Where to Stay in Dubrovnik: Dubrovnik Area Guide with Map!

I’ll never forget opening the rickety emerald shutters of my Dubrovnik attic loft to the sun-kissed copper roofs of Old Town.

Framed by the glimmering azure of the Adriatic Sea, the off-white stone buildings, painted orange by the ceramic roof tiles, decorated the landscape in an unbelievable architectural scene that rivaled even the most awe-inspiring natural landscapes. 

Dubrovnik is a place that coexists in the realm of mythical fantasies and the reality of an awe-inspiring postcard. The kind of place that makes you gasp and say, Is this place even real? Or have I been teleported into my fantasy novel?

I spent eleven days exploring the beautiful cobblestone streets of Dubrovnik Old Town, crawling from cliff to cliff in search of the best beaches, and discovering local-approved restaurants and regional cuisines. While exploring every part of Dubrovnik, from the charming alleyways of Old Town to the rocky beaches of Lapad, I kept note of the charms and personalities of each neighborhood to compile a detailed list of where to stay in Dubrovnik.

Planning your epic adventure in the Southern Dalmatian city of Dubrovnik? Look no further for a detailed list of accommodations in Dubrovnik for all price ranges, from comfortable, budget-friendly options to lavish, luxury villas.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

The first thing I do when I research where to stay in a specific city is to understand the main areas of the city. Dubrovnik has six main neighborhoods: Old Town, Pile-Kono, Montovjerna, Lapad, Babin Kuk and Ploče. 

With all parts of Dubrovnik connected by an accessible network of local buses (Libertas), there is no right or wrong place to stay in Dubrovnik. However, if you’re visiting Dubrovnik for the first time and want to stay near major attractions, including the City Walls, Fort Lovrijenac and the Game of Thrones filming locations, you’ll want to stay in Dubrovnik Old Town. 

Here’s a list of each area in Dubrovnik (with more information about each area as you read more!):

Detailed Guide to Dubrovnik Neighborhoods

Dubrovnik Old Town

Best Area for First-time Visitors

If you’re visiting Dubrovnik for the first time, you’ll want to stay in the heart of Dubrovnik, within the monumental city walls. Dubrovnik Old Town, surrounded by weathered stone walls, is the historic center of the Southern Dalmatian city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

These historic walls, still standing formidably today, were originally built in the 13th century to defend the maritime republic against foreign invaders. Travelers can explore the City Walls, discovering defensive fortresses (Fort Bokar) and experiencing incredible views of Old Town and the Adriatic Sea surrounding it. 

Dubrovnik Old Town is only accessible by three gates. The Pile Gate (west side of the walls), the Buža Gate (north side of the walls) and the Ploče Gate (east side of the walls) are the only entrances to Dubrovnik Old Town. The Pile Gate is the most accessible entrance for travelers with disabilities. Entrance via the other two gates requires you to climb down several flights of steep stairs to get to Stradun, the Old Town’s Main Street. 

My picturesque attic studio apartment rental was located along the stone walls by the Buža gate and offered incredible views of Old Town (more information later in this post!). 

Many of Dubrovnik’s major attractions are within, or in close proximity to Dubrovnik Old Town. There are lots of epic things to do in Dubrovnik which include visiting historic forts (Fort Lovrijenac), discovering beautiful palaces (Rector’s Palace), and indulging in the many incredible dining options in Dubrovnik. You’ll be busy when you visit Dubrovnik!

For first-time visitors, I recommend getting the Dubrovnik Pass – a ticket to Dubrovnik’s major attractions (City Walls, Lovrijenac, Rector’s Palace, etc.) that also includes a free local bus pass and discount for tours and activities.

The city of Dubrovnik is very expensive and Dubrovnik Old Town is no exception. Old Town is the most frequented area of the city and therefore one of the most expensive places in Dubrovnik to stay, to eat in, and to explore. If you want to escape the crowds or find affordable accommodation, Dubrovnik Old Town may not be the best place for you. 

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik Old Town

Most accommodations in Dubrovnik are apartment rentals or boutique hotels. You won’t find a massive Marriott or a Hilton Garden Inn within the stone walls of Dubrovnik Old Town. This doesn’t mean that your accommodation options in Dubrovnik Old Town are limited. There are a variety of affordable hostels, hundreds of cozy apartment rentals and a few luxury boutique hotels in Dubrovnik Old Town.

Here are my recommendations for the best places to stay in Dubrovnik Old Town at three different price points (based on peak season pricing):

BEST BUDGET

City Walls Hostel

Steps away from the Instagram-famous Buža beach bar is a comfortable social hostel called the City Walls Hostel. Offering cosy dorm rooms and a few privates, this hostel is the perfect place to stay for budget travelers visiting Dubrovnik. 

BEST MID-RANGE

Dubrovnik Studio Apartment

Rarely ever do we get to pretend to be a rage-filled Queen staring out her window at the city she commands (a Cersei reference). This Dubrovnik studio apartment perched along the city walls, steps away from the Buža Gate, was both affordable and picturesque, with a cinematic view of Dubrovnik Old Town (perfect for Game of Thrones fans!).

BEST LUXURY

Pucic Palace

Step into historic luxury at Pucic Palace in the heart of Dubrovnik Old Town. Elegantly blending baroque architecture styles with modern luxury, this is the best five-star hotel in Dubrovnik Old Town.

Pile-Kono

Best Area for Luxury Stays and Cliff Access

Pile-Kono, located just steps away from the Pile Gate, is a perfect place for travelers who want to stay near Dubrovnik Old Town, but outside the chaos of the narrow cobblestone streets and packed restaurants.

Pile-Kono has a collection of traditional hotels, luxury villas and affordable apartment rentals for every budget. The Hilton Imperial, a luxurious five-star hotel in Pile, towers over the neighborhood. This lavish and grand Dubrovnik luxury hotel located on Branitelja Dubrovnika street is a great place to enjoy afternoon tea.

Many local walking tours, including the incredible Dubrovnik Game of Thrones tour, begin in Pile, just outside the entrance gate. Additionally, if you plan to take a day trip from Dubrovnik you’ll likely depart from the main bus station just outside the Pile Gate. 

This busy area has a variety of noteworthy restaurants including Restaurant Nautika and its sister restaurant Dubravka 1836. There’s no shortage of things to do in Pile-Kono if you cover all the attractions in Dubrovnik Old Town: Pile-Kono has a collection of epic museums (Love Stories Museum), activities (sea kayaking), and several of Dubrovnik’s famous Game of Thrones filming locations. 

Pile-Kono is a great place for travelers who want to stay near Dubrovnik Old Town. Its proximity to Dubrovnik’s main attractions makes it an enticing place to find accommodations for all budgets. In the Pile-Kono neighborhood, you are walking distance from Fort Lovrijenac, local “beaches” (more like rocky cliffs), and a great selection of local restaurants. 

Pile-Kono is a hilly neighborhood, so if you plan to stay here, I recommend finding accommodation within walking distance of Dubrovnik Old Town.

Where to Stay in Pile-Kono

Pile-Kono has a variety of accommodation for all types of travelers, from affordable apartment rentals for families and groups, and luxury villas for lavish travelers.

If you choose to stay in the Pile-Kono area you’ll be within walking distance, or a short bus ride on one of the local buses, from the heart of Dubrovnik, the fortified, historic Old Town. Travelers who book accommodation in Pile-Kono will also be near many of the neighborhood’s major attractions, including Fort Lovrijenac and Dubrovnik West Harbor, two notable Game of Thrones filming locations.

Here are my recommendations for the best places to stay in Pile-Kono:

BEST BUDGET

Apartments Benussi

Apartment Benussi is a 19th century rustic stone apartment just a short walk from the Pile Gate. This beautiful modern apartment has two rental options: a standard apartment and the coveted balcony apartment. 

BEST MID-RANGE

Rooms Posat Dubrovnik

A comfortable three-star apartment rental with incredible views of the Dubrovnik city walls. This accommodation is walking distance from Dubrovnik Old Town but far enough from the busy tourist hub for peace and relaxation.

BEST LUXURY

Hilton Imperial

One of Dubrovnik’s best five-star hotels boasting incredible views of the Adriatic Sea and Dubrovnik Old Town. This luxury hotel was the location where many Game of Thrones cast members stayed during the filming of the TV show. 

Montovjerna

Best Area for Seaside Beach Stays

Located just 30-40 minutes walk from Dubrovnik Old Town, Montovjerna offers beautiful luxury hotels and villa rentals with local beaches and stunning cliffsides. This area is known for its impressive collection of five-star hotels, the perfect getaway for travelers who want to be near Old Town, but enjoy luxury away from the crowds.

Where to Stay in Montovjerna

BEST BUDGET

Hostel 365 for U

Hostel 365 for U is one of Dubrovnik’s most affordable hostels offering modern dorms and private rooms. This hostel is near local supermarkets and a short bus ride away from Dubrovnik Old Town.

BEST MID-RANGE

Villa Orabelle

Just steps away from Bellevue Beach, a scenic pebble beach with a monumental cliffside (and a local favorite!), is the beautiful Villa Orabella. This cliffside four-star boutique hotel in Dubrovnik is the pinnacle of semi-affordable luxury. The Adriatic Sea views are incredible!

BEST LUXURY

Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik

Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik sits perched on a scenic cliffside in the beautiful neighborhood of Montovjerna. This luxury five-star hotel is a beautiful sanctuary for lavish travelers who want access to local beaches and unforgettable sea views.

Lapad

Best Area for Families and Resort Stays

Lapad is the residential neighborhood in Dubrovnik on the Lapad Peninsula, northwest of Dubrovnik Old Town. This local neighborhood is approximately 10-15 minutes by bus or car from Dubrovnik Old Town.

Known for its collection of beautiful pebble beaches and sprawling, vibrant parks, Lapad is the perfect neighborhood to escape the busy-ness of Dubrovnik Old Town. 

Lapad features a coastal, shaded walkway, Promenada Lapad, that follows the coastline along the Adriatic Sea, perfect for a relaxing stroll of a lunchtime picnic. One of the most popular beaches in Lapad is a pebble beach called Uvala, the perfect place for snorkeling. 

Where to Stay in Lapad

Lapad has a collection of large hotels and oceanside resorts on both the port side and the seaside. Additionally, because this neighborhood is primarily residential, there’s no shortage of affordable vacation rentals for families or large groups.

Here are my top recommendations for where to stay in Lapad:

BEST BUDGET

Hostel Petra Marina

Hostel Petra Marina is steps away from Port Gruž, making this budget accommodation the perfect place for travelers island hopping around Croatia. With limited beds, this hostel is peaceful and comfortable, but sells out quickly!

BEST MID-RANGE

Art Hotel Dubrovnik

Steps away from Lapad’s best pebble beach, Uvala Lapad Beach, Art Hotel Dubrovnik is a charming and modern accommodation with convenient access to Dubrovnik Old Town by bus. 

BEST LUXURY

Hotel Dubrovnik Palace

Dubrovnik Palace is one of the BEST five-star hotels in Dubrovnik, offering travelers incredible scenic views of the sapphire Adriatic Sea, a relaxing spa, and convenient access to one of Lapad’s best beaches, Uvala beach. Dubrovnik Old Town is just a short bus ride away!

Babin Kuk

Best Area for a Local Experience and Camping

Babin Kuk is a beautiful neighborhood on the northernmost part of the Lapad Peninsula. 

Known for its beautiful beaches and luxury hotel options, this neighborhood offers scenic views of the Adriatic Sea, just 15-20 minutes by bus or car from Dubrovnik. 

Babin Kuk is also a great place to camp and offers the only campsite in Dubrovnik!

Where to Stay in Babin Kuk

There are a variety of budget, mid-range and luxury accommodations in Babin Kuk. Here are my top recommendations for where to stay in Babin Kuk:

BEST BUDGET

Camping Solitudo

Dubrovnik’s only campsite is located just steps away from incredible beaches on the Lapad peninsula. Camping Solitudo is the best budget-friendly camping destination in Dubrovnik.

BEST MID-RANGE

Art Hotel Dubrovnik

A stylish, modern hotel walking distance to one of the best beaches on the Lapad peninsula, Uvala Lapad beach. 

BEST LUXURY

President Hotel

The pinnacle of five-star luxury lies at the northwest point of the Lapad peninsula. President Hotel is one of Dubrovnik’s best five-star hotels with its own private beach and an unforgettable spa, just a short drive to Dubrovnik Old Town.

Ploče

Best Area for Incredible Views and Luxury

Ploče neighborhood is a lavish area with incredible views of the Adriatic Sea, Lokrum Island, and the scenic, fortified Dubrovnik Old Town. There are a collection of stunning luxury villas and beautiful apartment rentals in the Ploče neighborhood, making this area the perfect place for lavish travelers or groups with larger budgets. 

I explored the Ploče neighborhood while walking to the Ruins of Plaza Belvedere (the filming location of a memorable Game of Thrones battle scene between Prince Oberyn and the Mountain). This beautiful neighborhood has some of the best unobstructed Adriatic Sea views, mostly in part due to the hilly topography of the neighborhood. 

Ploče is somewhat walkable to Dubrovnik Old Town especially if you’re close by the Ploče Gate, but the farther away from Old Town you stay, the more likely you’ll need to hire a taxi or catch the bus. 

Where to Stay in Ploče

There’s no shortage of scenic apartment rentals and luxury villas in the Ploče neighborhood. Here are my top recommendations for where to stay in Ploče, Dubrovnik:

BEST BUDGET

Argenta Rooms

Argenta Rooms, located in the heart of the lavish Ploče neighborhood, offers guests scenic balcony suites walking distance from incredible beaches and Dubrovnik Old Town. 

BEST MID-RANGE

Villa Orsula

Villa Orsula is modern contemporary luxury, done right. This premium luxury hotel offers beautiful sea view suites and an elegant restaurant just a short walk from Dubrovnik Old Town.

BEST LUXURY

Villa Dubrovnik

Originally built in 1961 as luxury residences, Villa Dubrovnik has since been transformed into the city’s most lavish boutique hotel, blending contemporary elegance with five-star comfort. 

Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik

Walk the City Walls

Originally built in the 13th century to protect the maritime city of Dubrovnik from foreign sieges, the fortified stone walls surrounding Dubrovnik Old Town still stand prominently today. 

One of my favorite things to do in Dubrovnik was to walk along the weathered stone walls, discovering scenic lookouts and reenacting my favorite Game of Thrones scenes.

Fans of the unprecedented hit TV series will recognize multiple Game of Thrones filming locations as they walk along the city walls: Fort Bokar, the location where Tyrion and Varys discuss battle strategies, and Minčeta Tower, the House of the Undying where Daenerys first unleashes the power of her dragons on a Qarthian warlock.

Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations

Though the stunning postcards of the cerulean Adriatic Sea caught my eye, it was the ability to step inside a fantasy that brought me to Dubrovnik. As a huge Game of Thrones fan, I recognized the historic walled city of Old Town as the setting of King’s Landing.

George R. R. Martin’s fantasy novel was brought to life in the cobblestone alleys, at towering fortresses, and outside secluded museums of Dubrovnik Old Town. This Game of Thrones guided tour was one of my FAVORITE activities in Dubrovnik, close second to enjoying local Croatian beer from the supermarket at Blackwater Bay (Dubrovnik West Harbor) for sunset!

Visit Lokrum Island

A hop, skip and a 15-minute ferry ride away from Dubrovnik Old Town harbor is a stunning nature reserve with scenic cliff sides, heavenly walking trails and historic fortresses. Lokrum Island is a beautiful place to escape the chaos of the Old Town.

Explore the Rocky Cliff Sides

One of my favorite things I did while visiting Dubrovnik was host my very own self-guided “cliff crawl”: a scenic walk along the coastline to visit Dubrovnik’s many incredible beaches. Skip the instagram-famous, overcrowded Banje beach and head north from Dubrovnik Old Town to discover quaint cliffside and rocky beaches. 

Enjoy the Local Cuisine

The quickest way to a traveler’s heart is through their stomach. Dubrovnik has a collection of incredible restaurants from traditional, cigar-shaped quick bites to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Croatian cuisine, with its slow-roasted meats and fresh caught seafood, is unparalleled. Visit a local Konoba, the Croatian term for “rustic tavern” or “cosy restaurant”, to get a taste of Croatia.

Have fun planning your incredible coastal Croatian getaway! I hope this guide helps you decide where to stay in Dubrovnik!