Dubrovnik is a small city with a big reputation, and that’s exactly what makes choosing where to stay so confusing.
Quick Answer
The best area to stay in Dubrovnik depends on the type of trip you’re planning.
Choose the Old Town if:
- You want to stay inside Dubrovnik’s historic walls.
- You plan to spend most of your time sightseeing.
- You don’t mind crowds, stairs, or higher accommodation prices.
Choose Lapad or Babin Kuk if:
- You prefer beaches and resort-style hotels.
- You want easy access to restaurants, bars, and nightlife.
- You’re looking for a convenient base with good public transport.
Choose the Dubrovnik Riviera if:
- You’re travelling with family or a group of friends.
- You want a private villa with a pool and outdoor space.
- You value peace, privacy, and sea views over being in the city centre.
Areas such as Zaton, Mlini, and Trsteno are only 10 to 20 minutes from Dubrovnik’s Old Town by car, yet they offer a completely different atmosphere. Instead of busy streets and crowded accommodation, you’ll find quiet bays, spacious villas, and a slower pace of life that makes it easy to relax after a day of exploring.
Which Area Is Right for You?
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of each major area, including its advantages, disadvantages, and the type of traveller it’s best suited for. Whether you’re visiting for history, beaches, nightlife, or a relaxing villa holiday, this guide will help you choose the perfect place to stay.
1. Dubrovnik Old Town
Staying inside the medieval city walls means Stradun, the City Walls, and Lovrijenac Fortress are literally on your doorstep. It’s the most atmospheric base in Dubrovnik, especially early morning or late evening once the cruise-ship crowds thin out.
Good for: solo travellers, couples on a short city break, culture lovers.
Watch out for: no cars allowed inside the walls (bags get dragged over cobblestones), very few properties have a pool or lift, and prices per square metre are the highest in the city.
2. Lapad
Lapad Bay is Dubrovnik’s main hotel district: a pedestrian promenade lined with restaurants, gelato shops, and pebble beaches, about 15 minutes by bus or taxi from the Old Town.
Good for: travellers who want hotel amenities, an easy beach walk, and a livelier evening scene.
Watch out for: it can feel touristy and busy in July and August, and traffic along the peninsula gets heavy at peak times.
3. Babin Kuk
Babin Kuk sits at the tip of the same peninsula and is home to several large resort complexes with pools, spas, and organised beach clubs.
Good for: guests who want an all-inclusive-style resort feel without booking a villa.
Watch out for: it’s the furthest of the peninsula neighbourhoods from the Old Town, so factor in transport time or cost.
4. Ploče iza grada
Just east of the Old Town, Ploče is a quieter residential hillside with some of the best views back over the walls and harbour, plus easy access to Banje Beach.
Good for: travellers who want walking distance to the Old Town but a calmer place to sleep.
Watch out for: steep streets, and limited parking for guests with a rental car.
5. The Dubrovnik Riviera (Zaton, Mlini, Trsteno, Kupari)
This is the stretch of coastline northwest and southeast of the city, bays like Zaton, Mlini, Trsteno, and Kupari, and it’s where most private luxury villas are located. You’re typically 10 to 25 minutes by car from the Old Town, but the difference in atmosphere is dramatic: quiet coves, olive groves, and villas with private pools instead of shared hotel lobbies.
Good for: families, multi-generational groups, friends travelling together, and anyone who wants a base to relax at between day trips into the city.
Watch out for: you’ll want a rental car or a private transfer, since public transport along the Riviera is limited.
This is where Excelsior Villas focuses its Dubrovnik collection, because it’s genuinely the best compromise between proximity to the city and the space, privacy, and pool that a hotel room simply can’t offer.
6. Cavtat and the Elaphiti Islands
South of Dubrovnik, Cavtat is a smaller harbour town with its own old core and a relaxed, less-touristy feel; a short ferry ride connects it to the airport and the city. To the northwest, the Elaphiti Islands (Šipan, Lopud, Koločep) offer a car-free, island-time alternative for anyone building a longer trip.
Good for: travellers extending their stay beyond Dubrovnik itself, or looking for a day-trip base.
Hotel vs. Villa in Dubrovnik: which is actually better for your trip?
For solo travellers or a couple staying two or three nights, a hotel in the Old Town or Lapad makes sense. But for families, groups of friends, or stays of five nights or longer, a private villa on the Riviera almost always wins on comfort and value once you compare it to booking multiple hotel rooms:
- A private pool instead of a shared one
- A fully equipped kitchen and outdoor dining area, so you’re not eating out for every meal
- Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms under one roof instead of separate hotel rooms
- Genuine privacy, air conditioning, and high-speed Wi-Fi for those working remotely
- A quiet, walkable base to return to after a day in the Old Town
Where Excelsior Villas Recommends Staying
Our own collection sits in Zaton, a sheltered bay roughly 15 minutes from the Old Town, which we think is the sweet spot for anyone asking where to stay in Dubrovnik: close enough for an easy day in the city, far enough to come home to total quiet in the evening. A few examples from our Dubrovnik collection:
- Villa Eleven Excelsior – 10 guests, 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 520 m², Zaton
- Villa Atreeum Excelsior – 8 guests, 4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 490 m², Zaton
- Estate of Atreeum and Eleven – 19 guests, 9 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, 980 m², Zaton, ideal for large family reunions or two families travelling together
With more than 1,000 completed bookings and a 5-star Trustpilot rating, we handle everything from the initial booking to airport transfers, private chefs, and boat charters, so your only decision is which villa to choose.
How to Decide: A Simple Checklist
- Staying 1–3 nights, no car, want to walk everywhere? → Old Town
- Want beaches, restaurants, and hotel comforts nearby? → Lapad or Babin Kuk
- Want the Old Town view without the Old Town noise? → Ploče
- Travelling as a family or group, staying 5+ nights, want a pool and privacy? → A villa on the Dubrovnik Riviera (Zaton, Mlini, Trsteno)
- Extending your trip or want a quieter, boat-access pace? → Cavtat or the Elaphiti Islands
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Dubrovnik for a family?
The Dubrovnik Riviera , particularly Zaton, is best for families, since villas here offer private pools, multiple bedrooms, and space for kids to play, all within a 10–15 minute drive of the Old Town.
Is it better to stay inside the Old Town or outside it?
Staying inside the walls is best for short, walkable city breaks, but it comes with noise, crowds, and no pools. Staying just outside the city, in areas like Lapad or the Riviera, gives you more space and quiet while keeping the Old Town a short drive away.
Do I need a car if I stay outside Dubrovnik’s Old Town?
If you’re staying in Lapad or Babin Kuk, a car isn’t essential thanks to buses and taxis. If you’re staying on the Dubrovnik Riviera (Zaton, Mlini, Trsteno), a rental car or private transfer is recommended, since public transport is limited.
How far is Zaton from Dubrovnik Old Town?
Zaton is approximately 10 km northwest of the Old Town, roughly a 15–20 minute drive.