Where To Stay in Dubrovnik

It’s no secret that Dubrovnik is among the most beautiful cities in the world. Many dream of visiting its medieval streets and glimmering shorelines.

However, having so many picturesque areas to explore begs the question – where to stay in Dubrovnik? 

Choose between the cobbled streets and terracotta roofs of the Old Town and the sublime beaches of the Lapad peninsula, luxurious seaside resorts in the suburbs and boutique hotels by the city’s biggest attractions. 

When it comes to decision-making, the best area to stay in Dubrovnik is the one that most closely aligns with your interests and what you’re looking to get from your getaway. 

To help you on your way to finding the best part of Dubrovnik to stay for you, no matter how long is your stay, we have gathered together some key information on some of the most popular parts of the city.

The Old Town is seen by many as the number one place to visit in Croatia, never mind Dubrovnik. So, it comes as no surprise that this medieval metropolis is thought to be the best area of Dubrovnik to stay.

The beauty of this UNESCO-protected site is nothing short of breathtaking. The stunning blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture across its monuments, palaces and churches has earned it the reputation of being the Pearl of the Adriatic. 

You’ll find some of the country’s top attractions tucked away between the town’s enchanting mazed alleys and picturesque terraced houses. 

If you choose to stay in the area, you can expect everything from the spectacular Franciscan Monastery to the iconic city walls, all just a short stroll from your hotel or apartment. 

With so many legendary sites and top things to do at your fingertips, the Old Town is without a doubt one of the best places to stay in Dubrovnik. 

Hotels in Dubrovnik 

There are so many wonderful hotels to choose from in Dubrovnik Old Town. So, you are sure to have your pick of places to rest your head. If we were to get specific, Hotel Stari Grad is certainly one of the best hotels in Dubrovnik Old Town. 

Set right amidst the hustle and bustle of the city center, this gorgeous boutique hotel is located in a 17th-century building and has a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking the town’s terracotta roofs. 

Relax and recuperate after a day of exploring the city with a visit to the hotel’s onsite wellness center, Icona Thai Spa. Choose between massage and aromatherapy treatments all the while relaxing under the center’s sensational vaulted ceiling.

Pile is a buzzing suburb of Dubrovnik situated just in front of Pile Gate, the striking stone entrance to the City Walls that forms the gateway to the Old Town. Tracing back to 1333, the setting looks like something straight out of a fairytale and makes a truly enchanting place to stay. 

With a relaxed ambience and gorgeous cove beaches, Pile is commonly thought to be the best part of Dubrovnik to stay for those wishing to be just that little bit removed from the Old Town while also remaining a convenient distance from all of its hubbub.

Pile is also a fantastic area if you’re looking to do a bit of exploring during your stay. The suburb is the last stop on most bus routes in the area. Thus, it is in a prime location for going out and exploring other parts of the city such as the Lapad Peninsula.

Within Pile itself, you’ll find a dazzling array of buzzing coffee shops, restaurants and businesses along with small sandy coves where you can relax and enjoy the sun by the city’s iconic turquoise waters.

Hotels in Pile

Pile is brimming with a fantastic selection of accommodation options.  Heritage Villa Nobile in particular is one of the best places to stay in Dubrovnik, with its gardens and spectacular city views.

The hotel lies 150 yards from Pile Gate itself and is surrounded by a stunning garden of orange and palm trees. The building is truly breathtaking, as an 18th-century villa with just six intimate rooms. 

Offering a fantastic location, affordable prices and dreamy surroundings, Heritage Villa Nobile is well worthy of being called the best place to stay in Dubrovnik.

Ploče is a luxurious suburb of Dubrovnik set just east of the Old Town. If you’re planning a lavish getaway, this sought-after neighborhood could be the best place to stay near Dubrovnik for you.

It is certainly one of the most attractive parts of the city, with a gorgeous rugged coastline and a plethora of upscale hotels. In fact, Ploče is home to Banje which is thought to be one of the best beaches in Dubrovnik.

Named after the Easter Gate at the entrance of the Old Town, Ploče provides utmost luxury within very short walking distance from the buzz of the Old Town. What’s more, it is also home to the city’s beachfront hotels. 

Hotels in Ploče

With many tourists in Ploče seeking out an indulgent getaway filled with grandeur, it’s only right that we suggest the finest hotel to match. Hotel Excelsior lies just steps from the Old Town and is simply drenched in luxury. 

Expect lavishly decorated rooms that stylishly combine neutral textures of dark wood furnishings with state-of-the-art technology to create an understated chic feel. 

The 5-star hotel is blessed with jaw-dropping views over the Adriatic and the Old Town and is complete with an indoor swimming pool, glamorous spa and fitness center.

And the grandeur of Hotel Excelsior certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed over the years. Elizabeth Taylor and Queen Elizabeth II are just two of the high society guests to have graced its doors.

For those seeking a touch of tranquility just a stone’s throw away from the Old Town, Lapad is a peaceful residential neighborhood located less than 2.5 miles from its hubbub.

Located along the lush Lapad Peninsula, here you will find a stunning coastline where you can relax and take it easy after exploring the biggest sights in the city. Uvala Lapad Beach, for example, has pebble-sand shores and calm waters that perfectly lend themselves to inexperienced swimmers. 

For this reason, Lapad is one of the best places to stay near Dubrovnik for those traveling as a family. Not only are the waters relaxed and mellow, but children will be able to enjoy a fantastic range of watersports along its coastline.

While the area has a very calm ambience, it also offers a bunch of amenities to enjoy during your stay. You will find lots of cafes, restaurants and shops where you will bump shoulders with locals, instead of some of the more tourist-centric areas on the list. 

Hotels in Lapad

Renowned for its excellent range of beachfront hotels, there are certainly lots of accommodation options to choose from in Lapad.  Hotel Dubrovnik Palace is a stand-out option that offers a wonderfully luxurious seaside experience. 

It is a fully refurbished hotel nestled along the coastline between an unspoilt pine forest and turquoise shores, with stunning views over the Adriatic and the nearby Elaphiti Islands.

Upon entering its doors, you will be greeted with a sleek contemporary interior design,  while the suites offer fresh, neutral tones. During your stay, you’ll be able to enjoy direct access to the beach, two outdoor pools and an indoor pool.

This is one of the best hotels to stay in Dubrovnik for those looking to keep active during their trip. Work up a sweat on the tennis court, along the jogging path and on the walking routes through the woods.

You’ll even be able to become a certified diver, by taking a course at the PADI diving center.

Babin Kuk lies perched upon the forested end of the peninsula just beside Lapad and is regarded as the best part of Dubrovnik to stay for those craving a beach-front getaway. 

Blessed with truly sublime shorelines, it is here that you will find three of the best beaches in Dubrovnik: Copacabana, Cava and Uvala, the last of which is shared with Lapad. While Babin Kuk is blessed with a buzz of its own, it also lies a handy two miles from the Old Town.

So, it is another of the best areas to stay near Dubrovnik as you can enjoy all of the delights of a relaxed seaside getaway just a short distance from the buzz of the Old Town. 

Regarded as one of the more luxurious areas to stay, you will also be treated to a wonderful selection of romantic hotels and walking routes, making it a fantastic destination for a vacation in Croatia for couples.

Don’t fear families and singletons, there are also plenty of other draws including water sport activities and a fantastic selection of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops that cater to every and all types of travelers in this peaceful part of the city.

Hotels in Babin Kuk

When it comes to the finest hotels in Babin Kuk, it can be difficult to narrow down as there is such an outstanding selection of luxurious and romantic places to stay. However, Hotel Ariston is undoubtedly one of the suburb’s finest.

Boasting a private beach, seaside swimming pool and dazzling panoramic views, it would be no exaggeration to claim it the best hotel to stay in Dubrovnik. 

The five-star accommodation offers spacious rooms with a stylish color scheme that combines deep reds and golds and balconies boasting sea views.

Dubrovnik is, of course, the crown jewel of the Adriatic coast as one of the most beautiful places in Croatia. With stunning beaches, sensational medieval architecture and a world-renowned food scene, it’s no wonder why the city is seen as such a sought-after destination. 

However, with so many attractions and beautiful settings to explore, you may be left wondering what is the best area to stay in Dubrovnik. So, we have gathered together some key information to help you decide where to base yourself on your trip to this wonderful paradise.

Planning a trip to the spectacular city of Dubrovnik but not sure where to start? We have a sensational array of private tours and small ship cruises on offer that will take you to the best sites in the city, from the well-trodden top attractions to the hidden gems.