Dubrovnik Croatia is one of the most special destinations. Standing by the shimmering Adriatic Sea, crisscrossed by a labyrinth of limestone alleys with terracotta roofs, and surrounded by magnificent medieval walls, this city will make you feel as if you were in the Middle Ages.
Besides its rich history and natural wealth, the fame of the Game of Thrones series is probably one of the reasons why Dubrovnik Croatia now attracts more attention than ever.
You can stroll through the local bazaar and follow Cersei’s path of shame up the Jesuit staircase.
For the explorers, the spectacular rocky and pebbly coastline with its beaches and caves, perfect for snorkeling and kayaking, will awaken your instinct for discovery.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik Croatia?
Dubrovnik is a city where each neighborhood has its own character. So, where you stay depends on what you want to experience.
The main attractions are around the Old Town, but there are also beaches and islands nearby that you can visit by bus or boat if you use the excellent public transport.
Read on to see our list of the best areas to stay in Dubrovnik Croatia.
Old Town
The UNESCO-protected center of Dubrovnik Croatia sits on a peninsula between hills and the Adriatic Sea. It is surrounded by massive medieval walls and crisscrossed by the main pedestrian street, Stradun.
Most of the historical sites are located: the cathedral, Sponza Palace, Rector’s Palace, Dominican and Franciscan monasteries, and the War Photo Ltd museum, which offers a sobering look at the wars in the former Yugoslavia.
The most popular attraction is a walk along the massive city wall, from the top of which you have a spectacular 360-degree view.
In the evening, the candlelit restaurants and squares are seductive and romantic, and although the Old Town attracts many people in the warmer months, you can lose yourself in the quiet streets.
Ploče
Ploče is located at the southern entrance to the Old Town and stretches for a mile from some of the most attractive places for tourists: Banje Beach, the most accessible sandy beach in the center of Dubrovnik Croatia.
All along the promenade to Orsula Park, it’s a promontory with magnificent views of the Sveti Jakov bay, the island of Lokrum, and the Old Town fortress, which is illuminated at night.
This area of Dubrovnik has the oldest and most luxurious hotels and villas, with some modest options further up the beach.
Tourist attractions include the Museum of Modern Art and a cable car ride to the top of Mount Srđ, from where you can enjoy a lovely view of the coast.
Pile
Pile, the northern entrance to the Old Town, has many charms, including wonderful views of the medieval city walls, beautiful beaches, and the imposing 11th-century Fortress at its heart.
There is a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets and plenty of restaurants to enjoy by the sea.
The main promenade is Branitelja Dubrovnik, lined with cafés and a variety of gastronomy opposite the Pile Gate, from where buses run to all parts of the city.
Lapad
Lapad, situated north of the Old Town, is a green residential area that runs along the longest beach in Dubrovnik Croatia.
It has a mix of restaurants and bars frequented by locals and tourists, as it is well-connected to the rest of the city by public transport.
The quietness, relative proximity to the Old Town (without the summer hustle and bustle), and the long pebble and sandy beach of Uvala Lapad.
Its calm waters make this neighborhood a popular destination for families and water sports enthusiasts.
Some hotels on the beach date from the first tourist boom in the 1970s. Others are quite modern but generally family-friendly and reasonably priced compared to the more upmarket hotels in Ploče and the Old Town.
Babin Kuk
Located on the northern tip of the Lapad peninsula, Babin Kuk is the quieter part of town, with a combination of lush green and several sandy and pebbly beaches, like Copacabana, Cava, and Uvala.
You can enjoy water sports next to the locals. Here you will find some of the best (and most expensive) hotels on the peninsula, some of them for romantic stays, others for families.
The Old Town of Dubrovnik Croatia is only 5 km away and can be reached by public transport in 20 minutes.
Gruž
About three kilometers north of the Old Town (east of Lapad and Babin Kuk) is the Gruž district, centered on the busy harbor.
Cruise ships dock here, and there are ferries to nearby islands, making the town very popular with tourists.
Gruž is a lively neighborhood surrounding Dubrovnik’s harbor and a refreshing change from the historic center.
The combination of budget accommodation, restaurants, excellent public transport to the Old Town, and a quiet marina attracts both budget travelers and yachters.
