There is nowhere quite like Dubrovnik – and once you see it for yourself, you’ll understand why it stops people dead in their tracks.

If you’ve been dreaming of ancient stone walls rising out of a shimmering Adriatic Sea, terracotta rooftops glowing gold in the afternoon sun, and a walled city so impossibly beautiful it doesn’t feel real – Dubrovnik, Croatia is exactly that. It’s bucket-list travel at its finest, and I’ll be the first to say that no photo, no matter how stunning, does it justice.

But here’s the thing – figuring out where to stay in Dubrovnik can feel genuinely overwhelming. The city is split into distinct neighborhoods, each with their own vibe, price point, and pros and cons. Do you splurge on a hotel inside the Old Town walls? Stay in Lapad for a quieter, more local feel? Or plant yourself in Ploče for those jaw-dropping views? Trust me, the neighborhood you choose will shape your entire trip.

I’ve put together this complete guide to the best places to stay in Dubrovnik to help you find the perfect hotel – whether you’re traveling on a budget, looking for a mid-range gem, or ready to treat yourself to something truly spectacular. Let’s get into it!

Quick Start Guide to Dubrovnik, Croatia

What to Know Before Visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia

📍 Where is Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik sits on Croatia’s southern Dalmatian Coast, right on the Adriatic Sea – it’s one of the most beautifully positioned cities in all of Europe.

🌤️ When to Visit Dubrovnik

Shoulder season is your sweet spot here. May, June, and September are the months I’d ALWAYS recommend – the weather is warm and gorgeous, the crowds are manageable, and prices are far more reasonable than peak July and August. If you visit in the height of summer, be prepared – Dubrovnik is one of the MOST visited cities in Europe (and it shows). Those tiny streets get PACKED so avoiding peak season is ideal.

⏱️ How Long to Spend in Dubrovnik

Give yourself at least 2 days in Dubrovnik, and 4–5 if you want to do a day trip to the Elafiti Islands or Montenegro. One day is simply not enough to do this city justice – do not underestimate how much there is to see and do here!

✈️ How to Get to Dubrovnik

🚌 How to Get Around Dubrovnik

Inside the Old Town, you can just walk (yay walkable cities!). The walled city is entirely pedestrianized and not that large, so everything is on foot. For the wider city (Lapad, Babin Kuk, Pile), Dubrovnik has a reliable public bus system, and taxis and Uber are both available. My top tip: if you’re staying outside the Old Town, get familiar with the bus routes early – they’re cheap and run frequently!

🗣️ What Language is Spoken in Dubrovnik?

Croatian is the official language, but English is spoken everywhere in the tourist areas – you’ll have absolutely no trouble getting around.

💰 What Currency is Used in Dubrovnik?

Croatia adopted the Euro (€) in January 2023, which makes budgeting and paying for things incredibly easy for most travelers. Card payments are widely accepted, but I’d always recommend carrying a little cash for smaller cafes, markets, and tips.

Best Areas & Neighborhoods to Stay in Dubrovnik

Choosing where to stay in Dubrovnik is just as important as choosing the hotel itself – each neighborhood has a completely different feel, and the right choice really depends on what kind of trip you want. Here’s a breakdown of the main areas to consider:

Old Town (Grad)

Staying inside the ancient city walls is truly a surreal experience– you’ll wake up to the sound of church bells, wander the marble-smooth Stradun before the crowds arrive, and have the most atmospheric base imaginable. It’s the most expensive area and can feel busy during the day, but early mornings and evenings inside the walls are absolutely magical. It is definitely more expensive, but if your budget allows, I’d highly recommend at least a couple of nights here.

Ploče

Just east of the Old Town walls, Ploče is arguably the most coveted neighborhood in Dubrovnik for good reason – it combines Old Town access (you’re a 2-minute walk from the Ploče Gate) with some of the most stunning sea views in the city. The famous Hotel Excelsior and Villa Dubrovnik are both here. It’s upscale, peaceful, and incredibly beautiful.

Hotels in Chiado tend to be boutique-style and fill up fast, so book early – especially for summer travel. This area is also fairly walkable for most attractions, though you’ll get a serious workout navigating the hills. For solo female travelers who love stylish surroundings, incredible food, and a safe, vibrant atmosphere, Chiado is absolutely a top pick for where to stay in Lisbon.

Lapad Peninsula

Lapad is the go-to neighborhood for travelers who want a more relaxed, local feel and better value for money. It’s about a 20-minute bus ride from the Old Town and has its own promenade, restaurants, shops, and a lovely beach. Families and budget-conscious travelers love it here – and honestly, for a longer stay, it’s a fantastic base.

Babin Kuk

A quieter, more residential extension of Lapad, Babin Kuk is home to some of Dubrovnik’s larger resort-style hotels and is popular with families. It’s further from the Old Town but has beautiful nature trails, coves, and a slower pace of life that’s genuinely lovely.

Gruž (Port Area)

If you’re arriving by ferry or cruise, you’ll pull into Gruž. It’s not the most atmospheric place to stay, but it’s convenient and more affordable than central options. Best suited for those on a very tight budget or with early morning ferry connections.

My Favorite Hotels in Dubrovnik

Before we get into the full breakdown by budget, here are the Dubrovnik hotels I’d personally rave about to every traveler I know – these are my absolute standouts across all price ranges.

🌟 Villa Dubrovnik – The Romantic Splurge

🌟 Hotel Stari Grad – Old Town Magic

🌟 Hotel Kompas – The Best Mid-Range Pick

🌟 Fresh Sheets Hostel – Best Budget Bed

Best Budget Stays in Dubrovnik

Let’s be real – Dubrovnik is not the cheapest destination in Croatia. But with a little know-how, you can absolutely make it work without hemorrhaging cash. These are the best budget-friendly options where you’ll still feel like you’re getting a great experience.

Fresh Sheets Hostel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fresh Sheets  is consistently one of the highest-rated hostels in Dubrovnik – and for good reason. Located just a short walk from the Old Town in the Pile area, this place has a fantastic rooftop terrace, helpful and friendly staff, and a real community feel that makes it especially brilliant for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms are both available, all spotlessly clean. I personally love that they run regular social events to help guests connect. Budget travel in Dubrovnik has never looked this good!

Apartment Rentals in Lapad ⭐⭐⭐

If you’re staying for several days, renting a private apartment in Lapad or Gruž through Booking.com or Airbnb is one of the smartest budget moves you can make. You’ll pay significantly less than a hotel, have your own kitchen to keep food costs down, and get a genuinely local feel. Look for places near the Lapad promenade for easy access to restaurants and the beach.

Karmen Apartments ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hostel Angelina Old Town ⭐⭐⭐

Another solid hostel pick right near the Old Town, Hostel Angelina offers clean dorms and private rooms at very reasonable rates. The location is genuinely hard to beat at this price point – you’re within walking distance of everything without paying the full Old Town premium. Great option for backpackers and budget solo travelers.

Best Mid-Budget Stays in Dubrovnik

Hotel Kompas ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hotel Lero ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hotel Kazbek ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Photo courtesy of Booking.com

Best Luxury Stays in Dubrovnik

If you’re going to splurge anywhere in Croatia, Dubrovnik is the place to do it. The luxury hotel offering here is genuinely world-class – cliffside infinity pools, Michelin-level dining, butler service, and views that you will never, ever forget. These are the best of the best.

Villa Dubrovnik ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hotel Excelsior ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hotel Dubrovnik Palace ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rixos Premium Dubrovnik ⭐⭐⭐

Hotel Stari Grad ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tips for Visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia

📅 Book Accommodation Early – SERIOUSLY

I cannot stress this enough – Dubrovnik is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and the best hotels sell out months in advance, especially for peak summer. If you’re traveling June through August, aim to book at least 3–4 months ahead. For shoulder season, 6–8 weeks is usually fine, but earlier is always better for the top picks.

👟 Wear the Right Shoes

The Old Town is paved entirely in smooth, polished limestone – beautiful but notoriously slippery, especially when wet. Do not wear flip flops or heeled sandals for sightseeing. Comfortable, grippy sneakers or walking sandals with grip are essential. You’ll thank me later!

⏰ Do the City Walls Walk Early or Late

The walk around Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls is an absolute do not miss – but do it early in the morning or in the early evening to avoid the worst of the crowds and heat. Midday in summer is brutal on those walls with no shade, and they get incredibly congested. My top tip: get there right when they open at 8am for a near-magical experience.

🚢 Be Aware of Cruise Ship Days

Dubrovnik sees an enormous number of cruise ship visitors – on busy days there can be multiple ships docked, sending thousands of day-trippers into the Old Town at once. Check cruise schedules online before you go and try to plan your Old Town time on lighter days. The difference between a cruise ship day and a non-cruise-ship day in Dubrovnik is genuinely staggering.

🌊 Take a Day Trip

Don’t spend ALL your time in the city itself – the surrounding area is beautiful and the islands are incredible. A boat trip to the Elafiti Islands, a day trip to Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, or a visit to Lokrum Island (a short 15-minute ferry from the Old Town) are all amazing additions to your trip. The local operators along the Old Town harbour run day trips to all of these and they’re excellent value.

🌅 Catch a Sunset from the Walls or Buza Bar

Dubrovnik sunsets are the stuff of legend – and two of the best spots to catch them are from the city walls themselves or from Buza Bar, a legendary open-air bar literally built into the cliff face outside the Old Town walls. Grab a cold drink, find a spot overlooking the Adriatic, and watch the light turn everything golden. Honestly one of those moments that reminds you why travel is everything.

Dubrovnik is one of those rare destinations that genuinely lives up to the hype. Whether you’re splashing out on a cliffside villa in Ploče, settling into a charming boutique inside the Old Town walls, or keeping it budget-friendly in Lapad, the magic of this city finds you wherever you are.

My biggest piece of advice? Don’t overthink it – just go. Pick the neighborhood that fits your style and budget, book early, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare to have your breath taken away at every turn. 

I hope this guide to where to stay in Dubrovnik helps you find the perfect hotel for your trip! If you have any questions or want personalized recommendations, drop them in the comments below – I love helping the Roam Free Fam plan their adventures. And if you’ve already been to Dubrovnik, tell me – where did you stay and would you recommend it?

Plan Your Trip To Dubrovnik, Croatia

🏠️ Accommodation: Browse and book all hotels mentioned in this guide on Booking.com for flexible cancellation options and best hotel options.

🎫 Activities: Book city wall tickets, boat tours, and day trips in advance on GetYourGuide for their 24-hour free cancellation policy.

🌍 Travel Insurance: Never travel without it!I I recommend World Nomads for adventure travelers and SafetyWing for digital nomads and solo travelers.

📸 Camera Gear: Dubrovnik is one of the most photogenic cities on Earth – don’t miss a shot. Check out my favourite travel photography gear here.

📱 eSIM: Always stay connected by using an eSIM! You’ll have access to data WITHOUT having to spend a ton on your at-home plan, change your number, or buy a physical sim. My favorites are Airalo for affordable plans (save with my code “REBECCA3” for $3 off your first eSIM) and Holafly for unlimited data (use my code “ROAMFREEREBECCA” to save 5% on any plan!).

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