Where to Stay in Dubrovnik for the First Time: A Complete Guide

This guide is part of our main page where you can compare all hostels in Dubrovnik. Instantly find the best-rated hostels and real-time prices from Hostelworld and Booking.com. Compare prices side-by-side and save money every time. Learn how we compare prices.

Find your Perfect Hostel in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s stone maze, sparkling sea, and stair-master streets can confuse first-timers—trust me, I’ve sweated those steps twice.

Picking the right base saves cash and calf muscles, so let’s map out where to stay in Dubrovnik for your first visit.

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Dubrovnik

Best for Hostel Newbies

Dubrovnik Backpackers C...9.3

from $21.89 | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

Hostel Petra Marina8.9

from $15.47 | More Details

Best Party Hostel

Hostel Angelina - Old T...8.6

from $17.47 | More Details

This is not an ad. We help you find the perfect hostel and compare prices from Hostelworld and Booking. You can save up to 23.7%

Top Neighborhoods to Stay in Dubrovnik

Old Town (Inside the Walls)

Medieval lanes, café aroma, and church bells on loop.

• I loved sunrise walks when the cruise crowds were still dreaming.
• Best for: History buffs and nightlife chasers who don’t flinch at steep dorm prices.

Gruž (Port Area)

Seafood market mornings, ferries, and a big supermarket for budget cooking.

• Grab fresh figs here; they’re half the Old-Town price.
• Best for: Solo backpackers watching coins and planning island day trips.

Lapad & Babin Kuk

Beach promenade, shady pines, and sunset cocktails without DJ sirens.

• Evening dips at Sunset Beach became my daily reset button.
• Best for: Sun-seekers and remote workers needing chill vibes.

Boninovo / Pile Gate

Residential calm, cliff-walk views, ten-minute stroll to the city walls.

• Local bakery here sells cheese that beats tourist slices inside the gate.
• Best for: Female solo travelers wanting quiet nights plus quick access.

Budget Tip: Đurđevac Street Hostels (above Gruž)

Hillside dorms, panoramic views, wallet-friendly rates.

• Yes, the stairs hurt, but your wallet will thank you.
• Best for: Frugal travelers happy to climb for savings.

Top 10 Tips for Your First Time in Dubrovnik

• Walk the city walls at 8 a.m. for cooler temps and emptier photos.
• Carry a refill bottle—public fountains pour cold spring water.
• Buy bus tickets at kiosks; on-board fares cost more.
• Wear shoes with grip; polished limestone turns into an ice rink after rain.
• Picnic with market goods instead of Old-Town restaurant splurges.
• Free cliff jumping at Buža Bar—order a drink only if you linger.
• Book popular tours (kayak, GOT walk) online to snag better prices.
• ATMs inside Old Town charge high fees; use bank machines in Gruž.
• Night buses stop around midnight—have a taxi app ready if you stay in Lapad.
• Pack earplugs; seagulls double as 5 a.m. alarm clocks.

First-Time in a Hostel? 17 Basic & Advanced Tips to have a great Time

Sleeping and staying in hostels can be challenging. Between having to share with people you don't necessarily know,

Read more

Hostels in Dubrovnik Are the Best Option — Here’s Why

Hostels hand you ready-made friends for wall walks, kitchens for cheap pasta, and terrace dinners that melt awkwardness fast.

Look for spots advertising kayak outings or family-style meals—instant community without splurging on tours.

7 Hidden Gemz in Dubrovnik (by Hostelgeeks)

How it works

Final Recommendations

Choose Old Town for history immersion, Gruž for budget and ferries, Lapad for beach calm, or Boninovo for quiet proximity.

Book early in summer, pack light but grippy shoes, and keep a reusable bottle handy. 

Dubrovnik rewards those who explore at dawn and wander one street past the crowds—start planning, and enjoy every stair-powered view.

Backpacking Dubrovnik? Here’s What You Need to Know

These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I’ve been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I’m passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

Must-Read

I stayed in a Backpacker Hostel in Dubrovnik

My experience and what you can expect

Backpacking Dubrovnik

All those cool and unique experiences we are looking for!

How to Pick a Hostel in Dubrovnik

What to Expect (and what not!)

Solo Travel Dubrovnik

My experience and what you can expect

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik as a Solo Traveler

Best Areas and how to get around

About the author: Anna Kiefer

My travels have taken me from the vibrant streets of Vietnam to the tranquil beauty of Spain, each destination adding a new chapter to my journey. For me, travel isn’t about counting countries or ticking off lists; it’s about the freedom it brings and the stories that unfold with each new adventure. At Hostelgeeks, my goal is to infuse our brand with this sense of freedom and discovery.

Whether it’s finding the perfect 5 Star Hostel or sharing a hidden gem in a bustling city, I’m here to ensure that our travelers get more than just a journey – they get an experience that resonates with the joy of exploration and the freedom of the open road.