Dubrovnik — Neighborhood Guide
Gruž is Dubrovnik's working harbour neighbourhood — a real, unvarnished slice of local life that most tourists bypass in favour of the Old Town. The covered market, ferry port, and excellent neighbourhood restaurants make it the city's most authentically local district.
Quick Answer
Gruž is Dubrovnik's working harbour neighbourhood — a real, unvarnished slice of local life that most tourists bypass in favour of the Old Town. The covered market, ferry port, and excellent neighbourhood restaurants make it the city's most authentically local district.
5 hotels reviewed · Price range: $$$$, $$$, $$ · Last updated March 2026
About This Guide
Gruž Harbour is where the ferries depart for the Elafiti Islands and Hvar, where local fishermen sell their morning catch at the harbourside market, and where Dubrovnik residents go to eat and drink away from the tourist gaze. It's not conventionally beautiful, but it's the closest you'll get to Dubrovnik as a living city rather than a heritage attraction. A small number of excellent guesthouses and budget hotels make it a smart base for independent travellers.
Insider Tips
The best dining in Gruž is usually one street back from the main tourist thoroughfare.
Ask your hotel concierge for their personal favourite spots in Gruž — they often know hidden gems.
Walking is the best way to experience Gruž — most attractions are within a 15-minute stroll.
Our Picks
5 hotels · Updated February 2026
Ploče
Dubrovnik's most intimate luxury hotel, Villa Dubrovnik clings to the cliff face east of the Old Town with direct sea access and extraordinary views of the city walls. Just 56 rooms, a private boat, and the kind of hyper-attentive service that appears on every 'world's best' list — year after year.
The Hilton Imperial occupies a magnificently restored 19th-century palace directly opposite the Old Town's Pile Gate — perhaps the most strategically positioned hotel in the city. The Old Town, city walls, and cable car terminus are all within a five-minute walk, making it the best-located major hotel in Dubrovnik.
Old Town
One of the very few hotels actually inside Dubrovnik's Old Town walls, Hotel Stari Grad occupies a restored 18th-century house on the Stradun promenade. The eight rooms are immaculately designed, the rooftop terrace is a private paradise, and waking up inside the ancient walls is an experience money can barely buy.
The grande dame of Dubrovnik, the Excelsior has hosted heads of state and celebrities from its dramatic clifftop position east of the Old Town since 1913. The panoramic views of the city walls from the sea-facing rooms, the exceptional spa, and the private beach make it the city's most complete luxury experience.
Lapad
Hotel Kompas sits on the Lapad promenade with direct access to one of Dubrovnik's best public beaches and a comfortable, well-run four-star operation that represents excellent value for this expensive destination. The large pool terrace and family-friendly facilities make it a popular choice for returning guests.
Common Questions
Gruž is ideal for independent travellers, ferry connections, and those who want to experience local Dubrovnik life. It's decidedly less glamorous than the Old Town or Ploče but offers excellent value and authentic character.
Gruž is known for its daily harbour market, ferry connections to the Elafiti Islands and beyond, excellent seafood restaurants, and the Velika Gospa Church.
Gruž is the main ferry terminal for connections to Croatia's islands. Buses to the Old Town run frequently (Route 1A/1B, about 15 minutes). Taxis to the Old Town take 10 minutes.
More Destinations
Prices and availability change daily. Lock in the best rate by booking early — most of our top picks offer free cancellation.
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