Point out the phrase Croatia, and Dubrovnik might be the primary metropolis that springs to thoughts. I can’t blame you; that is one in all my favourite cities on the planet. Certain, 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 have to think about a number of further days off. Having spent a good period of time on this lovely place, I’m properly positioned to advise you on the ins and outs of life in one in all Croatia’s most lovely cities.
About Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is positioned within the southern Dalmatia area, lapped by the glittering waters of the Adriatic. It’s definitely Croatia’s most well-known and busiest metropolis through the summer season months, however I additionally discovered it charming through the winter.
The one potential draw back to the slower (and colder) months is that almost all issues shut; nevertheless if that doesn’t hassle you, you need to 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 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 lovely surroundings, and exploring the neighboring areas. Certain, it might probably get busy through the peak summer season months, however there’s a lot to see and try 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 change into a hotspot for digital nomads, particularly through the summer season months. I loved visiting through the autumn months particularly, as I discovered an awesome social scene with out the foremost crowds.
As you possibly can think about, Dubrovnik isn’t the most cost effective 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 mates and meet different folks. The web is quick, there are many nice cafes to work from, and total, I had a unbelievable high quality of life throughout my keep.
I discovered the height summer season months, significantly July and August, slightly too populated, and I don’t advise you to aim to stroll town partitions right now. Nevertheless, the climate is wonderful, there are some nice seashores close by, and also you’re certain 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 protected place. In fact, it’s a big metropolis so all the time use your frequent sense and keep in mind that in busy areas, there’s all the time an opportunity of pickpockets.
Regardless of the small danger of petty theft, I felt very at dwelling in Dubrovnik and infrequently walked round alone with out feeling any want to stay to the busier areas. In actual fact, I felt very protected in Croatia total.
The largest subject for me was the crowds across the metropolis wall areas through the peak summer season months, however that’s avoidable in the event you discover giant teams of individuals slightly overwhelming.
Greatest Areas to Stay in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik isn’t a very sprawling metropolis, however there are some excellent 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 positioned as doable, the Outdated City is for you. I spent a variety 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 just’re prone to spend extra on lease, 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 town and means you’re by no means too far-off from nightlife, eating places, and sights. There are additionally loads of unbelievable 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 visitors. It’s additionally dwelling to some fairly cafes, eating places, and a welcoming seaside view.
I appreciated 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 lease 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 midst of town itself.
3. Babin Kuk
I stayed within the Babin Kuk space for some time and I actually appreciated it there. It’s barely out of town heart, round 6.5km/4 miles, but it surely’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 lease isn’t that low-cost; it’s classed as being fairly high-end.
Nevertheless, if you wish to stay by the seashore 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
In the event you’re enthusiastic about residing in Dubrovnik and need to be someplace slightly 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 increased, the world presents a complicated vibe and is inside strolling distance of the Outdated City.
I discovered Ploče fairly a snug and welcoming place. Banje Seaside can be close by, so it’s a sensible choice in the event you get pleasure from 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 good supply of center floor between common life and touristic enjoyable.
Methods to Discover Lodging in Dubrovnik
Discovering lodging in Dubrovnik might be tough in the event you depart it slightly 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 seek out.
1. Reserving.com: I used reserving.com to seek out hostels and serviced lodging in Dubrovnik and all the time discovered nice costs. You may as well search simply outdoors of town heart to maintain prices low. Nevertheless, I’d suggest reserving as far prematurely as doable, to keep away from one of the best costs being snapped up.
2. Airbnb: There are a lot of long-stay flats out there in Dubrovnik for first rate costs. Once more, it’s finest 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 well-liked 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 solution 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 seek out further recommendations on saving cash and issues to see and do.
Value of Residing in Dubrovnik
I really feel the price of residing in Dubrovnik is barely increased than in the remainder of the nation, however that’s possible as a result of it’s such a vacationer place. Total, nevertheless, it’s on par with most giant European cities, and if you understand how 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 average vacationer restaurant within the Outdated City will value you round €30-€40, ($32-$43) relying on what you’ve got.
In the event you keep away from these locations and as a substitute go to small, native eating places away from town heart, you’ll discover decrease costs; I usually 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 prepare dinner at dwelling 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 price of groceries for lower than €50/$53.
Lodging Prices
Lodging is almost certainly to take the biggest chunk of your cash. The price of an condo varies in response to how shut or far-off you might be from the Outdated City, however on common, you’re taking a look at round €650/$690 monthly. Your utilities, reminiscent of electrical energy, water, fuel, and web are on prime of that worth.
Throughout 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 finest to try to share lodging in the event you can, so you possibly can halve these costs and save as you go. Nevertheless, chances are you’ll 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 town fairly walkable, and the middle is all pedestrianized, which makes getting round on foot loads simpler. This can be a wonderful means to economize.
If you wish to journey outdoors of 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 you must, e.g. if you must get dwelling late at night time; they’re fairly costly and can eat into your price range.
SIM Playing cards and Information
I used Hrvatski Telekom (T-Cellular) for my SIM card wants, and it lined my calls and knowledge 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 they usually’ll set you up. A SIM card is inexpensive, at round €5/$5.30.
Different dependable SIM suppliers embody A1 and Telemach. You may as well use an eSIM, with Airalo being the preferred choice.
Whichever choice 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 slightly cash right here and there. Listed below are my prime recommendations on learn how to do exactly that.
- Prepare dinner at dwelling: Vacationer restaurant costs are a lot increased than common eating places; in the event you prepare dinner at dwelling, you’ll not solely get monetary savings however might be extra inclined to eat healthily.
- Keep away from the height summer season months: Dubrovnik is a seasonal place so it is smart that costs are all the time increased 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 typically. The winter months are additionally good for cash saving, though town is loads quieter.
- Stroll as a lot as doable: Buses are low-cost and straightforward to make use of, however in the event you stroll as a lot as you possibly can, you’ll discover these Euros sticking round fairly than disappearing. As I discussed, the middle of Dubrovnik particularly could be very straightforward to stroll round.
- Keep away from taxis: There are occasions if you would possibly want to make use of a taxi but when doable, try to keep away from them. Taxis are costly, and until it’s late at night time otherwise you’re determined to get someplace shortly, decide to stroll or use the bus.
- Keep away from the vacationer lure: Vacationer locations are all the time dearer than extra conventional spots. Make sure you keep away from vacationer eating places but additionally just be sure you do your purchasing in small, locally-owned outlets fairly than vacationer ones close to the massive sights.
- Keep outdoors of the Outdated City: It’s nice to remain centrally, however lease within the Outdated City is far increased than within the suburban areas. In the event you can, share your lodging and go halves.
Coworking Areas in Dubrovnik and WiFi Pace
Being a digital nomad in Dubrovnik, you’re in all probability serious about coworking spots. Though there are various 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, reminiscent of video calls. In accordance with Speedtest, the common 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 need to 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 below are my suggestions:
- Nishta: I actually appreciated 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 snug chairs, nice WiFi, and unbelievable espresso. What extra may you need?
- Buzz Bar: In the event you go to this bar/cafe through the day, you’ll discover it to be laidback, inexpensive, and cozy for a number of hours of labor. Nevertheless, it’s finest to depart 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, but it surely’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 might be packed. For me, one of the best factor about life on this metropolis is that you just’re by no means too far-off from a sight, a seashore, or just an awesome cafe to sit down and chill for some time.
To present you an thought of what you possibly can spend your free time on, listed here are my prime picks:
1. Dubrovnik Metropolis Partitions
Fingers down, the primary factor to do in Dubrovnik is to stroll across the metropolis partitions. Nevertheless, there’s a huge however coming your approach: it’s finest to do that very early within the morning or outdoors of the height season. In July and August, it’s almost unimaginable to stroll round right here and luxuriate in it as a result of crowds.
Regardless of that, it’s nonetheless my favourite factor to do – be sure you 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 concerning the metropolis partitions tour.
2. Elaphiti Islands
The gorgeous Elaphiti Islands are a brief boat journey from Dubrovnik harbor – it’s an effective way to flee the hustle and bustle and luxuriate 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 gorgeous views in all places 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 places across the metropolis. The easiest way 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 duplicate of the well-known Iron Throne at Jesuit Stairs.
Admittedly, I’m not the largest GoT fan however I nonetheless actually loved trying out the filming places. Having your picture taken on the Iron Throne can be a must-do and one thing you’ll need to share in your social media accounts for everybody to see.
4. Dubrovnik Cable Automotive
I’m not usually 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 happening the cable automobile as early within the day as you possibly can if you wish to keep away from crowds. Typically you must wait fairly some time in the event you go to within the afternoon, particularly through the peak months. When you have time, seize a espresso and a few cake from the restaurant on the prime and luxuriate in a full day or a number of hours at leisure.
5. Copacabana Seaside
Sure, the identify would possibly make you suppose you’re elsewhere solely, however Copacabana Seaside is one in all 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 great spot to take in the solar, get a tan, and usually benefit from the summer season vibes.
Climate in Dubrovnik
If you’d like one of the best of the climate, you’ll have to cope with 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 through the summer season, with solely a mean of 38mm in August as a complete.
Even through the spring and fall months, you’ll expertise loads of sunshine, with round 12 hours of sunshine in Could and 10 in September. If you wish to go to through the winter months and luxuriate in a extra chilled-out vibe, you would possibly need to keep away from November because the wettest month. Regardless of that, the coldest month of January nonetheless presents a comparatively delicate excessive of 12°C/54°F.
Execs and Cons of Residing in Dubrovnik
As with anyplace on the planet, there are each professionals and cons of residing in Dubrovnik.
Execs of Residing in Dubrovnik
- Lots to see and do: There’s a cause Dubrovnik is so well-liked as a trip spot; there’s loads to see and do. Throughout your time without work, you’ll be spoilt for alternative in the case of 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 finished.
- It’s straightforward to satisfy different like-minded folks: Dubrovnik is a well-liked spot for digital nomads and vacationers typically. I met many like-minded folks there; it’s straightforward to seek out others to community or just socialize with.
- Getting round is simple: Dubrovnik is a really walkable metropolis, and even when you must go additional than town heart, the bus community is affordable and dependable.
- Improbable climate through the summer season: The summer season months convey 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 deal with the elephant within the room: Dubrovnik might be dear. Nevertheless, as I’ve talked about, there are methods to chop prices so that you get one of the best of each worlds.
- Discovering lodging might be tough: As a result of Dubrovnik is a principally summer season vacation spot, chances are you’ll wrestle to seek out lodging in the event you depart it too late. As such, you must plan forward.
- Dubrovnik could be very quiet through the winter months: Whereas it’s doable to spend time in Dubrovnik through the winter, many bars, eating places, cafes, and outlets are closed for the season. You’ll discover a extra genuine vibe, and it’s loads 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; in the event you’re extra productive in a coworking setup, chances are you’ll be disillusioned. 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 doable to stay and work on this lovely nation for as much as one yr. Working remotely in Dubrovnik is now loads simpler because of this improvement. The visa is comparatively straightforward to use for and granted shortly so long as you present all the mandatory paperwork.
If granted, the visa permits you to keep for as much as a yr and can’t be renewed. Nevertheless, you possibly can depart, 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 is usually a hostel deal with that you just replace as soon as you discover someplace extra everlasting.
The additional excellent news is that you may 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 precise methods, and also you’ll meet so many different folks throughout your time. In fact, you additionally get to remain someplace that’s dripping in magnificence and historical past, which definitely provides to the enchantment.
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 slightly totally different from anyplace else, and with slightly intelligent planning and some suggestions, you possibly can hold money in your pocket and discover far and vast.