Where to stay in Dubrovnik the best neighborhoods for tourists

Where to stay in Dubrovnik – areas for rest by the beaches, or in the center of the Old Town, more affordable options with parking, and tips on transportation.

A holiday in Dubrovnik is an opportunity to combine walks through the historic city with its numerous attractions and breathtaking beaches. But what are the best accommodation options in Dubrovnik, where is the best place to spend your vacation, and which are the most beautiful neighborhoods?

This guide is completely dedicated to where to stay in Dubrovnik and its surroundings. In addition, here you’ll find several tips and information about recommended accommodation options that will definitely help you with your travel booking.

The Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik

The Croatian coast has a typical Mediterranean climate – perfect for a seaside holiday. Summers here are hot, dry, and sunny, while winters are a bit cooler with humid weather. The best time to go to Dubrovnik is to enjoy those long-awaited warm and sunny days.

If your Dubrovnik itinerary will focus on beach vacations, the best time to visit is September. At this time, the temperature is not too hot, the sky remains sunny, and the water is warm for swimming. Also, there are fewer crowds during this period.

From June to August in Dubrovnik is the peak summer season. It can be extremely hot and crowded at this time. If you are ready to accept this, it can be a great time to visit. However, you will face crowds during high season and cruise ship passengers. Tip: book your accommodation in advance! Otherwise, you’ll have to overpay or live in a less desirable place.

In the winter months the climate is still relatively mild, but your seaside holiday will be more for walks and breathing fresh air. Winter can be a good time to visit Dubrovnik to avoid the crowds. However, many attractions and restaurants may be closed or operating on a limited schedule. On the plus side, you will see the city without the crazy crowds.

The 5 Best Areas in Dubrovnik for a Holiday

No matter where you decide to stay in Dubrovnik, you will be able to relatively easily visit different areas. Public transport – buses, is reliable and efficient. Uber is also available, which is much cheaper than local taxis.

However, some areas of Dubrovnik are better suited for certain interests than others. You should also be careful in choosing a place to stay if you arrive in Dubrovnik by car – finding parking in the Old Town is quite a quest!

Worth knowing: Starting in 2025, a “special traffic zone” has been introduced in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. A mobile app will be used to regulate tourist bus and taxi operations. The number of taxis allowed to enter the Old Town area will drop from 9,000 to 700.

At the same time, cars with foreign license plates will be completely prohibited from entering. In the suburbs, an open parking lot called Park and Ride will appear, where tourists can leave their cars and then take public transport to the city’s attractions.

Ploče – an Excellent Area for a Beach Holiday

The Ploče district is one of the best tips for accommodation in Dubrovnik. It’s one of the most beautiful neighborhoods directly in the city, located east of the Old Town. Ploče stretches along a picturesque coastline from the famous Banje Beach to Sveti Jakov Beach – one of the city’s most beautiful beaches.

This neighborhood is within walking distance of Dubrovnik’s main attractions. The Old Town itself is only a few minutes’ walk from Ploče. The area also has good bus connections, making it easy to explore the city and its surroundings. It is ideal if you want to combine relaxing on stunning beaches with sightseeing.

Thanks to its seaside location, Ploče has many stylish restaurants. Ploče is also known for its unrivaled views. There is also good accommodation here – most hotels and apartments are located close to the sea. Its location allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of the Old Town. Many accommodations also have their own parking spaces, which is an additional advantage in Dubrovnik.

What to See and Do in Ploče:

Relax on Banje Beach, one of Dubrovnik’s most popular beaches.
Explore the Lazareti buildings – a former quarantine site, now hosting exhibitions, cafes, restaurants, and more.
Admire the majesty of the Ploče Gate as you cross the bridge between the Old Town and Ploče.
Take the cable car up to the summit of Mount Srđ for an unrivaled panoramic view of Dubrovnik, the Adriatic, and beyond. It’s said that on a clear day, you can see up to 60 kilometers away.
View fascinating works by Croatian artists at the Museum of Modern Art.

Top Accommodation and Hotels:

Deluxe Sunset Room, view of the Old Town≫ – A lovely place with incredible views and within walking distance of the beaches and Old Town.
Apartment MAX,free parking≫ – Apartments with a kitchen and other amenities near Banje Beach, with private parking.
Apartments Kirigin≫ – A great place to stay in Dubrovnik. Here, you have a stunning view of Lokrum Island, the Adriatic Sea, and the Old Town. The area is quiet with little tourist flow, near Sveti Jakov Beach.

Dubrovnik Old Town – If You Plan to Immerse Yourself in History

The Old Town is the heart, soul, and center of the city, where Dubrovnik’s most famous and historic landmarks are located. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you stay in the historic center, you will be able to fully experience the incredible atmosphere of this captivating center. While walking, you will get lost in a real labyrinth of stone streets and find an interesting attraction or a romantic spot to rest almost on every corner.

City walls, fascinating museums, and a great variety of bars and restaurants. You will also enjoy stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the pleasant rhythm of life. Also excellent are the neighboring beaches and beach bars under the city walls, where you can relax after sightseeing. The old center also has good bus connections to other parts of the city.

Most accommodation options here are slightly more expensive than those outside the center. However, you have the advantage of staying right in the city center, where no cars are allowed. But if you come by car, it’s better to choose another area due to the expensive parking.

What to See and Do in Dubrovnik Old Town:

Walk along the city walls that stretch for 2 kilometers around Dubrovnik. But be prepared to pay about 30 Euros for a ticket – the beautiful views don’t come cheap.
Explore the lively and vibrant Stradun – the main street of Old Dubrovnik, home to restaurants, cafes, and charming local boutiques.
Admire the stunning Franciscan Monastery, a Baroque church that houses one of the oldest pharmacies in the world.
Stroll around the Rector’s Palace – the former palace of the Grand Council, now a museum dedicated to the history of Dubrovnik.
Discover the Sponza Palace, a Gothic and Renaissance palace.
Enjoy breathtaking views and stunning architecture at Fort Lovrijenac, a landmark that stands almost 40 meters high on a rock above the sea.
Buy bright vegetables and colorful fruit at the farmer’s market Gundulić Square – Dubrovnik’s oldest market.
Experience the impressive beauty and decor of St. Ignatius Loyola Church.
Buy an ice cream and sit on the Porporela promenade, enjoying the views and the taste of cold sweets.

Top Accommodation and Hotels:

Apartments Lepur≫ – Very conveniently located in the Old Town near the Pile Gate. Clean with excellent air conditioning.
Soleil Palace≫ – The apartment is absolutely new and luxurious. The location is excellent, right in the Old Town, so you won’t need to travel to get to different places.
Studio Square≫ – Excellent, clean, stylish apartment. The view from the room and high ceilings make you feel like you’re in a palace. Perfect location in the Old Town. Excellent soundproofing.

Pile – Center of Dubrovnik, but Cheaper than the Old Town

The Pile area is a great option for staying in Dubrovnik. This district borders directly on the gates of the Old Town to the west of the center. Ideal if you want to stay just a few minutes’ walk from the center of Dubrovnik. From Pile, you can also quickly get to excellent city beaches, there are many good restaurants, as well as shopping opportunities. In addition, there is a bus stop in the area. From there, you can easily reach other parts of the city by public transport, such as the Lapad Peninsula or Gruž Harbor.

Staying in Pile is a fantastic mix of apartments in all price ranges, holiday homes for the whole family, as well as an excellent 5-star hotel located near Dubrovnik Old Town. The location is great, with both beaches and the center just a few minutes’ walk away.

Top Accommodation and Hotels:

Guest House Libertas≫ – The rooms are nice and comfortable, and the city view is excellent.
Residence Two Oranges≫ – Located just a 5-minute walk from the Old Town. The apartment is extremely spacious and clean.
Miró Studio Apartments Dubrovnik≫ – Nice small apartment located near the Old Town of Dubrovnik. Although the apartment is small, it has everything you might need for a holiday. The apartment is super clean and comfortable, with a beautiful view of the small bay in front. It is just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town.

Lapad Peninsula – Family Holiday by Beautiful Beaches

Lapad and its area Babin Kuk is one of the most luxurious districts of Dubrovnik. Lush parks, green streets, pristine beaches, and world-class restaurants – it’s all here. Located west of the city on the Lapad peninsula, this tranquil district has good bus connections to the city center, making it easy to explore the main sights.

Families will enjoy staying in Lapad thanks to its excellent beaches and delicious restaurants. If you are looking for the best hotel or private apartments with sea views, this is the place. Thanks to good connections with the city bus and cheap Uber taxis, you can quickly get to the city center.

What to See and Do in Lapad:

Relax on a sun lounger while your little ones play in the water at Lapad Beach, the largest beach in Dubrovnik.
Climb to the top of Petka Hill, a quiet forested area with great views of the Adriatic.
Walk the trails winding through the Velika and Mala Petka forest parks.
Enjoy drinks at Cave Bar – a lively lounge located in a natural cave.
Bask in the sun at Kopakabana Beach.
Rent kayaks and explore the surroundings beyond Lapad and Dubrovnik.
Discover underwater wonders by snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic.
Dine by the sea at Sunset Beach Dubrovnik Restaurant, specializing in Mediterranean and Croatian cuisine.
Kayak tour – this is a fantastic way to explore the beautiful coastline around Dubrovnik. Paddling on Lokrum Island is especially popular.

Top Accommodation and Hotels:

Apartman MAJA≫ – Spacious apartment with a private room, mini kitchen, living room, and separate bedroom. Parking is near the apartment, with a bus stop nearby, taxi to the Old Town costs €6. The beach is great and not far, but down the stairs and further on.
Apartments Martha≫ – Great apartment for a quiet stay with a 10-minute public bus ride to Dubrovnik Old Town. The location is next to a beautiful area with plenty of bars and restaurants. It’s a 10-minute ride by public bus to the Old Town. Great parking and everything you need is in the apartment.
Villa Mimma Dubrovnik≫ – A very comfortable place where you can feel at home. Besides, thanks to the perfect location, you can easily reach anywhere – the beach or the Old Town.

Gruž Harbor District – Budget Holiday in Dubrovnik

The port Gruž district is also where large cruise ships dock. Although this area is not the most charming in Dubrovnik, staying there also has its advantages. Mostly locals live here, and you can find many affordable accommodation options, such as hostels, in the lower price segment. Backpackers appreciating budget accommodation in Dubrovnik will find a good selection here.

Gruž is definitely the best place to stay in Dubrovnik on a limited budget, thanks to a variety of hostels, inexpensive hotels, and charming guesthouses. You will also find delicious Croatian food for little money. Besides the budget options, there are also wonderful boutique hotels with great harbor and cruise ship views. This area is also worth a look if you travel by car – more chances to find accommodation with parking.

This is a working-class residential neighborhood that attracts students. If you want to experience the real Croatian lifestyle, Gruž is just the place for it. Enjoy delicious food, stunning views, and a vibrant atmosphere in this picturesque and lively district.

By bus or taxi you can quickly reach the center, as well as the Lapad Peninsula with its excellent beaches. There are also good offers for harbor tours, and there is a ferry connection to the surrounding islands.

What to See and Do in Gruž:

Visit the Church of the Holy Cross, a Dominican monastery from the 15th-century Renaissance era.
Take a water taxi to neighboring Lapad and spend the day exploring this charming part of Dubrovnik.
Taste the best local craft beer at “Dubrovnik Beer Company”.
See the largest collection of shells and other marine curiosities at the Exhibition of Marine Creatures.
Take the ferry and explore the Elafiti Islands in the Dubrovnik archipelago.
Visit the local farmer’s market, where you’ll find everything from sweets and fragrant flowers to colorful crafts and fresh seafood.
Explore the nearby Sustjepan Peninsula.
Take a day trip to Trsteno and stroll through Croatia’s largest arboretum.
Sip cappuccino while sitting by the sea, gazing at the stunning turquoise waters of Luka Gruž bay.

Tip: If you’re checking bus schedules, download the LibertasApp.
Tickets are best and cheapest bought at official kiosks, which are hard to find but possible. There’s one near the Old Town, Pile Stop. The price difference: with the driver €2.5, at tobacco kiosks €2, at official kiosks €1.8.

Top Accommodation and Hotels:

Apartment One , sea view , free parking≫ – wonderful apartments with sea view, private parking, and a reasonable price. Dubrovnik bus station is also nearby, the bus to the Old Town is five minutes away.
Hostel Sol≫ – Hostel is near the sea port, nearby a bus stop and few tourists in this area. Buffet breakfasts are available. The hostel has private rooms with en-suite bathrooms – prices are very reasonable, everything is clean and tidy. Within walking distance to the main bus station, 7 minutes by bus to the Old Town, restaurants, bakery, supermarket nearby.
Sea Shell Apartments≫ – Spacious apartments with almost everything you need for a stay. Nearby (15-20 steps) is a grocery store, a bus stop to reach the center of Dubrovnik.

Bonus – Cavtat (Cavtat)

The seaside town of Cavtat is located about 20 kilometers from Dubrovnik and is a wonderful choice for a beach holiday. There are good restaurants, cozy cafes, a small beautiful town center with a romantic harbor, and bays for swimming and relaxing. The proximity to Dubrovnik is very convenient – from Cavtat, you can easily reach the Old Town by car, bus, or even taxi. Or climb above Dubrovnik to see it from Mount Srđ.

The selection of accommodation places is also very good. You’ll find many apartments, villas, and hotels in prestigious locations throughout the resort. Many of them are located in the charming harbor or near the beautiful beaches of the seaside town.

Top Hotels and Accommodation:

Guesthouse Marija≫ – Ideal location, very close to the harbor and all bars and restaurants, great views, close to the bus station and town.
Hotel Cavtat≫ – Modern, comfortable hotel with breakfasts, nice views, pool, and friendly staff.
Boutique B&B Villa Faggioni≫ – The villa is located by Cavtat’s promenade where all the restaurants and bars are, yet the room is very quiet and comfortable. Excellent air conditioning, great to have a fridge, and wonderful to have a double view of the sea and city roofs.

Dubrovnik – the best areas for the tourists

The Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik

The 5 Best Areas in Dubrovnik for a Holiday