Where to Stay in Dubrovnik: A Neighborhood Guide

Choosing the right neighborhood in Dubrovnik can transform your trip from good to unforgettable. Each area has its own personality, price range, and set of advantages. Whether you are a solo backpacker, a couple on a romantic escape, or a family with young kids, there is a perfect base waiting for you.

This guide walks you through Dubrovnik's key neighborhoods so you can book with confidence.

Neighborhood Overview

1. Old Town — UNESCO-listed walled city with marble streets

Best for: First-time visitors, easy access to top sights

This is the most popular area for tourists, and for good reason. You are walking distance from City Walls walk and Fort Lovrijenac, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and transport links nearby.

• Vibe: Bustling, convenient, tourist-friendly
• Budget: $49–$160 per night
• Drawback: Can feel crowded during July and August — cruise ship overload and extreme heat

2. Gruž — port area with daily market and local restaurants

Best for: Culture lovers, foodies, budget travelers

A more authentic feel with local eateries serving dishes like Black Risotto (Crni Rižot) — squid ink risotto with cuttlefish at genuinely local prices. This area rewards wandering — every side street holds a surprise.

• Vibe: Authentic, walkable, slightly gritty in the best way
• Budget: $18–$49 per night
• Drawback: Fewer high-end accommodation options

3. Ploče — upscale area east of Old Town with luxury hotels

Best for: Couples, nightlife seekers, luxury travelers

The upscale side of Dubrovnik. Expect sleek hotels, rooftop bars, and proximity to Buža Bars — cliff-edge cocktails outside the city walls. If you want Sunset drinks at Buža Bar perched on the cliff outside the walls within walking distance, this is your spot.

• Vibe: Modern, polished, lively after dark
• Budget: $56–$200 per night
• Drawback: Higher prices across the board

4. Babin Kuk — resort area with pebble beaches and pools

Best for: Families, long-stay travelers, peace and quiet

Spacious accommodation, parks, and a slower pace of life. Kayaking around the city walls with guided family tours are easily accessible, and you will find vacation rentals with kitchens — a game-changer for families.

• Vibe: Residential, relaxed, spacious
• Budget: $15–$42 per night
• Drawback: Requires transport to reach the center

5. Lapad — beach peninsula with hotels and seaside promenades

Best for: Repeat visitors, off-the-beaten-path seekers

A neighborhood most tourists never discover. Staying here puts you closer to Old Town Stradun and gives you bragging rights among well-traveled friends.

• Vibe: Local, undiscovered, rewarding
• Budget: $15–$42 per night
• Drawback: Limited English signage and fewer tourist amenities

Best Area by Traveler Type

Traveler Type	Recommended Area	Why
Solo traveler	Gruž — port area with daily market and local restaurants	Social hostels, walkable, affordable eats
Couple	Ploče — upscale area east of Old Town with luxury hotels	Candlelit seafood dinner on a terrace overlooking the Old Port, great dining
Family	Babin Kuk — resort area with pebble beaches and pools	Dubrovnik Aquarium inside the St. John's Fortress
Budget	Gruž — port area with daily market and local restaurants	Lowest accommodation prices, local food deals
Luxury	Ploče — upscale area east of Old Town with luxury hotels	Premium hotels, fine dining, nightlife

Accommodation Tips

1. Book early for peak season (July and August — cruise ship overload and extreme heat) — the best places fill up 2–3 months ahead.
2. Read recent reviews — a hotel from 2023 might be under new management now.
3. Check the walk score — staying near a transit stop saves you taxi money every day.
4. Consider vacation rentals for stays of 4+ nights, especially for families or groups.

Pro Tips

• Currency: The local currency is Euro (€). Many places accept cards, but carry some cash for small purchases.
• Safety: Dubrovnik is very safe with negligible violent crime
• Transport: Dubrovnik is small and walkable — Old Town is entirely pedestrian

Our Recommendation

For most first-time visitors, Old Town — UNESCO-listed walled city with marble streets offers the best balance of convenience, value, and atmosphere. If you are on a tight budget, look at Gruž — port area with daily market and local restaurants instead — you will save on accommodation without sacrificing the experience.

---

Planning a trip to Dubrovnik? Let TripGenie create your perfect itinerary — it's free and takes just 60 seconds.