The Pucić Palace Hotel in Dubrovnik, Croatia

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Updated: June 2, 2022
By Santorini Dave

Essentials
• Location: Next to Gundulićeva Poljana Market.
• Hotel website: thepucicpalace.com
• Hotel phone: +385 20 326 222
• Check prices for Pucić Palace

Pucić Palace – 5-star luxury in a 17th-century palace overlooking Gundulićeva Poljana Market.

The only five-star hotel in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Pucić Palace is special. Each of its nineteen individually styled rooms inside the baroque palace is named after a prominent Dubrovnik artist, writer, or scientist, and the common spaces double as a contemporary art gallery. The décor blends historic features, such as the exposed stone walls and heavy wooden beams, with contemporary creature comforts – ultra-comfortable beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, Bulgari toiletries, and free-standing Victorian tubs in the spacious bathrooms. There’s an excellent restaurant attached, along with a wine bar specializing in Croatian tipples, and the service and location are second to none.

See Also

• Best Hotels for Families in Dubrovnik
• Best Boutique Hotels in Dubrovnik
• Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

Pucić Palace – Location

• Address: Ul. od Puča 1.
• Nearest Bus: From the bus station just outside Pile Gate (0.3 mile), buses run to Lapad, Babin Kuk, and other far-flung parts of Dubrovnik. Airport buses stop on the opposite side of Old Town, just outside Ploče Gate (0.3 mile).
• Area: Super-central location along one of the tiny side streets in the heart of Old Town. All attractions within Old Town are just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, as are numerous dining options and bars.
• How to Get There: From Dubrovnik International Airport, the most cost-effective way to reach Old Town is to take the airport shuttle bus, timed to meet flights (14 miles, 30 minutes, one-way/return 55/80 Kuna). Alternatively, Dubrovnik Transfer Services offers a taxi service from the airport for €30 (~230 Kuna) for up to 3 people. Note that Old Town is pedestrianized; buses drop passengers off at Ploče Gate, the southern entrance to Old Town, while taxis can drop you off at Pile Gate, the north entrance, too.
• Private Transfer: We use and recommend Welcome Pickups car service. Booking through a private car service will cost only a bit more than a taxi – about €38 (~290 Kuna) from the airport, but can be worth it to avoid the long taxi queue and for the convenience of paying ahead.
• Handy to: Rector’s Palace, City walls, Cathedral.

Pucić Palace – The Basics

• Ages: The majority of hotel guests tend to be couples on a city break or romantic vacation. Families are welcome.
• View: The Junior Suite and some of the other rooms overlook the Gundulićeva Poljana Market, come with balconies, and are soundproofed for peaceful sleeping. The rest of the rooms look out over the narrow, pedestrianized Ulica Od Puča.
• Private Pools/Jacuzzis: No private pools or jacuzzis.
• Laundry: Laundry service available (additional charge).
• Extras: Personal linen menu, air-con, works by Croatian artists scattered throughout the hotel, concierge service, special occasions catered for, and an outdoor terrace that can be reserved for private functions.
• When to Book: Book up to 1 year in advance for the high season (April-June and September-October) and around 3 months in advance for the March and July-August shoulder seasons. The hotel closes for the month of January.
• How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
• Phone: +385 20 326 222
• Email: reservations@thepucicpalace.com
• Website: thepucicpalace.com

Pucić Palace – Amenities

• Pool: No pool.
• Spa: No spa.
• Fitness Center: No fitness center.
• For Disabled Guests: There is an elevator but no specially adapted rooms.
• For Families: Cots are available for free and extra beds (€100) for children over the age of 6 can be accommodated in majority of the rooms and suites. There are high chairs in Café Royal.

Pucić Palace – Food and Drink

• Restaurants: Terrace La Capella – Refined Mediterranean dishes inspired by the sea and the Croatian landscape, served on the al fresco terrace. Reserve ahead. Open 6-11pm May-September. $$$. • Café & Brasserie Royale – Atmospheric, Parisian-style café with Croatian crests on the ceiling and a casual menu of European breakfast and brasserie dishes. Open 7am-11pm daily. $$.
• Bar: Rozanoda Wine Bar – Croatian-inspired tapas and over 70 Croatian wines by the glass from the Pelješac region in southern Croatia, Istra in the northwest, and Slavonia in the northeast. Also serves craft beer and platters of local cheeses. Open noon-midnight daily.
• Breakfast: Complimentary a la carte breakfast available for guests at Café Royal from 7am to 11am (till noon on weekends).
• Room Service: Room service is available 24 hours a day from Café Royale.

Pucić Palace – Rooms

• Room Types: Superior Double • Deluxe Double • Family Room • Junior Suite with Balcony • Senior Suite • List of all Rooms
• Smoking Rooms: Pucić Palace is 100% smoke-free.
• Best Room: The Junior Suite on the first floor features a balcony overlooking Gundulić Square. Alternatively, you can opt for the split-level Senior Suite on the top floor, which comes with its own jacuzzi.
• For Families: Extra beds can be accommodated in the Deluxe rooms and the suites. The Family Room accommodates 4 people and has 2 interconnecting rooms with separate bathrooms.

Pucić Palace – Local Transport

• Walking: The hotel is in a fantastic location in the heart of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and makes a great base for exploring the many attractions on foot, with all Old Town attractions being 10 minutes or less from the hotel. For accessing the wall walk, Ploče Gate is a 4-minute stroll (0.2 mile) and Pile Gate is also a 4-minute walk (0.2 mile). Rector’s Palace is a 1-minute walk (75m) while the dock for boat trips to Lokrum Island is 2 minutes (0.1 mile) on foot.
• Bus: While all attractions within Old Town are easily accessible on foot, to get to the beaches of Lapad Bay or Babin Kuk, you need to take one of many frequent buses. From Pile Gate (0.3 mile), bus #4 runs to Hotel Palace in Lapad, while buses #5, #6, and #7 serve Babin Kuk. Bus #5 also runs east of Old Town to Victorija in Ploče, passing the Modern Art Museum, while buses #3 and #3a run north to Nuncijata in Gruž, handy for the Way of the Cross trailhead up Mount Srđ. Bus tickets cost 15 Kuna if you buy them onboard and 12 Kuna if you buy them from a newsstand; there’s also the 30 Kuna unlimited day ride ticket. Validate your ticket upon boarding the bus.
• Taxis: A taxi from the airport to Old Town starts from €30 (~230 Kuna), depending on number of people. Taxis stop outside both Ploče and Pile Gates. A taxi from Old Town to Lapas costs €15 (~115 Kuna).

Pucić Palace – What’s Nearby?

Recommended Nearby Tours

• Dubrovnik Day Tours – If you want to maximize your time in the Balkans, Dubrovnik is ideally placed for day trips to other countries in the region. Day tours with licensed guides take you to Kotor, Montenegro, Sarajevo, Bosnia, and Mostar, Herzegovina. They also offer specialized wine tours. Pickup from your hotel.
• Lokrum Island – Head to the dock at the east end of the Stradun (0.1 mile) to catch a 10-minute ferry to Lokrum Island, a forested retreat that’s a protected nature reserve. You can swim off the rocky ledges (no beaches here) or in the small saltwater lake known as the Dead Sea, visit the Benedictine monastery, and check out the cloister garden where a reception was held for Daenerys in Qarth in the Game of Thrones.
• Dubrovnik Walking Tours – Engaging tours of Old Town, from themed Game of Thrones filming location tours to classic ones focusing either on the Balkan wars, the city walls, or Old Town’s architectural highlights. Tours depart from the Onofrio Fountain, just inside Pile Gate, a 3-minute walk (0.2 mile).
• Adriatic Kayak Tours – Sea kayak and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) tours, as well as cycling and hiking tours for active travelers. Departures from their office, a short walk from Old Town through Pile Gate. (0.4 mile).
• Dubrovnik Boat Tours – This reliable operator runs day trips to the neighboring Elafiti islands: Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud, complete with stops to swim in the sea and sightseeing on the islands. Lunch and drinks included in the price. Departures from the Old Town port, a 9-minute drive (2.5 miles).

Best Nearby Restaurants

• Bistro Tavulin – With its outdoor tables scattered along the alleyway behind the Church of St Blaise, this bistro is locally known for its fresh takes on traditional recipes such as octopus ragout with beans and polenta, slow-cooked veal, and grilled catch of the day. Busy, informal, and good for lunch or dinner. (50m).
• Forty Four – Sit in the atmospheric stone-walled dining room or the lantern-hung tunnel and order from a succinct menu of traditional and contemporary Dalmatian dishes that might include truffled risotto and grilled catch of the day with polenta. Reservations recommended. (75m).
• Gradska Kavana Arsenal – Right near Old Town’s Luža Square, this venerable restaurant, dating back to 1895, is perfect for people-watching and is open all day. Menu varies depending on what’s fresh and seasonal but you can always count on generous servings of fish, meat, and pasta. (100m).
• Taj Mahal – In spite of the name, this is actually a Bosnian restaurant, tucked away down a tiny street. Grilled meats are the specialty here; go for the mixed grill or some flavorful lamb chops. (100m).
• Bota Šare Oyster & Sushi Bar – Slurp a dozen Ston oysters or tuck into some shrimp tartare or creative sushi rolls at this stylish eatery, partly hidden in a medieval tunnel. (0.1 mile).
• Lajk Restaurant – The pick of the restaurants that are lined along Ul. Prieko, Lajk specializes in classic Dalmatian cuisine, from mussels in wine sauce and grilled seabass to homemade pasta. Family-friendly, busy, casual. (0.1 mile).
• Proto – One of Old Town’s culinary highlights, Proto is an elegant seafood restaurant dating back to 1886. Come here for oysters au gratin, Dalmatian-style shrimp, homemade truffled pasta with seafood, and stellar fish dishes. Romantic ambience, perfect for romancing your sweetie. (0.1 mile).
• Fast Food Republic – Cheap and cheerful burger bar serving a good selection of burgers, hot dogs, and pizza by the slice. Octopus burger a specialty. (0.1 mile).
• Azur – Hip Eurasian restaurant where locally-sourced Mediterranean ingredients are transformed into pork belly tacos, creamy Singapore-style seafood laksa, fish tartar with an Asian twist, and more. Worth reserving ahead for dinner. (0.1 mile).
• Restaurant 360° – Michelin-starred fine dining near Ploče Gate with panoramic views over the harbor from its setting on top of the city walls. Romantic ambience and Modern European dishes. Book ahead and dress nice. (0.1 mile).
• Lucin Kantun – Taking inspiration from Dalmatian home cooking and putting a fine spin on it, this homey place serves the likes of spinach-and-goats-cheese-stuffed flaky pastry, plus grilled fish and seafood, depending on what’s fresh and seasonal. Tapas-style small plates, casual, relaxed. (0.2 mile).
• Nautika Restaurant – This much-lauded restaurant overlooking Fort Lawrence and the bay by Pile Gate is one of Dubrovnik’s best. The dishes are refined takes on Dalmatian classics, the service is top-notch, and it’s hard to find a more romantic spot in town. Smart-casual dress code. Book ahead. (0.3 mile).

Best Nearby Bars & Breweries

• Beer Factory Dubrovnik – Perch in the beer garden out back or under the vaulted ceiling of the main bar and choose from the extensive menu of Croatian craft beers. (75m).
• Soul Caffe & Rakija Bar – The subtly-lit interior and creeper-covered terrace in the narrow street outside make for an atmospheric drinking spot, whether you’re here for a cocktail or a coffee. Live music on some nights. (75m).
• The Gaffe – The pick of local Irish pubs, with football and rugby shown on its 7 screens, Guinness on tap, and a supporting cast of meaty dishes. (100m).
• Exit Rock Caffe – With walls covered with posters of classic album covers and photos of rock stars, this is Dubrovnik’s original rocker hangout. Good for cheap beers and a heavy soundtrack. (100m).
• Malvasija Wine Bar – Thimble-sized wine bar, named after a local dry white wine from Konavle vineyards, aiming to introduce you to local grape varieties such as Plavac, Vranac, and Grk. Cheese platters and other light bites available. (0.1 mile).
• The Bar by Azur – Not to be confused with Eurasian restaurant Azur, this backstreet bar specializes in Dubrovnik’s finest cocktails. (0.1 mile).
• Buzz Bar – Swing by this buzzy bar for decent cocktails and inexpensive craft beer. (0.1 mile).
• Buža – This cliffside terrace bar enjoys awesome views of the Adriatic sea from its location at the south end of Old Town. Rather pricey bottled drinks only; it’s the sunset views that you’re paying for. (0.1 mile).
• D’Vino Wine Bar – Pint-sized wine bar offering top-notch Croatian wines by the glass or bottle. You can also opt for a flight of wines and supplement it with a charcuterie or local cheese platter. (0.1 mile).
• Tavulin – This arty little bar in an Old Town cul-de-sac has many local wines by the glass and attractive (though limited) outdoor seating. (0.2 mile).
• Glam Cafe – Most Croatian craft brewers are represented at this snug bar opposite D’Vino Wine Bar, along with international beer classics such as Brewdog’s Punk IPA. Handful of tables in the narrow street outside. (0.2 mile).
• BARD Mala Buža – Nestling beneath the south wall of Old Town, this is the offshoot of the super-popular Buža bar. Another favorite sunset-watching spot with the bonus of a shaded terrace. (0.2 mile).

Best Nearby Cafes

• Cogito Coffee Shop – Hole-in-the-wall coffee shop on a tiny street near the Maritime Museum; serves brews by Croatia’s premier coffee roaster. (0.1 mile).
• Coffee Break – Facing a tranquil garden, this snug café is a great spot for a cappuccino and a pastry. West of Pile Gate. (0.6 mile).

Nearby Shopping & Cool Shops

• Rector’s Palace Museum Shop – This gift shop is excellent, with the tasteful array of bags, scarves, and jewelry inspired by objects inside the museum. (75m).
• Croata – Croatia is the home of the cravat and this store specializes in luxury silk ties, bow ties, and scarves in attractive designs. (100m).
• House of the Game – Of the several outlets in Old Town, the Od. Puča branch has the best selection of official Game of Thrones t-shirts, goblets, collectible figurines, and other memorabilia. At the back, you can pose for selfies on a tacky replica of the Iron Throne. (100m).
• Uje – This branch of the foodie store specializes in Croatian olive oils, herbs, spices, honey, capers, and other edibles. (100m).
• Zlatarna Križek – Going strong since 1935, this family of jewelers specializes in delicate gold and silver filigree. (100m).
• Tilda Dubrovnik – Original ceramics, jewelry, dolls, traditional Konavle embroidery, handmade greetings cards, and other handicrafts. (100m).
• Homa Gallery – Explore the vibrant works of Jadranka Munitic, a renowned locally-born contemporary artist. (100m).
• Terra Croatica – High-quality gifts such as handmade ceramics and Dalmatian cookbooks, as well as locally-made beauty products, Croatian wines, and olive oils. (150m).
• Algebra – This bookstore on Stradun stocks plenty of literary material on the Balkans as well as Lonely Planet guidebooks for Croatia, Montenegro, and other neighboring countries. (0.1 mile).
• Medusa – Come to this ‘charming shop for charming people’ for art prints, handmade chocolates, limestone objects, natural cosmetics, and other gifts. (0.1 mile).
• Dubrovnik Treasures – Offbeat jewelry made by local designers Simona and Marko who combine traditional techniques with modern materials. (0.2 mile).
• Life According to KAWA – Terrific concept and gift store stocking clothing by independent Croatian designers, ceramics, jewelry, edibles, handmade kitchen implements, toys, craft beer, and all manner of other gifts. (0.3 mile).

Nearby Attractions

• Rector’s Palace – This 15th-century Gothic-Renaissance Palace doubles as a Cultural History Museum and hosts engaging temporary exhibitions. The exterior is stunning and the beautifully restored interior, with its collection of coats of arms, coins, and more, is well worth seeing. Game of Thrones fans may recognize the atrium from the palace of the Spice King of Qarth. (75m).
• Sponza Palace – A former mint and arsenal, this 16th-century palace is a Gothic-Renaissance mix that’s now home to the State Archives, storing priceless manuscripts that are almost a 1,000 years old. You can check copies displayed on the ground floor as well as a really hard-hitting photographic collection that honors the young men who perished between 1991 and 1995 while defending Dubrovnik. (100m).
• Dubrovnik Cathedral – This 18th-century incarnation of the venerable cathedral was built on the site of the original 7th-century structure. The 12th-century expansion was originally funded by Richard the Lionheart, who was saved from a shipwreck, and the altars and the priceless objects in the treasury are highlights here. (100m).
• Synagogue & Jewish Museum – The oldest Sephardic synagogue in the world (and second-oldest still-functioning synagogue in Europe) is located in what used to be the Jewish ghetto, home to expelled Sephardim from Spain, Portugal, and Italy. The museum is dedicated to the history of this centuries-old community, as well as the persecution of Jews in Croatia during WWII. Visitors with a particular interest in Jewish history can book specialized walking tours via the website. (150m).
• War Photo Limited – This gallery features hard-hitting photographic exhibitions depicting the horrors of war, curated by New Zealander photo journalist Wade Goddard. The permanent exhibition is devoted to the wars of Yugoslavia. (0.1 mile).
• Dominican Monastery – Nestling beneath the city walls, this fortress-like 14th-century monastery is among Dubrovnik’s architectural highlights. The cloister is particularly beautiful and the church displays priceless pieces of art. (0.1 mile).
• Franciscan Monastery – This 14th-century monastery is home to Europe’s third-oldest functioning pharmacy (1317) and a splendid cloister. You can check out the centuries-old pharmacy equipment as well as the religious artifacts and paintings and a strikingly painted altar crucifix. (0.1 mile).
• City Walls – Dubrovnik’s Old Town is surrounded by mighty stone walls, the first set of which was built in the 9th century. The current walls, forts, and towers mostly date back to the 14th and 15th centuries and a wall walk is spectacularly picturesque. You’re required to go anti-clockwise and it’s best to do the walk either first thing in the morning or around 4pm to avoid the worst of the crowds. Of the three entrances, Ploče Gate is the least crowded and if you book your ticket online, you can opt for a Game of Thrones tour or an Early Bird tour. (0.2 mile).
• Fort Lawrence – Sitting on a 37m-high promontory overlooking a small bay, this fortress affords fantastic views of Old Town from the west from its battlements. Game of Thrones fans may recognize it as the Red Keep, where Cercei bade farewell to Myrcella from the little bay. (0.4 mile).
• Banje Beach – Just east of Ploče Gate, this is the nearest beach to Old Town. It’s a mix of pebbles and white sand, with chaise lounges for hire and calm, crystal-clear waters. Popular with families. (0.4 mile).
• Museum of Modern Art (MOMAD) – East of the Old Town, this modernist building is home to a superb collection of contemporary Croatian art. Don’t miss the works of Vlaho Bucavac or the sea views from the sculpture terrace. (0.5 mile).
• Mount Srđ – Looming above Old Town and accessed either via cable car or by driving or hiking the steep Way of the Cross path up (trailhead is a 25-minute walk or 0.8 mile away), this 412m-hill offers great views of Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. At the top, there’s an exhibition dedicated to the 1990s war and an overpriced restaurant where you go for the views rather than the culinary offerings. 7-minute walk (0.3 mile) to the cable car.

Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores

• Gundulićeva Poljana Market – Open from 7am to 6pm daily, this lively market sells fresh produce and is a good place to stock up on fruits as well as olive oil, nuts, honey, local spirits, and a limited range of souvenirs. (25m).
• Konzum – Right near the Gundulićeva Poljana Market, this small supermarket makes a good pit stop for essentials. (50m).
• Enoteca Wine Shop – On Prijeko ul., this wine shop stocks an excellent range of Croatian wines and the helpful owner can advise you regarding various vintages. (0.2 mile).

Pucić Palace – The Hotel

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