You are currently viewing Accommodation in Dubrovnik: Best Areas for First-Time Visitors
Dubrovnik

Accommodation in Dubrovnik: Best Areas for First-Time Visitors

There’s plenty of Accommodation in Dubrovnik to choose from, but it’s important to choose the right location.

Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia and indeed, in Europe — but it’s also one of the easiest places to choose the wrong accommodation if you don’t understand the layout.

The Old Town is compact, hilly, and busy. Some neighbourhoods involve a lot of stairs. Others are quieter, greener, and better suited to a slower pace. Where you stay will strongly affect how much you enjoy your time here, especially if you value walkability, comfort, and not feeling rushed.

I’ve visited Dubrovnik as an independent traveller, and in this guide I’ll walk you through the best areas to stay in Dubrovnik for first-time visitors, with honest pros and cons so you can choose what suits you — not just what looks good in photos.

👉 Check current Dubrovnik accommodation prices

Dubrovnik at a Glance (Very Important)

Before choosing accommodation, it helps to understand one key thing:

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is small — but steep.

  • Streets are narrow
  • Many properties involve stairs
  • Taxis cannot enter the Old Town
  • Luggage often has to be carried

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stay there — only that it’s important to choose deliberately.

Best Area for First-Time Visitors: Old Town (Short Stays)

🟡 Best for: 1–3 nights, atmosphere, iconic Dubrovnik experience

Staying inside the Old Town walls puts you right in the heart of Dubrovnik. You’ll be able to walk everywhere early in the morning and late at night, when the cruise-ship crowds thin out and the city feels magical.

Why people love staying here

  • Unmatched atmosphere
  • Close to historic sights
  • Beautiful early mornings and evenings

Things to be aware of

  • Lots of stairs
  • Smaller rooms
  • Higher prices
  • Can be noisy in peak season

If you’re travelling light and only staying a short time, the Old Town can be a wonderful experience.

👉 See accommodation inside Dubrovnik Old Town

Best Area for Comfort & Balance: Lapad (Top Recommendation)

🟢 Best for: Comfort, longer stays, relaxed evenings

Lapad is a leafy peninsula about 10–15 minutes from the Old Town by bus. It offers a very different feel — calmer, flatter, and greener — while still being well connected.

Why Lapad works so well

  • Easy walking paths
  • Seafront promenade
  • Beaches and swimming spots
  • Regular buses into the Old Town
  • Wider choice of comfortable hotels

If you enjoy returning to a quieter area at the end of the day, Lapad is an excellent base.

👉 Check hotels and apartments in Lapad

Best for Views & Quiet: Ploče

🔵 Best for: Scenic views, quieter nights, proximity to Old Town

Ploče sits just east of the Old Town and offers some of Dubrovnik’s best views. It’s close enough to walk into the Old Town, but far enough to feel less intense.

Good to know

  • Still some hills and steps
  • Often apartment-style accommodation
  • Great for sunset views

*This area suits travellers who want proximity without being in the busiest part of the city.

👉 See accommodation in Ploče

Best Budget-Friendly Area (Without Feeling Far Away): Gruž

🟣 Best for: Value, ferry access, bus connections

Gruž is where the main port and bus station are located. It’s not as scenic as Lapad or the Old Town, but it’s practical and often better value.

Why consider Gruž

  • Easier arrivals and departures
  • Good bus links
  • More affordable accommodation
  • Local markets and cafés

If Dubrovnik is part of a longer Croatia itinerary, Gruž can make logistics simpler.

👉 Check accommodation in Gruž

Where I Would Stay (Based on Trip Length)

  • 1–2 nights: Old Town (if stairs aren’t an issue)
  • 3–5 nights: Lapad
  • Using Dubrovnik as a base: Lapad or Ploče
  • Early ferry or bus departures: Gruž

How Many Nights Do You Need in Dubrovnik?

For most first-time visitors:

  • 2–3 nights is ideal
  • Enough time for:
    • Old Town exploration
    • City walls walk
    • A short boat trip (Lokrum or nearby islands)

Longer stays are best if you’re based outside the Old Town.

Tours & Day Trips to Consider

If you don’t want to plan everything yourself, Dubrovnik has excellent small-group tours, including:

👉 See popular tours and day trips from Dubrovnik

Getting Around Dubrovnik

  • Buses are reliable and inexpensive
  • Old Town is pedestrian-only
  • Taxis and ride-shares are widely available
  • Staying near a bus route makes things much easier

If you’re travelling onwards by bus or ferry, it helps to know schedules in advance, as they’re not always intuitive on the ground.

👉 Compare transport options to and from Dubrovnik

Final Thoughts

Dubrovnik is unforgettable — but it’s also busy, hilly, and intense in places. Choosing the right area to stay can transform your experience from tiring to genuinely enjoyable.

If you want:

  • Atmosphere → Old Town
  • Comfort and calm → Lapad
  • Views and proximity → Ploče
  • Value and convenience → Gruž

👉 Check current Dubrovnik accommodation prices here

*

Leave a Reply