Are you planning a stay on “the pearl of the Adriatic” and would you like to know which are the best areas to stay and which areas to avoid in Dubrovnik?

Indeed, as with any other tourist destination, it is natural to wonder about security in Dubrovnik, particularly when choosing your hotel or apartment.

Here is a guide to the level of crime in Dubrovnik, with areas to avoid but also recommendations for choosing your accommodation in the best places in the city.

This article is a study carried out by bringing together the most reliable information published in the press, on the rankings and the most recent statistics.

Is Dubrovnik a dangerous city?

With its medieval walls, cobbled streets and sea views, Dubrovnik is a destination that attracts thousands of travelers from all over the world. However, the main concern for most of these travelers is whether they will be safe there.

Fortunately, Dubrovnik has a very low crime rate compared to other major cities inEurope. Violent crime is rare, and pickpocketing and pickpocketing are the most common crimes.

Dubrovnik is considered one of the safest cities in Croatia. Statistics show that the crime rate in Dubrovnik is lower than the national average.

And if we compare globally in 2025, we can also say that Dubrovnik is not a dangerous city. Indeed, the Numbeo ranking Dubrovnik has a crime index of only 21.24. In terms of crime, Dubrovnik is therefore one of the safest cities in the world.

If we compare with other safe cities, Dubrovnik is even safer than cities like Prague, Copenhagen, Madrid ou Warsaw.

Map of neighborhoods in Dubrovnik

Here is a map where you can identify the neighborhoods to avoid in Dubrovnik (listed below) and the best places to stay for a tourist stay: Google map

Neighborhoods to avoid in Dubrovnik

As we have already said, Dubrovnik is a safe city. It has no dangerous areas where travelers could feel threatened. There are only 2 areas where it is recommended to remain cautious or avoid at certain times of the night.

• The first area that tourists should avoid at night is the area of Gruz. This is the port area where ferries depart from Dubrovnik to other coastal and island destinations. During the day, it is a lively area with an authentic atmosphere, markets and numerous restaurants and cafes. But at night, tourists should avoid busy streets and dark places.
• The second area to avoid at night, for bad company, is the Rue Peline which is the red light district of old Dubrovnik.

Best areas to stay in Dubrovnik

Apart from the 2 areas to avoid mentioned above, all areas of the city are pleasant and recommended for tourists. However, I will show you below the most interesting areas to visit Dubrovnik and/or to enjoy the most beautiful beaches.

Old town district to visit Dubrovnik

The old town of Dubrovnik is a real gem. Surrounded by powerful ramparts dating from the 14th century, it is full of picturesque streets, historic palaces and charming squares. Staying in the Old Town will allow you to be close to major tourist attractions such as the Rector's Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral and Onofrio's Fountain.

You can stroll along the ramparts, visit iconic monuments and enjoy its many cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops and art galleries.

Among the most beautiful hotels in the old town, the one I recommend has a spectacular view: Boutique Hotel Stari Grad

Lapad district for a seaside stay

Looking for the best place to stay in Dubrovnik and enjoy the beach? Indeed, with its magnificent beaches, crystal clear waters and pleasant Mediterranean climate, Dubrovnik is also ideal for a seaside vacation.

The Lapad district, located northwest of Dubrovnik, is an ideal place to enjoy the sun and sandy beaches in an idyllic setting. There is notably Copacabana beach. With its golden sand, shallow waters and plenty of water sports opportunities, Copacabana Beach is perfect for families and adventure seekers. The beach also has several bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal or a cocktail while admiring the sea.

If you are looking for a hotel in this area of ​​Lapad, I recommend the Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection Hotel with private beach.

Banje Beach

Located a few steps from the old town, Banje beach is one of the most beautiful in Dubrovnik. With its stunning views of the city walls and crystal clear waters, Banje Beach is the best choice for enjoying the best of Dubrovnik.

THEHotel Excelsior is a good accommodation option for its beach and its view of the old town.

Safety Tips for Tourists in Dubrovnik

Although Dubrovnik is considered a safe destination, here are some safety tips that are best known as with all tourist sites:

1. Make sure to keep your valuables safe and not leave them unattended.
2. Use secure payment methods: Choose card payments rather than carrying a large amount of cash with you. Make sure the ATMs you use are located in well-lit and secure areas.
3. Beware of scams: Unfortunately, there are always people with bad intentions who want to take advantage of tourists. Be vigilant for common scams such as counterfeit banknotes or price gouging for tourists.
4. In the event of an emergency in Dubrovnik, it is important to know emergency telephone numbers and essential contact information. Here are some important numbers to remember: Police: 92 – Fire: 93 – Ambulance: 94 – Roadside assistance: 987