From Old Town to Gruž: Where To Stay in Dubrovnik for Young People

With its timeless beauty and coastal charm, Dubrovnik is one of those bucket list destinations. Choosing the right place to stay is essential, and you’ll want to be based somewhere you can make the most of the city’s offerings. We’re here to help, and our travel experts at Plum Guide have put together this guide on where to stay in Dubrovnik for young people. These neighbourhoods offer a mix of outdoor activities like snorkelling and scuba diving, one-of-a-kind attractions and exciting nightlife. Keep reading to find out more.

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Without a doubt, the Old Town is one of the top places to stay in Dubrovnik. It’s the city’s beating heart, and the best choice for first-timers, as you’ll have all the exciting attractions right on your doorstep. You can walk along the ancient walls and admire the spectacular views of the terracotta-tiled rooftops, the Adriatic Sea and the island of Lokrum just off the coast. Within the walls is a maze of narrow alleyways lined by a beautiful blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings that are bound to impress any architecture lover.

Recognise some of the sights? The Old Town was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones. It doubled up as King's Landing, the capital of the Six Kingdoms, and fans of the TV series can take a walking tour of the various filming spots, including the famous Jesuit Staircase.

Young people wondering where to stay in Dubrovnik will love the Old Town as it’s home to the best nightlife scene in the city, with a variety of bars, pubs and clubs to choose from. Want to kill time before going out? Head down Stradun, the Old Town’s pedestrianised main street. Pop into the many independent shops to pick up souvenirs before sitting back with a cold drink at one of the cafes.

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The neighbourhood of Pile sits opposite the Pile Gates, one of the two entrances that lead into the Old Town. This picturesque suburb is a fantastic choice if you want to be slightly removed from the Old Town’s crowds but still within easy access to its attractions. When you’re not exploring the city walls and nearby attractions like Onofrio’s Fountain, there’s plenty to do within Pile itself.

Foodies can get acquainted with the local cuisine at the numerous trendy cafes (we like Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe for its spectacular rooftop views), and you’ll find the prices are a little lower than Old Town. Pile also offers the opportunity to relax by the sea, with a handful of little coves where you can cool off when it gets too hot. Danče Beach is an excellent swimming and snorkelling spot, and although there’s no sand to sunbathe on, there are jetties where you can set a towel down and jump into the turquoise waters.

Pile is also well-connected by public transport, so if you plan on taking day trips to explore other Croatian cities or the famous Kravice Waterfalls in neighbouring Bosnia & Herzegovina, this is a good place to stay.

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If you're searching for where to stay in Dubrovnik ideal for young people that's slightly more upscale, look no further than Ploče. Located to the east of the Old Town, this neighbourhood is a sought-after destination with an abundance of exclusive accommodation options, perfect for those looking to splash out – literally and figuratively, as you have a fantastic choice of beaches at your fingertips. Banje Beach is one of the prettiest stretches of sand in Dubrovnik, known for its crystal-clear waters and panoramic views of the Old Town. It's a great choice if you're craving a lazy beach day, as it has everything you need, from sun loungers to restaurants and watersports rentals. There's even the Banje Beach Club, which turns into a vibrant party spot when the sun goes down.

Another stunning beach is Sveti Jakov, which is slightly quieter and ideal for romantic breaks or nursing a hangover. Above the beach is the Sveti Jakov Church, reachable via a steep staircase of 160 steps. The climb is worth it, though, as the views are breathtaking, particularly at sunset. After a long day of relaxing at the beach, head back into Ploče to discover its range of excellent restaurants. We recommend Kavana Lazareti for its authentic Croatian dishes, located by the Lazarettos of Dubrovnik, which is one of the city’s historic landmarks.

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It wouldn’t be a Croatian holiday without sun, sea and sand, and the Lapad peninsula is the best choice for a beach getaway. Situated to the northwest of the Old Town, the peninsula is characterised by its lush greenery, dramatic coastline and azure waters. It’s a popular destination amongst nature lovers, as there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors.

If you’re looking for somewhere relaxed to use as a base, Lapad has a laid-back atmosphere. Anywhere you stay will put you within walking distance of the beach. One of the most popular spots is Uvala Lapad Beach, a sand and pebble beach with plenty of amenities. Grab a sun lounger and set up camp for the day – there’s a good choice of cafes and restaurants should you get hungry.

When you need to cool off, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters or go snorkelling – you’ll find several beachfront shops selling all the gear you need. Want to explore even deeper below the surface? The Lapad peninsula is home to several scuba diving schools, including Blue Planet and Abyss Dubrovnik, where you can organise day trips to discover the various dive sites along the coast.

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Another place to stay on the Lapad peninsula is the neighbourhood of Babin Kuk. This is a more affluent area, with plenty of upscale restaurants. It’s blessed with some of Dubrovnik’s best beaches, including the famous Copacabana Beach, home to calm, turquoise waters. Cava is another beautiful beach with great views of the Elaphite islands. If you're looking for where to stay in Dubrovnik ideal for young people, this could be a good option.

When you’re not busy snorkelling or sea-kayaking, there’s plenty to see on dry land, too. Take a walk along the coastal trail that runs around the peninsula, passing through lush gardens and Mediterranean scrub. You’ll come across many rocky paths leading down to the water, where you can take a refreshing dip along the way. Although Babin Kuk may seem a world away from the hustle and bustle of the Old Town, you’re never too far from the action as it’s well-connected by public transport.

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Last but not least on our list of where to stay in Dubrovnik for young people is the neighbourhood of Gruž. Situated across the water from the Lapad peninsula, you won’t find many tourist attractions in this area, but we think it's one of the best places to experience local life. One of the main transport hubs, this area is home to the Port of Gruž, where you can catch ferries and boat tours to destinations like the Elaphiti islands, Mljet and Korčula. We recommend Dubrovnik Boat Tours as they have a range of private dinners and sunset cruises aboard their lovely selection of boats.

Gruž also has an up-and-coming creative scene, with several hip new businesses recently opened in TUP, a former industrial factory. Today, you’ll find an array of trendy creative outlets here, from a music studio and ceramics atelier to the Red History Museum and Dubrovnik Beer Company. It’s worth taking a tour of the brewery and sampling a pint or two of their craft beers.

Meanwhile, foodies shouldn’t miss the Gruž Market. This is one of Dubrovnik’s largest open-air markets, where you can purchase everything from fresh produce to meat, seafood and local specialities like cheese and olive oil. Pick up some snacks and take a relaxing walk along the promenade for stunning views of the harbour.

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