Where to stay in Dubrovnik – 7 Best areas and the best accommodation in Dubrovnik, Croatia

As someone who’s practically a local in Dubrovnik (I’ve lost count of my visits!), I’ve had the pleasure of exploring every nook and cranny of this stunning city. So, if you’re itching for insider tips on where to stay and play in the Pearl of the Adriatic, you’ve come to the right place.

From cozy corners in the Old Town to seaside havens in Lapad and beyond, I’ve scoped out the best accommodations Dubrovnik has to offer. Let’s dive in and discover your perfect Dubrovnik stay!

This guide to accommodation in Dubrovnik will walk you through:

1. A geographical breakdown of the best areas to stay in Dubrovnik
2. All the info you need to make an informed decision on the best area for you
3. A selection of the best accommodation options for each area, budget, and type of accommodation

Where to stay in Dubrovnik – best (and worst) areas and suburbs

Dubrovnik is by no means massive, but choosing the right neighborhood to stay can really make or break your holiday.

At its heart lies the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a maze of ancient streets steeped in history and culture. Beyond the Old Town walls, you’ll find Pile and Ploce, both still within walking distance of the Old Town.

For most first time visitors, the Old Town, Pile or Ploce will be the place to be. But you might also consider further neighborhoods like Lapad or Gruž.

7 Best areas to stay in Dubrovnik

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best districts and areas to stay in Dubrovnik:

• Dubrovnik Old Town: the beating heart of Dubrovnik, the Old Town is the place to be for most visitors.
• Pile: located to the West just outside the city walls, Pile is a more accessible alternative to the Old Town
• Ploce: located to the East just outside the city walls, Ploce is a fantastic alternative to the Old Town, especially if you’d like to stay near the beach
• Boninovo: Situated between Pile and Lapad, Boninovo offers breathtaking views while still within walking distance of Dubrovnik Old Town
• Lapad: is a bit further from the Old Town but offers some of the best beaches in Dubrovnik
• Babin Kuk: is an exclusive area at the outskirts with beautiful beaches and luxurious beach resorts
• Gruz: is the transport hub of Dubrovnik and where you’ll find the bus station and ferry port.

Unsafe areas to avoid in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a safe destination with a low crime rate. But as with every touristic destination, be mindful of pickpocketers and taxi scams. By using common sense, you can enjoy your visit to any area in Dubrovnik safely.

Best accommodation in Dubrovnik

Where to stay in Dubrovnik Old Town

Best for: first time stays, sightseeing

Known for: City Walls, Stradun, Rector’s Palace

See deals

Dubrovnik Old Town is the heart of the city and is perfect if it’s your first time in Dubrovnik. You’ll have iconic landmarks like the city walls, Stradun street, and Rector’s Palace at your doorstep, as well as plenty of bars and restaurants around.

Accommodation in the Old Town ranges from charming boutique hotels to cozy guesthouses and private appartments, all within walking distance of major attractions. However, keep in mind that the old city center is closed to traffic and might present some mobility issues.

Where to stay in Pile, Dubrovnik

Best for: Views, proximity to town

Known for: Fort Lovrijenac

See deals

The Pile neigborhood sits just outside the western entrance to the Old Town (Pile Gate) and is ideal if you want to stay close to the Old Town but without the limitations of limited traffic and without the crowds.

Accommodation options in Pile include hotels with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and comfortable apartments. However, keep in mind that Pile stretch up a hill and what looks like a short walk from town might be a streniuous uphill battle. I recommend picking accommodation just outside the city walls at the foot of the hill.

Where to stay in Ploce, Dubrovnik

Best for: Views, beach, proximity to town

Known for: Banje Beach, Dubrovnik Cable Car

SEE DEALS

Located to the east of the Old Town, Ploce offers breathtaking views of the sea and easy access to the city center. It’s perfect if you want a quieter atmosphere while still being close to the main attractions and have Banje Beach at your doorstep.

Accommodation here ranges from luxury resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts, as well as private apartments and rooms. Again, be mindful of the hills as some parts of Ploce are fairly steep. I recommend staying just outside the city walls or along the coast.

Where to stay in Boninovo, Dubrovnik

Best for: stunning views, easy access to town

Known for: Boninovo cliffs, Miramare Bay, open air cinema Slavica

SEE DEALS

Situated between Pile and Lapad, just a stone’s throw away from the Old Town Boninovo offers a quieter atmosphere while still being within walking distance of major attractions.

Besides Bellevue Beach in Miramare Bay, the coastline here is cliffy and offers panoramic views over the Adriatic Sea. It is considered one of Dubrovnik’s most beautiful neighborhoods, with many nobles opting to build their summer residences here.

Accommodation options in Boninovo include exclusive hotels, luxurious villas and cozy guesthouses.

Where to stay in Lapad, Dubrovnik

Best for: beach goers

Known for: beaches, waterfront promenade

SEE DEALS

Situated northwest of the Old Town, Lapad is known for its scenic promenade, beautiful beaches, and lively atmosphere. It’s great for families and beachgoers, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and water sports activities to enjoy.

Accommodation options in Lapad include beachfront hotels, apartments, and villas, all within a short bus ride or a 30-45 minute walk from the Old Town.

Where to stay in Babin Kuk, Dubrovnik

Best for: beach goers

Known for: upscale resorts, beaches

SEE DEALS

Located on the outskirts of Dubrovnik, past Lapad, Babin Kuk is a tranquil retreat with upscale resorts, pristine beaches, and lush greenery. It’s perfect for luxury travelers and couples seeking a romantic getaway.

Accommodation here ranges from five-star hotels with spa facilities to exclusive beachfront villas, all within a short bus ride or a 30-45 minute walk from the Old Town.

Where to stay in Gruz, Dubrovnik

Best for: budget travellers, easy transport

Known for: markets, port, bus station

SEE DEALS

Situated at the outskirts of Dubrovnik to the northwest of the Old Town, Gruz is the transport hub of the city. Gruz offers a vibrant local scene and is known for fresh food markets and the busy port.

Accommodation options in Gruz include budget-friendly hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. This area is ideal for budget travelers and those looking for an authentic Dubrovnik experience.

Getting to Dubrovnik, Croatia

By Air: Dubrovnik is serviced by Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) which is well-connected with flights from major cities worldwide. Book a private transfer from the airport to your accommodation for a seamless start to your Dubrovnik adventure.

By Sea: Dubrovnik can be reached by ferry from nearby islands. This is a scenic and convenient way to experience the stunning coastline.

By Car: Driving to Dubrovnik offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace, but be prepared for potential border crossings—consider taking the bridge to Pelješac or planning your route to avoid passing through Bosnia. Keep in mind the limited parking availability in the city center, so it’s wise to plan ahead or book accommodations with parking options.

By Bus: Dubrovnik is easy to reach by bus, with direct connections from major Croatian cities like Split and Zagreb. The bus station is conveniently located near the Old Town, making it easy to start your Dubrovnik adventure right away.

Getting around Dubrovnik

Getting around Dubrovnik is easy. The Old Town is a pedestrian zone and where everything is within walking distance. If you’re staying outside the Old Town there are taxis and public buses that will get you to the city walls. For a different view, consider boat or kayak trips along the coast to experience the city from the water.

Best time to visit Dubrovnik, Croatia

The best time to visit Dubrovnik is in April and October, when the weather is warm but the tourist crowds are thinner and you can score some good deals.

The high season in Dubrovnik runs from May to September and this is when things really heat up—literally! If visiting in the summer months be ready for crowds, higher prices, and the scorching sun.

The winter in Dubrovnik is mild and pleasant. While you won’t be able to enjoy the beach as much, you’ll be able to score some good deals. The city is still lively, but without the insane crowds it sees in high season.

Planning a trip to Croatia?

Croatia is a stunning country with countless gorgeous islands, charming Roman towns, beautiful nature and delicious food. To help you plan your trip I’ve prepared a series of Croatia travel guides. And for an easy plug & play solution make sure to check out my Croatia itinerary (coming soon).