Apartment Ema | 1-Bedroom Apartment in Grad Dubrovnik

A single-bedroom apartment rental in Dubrovnik Old Town puts you steps from the Franciscan Monastery and the main Stradun thoroughfare. Apartment Ema occupies the first floor of a centuries-old stone building in the heart of Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-protected medieval quarter, where narrow lanes connect restaurants, galleries, and the city’s working harbor to your front door.

Inside Apartment Ema

Apartment Ema sleeps 3 guests across 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. The master bedroom contains a double bed positioned to catch morning light from the building’s thick stone walls. The open-plan living and dining area flows directly from the kitchen, with a four-seat dining table and a pull-out sofa bed that converts the living room into sleeping space for a third guest when needed.

The kitchen is compact but fully functional, equipped for preparing simple meals or warming local specialties from the market stalls dotting nearby Gunduliceva Poljana. Overhead, exposed beams and high ceilings create an airy feel despite the building’s age. The bathroom includes shower facilities, heating, and practical amenities for a comfortable stay.

Large windows frame an unexpected view: the Gothic-Renaissance portal of the Franciscan Church, carved in 1498, visible across the stone rooftops. This architectural detail—a working piece of medieval craftsmanship—reminds you constantly that this apartment sits within one of Europe’s best-preserved walled cities. Satellite TV and Wi-Fi connect you to the outside world when you choose, while air-conditioning provides relief during Dubrovnik’s hot July and August months. An iron and ironing board are available for longer stays.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

This is an urban apartment without a private terrace or garden. Instead, your outdoor life extends into the surrounding lanes and squares. The Stradun—Dubrovnik’s main pedestrian street—lies less than 100 meters away, a white limestone thoroughfare lined with cafes, boutiques, and outdoor seating where locals and visitors converge during evening hours. From your doorstep, you can reach Banje Beach, the nearest swimming spot to Old Town, in approximately 10 minutes on foot via the eastern gate.

The Franciscan Monastery courtyard, directly across the street, is open to the public and offers a peaceful cloister with a functioning pharmacy dating to 1317—the world’s third continuously operating pharmacy. This is where your morning coffee tastes different, knowing what surrounds you.

Location: Dubrovnik and the Surrounding Area

Dubrovnik sits on Croatia’s southern Adriatic coast, a fortified city of roughly 40,000 people enclosed by 1,940 meters of defensive walls built between the 13th and 17th centuries. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, clusters around the Stradun, the main street running east to west, with the Rector’s Palace, Cathedral, and city harbor anchoring key intersections.

From Apartment Ema, several destinations are within easy reach. Lokrum Island, accessible by regular ferry from the Old City port (5-minute walk from your door), offers Adriatic Sea swimming, peacock-roaming botanical gardens, and views back toward the walled city. Cavtat, a smaller Adriatic town 20km south, is known for its waterfront promenades and the Baltazar Bogisic Collection museum. The Elaphite Islands—Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan—operate ferry services from Dubrovnik harbor, ideal for day trips involving swimming and local seafood restaurants.

The Ombla River spring, located 15km north near the village of Komolac, creates a freshwater discharge into the sea visible from boats—a geographical oddity worth witnessing. The nearby Arboretum Trsteno, 14km west, showcases Mediterranean plant collections and dates to the 15th century.

Local dining revolves around Adriatic fish and shellfish. Gunduliceva Poljana market, a 5-minute walk downhill from the apartment, operates daily with vegetable sellers, fishmongers, and local producers. Restaurants along the Stradun and in the Old Harbor area (10 minutes on foot) serve catch-of-the-day preparations, though prices reflect the tourist location. The nearby Dalmatian wine region, extending inland from the coast, produces whites like Grk and Posip—available in local wine bars and restaurants within walking distance.

Dubrovnik Airport (Aerodrom Dubrovnik) sits 22km southeast; transfer time by taxi or shuttle runs 25-35 minutes depending on traffic. The nearest supermarket, Studenac, is approximately 800 meters away in the Pile neighborhood just outside the Old Town walls. A smaller Konzum grocery is roughly 600 meters away near the eastern gate.

The Dubrovnik City area benefits from a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (June through August averaging 26-29°C) and mild winters. May and September offer warm weather with fewer visitors. December through February sees occasional rain but negligible snow. Summer months attract peak tourism; spring and autumn provide comfortable exploration with thinner crowds.

For more inspiration on the region, explore our luxury apartments in Croatia, browse available properties in Grad, and discover our full collection of accommodations in Dubrovnik. Our Dubrovnik City travel guide offers detailed insights into attractions, dining, and seasonal planning.

Who This Apartment Suits Best

Apartment Ema works well for couples prioritizing location over space, with the understanding that the Old Town location means noise from adjacent streets, particularly during evening hours and weekends. The single bedroom suits two adults more comfortably than a family with children, though the pull-out sofa accommodates a third guest for short stays.

Solo travelers and pairs exploring Dubrovnik’s museums, galleries, and restaurants benefit from the central position without needing a car. The lack of a private outdoor space is offset by immediate access to public plazas, waterfront promenades, and the daily rhythm of an active medieval quarter.

Multi-generational families requiring more bedroom separation should consider larger properties; parents with one small child (sleeping on the sofa bed) find the arrangement manageable for 2-4 night stays. The apartment is not wheelchair accessible due to its historic building structure and narrow surrounding lanes.

Practical Information

Capacity: 3 guests maximum. Layout: 1 bedroom (double bed), 1 bathroom, open-plan kitchen-dining-living area with pull-out sofa bed. No private garden or terrace.

Nearest airport: Dubrovnik Airport (Aerodrom Dubrovnik), 22km away, approximately 25-35 minutes by car or pre-arranged shuttle. Most guests arrange airport transfers in advance given Old Town traffic and limited parking.

Included amenities: Wi-Fi internet, satellite television, air-conditioning, heating, iron and ironing board, standard linens and towels, and basic kitchen equipment (no dishwasher). The rental rate typically covers utilities; clarify with Excellence Luxury Villas on booking whether utilities are included in your quoted price.

Check-in and check-out times follow standard European hotel convention (typically 3pm arrival, 11am departure), though flexibility exists depending on prior bookings and staff availability. Pet-friendly arrangements are available upon request and advance notice—contact the management team directly.

Parking: Street parking exists in surrounding neighborhoods but is limited and paid during summer months. Most guests rely on taxis, foot traffic, or pre-arranged car services rather than self-driving within Old Town.

Frequently Asked Questions about Apartment Ema

How many guests does Apartment Ema sleep?

Apartment Ema accommodates 3 guests maximum. The layout includes a master bedroom with a double bed (suitable for 2 adults) and a pull-out sofa bed in the living room (suitable for 1 additional guest, typically children or a third adult on shorter stays). The bathroom is singular, shared by all occupants.

What is the nearest airport to Apartment Ema in Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik Airport (Aerodrom Dubrovnik), officially known as Čilipi Airport, lies 22 kilometers southeast of Old Town. Transfer time by taxi or shuttle service ranges from 25 to 35 minutes depending on summer traffic and security screening. Advance arrangement of airport transfers is recommended, especially during peak summer tourism (July-August).

What is the best time of year to rent Apartment Ema?

May through June and September through October offer ideal conditions: warm water temperatures (18-24°C), moderate air temperatures (20-26°C), and manageable tourist crowds. July and August bring peak heat (26-29°C), peak tourism, and peak prices. Winter months (November-February) see occasional rain, lower costs, and fewer visitors—suitable if you prioritize cultural exploration over beach swimming. Spring flowers and autumn light are particularly valued by photographers and nature-oriented guests.

Is Apartment Ema suitable for families with children?

The apartment is suitable for families with small children (under 10) for short stays of 2-4 nights. The pull-out sofa bed can accommodate one child, while parents occupy the master bedroom. However, the historic Old Town location means adjacent street noise, particularly Thursday-Saturday evenings, and the narrow surrounding lanes require supervision of young children. Banje Beach, 10 minutes’ walk away, provides supervised swimming. Playgrounds exist in the nearby Pile neighborhood outside the walls. For longer stays or families with multiple children requiring separate bedrooms, larger properties may be more comfortable.

What is included in the rental price at Apartment Ema?

Standard inclusions are Wi-Fi internet access, satellite television, air-conditioning, heating, and standard linens and towels. Kitchen equipment (pots, pans, dishes, utensils) is provided for self-catering. Utilities including water and electricity are typically included, though always confirm in your final booking agreement. Daily housekeeping is not included unless specified as an add-on service. Pet-friendly arrangements (pets on request) involve additional fees and advance notice.

What restaurants and shops are near Apartment Ema?

Gunduliceva Poljana market, 5 minutes downhill on foot, operates daily with local produce, fish, and specialty items. The Studenac supermarket (800 meters, 10-minute walk) and Konzum grocery (600 meters) serve everyday shopping needs. Restaurants cluster along the Stradun (less than 100 meters), around Luza Square by the harbor (10-minute walk), and throughout the Old Town streets. Specific dining recommendations depend on your cuisine preference; local specialties include grilled fish, Dalmatian pasta (pljeskavica), and fresh seafood pastas. Budget accordingly: tourist-district restaurants charge premium prices compared to establishments further from the main thoroughfares.