll find them to be much more reasonably priced compared to those in Old Town.

Cons:

• Distance From Old Town – Lapad’s distance from Old Town isn’t ideal if you plan on spending a lot of time there. 
• Lacks Historic Charm – You won’t get that Old World feel staying in Lapad. Most of the buildings are more modern.
• Busy During Peak Season – It’s proximity to the beaches and its budget-friendly appeal means it can get quite busy. This is especially true during the peak tourist season.To be fair, everything is busy during the peak tourist season.
• Less Nightlife – If you’re a night owl, Lapad may not be the place for you. You won’t find clubs or late-night bars here.

7. Pile or Old Town – Where to Stay Without a Car

If you’re visiting Dubrovnik without a car, you really can’t go wrong with staying in either Pile or Old Town.

Pile is the most convenient for transportation options. This includes buses that will connect you to other areas such as Babin Kuk and Lapad.

It’s also a fantastic location if you plan to include tours in your itinerary. Many will depart from just outside Pile Gate.

You can walk to many things including the main highlights of Old Town. It’s also close to many restaurants, some beaches such as Šulić Beach and the cable car to Mt. Srd.

Old Town offers all the same conveniences as Pile. The added benefit is that it has a more immersive experience because of its medieval charm. Stepping out of our hotel onto the cobblestone streets of Old Town was one of the highlights of our stay. 

Pros:

• Close To Attractions – Pile and Old Town are the center of activities in Dubrovnik. They’re great locations for visiting some of the most famous city sights.
• Easy Access To Transportation – Both locations are convenient to different transportation options such as buses and taxis.
• Restaurants & Bars – There’s a large selection of restaurants and bars available both inside and just outside the city walls.
• Old Town Port – Whether you’re in Old Town or Pile, you’ll have convenient access to the Old Town Port. This is the departure point for many water-based activities as well as ferries to Lokrum and Cavtat.

Cons:

• Busy – Because they’re the center of activities, Pile and Old Town get quite busy during the day. This is especially true during the peak season. You’ll find heavy traffic just outside Pile Gate due to it being a drop-off point for bus tours.
• Higher Prices – With more convenience comes higher prices for accommodations and restaurants. Pile will be slightly less expensive than Old Town.

8. Montovjerna – Where To Stay For A More Authentic Feel

Montovjerna is a residential area located between Lapad and Gruž. It’s the perfect place to stay if you prefer a quieter, more local vibe.

Located further away from the tourist zones, it consists mainly of homes, apartment buildings and local shops. This gives you a more authentic experience.

You’ll also find many restaurants and bars that are frequented by the locals.

Pros:

• Local Feel – It’s further away from the main tourist spots so it’s less crowded which gives it a local feel.
• Well-Positioned – Its proximity to Lapad and Gruž means you’re close to some of the beaches and promenade. In addition, you’re close to Gruž port and Gruž Market. You’re also only a 20-30 minute walk from Old Town.
• Accommodations – Because of its location outside the tourist zone, you’ll find more budget-friendly accommodation options compared to other areas.
• Transportation Options – It’s located along some of the major bus routes. This means you’ll have easy access to other areas of the city.
• Restaurants & Bars – There’s a large variety of restaurants and cafes frequented by locals. These are less touristy and offer a more local vibe.

Cons:

• Farther From Major Attractions – It’s location in a more residential area means it’s a bit further away from the major attractions of the city.
• Quiet – The area may be a little too quiet for those looking for a more vibrant location.
• Longer Walk To Other Areas – The walking distance to some beaches and Old Town is a bit further than other areas.

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Getting Around Dubrovnik

When we visited, we chose not to have a rental car and we didn’t have any problems getting around. To be honest, you’re probably better off without a car especially if you’re staying in Old Town. It’s a pedestrian-only area which will make parking more challenging if you do have a car.

Alternatively, the city offers several different transportation options making it convenient to connect to different areas of the city.

Buses

The best and most affordable way to travel between neighborhoods is by bus. Run by Libertas, the buses are reliable and frequent making it a popular choice for many visitors.

You can purchase tickets either at the ticket kiosks or on board. Purchasing tickets on board will cost a bit more than at a kiosk but if you’re running short on time, it’s an option.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available at taxi stands throughout the city. This includes just outside Old Town at Pile Gate, Gruz Port and the airport.

Unfortunately, taxis can be expensive so it’s best to ask for an estimate first.

Ride-Share Apps

Uber is available in Dubrovnik and quite often, you’ll find that it’s less expensive than a taxi. 

This is a great option for getting to the airport, late-night rides or if you are traveling with luggage.

Rental Cars

Rental cars are best if you’re doing day trips outside central Dubrovnik. Parking in Dubrovnik is limited and can be expensive. It can be especially challenging if you’re staying in Old Town since it’s a pedestrian-only area.

Ferries & Boat Services

Croatia has a fantastic ferry system which connects different destinations throughout the country. There are many different routes available whether you’re looking to visit Split, Lokrum Island or any of the islands.

Service is more frequent during the peak summer months. If you’re visiting during the off-season, be sure to check the schedules prior to arriving. Some routes don’t operate at all during the winter months.

Airport Transfers

There are regular shuttle buses that operate between the airport and Pile Gate. Tickets cost approximately 10-15 euro each way.

Walking

Dubrovnik is a very walkable city depending on where you’re staying but especially in Old Town. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. If you’re visiting during the summer months, make sure to bring water with you. It can get quite hot!

FAQs 

When planning a trip, you’re bound to have many questions about things to do and places to stay. Here are some common questions many people have about visiting Dubrovnik along with our answers and recommendations.

What area of Dubrovnik is best to stay in?

This will depend on what you plan to do while visiting the city and how long you are staying. If you’re only in town for a couple of days, we recommend staying in Old Town or in Pile. You’ll be within walking distance to major attractions, restaurants, cafes and Old Town port.

Is it good to stay in the Old Town in Dubrovnik?

If your budget will allow for it, we highly recommend staying in Old Town when you visit. This is especially true if you’re only visiting for a couple of days. It’s convenient to most of the iconic landmarks you’ll undoubtedly want to visit.

How many days is enough to see Dubrovnik?

We recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Dubrovnik to truly get a feel for the city. Our suggestion would be to add additional days if you’re planning day trips to other areas.

If your time is limited or you’re arriving by cruise ship, you can certainly see Dubrovnik in one day. We suggest having a plan prior to arriving to maximize your time so you don’t miss out on anything.

Our Final Take: Where To Stay In Dubrovnik

As you can see, Dubrovnik has many options for different areas to stay in depending on your wants and needs. Each offers its own unique vibe and characteristics making Dubrovnik an ideal destination for all kinds of travelers.

Ultimately, you’ll want to decide what kind of vacation you would prefer. Once you decide that, determining where to stay in Dubrovnik will be much easier. Whether you want an area that’s peaceful and relaxing or something that’s in the middle of all the action, Dubrovnik has a place for you!

Talk soon!

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