Point out the phrase Croatia, and Dubrovnik might be the primary metropolis that springs to thoughts. I can’t blame you; that is one in every of my favourite cities on the earth. 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 most likely must consider a couple of additional 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 one in every of 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 throughout the summer time 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 must 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 the town partitions. In case you’re a Sport of Thrones fan, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are a number of filming websites to find across the metropolis.

For me, life in Dubrovnik is about consuming good meals, socializing, taking within the lovely surroundings, and exploring the neighboring areas. Certain, it might get busy throughout the peak summer time months, however there’s a lot to see and do this it’s simple 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 grow to be a hotspot for digital nomads, particularly throughout the summer time months. I loved visiting throughout the autumn months particularly, as I discovered an important social scene with out the most important 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 associates and meet different individuals. The web is quick, there are many nice cafes to work from, and general, I had a incredible high quality of life throughout my keep.

I discovered the height summer time months, significantly July and August, slightly too populated, and I don’t advise you to try to stroll the town partitions right now. Nevertheless, the climate is wonderful, there are some nice seashores close by, and also you’re positive to like the full-on summer time 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. After all, it’s a big metropolis so at all times use your frequent 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 dwelling in Dubrovnik and infrequently walked round by myself with out feeling any want to stay to the busier areas. In reality, I felt very secure in Croatia general.

The most important difficulty for me was the crowds across the metropolis wall areas throughout the peak summer time months, however that’s avoidable if you happen to discover giant teams of individuals slightly overwhelming.

Finest Areas to Dwell in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik isn’t a very sprawling metropolis, however there are some supreme 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 positioned as attainable, 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 fairly vibrant and enjoyable spot. The one draw back is that you simply’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 incredible 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 Previous 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 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 simple to get to the Previous City through 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 middle, round 6.5km/4 miles, however it’s simple to get to the Previous City through bus. I loved the slower tempo and the very fact that there have been fewer crowds. The one draw back is that hire isn’t that low-cost; it’s classed as being fairly high-end.

Nevertheless, if you wish to reside by the seashore and revel in lazy days in cafes with a view, it is 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 by residing in Dubrovnik and wish to be someplace slightly extra luxurious, Ploče is an effective place to think about. Right here, you’ll discover some fancy inns and Airbnbs, and whereas the value is barely greater, the world provides a classy vibe and is inside strolling distance of the Previous City.

I discovered Ploče fairly a snug and welcoming place. Banje Seashore can be close by, so it’s a sensible choice if you happen to take pleasure in seashore time throughout your downtime. There are additionally loads of nightlife choices round, with out being proper within the thick of it. Personally, I really feel this neighborhood is a good supply of center floor between common life and touristic enjoyable.

Find out how to Discover Lodging in Dubrovnik

Discovering lodging in Dubrovnik will be tough if you happen to depart it slightly 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 simple to search out.

1. Reserving.com: I used reserving.com to search out hostels and serviced lodging in Dubrovnik and at all times discovered nice costs. You too can search simply exterior of the town middle to maintain prices low. Nevertheless, I’d advocate reserving as far prematurely as attainable, to keep away from one of the best costs being snapped up.

2. Airbnb: There are a lot of long-stay flats out there in Dubrovnik for first rate costs. Once more, it’s greatest 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 well-liked 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 might be able to share lodging with and maintain prices low. It’s additionally an excellent place to search out additional recommendations on saving cash and issues to see and do.

Price of Residing in Dubrovnik

I really feel the price of residing in Dubrovnik is barely greater than in the remainder of the nation, however that’s doubtless as a result of it’s such a vacationer place. General, nonetheless, it’s on par with most giant European cities, and if you know the way to chop prices, you’ll maintain 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 reasonable vacationer restaurant within the Previous City will value you round €30-€40, ($32-$43) relying on what you’ve gotten.

In case you keep away from these locations and as an alternative go to small, native eating places away from the town middle, you’ll discover decrease costs; I typically ate in a conventional place in Lapad for round €15/$16, which is kind of a saving.

In case you can, it’s greatest to cook dinner at dwelling as you’ll discover groceries fairly fairly priced. Head to the contemporary fruit and vegetable markets to replenish on contemporary produce and go to the native butcher to your meat. Typically, you should purchase every week’s price of groceries for lower than €50/$53.

Lodging Prices

Lodging is most probably to take the most important chunk of your cash. The price of an condominium varies in accordance with how shut or far-off you’re from the Previous City, however on common, you’re round €650/$690 per 30 days. Your utilities, reminiscent of electrical energy, water, gasoline, and web are on prime of that value.

In the course of 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 greatest to attempt to share lodging if you happen to can, so you’ll be able to halve these costs and save as you go. Nevertheless, you might discover that Airbnb works out cheaper if you could find someplace that enables long-term stays. Once more, keep away from the Previous City to maintain costs a bit decrease.

Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

The excellent news is that as a Dubrovnik digital nomad, you’ll discover it simple to get round. I discovered the town fairly walkable, and the middle is all pedestrianized, which makes getting round on foot so much simpler. This can be a good way to save cash.

If you wish to journey exterior of the 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 is advisable to, e.g. if it is advisable to get dwelling late at evening; 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 knowledge at affordable prices. It’s very easy to get a SIM card; you merely take your passport right into a retailer within the metropolis middle and so they’ll set you up. A SIM card is reasonably priced, at round €5/$5.30.

Different dependable SIM suppliers embody A1 and Telemach. You too can use an eSIM, with Airalo being the preferred choice.

Whichever choice you select, it’s simple to prime your cellphone 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 here are my prime recommendations on easy methods to do exactly that.

1. Cook dinner at dwelling: Vacationer restaurant costs are a lot greater than common eating places; if you happen to cook dinner at dwelling, you’ll not solely get monetary savings however will likely be extra inclined to eat healthily.
2. Keep away from the height summer time months: Dubrovnik is a seasonal place so it is smart that costs are at all times greater 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 the town is so much quieter.
3. Stroll as a lot as attainable: Buses are low-cost and simple to make use of, however if you happen to stroll as a lot as you’ll be able to, you’ll discover these Euros sticking round quite than disappearing. As I discussed, the middle of Dubrovnik particularly may be very simple to stroll round.
4. Keep away from taxis: There are occasions if 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.
5. Keep away from the vacationer lure: Vacationer locations are at all times dearer than extra conventional spots. Make sure to keep away from vacationer eating places but additionally just be sure you do your buying in small, locally-owned outlets quite than vacationer ones close to the large sights.
6. Keep exterior of the Previous City: It’s nice to remain centrally, however hire within the Previous City is far greater 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 serious about coworking spots. Though there are lots of distant staff 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 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, reminiscent of video calls. In keeping with Speedtest, the typical add and obtain speeds in Dubrovnik are 13.64 Mbps and 31.16 Mbps respectively.

Finest Cafes to Work From in Dubrovnik

There aren’t any coworking areas in Dubrovnik, however there are many nice, laptop-friendly cafes you should use as an alternative. When residing in Dubrovnik as a digital nomad, I discovered a number of spots to completely swimsuit my wants. Listed here are my suggestions:

1. 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 comfortable house with comfy chairs, nice WiFi, and incredible espresso. What extra may you need?
2. Buzz Bar: In case you go to this bar/cafe throughout the day, you’ll discover it to be laidback, reasonably priced, and cozy for a couple of hours of labor. Nevertheless, it’s greatest to go away earlier than 6 pm because it will get fairly busy and loud.
3. 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 employees don’t thoughts you utilizing your laptop computer, and I used to be fairly productive from this spot.

Actions and Issues To Do in Dubrovnik

Whereas residing in Dubrovnik, your days off will likely be packed. For me, one of the best 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 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 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. Nevertheless, there’s a huge however coming your means: it’s greatest to do that very early within the morning or exterior of the height season. In July and August, it’s almost unattainable 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 house in your digicam for wonderful snaps. You may 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 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 gorgeous views in all places you look.

3. Sport 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 places across the metropolis. One of the simplest ways to do that is through a Sport of Thrones strolling tour, which is able to take you to Fort Lovrijenac, Pile Gate, and Stradun. You’ll additionally go to a duplicate 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 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 occurring the cable automotive as early within the day as you’ll be able to if you wish to keep away from crowds. Generally you need to wait fairly some time if you happen to 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 a couple of hours at leisure.

5. Copacabana Seashore

Sure, the title would possibly make you assume you’re elsewhere totally, however Copacabana Seashore is one in every of my favourite chill-out spots in Dubrovnik. It’s fairly simple to get to; you merely take the bus to Lapad after which stroll alongside the marked path. It takes not more than quarter-hour by foot.

Right here, you’ll discover a restaurant, sun-loungers and parasols for rent, and there are watersports too. General, it’s only a great spot to take in the solar, get a tan, and customarily benefit from the summer time vibes.

Climate in Dubrovnik

In order for you one of the best of the climate, you’ll must cope with 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 time, with solely a mean of 38mm in August as a complete.

Even throughout 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 throughout the winter months and revel in a extra chilled-out vibe, you would possibly wish 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 Residing in Dubrovnik

As with wherever on the earth, there are each professionals and cons of residing in Dubrovnik.

Execs of Residing in Dubrovnik

• Lots to see and do: There’s a purpose Dubrovnik is so well-liked as a trip spot; there’s loads to see and do. Throughout your time without work, you’ll be spoilt for alternative in the case 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 simple to be productive and get all my work executed.
• It’s simple 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 simple to search out others to community or just socialize with.
• Getting round is simple: Dubrovnik is a really walkable metropolis, and even when it is advisable to go additional than the town middle, the bus community is affordable and dependable.
• Improbable climate throughout the summer time: The summer time months deliver seemingly countless sunshine and splendidly sizzling days. In case you’re into summer time vibes, Dubrovnik gained’t disappoint you.

Cons of Residing in Dubrovnik

• Dubrovnik is dearer than different Croatian cities: Let’s tackle the elephant within the room: Dubrovnik will 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 will be troublesome: As a result of Dubrovnik is a largely summer time vacation spot, you might wrestle to search out lodging if you happen to depart it too late. As such, it is advisable to plan forward.
• Dubrovnik may 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 outlets are closed for the season. You’ll discover a extra genuine vibe, and it’s so much simpler to discover the town partitions, however you might discover leisure barely missing.
• No coworking areas: Dubrovnik doesn’t have any coworking areas but; if you happen to’re extra productive in a coworking setup, you might 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 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. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to depart, watch for six months after which reapply. You’ll want to point out that you’ve sufficient funds to assist you throughout your keep together with an tackle in Croatia—this could be a hostel tackle that you simply 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. Residing in Dubrovnik is an expertise in all the proper 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 enchantment.

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 totally different from wherever else, and with slightly intelligent planning and some suggestions, you’ll be able to maintain money in your pocket and discover far and extensive.