Where to Stay In Dubrovnik for First-Timers (with Map!)

Are you planning a trip to Croatia and unsure where to stay in Dubrovnik?

While it’s not a huge city, there are tons of different accommodations to choose from in Dubrovnik, and a few different areas around the city, depending on what you are looking for.

When I was planning my own trip to Dubrovnik, I knew we wanted to be walking distance to the main areas and things to do, since we only had 3 nights and no rental car. In Dubrovnik, that hot spot is Old Town!

Old Town Dubrovnik is the most famous area, with its massive city walls and adorable (yet busy) streets. If you are limited on time, I highly recommend staying in or near Old Town to be as central as possible.

But, there are other options!

In this post, I’ll break down the 4 main areas to stay in Dubrovnik (with a map!), which I personally recommend staying in, plus some options for hotels and apartments in every budget range. This will help you choose where to stay for your first visit with ease!

Best Areas to Stay in Dubrovnik + Map of Dubrovnik

When I’m planning a trip, the first thing I want to know is how the city is laid out. And even though Dubrovnik isn’t a huge city, its geography can be a little confusing at first!

Dubrovnik sits along the coast of the Adriatic and is much longer than it is wide, thanks to the sprawling Mount Srđ that looms behind it.

And while it may look spread out on the map below, a majority of things to do in Dubrovnik are centered around Old Town (shown in purple)!

Old Town is the heart of Dubrovnik, with its medieval walls and pedestrian-friendly streets. This is where most first-time visitors will want to spend a majority of their time. If you’ve seen photos of Dubrovnik, they are probably of Old Town!

We will dive into each area more below, but here’s a quick look at the four main areas to stay in Dubrovnik and what color they are on the map, so you can get a feel for the layout!

• Old Town (Purple) – Ideal for first-timers, bustling area with shops, restaurants, and historic sights
• Pile Bay (Yellow) – Just outside the city walls, quieter but still central (where we stayed!)
• Ploče (Green) – Upscale area with views of the Old Town and the Adriatic
• Lapad (Blue) – Residential beach area that’s great for budget travelers and families

Old Town Dubrovnik – Best for First-Timers and Walkability

An Overview of Old Town Dubrovnik

Similar to the Old Town in Split, Dubrovnik’s Old Town is the historic heart of the area and where most visitors spend the majority of their time. Enclosed by massive stone walls and filled with centuries-old buildings, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site!

Old Town is what you’ve probably seen in every postcard and Pinterest photo of Dubrovnik. It really is a sight to behold – my mouth was on the floor the first time I saw the town and walls from above.

You can only access Old Town through one of the three historic gates (Pile, Ploče, and Buza), which look like something out of a movie. Thanks to the gates, no cars are allowed inside Old Town – it is pedestrian only.

In fact, the entire Old Town covers less than 0.05 square miles (0.13 sq km), so it’s extremely walkable. You can cross from one end to the other in less than 10 minutes!

A majority of the historic sites of Dubrovnik are located inside of Old Town, like Rector’s Palace, the Clock Tower, and Saint Blaise’s Church. Not to mention all the forts and towers along the City Walls themselves (which require an entry fee to access).

In terms of restaurants, there are plenty of options inside Old Town, though some might be little pricier than outside the walls. We loved strolling through Old Town at night, enjoying the patio dining, eating gelato, and exploring the tiny streets.

There are also some cocktail bars and nightlife inside Old Town, but if you want large nightclubs, you’ll need to head outside the city gates.

Overall, Old Town Dubrovnik is the most popular place to stay (and visit) inside Dubrovnik, which means it does get incredibly busy, both day and night! If you are looking to escape the crowds, this is not the area for you.

Where to Stay in Old Town Dubrovnik

Because Old Town is well, old, there are no true “hotels” inside the gates. The accommodations inside the city walls are all apartment-style, and typically quite small (especially by American standards).

That said, there are some charming boutique-style stays and vacation apartments available. Because of popularity, they tend to book up quickly, especially in the summer.

If staying steps from the sights and skipping the need for transport is important to you, this is the area to be.

Here are my top picks for where to stay inside Old Town Dubrovnik! Overall, anywhere inside the Old Town walls will be in the perfect location, so you can also just browse Booking.com and see what is available for your dates and price range!

Budget: Apartments Raič ($) – A charming, affordable apartment stay tucked away on a quiet street near the Buža Gate. Great for travelers who want privacy, a kitchenette, and unbeatable proximity to Old Town life.

Mid-Range: Dominus Rooms ($$) – A clean and well-rated guesthouse with beautiful decor in a prime Old Town location near Pile Gate. Ideal for couples or solo travelers looking for value in the heart of the city.

Luxury: St. Joseph’s Boutique Hotel ($$$) – A beautifully restored 16th-century building offering upscale, large rooms and breakfast in bed. Perfect for couples or honeymooners looking for a romantic stay.

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Pile, Dubrovnik – Best for Peace and Proximity to Old Town

An Overview of Pile Bay

Pile is the neighborhood located directly west of Old Town Dubrovnik, centered around the Pile Gate — the main entrance into the city walls. It’s a compact area with a mix of residential homes, hotels, and a few restaurants, offering one of the best locations in the city.

While it’s technically outside the city walls, you can stay in Pile and still be just a few minutes walk into the center of Old Town, making it one of the best areas to stay if you want convenience without the crowds!

Right outside Pile gate, you’ll find the busy Branitelja street, where the main bus stops, tourist shops, and tour locations are located.

This area of Dubrovnik can be quite hilly, so I recommend staying as close to OId Town as possible, which is at the bottom of the slope.

During our trip, we stayed in Pile Bay (aka the West Harbor) and absolutely loved it. Tucked between Fort Lovrijenac and Old Town, just south of Branitelja street, this area felt like our own little hidden corner of Dubrovnik, especially at night, with far fewer tourists than inside the walls.

And the views were stunning, especially at sunset! Our apartment overlooked the harbor, where we could see the Old Town Walls basked in golden hour sunshine.

We chose this location primarily because the West Harbor is a Game of Thrones film location! It stood in for Blackwater Bay in the show. So when I found an apartment that literally overlooked Blackwater Bay, I had to book it.

And to the right to the harbor across from Old Town sits Fort Lovrijenac, one of Dubrovnik’s most iconic landmarks. Perched dramatically on a cliff, this fort has guarded the western approach to the city for centuries and is another popular tourist spot.

Overall, we loved staying in this little slide of paradise in Dubrovnik, and I would highly recommend it if you want to be close to the action but crave a quieter atmosphere!

Where to Stay in Pile, Dubrovnik

While Pile is a small neighborhood, it offers a surprisingly good mix of accommodation types, from traditional apartments to elegant five-star hotels.

Staying here means you’re within a 5 – 10 minute walk to the Pile Gate, the starting point for many tours and the main entrance into Old Town. You’ll also be near Fort Lovrijenac and the scenic West Harbor, with a few restaurants and shops scattered throughout the area.

If you’re staying south of the main road, you’ll have a much quieter experience, with better views and less traffic noise.

Budget: City Walls by Irundo ($) – Where we stayed!! Small room, but incredible views out the window and prime location right off the harbor! Note: This apartment seems to be closed for refurbishment, but this apartment is similarly priced and right next to where we stayed!

Mid-Range: Luxury Old Town Apartment with Sea Views ($$): Great value for the money and perfect for larger groups. Two-bedroom apartment with lots of space and incredible view of the Harbor.

Luxury: Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik ($$$) – A historic five-star hotel offering upscale rooms, a spa, and sweeping views of the city walls. Where the Game of Thrones cast stayed!

Ploče, Dubrovnik – Best for Views and Luxury

An Overview of Ploče

Ploče is the upscale neighborhood that stretches along the hillside just east of Old Town, starting at the Ploče Gate and continuing up toward the cliffs.

This area is known for its sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea and Dubrovnik’s iconic red rooftops, making it one of the most scenic places to stay in the city.

Because of the elevation, many accommodations here have balconies or terraces that overlook Old Town and Lokrum Island.

It’s a quieter, more residential area, but still just a 5–10 minute walk into the heart of Old Town. The walk is beautiful but can involve stairs and hills, so keep that in mind when booking!

Ploče is a great choice if you’re looking for a more luxurious stay with room to breathe, panoramic views, and high-end hotel options.

It’s also close to Banje Beach, the most famous beach in Dubrovnik, and many boat tours depart from the marina at the bottom of the hill.

Where to Stay in Ploče, Dubrovnik

This area is ideal for couples, honeymooners, or anyone wanting space and views! Accommodations lean upscale, with a few mid-range options as well.

As stated, make sure to check the location and accessibility of each accommodation. This area is very hilly and to get those iconic views, you have to go up!

Budget: Guest House Home Sweet Home ($) – A hillside guesthouse with basic rooms and stunning terrace views over Old Town. Great value for travelers who don’t mind climbing a few stairs!

Mid-Range: Pearl of Adriatic ($$) – Recently renovated, large apartment with incredible sea views in Ploče! Only an 8-minute walk from Ploce Gate. Perfect for groups of 4.

Luxury: Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik ($$$) – One of Dubrovnik’s most iconic luxury hotels, just outside Ploče Gate. Known for its sea-view terraces, spa, and five-star service, and the views of Old Town are some of the best in the city.

Lapad, Dubrovnik – Best for Budget and Beach Vibes

An Overview of Lapad

Lapad is a residential neighborhood located about 10–15 minutes from Old Town by car or public bus. It’s known for its relaxed atmosphere, palm-lined promenades, and access to the sea.

While we didn’t have time to visit Lapad during our 2 days in Dubrovnik, it’s a great option for families, beach lovers, and travelers looking for a slower pace while in Dubrovnik.

Unlike Old Town or Ploče, Lapad is flatter and more spacious, with larger hotels, local bakeries, and plenty of walking paths along the coast. It’s also home to several beaches, including Lapad Bay and Uvala Beach, which are more swimmable and sunbather-friendly than the rocky coastline near the city center.

Because it’s further out, you’ll trade walkability and convenience for better prices and a quieter vibe. But buses run regularly from Lapad to Pile Gate, and many tours offer hotel pickups from this area.

If you’re looking for a beachy, budget-friendly stay away from the tourist crowds, Lapad is a great option!

Where to Stay in Lapad, Dubrovnik

Lapad has more traditional hotels than the other neighborhoods on this list thanks to being further away from Old Town! You can also find spacious family apartments and budget-friendly guesthouses here.

Below are a few recommendations for where to stay in Lapad!

Budget: Hotel Vis ($) – A beachfront hotel with basic but clean rooms and direct access to Lapad Beach. Great for travelers who want to spend more time at the beach and less on accommodations.

Mid-Range: Art Hotel Dubrovnik ($$) – A family-run apartment stay with large units, balconies, and a peaceful location within walking distance of the beach. Ideal for longer stays or families.

Luxury: President Hotel, Valamar Collection ($$$) – A beachfront luxury resort with panoramic sea views, a private beach, spa services, and multiple dining options. Ideal for travelers who want a full-service resort experience with easy access to the Adriatic.

Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik

Once you’ve figured out where to stay, now you can plan all the fun things to do in Dubrovnik! From walking its medieval city walls to exploring Game of Thrones filming sites, there’s no shortage of incredible activities here, especially if you love history, the ocean, and incredible views!

We only had 2 full days in Dubrovnik during our one week trip to Croatia, so we packed a lot in. With a short visit like this, these are the experiences I recommend prioritizing. You can also read my full guide on Things to Do in Dubrovnik next!

1. Walk the City Walls

This is easily the most iconic thing to do in Dubrovnik! The City Walls wrap around the entire Old Town, offering incredible views of the red rooftops, the harbor, and the Adriatic Sea.

Walking the full loop takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours and gives you a whole new perspective of the city. Along the way, you also get to explore historic forts and towers that date back centuries.

When we visited in September, we arrived right when the walls opened and had sections entirely to ourselves at some points! Plus, it’s worth getting an early start to beat the heat. There’s very little shade along the way, so bring water and wear sunscreen.

📍Note: Entry to the Walls costs around $35, and tickets can be purchased from the Tourist Center right when you enter Pile Gate.

2. Take a Game of Thrones Tour

As you may know, Dubrovnik was the main filming location for the city of King’s Landing in the HBO series Game of Thrones.

While just being in Dubrovnik will transport you to the world of Westeros, taking a guided tour really brings the show to life. On a tour, you’ll visit filming sites like Fort Lovrijenac (aka the Red Keep), the Jesuit Steps (scene of Cersei’s walk of shame), the West Harbor (Blackwater Bay), and more!

We booked this Game of Thrones walking tour and had the BEST time! Our tour guide had tons of insights only a local would know about the show’s filming and impact on Dubrovnik. They also bring a flip book so you can easily remember the scenes they are referencing in each location!

For more information on all the different GoT film spots and tours in Dubrovnik, make sure to check out my Game of Thrones Dubrovnik Guide! ⚔️

3. Visit Lokrum Island

Just a 10-minute ferry ride from the Old Port, Lokrum Island is a laid-back nature escape filled with shady walking paths, hidden beaches, and free-roaming peacocks.

There’s also a historic monastery, a salt lake known as the Dead Sea, and a cliffside swimming area. You can easily spend a whole morning or afternoon here exploring. It’s the perfect quiet escape from the craziness of Old Town.

We actually visited here as part of our Game of Thrones tour (it’s another film location), but then stayed for a few hours after. We ate lunch and then went swimming in the warm sea – it was magical!

🎫 Note: Ferries run regularly from the Old Port and tickets can be bought right at the port.

4. Ride the Dubrovnik Cable Car and Have a Panoramic Lunch

If you’re looking to have the most picturesque lunch in Dubrovnik, this is it. Ride the Dubrovnik cable car to the top of Mount Srđ for some of the most breathtaking views in the entire region.

You’ll see the full expanse of Old Town from above, along with Lokrum Island and the coastline stretching out in both directions.

Once you reach the top of the cable car, you can have lunch at the iconic Panoramic Restaurant (the name speaks for itself). While pricey, the views are 1000% worth it.

I highly recommend booking early, especially if you want a seat on the edge! We were lucky enough to get upgraded to the edge seat, and it was breathtaking.

🎫 Note: You can buy tickets for the cable car directly at the station, which is located right outside the Ploče Gate.

That’s a wrap on this guide on Where to Stay in Dubrovnik for first time visitors!

Ready to plan your full trip to Dubrovnik? Check out my guide on all the different things to do in Dubrovnik!

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Where To Stay In Dubrovnik For First-Timers (With Map!)
15 Unforgettable Things To Do In Dubrovnik, Croatia!
Game Of Thrones Dubrovnik Guide: Locations, Tours, & More
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