Where to Stay in Dubrovnik 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Dubrovnik accommodation divides between the magical but expensive Old Town, the beaches of Lapad peninsula, and budget options in Gruž harbor area. The compact historic center means staying outside walls isn't a major inconvenience - buses run frequently. Peak summer and cruise ship days see dramatic overcrowding, making neighborhood choice crucial for escaping crowds.
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Pile / Just Outside Old Town
Best balance of price, convenience, and access. Steps from Pile Gate (main Old Town entrance), near bus hub, and 30-50% cheaper than inside walls. Morning visits to Old Town before cruise ships arrive, then retreat to your apartment.
Old Town
Lapad / Babin Kuk
Ploče
Gruž
Pile
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Old Town ground-floor apartments can be noisy with bar crowds until late - request upper floors
- • Avoid booking near Gruž port if cruise ship noise bothers you - ships start early
- • Some 'Old Town' listings are actually in Pile or Ploče - check exact location on map
- • Peak season (July-August) sees 10,000+ cruise passengers daily - consider shoulder season
Understanding Dubrovnik Geography
Dubrovnik clings to a rocky peninsula with the walled Old Town at its heart. The Lapad peninsula juts west with resort hotels and beaches. Gruž harbor separates them with the cruise/ferry port. Buses connect all areas efficiently, and the city is small enough that nowhere is more than 30 minutes away.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Dubrovnik
Old Town (Stari Grad)
Best for: UNESCO walls, Stradun, Game of Thrones filming locations, medieval architecture
"Living medieval museum with marble streets and terracotta roofs"
Pros
- Inside the walls
- Major sights walkable
- Magical atmosphere
Cons
- Very expensive
- Crowded with cruise ships
- No car access
Ploče
Best for: Beach access, Banje Beach, luxury hotels, Old Town proximity
"Upscale residential with stunning Adriatic views"
Pros
- Best beach access
- Quieter than Old Town
- Sea views
Cons
- Expensive
- Uphill walks
- Less historic atmosphere
Pile
Best for: Pile Gate entrance, Fort Lovrijenac, quick Old Town access
"Gateway to Old Town with mix of hotels and apartments"
Pros
- Main bus hub
- Steps from Old Town
- More affordable
Cons
- Busy traffic area
- Less charming outside walls
- Tourist bottleneck
Lapad
Best for: Resort hotels, family beaches, promenade, local restaurants
"Relaxed resort peninsula with pine forests and beaches"
Pros
- Best family beaches
- More affordable
- Resort atmosphere
Cons
- Far from Old Town
- Less authentic
- Touristy restaurants
Gruž
Best for: Cruise port, ferry terminal, local market, budget options
"Working harbor with local Croatian atmosphere"
Pros
- Best value
- Local market
- Ferry access
- Main bus station
Cons
- Not scenic
- Far from sights
- Cruise ship traffic
Babin Kuk
Best for: All-inclusive resorts, Copacabana Beach, water sports, quiet stay
"Resort enclave at peninsula tip with beach clubs"
Pros
- Best resort beaches
- Water sports
- Family facilities
Cons
- Furthest from Old Town
- Isolated
- Resort bubble
Accommodation Budget in Dubrovnik
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
Hostel Angelina Old Town
Old Town
Rare budget option inside walls with dorms and private rooms in a characterful stone building. Communal terrace with rooftop views.
Apartments Kovač
Pile
Well-maintained apartments steps from Pile Gate with sea views and kitchens. Family-run with excellent local tips.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Lero
Lapad
Renovated hotel with pool, spa, and easy beach access. Good bus connections to Old Town. Solid mid-range choice.
Hotel Stari Grad
Old Town
Boutique hotel in 16th-century palace on Stradun with original stone walls and modern comforts. Rooftop breakfast terrace.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Hotel Excelsior
Ploče
Grand 5-star with stunning Old Town and sea views from cliff-side position. Private beach, spa, and legendary terrace restaurant.
Villa Dubrovnik
Ploče
Intimate luxury retreat built into cliffs with infinity pool, private beach cove, and boat shuttle to Old Town. Pure Mediterranean glamour.
Pucić Palace
Old Town
18th-century aristocratic palace on Gundulić Square with antique-filled suites and acclaimed restaurant. The Old Town's finest address.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Hotel Bellevue
Miramare
Cliff-carved modernist hotel with private beach, cave bar, and dramatic architecture. Secluded yet close to Old Town.
Smart Booking Tips for Dubrovnik
- 1 Book 3-6 months ahead for peak summer - Dubrovnik sells out
- 2 Shoulder season (May, June, September, October) offers 40-50% savings and manageable crowds
- 3 Many Old Town apartments have steep stairs and no lifts - ask about access
- 4 Apartment rentals often better value than hotels - full kitchens help with expensive restaurant scene
- 5 City tax €1.35-3.50/night depending on season - paid locally
- 6 Check cruise ship calendar before booking - avoid peak ship days if possible
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
Ready to Visit Dubrovnik?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Dubrovnik?
How much does a hotel cost in Dubrovnik?
What are the main neighborhoods to stay in Dubrovnik?
Are there areas to avoid in Dubrovnik?
When should I book a hotel in Dubrovnik?
More Dubrovnik Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month weather and seasonal tips
Things to Do
Top attractions and hidden gems
Itineraries
Coming soon
Overview
Complete travel guide for Dubrovnik: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.