Where to Stay in Dubrovnik: Best Areas & Hotels 2026

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik: A Guide to the Best Neighborhoods for 2026

Choosing where to stay in Dubrovnik can define your entire trip. This historic city, known as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic,' is a stunning tapestry of medieval walls, terracotta roofs, and sparkling blue sea. But each neighborhood offers a distinctly different experience, from the timeless magic of the Old Town to the relaxed beach vibes of Lapad.

This guide breaks down the best areas to stay in Dubrovnik, helping you find the perfect base for your travel style and budget. Whether you're a first-time visitor seeking history, a family looking for sun and sand, or a luxury traveler chasing iconic views, we have the answer.

Understanding Dubrovnik's Key Neighborhoods

Dubrovnik is geographically compact, but its main tourist areas have unique personalities:

• The Old Town: The historic, walled heart of the city. Perfect for sightseeing and atmosphere.
• Ploče: An upscale area east of the Old Town, famous for its luxury hotels and postcard-perfect views.
• Lapad: A peninsula west of the city center, known for its beaches, promenade, and family-friendly hotels.
• Babin Kuk: Located at the northern end of the Lapad peninsula, this area is home to large, all-inclusive resorts.
• Gruž: The commercial port area, offering budget-friendly options and the main terminal for ferries to the islands.

---

The Old Town: For History Buffs and First-Time Visitors

Staying within the 16th-century city walls is like stepping back in time. You'll wake up to the sound of church bells, wander down limestone-paved alleyways, and have Dubrovnik's most famous attractions—like the Stradun, the City Walls, and the Rector's Palace—just steps from your door. This is the most atmospheric place to stay for a first visit.

Why Stay in the Old Town?

• Unbeatable Atmosphere: You are living inside a UNESCO World Heritage site. The evenings are magical after the day-trippers have left.
• Proximity to Sights: All major historical attractions are within a 10-minute walk.
• Dining and Nightlife: The highest concentration of restaurants, cafes, and bars are located here.

Downsides to the Old Town

• Crowds: The area can be extremely crowded, especially from 10:00 to 16:00 when cruise ships are in port.
• Noise: Light sleepers may be bothered by the sounds of cafes and pedestrians late at night.
• Stairs: The Old Town is built on a hill. Many apartments and guesthouses are only accessible via long, steep flights of stairs.
• Price: Accommodation here is the most expensive in the city.

Best Hotels in the Old Town

• The Pucic Palace (5★): Housed in an 18th-century baroque building right on Gundulić Square, this is the epitome of Old Town luxury. With just 19 rooms, it offers an exclusive and historic experience. Expect to pay €450 - €750+ per night.
• St. Joseph's (4★): A beautifully restored 16th-century home converted into an elegant boutique hotel. Known for its exceptional service and stylish rooms. Prices typically range from €300 - €500 per night.
• Private Apartments & Guesthouses: The most common form of lodging in the Old Town. Platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb are filled with options, ranging from basic rooms ('sobe') to fully equipped apartments. A good quality apartment costs €150 - €300 per night in high season.

---

Ploče: For Luxury Stays and Iconic Views

Ploče (pronounced plo-cheh) is the neighborhood immediately east of the Old Town, stretching from the Ploče Gate to the famous Sveti Jakov Beach. This is Dubrovnik's most exclusive district, offering five-star hotels with breathtaking, unobstructed views of the city walls and Lokrum Island.

Why Stay in Ploče?

• The View: This area offers the world-famous postcard view of Dubrovnik.
• Luxury Hotels: Home to the city's most prestigious and luxurious hotels.
• Proximity to Banje Beach: You're just a short walk from Dubrovnik's most popular city beach.
• Relative Quiet: It's just outside the hustle and bustle of the Old Town, offering a more serene environment.

Downsides to Ploče

• Cost: This is the most expensive area to stay in Dubrovnik, with prices to match the views.
• Hilly Terrain: Like the Old Town, getting around involves stairs and inclines.

Best Hotels in Ploče

• Hotel Excelsior (5★): An icon of Croatian hospitality. This glamorous hotel features a private beach, three restaurants, and a superb spa. It's a 5-minute walk (500 meters) to the Ploče Gate. A sea-view room will cost €500 - €1000+ per night.
• Villa Dubrovnik (5★): Offering a more modern and secluded luxury experience, this hotel is built into a cliffside. It features a complimentary private boat shuttle to the Old Town's port. Prices start around €600 - €1200+ per night.

---

Lapad Peninsula: For Beaches and Families

The Lapad peninsula, located about 3-4 km northwest of the Old Town, is the perfect destination for a more relaxed, resort-style holiday. Its centerpiece is Lapad Bay, a beautiful cove surrounded by a pedestrianized promenade (Šetalište kralja Zvonimira) lined with cafes, restaurants, and playgrounds.

Why Stay in Lapad?

• Beaches: Home to several pebble beaches, including Sunset Beach, Copacabana Beach, and Cava Beach.
• Family-Friendly: More open spaces, playgrounds, and family-oriented hotels and restaurants make it ideal for those with children.
• Value for Money: You generally get more space and better amenities (like swimming pools) for your money compared to the Old Town.
• Relaxed Vibe: A much calmer atmosphere than the city center.

Downsides to Lapad

• Distance from Old Town: You will need to take a bus or a taxi to reach the historic center. The bus ride on line 4 or 6 takes about 15 minutes.
• Less Authentic: The area is purpose-built for tourism and lacks the historic character of the Old Town.

Best Hotels in Lapad

• Hotel More (5★): A luxurious boutique hotel famous for its unique Cave Bar, set in a natural cavern. It offers a spectacular seaside setting and high-end service. Prices range from €300 - €600 per night.
• Hotel Kompas (4.5★): A modern, stylish hotel located right by Sunset Beach. It boasts a fantastic outdoor pool area and is a great mid-to-upper range option for couples and families. Expect to pay €200 - €400 per night.
• Valamar Dubrovnik President Hotel (5★): Located in the Babin Kuk section of Lapad, this hotel offers every guest a sea-view balcony. It has its own private beach and is a top choice for a premium resort experience. Prices are typically €250 - €500 per night.

---

Gruž: For Budget Travelers and Island Hoppers

Gruž is Dubrovnik's main port and commercial district, located about 2.5 km northwest of the Old Town. While it lacks the picturesque charm of other neighborhoods, it is a practical and budget-friendly base, especially for those planning to explore the nearby Elaphiti Islands.

Why Stay in Gruž?

• Affordability: Accommodation here is significantly cheaper than in other parts of the city.
• Transportation Hub: The main bus station and ferry port are located here, making arrivals, departures, and island hopping incredibly convenient.
• Local Experience: You'll find a bustling fruit and vegetable market, local bakeries, and supermarkets with reasonable prices.
• Excellent Connectivity: Frequent city buses (lines 1A, 1B, 3) connect Gruž to the Old Town in about 10-15 minutes.

Downsides to Gruž

• Less Scenic: It's a working port, so the atmosphere is more functional than beautiful.
• Distance: It's not within walking distance of the main attractions or beaches.

Best Hotels in Gruž

• Hotel Adria (4★): Perched on a hill overlooking the port, this hotel offers great value with modern rooms and a rooftop pool. The views are a major selling point for its price range of €100 - €200 per night.
• Berkeley Hotel & Day Spa (4★): A popular family-run hotel known for its excellent service and amenities, including a small pool and spa. It's conveniently located near the ferry port. Prices range from €120 - €220 per night.

---

Insider Tips for Booking Accommodation in Dubrovnik

1. Book Far in Advance. For peak season (June to September), it is crucial to book your accommodation 6-9 months ahead of time to secure the best options and prices.

2. Beware of the Stairs. If you have mobility issues, carefully read property descriptions and reviews. Listings for the Old Town and Ploče often mention the number of stairs. Properties 'above the highway' involve a significant uphill climb.

3. Check for Parking. If you are renting a car, booking a hotel with guaranteed private parking is essential. Public parking near the Old Town is extremely limited and expensive, costing up to €10 per hour at Zone 0.

4. Factor in Transport Costs. If staying in Lapad or Gruž, you will likely use the bus daily. A single bus ticket costs approximately €2. The Dubrovnik Pass is a great value, as it includes the city walls, several museums, and public transport.

5. Look for 'Sobe' and 'Apartmani'. For an authentic and often more affordable stay, look for private accommodation. Signs for 'Sobe' (Rooms) and 'Apartmani' (Apartments) are common. These are regulated and offer a great way to experience local life.