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 most likely have to think about a couple of additional days off. Having spent a good period of time on this lovely place, I’m effectively positioned to advise you on the ins and outs of life in one 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 actually Croatia’s most well-known and busiest metropolis in the course of the summer time 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 almost all issues shut; nevertheless if that doesn’t trouble 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. In case 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 will probably get busy in the course of the peak summer time months, however there’s a lot to see and try this it’s straightforward to flee the crowds for a couple of days.
Digital Nomad in Dubrovnik: Private Expertise
Since Croatia launched its digital nomad visa (extra on that later), Dubrovnik has turn out to be a hotspot for digital nomads, particularly in the course of the summer time months. I loved visiting in the course of the autumn months particularly, as I discovered an awesome social scene with out the key crowds.
As you’ll be able to think about, Dubrovnik isn’t the most affordable metropolis because of its touristic label, however there are many methods to chop prices. I loved my time within the metropolis and located it very easy to make new buddies and meet different individuals. The web is quick, there are many nice cafes to work from, and total, I had a implausible high quality of life throughout my keep.
I discovered the height summer time months, significantly July and August, a little bit too populated, and I don’t advise you to try to stroll town partitions right now. Nevertheless, the climate is superb, there are some nice seashores close by, and also you’re certain to like the full-on summer time vibe.
Is Dubrovnik Secure?
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 protected 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 house in Dubrovnik and sometimes walked round by myself with out feeling any want to stay to the busier areas. In actual fact, I felt very protected in Croatia total.
The most important situation for me was the crowds across the metropolis wall areas in the course of the peak summer time months, however that’s avoidable when you discover giant teams of individuals a little bit overwhelming.
Greatest Areas to Reside in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik isn’t a very sprawling metropolis, however there are some splendid 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 doable, the Previous 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 more likely 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 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 points of interest. There are additionally loads of implausible 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 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 house 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 Previous 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 Previous 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 heart, round 6.5km/4 miles, however it’s straightforward to get to the Previous 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 lease isn’t that low cost; it’s classed as being fairly high-end.
Nevertheless, if you wish to dwell by the seashore and luxuriate in lazy days in cafes with a view, this can be 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 case you’re fascinated with residing in Dubrovnik and need to be someplace a little bit extra luxurious, Ploče is an effective place to contemplate. Right here, you’ll discover some fancy resorts and Airbnbs, and whereas the worth is barely increased, the realm gives a classy vibe and is inside strolling distance of the Previous City.
I discovered Ploče fairly a snug and welcoming place. Banje Seashore can also be close by, so it’s a good selection when 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.
Find out how to Discover Lodging in Dubrovnik
Discovering lodging in Dubrovnik could be tough when you depart it a little bit too late to start your search. I like to recommend planning to reach a month or so earlier than the summer time season begins, so you’ll be able to safe a spot to remain. In case 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 at all times discovered nice costs. You can even search simply exterior of town heart to maintain prices low. Nevertheless, I’d advocate reserving as far prematurely as doable, to keep away from one of the best costs being snapped up.
2. Airbnb: There are numerous long-stay flats out there in Dubrovnik for first rate costs. Once more, it’s finest to e-book forward of time because the summer time season turns into very busy and many individuals have the identical concept—discover someplace to remain! Lapad is a very widespread place for Airbnbs.
3. Fb teams: In case 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 preserve prices low. It’s additionally a superb 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 increased than in the remainder of the nation, however that’s probably 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 preserve money in your pocket.
Eating places and Groceries
In case 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 reasonable vacationer restaurant within the Previous City will value you round €30-€40, ($32-$43) relying on what you will have.
In case you keep away from these locations and as an alternative 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 kind of a saving.
In case you can, it’s finest to prepare dinner at house as you’ll discover groceries fairly fairly priced. Head to the contemporary fruit and vegetable markets to top off on contemporary produce and go to the native butcher on your meat. Basically, you should purchase every week’s value of groceries for lower than €50/$53.
Lodging Prices
Lodging is almost certainly to take the most important chunk of your cash. The price of an condominium varies in response to how shut or distant you might be from the Previous City, however on common, you’re round €650/$690 per 30 days. Your utilities, comparable to electrical energy, water, gasoline, and web are on high of that value.
Through the summer time, you’ll want no less than 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 when you can, so you’ll be able to halve these costs and save as you go. Nevertheless, it’s possible you’ll discover that Airbnb works out cheaper if you could find someplace that permits 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 straightforward to get round. I discovered town fairly walkable, and the middle is all pedestrianized, which makes getting round on foot rather a lot simpler. This can be a smart way to save cash.
If you wish to journey exterior 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 advocate solely utilizing taxis or Uber when it’s essential to, e.g. if it’s essential to get house late at night time; they’re fairly costly and can eat into your funds.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
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 heart and so they’ll set you up. A SIM card is inexpensive, at round €5/$5.30.
Different dependable SIM suppliers embody A1 and Telemach. You can even use an eSIM, with Airalo being the preferred choice.
Whichever choice you select, it’s straightforward to high 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 likely one of the most costly locations in Dubrovnik, however that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t save a little bit cash right here and there. Listed below are my high tips about just do that.
- Cook dinner at house: Vacationer restaurant costs are a lot increased than common eating places; when you prepare dinner at house, you’ll not solely lower your expenses however will probably be extra inclined to eat healthily.
- Keep away from the height summer time months: Dubrovnik is a seasonal place so it is sensible that costs are at all times increased from round June to the center of September. In case 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 rather a lot quieter.
- Stroll as a lot as doable: Buses are low cost and simple to make use of, however when you stroll as a lot as you’ll be able to, you’ll discover these Euros sticking round relatively than disappearing. As I discussed, the middle of Dubrovnik particularly could be very straightforward to stroll round.
- Keep away from taxis: There are occasions whenever you may want to make use of a taxi but when doable, 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, choose to stroll or use the bus.
- Keep away from the vacationer lure: Vacationer locations are at all times costlier than extra conventional spots. Make sure you keep away from vacationer eating places but in addition just remember to do your purchasing in small, locally-owned retailers relatively than vacationer ones close to the massive sights.
- Keep exterior of the Previous City: It’s nice to remain centrally, however lease within the Previous City is far increased than within the suburban areas. In case 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 enthusiastic 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 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, comparable to video calls. In keeping 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 should utilize 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 Previous City, however as a result of it’s a comfortable house with comfy chairs, nice WiFi, and implausible espresso. What extra might you need?
- Buzz Bar: In case you go to this bar/cafe in the course of the day, you’ll discover it to be laidback, inexpensive, and cozy for a couple 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 case 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 will probably be packed. For me, one of the 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 sit down and chill for some time.
To present you an concept of what you’ll be able to spend your free time on, listed below are my high 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 massive however coming your method: it’s finest to do that very early within the morning or exterior 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 to clear loads of house in your digicam for superb 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 be taught extra in regards to the metropolis partitions tour.
2. Elaphiti Islands
The gorgeous Elaphiti Islands are a brief boat journey from Dubrovnik harbor – it’s 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 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 all over the place you look.
3. Recreation of Thrones Strolling Tour
In case 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 by way of a Recreation 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 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 advocate happening the cable automotive as early within the day as you’ll be able to if you wish to keep away from crowds. Generally it’s important to wait fairly some time when you go to within the afternoon, particularly in the course of the peak months. When you have time, seize a espresso and a few cake from the restaurant on the high and luxuriate in a full day or a couple of hours at leisure.
5. Copacabana Seashore
Sure, the title may make you assume you’re some other place totally, however Copacabana Seashore 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 excellent place to absorb the solar, get a tan, and usually benefit from the summer time vibes.
Climate in Dubrovnik
If you’d like one of the best 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 median excessive temperature of 29°C/85°F, and a median sea temperature of 24°C/75°F. There’s little likelihood of rain in the course of the summer time, with solely a median of 38mm in August as a complete.
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 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 gives a comparatively delicate 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 motive Dubrovnik is so widespread as a trip spot; there’s a lot to see and do. Throughout your break day, 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 straightforward to be productive and get all my work performed.
- It’s straightforward to fulfill 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 seek out others to community or just socialize with.
- Getting round is straightforward: Dubrovnik is a really walkable metropolis, and even when it’s essential to go additional than town heart, the bus community is affordable and dependable.
- Unbelievable climate in the course of the summer time: The summer time months deliver seemingly countless sunshine and splendidly scorching days. In case you’re into summer time vibes, Dubrovnik gained’t disappoint you.
Cons of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik is costlier than different Croatian cities: Let’s tackle 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 one of the best of each worlds.
- Discovering lodging could be tough: As a result of Dubrovnik is a largely summer time vacation spot, it’s possible you’ll wrestle to seek out lodging when you depart it too late. As such, it’s essential to plan forward.
- Dubrovnik could be very quiet in the course of the winter months: Whereas it’s doable 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 rather a lot 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; when you’re extra productive in a coworking setup, it’s possible you’ll 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 doable to dwell and work on this lovely nation for as much as one 12 months. Working remotely in Dubrovnik is now rather a lot simpler because of this growth. The visa is comparatively straightforward 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 12 months and can’t be renewed. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to depart, await six months after which reapply. You’ll want to point out that you’ve got sufficient funds to assist you throughout your keep together with an tackle in Croatia—this is usually a hostel tackle that you just replace as soon as you discover someplace extra everlasting.
The additional excellent news is 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 suitable 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 actually provides to the attraction.
I loved my time in Dubrovnik a lot that I hope to return. Whereas it’s not the most affordable vacation spot in Croatia, it’s a metropolis that gives one thing a little bit totally different from wherever else, and with a little bit intelligent planning and some suggestions, you’ll be able to preserve money in your pocket and discover far and extensive.
