Hotel in Gruž, Dubrovnik Neretva, Dubrovnik Neretva
Hostel Marker Dubrovnik
The most popular backpacker hostel in Dubrovnik, located in the Gruž harbor area with helpful staff, a lively common room, and well-maintained dorms and private rooms. The hostel organizes daily tours and pub crawls and is just a short walk from the ferry terminal.
Hostel Marker Dubrovnik is a well-established budget accommodation option in the Gruž district of Dubrovnik, located near the city's main ferry and port terminal. Gruž is one of Dubrovnik's most practical neighborhoods for budget travelers: it lies beyond the tourist price premium of Old Town, has good local supermarkets and bakeries, and is directly connected to the historic city center by the city bus network.
The hostel operates from a building on Ulica Ivana Zajca, a residential street a short walk from the Gruž port. It has built a reputation as the most popular backpacker hostel in Dubrovnik, consistently praised for its energetic common room, knowledgeable staff, and the lively social atmosphere cultivated through organized activities including pub crawls, day trips, and guided tours to Old Town.
Accommodation includes mixed and female-only dormitory beds as well as private rooms for those seeking more privacy at a budget price. Dorms are clean and well-maintained, with lockers for securing valuables. The communal kitchen allows guests to self-cater — a significant saving in a city where restaurant prices can be steep. A bar on the premises provides a gathering point in the evenings, and luggage storage is available for guests checking in before standard arrival time.
The hostel's proximity to the Gruž ferry terminal is a practical advantage for travelers arriving from or departing to the islands: ferries from Gruž serve Korčula, Mljet, Hvar, Split, and Bari in Italy, making Hostel Marker a convenient first or last stop on a broader Dalmatian itinerary.
Staff are well versed in Dubrovnik's budget travel options, from the cheapest city bus route to Old Town to how to avoid the peak-hour crowds on the City Walls. Daily tours are organized directly through the hostel, removing the need to seek out third-party operators for island excursions.
Amenities
- dorms
- private rooms
- communal kitchen
- bar
- tours
- wifi
- luggage storage
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +385 20 321 612
Location
Ulica Ivana Zajca 17, 20000 Dubrovnik
42.6574, 18.0760 — View on map
Highlights
- Prime location near Gruž ferry terminal for easy island connections to Korčula, Mljet, Hvar, and Split
- Organized pub crawls, island day trips, and guided Old Town tours arranged through the hostel
- Female-only dorm option and secure lockers in all dormitories
- Communal kitchen for self-catering — a key money-saver in one of Croatia's most expensive destinations
- Consistently the highest-rated budget hostel in Dubrovnik for social atmosphere and staff helpfulness
Tips
- Book dorm beds at least two weeks ahead in July and August — the hostel fills quickly in peak season
- Use the city bus from Gruž to reach Old Town's Pile Gate rather than paying taxi prices
- Supplement the communal kitchen with the nearby Konzum supermarket to keep daily food costs very low
- Pub crawl nights are a good way to meet other travelers but get loud — request a quieter room if sensitive to noise
- Ask staff about the best day of the week to take the Elaphiti Islands boat trip as departures vary by season
FAQ
How far is Hostel Marker from Dubrovnik's Old Town?
The hostel is in the Gruž district, roughly 2–3 kilometers from Old Town. The city bus connects Gruž to Pile Gate in around 10–15 minutes.
Does the hostel offer private rooms as well as dorms?
Yes, Hostel Marker offers both dormitory beds and private rooms, making it a flexible option for solo travelers, couples, and small groups seeking budget accommodation.
Is the hostel close to the Dubrovnik ferry port?
The Gruž ferry and port terminal is within walking distance of the hostel, making arrivals from and departures to the islands and international ferries very convenient.
Are organized tours available at the hostel?
Yes, the hostel organizes daily tours and excursions including Old Town walks, island day trips to the Elaphiti Islands, and pub crawls. These can be booked directly through reception.
Accessibility
As a budget hostel operating in a non-purpose-built building, Hostel Marker Dubrovnik has limited accessibility infrastructure. Stairs are present throughout the property, and there is no lift. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the hostel before booking to assess suitability.
When to visit
The hostel is open year-round. The most social atmosphere is from May through September when the backpacker circuit is in full swing. Shoulder months offer lower bed prices and the ferry connections to islands remain frequent.