Are you wondering where to stay in Dubrovnik? Look no further! I’ve stumbled upon an absolute gem — an incredible apartment with stunning views of the Old Town.
I did not expect to like Dubrovnik as much as I did, I tend to stay away from super touristy places, and I think my accommodation had a lot to do with it. I researched for days before deciding on where to stay, so I can’t wait to share everything.
Yes, visiting the “Pearl of the Adriatic” can come with a hefty price tag, but there are places you can stay to keep the costs down.
In this article, I’ll give you a quick overview of the different neighborhoods in Dubrovnik with accommodation options for most budgets.
Don’t have time to read the whole article?
This is, in my mind, the best-value apartment in Dubrovnik. Be ready when bookings open in January; this one sells out fast. It is one of my favorite apartments I’ve stayed in for years.
Article overview
Where to stay in Dubrovnik
When choosing the best place to stay in Dubrovnik it depends on what you’re after. Several popular neighborhoods offer different experiences. Do you want to be in the midst of the hustle and bustle, or enjoy views and calme
I would say the best place to stay in Dubrovnik is within walking distance of the Old Town. It is the best of both worlds, beautiful views but away from the noise.
Old Town
The historic heart of Dubrovnik, the Old Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most popular tourist area.
✅ Staying within the ancient city walls puts you right in the middle of the action, with numerous restaurants, bars, and impressive historic attractions just steps away.
❌ The downside is that accommodations can be pricier and noisier. There are a lot of stairs, so you might have to schlep your luggage quite a bit because no cars are allowed. Also, very few places have outside spaces.
My top pick >> OLD TOWN LEA is a highly-rated cozy apartment close to everything yet tucked away from the main street. You have to see it!
Pile
Pile is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods for visitors to Dubrovnik, just outside Pile Gate, the northern entrance to Old Town. The area boasts a few attractions of its own, including Fort Lovrijenac (one of the highlights for me) and three beaches.
✅ Pile is the best part of Dubrovnik to stay for those wishing to be just that little bit removed from the Old Town while still within easy walking distance of most attractions. There’s a good range of accommodations to suit all budgets here, plus some good seafront restaurants.
❌ The upper area is quite steep, which might be challenging for those with mobility issues. Also, there can be a lot of traffic noise if you’re staying close to one of the main roads.
My top pick >> I’m super happy I decided on this area, you already know I loved this apartment.
Ploče
Ploče is a luxurious neighborhood set just east of the Old Town. Frana Supila Street runs parallel to the coast, lined with some of Dubrovnik’s oldest and grandest hotels and villas. I was in awe of some of these buildings. Top attractions include the Museum of Modern Art and the famous Dubrovnik Cable Car.
✅ Ploče is a great alternative for those who want to be close to the city center but in a slightly quieter setting. It offers breathtaking views of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea, with easy access to Banje Beach and Sveti Jakob.
❌ Unless you stay down by the main road, this is the steepest neighborhood I explored in Dubrovnik. So prepare yourself for a lot of steps.
My top pick >> Guesthouse Slavka for a more affordable option with a large veranda or Onyx apartments set in one of the stunning villas.
Gruž
The port area of Dubrovnik, Gruž, is an up-and-coming neighborhood that offers a more authentic, local experience. It has a bustling harbor, a cruise port, a daily farmer’s market, and a variety of shops and restaurants.
✅ Accommodation here is generally the most affordable, and it’s well-connected by public transportation. By bus, you’ll be in the Old Town in around 10 minutes.
❌ More industrial feel, less of a nightlife and lacks the charm of central Dubrovnik. Gruž can also get very crowded when cruise ships dock.
My top pick >> The best value option I could find is Apartment Elezovic which boasts free parking and views across the harbor.
Lapad
Lapad is a charming peninsula located about 3 kilometers west of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Known for its beautiful beaches, particularly the popular Lapad Beach, this area is a favorite among tourists wanting a balance between beach time and exploration. It is also where you’ll find many of Dubrovnik’s hotels and resorts.
✅ Lapad boasts a beautiful promenade lined by nature, hotels and restaurants. Regular buses connect Lapad to the Old Town in 10 minutes.
❌ Some areas may feel more “resort-like” and less authentically Croatian. There are also fewer cultural attractions and museums compared to central Dubrovnik.
My top pick >> Apartment Vista 1 offers great value with breathtaking views of Lapad Bay.
Babin Kuk
This modern, upscale neighborhood is located on the northern end of the Lapad peninsula. It’s known for its upscale resorts, spa hotels and scenic walking trails. It is home to three of the best beaches in Dubrovnik; Copacabana, Cava and Mandrač.
Best apartments in Dubrovnik
I love to stay in apartments in busy places to get away from people and often have a larger private outside space. So while doing research for this trip, I found two incredible apartments I just have to share with you.
Vive Sol Apartments
This is the apartment we ended up staying in, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice. I think this area is considered Pile, it was just a 5-minute walk to the Old Town entrance.
The highlight was a large veranda overlooking parts of Dubrovnik Old Town. It had room for a large dining table, lounge set and a washing machine. We loved it so much that we ended up coming back early most days just to enjoy the afternoon here.
Inside, the apartment has two double bedrooms with aircon and TVs, a stylish kitchen and a bathroom with a shower. The kitchen was well equipped with everything one could possibly need and in the bathroom, there was everything from shampoo to sunscreen. Which is always a treat for us traveling with a carry-on.
The only thing I would say is that the bed is a little hard for me who has a soft bed at home. But that is just personal preference and can’t really be viewed as a negative.
Arriving at night, we really appreciated the complimentary snacks and cold water in the fridge. I have never experienced such a generously stocked apartment in this price range before. At first, I thought, surely we will have to pay for this, but no. There was also alcohol available.
The apartment is set on a road with a bus stop across the street, a bakery, an ATM and a convenience store next door and a Mexican restaurant below. I mean, does it get any better? You literally have everything you need within 10 steps.
If you are very sensitive to noise, you might get annoyed at the traffic starting around 7:00 am. Mom used earplugs but for me, it wasn’t a problem at all.
Once it was time to (reluctantly) leave, we just crossed the road for the bus to Gruz, where we got a ferry to the Elaphiti Islands.
Guesthouse Slavka
This was the other option I considered, as Guesthouse Slavka boasts even better views of the Old Town and beyond. Unobstructed views in fact, which is not easy to come by in this price range.
It is also more affordable though a little dated. But the veranda again is where it’s at. And who is going to spend time inside cooking while in Dubrovnik anyway?
There are sunbeds for when you don’t feel like paying €100 at the beach, a light and bright double bedroom and bathroom with shower. The host is also incredibly accommodating and will help you with whatever you might need.
Located in Ploče, a 10-minute walk away from the Old Town, it is hard to beat. Just keep in mind that you have to walk up a little hill to get here.
Best hotels in Dubrovnik
While an apartment is great, sometimes you just want all the convenience and service of staying in a hotel. So here are the best options I could find in Dubrovnik.
Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik
As a lover of old-world architecture, I promised myself that I would one day return to stay at the Hilton Imperial. I tend to stay away from large hotel chains but just look at that building. This is what my architectural dreams are made of.
Set in a historic building dating back to 1897, Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik fuses period charm with modern comforts less than 500 meters from Pile Gate. And if you think the exterior is beautiful, you should check out the interior.
So if you can swing it, why not treat yourself!?
Hotel Excelsior
Another iconic landmark hotel is Hotel Excelsior which has long welcomed famous guests including Queen Elizabeth II and Elizabeth Taylor.
The historic villa, built in 1913, takes full advantage of the gorgeous views of the Old Town, Lokrum Island and Banje Beach.
Excelsior’s 158 newly refurbished accommodations include 139 rooms and 19 luxury suites in the original section of Villa Odak, as well as the more modern addition, The Tower.
Quick tips for visiting Dubrovnik
- Visit during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) for lower prices and fewer crowds. We had incredible weather in late October, perfect for exploring yet warm enough to enjoy the beach.
- Book accommodation and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak season (June-August), as the city can get extremely crowded. I like to book 4-6 months in advance for accommodation and 2 months for tours.
- Purchase the Dubrovnik Pass for discounted entrance to attractions and free public transport. It is the same price as the City Walls, so everything else is a bonus. Check out my Dubrovnik Pass review to see how much I saved.
- Dubrovnik is a very walkable city, and public transport is easy to use. The airport bus leaves 30 minutes after every flight 24/7 and costs €10. We paid €50 for a taxi.
- Fill up your water bottle from the drinking fountains instead of buying plastic. If you’re visiting in summer, a lot of water is needed.
- If you are able, hike up to Mount Srd and take the cable down. You save a little and get to experience all the best viewpoints.
- Don’t forget to also explore the Elaphiti Islands, it felt like a vacation from the busy Old Town. You can get there by public ferry, guided tour or private speedboat. We stayed at TUI BLUE Kalamota Island Resort for half the price of our apartment in Dubrovnik.
This is such a comprehensive guide! I never realized Dubrovnik could be so beautiful. However, I’ve heard it can get very crowded, especially during the summer season.
Thank you! Yes it get insanely crowded, but there are ways to escape such as to the Elaphiti Islands 🤩