When I took a solo adventure along the Croatian coast, I arrived in Dubrovnik from Makarska and spent a night in the city before heading off to Mljet on an island adventure. A couple of days later, I returned for a five-night stay, ready to really experience Dubrovnik.
During my time in the city, I ended up staying in three different areas of Dubrovnik, while exploring the other main neighbourhoods on foot. This gave me a good feel for what each area is like and what makes it a good place to stay, from being close to the main sights to having easy access to the islands or somewhere quieter to retreat to.
So, if you’re wondering where to stay in Dubrovnik, this guide breaks down the best areas to stay, who each one is suited to, and what you can expect from staying there.
Where to Stay in Dubrovnik: Best Areas & Accommodation
When deciding where to stay in Dubrovnik, the best area really depends on what you want from your trip. Dubrovnik’s different neighbourhoods each offer something quite different, whether you’re looking to be in the heart of the historic city, close to the beach, or somewhere with easy access to the ferries.
During my trip, I stayed in Gruž, the Old Town and Ploče. I originally stayed in Gruž because it made it super easy to catch a ferry to Mljet the following morning. After my time on the island, I returned to Dubrovnik and spent a night in Old Town Hostel before moving to Love Dubrovnik Hostel in Ploče for the rest of my stay.
The main areas to consider are:
Old Town – for history, sights and being in the heart of the action
Ploče – for Old Town access, views and a quieter feel
Gruž – for ferries, transport and a more local atmosphere
Lapad – for beaches, restaurants and a more relaxed stay
Babin Kuk – for resorts, beaches and a quieter base
What’s the best area to stay in Dubrovnik?
1. Dubrovnik Old Town
Best for: First-time visitors & sightseeing
If you’re taking a trip to Dubrovnik for the first time, there’s a 99.9% chance visiting the Old Town is on your itinerary – it’s really the heart of the city. When you think of Dubrovnik, you’re probably picturing the Old Town, with its iconic city walls, cobbled streets and terracotta roofs. But while it’s the most visited area, is the Old Town actually the best area to stay in Dubrovnik?
I spent just one night sleeping within the city walls. It’s one of the most sought-after areas to stay in Dubrovnik, and because I was booking literally last minute, the good hostels were already booked up for longer stays and/or were more expensive than elsewhere in the city. But I wanted to experience at least one night in the heart of Dubrovnik, and I’m really glad I did!
I loved being able to walk out of my hostel and be right in the heart of the most vibrant area of Dubrovnik. Staying in the Old Town is super convenient — you’re surrounded by the city’s historic sights, restaurants, bars and plenty of things to see and do, from walking the city walls to hopping on the ferry from the Old Port for a day trip to Lokrum Island.
Especially at night as a solo traveller, it’s nice to have somewhere that’s well lit, has plenty of people around and a good atmosphere for a wander – and where you can grab an ice cream to take with you!
Staying in the Old Town also makes it easier to experience this part of Dubrovnik without the peak daytime crowds, which can be a bit overwhelming! When I wandered around later at night, it was so nice to see it much quieter, yet still lively. Waking up in the Old Town and heading out for a walk early (but not too early!) is also something I’d definitely recommend – it’s genuinely so much quieter before most of the day-trippers arrive.
Of course there are some drawbacks to staying in this area, and they’re worth considering before booking:
- It’s more expensive: As one of the most popular areas to stay in Dubrovnik, accommodation in the Old Town can be more expensive than elsewhere in the city.
- It gets very busy: The Old Town can be extremely crowded during the day, particularly when day-trippers arrive – you may prefer to stay in a quieter area.
- Cobbled streets and lots of steps: The Old Town is pedestrian-only, with narrow, cobbled streets and steep staircases which can make getting around with luggage a bit of a pain, so it’s worth checking the exact location of your accommodation if you’re travelling with heavy luggage or have mobility concerns. I was pretty glad I was travelling with a backpack rather than a suitcase when navigating through the crowds and up the stairs!
- Noisy at night: At Old Town Hostel, I could hear people at the restaurants below until around 11pm, but after that it really quietened down, so it didn’t bother me when I was sleeping. This will obviously depend on exactly where your accommodation is located, though!
Where to stay in Dubrovnik Old Town
Recommended budget option: Old Town Hostel
Recommended hotel: Boutique Hotel Stari Grad
Recommended apartment: Villa Flores
I stayed at Old Town Hostel, which is just off Stradun, the main street – the location was actually perfect and didn’t involve any stairs to get to the entrance! It’s also really close to Pile Gate, where the main bus stops for the Old Town are located, so I didn’t have to walk far from the bus with my luggage. The hostel itself was pretty decent too – I stayed in a spacious four-bed dorm, cooked my dinner in the kitchen and found it had a nice, friendly atmosphere.
➡️ Check current prices and availability at Old Town Hostel
If you’re looking for other budget-friendly options, Hostel & Rooms Ana, Hostel Angelina and King’s Landing Hostel are popular choices!
If you’re not travelling solo or looking for a budget stay, there are also plenty of hotels, apartments and guesthouses within the Old Town, so you can still enjoy the convenience of staying right in the heart of Dubrovnik.
➡️ Browse hotels and apartments in Dubrovnik Old Town
Who is Dubrovnik Old Town best for?
I’d recommend the Old Town if you want to be right in the heart of Dubrovnik, with the city’s main sights, restaurants and bars on your doorstep. It’s particularly convenient for a short visit or if, like me, you enjoy being able to wander around in the evening without needing transport.
If you’re looking for cheaper accommodation or a quieter base, though, one of the surrounding areas may suit you better.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that Dubrovnik’s Old Town isn’t particularly big, so you don’t necessarily need to stay within the city walls to experience it. The surrounding neighbourhoods are still within easy walking distance, meaning you can stay somewhere quieter or potentially get better value while still being close to everything.
2. Ploče
Best for: Old Town access, views & a quieter base
Fancy easy Old Town access without staying directly in it?
Ploče is where I spent most of my time in Dubrovnik, staying for four nights just a few minutes’ walk from Ploče Gate, the Old Town’s eastern entrance. Stretching along the coastline past Banje Beach, it’s a great base for exploring the historic centre while staying somewhere a little quieter.
A stay in Ploče turned out to be pretty perfect for my trip – and it just might be the best area for your stay in Dubrovnik, too!
I loved having such easy access to the Old Town while staying somewhere a little quieter. Honestly, as soon as you leave the Old Town gates, there really is a bit more of a sense of calm! As much as I loved staying within the city walls too, it was nice to escape the crowds at the end of the day while still being just a few minutes’ walk away.
Ploče is also a great starting point for exploring beyond the Old Town. The Dubrovnik Cable Car is located here – one of the city’s most popular attractions. And if you’re like me and prefer hiking up Mount Srđ, the trailhead isn’t far away – it was less than a 20-minute walk from my accommodation.
Ploče is also a convenient area for transport, particularly for airport transfers. The airport bus stops at the Cable Car, which was ideal for me catching my flight out of Croatia as I was staying nearby. When I took a day trip to Mostar from Dubrovnik, I was also able to get picked up from that stop, meaning I only had to walk a couple of minutes to my early morning pick-up point. Of course, not all accommodation in Ploče is as close to the stop as mine was!
Another advantage of staying in Ploče is the views. Because the neighbourhood climbs up the hillside, some accommodation has views back towards the Old Town and out over the Adriatic. Just bear in mind that those views can come with a bit of a climb! The hills and stairs can be one of the main downsides of staying in Ploče, so I’d definitely recommend checking the exact location of your accommodation and making sure you’re happy with the route before booking.
For me, Ploče ended up being the sweet spot between staying in the Old Town and having somewhere a little quieter to come back to.
Where to stay in Ploče
Recommended budget option: Love Dubrovnik Hostel
Recommended hotel: Hotel Excelsior
Recommended apartment: Villa Ragusa Vecchia
If you’re prioritising convenience, I’d look for accommodation around Ploče Gate and the lower part of the neighbourhood. You’ll be close to the Old Town without being right in the middle of it, while still having easy access to the coast and the wider Ploče area, as well as the transport connections around the Cable Car station.
I stayed in Love Dubrovnik Hostel, and the location in Ploče was honestly ideal. It’s definitely one of the hostel’s biggest highlights – just a few minutes’ walk from Ploče Gate, making it one of the closest hostels to the Old Town without actually being in it. It’s also in the lower part of Ploče, which meant I didn’t have any climbing to get to it!
The hostel itself worked well for me – it was very quiet and chill during my stay, but I was kind of after that vibe! The female-only dorm I stayed in was also really spacious, and I liked that it had a separate little entrance area where you could get ready without waking everyone up. It definitely came in handy before 6am when I had to head off for my Mostar day trip! I also really appreciated having a kitchen, which helped me keep my food costs down in Dubrovnik – although I did make a good few trips to the bakery right by Ploče Gate!
➡️ Check current prices and availability at Love Dubrovnik Hostel
If you’re not looking for a hostel, there are also plenty of apartments, guesthouses and hotels in Ploče. I’d still recommend prioritising somewhere in the lower part of the neighbourhood if you want easy Old Town access and want to avoid a steep climb.
3. Lapad
Best for: Beaches, restaurants & a relaxed atmosphere
Want to stay somewhere a little more relaxed, with beaches right on your doorstep?
Lapad is located around 4km from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, placing it in a much quieter spot than the busy central areas.
It’s a great place to stay for easy beach access, with Uvala Lapad Beach being the main beach. This pebbled beach is fairly sheltered, with calm waters that are ideal for going in for a dip – and it’s one of the better beach options if you’re travelling with kids.
You can still easily head into the Old Town from here, too. Buses connect the two, although Google Maps doesn’t seem to show the routes. You can check Dubrovnik’s bus lines here, or download the LibertasApp.
So, I didn’t actually stay in Lapad myself, but I did spend an afternoon exploring the area. Arriving into the beach area felt very different to being around the Old Town – I was definitely getting more of a relaxed, coastal holiday atmosphere. After walking there from Ploče, spending some time on the main beach was a must, and there was no resisting going in for a dip!
The Lapad Peninsula also gives you plenty more to explore beyond the main beach. I followed the coastal path from the beach as far as the point on Google Maps labelled ‘Sunset view’, and the walk around here was so lovely. The only thing I regret is not having more time to explore further, especially the other side where more popular beaches such as Copacabana Beach sit. If staying in the area, though, you’ll have plenty of time for that!
The Lapad Promenade (Šetalište kralja Zvonimira) is just steps from the beach and is home to bars, cafés, restaurants, ice cream shops and more, making it a great spot for grabbing a bite to eat or stopping for a drink after a day at the beach, or when you return from exploring elsewhere and want somewhere to spend the evening. Prices can also be a little more reasonable than in the Old Town.
If you’re planning some island adventures, Lapad can also be a handy base. Parts of the neighbourhood are close to Gruž Harbour, where many of Dubrovnik’s ferries depart. Lapad is quite spread out, though, so it’s worth checking the location of your accommodation if easy access to the harbour is important to you. Organised day trips can also have pickup points in Lapad, depending on the tour operator.
The main downside to staying in Lapad is that you’re further from the Old Town, so you’ll need to factor in the bus journey if you’re planning to head into the historic centre regularly.
Where to stay in Lapad
Recommended budget option: Dubrovnik Backpackers Club
Recommended hotel: Hotel Splendid
Recommended apartment: Oliva Boutique Apartments
If you’re staying in Lapad, I’d look for accommodation around Uvala Lapad Beach and the Lapad Promenade. This will put you close to the beach, restaurants and cafés, while still giving you easy access to buses into the Old Town.
There are plenty of hotels, apartments and guesthouses around this part of Lapad, with options for different budgets.
➡️ Check accommodation prices and availability in Lapad
4. Babin Kuk
Best for: Beach resorts, swimming & a resort-style stay
Babin Kuk is essentially part of the wider Lapad Peninsula, sitting at its western end. So, if you’re wondering why you’re seeing both Lapad and Babin Kuk listed as separate areas, it’s because they’re really more like different parts of the same peninsula.
I only briefly touched on Babin Kuk while exploring Lapad, so I didn’t get to experience staying here myself. However, if you’re looking for a quieter, more resort-style base by the coast, it’s definitely another area worth considering. You’ll still have beaches, coastal walks and restaurants nearby, while buses make it possible to head into the Old Town when you want to explore. It’s a great place to stay if you’re looking to really mix a sightseeing trip with a beach holiday.
One thing to keep in mind is that Babin Kuk and Lapad aren’t completely separate worlds. There’s plenty of overlap between the two, and exactly where you stay will make more difference than simply choosing one area name over the other. If you want to be closer to the main Lapad beach and promenade, I’d look towards Lapad; if you’re happy being further along the peninsula and like the idea of a more resort-focused stay, Babin Kuk could be a better fit.
Where to stay in Babin Kuk
Recommended budget option: Dubrovnik Backpackers Club
Recommended hotel: Royal Neptun Hotel
Recommended apartment: Aida Apartments
If you’re looking for more of a resort-style stay, Babin Kuk is worth considering. There are plenty of larger hotels here, with options ranging from more affordable stays to resorts with swimming pools, spa facilities and sea views.
It’s a good choice if you want to combine exploring Dubrovnik with plenty of time relaxing by the coast.
➡️ Check hotels and resorts in Babin Kuk
5. Gruž
Best for: Island hopping, ferries & budget-friendly stays
Gruž is one of the most well-connected and affordable places to stay in Dubrovnik. If you’re planning plenty of island day trips, it just might be the best place to stay thanks to it being the city’s main transport hub, with the main bus station and ferry port. It’s also worth considering if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly base in Dubrovnik.
I stayed in Gruž for my first night in Dubrovnik, mainly because I was catching an early ferry to Mljet the following morning. It turned out to be a really convenient base. My bus from Makarska arrived at the main bus station in the late afternoon, so booking accommodation in Gruž meant I could walk straight to my accommodation. The next morning, I could simply walk to the ferry port before returning a couple of days later and heading into the Old Town.
I also had a little wander around Gruž that evening, walking around the harbour, which was a lovely way to spend golden hour. It definitely doesn’t have that buzz of the Old Town, but it does have more of a local feel, which is quite nice to experience.
There are also a couple of large supermarkets in the area, which is handy if you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen and want to cook for yourself and keep your costs down. Supermarkets around the Old Town, for example, are much smaller and more expensive!
The main downside to staying in Gruž is that the Old Town is around 3km away, but it’s easy to hop on a bus there, or you could walk it. It’s also a much more practical area than a pretty one, so if you’re looking for the classic Dubrovnik atmosphere right outside your accommodation, somewhere like the Old Town or Ploče might suit you better.
For me, Gruž worked well as a convenient pit-stop before catching a morning ferry, but for a longer stay, I’d rather be closer to the heart of the action or have a beach on my doorstep! If you’re planning plenty of island trips or really trying to stick to a budget, though, Gruž might be just what you’re looking for.
Where to stay in Gruž
Recommended budget option: Hostel Petra Marina
Recommended hotel: Berkeley Hotel
Recommended apartment: Apartment Anita
If you’re staying in Gruž, I’d look for accommodation within easy walking distance of the bus station and ferry port, particularly if you’re catching an early ferry or arriving by bus.
I stayed in an 8-bed dorm in Anchi Guesthouse, which was in an ideal location – a five-minute walk from the bus and ferry. It wasn’t my favourite hostel stay – the room was very hot and more bathrooms were needed! That said, it worked absolutely fine for what I needed for the one night, and it was much cheaper than other Dubrovnik options. They do also have private rooms, so if you’re not travelling solo they could be a better shout if you want to check it out.
If you’re travelling solo and looking for a hostel, Hostel Petra Marina would also be worth checking (it would probably be my top choice!). It’s more expensive, but has higher ratings than Anchi Guesthouse.
If you’re not looking for a hostel, there are also plenty of apartments, guesthouses and hotels around Gruž, which can be a good-value alternative to staying closer to the Old Town.
➡️ Check accommodation options in Gruž
Which area of Dubrovnik should you stay in?
Still not sure where to stay in Dubrovnik? Here’s a quick summary of which neighbourhood I’d recommend depending on what you’re looking for.
Stay in Old Town if…
it’s your first visit and you want to be within walking distance of the main sights, historic streets, restaurants and bars. It’s particularly convenient for a short city break, although accommodation here can be more expensive and the streets get busy during the day.
Stay in Ploče if…
you want to be close to the Old Town without staying right in the middle of it. It’s a great all-round option, with easy access to the historic centre, coastal walks, Banje Beach and the Cable Car. I’d especially recommend it if you want a quieter base while still being close to the action.
Stay in Lapad if…
you want to combine sightseeing with some time at the beach. With its promenade, restaurants and relaxed coastal atmosphere, it’s a great choice for a longer stay or a holiday where you want to mix exploring Dubrovnik with swimming and sunbathing.
Stay in Babin Kuk if…
you’re looking for a more resort-style holiday, with larger hotels, beaches and facilities that make it easy to spend plenty of time relaxing by the sea. It’s particularly worth considering if you’re travelling as a couple or family and want a beach-focused stay.
Stay in Gruž if…
you’re planning island-hopping adventures, arriving by bus or looking for a more budget-friendly base. It’s especially convenient if you’re catching an early ferry, although you’ll need to travel further to reach the Old Town.
Ultimately, there’s no single best area to stay in Dubrovnik. If it’s your first visit and sightseeing is your priority, I’d look at the Old Town or Ploče. If you’re after a beach holiday, Lapad or Babin Kuk may suit you better, while Gruž makes a practical base for island adventures and budget-conscious travellers.
Where did I prefer staying in Dubrovnik?
For my own trip, the three areas I stayed in – the Old Town, Ploče and Gruž – all worked really well in their own ways.
If I had to choose a favourite, though, I’d go with Ploče.
Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely loved waking up right in the Old Town and being able to wander straight out into its historic streets. But for a longer stay, Ploče was the perfect base. I loved being able to escape the busier atmosphere at the end of the day while still being just a five-minute walk from the main action.
Another thing I appreciated about staying outside the Old Town was that it encouraged me to explore more of Dubrovnik. When you’re staying right in the heart of a city, it’s easy to spend your entire trip there without venturing much further. Staying in Ploče meant I had the Old Town on my doorstep, but also had more opportunities to explore the surrounding coastline and other parts of the city.
As for Gruž, it was ideal for my first night in Dubrovnik before catching the ferry to Mljet. Being so close to the bus station and harbour made everything much easier, and I enjoyed getting a glimpse of a more local side of the city, too.
If you’re visiting Dubrovnik for the first time, I’d personally recommend looking at Ploče or the Old Town first! : )
