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 this planet. Positive, it’s very busy in the summertime months, however dwelling in Dubrovnik is an expertise like no different.
As a digital nomad dwelling in Dubrovnik, you’ll discover greater than sufficient to fill your time—a lot so that you just’ll in all probability must consider a couple of further days off. Having spent a good period of time on this stunning place, I’m effectively positioned to advise you on the ins and outs of life in one in all Croatia’s most stunning cities.
SEE ALSO: 10 Causes Why Croatia is a Digital Nomad’s Dream Vacation spot
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 in the course of the summer season months, however I additionally discovered it charming in the course of the winter.
The one potential draw back to the slower (and colder) months is that almost all issues shut; nonetheless if that doesn’t trouble you, it is best 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 the 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 stunning surroundings, and exploring the neighboring areas. Positive, it will possibly get busy in the course of the peak summer season months, however there’s a lot to see and do this it’s straightforward to flee the crowds for a 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 season months. I loved visiting in the course of the autumn months specifically, as I discovered an awesome social scene with out the most important crowds.
As you’ll be able to think about, Dubrovnik isn’t the most affordable metropolis due to its touristic label, however there are many methods to chop prices. I loved my time within the metropolis and located it very easy to make new buddies and meet different folks. The web is quick, there are many nice cafes to work from, and total, I had a improbable high quality of life throughout my keep.
I discovered the height summer season months, significantly July and August, a little bit too populated, and I don’t advise you to aim to stroll the town partitions presently. Nonetheless, the climate is superb, there are some nice seashores close by, and also you’re positive to like the full-on summer season vibe.
Is Dubrovnik Secure?
The excellent news is that dwelling 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 residence in Dubrovnik and infrequently walked round alone with out feeling any want to stay to the busier areas. The truth is, I felt very protected in Croatia total.
The largest situation for me was the crowds across the metropolis wall areas in the course of the peak summer season months, however that’s avoidable should you discover massive teams of individuals a little bit overwhelming.
Finest 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 here are a few of my suggestions:
1. Previous City
If you wish to be as centrally situated as doable, the Previous 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 just’re prone to spend extra on hire, but when you could find somebody to share with, you’ll save money.
When working remotely in Dubrovnik, selecting to remain within the Previous City cuts down on commuting prices. It locations you within the coronary heart of the 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 Previous 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 favored 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 straightforward to get to the Previous City by way of bus if you wish to be proper in the midst of the town itself.
3. Babin Kuk
I stayed within the Babin Kuk space for some time and I actually favored it there. It’s barely out of the town heart, round 6.5km/4 miles, nevertheless it’s straightforward to get to the Previous City by way of 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 reside by the seashore and revel in lazy days in cafes with a view, this can be a great spot. I met many different distant employees on this neighborhood, and since it’s quieter, I felt much less overwhelmed by noise and crowds.
4. Ploče
In case you’re serious about dwelling in Dubrovnik and wish to be someplace a little bit extra luxurious, Ploče is an efficient place to contemplate. Right here, you’ll discover some fancy accommodations and Airbnbs, and whereas the value is barely increased, the world gives a classy vibe and is inside strolling distance of the Previous City.
I discovered Ploče fairly a cushty and welcoming place. Banje Seaside can be close by, so it’s a sensible choice 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.
Easy methods to Discover Lodging in Dubrovnik
Discovering lodging in Dubrovnik may be tough should you go away 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 season 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. It’s also possible to search simply outdoors of the town heart to maintain prices low. Nonetheless, I’d advocate reserving as far upfront as doable, to keep away from the very best costs being snapped up.
2. Airbnb: There are lots of long-stay flats obtainable in Dubrovnik for first rate costs. Once more, it’s finest to ebook forward of time because the summer season season turns into very busy and many individuals have the identical thought—discover someplace to remain! Lapad is a very fashionable 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. It is a good strategy to discover different like-minded individuals who you might be able to share lodging with and preserve prices low. It’s additionally a great place to seek out further recommendations on saving cash and issues to see and do.
Price of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
I really feel the price of dwelling in Dubrovnik is barely increased than in the remainder of the nation, however that’s seemingly as a result of it’s such a vacationer place. General, nonetheless, it’s on par with most massive European cities, and if you know the way to chop prices, you’ll preserve money in your pocket.
Eating places and Groceries
In case 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 have got.
In case you keep away from these locations and as a substitute go to small, native eating places away from the town heart, you’ll discover decrease costs; I typically ate in a standard place in Lapad for round €15/$16, which is sort of a saving.
In case 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 to your meat. Usually, you should purchase every week’s price 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 house varies in line with how shut or far-off you’re from the Previous City, however on common, you’re taking a look at round €650/$690 monthly. Your utilities, corresponding to electrical energy, water, fuel, and web are on prime of that value.
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, you might 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 the town fairly walkable, and the middle is all pedestrianized, which makes getting round on foot lots simpler. It is a good way to economize.
If you wish to journey outdoors of the town heart, the bus community is dependable and comparatively low-cost. A one-way ticket prices round €2/$2.10, and I discovered buses very easy to make use of. I’d advocate solely utilizing taxis or Uber when you have to, e.g. if you have to get residence late at night time; they’re fairly costly and can eat into your finances.
SIM Playing cards and Information
I used Hrvatski Telekom (T-Cell) for my SIM card wants, and it coated my calls and information at cheap prices. It’s very easy to get a SIM card; you merely take your passport right into a retailer within the metropolis heart they usually’ll set you up. A SIM card is reasonably priced, at round €5/$5.30.
Different dependable SIM suppliers embody A1 and Telemach. It’s also possible to use an eSIM, with Airalo being the most well-liked possibility.
Whichever possibility you select, it’s straightforward to prime your telephone up on the finish of the month, both on-line or by visiting a retailer within the metropolis heart.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is likely one of the costliest locations in Dubrovnik, however that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t save a little bit cash right here and there. Listed here are my prime recommendations on the right way to just do that.
- Prepare dinner at residence: Vacationer restaurant costs are a lot increased than common eating places; should you prepare dinner at residence, you’ll not solely lower your expenses however can be extra inclined to eat healthily.
- Keep away from the height summer season months: Dubrovnik is a seasonal place so it is smart 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 generally. The winter months are additionally good for cash saving, though the town is lots quieter.
- Stroll as a lot as doable: 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 fairly than disappearing. As I discussed, the middle of Dubrovnik specifically 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 until 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. Be sure you keep away from vacationer eating places but additionally just be sure you do your buying in small, locally-owned outlets fairly than vacationer ones close to the large sights.
- Keep outdoors of the Previous City: It’s nice to remain centrally, however hire 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 in all probability enthusiastic about coworking spots. Though there are numerous distant employees right here, the town is primarily aimed towards vacationers, and there are but to be any good high quality coworking areas.
The excellent news is that you 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 common add and obtain speeds in Dubrovnik are 13.64 Mbps and 31.16 Mbps respectively.
Finest Cafes to Work From in Dubrovnik
There aren’t any coworking areas in Dubrovnik, however there are many nice, laptop computer-friendly cafes you should use as a substitute. When dwelling in Dubrovnik as a digital nomad, I discovered a number of spots to completely swimsuit my wants. Listed here are my suggestions:
- Nishta: I actually favored 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 improbable 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, reasonably priced, and comfy for a couple of hours of labor. Nonetheless, it’s finest to go away 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, nevertheless it’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 dwelling in Dubrovnik, your days off can be packed. For me, the very 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’ll be able to 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. Nonetheless, there’s a large 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 practically 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 – ensure you 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 concerning 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 revel in a day on the seashore. I took an island-hopping boat journey that lasted round eight hours and I used to be so blissed out by the top of it; I can’t 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 in every single 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. The easiest way 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 largest GoT fan however I nonetheless actually loved testing the filming areas. Having your picture taken on the Iron Throne can be a must-do and one thing you’ll wish 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 world’s magnificence.
I’d advocate happening the cable automobile as early within the day as you’ll be able to if you wish to keep away from crowds. Typically you need to wait fairly some time should you go to within the afternoon, particularly in the course of the peak months. In case you have time, seize a espresso and a few cake from the restaurant on the prime and revel in a full day or a couple of hours at leisure.
5. Copacabana Seaside
Sure, the title may make you assume you’re some place else fully, 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. General, it’s only a excellent spot 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 must 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 probability of rain in the course of the summer season, with solely a median of 38mm in August as an entire.
Even in the course of the spring and fall months, you’ll expertise loads of sunshine, with round 12 hours of sunshine in Could and 10 in September. If you wish to go to in the course of the winter months and revel in a extra chilled-out vibe, you may wish to keep away from November because the wettest month. Regardless of that, the coldest month of January nonetheless gives a comparatively gentle excessive of 12°C/54°F.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
As with anyplace on this planet, there are each professionals and cons of dwelling in Dubrovnik.
Professionals of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
- A lot to see and do: There’s a purpose Dubrovnik is so fashionable as a trip spot; there’s a lot to see and do. Throughout your break day, you’ll be spoilt for alternative in terms 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 achieved.
- It’s straightforward to satisfy different like-minded folks: Dubrovnik is a well-liked spot for digital nomads and vacationers generally. 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 have to go additional than the town heart, the bus community is affordable and dependable.
- Incredible climate in the course of the summer season: The summer season months deliver seemingly limitless sunshine and splendidly scorching days. In case you’re into summer season 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 may be expensive. Nonetheless, as I’ve talked about, there are methods to chop prices so that you get the very best of each worlds.
- Discovering lodging may be tough: As a result of Dubrovnik is a principally summer season vacation spot, you might battle to seek out lodging should you go away it too late. As such, you have 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 outlets are closed for the season. You’ll discover a extra genuine vibe, and it’s lots simpler to discover the town partitions, however you might discover leisure barely missing.
- No coworking areas: Dubrovnik doesn’t have any coworking areas but; should you’re extra productive in a coworking setup, you might be upset. 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 doable to reside and work on this stunning nation for as much as one yr. Working remotely in Dubrovnik is now lots simpler due to this improvement. The visa is comparatively straightforward to use for and granted rapidly 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. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to go away, look ahead to 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 generally is a hostel tackle that you just replace as soon as you discover someplace extra everlasting.
The additional excellent news is which 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 folks throughout your time. After all, you additionally get to remain someplace that’s dripping in magnificence and historical past, which actually 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 gives one thing a little bit totally different from anyplace 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.