Where to stay in Dubrovnik

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 where to stay in Dubrovnik.

Where to stay in Dubrovnik? The best areas

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.

Choosing where to stay in Dubrovnik is often the most challenging part when building an itinerary for Croatia, but no matter your preference, this city has something to match your style.

Old Town: best area to stay in Dubrovnik for first timers

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 where 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. 

Where to stay in Old Town

• Best for a boutique stay: Prijeko Palace. This boutique hotel is housed in a fabulously restored 14th-century mansion, packed full of contemporary artworks. A beautiful Michelin-listed restaurant is situated on the amazing roof terrace.
• Best for rooms with a view: Old Town Port Apartments. Located in the very centre of Dubrovnik Old Town, Old Town Port Apartments is just steps off the famous Stradun Promenade and features apartments and studios with unique views of the sea and Old Harbour. All units are uniquely furnished and feature modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning.
• Best for home comforts: Amoret Apartments. Choose from 15 apartments set in four former palaces near the cathedral, all furnished with antiques and family heirlooms. The one-bedroom flats have full kitchens, but if you don’t plan to cook much, the studio flats with small kitchenettes are a good budget option.

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Ploče: best area to stay for luxury

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.

Where to stay near Ploče

• Best for a boutique stay: Heritage Boutique Hotel Adriatic. Situated in a prime location, this boutique hotel offers a blend of historical charm and modern comfort. With its elegant decor and personalized service, it provides a unique and luxurious experience for guests looking to immerse themselves in Dubrovnik's rich heritage.
• Best for all-round luxury: Hotel Excelsior. About five minutes’ walk from the Ploče Gate is this large five-star hotel with splendid views of the old town. The hotel dates from 1913 but has a thoroughly contemporary interior, along with an outdoor and indoor pool and well-equipped spa
• Best for a swish hideaway: Villa Dubrovnik. A secluded modern building hidden below the coastal road, Hotel Villa Dubrovnik offers spacious luxury rooms and meticulous attention-to-detail service.

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Rough Guides tip: If you haven't decided where to go in Croatia yet, also research the best things to do there and the best places to stay and you might find it easier to decide.

Boninovo: best area to stay for quiet charm and coastal views

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.

Where to stay in Boninovo

• Best for boutique stay: Hotel Bellevue. The cliff-hugging Hotel Bellevue is arranged vertically, with reception is at the top of the cliff and luxury rooms at the bottom. At the hotel's feet, you'll find a secluded pebble beach.
• Best for middle-of-the-road comforts: Hotel Lero. Hotel Lero is one of those unspectacular but highly efficient medium-range hotels. Delivering on all levels, including the kind of lavish breakfast spread that gets you up in the morning.
• Best for watching storms: Rixos Premium. Another dramatically situated cliff-side hotel, the Rixos Libertas has become something of a Dubrovnik trademark due to its distinctive, terraced-curve design. The bottom floor of the hotel is right by the shore and is sprayed by waves whenever the sea gets choppy.

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Gruž: best for local vibes

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 harbour, making Gruž a practical stop for travellers. 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.

Where to stay in Gruž

• Best for a boutique stay: Boutique Hotel Porto. This charming hotel combines contemporary design with local touches, offering a cosy and stylish retreat. Located conveniently close to the port, it provides easy access to both the Old Town and nearby islands.
• Best for a peaceful location: Hotel Lapad. This attractive 19th-century building with a modern wing is on the Lapad side of Gruž Harbour, 3km (2 miles) from the Pile Gate and on a bus route. Rooms in the new wing have air conditioning. There’s a pool and a boat service to the nearest beach in summer.
• Best for convinience: Apartments Gabrieri: Featuring an outdoor pool and a furnished terrace, this apartment offers self-catering accommodation in Dubrovnik's Gruz neighbourhood. The apartment is 2.4 km from Stradun and 2.5 km from Dubrovnik Wall.

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The Lapad Peninsula: best for beaches and family-friendly fun

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.

Where to stay in the Lapad Peninsula

• Best for a boutique stay: Hotel More. Perched on the Lapad Peninsula, Hotel More is a sophisticated boutique hotel known for its unique cave bar and stunning sea views. With its elegant rooms, excellent dining options, and direct access to the Adriatic.
• Best for honeymoons: L’Orangerie. Offering a terrace in each unit, Dubrovnik Luxury Residence – L’Orangerie is located only a few steps from a pebbly beach in Dubrovnik and provides air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi access. The UNESCO-protected Dubrovnik Old Town is 3.5 km away. Free garage parking is provided on-site.
• Best for sea views: Hotel Splendid. The Splendid backs straight on to the beach and bay. It’s somewhat impersonal but comfortable and efficient, and many rooms have balconies and sea views

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Did you know that Croatia is the perfect honeymoon destination? With stunning coastlines, historic cities and romantic beaches, it's perfect for creating unforgettable memories of a lifetime together.

Babin Kuk: best area to stay for relaxed resorts

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.

Where to stay in Babin Kuk

• Best for a boutique stay: Dubrovnik President Hotel. The President is the epitome of Adriatic cool. Made up of garden-covered terraces descending the hillside towards a small beach, it also faces the Elaphite Islands. Rooms come with blissful maritime views.
• Best for value: Tirena Hotel. The Tirena Sunny is a rather stylish example of what hotel architecture was like in the good old days. Expect broad stairwells, high-ceilinged rooms and lots of light and space.
• Best for spa: Argosy Hotel. Featuring indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a restaurant and a wellness centre, Valamar Argosy Hotel is located in Babin Kuk, 5.7 km from Dubrovnik Old Town. The hotel overlooks the Adriatic Sea and offers stylish rooms with free WiFi in all areas.

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Pile: best area with a lively atmosphere near the Old Town

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 where 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.

Where to stay in Pile

• Best for a boutique stay: 7oaks Noble House. This exquisitely restored 16th-century noble house offers a truly unique boutique experience. With just a handful of rooms, each individually designed to blend historical features.
• Best for couples: Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik. Carved into a cliff is this luxurious hotel built overlooking Miramare Bay. Each of the 93 rooms has a sea view. Lots of local wood and stone have been used in the design, and rooms feature paintings by prestigious Croatian artists.
• Best for patio with a view: Apartments Novak. Set 600 m from Dubrovnik’s Old Town and Banje Beach, Apartments Novak features air-conditioned accommodation with sea views. Each apartment or studio comes with a furnished balcony or a patio.

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Mlini and Srebreno Bay: best for tranquil beach days

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.

Where to stay in Mlini and Srebreno Bay

• Best for a boutique stay: One Suite Hotel. This modern and stylish boutique hotel offers spacious suites with contemporary design. Featuring a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the Adriatic, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
• Best for luxury and amenities: Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel. This expansive resort offers a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. With its beachfront location, multiple swimming pools, spa facilities, and various dining options.
• Best for traditional charm: Palace Natali. Housed in a beautifully restored villa, Palace Natali offers a glimpse into the region's rich history while providing modern comforts. With its lush gardens, sea views, and personalized service.

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