Dubrovnik is one of a kind city, a melting pot of history, swaying palms, burnt orange roof tops and dramatic landscape, I could list a whole number of amazing sights! It’s Croatia’s beloved ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, an up-market destination that attracts more than it’s fair share of visitors, myself included – who wouldn’t be seduced by all those dazzling images of the walled old town meeting the perfectly calm blue sea?
And honestly, Dubrovnik is a beautiful city, deserving of the hype and once you’re amongst everything, you really get the feeling that not much has changed over the centuries except for a few more people, gift shops and a fantastic dining scene! You couldn’t ask for a better introduction to Croatia – a pocket sized city that has bags of charm and even water taxi’s to hop around the islands and beaches, just minutes away from your central hotel, what’s not to like?
For a fabulous break Dubrovnik has it all, the question is; where to stay?
In a place so lovely, you really want to do it justice and there’s plenty to consider from locations and suburbs to budget and style. Something I have mulled over for years! So, to save you hours of work and overwhelm I have curated what I believe is a great list of accommodation options in order to make this part of the process easier!
(A few places that made it on to this list I have personally visited over the past decade and others I only dream about!)
Wondering where to stay in Dubrovnik? This post has you covered!
Here’s what you need to know:
- Best areas to stay in Dubrovnik
- Best boutique hotels in Dubrovnik
- Best apartments in Dubrovnik
- Best guest houses in Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik essential information
- Further Dubrovnik reading
BEST AREAS TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK
Where is the best place to stay in Dubrovnik? This is often the most challenging part when building an itinerary for Dubrovnik! Especially when you factor in the sprawling suburbs, steep steps and budget – a quick google search will tell you the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ comes with a hefty price tag! (Read: the most expensive place to stay in Croatia). But there are some very nice guest houses, apartments and boutique hotels catering for all types of travellers needs alongside some very epic postcard balcony views!
So, what made you choose Dubrovnik?
In Dubrovnik you have a choice between stone wall heritage houses, modern apartments, traditional interiors (there’s plenty of those) as well as a few brand new hotels with pools dotted around the edges of the old town and beyond.
For first time visitors and fellow solo travellers I wholeheartedly believe the best overall option would be within walking distance to the old town – the heart and soul of Dubrovnik as this is where you’ll naturally spend most of your time – drinking in the sights and hopping on water taxi’s!
In this post I have focused on three main areas and definitely the best locations in Dubrovnik – the Old Town, Pile and Ploce. Yes there are other suburbs further afield, but none are as appealing or convenient as the places I’m writing about – after all weren’t you also seduced by the orange roof tops that meet the blue sea?
Stay in the heart of picturesque Dubrovnik, soak up the atmosphere, enjoy epic burnt orange roof tops and endless sea views from your very own balcony!
OLD TOWN DUBROVNIK
Easily identifiable, the picture perfect UNESCO historic old town is the heart and soul of Dubrovnik, surrounded by medieval walls, mountains and the Adriatic. You will be living in the centre of a postcard – this is the spot that travellers come to see, its full of character, atmosphere and boasts many major attractions like Rector’s Palace as well as restaurants, cafés and entire terrace-lined streets.
Just imagine waking up to church bells and bustle as the town comes to life! Plus you’ll have everything at your fingertips from the largest beach to the harbour where water taxis are willing and waiting to whisk you off to somewhere exciting!
TIP! I highly recommend booking your accommodation in advance here and if you find a good deal book it – they sell out fast!
PLOCE
Ploce is probably the most attractive district in Dubrovnik, situated on a hill towards the east boasting the most unreal view over the historic town and little Lokrum island, its just heavenly! From this desirable location you can easily reach the main attractions and spend some time at Dubrovnik’s best beach Banji at the foot of Ploce besides the top hotels, bars and seafood restaurants!
If you’re debating where to stay outside of the old town walls of Dubrovnik I highly recommend this area, it blends together the best sights of Dubrovnik, while being only a ten minute walk to the harbour front, a cluster of good coffee spots and landmark buildings. You can actually see most of them from your balcony, just take a look the above pic at Rooms Raic!
PILE GATE
Famous for the dramatic 15th century city wall, Pile Gate is the Northern entrance to the old town and comes with a few good attractions of its own including Lovrijenac Fortress, built on a 30metre high rock over 1000 years ago and a couple of hidden beaches, not to mention some lovely views and sunsets.
This area is great for those who like to explore as the bus station is two minutes away from the main gate and is super easy to use! You can head to Lapad Peninsula, enjoy a day at Coral Beach and Club or even hop over to Gruz port and book the catamaran to Mljet National Park (a must do), there’s lots of fun day trips to be had from Pile Gate!
BEST ACCOMMODATION IN DUBROVNIK
Now that you are armed with a bit of knowledge on the three main locations in Dubrovnik either in or walking distance to the historic old town and attractions, its time to decide where to stay in Dubrovnik – a hotel, boutique guest house, charming apartment? Here are my top choices.
WHERE TO STAY IN OLD TOWN DUBROVNIK
Best apartments, boutique hotels & guest houses within the old town walls of Dubrovnik.
GUEST HOUSE FORTY-FOUR
Attractively located in the centre of Dubrovnik Guest House Forty-Four has all the hall marks of a boutique hotel, including a romantic on site restaurant! All the rooms are very stylish, decorated with earthy and high-end features and most rooms types come with a little patio area surrounded by ancient stone buildings. My pick here (if I ever get the chance) would be the double room with balcony, it looks stunning!
BOUTIQUE HOTEL STARI GRAD
Stari Grad is one of only a few hotels actually residing within the old town walls of Dubrovnik. A lovely 16th century historic and recently renovated boutique offering just 8 spacious rooms, which gives you lots of privacy and a unique experience! A popular five star breakfast is served on the roof terrace where you can indulge and enjoy the panoramic views – this is one of the nicest high-end places to stay, if you have the budget, go for it!
BOOK BOUTIQUE HOTEL STARI GRAD
PLAZZO DE BONA
Modern rooms on the top floor with lovely bathrooms over-looking the orange roof tops of Dubrovnik and a pretty white church. If you have already been looking at accommodation in Dubrovnik old town, you will know that anything deemed modern is quite rare as many local establishments favour traditional décor, but if you’re searching for something simple, clean and convenient then Plazzo De Bona ticks all the boxes! Some of you will also be interested to know that the Buzz bar is only a ten minute stroll from this property!
THE PUCIC PALACE
Experience an 18th century Baroque Palace a few feet away from photogenic Stradum in the Dubrovnik Old Town. Guests of this elegant five star property will love the exclusive traditional furnishings, views from the balcony, extra’s like bathrobes and slippers and will definitely enjoy starting the day with a fab ala cart breakfast. Fancy a complimentary day at the beach? A stay at Pucic means you are welcome to a sunbed, towel and parasol at Banje beach at any time! Sounds good to me!
APARTMENTS FRANKA OLD TOWN
Popular Franka apartment is situated within a pretty spot of the old town walls, just a few minutes’ walk from everything you need. Staying here would be a touch more authentic and local – if this is the vibe you’re after! Even the room style is traditional and more like a home, especially the large door and window entrance which opens out on to the cobbles and a sweet table and chair area – all for your relaxation! There’s even a local bakery around the corner to grab a pastry or two!
BOOK APARTMENTS FRANKA OLD TOWN
SCALINI PALACE
Scalini Palace is set in the heart of the old town and housed in a fully renovated 16th century manor surrounded by lots of other charming buildings and walkways. At Scalini you can expect great roof top views, atmosphere, lots of original features including the cool stone staircase and a few nice pieces of modern furniture within the rooms, if you are really lucky you might even have a balcony and a spectacular view! Book the top tier rooms (city and balcony view) for this experience!
WHERE TO STAY IN PLOCE, DUBROVNIK
Choose from hotels, guest houses & apartments with sweeping panoramic views over Dubrovnik old town and the Adriatic.
OCEAN APARTMENT BY DU HOME
A stylish apartment, bright and light with lots of space and a gorgeous view. Ocean apartment has one bedroom, a balcony and large terrace, it has everything you need for a comfortable stay including walk-in wardrobe.
BOOK OCEAN APARTMENT BY DU HOME
ROOMS RAIC
Spotlessly clean, Rooms Raic offers four large and bright ensuite double rooms each with an enormous colourful picture above the bed featuring the Dubrovnik landscape. In this guest house you have access to a central shared kitchen and a long balcony with sweeping views over Dubrovnik old town and the Adriatic – its magnificent! Not only that, two of the rooms actually open out on to the balcony, so make sure to ask when booking – I particularly loved this room and even extended my stay!
DUBROVNIK COLORS NO3
An light and bright pretty studio apartment with a exceptional view of Lokrum Island the Dubrovnik Old Town. One bedroomed Dubrovnik Colors is situated in a gorgeous location with all the facilities you need and it’s just a ten minute stroll to the heart of Dubrovnik Old Town.
WHERE TO STAY IN PILE, DUBROVNIK
Stay in an Airbnb or historic villa with Mediterranean gardens, nearby attractive Pile Gate and sea facing restaurants.
VILLA MONTE SANTO APARTMENTS
If you’re looking for character this original stone walled deluxe studio is one of six quirky apartments offered in Villa Monte Santo and it comes with it’s own balcony and pretty view over the terraces, roof tops and fauna of the hugely attractive neighbourhood. In a way the whole setup is romantic – low beamed ceilings, little nooks and crannies, antique furniture, ornaments and a sweet two seater table in the kitchen, there’s more than enough room for two persons in this cute two bed studio.
HERITAGE VILLA NOBLE
Boutique Heritage Villa Noble is a lovely Mediterranean style property with a pretty romantic garden filled with palm trees and plants overlooking the sea, ancient walls and main entrance to the old town. Each stylishly themed room blends the historic 18th century past with modern facilities and is luxuriously decorated throughout, you might even feel as though you are living in a museum with all the restored furniture around! It’s quirky, but also very charming and cosy!
DUBROVNIK ESSENTIALS
Dubrovnik is a bucket list destination and the perfect place to begin exploring Croatia. Wander the ancient cobbled stones, eat and drink in the best restaurants, explore all the beautiful Mediterranean surrounds, hop on boat excursions and simply absorb the atmosphere. In this Dubrovnik Travel Guide, I share my insider tips and favourite spots!
WHERE TO STAY IN OLD TOWN DUBROVNIK?
Dubrovnik is one of those popular destinations that can quickly become overwhelming when searching for accommodation within the hotspot areas, there are literally hundreds of options. If I were to choose an hotel or apartment with convenience, style and charm in mind, I wouldn’t hesitate to book the double with balcony at Guest House Forty Four in the historic centre or the top tier room at Scalini Palace.
WHICH AREA HAS THE BEST VIEWS IN DUBROVNIK?
For those sweeping panoramic views over the old town walls, islands and Adriatic there is only one spot to consider and that’s Ploce! Situated above Banje beach and numerous flights of stairs Ploce is just 10-15 minutes by foot to the historic centre, see Ocean Apartment and Rooms Raic.
WHICH IS THE BEST AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION IN DUBROVNIK?
Inexpensive guest houses in Dubrovnik are plentiful as are Airbnb rooms and apartments, but not all are of a good standard or necessarily offer the best locations in which to be based! Rooms Raic is one of the best options with nice surrounds, terrace and views along with an affordable price tag!
GOOD TO KNOW
One thing to bear in mind – if you are prone to staying out well after dark, you might want to focus on the historic centre for convenience. Ploce is wonderful and my favourite, but I would hesitate to walk up the steps at night to the top of the hill as there’s zero cafés or restaurants nearby and it’s a little quiet.
FINAL WORDS…
I hope this post has instilled enthusiasm and confidence for your first trip to Dubrovnik and answered the burning question where to stay in Dubrovnik? An ancient city that has so many attractions to choose from, if you don’t believe me, just take a look at my Dubrovnik Travel Guide: Where to Eat, Drink & Relax!
READ MORE ABOUT DUBROVNIK
- 20 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU TO VISIT DUBROVNIK
- DUBROVNIK TRAVEL GUIDE: WHERE TO EAT, DRINK & RELAX
- 8 BEST THINGS TO DO IN DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN
- 5 WONDERFUL DAY TRIPS FROM DUBROVNIK
- CAVTAT: A SCENIC DAY TRIP FROM DUBROVNIK
PIN FOR LATER
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HI Rita! Thank you for your kind words, so happy you liked this post, years of personal research went in to each and every one of them!
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this article, some great hotel and apartment suggestions! I love all your Croatia posts . Keep up the good work!