I’ll be honest Dubrovnik had me torn for the longest time. On one hand, those sun-drenched walls and the stories from friends wandering its ancient streets whispered to me, you must see this for yourself. Best places to stay in Dubrovnik.
On the other, the warnings loomed large narrow lanes packed with tourists, prices climbing higher than the city walls, and cruise ships spilling endless crowds into the port.
It felt like a tug-of-war between irresistible beauty and overwhelming chaos. Yet curiosity won.
During our journey, we carved out a three days in Dubrovnik to dip our toes in, to see if this city would capture my heart.
Walking along the ancient walls, sipping coffee in a quiet corner, and watching the sunset turn the rooftops gold, I realized why people fall for this city.
I’ll take you through the moments that truly made me fall in love, Let’s step inside and find out.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik
Choosing where to stay in Dubrovnik? best places to stay in Dubrovnik, really depends on the kind of experience you’re after.
Are you drawn to the energy of bustling streets and lively corners, or do you dream of quiet moments paired with breathtaking views?
From my own stay, I’d say the sweet spot is within walking distance of the Old Town.
You get the best of both worlds strolling through historic streets feels effortless, the views are magical, yet you can retreat to calm and quiet when you need a pause from the city’s buzz.
It’s a little slice of Dubrovnik that makes you feel both part of the city and wonderfully apart from it.
Old Town Dubrovnik is overflowing with things to see and do give yourself at least four days to truly soak it all in.
See The Dubrovnik City Walls
Climbing Dubrovnik’s city walls is a splurge at around €35 per person but trust me it’s worth every cent.
These ancient stone walls wrap around the entire Old Town, giving you sweeping, postcard-perfect views of red rooftops tumbling toward the sparkling Adriatic.
It’s also a glimpse into the city’s past, when these very walls stood as guardians against invaders.
If the price makes you hesitate, there’s a silver lining each ticket also grants entry to the Lovrijenac Fortress.
Just make sure you book through the official Dubrovnik City Walls website, because there’s a misleadingly “official-looking” site that isn’t.
For those wanting to explore even more, the Dubrovnik Pass can be a better deal €35 gets you access to multiple museums and free public transport.
The walls stretch nearly 2 km, so plan for at least 1- 2 hours to walk, pause, and soak it all in.
From up there, the city feels like it was painted for you the terracotta rooftops, the glimmering sea beyond its surreal.
We started early, but the sun was already relentless.
Luckily, there’s a little café on the walls where you can refresh with fresh juices slightly indulgent, yes, but completely worth it after the climb.
The Old Town
The heart of Dubrovnik the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and easily the city’s most enchanting (and bustling) area.
Staying within the ancient walls means you’re right in the thick of it charming restaurants, lively bars, and centuries-old sights are all just a few steps from your door.
Every corner feels like a story waiting to be discovered.
The trade-off? Accommodations here can be on the pricier side and a bit noisy. With no cars allowed, be ready to haul your luggage up flights of stairs, and don’t expect many outdoor spaces to relax in.
But if you’re looking for the full Dubrovnik experience, being in the Old Town is like living in the city’s beating heart.
Best Places to Stay In Dubrovnik
Hotel Dubrovnik Palace
For pure luxury, Hotel Dubrovnik Palace is a dream. Perched on the Adriatic, the views are breathtaking, and the rooms, pools, and lounges are modern and elegant.
Its location isn’t an issue a complimentary shuttle whisks you to the Old Town every 15 minutes. For a perfect blend of resort indulgence and old-world European charm, this is the place to stay.
Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik
This hotel oozes luxury without the hefty price tag! Just outside the Old Town walls, its courtyard, terrace, and shared spaces are absolutely stunning.
Sitting right on the water, it’s the perfect choice if you want a touch of elegance and seaside charm without breaking the bank.
Old Town Leah
This place feels more like a cozy apartment than a hotel, which is a rare find inside the Old Town! Space is limited within Dubrovnik’s ancient walls, so large hotels are few and far between.
This apartment perfectly blends historic charm with modern comforts, making it a favorite for many visitors and a spot I’d highly recommend too.
The Pucic Palace
This hotel is right in the heart of Old Town Dubrovnik, and get this it’s part of an 18th-century baroque palace. Yes, you read that right! And for under $250 a night?
It almost sounds too good to be true, but I promise it isn’t.
The rooms and courtyard radiate historic charm, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time in the most magical way.
Dubrovnik Backpackers Club
This one’s for all the solo travellers out there, best places to stay in Dubrovnik.
While it’s just outside the Old Town, the hostel sits perfectly between the historic center and Dubrovnik’s best beaches and the staff are amazing at helping you get wherever you want to go.
Hostel Angelina
If you want a hostel right inside the city walls, Hostel Angelina is the one.
Staying here feels like spending the night in a castle, and the location is unbeatable.
Honestly, this would be my top pick for anyone wanting the full Old Town experience!
Ploče
Ploče is one of Dubrovnik’s most luxurious neighborhoods, just a short stroll east of the Old Town.
Walking along Frana Supila Street, which runs parallel to the sparkling coast, I couldn’t help but pause at some of the city’s grandest, oldest hotels and villas they felt like living pieces of history.
Among its highlights, the Museum of Modern Art and the famous Dubrovnik Cable Car must see.
Ploče is perfect if you want to be near the heart of the city but still enjoy a bit of calm.
From here, the views of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea are absolutely breathtaking, and you’re just a short walk from Banje Beach and Sveti Jakob.
The catch? Unless you snag a place right by the main road, be ready for steep streets and plenty of steps.
Trust me, your legs will feel the luxury as much as your eyes!
Gruž
Dubrovnik’s port area, Gruž, is an up-and-coming neighborhood that offers a taste of local life.
The harbor hums with activity, there’s a daily farmer’s market, and plenty of shops and restaurants to explore far from the polished streets of the Old Town.
Staying here best places to stay in Dubrovnik, is usually the most budget-friendly option, and public transport makes it easy to reach the Old Town in about 10 minutes by bus.
The vibe is more industrial than charming, nightlife is limited, and it can get crowded whenever cruise ships dock.
Still, if you’re after an authentic, everyday Dubrovnik experience, Gruž has its own appeal.
Guesthouse Slavka
Another option I considered was Guesthouse Slavka, and wow the views of the Old Town and beyond are absolutely unbeatable.
Truly unobstructed, which is rare at this price.
It’s more affordable, though a bit dated, but honestly, the highlight is the veranda. Best Places to Stay in Dubrovnika.
Who wants to spend their Dubrovnik days inside cooking anyway?
There are sunbeds for lounging when you’d rather skip the pricey beaches, a bright and airy double bedroom, and a bathroom with a shower.
The host is wonderfully accommodating and ready to help with anything you might need.
Perched in Ploče, it’s just a 10-minute stroll to the Old Town.
The only thing to note? You’ll have to tackle a little hill to get there but those views more than make up for it.
Quick tips
If you can, visit Dubrovnik during the shoulder seasons April to May or September to October for lower prices and fewer crowds.
Choose best places to stay in Dubrovnik. We went in early November, and the weather was perfect warm enough to enjoy the beach, yet ideal for wandering the streets and soaking up the city’s charm.
Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak season (June – August), because Dubrovnik can get very crowded.
Personally, I like to lock in a place 3 – 6 months ahead and tours about 2 months in advance.
The Dubrovnik Pass is a great deal it’s the same price as a City Walls ticket but includes discounted entry to other attractions and free public transport
Dubrovnik is wonderfully walkable, and public transport is simple to use.
The airport bus leaves about 30 minutes after every flight, 24/7, for €10.
We paid €50 for a taxi, so the bus is a steal. Bring a refillable water bottle especially in summer, you’ll need plenty of hydration.
For the best views, hike up Mount Srd and take the cable car down it saves a bit of money and rewards you with unforgettable panoramas.
And don’t miss the Elaphiti Islands; it felt like a mini escape from the busy Old Town.
You can reach them by public ferry, guided tour, or private speedboat.
We stayed at TUI BLUE Kalamota Island Resort, which cost about half of what we paid for our Dubrovnik apartment and the scenery was just as dreamy.