Point out the phrase Croatia, and Dubrovnik might be the primary metropolis that springs to thoughts. I can’t blame you; that is considered one of my favourite cities on this 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 simply’ll most likely have to consider a number of additional days off. Having spent a good period of time on this stunning place, I’m nicely positioned to advise you on the ins and outs of life in considered one of Croatia’s most stunning cities.
About Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is situated within the southern Dalmatia area, lapped by the glittering waters of the Adriatic. It’s definitely Croatia’s most well-known and busiest metropolis in the course of the summer season months, however I additionally discovered it charming in the course of the winter.
The one potential draw back to the slower (and colder) months is that the majority issues shut; nevertheless if that doesn’t trouble you, you must benefit from the slower tempo of life.
It’s a very historic metropolis, relationship again to across the seventh century, and its most well-known spot is the town partitions. In the event 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 stunning surroundings, and exploring the neighboring areas. Positive, it may well get busy in the course of the peak summer season months, however there’s a lot to see and do this it’s straightforward to flee the crowds for a number of days.
Digital Nomad in Dubrovnik: Private Expertise
Since Croatia launched its digital nomad visa (extra on that later), Dubrovnik has develop into a hotspot for digital nomads, particularly in the course of the summer season months. I loved visiting in the course of the autumn months particularly, as I discovered a terrific social scene with out the foremost crowds.
As you possibly can think about, Dubrovnik isn’t the most cost effective metropolis due to 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 buddies and meet different individuals. The web is quick, there are many nice cafes to work from, and total, I had a incredible high quality of life throughout my keep.
I discovered the height summer season months, notably July and August, just a little too populated, and I don’t advise you to aim to stroll the town partitions right now. Nevertheless, the climate is superb, 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 total, Dubrovnik is taken into account a secure place. After all, it’s a big metropolis so at all times use your widespread sense and do not forget that in busy areas, there’s at all times an opportunity of pickpockets.
Regardless of the small threat of petty theft, I felt very at residence in Dubrovnik and sometimes walked round alone with out feeling any want to stay to the busier areas. In reality, I felt very secure in Croatia total.
The largest difficulty for me was the crowds across the metropolis wall areas in the course of the peak summer season months, however that’s avoidable if you happen to discover massive teams of individuals just a little overwhelming.
Finest Areas to Stay in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik isn’t a very sprawling metropolis, however there are some very best areas to base your self as a digital nomad. Listed here are a few of my suggestions:
1. Outdated City
If you wish to be as centrally situated as potential, the Outdated City is for you. I spent a number of 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 simply’re prone to spend extra on hire, but when you could find 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 the town and means you’re by no means too distant from nightlife, eating places, and points of interest. There are additionally loads of incredible cafes to work from on this neighborhood.
2. Lapad
If you wish to keep someplace that also has a energetic 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 site visitors. It’s additionally residence to some fairly cafes, eating places, and a welcoming seaside view.
I preferred 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 straightforward to get to the Outdated City through bus if you wish to be proper in the course of the town itself.
3. Babin Kuk
I stayed within the Babin Kuk space for some time and I actually preferred it there. It’s barely out of the town heart, round 6.5km/4 miles, however it’s straightforward to get to the Outdated City through 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.
Nevertheless, if you wish to reside by the seashore and revel in lazy days in cafes with a view, this can be a great spot. 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
In the event you’re fascinated with residing in Dubrovnik and need to be someplace just a little extra luxurious, Ploče is an efficient place to think about. Right here, you’ll discover some fancy resorts and Airbnbs, and whereas the worth is barely greater, the realm gives a complicated vibe and is inside strolling distance of the Outdated City.
I discovered Ploče fairly a snug and welcoming place. Banje Seaside can also be close by, so it’s a sensible choice if you happen to take pleasure in seashore 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.
How you can Discover Lodging in Dubrovnik
Discovering lodging in Dubrovnik could be difficult if you happen to go away it just a little 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 possibly can safe a spot to remain. In the event you’re visiting within the winter months, you’ll discover lodging fairly straightforward 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 too can search simply outdoors of the town heart to maintain prices low. Nevertheless, I’d suggest reserving as far upfront as potential, to keep away from the most effective costs being snapped up.
2. Airbnb: There are lots of long-stay flats out there in Dubrovnik for respectable costs. Once more, it’s finest to ebook forward of time because the summer season season turns into very busy and many individuals have the identical concept—discover someplace to remain! Lapad is a very common place for Airbnbs.
3. Fb teams: In the event you search on Fb, you’ll discover many teams for Dubrovnik itself, together with digital nomad teams. This can be a good technique to discover different like-minded individuals who you could possibly share lodging with and hold prices low. It’s additionally a very good place to search out additional recommendations on 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 seemingly as a result of it’s such a vacationer place. Total, nevertheless, it’s on par with most massive European cities, and if you know the way to chop prices, you’ll hold money in your pocket.
Eating places and Groceries
In the event you select to eat at eating places concentrating on vacationers, you’ll shortly run out of money. For instance, the price of a meal in a reasonable vacationer restaurant within the Outdated City will value you round €30-€40, ($32-$43) relying on what you might have.
In the event you keep away from these locations and as a substitute go to small, native eating places away from the town heart, you’ll discover decrease costs; I typically ate in a standard place in Lapad for round €15/$16, which is sort of a saving.
In the event you can, it’s finest to cook dinner at residence as you’ll discover groceries fairly moderately priced. Head to the contemporary fruit and vegetable markets to refill on contemporary produce and go to the native butcher in your meat. Generally, you should purchase every week’s value of groceries for lower than €50/$53.
Lodging Prices
Lodging is almost definitely to take the most important chunk of your cash. The price of an condominium varies in line with how shut or distant you might be from the Outdated City, however on common, you’re round €650/$690 per 30 days. Your utilities, corresponding to electrical energy, water, fuel, and web are on prime of that value.
Throughout the summer season, you’ll want at the least a fan, however air-conditioning if most likely preferable. On common, utilities will value round €350/$370, relying in your utilization.
For these causes, it’s finest to attempt to share lodging if you happen to can, so you possibly can halve these costs and save as you go. Nevertheless, you might discover that Airbnb works out cheaper if you could find 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 straightforward to get round. I discovered the town fairly walkable, and the middle is all pedestrianized, which makes getting round on foot lots simpler. This can be a good way to save cash.
If you wish to journey outdoors of the town heart, 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 it is advisable, e.g. if it is advisable get residence late at evening; they’re fairly costly and can eat into your funds.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
I used Hrvatski Telekom (T-Cell) for my SIM card wants, and it coated my calls and information at cheap prices. It’s very easy to get a SIM card; you merely take your passport right into a retailer within the metropolis heart and so they’ll set you up. A SIM card is reasonably priced, at round €5/$5.30.
Different dependable SIM suppliers embrace A1 and Telemach. You too can use an eSIM, with Airalo being the most well-liked possibility.
Whichever possibility you select, it’s straightforward to prime your telephone up on the finish of the month, both on-line or by visiting a retailer within the metropolis heart.
Cash Saving Ideas for Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is without doubt one of the most costly locations in Dubrovnik, however that doesn’t imply you possibly can’t save just a little cash right here and there. Listed here are my prime recommendations on how you can just do that.
- Prepare dinner at residence: Vacationer restaurant costs are a lot greater than common eating places; if you happen to cook dinner at residence, you’ll not solely lower your expenses however can 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. In the event you can, keep away from these months and also you’ll discover cheaper costs normally. The winter months are additionally good for cash saving, though the town is lots quieter.
- Stroll as a lot as potential: Buses are low-cost and straightforward to make use of, however if you happen to stroll as a lot as you possibly can, you’ll discover these Euros sticking round reasonably than disappearing. As I discussed, the middle of Dubrovnik particularly may be very straightforward to stroll round.
- Keep away from taxis: There are occasions if you may want to make use of a taxi but when potential, attempt to keep away from them. Taxis are costly, and until it’s late at evening otherwise you’re determined to get someplace shortly, choose to stroll or use the bus.
- Keep away from the vacationer entice: Vacationer locations are at all times dearer than extra conventional spots. You should definitely keep away from vacationer eating places but in addition just be sure you do your buying in small, locally-owned retailers reasonably 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 way greater than within the suburban areas. In the event you can, share your lodging and go halves.
Coworking Areas in Dubrovnik and WiFi Velocity
Being a digital nomad in Dubrovnik, you’re most likely fascinated with coworking spots. Though there are lots of distant staff right here, the town is primarily aimed towards vacationers, and there are but to be any good high quality coworking areas.
The excellent news is that you simply’ll discover loads of nice cafes to work from, and I’ll discuss 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, corresponding to video calls. In keeping with Speedtest, the typical add and obtain speeds in Dubrovnik are 13.64 Mbps and 31.16 Mbps respectively.
Finest 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 go well with my wants. Listed here are my suggestions:
- Nishta: I actually preferred 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 area with snug chairs, nice WiFi, and incredible espresso. What extra might you need?
- Buzz Bar: In the event you go to this bar/cafe in the course of the day, you’ll discover it to be laidback, reasonably priced, and cozy for a number of hours of labor. Nevertheless, it’s finest to go away earlier than 6 pm because it will get fairly busy and loud.
- City & Veggie: In the event you’re vegan, that is the place for you. They provide scrumptious plant-based snacks and treats, however it’s additionally a snug place to work from. The workers 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 can be packed. For me, the most effective factor about life on this metropolis is that you simply’re by no means too distant from a sight, a seashore, or just a terrific cafe to take a seat and chill for some time.
To offer you an concept of what you possibly can spend your free time on, listed below are my prime picks:
1. Dubrovnik Metropolis Partitions
Arms down, the primary factor to do in Dubrovnik is to stroll across the metropolis partitions. Nevertheless, there’s a large however coming your manner: it’s finest to do that very early within the morning or outdoors of the height season. In July and August, it’s practically not possible to stroll round right here and revel in it because of the crowds.
Regardless of that, it’s nonetheless my favourite factor to do – be sure you clear loads of area in your digicam for superb snaps. You may 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 be taught extra in regards to the metropolis partitions tour.
2. Elaphiti Islands
The attractive Elaphiti Islands are a brief boat journey from Dubrovnik harbor – it’s an effective way to flee the hustle and bustle and revel in a day on the seashore. I took an island-hopping boat journey that lasted round eight hours and I used to be so blissed out by the top 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 in every single place you look.
3. Sport of Thrones Strolling Tour
In the event you’re a soon-to-be Dubrovnik digital nomad and a GoT fan, you have to go to the filming areas across the metropolis. One of the simplest ways to do that is through 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 areas. Having your picture 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 usually one for heights, however I braved the Dubrovnik cable automotive, 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 realm’s magnificence.
I’d suggest happening the cable automotive as early within the day as you possibly can if you wish to keep away from crowds. Generally you need to wait fairly some time if you happen to go to within the afternoon, particularly in the course of the peak months. When you’ve got time, seize a espresso and a few cake from the restaurant on the prime and revel in a full day or a number of hours at leisure.
5. Copacabana Seaside
Sure, the title may make you assume you’re some other place solely, however Copacabana Seaside is considered one of my favourite chill-out spots in Dubrovnik. It’s fairly straightforward 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. Total, 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 need the most effective of the climate, you’ll have to take care of the crowds and go to Dubrovnik between June and the center of September. The hottest month is July, with a mean excessive temperature of 29°C/85°F, and a mean sea temperature of 24°C/75°F. There’s little likelihood of rain in the course of the summer season, with solely a mean of 38mm in August as an entire.
Even in the course of 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 in the course of the winter months and revel 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 gives a comparatively delicate excessive of 12°C/54°F.
Professionals and Cons of Residing in Dubrovnik
As with wherever on this planet, there are each professionals and cons of residing in Dubrovnik.
Professionals of Residing in Dubrovnik
- Lots to see and do: There’s a motive Dubrovnik is so common as a trip spot; there’s loads to see and do. Throughout your break day, you’ll be spoilt for selection with regards to historic locations to go to and areas of pure magnificence.
- Dependable, high-quality web: I by no means had a difficulty with the Web in Dubrovnik, and I discovered it very straightforward to be productive and get all my work accomplished.
- It’s straightforward to satisfy different like-minded individuals: Dubrovnik is a well-liked spot for digital nomads and vacationers normally. I met many like-minded individuals there; it’s straightforward to search out others to community or just socialize with.
- Getting round is straightforward: Dubrovnik is a really walkable metropolis, and even when it is advisable go additional than the town heart, the bus community is affordable and dependable.
- Unbelievable climate in the course of the summer season: The summer season months deliver seemingly limitless sunshine and splendidly sizzling days. In the event you’re into summer season vibes, Dubrovnik received’t disappoint you.
Cons of Residing in Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik is dearer than different Croatian cities: Let’s handle the elephant within the room: Dubrovnik could be expensive. Nevertheless, as I’ve talked about, there are methods to chop prices so that you get the most effective of each worlds.
- Discovering lodging could be troublesome: As a result of Dubrovnik is a largely summer season vacation spot, you might battle to search out lodging if you happen to go away it too late. As such, it is advisable plan forward.
- Dubrovnik may be very quiet in the course of the winter months: Whereas it’s potential to spend time in Dubrovnik in the course of the winter, many bars, eating places, cafes, and retailers are closed for the season. You’ll discover a extra genuine vibe, and it’s lots simpler to discover the town partitions, however you might discover leisure barely missing.
- No coworking areas: Dubrovnik doesn’t have any coworking areas but; if you happen to’re extra productive in a coworking setup, you might be upset. Nevertheless, 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 potential to reside and work on this stunning nation for as much as one yr. Working remotely in Dubrovnik is now lots simpler due to this growth. The visa is comparatively straightforward to use for and granted shortly so long as you present all the required paperwork.
If granted, the visa lets you keep for as much as a yr and can’t be renewed. Nevertheless, you possibly can go away, look forward to six months after which reapply. You’ll want to indicate that you’ve sufficient funds to assist you throughout your keep together with an handle in Croatia—this generally is a hostel handle that you simply replace as soon as you discover someplace extra everlasting.
The additional excellent news is you could additionally apply to deliver your partner and kids 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 fitting methods, and also you’ll meet so many different individuals throughout your time. After all, you additionally get to remain someplace that’s dripping in magnificence and historical past, which definitely provides to the attraction.
I loved my time in Dubrovnik a lot that I hope to return. Whereas it’s not the most cost effective vacation spot in Croatia, it’s a metropolis that provides one thing just a little completely different from wherever else, and with just a little intelligent planning and some suggestions, you possibly can hold money in your pocket and discover far and extensive.
