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written by
Jonathan Bousfield
updated 25.08.2024
One of the most perfectly preserved walled towns in Europe, Dubrovnik is Croatia’s single biggest tourist destination, and it’s not difficult to see why. A medieval town reshaped by Baroque planners after the earthquake of 1667, the city seems to have been suspended in time ever since. With fantastic Croatian beaches and history everywhere, figuring out where to stay in Dubrovnik is not an easy task. We've gathered info from our local travel experts to choose the best areas to stay in Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik offers a diverse array of neighbourhoods to suit every taste and travel style. The Old Town, a UNESCO wonder, is a maze of marble-paved streets and baroque splendour. Wander the Stradun, ducking into museums and hole-in-the-wall bars, but brace for tourist crowds. If luxury and beach access is more your vibe, Ploče is where you'll find upscale hotels with breathtaking views of Lokrum Island.
Looking for something a little more offbeat? Boninovo offers dramatic cliffs and a fascinating cemetery that feels full of history. Over in Gruž, you’ll get a taste of local life with its bustling harbour, lively markets, and growing culinary scene.
Families often gravitate towards Lapad, a peninsula boasting a popular beach and vibrant café culture, or Babin Kuk, a purpose-built tourist area with manicured gardens and family-friendly activities. The bustling Pile area serves as a crucial transport hub near the Old Town gates, though it can become crowded during peak seasons.
No matter what you're looking for, you're sure to find a great place to stay in Dubrovnik.
You haven't seen Dubrovnik until you’ve explored its historic heart of marble and gleaming baroque architecture wedged within the old city walls. And its main street, Stradun, is simply one of the most beautiful streets in Europe.
To many, Stradun – also known as Placa – is Dubrovnik, that glistening marble-paved thoroughfare that runs between Pile and Ploče Gates. This route takes a leisurely tour along this main artery and off to the many museums, galleries and squares within the walls of the old town, all of which are pedestrianised.
With its cavalcade of historical buildings, maze-like alleyways and imposing town walls, the Old Town is by far one of the best areas to stay in Dubrovnik. Almost all the available accommodation is in historic houses of considerable vintage, so expect an evocative whiff of history wherever you choose to stay. One word of warning: the Old Town is full of steps and will not suit those with baby buggies or mobility issues.
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Just east of the Old Town, Ploče offers a quieter, more residential experience while keeping you close to Dubrovnik's highlights. This district slopes gently toward Banje Beach, a lively stretch lined with bars and restaurants, making it a convenient spot for sunbathing and people-watching. If you're after something more indulgent, the luxurious hotels beyond the beach each offer private seafronts and stunning views of the island of Lokrum.
A walk from Ploče Gate northeast along the coast road is a great way to escape the crowds, especially in summer when the Old Town fills up with cruise ship passengers. This peaceful route takes you past the Museum of Modern Art and ends at a secluded cove. If you're feeling adventurous, a detour to Mount Srđ is well worth it. The panoramic views from the top will give you a whole new appreciation of Dubrovnik’s stunning coastline.
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Boninovo, with its dramatic cliffs and rugged coastline, offers one of the most convenient places to stay in Dubrovnik. Perfectly positioned between the historic Old Town and the ferry port at Gruž, it’s an ideal spot if you want to explore both areas on foot.
The area also features one of Dubrovnik's most atmospheric spots: the city’s cemetery, where evocative funerary sculptures mingle with lush subtropical plants. Nearby, you'll find the Slavica open-air cinema, a hidden gem where you can enjoy cult films under the stars on warm summer nights. Boninovo gives you easy access to the city while offering a quiet retreat with stunning views and unique local charm.
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Gruž, situated across the water from Dubrovnik's Old Town, might not be packed with tourist attractions, but it offers a slice of authentic local life. The lively markets here are its main draw, with vendors selling fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish—perfect for getting a feel of daily life in Dubrovnik. More importantly, Gruž is the departure point for catamarans to Mljet and ferries to Mljet, Korčula, and Split, making it a key hub for exploring the nearby islands. It's also where the massive cruise ships dock, and there are plans to develop a new giant aquarium in the area.
The long-distance bus station, Autobusni Kolodvor, is conveniently close to the harbor, making Gruž a practical stop for travelers. If you have some spare time, take a morning wander through the area when it's at its busiest—this gives you a glimpse of Dubrovnik far removed from the tourist-heavy Old Town.
Like the nearby Lapad district, Gruž is seeing more restaurants and cafés popping up, catering to both locals and visitors. Amfora, in particular, is a restaurant worth seeking out for a satisfying meal.
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Just beyond Boninovo, the Lapad peninsula is a favourite for both locals and visitors. Known for Lapad Beach and the bustling outdoor cafés along Kralja Zvonimira, it's the ideal spot for coffee lovers—this is where Dubrovnik’s café culture comes to life. If you're planning a family holiday, Lapad is the best area to stay in Dubrovnik, with its family-friendly vibe and convenient amenities.
A walk around the peninsula will lead you to some of Dubrovnik’s most popular beaches, especially during the summer months. Even off-season, the views of the Adriatic are stunning, making it a year-round destination for scenic strolls.
Lapad also hosts the majority of Dubrovnik’s hotels, making it a convenient place to stay. It’s a short bus ride from the Old Town and close to Gruž harbour, which makes it easy to get around. Though new developments are gradually transforming the area, Lapad still retains its charm with tree-lined streets, picturesque bays, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for families. Exploring the peninsula is a wonderful way to enjoy Dubrovnik beyond the historic centre.
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Where Zvonimira meets Uvala Lapad and the broad beach with its giant concrete slide at the water’s edge. You’ll also see the beginning of a narrow path on the right that leads westwards along the coast.
This is the start of a pleasant walk around the Babin Kuk peninsula, with pine trees framing crystal-clear waters, oleanders drooping from gardens, people fishing from the rocks, cats dozing in the sun and plenty of opportunities to swim from the rocks.
Although ladders have been conveniently placed to help you in and out, many of the rocky paths leading to the sea need a certain amount of sure-footedness, particularly on the way down.
Sprawling across a knobbly promontory 5km west of the Old Town, Babin Kduk tourist settlement was built in the 1970s to attract well-heeled Western tourists. Top American architect Edward Durell Stone was drafted in to handle design duties, creating a mixture of manicured gardens and untamed maquis.
The peninsula also boasts well-tended family beaches, seaside walks and a range of activities for kids. The #6 bus runs down to the Old Town every ten minutes, so you never feel cut off.
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The Pile area is situated opposite the Pile Gates, one of Dubrovnik's popular attractions, on the western side of the Old Town. It is a small but very lively neighbourhood of Dubrovnik.
Pile is an important transport hub for the city so it is well known for frequent traffic jams. Keep in mind that tourists peak in the summer months and this part of the city is quite busy at these times. There are many restaurants, cafes, shops and businesses. This is by far one of the best areas to stay in Dubrovnik.
There is usually a bit of a scrum outside the Pile Gate as passengers are disgorged from tour group buses. Above it all, a figure of Sveti Vlaho (St Blaise), the city’s patron, holding a model of Dubrovnik, looks down with a benign expression. Through the gate and down a few steps is the inner gate, and immediately to the left, inside the fortifications, is one of the three entrances to the City Walls.
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Located just a short drive from Dubrovnik, Mlini and Srebreno Bay offer a peaceful retreat along the Adriatic coast. If you're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere away from the crowds, these neighbouring villages are ideal. Mlini is known for its charming waterfront lined with traditional stone houses, small pebbled beaches, and quiet coves. The village's name, derived from the mills that once operated along the river, adds to its quaint and tranquil vibe.
Srebreno Bay, right next door, features a long stretch of beach backed by a promenade dotted with modern cafés and restaurants. It’s an excellent spot for families, with calm waters perfect for swimming and plenty of amenities close by. The beachside atmosphere here is more laid-back compared to Dubrovnik’s busier shores.
Both Mlini and Srebreno are well-connected to Dubrovnik via regular boat and bus services, making it easy to explore the city while enjoying a quieter base.
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written by
Jonathan Bousfield
updated 25.08.2024
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Croatia