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 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 simply’ll in all probability must think about just a few further days off. Having spent a good period of time on this lovely place, I’m nicely positioned to advise you on the ins and outs of life in considered one of 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 the majority issues shut; nonetheless if that doesn’t hassle you, you need 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. When you’re a Recreation 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 may get busy throughout 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 turn into a hotspot for digital nomads, particularly throughout the summer season months. I loved visiting throughout the autumn months particularly, as I discovered an important social scene with out the foremost crowds.
As you’ll be able to 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 pals and meet different individuals. 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, slightly 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 certain 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 vital security issues. I by no means felt unsafe or unnerved throughout my time there, and general, Dubrovnik is taken into account a secure 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 threat of petty theft, I felt very at residence in Dubrovnik and infrequently walked round alone with out feeling any want to stay to the busier areas. In actual fact, I felt very secure in Croatia general.
The largest concern for me was the crowds across the metropolis wall areas throughout the peak summer season months, however that’s avoidable should you discover massive teams of individuals slightly overwhelming.
Greatest Areas to Reside in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik isn’t a very sprawling metropolis, however there are some preferrred 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 attainable, the Outdated City is for you. I spent loads 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 simply’re prone to spend extra on hire, but when you 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 far-off 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 energetic vibe however isn’t fairly as central because the Outdated City, I’d advocate Lapad. This neighborhood is pedestrianized, so that you’re not going to be disturbed by visitors. It’s additionally residence 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 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 appreciated 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 dwell by the seashore and revel 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
When you’re desirous about residing in Dubrovnik and need to be someplace slightly 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 classy 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 good selection should 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 superb supply of center floor between common life and touristic enjoyable.
Methods to Discover Lodging in Dubrovnik
Discovering lodging in Dubrovnik could be tough should 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’ll be able to safe a spot to remain. When 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 all the time discovered nice costs. You too can search simply outdoors of town middle to maintain prices low. Nonetheless, I’d advocate reserving as far prematurely as attainable, 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 e book 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 common place for Airbnbs.
3. Fb teams: When you search on Fb, you’ll discover many teams for Dubrovnik itself, together with digital nomad teams. It is a good approach to discover different like-minded individuals who you could possibly share lodging with and maintain prices low. It’s additionally an excellent place to seek out further 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, nonetheless, it’s on par with most massive European cities, and if you understand how to chop prices, you’ll maintain money in your pocket.
Eating places and Groceries
When you select to eat at eating places focusing 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’ve.
When you keep away from these locations and as an alternative 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.
When you can, it’s finest to prepare dinner at residence as you’ll discover groceries fairly fairly priced. Head to the recent fruit and vegetable markets to refill on recent produce and go to the native butcher in your meat. Usually, you should purchase per week’s price of groceries for lower than €50/$53.
Lodging Prices
Lodging is probably to take the most important chunk of your cash. The price of an house varies in accordance with how shut or far-off you might be from the Outdated City, however on common, you’re taking a look at round €650/$690 per thirty days. Your utilities, resembling electrical energy, water, fuel, and web are on prime of that worth.
In the course of the summer season, you’ll want not 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 attempt to share lodging should you can, so you’ll be able to halve these costs and save as you go. Nonetheless, it’s possible you’ll discover that Airbnb works out cheaper if you will discover someplace that permits 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 so much simpler. It is a wonderful means 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 you could, e.g. if you could get residence late at evening; they’re fairly costly and can eat into your funds.
SIM Playing cards and Information
I used Hrvatski Telekom (T-Cellular) 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 middle and so they’ll set you up. A SIM card is inexpensive, 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 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 most costly locations in Dubrovnik, however that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t save slightly cash right here and there. Listed below are my prime tips about just do that.
- Prepare dinner at residence: Vacationer restaurant costs are a lot larger than common eating places; should you prepare dinner at residence, you’ll not solely lower your expenses 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 all the time larger from round June to the center of September. When 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 so much quieter.
- Stroll as a lot as attainable: Buses are low-cost and simple to make use of, however should 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 particularly could be very simple to stroll round.
- Keep away from taxis: There are occasions whenever you would possibly want to make use of a taxi but when attainable, attempt 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 all the time costlier 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 relatively than vacationer ones close to the large sights.
- Keep outdoors of the Outdated City: It’s nice to remain centrally, however hire within the Outdated City is way larger than within the suburban areas. When 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 interested by coworking spots. Though there are numerous 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 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, resembling video calls. In response to 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 an alternative. 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 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 comfy area with comfy chairs, nice WiFi, and improbable espresso. What extra might you need?
- Buzz Bar: When you go to this bar/cafe throughout the day, you’ll discover it to be laidback, inexpensive, and comfy for just a few hours of labor. Nonetheless, it’s finest to go away earlier than 6 pm because it will get fairly busy and loud.
- City & Veggie: When 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 shall be packed. For me, the most effective factor about life on this metropolis is that you simply’re by no means too far-off from a sight, a seashore, or just an important cafe to take a seat and chill for some time.
To offer you an thought of what you’ll be able to spend your free time on, listed here 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 massive 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 revel in it because of the crowds.
Regardless of that, it’s nonetheless my favourite factor to do – be sure to clear loads of area in your digicam for wonderful snaps. You possibly can 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 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 tip 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 beautiful views in all places you look.
3. Recreation of Thrones Strolling Tour
When 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 best ways to do that is by way of a Recreation 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 trying out 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 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 realm’s magnificence.
I’d advocate occurring the cable automobile as early within the day as you’ll be able to if you wish to keep away from crowds. Generally you must wait fairly some time should you go to within the afternoon, particularly throughout the peak months. You probably have time, seize a espresso and a few cake from the restaurant on the prime and revel in a full day or just a few hours at leisure.
5. Copacabana Seaside
Sure, the identify would possibly make you suppose you’re elsewhere fully, however Copacabana Seaside is considered one 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 take in the solar, get a tan, and customarily benefit from the summer season vibes.
Climate in Dubrovnik
If you need the most effective of the climate, you’ll must 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 probability of rain throughout the summer season, with solely a mean of 38mm in August as an entire.
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 revel 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 provides a comparatively gentle excessive of 12°C/54°F.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
As with wherever on the planet, there are each professionals and cons of residing in Dubrovnik.
Execs of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
- A lot to see and do: There’s a purpose Dubrovnik is so common as a trip spot; there’s lots to see and do. Throughout your day off, you’ll be spoilt for selection in relation 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 simple to be productive and get all my work executed.
- It’s simple to satisfy different like-minded individuals: Dubrovnik is a well-liked spot for digital nomads and vacationers basically. 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 you could go additional than town middle, the bus community is affordable and dependable.
- Improbable climate throughout the summer season: The summer season months deliver seemingly limitless sunshine and splendidly scorching days. When 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 handle the elephant within the room: Dubrovnik could be expensive. Nonetheless, 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 tough: As a result of Dubrovnik is a largely summer season vacation spot, it’s possible you’ll wrestle to seek out lodging should you depart it too late. As such, you could plan forward.
- Dubrovnik could be very quiet throughout the winter months: Whereas it’s attainable to spend time in Dubrovnik throughout the winter, many bars, eating places, cafes, and retailers are closed for the season. You’ll discover a extra genuine vibe, and it’s so much simpler to discover town partitions, however it’s possible you’ll discover leisure barely missing.
- No coworking areas: Dubrovnik doesn’t have any coworking areas but; should you’re extra productive in a coworking setup, it’s possible you’ll 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 attainable to dwell and work on this lovely nation for as much as one yr. Working remotely in Dubrovnik is now so much simpler due to this improvement. The visa is comparatively simple to use for and granted rapidly so long as you present all the mandatory 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 depart, watch for six months after which reapply. You’ll want to indicate that you’ve got sufficient funds to assist you throughout your keep together with an handle in Croatia—this is usually a hostel handle that you simply replace as soon as you discover someplace extra everlasting.
The additional excellent news is that you could 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 fitting methods, and also you’ll meet so many different individuals throughout your time. In fact, 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 cost effective vacation spot in Croatia, it’s a metropolis that provides one thing slightly completely different from wherever else, and with slightly intelligent planning and some ideas, you’ll be able to maintain money in your pocket and discover far and extensive.
