Last Updated: 10/20/23 | October 20th, 2023
Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. In fact, it’s so stunning that many Game of Thrones episodes were shot in the city’s Stari Grad (Old Town) because it’s just so gorgeously impressive.
But what was once a hidden gem that saw a fleeting number of tourists is now a bustling — and expensive — destination.
This southern Dalmatian city of 40,000 people swells in the summertime, as hordes of tourists cruise in to trudge through the limestone-blanketed streets of Stari Grad.
Fortunately, the city has a growing number of affordable hostels so you can enjoy this sunny coastal getaway without breaking the bank (or, at least without breaking the bank on accommodation).
Having spent over a decade backpacking around the planet and staying in hostels, I know a thing or two about what makes a good hostel. Before we jump into the list, here are some things to consider:
1. Location – For visitors, everything in Dubrovnik revolves around the walled Old Town. If you’re not staying in it or near it, you’ll spend some time walking or on buses going to and from Old Town. That said, buses are frequent, clean, and easy to use here and all the hostels below are no more than a 15-minute bus ride to Old Town.
2. Price – In Dubrovnik the hostels are affordable — but they’re not dirt cheap. You’ll pay a bit more here than you might in other cities in Croatia so plan accordingly.
3. Amenities – Most hostels offer free Wi-Fi, and some even include free breakfast, but if you want more than that, do your research to find one that best meets your needs.
4. Staff – All the hostels listed here have friendly staff! They are all knowledgeable and will offer recommendations for things to do and places to eat in town. Even if you don’t stay at one of the places listed below, look up reviews to ensure you end up somewhere where the staff is helpful and friendly! They can make or break a hostel!
To help you plan your trip, below is my list of the best hostels in Dubrovnik. They all offer a welcome respite and a cozy and friendly place to lay your weary head and hang out with fellow travelers — all while keeping your budget (relatively) intact.
If you don’t want to read the whole list, the following are the best in each category:
Want more specifics? Here’s my comprehensive list of the best hostels in Dubrovnik:
Price (per night)
- $ = Under 25 EUR
- $$ = 25-35 EUR
- $$$ = Over 35 EUR
1. Hostel & Rooms Ana
Centrally Located in the Old Town, this is a fun and social hostel. The rooms are small but the owners are super friendly and welcoming and go out of their way to make this place feel like home. The common area is small and has a more intimate feel so it’s easy to meet people without things getting rowdy. The dorms are small but the beds are comfy, and while there are no curtains for privacy there are lockers and towels provided. There’s a kitchen for cooking your own food too since eating out can add up here.
Hostel & Rooms Ana at a glance:
- $$
- Great location right in Old Town
- Super helpful staff and owners
- Discounts to nearby restaurants
Beds from 33 EUR, private rooms from 82 EUR.
2. Hostel Angelina
Set in a refurbished 400-year-old building, the rooms here have modern amenities like air-conditioning, yet are set within beautiful historic stone walls. There’s a terrace with a killer view over the Old Town and guests often hang out here, making it easy to meet other travelers. If you want to prepare your own meals, there’s a fully equipped kitchen as well.
I like that the staff at Angelina frequently organize free activities and events in the evening for guests (such as wine nights). They also organize more adventurous activities, such as cliff diving, kayaking, and sunset boat trips, so you get a ton of value here.
Hostel Angelina at a glance:
- $$
- Scenic terrace with great views
- Organizes lots of free activities
- Superb location in Old Town
Beds from 29 EUR, private rooms from 80 EUR.
3. Old Town Hostel
This boutique hostel is located in the Old Town in a 400-year-old building. It’s a popular spot with backpackers looking to party. They host a ton of activities from parties in the common room to pancake parties to movie nights so there’s usually always something going on to help you meet people. A simple free breakfast is included too.
However, like most party hostels, the beds here aren’t great. The bunks are basic metal ones and the mattresses are thin, but the rooms are clean and bright and spacious and there are lockers to store your stuff.
Old Town Hostel at a glance:
- $$
- Fun party atmosphere
- Simple free breakfast included
- Organizes lots of social activities
Beds from 24 EUR, private rooms from 45 EUR.
4. Dubrovnik Backpackers Club
This family-run hostel is just a 10-15-minute bus ride to the Old Town. It’s right near the pedestrianized Lapad promenade which is lined with cafes and bars and leads straight to the beach. The large kitchen is fantastic for cooking your own meals and there’s also a terrace with a lovely view over the neighborhood (which is a nice place to relax and hang out with other travelers).
There are no bunk beds here and the dorms only have four beds so they aren’t crowded. The mattresses are comfy and there are lockers for your stuff as well. There’s even a resident dog and cat too, which really make the hostel feel like you’re staying with friends. If you’re arriving by car, there’s free parking.
Dubrovnik Backpackers Club at a glance:
- $$
- Free parking
- Indoor and outdoor kitchens, including a barbecue area
- No bunk beds
Beds from 35 EUR, private rooms for 80 EUR.
5. Kings Landing Hostel Old Town
Housed in a 15th-century villa atop the Old Town, Kings Landing gets its name from the Game of Thrones scenes that were filmed in the city. While the dorm beds here are basic metal bunks with no curtains, the main draw is the host, who loves all things Game of Thrones. The hostel organizes free Game of Thrones tours around the city that showcase filming locations and behind-the-scenes stories.
The hostel is social but on the more quiet and laid-back end of things (huh?), with homey decor and lots of Game of Thrones decorations. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen, free coffee and tea available all day, and a VIP private room with amazing views over the Old Town if you don’t want to stay in a dorm.
Kings Landing Hostel Old Town at a glance:
- $$
- Free tours of the city
- Complimentary coffee and tea
- Game of Thrones-theme
Beds from 25 EUR.
6. City Walls Hostel Dubrovnik
Painted in bright, cheery blue hues to evoke the shimming Adriatic Sea, this is a quiet hostel that isn’t super social so it’s a good choice for travelers looking to do their own thing. It’s right near the famous Buža Bar (a popular cliffside bar) so you really can’t beat the location. You can pretty much walk everywhere from here.
The hostel comes with free coffee/tea all day as well as a simple free breakfast of cereal each morning. And, while the dorms are airy and bright, the beds are mostly basic bunks with no curtains. The mattresses aren’t great but there are lockers to keep your things safe and secure.
City Walls Dubrovnik at a glance:
- $$$
- Basic free breakfast
- Quiet atmosphere
- Excellent location in Old Town
Beds from 40 EUR.
7. Anchi’s Guesthouse
This is one of the most budget-friendly hostels in the city. It has a bit of a no-frills, homey atmosphere but the Croatian owners are super lovely and go out of their way to make you feel at home. Staying at Anchi’s really does feel like staying in someone’s house.
The hostel isn’t super social so it’s a good choice for travelers who want to do their own thing (why). But there are lots of common areas if you want to hang out and relax and there’s also an outdoor garden with a BBQ as well as a kitchen for cooking your own meals. The beds are basic metal bunks with no curtains and they aren’t super comfy, but the place is quiet so you’ll get a good sleep.
Anchi’s Guesthouse at a glance:
- $
- Super affordable
- Outdoor terrace, balcony, and BBQ area
- Very welcoming and helpful Croatian owners
Beds from 18 EUR.
8. Petra Marina
This nautical-themed hostel is directly across from Dubrovnik’s main port. The highlight here is that you can hang out on the large terrace and balconies (one in each dorm) and take in the fantastic views over the harbor and sea. The hostel is bright, airy, and clean and feels more quiet than other hostels, so it’s easy to get a decent sleep here (just don’t expect a super social atmosphere). change phrasing
The dorms are bright and clean and, while the bunks don’t have curtains, the mattresses are pretty comfy and there’s ample storage and lockers. It’s another quiet hostel perfect for travelers who want to do their own thing and don’t care so much about meeting people – everyone cares about meeting people so rephrase to be like not want a party.
Petra Marina at a glance:
- $$
- Huge outdoor terrace and balconies
- Comfy dorm beds
- Quiet atmosphere
Beds from 25 EUR.
Dubrovnik might not be bargain-basement cheap, but what it lacks in affordable accommodation and activities it makes up for in its stunning beauty. Plus, there are plenty of ways to cut corners here, such as utilizing a hostel’s common kitchen to cook meals and taking advantage of a hostel’s free tours and activities. In short, you don’t have to splash out to enjoy your time in Dubrovnik!
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Book Your Trip to Croatia: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- SafetyWing (best for everyone)
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- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
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