Choosing the right neighbourhood in Dubrovnik makes a real difference to your experience. Here's a complete guide to Dubrovnik's best areas to stay, with honest pros and cons and what to expect at every budget.
Old Town (Stari Grad) — Most Atmospheric
Staying inside the city walls puts you at the heart of Dubrovnik — Stradun at your doorstep, no transport needed and the most atmospheric setting in the city. Properties are converted historic buildings with thick stone walls. Expensive and limited in number — book months ahead for summer.
Best for: couples, honeymooners, first-timers who want total immersion. Drawback: Very expensive, very limited availability, tourist saturation during the day.
→ Compare Old Town (Stari Grad) — Most Atmospheric HotelsLapad & Babin Kuk — Best Value Beach Base
Lapad peninsula (2km west of the old town) is where most locals stay in summer — a proper beach, seafront promenade, supermarkets and much more affordable accommodation. Bus to the old town takes 10 minutes. Many 3–4 star hotels and apartments here.
Best for: families, budget-conscious visitors, beach lovers. Drawback: Less atmospheric than old town, requires bus/taxi to sights.
→ Compare Lapad & Babin Kuk — Best Value Beach Base HotelsPloče — Best Compromise
Just east of the old town walls — a quieter, more residential area with direct walking access to the old town (5 minutes) at 20–30% lower prices than inside the walls. Several excellent boutique hotels and apartments with sea views.
Best for: couples who want old town access without old town prices. Drawback: Hilly — some walking required with luggage.
→ Compare Ploče — Best Compromise HotelsCompare All Dubrovnik Hotels
Search Dubrovnik accommodation across all budgets and neighbourhoods
Search Dubrovnik Hotels →Hotels by Budget
💰 Budget Hotels (€55–90/night)
Lapad has the best budget options — studios and simple hotels from €55/night with good transport links to the old town. Hostels in Gruž (ferry port area) offer the cheapest beds in the city from €25/night dorm.
→ Search Budget Hotels Dubrovnik Hotels⭐ Mid-Range Hotels (€100–180/night)
The best value mid-range is in Ploče and lower Lapad — boutique guesthouses with sea views from €100/night. Book early; the best mid-range properties in Dubrovnik sell out months ahead in summer.
→ Search Mid-Range Hotels Dubrovnik Hotels✨ Luxury Hotels (€250–600+/night)
Dubrovnik's luxury hotels are concentrated in the old town and Lapad. Villa Dubrovnik (clifftop sea views), Hotel Excelsior (historic property east of the walls) and several boutique palaces inside Stari Grad are the finest options.
→ Search Luxury Hotels Dubrovnik HotelsFAQs
Where should first-time visitors stay in Dubrovnik?
Old town for full immersion if budget allows. Ploče for the best compromise of access and value. Lapad for families or anyone prioritising beach and value over atmosphere.
How far in advance should I book Dubrovnik accommodation?
6–8 months ahead for July and August — Dubrovnik is one of Europe's most capacity-constrained destinations. April–June and September can be booked 2–3 months ahead.
Is Dubrovnik expensive to stay in?
Yes — one of Croatia's most expensive destinations. Inside the walls and peak season, €200+/night is typical for mid-range. Lapad brings this down significantly.