Dubrovnik’s walled Old Town is the dream — but it is pricey and car-free. Here are the best areas to stay, from inside the walls to the beachy Lapad peninsula and budget-friendly Gruž.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik: best areas
| Area | Best for | The vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town | First-timers, the walls | Historic, magical, pricey |
| Lapad | Beaches & value | Relaxed, resort |
| Ploče | Upscale, views | Quiet, by the Old Town |
| Gruž | Budget & local | Port area, authentic |
Best areas to stay in Dubrovnik
Inside the famous walls — magical mornings and evenings once the cruise crowds leave, but the most expensive, with stairs and no cars.
Just east of the walls — walkable to the Old Town, with the best views back over the rooftops and upscale hotels.
A leafy peninsula with beaches, a pedestrian promenade and better value — a 10-15 minute bus to the Old Town.
Around the port — the cheapest, most local area, with the market and ferries, well connected by bus.
Quick picks by traveler
| If you want… | Stay in |
|---|---|
| Best for first-timers | Old Town or Ploče |
| Best for views | Ploče |
| Best for beaches & value | Lapad |
| Best for budget | Gruž |
Getting around
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is car-free and full of steps — pack light. Buses link Lapad, Gruž and the airport to the Pile Gate; a rental car only helps for day trips (Kotor, the islands). Visit the walls early or late to dodge cruise crowds.
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Where to stay in Dubrovnik: the best areas
- Old Town (within the walls) — iconic and atmospheric, but priciest, busiest and stair-heavy.
- Lapad — beaches, greenery and far better value, a short bus ride away.
- Ploce — just east of the Old Town, with great views and walkable access.
First-timers wanting the Game-of-Thrones atmosphere should stay in or beside the Old Town; for value and beaches, choose Lapad.
Pick your area by budget and sleep, not just the view
The honest split in Dubrovnik comes down to what you’ll pay and how much noise you’ll tolerate. Inside the walls, Old Town apartments run roughly EUR 100-200+ a night in summer and walled four-star rooms hit EUR 200-320 (about USD 215-345). You’re paying for the obvious: stone lanes and city walls at your door. The catch is dragging luggage up stairs, no car access, and bars that keep the old quarter loud past midnight.
- Old Town suits first-timers and short stays who want to walk out the door into the postcard, if your budget and sleep can take it.
- Ploce, just east of the walls, is the quiet luxury pick. You get sea views and a five-minute walk to Pile Gate without the after-dark din.
- Lapad is the value play. Apartments average EUR 150-250, you’re near sand at Lapad Beach, and a bus reaches Old Town in about 15 minutes.
- Babin Kuk, at the peninsula’s tip, is the calmest and most family-friendly, but it’s the furthest from the action.
Avoid booking inside the walls in peak July and August if you want to actually sleep or save money. The trade-off is plain: Old Town buys you walkable atmosphere at the cost of price, stairs, and noise; Lapad and Babin Kuk buy you space and savings at the cost of a bus ride.
Where To Stay In Dubrovnik FAQ
Where should I stay in Dubrovnik?
In or near the Old Town for atmosphere, or Lapad for beaches and better value.
Is it worth staying inside Dubrovnik’s Old Town?
For the atmosphere yes, but it’s expensive, crowded and full of stairs — Ploce offers proximity for less.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.