WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK: 8 AMAZING AREAS AND NEIGHBORHOODS (2026)

Wondering where to stay in Dubrovnik? This guide will give you the best options for your perfect stay in Dubrovnik!

Dubrovnik has become one of the most popular cities in Europe, and each year many tourists come to explore it. If you’re planning on visiting Dubrovnik, it might be a great idea to think about where you’d like to stay while holidaying.

I can easily say that the location of your accommodation will absolutely be the key to how you’re going to experience this city. I’ve spend many summers in Dubrovnik and I can tell you that some areas are definitely better than others. Keep reading to find out why!

WHY IS LOCATION IMPORTANT IN DUBROVNIK?

In Dubrovnik, it’s really important to find a location that matches your needs the best. What does that mean? If you’re young, you might prefer staying in the old town where you can go out for drinks or to clubs. You might prefer Lapad with amazing hotels and great beaches, if you’re here with your family. If you’re older and don’t care for the crowds at all, Cavtat might be perfect for you.

The place you choose to stay at plays a very important role in shaping your overall experience. Why? It dictates the comfort you have, how quick you’re in the old town, and if you need a car or public transport. The city itself has plenty of options for accommodation – from budget hostels and Airbnbs, to luxury and boutique hotels. Keep reading to find out what are some pros and cons to various parts of Dubrovnik!

WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK: AREAS AND NEIGHBORHOODS

Babin Kuk

First of your choices could be Babin Kuk. Babin Kuk is a gorgeous, serene neighborhood in Dubrovnik which offers a perfect blend of relaxation and accessibility. This area is known for its greenery, pristine beaches, beach bars, and a laid-back atmosphere. This would be an ideal retreat for you if you’re looking for a break from the lively energy of the Old Town.

Babin Kuk has excellent bus connection to Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town. That means you can easily explore the cultural wonders while also enjoying the peace of this residential haven. The bus ride takes around 15 minutes, so you can enjoy a more peaceful vacation and still get all the benefits that Dubrovnik has to offer.

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Gruz

Secondly, there’s Gruž. Gruž is a lively neighborhood and Dubrovnik’s main transportation hub. It serves as the city’s main port and station for both ferry and bus connections. Along with great traffic connections, Gruž is overall lively with plenty of restaurants and shops.

If you choose accommodation in Gruž, you’ll have easy access to local islands or even further away destinations. On the other hand, there are no beaches in or near Gruž, so you’ll have to either use public transport or a car to go to the beach.

Gruž is very well connected with the old city center with several bus lines and it’s a great location for island hopping, so if the islands, such as Lopud or Korcula, are in your itinerary, Gruž might be an excellent choice. If you’re a budget traveler, Gruž will be perfect for you since you can find most of the city’s hostels there, as well as restaurants much cheaper than in the Old Town.

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Lapad

Next, situated on the western part of Dubrovnik’s coastline, Lapad is a picturesque and peaceful neighborhood, much calmer than the old town. However, It’s not as calm as Babin Kuk as it still has quite a lot of tourists staying there. It is a great option since it has plenty of hotels, apartments, and Airbnbs for a lower price than old town, but you’re only a couple of minutes away from the old town by bus or car.

Lapad has become a favored destination for those who want a more relaxed atmosphere. There, you can do lots of dining, shopping, and recreational activities. It also has a gorgeous promenade with some of the prettiest views in Dubrovnik. It’s also a great location if you are visiting with children.

Lapad has a beautiful beach called Uvala Lapad. It’s a pebble beach and very much suitable for children. An additional bonus is that it’s walking distance from most hotels and apartments in Lapad.

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Montovjerna

Montovjerna is a peaceful residential neighborhood tucked away from the too lively tourist areas. It provides a calm atmosphere while also still offering easy access to the city. If you choose this part of Dubrovnik for your accommodation, you’ll be in walking distance from the city, about 15 minutes away.

There’s also an easy bus connection you can catch, or you can grab an Uber. This hilly district is characterized by its charming streets, local markets, and panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. One of the cons about this location is that it lacks easily accessible beaches. Most of the beaches in Montovjerna require many steps and are very limited with space for sunbathing. However, Montovjerna is home to two of the best hotels in Dubrovnik, and each has their own beach, so check them out.

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Dubrovnik Old Town

Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mesmerizing labyrinth of narrow streets, charming squares, and well-preserved medieval architecture. This is the part of Dubrovnik you’ve come to see, so it would be logical to some to find accommodation inside the city walls. Well, that might not be good idea for everyone. The crowds in the Old Town get insane during high season, so if you’re not a fan of huge masses of people, maybe stay somewhere else. Along with that, the Old Town has the most expensive accommodation, so if you’re on a budget, staying here is not realistic.

If you are interested in staying in the Old Town or just outside the city walls (Pile or Ploče),you have several beaches at your disposal. Most of them require some walking or climbing, but it’s absolutely worth it.

If you stay here, the streets of Old Town have many charming cafes and restaurants. You can enjoy delicious Croatian cuisine and various local specialties on Stradun, or the narrow streets around the town. In the evening, you can explore lively bars, music venues, clubs, and cultural events that make the evenings in Dubrovnik especially enchanting.

The accommodation in this region offers plenty of apartments and luxury hotels which are more pricey than in a location like Lapad or Gruž.

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Finally, if you are looking for cheaper options you might want to consider staying further out of town and driving or taking a bus to Dubrovnik. These are the three best locations outside of Dubrovnik that you might find interesting:

Cavtat

Cavtat is a charming coastal town situated about 15 kilometers south of Dubrovnik. It is known for its picturesque old town, stunning waterfront, and a laid-back atmosphere.

While it shares similarities with Dubrovnik, Cavtat offers a more relaxed and intimate setting, so it’s a really appealing alternative for anyone who wants a peaceful holiday with an easy access to the liveliness of Dubrovnik. You can easily reach Dubrovnik either with a bus or a ferry which takes you directly from Cavtat to Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

Cavtat has several beautiful beaches where you can relax, swim, and enjoy the Adriatic waters without crowds all around. Popular beaches are Tiha Bay and Rat Beach.

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Zaton

Zaton is a stunning little village located approximately 8 kilometers northwest of Dubrovnik. This coastal gem is known for itsnatural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s another great option for those looking for a nice, relaxing holiday and who cannot be bothered with the crowdedness of the Old Town.

From Zaton you can use the local bus, taxis or Ubers to travel to Dubrovnik. The prices of accommodation are usually cheaper compared to the ones closer to the city center but if you’ll be going to Dubrovnik daily, you’ll also spend a lot on transport. Choose wisely!

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Mokosica

Lastly, Mokosica is a charming neighborhood located along the banks of Rijeka Dubrovacka, approximately 8 kilometers from Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

It has a residential atmosphere as many locals actually live here. Because of that, it mostly offers apartments and AirBnBs, there aren’t any hotels there. In Mokosica you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the river and experience a more relaxed vacation, while still having convenient access to Dubrovnik with local buses, taxis and Ubers.

CONCLUSION: WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK

These are all the best areas in Dubrovnik where you can stay and enjoy your holiday. If you have the budget and don’t mind the crowds, definitely stay in or near the Old Town. If you want something relaxing, I’d definitely recommend Lapad since it’s beautiful there!