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. 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 have to think about a couple of additional days off. Having spent a good period of time on this stunning place, I’m properly positioned to advise you on the ins and outs of life in one in all Croatia’s most stunning 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 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’s 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. For those who’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 might get busy in the course of the peak summer season 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 season months. I loved visiting in the course of the autumn months specifically, as I discovered an excellent social scene with out the most important crowds.
As you may think about, Dubrovnik isn’t the most cost effective metropolis because of its touristic label, however there are many methods to chop prices. I loved my time within the metropolis and located it very easy to make new mates and meet different folks. The web is quick, there are many nice cafes to work from, and total, I had a 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 aim to stroll town partitions at the moment. Nevertheless, the climate is superb, there are some nice seashores close by, and also you’re certain to like the full-on summer season vibe.
Is Dubrovnik Secure?
The excellent news is that 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. In fact, it’s a big metropolis so all the time use your frequent sense and do not forget 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 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 protected in Croatia total.
The most important problem for me was the crowds across the metropolis wall areas in the course of the peak summer season months, however that’s avoidable when you discover giant teams of individuals slightly overwhelming.
Finest Areas to Stay in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik isn’t a very sprawling metropolis, however there are some ideally suited 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 numerous 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’ll find somebody to share with, you’ll save money.
When working remotely in Dubrovnik, selecting to remain within the Outdated City cuts down on commuting prices. It locations you within the coronary heart of town and means you’re by no means too far-off from nightlife, eating places, and sights. There are additionally loads of improbable cafes to work from on this neighborhood.
2. Lapad
If you wish to keep someplace that also has a vigorous 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 dwelling to some fairly cafes, eating places, and a welcoming seaside view.
I appreciated Lapad as I discovered it to be a bit extra chilled out in comparison with the Outdated City. There are many cafes to work from on this space, and hire is barely decrease as a result of it’s not fairly as central. It’s additionally fairly straightforward 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 straightforward to get to the Outdated 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.
Nevertheless, if you wish to reside by the seaside and revel in lazy days in cafes with a view, this can be a great spot. 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
For those who’re desirous about dwelling in Dubrovnik and wish to be someplace slightly extra luxurious, Ploče is an effective place to contemplate. Right here, you’ll discover some fancy lodges and Airbnbs, and whereas the worth is barely larger, the world gives 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 sensible choice when you get pleasure from seaside 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.
The right way to Discover Lodging in Dubrovnik
Discovering lodging in Dubrovnik could be tough when 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 may safe a spot to remain. For those who’re visiting within the winter months, you’ll discover lodging fairly straightforward to search out.
1. Reserving.com: I used reserving.com to search out hostels and serviced lodging in Dubrovnik and all the time discovered nice costs. You may also search simply outdoors of town middle to maintain prices low. Nevertheless, I’d advocate reserving as far prematurely as attainable, to keep away from the perfect costs being snapped up.
2. Airbnb: There are lots of long-stay residences out there in Dubrovnik for first rate costs. Once more, it’s finest to guide forward of time because the summer season season turns into very busy and many individuals have the identical thought—discover someplace to remain! Lapad is a very widespread place for Airbnbs.
3. Fb teams: For those who 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 might be able to share lodging with and preserve prices low. It’s additionally a great place to search out additional tips about saving cash and issues to see and do.
Value of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
I really feel the price of dwelling in Dubrovnik is barely larger than in the remainder of the nation, however that’s probably as a result of it’s such a vacationer place. General, nonetheless, 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
For those who select to eat at eating places focusing on vacationers, you’ll shortly run out of money. For instance, the price of a meal in a average vacationer restaurant within the Outdated City will price you round €30-€40, ($32-$43) relying on what you’ve.
For those who 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 standard place in Lapad for round €15/$16, which is kind of a saving.
For those who can, it’s finest to prepare dinner at dwelling as you’ll discover groceries fairly moderately priced. Head to the recent fruit and vegetable markets to fill up on recent produce and go to the native butcher in your meat. Generally, you should purchase per week’s value of groceries for lower than €50/$53.
Lodging Prices
Lodging is almost definitely to take the most important chunk of your cash. The price of an condo varies in line with how shut or far-off you’re from the Outdated City, however on common, you’re round €650/$690 per thirty days. Your utilities, resembling electrical energy, water, gasoline, and web are on high of that worth.
Throughout the summer season, you’ll want not less than a fan, however air-conditioning if in all probability preferable. On common, utilities will price round €350/$370, relying in your utilization.
For these causes, it’s finest to try to share lodging when you can, so you may halve these costs and save as you go. Nevertheless, chances are you’ll discover that Airbnb works out cheaper if you’ll find someplace that enables long-term stays. Once more, keep away from the Outdated City to maintain costs a bit decrease.
Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik
The excellent news is that as a Dubrovnik digital nomad, you’ll discover it straightforward to get round. I discovered town fairly walkable, and the middle is all pedestrianized, which makes getting round on foot rather a lot simpler. It is a smart way to economize.
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 it’s essential to, e.g. if it’s essential to get dwelling late at night time; they’re fairly costly and can eat into your funds.
SIM Playing cards and Information
I used Hrvatski Telekom (T-Cell) for my SIM card wants, and it lined my calls and information 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 may also use an eSIM, with Airalo being the most well-liked 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 middle.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is likely one of the most costly locations in Dubrovnik, however that doesn’t imply you may’t save slightly cash right here and there. Listed below are my high tips about find out how to just do that.
- Cook dinner at dwelling: Vacationer restaurant costs are a lot larger than common eating places; when you prepare dinner at dwelling, you’ll not solely lower your expenses however might 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. For those who can, keep away from these months and also you’ll discover cheaper costs usually. The winter months are additionally good for cash saving, though town is rather a lot quieter.
- Stroll as a lot as attainable: Buses are low cost and straightforward to make use of, however when you stroll as a lot as you may, you’ll discover these Euros sticking round reasonably than disappearing. As I discussed, the middle of Dubrovnik specifically may be very straightforward to stroll round.
- Keep away from taxis: There are occasions if you may want to make use of a taxi but when attainable, try to keep away from them. Taxis are costly, and until it’s late at night time otherwise you’re determined to get someplace shortly, decide to stroll or use the bus.
- Keep away from the vacationer entice: Vacationer locations are all the time dearer than extra conventional spots. You should definitely keep away from vacationer eating places but in addition just remember to do your buying in small, locally-owned retailers reasonably than vacationer ones close to the massive sights.
- Keep outdoors of the Outdated City: It’s nice to remain centrally, however hire within the Outdated City is far larger than within the suburban areas. For those who 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 fascinated by 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, resembling 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 below are my suggestions:
- Nishta: I actually appreciated this cafe, not solely as a result of it’s proper within the coronary heart of the Outdated City, however as a result of it’s a comfortable house with comfy chairs, nice WiFi, and improbable espresso. What extra may you need?
- Buzz Bar: For those who go to this bar/cafe in the course of the day, you’ll discover it to be laidback, reasonably priced, 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: For those who’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 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 might be packed. For me, the perfect factor about life on this metropolis is that you just’re by no means too far-off from a sight, a seaside, or just an excellent cafe to take a seat and chill for some time.
To provide you an thought of what you may spend your free time on, listed below are my high picks:
1. Dubrovnik Metropolis Partitions
Palms down, the primary factor to do in Dubrovnik is to stroll across the metropolis partitions. Nevertheless, there’s a huge however coming your approach: it’s finest to do that very early within the morning or outdoors of the height season. In July and August, it’s practically not possible to stroll round right here and revel 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 digicam for superb snaps. You may 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 seaside. 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 every single place you look.
3. Recreation of Thrones Strolling Tour
For those who’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 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 places. Having your photograph taken on the Iron Throne can also 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 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 world’s magnificence.
I’d advocate happening the cable automotive as early within the day as you may if you wish to keep away from crowds. Typically you need to wait fairly some time when you go to within the afternoon, particularly in the course of the peak months. If in case you have time, seize a espresso and a few cake from the restaurant on the high and revel in a full day or a couple of hours at leisure.
5. Copacabana Seaside
Sure, the title may make you suppose you’re someplace else completely, 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 place to absorb the solar, get a tan, and usually benefit from the summer season vibes.
Climate in Dubrovnik
If you need the perfect 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 mean excessive temperature of 29°C/85°F, and a mean sea temperature of 24°C/75°F. There’s little likelihood of rain in the course of the summer season, with solely a mean 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 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 delicate excessive of 12°C/54°F.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
As with wherever on the planet, there are each execs and cons of dwelling in Dubrovnik.
Execs of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
- Lots to see and do: There’s a cause Dubrovnik is so widespread as a trip spot; there’s a lot to see and do. Throughout your day off, you’ll be spoilt for selection relating 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 straightforward to be productive and get all my work performed.
- It’s straightforward to satisfy different like-minded folks: Dubrovnik is a well-liked spot for digital nomads and vacationers usually. I met many like-minded folks there; it’s straightforward to search 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 middle, the bus community is affordable and dependable.
- Incredible climate in the course of the summer season: The summer season months carry seemingly countless sunshine and splendidly sizzling days. For those who’re into summer season vibes, Dubrovnik gained’t disappoint you.
Cons of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik is dearer than different Croatian cities: Let’s handle the elephant within the room: Dubrovnik could be dear. Nevertheless, as I’ve talked about, there are methods to chop prices so that you get the perfect of each worlds.
- Discovering lodging could be troublesome: As a result of Dubrovnik is a principally summer season vacation spot, chances are you’ll battle to search out lodging when you depart it too late. As such, it’s essential to plan forward.
- Dubrovnik may be very quiet in the course of the winter months: Whereas it’s attainable 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 chances are 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, chances are 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 attainable to reside and work on this stunning nation for as much as one yr. Working remotely in Dubrovnik is now rather a lot simpler because of this improvement. The visa is comparatively straightforward to use for and granted shortly so long as you present all the mandatory paperwork.
If granted, the visa lets you keep for as much as a yr and can’t be renewed. Nevertheless, you may depart, watch for six months after which reapply. You’ll want to point out that you’ve sufficient funds to help you throughout your keep together with an handle in Croatia—this is usually a hostel handle that you just replace as soon as you discover someplace extra everlasting.
The additional excellent news is you could additionally apply to carry 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 appropriate methods, and also you’ll meet so many different folks throughout your time. In fact, you additionally get to remain someplace that’s dripping in magnificence and historical past, which 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 gives one thing slightly totally different from wherever else, and with slightly intelligent planning and some ideas, you may preserve money in your pocket and discover far and large.
