Where to stay in Dubrovnik: Old Town, Ploče or Lapad

Dubrovnik is the place in Croatia where it shows most where you sleep. Inside the walls you have everything a step away, but also all the tourists. Outside, you gain calm and a better price. Here's what to know before you book.

The Old Town: in the middle of everything

The recommended area to be right in the center is the Old Town. You get a lot of atmosphere and the medieval city on your doorstep, but also a lot of tourists and plenty of stairs. It's a place to come and go on foot, not to arrive at with an enormous suitcase.

Ploče and Lapad: more calm

If you'd rather rest well, Ploče or Lapad are 10 to 15 minutes on foot from the Old Town, in a residential area with less noise at night. It's the option we recommend if sleeping peacefully matters more to you than waking up inside the walls.

Real hotels by budget

Low cost

• Hostel Angelina Old Town Dubrovnik: inside the Old Town, a small, modern hostel, very well located and with a young atmosphere. The best part is that you're in the historic center within a minute. Keep in mind: the stairs.
• Apartments in Ploče: good value and less night noise than inside the walls.

Mid range

• Hotel Lero: 10 to 15 minutes from the Old Town, a standard, comfortable and modern hotel. More space and a better price than sleeping in the center.

Luxury

• Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik: facing the Old Town, with direct views of the walls and the sea. An elegant, calm and romantic atmosphere.
• Rixos Premium Dubrovnik: in Lapad, a bit farther from the Old Town, with a private beach and a resort feel. A good option if you want more pool and fewer stairs.

Dubrovnik is consistently more expensive than Hvar. If the budget is tight, it pays to choose simpler lodging here and treat yourself in Hvar.

Our recommendation

For atmosphere and history, the Old Town. For rest, Ploče or Lapad. Almost everything is done on foot, so bring comfortable shoes, and avoid eating on the front line of the Stradun, where you pay more for the views than for the food. Prices are approximate and vary a lot by season. You'll find it all in our 7-day Croatia itinerary, and the real costs in how much it costs to travel to Croatia.