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 every of 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 most likely have to consider just a few additional 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 every of Croatia’s most lovely cities.
SEE ALSO: 10 Causes Why Croatia is a Digital Nomad’s Dream Vacation spot
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, it is best 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. 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 get busy through the peak summer season months, however there’s a lot to see and try 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 develop into a hotspot for digital nomads, particularly through the summer season months. I loved visiting through the autumn months specifically, as I discovered an awesome social scene with out the key crowds.
As you possibly can 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 pals and meet different individuals. 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, a bit too populated, and I don’t advise you to aim to stroll town partitions at the moment. 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 Protected?
The excellent news is that residing in Dubrovnik as a digital nomad is unlikely to pose any important 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 frequent sense and keep in mind 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 dwelling in Dubrovnik and infrequently walked round by myself 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 through the peak summer season months, however that’s avoidable in case you discover giant teams of individuals a bit overwhelming.
Finest Areas to Dwell 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. Previous City
If you wish to be as centrally positioned as potential, the Previous City is for you. I spent quite a lot of my time right here, and though I didn’t search lodging within the space, I discovered it a fairly vibrant and enjoyable spot. The one draw back is that you just’re more likely 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 Previous 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 unbelievable cafes to work from on this neighborhood.
2. Lapad
If you wish to keep someplace that also has a full of life vibe however isn’t fairly as central because the Previous City, I’d advocate Lapad. This neighborhood is pedestrianized, so that you’re not going to be disturbed by site visitors. It’s additionally dwelling 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 Previous 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 Previous 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 preferred it there. It’s barely out of town middle, round 6.5km/4 miles, but it surely’s simple to get to the Previous City through bus. I loved the slower tempo and the very 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 seashore and luxuriate in lazy days in cafes with a view, this can be a great spot. I met many different distant employees on this neighborhood, and since it’s quieter, I felt much less overwhelmed by noise and crowds.
4. Ploče
Should you’re excited about residing in Dubrovnik and need to be someplace a bit extra luxurious, Ploče is an efficient place to contemplate. Right here, you’ll discover some fancy resorts and Airbnbs, and whereas the value is barely larger, the realm provides a complicated vibe and is inside strolling distance of the Previous City.
I discovered Ploče fairly a cushty and welcoming place. Banje Seashore can also be close by, so it’s a sensible choice in case 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.
How one can Discover Lodging in Dubrovnik
Discovering lodging in Dubrovnik will be tough in case you depart it a bit 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. Should you’re visiting within the winter months, you’ll discover lodging fairly simple to seek out.
1. Reserving.com: I used reserving.com to seek out hostels and serviced lodging in Dubrovnik and at all times discovered nice costs. You can too search simply outdoors of town middle to maintain prices low. Nonetheless, I’d advocate reserving as far prematurely as potential, to keep away from the very best costs being snapped up.
2. Airbnb: There are a lot of long-stay flats accessible 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 concept—discover someplace to remain! Lapad is a very standard place for Airbnbs.
3. Fb teams: Should you search on Fb, you’ll discover many teams for Dubrovnik itself, together with digital nomad teams. This can be a good option to discover different like-minded individuals who you could possibly share lodging with and hold prices low. It’s additionally a great place to seek out additional tips about saving cash and issues to see and do.
Price of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
I really feel the price of residing in Dubrovnik is barely larger 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 know the way to chop prices, you’ll hold 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 Previous City will value you round €30-€40, ($32-$43) relying on what you might 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 typically ate in a conventional place in Lapad for round €15/$16, which is sort of a saving.
Should you can, it’s finest to cook dinner at dwelling as you’ll discover groceries fairly moderately priced. Head to the recent fruit and vegetable markets to top off on recent produce and go to the native butcher in your meat. Typically, you should buy per week’s price of groceries for lower than €50/$53.
Lodging Prices
Lodging is more than likely to take the most important chunk of your cash. The price of an house varies in line with how shut or distant you’re from the Previous City, however on common, you’re taking a look at round €650/$690 per 30 days. Your utilities, corresponding to electrical energy, water, gasoline, 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 in case you can, so you possibly can halve these costs and save as you go. Nonetheless, you could discover that Airbnb works out cheaper if you could find someplace that enables long-term stays. Once more, keep away from the Previous 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. This can be a smart way to save cash.
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 advocate solely utilizing taxis or Uber when that you must, e.g. if that you must get dwelling late at night time; they’re fairly costly and can eat into your price range.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
I used Hrvatski Telekom (T-Cell) for my SIM card wants, and it coated my calls and knowledge 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 reasonably priced, at round €5/$5.30.
Different dependable SIM suppliers embrace A1 and Telemach. You can too use an eSIM, with Airalo being the preferred 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 among the most costly locations in Dubrovnik, however that doesn’t imply you possibly can’t save a bit cash right here and there. Listed below are my prime tips about the right way to just do that.
- Cook dinner at dwelling: Vacationer restaurant costs are a lot larger than common eating places; in case you cook dinner at dwelling, you’ll not solely lower your expenses however will probably 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 at all times larger from round June to the center of September. Should 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 town is lots quieter.
- Stroll as a lot as potential: Buses are low-cost and simple to make use of, however in case you 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 specifically may be very simple to stroll round.
- Keep away from taxis: There are occasions whenever you may want to make use of a taxi but when potential, attempt to keep away from them. Taxis are costly, and except it’s late at night time otherwise you’re determined to get someplace rapidly, decide 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 retailers reasonably than vacationer ones close to the massive sights.
- Keep outdoors of the Previous City: It’s nice to remain centrally, however hire within the Previous City is far larger than within the suburban areas. Should you can, share your lodging and go halves.
Coworking Areas in Dubrovnik and WiFi Pace
Being a digital nomad in Dubrovnik, you’re most likely all for coworking spots. Though there are a lot of distant employees 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, 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 need to 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 preferred this cafe, not solely as a result of it’s proper within the coronary heart of the Previous City, however as a result of it’s a comfy house with comfy chairs, nice WiFi, and unbelievable espresso. What extra might you need?
- Buzz Bar: Should you go to this bar/cafe through the day, you’ll discover it to be laidback, reasonably priced, and cozy for just a few hours of labor. Nonetheless, it’s finest 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, but it surely’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 will probably 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 seashore, or just an awesome cafe to take a seat and chill for some time.
To present 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. Nonetheless, there’s a huge however coming your method: 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 – ensure 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 Previous City to proceed your sightseeing tour. Click on right here to study 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 a good 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 advocate 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 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. One of the simplest ways to do that is through a Sport of Thrones strolling tour, which can 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 trying out the filming places. 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 Automotive
I’m not sometimes 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 advocate happening the cable automotive 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 case you go to within the afternoon, particularly through 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 title may make you assume you’re some place else solely, however Copacabana Seashore is one in every of 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. Total, it’s only a excellent place to absorb the solar, get a tan, and customarily benefit from the summer season vibes.
Climate in Dubrovnik
If you’d like the very 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 median excessive temperature of 29°C/85°F, and a median sea temperature of 24°C/75°F. There’s little probability of rain through the summer season, with solely a median of 38mm in August as an entire.
Even through 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 through 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 provides a comparatively gentle excessive of 12°C/54°F.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
As with wherever on the planet, there are each execs and cons of residing in Dubrovnik.
Professionals of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
- Lots to see and do: There’s a cause Dubrovnik is so standard as a trip spot; there’s a lot to see and do. Throughout your time without work, you’ll be spoilt for alternative on the subject of 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 achieved.
- It’s simple 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 simple to seek out others to community or just socialize with.
- Getting round is simple: Dubrovnik is a really walkable metropolis, and even when that you must go additional than town middle, the bus community is reasonable and dependable.
- Incredible climate through the summer season: The summer season months deliver seemingly countless sunshine and splendidly sizzling days. Should you’re into summer season vibes, Dubrovnik received’t disappoint you.
Cons of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik is costlier than different Croatian cities: Let’s deal with the elephant within the room: Dubrovnik will be dear. Nonetheless, as I’ve talked about, there are methods to chop prices so that you get the very best of each worlds.
- Discovering lodging will be troublesome: As a result of Dubrovnik is a principally summer season vacation spot, you could wrestle to seek out lodging in case you depart it too late. As such, that you must plan forward.
- Dubrovnik may be very quiet through the winter months: Whereas it’s potential to spend time in Dubrovnik through 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 town partitions, however you could discover leisure barely missing.
- No coworking areas: Dubrovnik doesn’t have any coworking areas but; in case you’re extra productive in a coworking setup, you could be disenchanted. 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 potential 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 permits you to keep for as much as a yr and can’t be renewed. Nonetheless, you possibly can depart, await six months after which reapply. You’ll want to indicate that you’ve sufficient funds to assist you throughout your keep together with an deal with in Croatia—this could be a hostel deal with that you just replace as soon as you discover someplace extra everlasting.
The additional excellent news is that you would be able to additionally apply to deliver 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. Dwelling in Dubrovnik is an expertise in all the precise 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 enchantment.
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 provides one thing a bit completely different from wherever else, and with a bit intelligent planning and some suggestions, you possibly can hold money in your pocket and discover far and extensive.
