In this blog, I will help you to find Where to stay in Dubrovnik first time, without a car (for family, couples). We will be looking at the best area to stay in Dubrovnik for first-timers (with a map and video), the best hotels in Dubrovnik for all budgets (including the hotel where I stayed).
Dubrovnik, along with Split, Hvar, and Zagreb are the most popular tourist holiday in Croatia. Split and Dubrovnik are two beautiful cities on the Dalmatian Coast. Split offers better nightlife, cheaper accommodations, Dubrovnik has better history, culture, and food scene.
🎬 You can watch this short video about best areas in Dubrovnik, and continue reading.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik first time?
The best areas to stay in Dubrovnik for first-timers and tourists are Old Town, Ploče, Pile, Lapad, Gruz, Cavtat, and Babin Kuk. These are popular and safe locations for tourists that offer a wide variety of attractions and amenities.
In general, the Old Town is the best area in Dubrovnik for the first visit. It is the historic heart of the city, offering easy access to major tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, and shops.
Some of the best areas to stay in Dubrovnik for couples, both young and old, are Old Town, Ploče, Pile, Lapad, Babin Kuk, and Cavtat. There are plenty of boutique hotels or charming apartments within the Old Town, and beachfront resorts in the beach area for a romantic getaway.
Old Town, Lapad, Ploče, and Pile are some of the best areas to stay in Dubrovnik with family. These neighborhoods offer easy access to major attractions and the beaches, as well as a wide range of family-friendly accommodations and activities for children of all ages.
To book hotels, I recommend spending at least three to five days in Dubrovnik, which is a good amount of time to see the most famous attractions and get a sense of local culture and history. If you have more days, you can take a day trip to Kotor in Montenegro, or Mostar in Hercegovina.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik?
When I first visited Dubrovnik, I stayed for 4 nights at the Dubrovnik Old Town Apartments. It had a great location, inside the old town, within walking distance from Porporela Beach.My room was really nice, spacious, and cozy. It was clean and my bed was very comfortable.
| 💖 Best Area for first-time: | Dubrovnik Old Town |
| 💎 Best luxury hotel: | The Pucic Palace |
| 🏨 Best mid-range hotel: | Vivaldi |
| 💰 Best budget hotel: | Villa St Vitus |
Map of areas and neighborhoods in Dubrovnik:
Overviews of best areas to stay in Dubrovnik
Here is an overview of recommended areas in Dubrovnik for first-time visitors:
| Best areas in Dubrovnik for first-time tourists | Why should you stay in this area? |
|---|---|
| Old Town | the historic heart of the city known for its medieval architecture, museums, ancient walls, lively nightlife, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Stradun. Home to many restaurants, bars, and cafes. |
| Ploče | located just outside the eastern entrance of the Old Town, offering stunning views of the city walls and the Adriatic Sea. Great base for quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. Luxury hotels and easy access to Banje Beach make it an excellent base for couples and honeymooners. |
| Pile | Situated outside the western entrance of the Old Town, Pile is a great choice for families and those seeking a mix of cultural experiences and beach relaxation. |
| Lapad | is a bit farther away from the Old Town but offers a more relaxed atmosphere with beautiful beaches and a lovely promenade. It’s well-connected by bus, making it easy to reach the city center. |
| Gruz | is the city’s main port area and an excellent option for those who prefer a more local experience. You’ll find a mix of hotels and private accommodations here, along with a vibrant local market. |
| Cavtat | While not technically part of Dubrovnik but located around 20 km south of the city, Cavtat is a picturesque coastal town, ideal base for a more laid-back environment with beautiful beaches and seaside restaurants. |
| Babin Kuk | is known for its abundance of luxury hotels and resorts. It’s located on the Lapad Peninsula and offers beautiful beaches, scenic walks, and excellent leisure facilities. |
Best areas to stay in Dubrovnik for tourists are:
1. Dubrovnik Old Town
The Old Town, is the best overall area to stay in Dubrovnik for first-time travelers because it is the historic heart of the city. Staying here allows you to be surrounded by historic and cultural attractions, bars, restaurants, and easy access to public transportation.
The Old Town is a car-free zone, packed with pedestrianized narrow sandstone-paved streets. Located within the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik, which were built between the 11th and 17th centuries. The city was a rival to the famous trading port of Venice and these walls protect the city-state (then called Ragusa) from its enemies.
Dubrovnik’s old town is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. There has been no modern construction within the Old Town although all the buildings have been modernized to provide excellent restaurants, accommodations, and plenty of shopping.
From the moment you walk in under the impressive stone walls, your eyes will be attracted to one highlight after another. You can walk around the battlements looking down on the red rooftops and at the eye level of many of the stunning churches.
The Old Town Port and the Adriatic Sea are below. Remember this place was effectively an independent republic until Napoleon arrived in 1806 and a merchant trader for centuries. You will see evidence of its past in the City Museum including a letter from Elizabeth I of England.
What you see today was largely built in the 13th century, yet restored after a 17th-century earthquake. That earthquake made little impact on the impressive city walls. In the middle of the 14th century, it escaped from Venetian control. Nominally it remained under the wing of the Croat-Hungarian empire but there was minimal interference.
You may find yourself queuing in the high season but nevertheless, you must walk the walls and visit:
- The Tower Minčeta
- Fortress Bokar
- the Fortress Revelin
- Fortress of Saint John
- Fortress Lovrijenac
The City of Dubrovnik originally had four gates to access including:
- The Pile Gate, main entrance into the Old Town from the western side
- The Ploce Gate, the 14th century gate and the main entrance to the Old Town from the eastern side
- the Peskarija Gate, the Fishmarket gate is eastward of the Great Arsenal.
- the Ponta Gate, near St. John’s Fortress, and leads to the Old Port of Dubrovnik Old Town
There are a lot of the main attractions of Old Town: Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces, Renaissance fountains, marble-paved squares; ensure you visit these popular tourist attractions.
The baroque style Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola has great frescoes, a dome illustrating Jesus in Heaven. It dates back to the 18th Century but the bell tower is the 14th Century.
The Rector’s Palace (Knezev Dvor) is in Gothic and Renaissance style. It was built as a defense site in the Middle Ages, but destroyed by fire in the 15th century, and later reconstructed as a palace of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa. The palace is also home to the Cultural History Museum.
Adjacent to the palace is the 17th-century Baroque Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury. The cathedral’s treasury is on the left of the main altar contains relics of St Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik.
The 15th century Onofrio’s Fountain looks down the Stradun. It was designed by Onofrio della Cava from Naples and used as a water supply for the town.
In the Game of Thrones, the walk of shame was a memorable moment. Go to the steps at the top of the Baroque style Jesuit staircase, south of Gunduliceva Poljana Square, behind Dubrovnik Cathedral.
Stradun street (or Placa street) is the main pedestrianized promenade in the Old Town. It stretches from Pile Gate to the Old Town’s harbor. Lined with many cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops, this 300m white limestone paving street is also the nightlife hub with many bars with outdoor seating, wine bars, and Irish pubs.
Stradun street is close to important landmarks such as War Photo Limited which is a photography museum and Luza Square. The Luza (or Loggia) Square is home to the city’s major official buildings like Orlando’s Column, the Sponza Palace, the Loggia, the Great Clock Tower, the Admiral’s House, and the Saint Blaise Church (Sveti Vlaho Church).
The Church of Saint Blaise was built from the 14th-century Romanesque church which was damaged from the earthquake in 1667. It is dedicated to the patron saint of Dubrovnik from the 10th century.
There is also the 14th century Dominican Monastery, which has a 15th-century Gothic cloister and a museum that displays major artworks from ancient Dubrovnik. The charming 14th-century Franciscan Monastery complex contains the oldest pharmacy in Europe, the Baroque interior style Church, the Library, and the Romanesque architecture Cloister.
You can also hike up the Way of the Cross trail, or take the Dubrovnik Cable Car to the top of Mount Srd. The trip lasts 4 minutes and takes you to almost 2,500 feet above the Adriatic and the Old Town. You can imagine the tremendous views you will have and the photographs you will be able to capture.
The Old Town has plenty of good mid-range accommodation including boutique hotels, guesthouses, and serviced rooms for rent. Remember there are none of the famous international brands within the city walls.
High-quality bars, clubs, restaurants, and cafes have used the existing buildings to great effect. There are two famous Dubrovnik cliff bars Buža Bars, the Bard Bar, and the Cold Drinks Buža on the south side of the City Walls.
Another popular and unique bar in Dubrovnik is the Cave bar More is part of the President Valamar Hotel just outside the Old Town.
If you visit the Old town in July and August, you can take part in the famous Dubrovnik Summer Festival, where you can enjoy cultural events like outdoor concerts, ballet, and opera.
Stay in Old Town if You are firs-timers; you want to stay in the heart of the city; you want good nightlife; you’re interested in history and culture.
Best places to stay in Dubrovnik Old Town for first-timers:
luxury ($$$): The Pucic Palace, 5-star family-friendly hotel, ideal base for first-time visitors and those travel without a car, located inside the walls, in the 18th century baroque palace, easy walk from the Stradun Promenade in Dubrovnik Old Town.
mid-range ($$): Vivaldi, 4-star children-friendly hotel, conveniently in the centre of Dubrovnik, one of the best places to stay in Dubrovnik without a car. It is located within easy walking distance from major attractions such as Onofrio’s Fountain, Pile Gate, Orlando Column, Ploce Gate, Franciscan Monastery Dubrovnik, and Minceta Tower.
budget ($): Villa St Vitus, 3-star hotel, one of the best places to stay in Dubrovnik on a budget. Located only a few steps away from Stradun and the church of Saint Blaise. it offer stunning views of the UNESCO-protected Old Town of Dubrovnik.
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN OLD TOWNSee more:
2. Ploče
Ploce is a small coastal area stretching from the impressive Ploce Gate, the eastern entrance to Old Town, Dubrovnik. The Gate and stone bridge date back to the 14th Century. Originally, there was a wooden drawbridge that the locals drew up each night for increased protection.
The Sveti Vlaho Statue above the gate is that of Dubrovnik’s Patron Saint. In addition, Revelin Fortress provides a good lookout position to see anyone approaching. Don’t forget to check out St Dominic’s tower!
This small neighborhood centers on Frano Supilo street that run along the coast to the Plaža Sveti Jakov and Park Orsula. Here you will find some of the City’s oldest hotels, and also some of the grandest.
You will also see luxury villas and plenty of apartments and guesthouses here. They sit on the hill and offer stunning seaside views of the Adriatic Sea and Lokrum Island.
Even if you do not make Ploce your base, there are two compelling reasons to visit Ploce: the Museum of Modern Art and Dubrovnik Cable Car. The Museum of Modern Art was originally a Gothic-style palace. Today, it is a place where visitors will see the best of Croatian paintings and sculptures. Some of the exhibits are on permanent display while there are special exhibitions periodically.
Ploce is also home to some of the most popular beaches in the city: the pebble beach of Banje Beach and Plaža Sveti Jakov. The beach has a restaurant, cafes, a lounge bar, sunbeds, canopies, and some watersports like kayaks, parasailing, jet skis, tube rides.
Stay in Ploče if You want to stay in an area with lots of luxury accommodations; Travelling with young children; you need safe swimming areas; You want good transport connections;
Best places to stay in Dubrovnik in Ploče for first-time visitors:
luxury ($$$): Grand Villa Argentina, 5-star beachfront hotel, one of the best hotels in Dubrovnik for families and couples, located within a short walk from the Old Town, Stradun Promenade, and monumental Walls. It has direct access to the beach and an outdoor pool with sun loungers.
mid-range ($$): Villa King, great hotel, located short distance from the beach, featuring modern-style apartments with views of the Adriatic Sea, and free private parking, which is great base for those travel with a car. It is a short drive by car from The Main Bus Station and Ferry Port.
budget ($): Villa Gloria, located within walking distance from Dubrovnik’s Old Town and Banje Beach. It has a children’s play area, laundry service, sun loungers and a barbecue corner by the outdoor pool.
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN PLOCE3. Pile
The Pile Gate and the Old Town walls are an impressive sight when you first see them. This is the western entrance to the Old Town that dates back to 1537, and if you want to stay close by, Pile is the first place to look. It has the advantage of having good transport connections simply because of the popularity of the Old Town. It is home to the main bus station.
Remember, no public vehicles are allowed inside the Old Town but there is a busy bus station in Pile. You don’t have to travel far for cafes, restaurants and bars, and shops because Pile has them even though it is largely a residential area.
Pile has a small harbor and two small beach areas. There is more to see in Dubrovnik than the Old Town and within Pile, you might like to see Park Gradac and Lovrijenac Tower, Lovrijenac Fort.
Park Gradac is within walking distance from Old Town. Its clifftop location above Dance Beach ensures visitors have lovely views of the Adriatic Sea. The planners who decided to set up a peaceful area close to the City have succeeded.
The Park opened at the end of the 19th Century and provides plenty of shaded seating, those sea views, and also views of the rooftops of the Old Town.
Lovrijenac Fort, dating back to the 11th Century. It was the location in ‘’Game of Thrones’’ for the dramatic scene when Joffrey Baratheon died from poisoning. It stands 120 feet above the sea and was important in defending the community from the Venetians.
Stay in Pile if You want good transport connections; You are looking for good value accommodation options close to the Old Town, Travelling with young children, you need access to some beach areas,
Best places to stay in Dubrovnik close to Pile Gate:
luxury ($$$): Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, 5-star hotel, one of the best hotels in Dubrovnik, set on the doorstep of the Old Town. It is located within walking distance from the Stradun Promenade, Old Harbour for boats to Lokrum island, Banje Beach, and a cable car leading to Srđ Hill.
mid-range ($$): Heritage Villa Nobile, 4-star hotel, located easy walk from Pile Gate, Orlando Column, and Onofrio’s Fountain. It has rooms for couples, and families with children older than 12 years old.
budget ($): Rooms Pile, 3-star family-friendly guest house locatde near Onofrio’s Fountain, Pile Gate, and Ploce Gate. Rooms are fitted with a patio with a city view.
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN PILE4. Lapad
Located just 3 kilometers northwest of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, the Lapad Peninsula is the best place to stay for those who want to stay away from the tourist hub. It has a regular bus service and will only take you 10 minutes from Old Town. This area developed in the 60s and 70s when houses and hotels sprang up.
In addition, these days you will find rooms and self-catering apartments for rent. Accommodation here is much cheaper than in the Old Town. The coastal locations remain more expensive than places found in the heart of the peninsula.
It remains a popular residential district with some nice walking trails, a promenade with lovely views out to sea, and a pebble beach. Its name comes from the Latin word, lapis which means rock or stone, an apt description of this stretch of coastline.
water sports enthusiasts, scuba divers, and snorkelers regularly head here to explore life under the waves. Copacabana Beach, Uvala Bay, and Cava Beach are pebbles, there are a few stretches of sand.
The calm, shallow waters make Lapad a good place for young children. Lapad is probably the first place that families should look for their base.
On the south side of Lapad Bay, you will find 43-hectare Forest Park Velika and Mala Petka with many hiking and biking trails among Aleppo pines and Mediterranean shrub.
The locals tend to head to Lapad in the height of summer because of the nice places for swimming. Indeed, during July and August, there is a ferry service from different parts of Dubrovnik to Lapad.
Stay in Lapad if Travelling with young children; You are looking for budget accommodation yet to be close to the Old Town; you need safe swimming areas; You want good transport connections.
Best places to stay in Dubrovnik in Lapad for first-time tourists:
- luxury ($$$): Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, 5-star beachfront hotel, located in the Lapad Peninsula, featuring a beach and a scuba diving centre. You can find a bus top in front of the hotel, taking you to the Old Town every 20 minutes.
- mid-range ($$): Valamar Argosy Hotel, 4-star beachfron hotel, located in Babin Kuk, offering views of the Adriatic Sea and stylish rooms with free WiFi in all areas.
- budget ($): Valamar Club Dubrovnik, 3-star family-friendly hotel located on the lush Babin Kuk peninsula, Maro World has children’s playrooms, a children’s cinema, and Maro Smart Play space. older guests can enjoy the relaxing vibe at the bar.
5. Babin Kuk
Babin Kuk is the northern point of the Lapad Peninsula. It is an exclusive neighborhood where you will find luxury hotels, quality spas, and the best spas around. Its beach, Copacabana, suggests something special because the original in Rio de Janeiro certainly is.
Copacabana is a private beach with facilities to satisfy the most discerning visitors. They include fine dining, a range of water sports, and opportunities to go out on to the Adriatic. Several beachfront hotels line Copacabana looking out to the Adriatic. Fresh seafood is rarely better than in its restaurants.
Cava Beach is a good alternative for families; the atmosphere is distinctly laid back and prices are reasonable. Each of the beaches has deck chairs and parasols for shade while beach bars offer refreshments for all.
You can arrange sailing tours with hotel collections, and the nearby Elaphite Islands are worth a visit. Kayaks are available for hire with the sea generally calm while you can join a snorkeling tour as an alternative.
This area is less than 3 miles from the Old Town yet you are unlikely to encounter much traffic. It is mostly green with good walking trails, promenades, and ideal places for jogging.
Stay in Babin Kuk if You are looking for luxury accommodation, Getting away from Dubrovnik’s crowds is important to you, You do not want to be remote in terms of distance from Dubrovnik’s historical and cultural attractions.
Best places to stay in Dubrovnik in Babin Kuk:
luxury ($$$): Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection, 5-star beachfront hotel, situated right next to the beach, offering stunning views of the Elaphiti Islands. Maro World in the vicinity, offering entertainment amenities for families and children of all ages.
mid-range ($$): D-Elegant Lapad Dubrovnik, 4-star family-friendly hotel, located within walking distance from Copacabana Beach. Offering free private parking and paid airport shuttle service.
budget ($): Cosmai Residence, children-friendly accommodation, located just steps away from the sea, and is connected to the UNESCO-protected Old Town of Dubrovnik with quick bus lines. The hotel can help arrange Boat excursions to the Elafiti islands.
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN BABIN KUK6. Gruz
Located just a 15-minute walk from the Old Town, Gruz is the neighborhood that looks out into a large bay in the west of Dubrovnik City. Many visitors reach Dubrovnik in this part of the City. The main port area is here so this is where the cruise ships and ferries anchor. It remains sheltered even when strong winds head from the highlands to the coast in winter.
Gruz open-air market sells local fruit and vegetables, a real splash of color. If you make this your base in Dubrovnik, you will also have plenty of shopping options and access to good transport infrastructure.
That includes the chance to take day trips to offshore islands, Mljet, Korčula, and Elaphiti. Anyone disembarking will find the main bus station here as well. There are also shuttle buses to the airport from this station. You can easily take a trip to Split, Kotor, Mostar, Hvar, Brac, Bari.
In the past, Gruz was the area that local wealthy people used during the summer. The main street still has some of those impressive summer mansions built with stone. Gruz is residential today although there was a period when it was the City’s industrial zone. Its population of 15,000 makes it the largest neighborhood area of Dubrovnik.
There is a lively farmers’ market, exchange offices, tourist agencies, cafes, restaurants, department stores here.
You will find rooms for rent in Gruz so it is suitable for solo travelers on a budget. There are a number of nice walks around the bay if you just want a relaxing day. If you have spent the previous day in the crowds of Old Town, you may need it.
Stay in Gruz if You are looking for budget accommodation, The Old Town is just one of the reasons for your visit to Dubrovnik, You want good transport connections.
Best Places to stay in Dubrovnik in Gruz:
- mid-range ($$): Berkeley Hotel & Day Spa, family-owned hotel situated at the beautiful Gruž harbour of Dubrovnik, within walking distance from domestic and international ferry services, water taxis and the main bus station.
- mid-range ($$): Apartments and Rooms Villa Naida, great guest house, offering sea views, a sun terrace, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi.
- budget ($): Nikolina Rooms, 3-star accommodation, located in a narrow suburban street, short walk from the Dubrovnik Ferry Terminal and the beach.
7. Cavtat
Cavtat is south of Dubrovnik city towards the border of Croatia and Montenegro. It is under half an hour from Old Town by road and quite close to Dubrovnik Airport. It is an attractive place that makes a good base for enjoying the Adriatic Coast, specifically Dubrovnik and its historical attractions.
One of Croatia’s most famous painters, Vlaho Bukovac, was born here in 1855 and the House of Vlaho Bukovac that was formerly his home is now a museum. Elsewhere, there are a few other things of interest in Cavtat.
Racic Mausoleum of Cavtat belongs to a family which was significant local ship owners. Ivan Mestrovic used stone from Brac Island to design it. The Konavle County Museum in Cilipi and Underwater Museum Cavtat is also worth a visit.
The Rector’s Palace holds a collection of books, coins, and notes belonging to a well-known local lawyer, Baltazar Bogisic.
Our Lady of the Snow Monastery is close to the harbor with its clock tower a later addition to the 15th Century structure. The church next door has some interesting paintings.
Cavtat Seaside Promenade is a beautiful place to walk, along the stunning waterfront, you will see numerous small beaches where you can swim and relax.
The cheapest to get to Cavtat from Dubrovnik, you can take the local bus number 10, and get off at Cavtat Bus Station. Another way is to take a 45-minute ferry from the Old City harbor.
If you are in Cavtat in the height of summer, you are likely to find several different cultural events taking place. They involve song and dance in the streets so you can’t miss them.
Cavtat has several nice bars and restaurants with fresh seafood, a popular choice for dinner. Look for a location that offers views of the Adriatic Sea. Accommodation varies from 5-star luxury hotels to smaller boutique hotels as well as some private options.
Stay in Cavtat if you are looking for a choice of accommodation without being concerned about the proximity of the Old Town, your base needs to have its own attractions, you want good restaurants close by.
Best Hotels in Dubrovnik in Cavtat:
luxury ($$$): Hotel Croatia, 5-star hotel, set in a beautiful and secluded location on a peninsula overlooking the Adriatic on one side and the old town of Cavtat on the other. It is only 5 km from Dubrovnik International Airport. It is great base to explore the southern Dalmatian coast.
mid-range ($$): Hotel Seventh, 4-star hotel, located in Cavtat and within short walk from Sustjepan Beach, featuring luggage storage space, a seasonal outdoor pool, fitness centre, sauna and garden.
budget ($): Hotel Cavtat, 3-star hotel that has free car parking and airport shuttle services. Horseback riding and ATV safari can be arranged at Kojan Koral, short drive from the hotel.
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN CAVTAT🎬 You can watch full video about the best areas in Dubrovnik in my youtube channel.
Where should I stay in Dubrovnik for the first time?
Old Town is the best area to stay in Dubrovnik for first-timers due to its close proximity to famous tourist attractions and a wide choice of accommodation. If you stay here, you will be located in the middle of the action.
What are the best areas to stay in Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik Old Town, Ploče, Pile, Lapad, Babin Kuk, Gruz, and Cavtat are the best areas to stay in Dubrovnik for tourists because they are the most popular and safe neighborhoods that offer a wide variety of attractions and amenities.
How many days in Dubrovnik is enough?
It really depends on your preferences and itinerary, but I’d suggest spending at least 3 to 4 days in Dubrovnik to fully experience its historic Old Town, charming coastal scenery, and nearby islands.
Is 5 days in Dubrovnik too long?
Personally, I think spending 5 days in Dubrovnik could be too long unless you plan on exploring the surrounding areas as well. It’s a beautiful city, but can be quite small and expensive.
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In conclusion, Old Town, Ploče, Pile, Lapad, Gruz, Cavtat, and Babin Kuk are some of the best places to stay in Dubrovnik for tourists and first-time visitors. They offers plenty of things to do and see and wide range of hotels for all budgets to stay and explore the island.
Overall, Old Town is the best area to stay in Dubrovnik for first-time travelers due to its central location and its widest range of accommodation options. If you stay here, you will be located in the heart of action, with easiest access to sights, restaurants, bars, and shops.