Croatian coastal town Dubrovnik, also known as the “pearl of the Adriatic”, is widely famous for its unique political history and cultural and monumental heritage. This city, one of the most beautiful cities in the Balkans, with a historic core and monuments under the protection of UNESCO, is exposed to tourist explosion in recent years, especially after recording certain episodes of the popular TV show Game of Thrones. Up to eight cruisers a day bring thousands of tourists to the city who want to pay tribute, make selfies and refresh scenes from the Game of Thrones, and only in the first six months of 2019. nearly 600.000 tourists came, almost 25 percent more than in 2018.
Dubrovnik has an extremely rich tourist offer, but since the city is overwhelmed with tourists during the top tourist season in summer months if you plan to visit it, think about finding accommodation on time. With its exceptional natural beauty and preserved heritage, this Mediterranean jewel is the most beautiful at the transition between the spring and summer seasons, when there are no big crowds yet. Probably it is better to come than and find the atmosphere more comfortable and more enjoyable.
An unforgettable vacation
img source: avionskibileti.mk
Despite a huge number of visits, there are many forms of accommodation in Dubrovnik, who can satisfy all kinds of visitors – from the luxurious hotels to camps in nature. And if you decide to stay in one of the smaller nearby towns, a connection to the city is really good, so in that case, you can “jump” to Dubrovnik whenever you want.
The quality of hotel accommodation in Dubrovnik is extremely good and some of the hotels are among the best in Croatia. Although most accommodations are geared toward high-end tourism, lodgings, apartments, rooms adapted to tourists of more modest needs, and also campsites can easily be found. There are also several youth hostels. Accommodation is categorized with stars, and the prices depend of course, on the category.
When choosing the type of accommodation, you will also need to choose the area of the city where you want to stay. But, whichever part of the city you choose, we are sure you will have an unforgettable vacation.
Dubrovnik isn’t a big city, so no matter what type of accommodation you choose, the iconic walls will always be close to you. As the Old Town remains first-class attraction, the rest of the city has five main areas: Ploče, Pile, Guž, Lapad and Babin Kuk.
If you choose to stay in the Old Town, you can have an astonishing time. As you walk through the maze of the romantic narrow streets of the Old Town you will be enchanted not only by the imposing historic buildings but also by the specific sense of mysticism that rises from the ancient stone walls. But remember that during the day, Old Town is full of people, and during the night, you can hear music from the many cafes and restaurants.
Plan carefully where to stay
img source: telegraph.co.uk
Ploče district is adjacent to the eastern city walls, only a short walk from the Old Town’s attractions. It is a desirable place to stay because of combining the two best things about Dubrovnik: the coastal view and the historic city charm. Many of the most attractive hotels in Dubrovnik are situated in Ploče, and you will have no problem finding luxurious resorts in the area. At the other end of Ploče is Banja, the city’s largest public beach. Here you will be able to swim, relax on the sand or dine at the beach clubs that stretch along the coast.
Pile is a small and busy suburb, in front of old Pile Gate on the western side of the Old town. There is a bus station in this area, making it the center of city transportation, with everyday traffic jams, but there are many restaurants, cafes, shops, too. Pile has two small residential quarters which offers great accommodation choice, very close to the Old town’s attractions.
Gruž is the main port of Dubrovnik and is the first stop for many visitors arriving on cruise ships, located north of the Old Town, making it a convenient part of town for exploration. Gruž is mostly residential, which allows you to see what Dubrovnik is, and offers lower prices on everything from restaurants to clothing stores. There is a wide range of cheap options, such as cheap hotels and hostels.
img source: wikimedia.org
West of the city and its Old Town is the Lapad, the perfect place to stay if you are most interested in enjoying the natural beauties of Dubrovnik and hope to spend as much time outdoors. The beach by the bay is the biggest attraction, and this part of the waterfront is where you will find a concentration of luxury hotels. However, accommodation in Lapad is still much more affordable than the options in the Old Town or Ploče, which makes it a great place to have a great time without spending too much money.
Although Lapad is separated from the Old Town, public transportation makes it easy to get into the city. Many of the hotels and accommodations are modern, and Lapad Bay beach has an amazing nightlife. This may not be ideal for those who use to get up early in the morning or for families with young children.
img source: trover.com
Babin Kuk peninsula is located at the northern end of Lapad, about 4 km away from the old town, famous for luxury hotels and looks to the open sea. Accommodation on Babin Kuk is a great choice for family travel and beach lovers because the longest beach in Dubrovnik is also located here. If you do not have a car, you can always contact one of the rent-a-car agencies, or use city transport. But be aware that private accommodation on Babin Kuk is quite limited.
As it is mentioned in the beginning, today, Dubrovnik is a top tourist destination that attracts a large number of tourists, but definitely, there and there are many reasons for that.
