Point out the phrase Croatia, and Dubrovnik might be the primary metropolis that springs to thoughts. I can’t blame you; that is considered one of my favourite cities on this planet. Certain, 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 simply’ll most likely have to consider just a few 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 considered one of Croatia’s most stunning 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 through the summer season months, however I additionally discovered it charming through the winter.
The one potential draw back to the slower (and colder) months is that almost all 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. 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. Certain, it will possibly get busy through the peak summer season months, however there’s a lot to see and try this it’s simple to flee the crowds for just a few days.
Digital Nomad in Dubrovnik: Private Expertise
Since Croatia launched its digital nomad visa (extra on that later), Dubrovnik has turn into a hotspot for digital nomads, particularly through the summer season months. I loved visiting through the autumn months specifically, as I discovered an excellent social scene with out the foremost crowds.
As you may 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 mates 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 season months, notably July and August, a bit too populated, and I don’t advise you to try to stroll the town partitions at the moment. Nonetheless, 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 Protected?
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 secure 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. In reality, I felt very secure in Croatia total.
The largest situation for me was the crowds across the metropolis wall areas through the peak summer season months, however that’s avoidable for those who discover giant teams of individuals a bit overwhelming.
Greatest Areas to Reside in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik isn’t a very sprawling metropolis, however there are some superb 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 attainable, the Previous City is for you. I spent a whole lot 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 simply’re prone to spend extra on lease, but when you’ll 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 distant from nightlife, eating places, and sights. 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 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 lease is barely decrease as a result of it’s not fairly as central. It’s additionally fairly simple to get to the Previous City by way of bus if you wish to be proper in the course 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, but it surely’s simple 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.
Nonetheless, if you wish to dwell 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 interested by dwelling in Dubrovnik and need to be someplace a bit extra luxurious, Ploče is an efficient place to think about. Right here, you’ll discover some fancy accommodations and Airbnbs, and whereas the value is barely greater, the world gives a classy vibe and is inside strolling distance of the Previous City.
I discovered Ploče fairly a snug and welcoming place. Banje Seaside can also be close by, so it’s a sensible choice for those who 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 good supply of center floor between common life and touristic enjoyable.
Find out how to Discover Lodging in Dubrovnik
Discovering lodging in Dubrovnik could be difficult for those who depart it a 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 may safe a spot to remain. For those who’re visiting within the winter months, you’ll discover lodging fairly simple to seek out.
1. Reserving.com: I used reserving.com to seek out hostels and serviced lodging in Dubrovnik and at all times discovered nice costs. It’s also possible to search simply exterior of the town middle to maintain prices low. Nonetheless, I’d advocate reserving as far upfront as attainable, to keep away from the perfect costs being snapped up.
2. Airbnb: There are various long-stay flats accessible in Dubrovnik for first rate costs. Once more, it’s greatest to e-book forward of time because the summer season season turns into very busy and many individuals have the identical thought—discover someplace to remain! Lapad is a very common place for Airbnbs.
3. Fb teams: For those who search on Fb, you’ll discover many teams for Dubrovnik itself, together with digital nomad teams. This can be 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 additional tips about saving cash and issues to see and do.
Price of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
I really feel the price of dwelling in Dubrovnik is barely greater 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 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’ve.
For those who 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 usually ate in a standard place in Lapad for round €15/$16, which is sort of a saving.
For those who can, it’s greatest to cook dinner at residence as you’ll discover groceries fairly fairly priced. Head to the recent fruit and vegetable markets to replenish on recent produce and go to the native butcher in your meat. Typically, you should buy every week’s value of groceries for lower than €50/$53.
Lodging Prices
Lodging is almost certainly to take the biggest chunk of your cash. The price of an condo varies based on how shut or distant you’re from the Previous City, however on common, you’re taking a look at round €650/$690 monthly. Your utilities, similar to electrical energy, water, fuel, and web are on prime of that value.
In the course of the summer season, you’ll want at the least 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 for those who can, so you may halve these costs and save as you go. Nonetheless, chances are you’ll discover that Airbnb works out cheaper if you’ll 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 simple to get round. I discovered the town fairly walkable, and the middle is all pedestrianized, which makes getting round on foot rather a lot 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 residence late at night time; they’re fairly costly and can eat into your finances.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
I used Hrvatski Telekom (T-Cell) for my SIM card wants, and it lined my calls and information at cheap prices. It’s very easy to get a SIM card; you merely take your passport right into a retailer within the metropolis middle and so they’ll set you up. A SIM card is inexpensive, at round €5/$5.30.
Different dependable SIM suppliers embody A1 and Telemach. It’s also possible to use an eSIM, with Airalo being the preferred possibility.
Whichever possibility you select, it’s simple to prime your telephone up on the finish of the month, both on-line or by visiting a retailer within the metropolis middle.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is likely one of the most costly locations in Dubrovnik, however that doesn’t imply you may’t save a bit cash right here and there. Listed below are my prime tips about methods to just do that.
- Prepare dinner at residence: Vacationer restaurant costs are a lot greater than common eating places; for those who cook dinner at residence, you’ll not solely lower your expenses however shall be extra inclined to eat healthily.
- Keep away from the height summer season months: Dubrovnik is a seasonal place so it is sensible that costs are at all times greater from round June to the center of September. For those who can, keep away from these months and also you’ll discover cheaper costs on the whole. The winter months are additionally good for cash saving, though the town is rather a lot quieter.
- Stroll as a lot as attainable: Buses are low-cost and simple to make use of, however for those who 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 could be very simple to stroll round.
- 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 until it’s late at night time otherwise you’re determined to get someplace rapidly, decide to stroll or use the bus.
- Keep away from the vacationer entice: Vacationer locations are at all times costlier than extra conventional spots. You should definitely keep away from vacationer eating places but in addition just be sure you do your purchasing in small, locally-owned retailers reasonably 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 way greater 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 most likely keen on coworking spots. Though there are numerous 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, similar to video calls. In response to Speedtest, the typical 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 use as an alternative. When dwelling in Dubrovnik as a digital nomad, I discovered a number of spots to completely go well with my wants. Listed below 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 comfortable area with comfy chairs, nice WiFi, and implausible espresso. What extra may you need?
- Buzz Bar: For those who go to this bar/cafe through the day, you’ll discover it to be laidback, inexpensive, and cozy for just a few hours of labor. Nonetheless, it’s greatest 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, but it surely’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 dwelling in Dubrovnik, your days off shall be packed. For me, the perfect factor about life on this metropolis is that you simply’re by no means too distant 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 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 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 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 – be sure you clear loads of area in your digicam for superb 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 in regards to 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 all over the 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 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 duplicate of the well-known Iron Throne at Jesuit Stairs.
Admittedly, I’m not the largest GoT fan however I nonetheless actually loved trying out the filming areas. Having your picture taken on the Iron Throne can also be a must-do and one thing you’ll need to share in your social media accounts for everybody to see.
4. Dubrovnik Cable Automobile
I’m not sometimes 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 occurring the cable automobile as early within the day as you may if you wish to keep away from crowds. Generally it’s a must to wait fairly some time for those who go to within the afternoon, particularly through the peak months. When you’ve got time, seize a espresso and a few cake from the restaurant on the prime and revel in a full day or just a few hours at leisure.
5. Copacabana Seaside
Sure, the title would possibly make you suppose you’re some place else fully, however Copacabana Seaside is considered one of my favourite chill-out spots in Dubrovnik. It’s fairly simple to get to; you merely take the bus to Lapad after which stroll alongside the marked path. It takes not more than quarter-hour by foot.
Right here, you’ll discover a restaurant, sun-loungers and parasols for rent, and there are watersports too. General, it’s only a excellent place to take in the solar, get a tan, and usually benefit from the summer season vibes.
Climate in Dubrovnik
In order for you the perfect of the climate, you’ll have to cope with 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 through the summer season, with solely a median of 38mm in August as an entire.
Even through 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 through the winter months and revel in a extra chilled-out vibe, you would possibly need to keep away from November because the wettest month. Regardless of that, the coldest month of January nonetheless gives a comparatively delicate excessive of 12°C/54°F.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
As with anyplace on this planet, there are each professionals and cons of dwelling in Dubrovnik.
Execs of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
- Lots to see and do: There’s a purpose Dubrovnik is so common as a trip spot; there’s lots to see and do. Throughout your day off, you’ll be spoilt for selection in the case 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 simple to be productive and get all my work executed.
- It’s simple to satisfy different like-minded individuals: Dubrovnik is a well-liked spot for digital nomads and vacationers on the whole. I met many like-minded individuals there; it’s simple to seek out others to community or just socialize with.
- Getting round is simple: Dubrovnik is a really walkable metropolis, and even when it is advisable to go additional than the town middle, the bus community is affordable and dependable.
- Implausible climate through the summer season: The summer season months deliver seemingly infinite sunshine and splendidly sizzling days. For those who’re into summer season vibes, Dubrovnik received’t disappoint you.
Cons of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik is costlier than different Croatian cities: Let’s handle the elephant within the room: Dubrovnik could be dear. Nonetheless, as I’ve talked about, there are methods to chop prices so that you get the perfect of each worlds.
- Discovering lodging could be tough: As a result of Dubrovnik is a largely summer season vacation spot, chances are you’ll wrestle to seek out lodging for those who depart it too late. As such, it is advisable to plan forward.
- Dubrovnik could be very quiet through the winter months: Whereas it’s attainable to spend time in Dubrovnik through 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 the town partitions, however chances are you’ll discover leisure barely missing.
- No coworking areas: Dubrovnik doesn’t have any coworking areas but; for those who’re extra productive in a coworking setup, chances are you’ll 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 attainable to dwell and work on this stunning nation for as much as one 12 months. Working remotely in Dubrovnik is now rather a lot simpler due to this growth. 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 12 months and can’t be renewed. Nonetheless, you may depart, await 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 generally is a hostel handle that you simply replace as soon as you discover someplace extra everlasting.
The additional excellent news is that you may additionally apply to deliver your partner and youngsters with you as a part of the household reunification course of.
In Conclusion
I hope this digital nomad information to Dubrovnik has answered your questions and whet your urge for food. Dwelling in Dubrovnik is an expertise in all the fitting methods, and also you’ll meet so many different individuals throughout your time. 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 cost effective vacation spot in Croatia, it’s a metropolis that provides one thing a bit totally different from anyplace else, and with a bit intelligent planning and some suggestions, you may preserve money in your pocket and discover far and huge.
