Point out the phrase Croatia, and Dubrovnik might be the primary metropolis that springs to thoughts. I can’t blame you; that is one among my favourite cities on the planet. Positive, it’s very busy in the summertime months, however residing in Dubrovnik is an expertise like no different.
As a digital nomad residing in Dubrovnik, you’ll discover greater than sufficient to fill your time—a lot so that you just’ll in all probability must think about just a few additional days off. Having spent a good period of time on this lovely place, I’m effectively positioned to advise you on the ins and outs of life in one among Croatia’s most lovely cities.
About Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is situated within the southern Dalmatia area, lapped by the glittering waters of the Adriatic. It’s actually Croatia’s most well-known and busiest metropolis throughout the summer season months, however I additionally discovered it charming throughout the winter.
The one potential draw back to the slower (and colder) months is that almost all issues shut; nonetheless if that doesn’t trouble you, it is best to benefit from the slower tempo of life.
It’s a very historic metropolis, courting again to across the seventh century, and its most well-known spot is town partitions. Should you’re a Sport of Thrones fan, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are a number of filming websites to find across the metropolis.
For me, life in Dubrovnik is about consuming good meals, socializing, taking within the lovely surroundings, and exploring the neighboring areas. Positive, it may well get busy throughout the peak summer season months, however there’s a lot to see and do this it’s simple to flee the crowds for just a few days.
Digital Nomad in Dubrovnik: Private Expertise
Since Croatia launched its digital nomad visa (extra on that later), Dubrovnik has turn into a hotspot for digital nomads, particularly throughout the summer season months. I loved visiting throughout the autumn months specifically, as I discovered an important social scene with out the key crowds.
As you’ll be able to think about, Dubrovnik isn’t the most affordable metropolis because of its touristic label, however there are many methods to chop prices. I loved my time within the metropolis and located it very easy to make new associates and meet different folks. The web is quick, there are many nice cafes to work from, and general, I had a improbable high quality of life throughout my keep.
I discovered the height summer season months, significantly July and August, a bit of too populated, and I don’t advise you to try to stroll town partitions right now. Nonetheless, the climate is wonderful, there are some nice seashores close by, and also you’re positive to like the full-on summer season vibe.
Is Dubrovnik Secure?
The excellent news is that residing in Dubrovnik as a digital nomad is unlikely to pose any vital security issues. I by no means felt unsafe or unnerved throughout my time there, and general, Dubrovnik is taken into account a protected place. After all, it’s a big metropolis so at all times use your frequent sense and do not forget that in busy areas, there’s at all times an opportunity of pickpockets.
Regardless of the small danger of petty theft, I felt very at house in Dubrovnik and infrequently walked round alone with out feeling any want to stay to the busier areas. Actually, I felt very protected in Croatia general.
The most important concern for me was the crowds across the metropolis wall areas throughout the peak summer season months, however that’s avoidable when you discover massive teams of individuals a bit of overwhelming.
Greatest Areas to Stay in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik isn’t a very sprawling metropolis, however there are some ideally suited areas to base your self as a digital nomad. Listed below are a few of my suggestions:
1. Outdated City
If you wish to be as centrally situated as doable, the Outdated City is for you. I spent numerous my time right here, and though I didn’t search lodging within the space, I discovered it a reasonably vibrant and enjoyable spot. The one draw back is that you just’re prone to spend extra on hire, but when yow will discover somebody to share with, you’ll save money.
When working remotely in Dubrovnik, selecting to remain within the Outdated City cuts down on commuting prices. It locations you within the coronary heart of town and means you’re by no means too distant from nightlife, eating places, and sights. There are additionally loads of improbable cafes to work from on this neighborhood.
2. Lapad
If you wish to keep someplace that also has a vigorous vibe however isn’t fairly as central because the Outdated City, I’d suggest Lapad. This neighborhood is pedestrianized, so that you’re not going to be disturbed by visitors. It’s additionally house to some fairly cafes, eating places, and a welcoming seaside view.
I favored Lapad as I discovered it to be a bit extra chilled out in comparison with the Outdated City. There are many cafes to work from on this space, and hire is barely decrease as a result of it’s not fairly as central. It’s additionally fairly simple to get to the Outdated City by way of bus if you wish to be proper in the course of town itself.
3. Babin Kuk
I stayed within the Babin Kuk space for some time and I actually favored it there. It’s barely out of town middle, round 6.5km/4 miles, however it’s simple to get to the Outdated City by way of bus. I loved the slower tempo and the actual fact that there have been fewer crowds. The one draw back is that hire isn’t that low-cost; it’s classed as being fairly high-end.
Nonetheless, if you wish to stay by the seaside and luxuriate in lazy days in cafes with a view, it is a great place. I met many different distant staff on this neighborhood, and since it’s quieter, I felt much less overwhelmed by noise and crowds.
4. Ploče
Should you’re occupied with residing in Dubrovnik and need to be someplace a bit of extra luxurious, Ploče is an efficient place to contemplate. Right here, you’ll discover some fancy accommodations and Airbnbs, and whereas the value is barely greater, the world presents a complicated vibe and is inside strolling distance of the Outdated City.
I discovered Ploče fairly a cushty and welcoming place. Banje Seashore can also be close by, so it’s a good selection when you take pleasure in seaside time throughout your downtime. There are additionally loads of nightlife choices round, with out being proper within the thick of it. Personally, I really feel this neighborhood is a superb supply of center floor between common life and touristic enjoyable.
Methods to Discover Lodging in Dubrovnik
Discovering lodging in Dubrovnik may be difficult when you go away it a bit of too late to start your search. I like to recommend planning to reach a month or so earlier than the summer season season begins, so you’ll be able to safe a spot to remain. Should you’re visiting within the winter months, you’ll discover lodging fairly simple to search out.
1. Reserving.com: I used reserving.com to search out hostels and serviced lodging in Dubrovnik and at all times discovered nice costs. You can even search simply outdoors of town middle to maintain prices low. Nonetheless, I’d suggest reserving as far upfront as doable, to keep away from the very best costs being snapped up.
2. Airbnb: There are various long-stay flats out there in Dubrovnik for respectable costs. Once more, it’s greatest to guide forward of time because the summer season season turns into very busy and many individuals have the identical thought—discover someplace to remain! Lapad is a very in style place for Airbnbs.
3. Fb teams: Should you search on Fb, you’ll discover many teams for Dubrovnik itself, together with digital nomad teams. It is a good strategy to discover different like-minded individuals who you could possibly share lodging with and preserve prices low. It’s additionally a superb place to search out additional tips about saving cash and issues to see and do.
Price of Residing in Dubrovnik
I really feel the price of residing in Dubrovnik is barely greater than in the remainder of the nation, however that’s probably as a result of it’s such a vacationer place. General, nonetheless, it’s on par with most massive European cities, and if you know the way to chop prices, you’ll preserve money in your pocket.
Eating places and Groceries
Should you select to eat at eating places concentrating on vacationers, you’ll rapidly run out of money. For instance, the price of a meal in a average vacationer restaurant within the Outdated City will value you round €30-€40, ($32-$43) relying on what you could have.
Should you keep away from these locations and as a substitute go to small, native eating places away from town middle, you’ll discover decrease costs; I usually ate in a standard place in Lapad for round €15/$16, which is sort of a saving.
Should you can, it’s greatest to cook dinner at house as you’ll discover groceries fairly fairly priced. Head to the recent fruit and vegetable markets to top off on recent produce and go to the native butcher in your meat. Usually, you should buy every week’s value of groceries for lower than €50/$53.
Lodging Prices
Lodging is most definitely to take the most important chunk of your cash. The price of an condominium varies in accordance with how shut or distant you might be from the Outdated City, however on common, you’re taking a look at round €650/$690 monthly. Your utilities, resembling electrical energy, water, fuel, and web are on prime of that value.
Through the summer season, you’ll want no less than a fan, however air-conditioning if in all probability preferable. On common, utilities will value round €350/$370, relying in your utilization.
For these causes, it’s greatest to try to share lodging when you can, so you’ll be able to halve these costs and save as you go. Nonetheless, chances are you’ll discover that Airbnb works out cheaper if yow will discover someplace that enables long-term stays. Once more, keep away from the Outdated City to maintain costs a bit decrease.
Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik
The excellent news is that as a Dubrovnik digital nomad, you’ll discover it simple to get round. I discovered town fairly walkable, and the middle is all pedestrianized, which makes getting round on foot lots simpler. It is a smart way to economize.
If you wish to journey outdoors of town middle, the bus community is dependable and comparatively low-cost. A one-way ticket prices round €2/$2.10, and I discovered buses very easy to make use of. I’d suggest solely utilizing taxis or Uber when you must, e.g. if you must get house late at evening; they’re fairly costly and can eat into your price range.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
I used Hrvatski Telekom (T-Cellular) for my SIM card wants, and it coated my calls and information at affordable prices. It’s very easy to get a SIM card; you merely take your passport right into a retailer within the metropolis middle they usually’ll set you up. A SIM card is inexpensive, at round €5/$5.30.
Different dependable SIM suppliers embrace A1 and Telemach. You can even use an eSIM, with Airalo being the most well-liked choice.
Whichever choice you select, it’s simple to prime your telephone up on the finish of the month, both on-line or by visiting a retailer within the metropolis middle.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is without doubt one of the costliest locations in Dubrovnik, however that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t save a bit of cash right here and there. Listed below are my prime tips about tips on how to do exactly that.
- Cook dinner at house: Vacationer restaurant costs are a lot greater than common eating places; when you cook dinner at house, you’ll not solely get monetary savings however shall be extra inclined to eat healthily.
- Keep away from the height summer season months: Dubrovnik is a seasonal place so it is sensible that costs are at all times greater from round June to the center of September. Should you can, keep away from these months and also you’ll discover cheaper costs basically. The winter months are additionally good for cash saving, though town is lots quieter.
- Stroll as a lot as doable: Buses are low-cost and simple to make use of, however when you stroll as a lot as you’ll be able to, you’ll discover these Euros sticking round relatively than disappearing. As I discussed, the middle of Dubrovnik specifically may be very simple to stroll round.
- Keep away from taxis: There are occasions once you may want to make use of a taxi but when doable, try to keep away from them. Taxis are costly, and except it’s late at evening otherwise you’re determined to get someplace rapidly, choose to stroll or use the bus.
- Keep away from the vacationer lure: Vacationer locations are at all times costlier than extra conventional spots. Make sure to keep away from vacationer eating places but additionally just remember to do your procuring in small, locally-owned outlets relatively than vacationer ones close to the massive sights.
- Keep outdoors of the Outdated City: It’s nice to remain centrally, however hire within the Outdated City is far greater than within the suburban areas. Should you can, share your lodging and go halves.
Coworking Areas in Dubrovnik and WiFi Velocity
Being a digital nomad in Dubrovnik, you’re in all probability all in favour of coworking spots. Though there are lots of distant staff right here, town is primarily aimed towards vacationers, and there are but to be any good high quality coworking areas.
The excellent news is that you just’ll discover loads of nice cafes to work from, and I’ll speak about these shortly.
One other plus level of staying in Dubrovnik is the web. I didn’t expertise any issues with WiFi throughout my time in Dubrovnik, even when utilizing it for heavy work, resembling video calls. Based on Speedtest, the typical add and obtain speeds in Dubrovnik are 13.64 Mbps and 31.16 Mbps respectively.
Greatest Cafes to Work From in Dubrovnik
There aren’t any coworking areas in Dubrovnik, however there are many nice, laptop computer-friendly cafes you should use as a substitute. When residing in Dubrovnik as a digital nomad, I discovered a number of spots to completely swimsuit my wants. Listed below are my suggestions:
- Nishta: I actually favored this cafe, not solely as a result of it’s proper within the coronary heart of the Outdated City, however as a result of it’s a comfortable house with comfy chairs, nice WiFi, and improbable espresso. What extra may you need?
- Buzz Bar: Should you go to this bar/cafe throughout the day, you’ll discover it to be laidback, inexpensive, and cozy for just a few hours of labor. Nonetheless, it’s greatest to depart earlier than 6 pm because it will get fairly busy and loud.
- City & Veggie: Should you’re vegan, that is the place for you. They provide scrumptious plant-based snacks and treats, however it’s additionally a cushty place to work from. The employees don’t thoughts you utilizing your laptop computer, and I used to be fairly productive from this spot.
Actions and Issues To Do in Dubrovnik
Whereas residing in Dubrovnik, your days off shall be packed. For me, the very best factor about life on this metropolis is that you just’re by no means too distant from a sight, a seaside, or just an important cafe to sit down and chill for some time.
To provide you an thought of what you’ll be able to spend your free time on, listed below are my prime picks:
1. Dubrovnik Metropolis Partitions
Palms down, the primary factor to do in Dubrovnik is to stroll across the metropolis partitions. Nonetheless, there’s a massive however coming your method: it’s greatest to do that very early within the morning or outdoors of the height season. In July and August, it’s practically unimaginable to stroll round right here and luxuriate in it because of the crowds.
Regardless of that, it’s nonetheless my favourite factor to do – be sure to clear loads of house in your digital camera for wonderful snaps. You’ll be able to stroll across the partitions in round two hours most and from there, head into the Outdated City to proceed your sightseeing tour. Click on right here to study extra in regards to the metropolis partitions tour.
2. Elaphiti Islands
The gorgeous Elaphiti Islands are a brief boat journey from Dubrovnik harbor – it’s a good way to flee the hustle and bustle and luxuriate in a day on the seaside. I took an island-hopping boat journey that lasted round eight hours and I used to be so blissed out by the tip of it; I can’t suggest it sufficient.
Taking a guided tour means you’ll get to see a number of islands, and Šipan was my favourite. There are additionally ruins of church buildings to discover, vineyards, and beautiful views all over the place you look.
3. Sport of Thrones Strolling Tour
Should you’re a soon-to-be Dubrovnik digital nomad and a GoT fan, you have to go to the filming places across the metropolis. The easiest way to do that is by way of a Sport of Thrones strolling tour, which is able to take you to Fort Lovrijenac, Pile Gate, and Stradun. You’ll additionally go to a reproduction of the well-known Iron Throne at Jesuit Stairs.
Admittedly, I’m not the most important GoT fan however I nonetheless actually loved testing the filming places. Having your photograph taken on the Iron Throne can also be a must-do and one thing you’ll need to share in your social media accounts for everybody to see.
4. Dubrovnik Cable Automobile
I’m not sometimes one for heights, however I braved the Dubrovnik cable automobile, and I’m so glad I did. The views from the highest are merely spectacular and actually gave me a brand new appreciation of the world’s magnificence.
I’d suggest occurring the cable automobile as early within the day as you’ll be able to if you wish to keep away from crowds. Generally it’s important to wait fairly some time when you go to within the afternoon, particularly throughout the peak months. If in case you have time, seize a espresso and a few cake from the restaurant on the prime and luxuriate in a full day or just a few hours at leisure.
5. Copacabana Seashore
Sure, the identify may make you suppose you’re someplace else solely, however Copacabana Seashore is one among my favourite chill-out spots in Dubrovnik. It’s fairly simple to get to; you merely take the bus to Lapad after which stroll alongside the marked path. It takes not more than quarter-hour by foot.
Right here, you’ll discover a restaurant, sun-loungers and parasols for rent, and there are watersports too. General, it’s only a excellent place to take in the solar, get a tan, and usually benefit from the summer season vibes.
Climate in Dubrovnik
If you would like the very best of the climate, you’ll must cope with the crowds and go to Dubrovnik between June and the center of September. The hottest month is July, with a median excessive temperature of 29°C/85°F, and a median sea temperature of 24°C/75°F. There’s little likelihood of rain throughout the summer season, with solely a median of 38mm in August as a complete.
Even throughout the spring and fall months, you’ll expertise loads of sunshine, with round 12 hours of sunshine in Might and 10 in September. If you wish to go to throughout the winter months and luxuriate in a extra chilled-out vibe, you may need to keep away from November because the wettest month. Regardless of that, the coldest month of January nonetheless presents a comparatively gentle excessive of 12°C/54°F.
Professionals and Cons of Residing in Dubrovnik
As with wherever on the planet, there are each professionals and cons of residing in Dubrovnik.
Professionals of Residing in Dubrovnik
- Loads to see and do: There’s a purpose Dubrovnik is so in style as a trip spot; there’s lots to see and do. Throughout your day without work, you’ll be spoilt for selection relating to historic locations to go to and areas of pure magnificence.
- Dependable, high-quality web: I by no means had a problem with the Web in Dubrovnik, and I discovered it very simple to be productive and get all my work executed.
- It’s simple to satisfy different like-minded folks: Dubrovnik is a well-liked spot for digital nomads and vacationers basically. I met many like-minded folks there; it’s simple to search out others to community or just socialize with.
- Getting round is straightforward: Dubrovnik is a really walkable metropolis, and even when you must go additional than town middle, the bus community is reasonable and dependable.
- Unbelievable climate throughout the summer season: The summer season months convey seemingly countless sunshine and splendidly sizzling days. Should you’re into summer season vibes, Dubrovnik received’t disappoint you.
Cons of Residing in Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik is costlier than different Croatian cities: Let’s deal with the elephant within the room: Dubrovnik may be expensive. Nonetheless, as I’ve talked about, there are methods to chop prices so that you get the very best of each worlds.
- Discovering lodging may be troublesome: As a result of Dubrovnik is a largely summer season vacation spot, chances are you’ll wrestle to search out lodging when you go away it too late. As such, you must plan forward.
- Dubrovnik may be very quiet throughout the winter months: Whereas it’s doable to spend time in Dubrovnik throughout the winter, many bars, eating places, cafes, and outlets are closed for the season. You’ll discover a extra genuine vibe, and it’s lots simpler to discover town partitions, however chances are you’ll discover leisure barely missing.
- No coworking areas: Dubrovnik doesn’t have any coworking areas but; when you’re extra productive in a coworking setup, chances are you’ll be upset. Nonetheless, I discovered loads of nice laptop-friendly cafes.
Digital Nomad Visa for Dubrovnik
In January 2021, Croatia formally launched its digital nomad visa, making it doable to stay and work on this lovely nation for as much as one yr. Working remotely in Dubrovnik is now lots simpler because of this improvement. The visa is comparatively simple to use for and granted rapidly so long as you present all the required paperwork.
If granted, the visa means that you can keep for as much as a yr and can’t be renewed. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to go away, anticipate six months after which reapply. You’ll want to indicate that you’ve got sufficient funds to help you throughout your keep together with an deal with in Croatia—this generally is a hostel deal with that you just replace as soon as you discover someplace extra everlasting.
The additional excellent news is which you can additionally apply to convey your partner and youngsters with you as a part of the household reunification course of.
In Conclusion
I hope this digital nomad information to Dubrovnik has answered your questions and whet your urge for food. Residing in Dubrovnik is an expertise in all the proper methods, and also you’ll meet so many different folks throughout your time. After all, you additionally get to remain someplace that’s dripping in magnificence and historical past, which actually provides to the attraction.
I loved my time in Dubrovnik a lot that I hope to return. Whereas it’s not the most affordable vacation spot in Croatia, it’s a metropolis that gives one thing a bit of totally different from wherever else, and with a bit of intelligent planning and some ideas, you’ll be able to preserve money in your pocket and discover far and extensive.
