Old Town (Stari Grad) is Dubrovnik's medieval core, enclosed by the famous city walls and centred on the marble main street, Stradun. Staying here puts you steps from the city gates, cafes, churches and the wall walk itself, making it the top pick for first-timers who want to be in the middle of everything. It is atmospheric and central but fully pedestrian, hilly and busy well into the evening.
Old Town (Stari Grad) at a glance
- From the city centre
- About 1.8 km as the crow flies.
- Nearest station
- No metro, train or tram stop within 1.5 km of the centre of the area — plan on buses, taxis or walking.
- Source
- Distances computed from OpenStreetMap coordinates (© OpenStreetMap contributors), checked 2026-09-05. Straight-line figures — walking routes are longer.
The Old Town runs between the Pile Gate to the west and the Ploče Gate to the east, with Stradun as its flat central spine and steep stone lanes climbing up either side. By day it fills with day-trippers and cruise crowds; by evening the streets stay lively with diners and bar-goers, though noise and footsteps carry between the tall stone buildings. Everything inside is reachable on foot, but expect stairs and no vehicle access.
Getting around
You are already at the walls, so the historic sights are a stroll away; luggage must be wheeled or carried over cobbles and steps as no cars enter. For Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) the airport shuttle bus and taxis use the nearby Pile hub just outside the western gate.
Before you book this area
- Vibe
- Historic, dense and atmospheric, packed by day and animated at night.
- Watch out for
- Stairs everywhere, no vehicle access, and evening noise from bars and restaurants.
- Green space
- Very little — this is a stone city, though the wall walk offers open air and sea views.
Frequently asked
Is Old Town (Stari Grad) a good area to stay in Dubrovnik?
It's the top pick for first-timers who want to be in the heart of everything, steps from the city gates, cafes and the wall walk. Be aware it is fully pedestrian, hilly and busy well into the evening, so those who want quiet or vehicle access should look elsewhere.
How far is Old Town (Stari Grad) from the Old Town walls?
You're already at the walls — staying here puts you steps from the city gates and the wall walk itself, with the historic sights a stroll away.
How do you get around Old Town (Stari Grad), and what's the nearest station?
There's no metro, train or tram stop within 1.5 km of the area's centre, so you rely on buses, taxis or walking. Everything inside the walls is reachable on foot, but no cars enter and there are stairs everywhere; for the airport, the shuttle bus and taxis use the nearby Pile hub just outside the western gate.
Is Old Town (Stari Grad) central?
Yes — it's Dubrovnik's medieval core, centred on the main street Stradun, and sits about 1.8 km in a straight line from the city centre.
Is Old Town (Stari Grad) too noisy to sleep?
It can be, especially near Stradun and the bars, as noise and footsteps carry between the tall stone buildings into the evening. Rooms on quieter side lanes or higher up tend to be calmer at night.
Comparing areas? See the full Dubrovnik area guide →
Other areas near Old Town (Stari Grad)
Sources
- OpenStreetMap — area location, distances and nearest station (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), checked 2026-09-05
- ReasonStay methodology — how areas are chosen and facts are verified
An independent guide to Old Town (Stari Grad), Dubrovnik — honest orientation, no invented data.