Point out the phrase Croatia, and Dubrovnik might be the primary metropolis that springs to thoughts. I can’t blame you; that is one among my favourite cities on this planet. Positive, 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 think about a couple of further days off. Having spent a good period of time on this lovely place, I’m effectively positioned to advise you on the ins and outs of life in one among Croatia’s most lovely cities.
SEE ALSO: 10 Causes Why Croatia is a Digital Nomad’s Dream Vacation spot
About Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is positioned within the southern Dalmatia area, lapped by the glittering waters of the Adriatic. It’s definitely Croatia’s most well-known and busiest metropolis throughout the summer season months, however I additionally discovered it charming throughout 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, relationship again to across the seventh century, and its most well-known spot is the town partitions. If you happen to’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. Positive, it will possibly get busy throughout 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 develop into a hotspot for digital nomads, particularly throughout the summer season months. I loved visiting throughout the autumn months specifically, as I discovered an amazing social scene with out the foremost crowds.
As you’ll be able to 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 buddies and meet different individuals. The web is quick, there are many nice cafes to work from, and general, I had a unbelievable high quality of life throughout my keep.
I discovered the height summer season months, significantly July and August, just a little too populated, and I don’t advise you to aim to stroll the town partitions right now. Nevertheless, the climate is superb, there are some nice seashores close by, and also you’re certain to like the full-on summer season vibe.
Is Dubrovnik Secure?
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 keep in mind 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 sometimes walked round alone with out feeling any want to stay to the busier areas. Actually, I felt very secure in Croatia general.
The largest situation for me was the crowds across the metropolis wall areas throughout the peak summer season months, however that’s avoidable in case you discover giant teams of individuals just a little overwhelming.
Finest Areas to Dwell in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik isn’t a very sprawling metropolis, however there are some ultimate 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 potential, the Previous City is for you. I spent quite a 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 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 unbelievable cafes to work from on this neighborhood.
2. Lapad
If you wish to keep someplace that also has a full of life 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 preferred Lapad as I discovered it to be a bit extra chilled out in comparison with the Previous City. There are many cafes to work from on this space, and lease is barely decrease as a result of it’s not fairly as central. It’s additionally fairly straightforward to get to the Previous City by way of bus if you wish to be proper in the course of the town itself.
3. Babin Kuk
I stayed within the Babin Kuk space for some time and I actually preferred it there. It’s barely out of the town middle, round 6.5km/4 miles, however it’s straightforward to get to the Previous City by way of bus. I loved the slower tempo and the actual fact that there have been fewer crowds. The one draw back is that lease isn’t that low-cost; it’s classed as being fairly high-end.
Nevertheless, if you wish to stay 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
If you happen to’re eager about residing in Dubrovnik and need to be someplace just a little extra luxurious, Ploče is an effective place to contemplate. Right here, you’ll discover some fancy resorts and Airbnbs, and whereas the value is barely increased, the realm affords a complicated vibe and is inside strolling distance of the Previous City.
I discovered Ploče fairly a cushty and welcoming place. Banje Seashore can also be close by, so it’s a sensible choice in case you 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.
Tips on how to Discover Lodging in Dubrovnik
Discovering lodging in Dubrovnik will be tough in case you go away it just a little 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. If you happen to’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 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 potential, to keep away from the very best costs being snapped up.
2. Airbnb: There are numerous long-stay residences out there in Dubrovnik for first rate costs. Once more, it’s greatest to guide forward of time because the summer season 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: If you happen to 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 further recommendations on saving cash and issues to see and do.
Value of Residing in Dubrovnik
I really feel the price of residing in Dubrovnik is barely increased 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 preserve money in your pocket.
Eating places and Groceries
If you happen to 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’ve got.
If you happen to keep away from these locations and as a substitute 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.
If you happen to can, it’s greatest to prepare dinner at residence as you’ll discover groceries fairly moderately priced. Head to the contemporary fruit and vegetable markets to refill on contemporary produce and go to the native butcher in your meat. On the whole, you should purchase per week’s price of groceries for lower than €50/$53.
Lodging Prices
Lodging is most definitely 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 per thirty days. Your utilities, similar to electrical energy, water, gasoline, and web are on high of that value.
Throughout the summer season, you’ll want at the very 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 try to share lodging in case you 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 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 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 you might want to, e.g. if you might want to get residence late at night time; they’re fairly costly and can eat into your funds.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
I used Hrvatski Telekom (T-Cellular) for my SIM card wants, and it 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 inexpensive, at round €5/$5.30.
Different dependable SIM suppliers embrace A1 and Telemach. You too can use an eSIM, with Airalo being the preferred possibility.
Whichever possibility you select, it’s straightforward to high 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 among the costliest locations in Dubrovnik, however that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t save just a little cash right here and there. Listed below are my high recommendations on how you can just do that.
- Prepare dinner at residence: Vacationer restaurant costs are a lot increased than common eating places; in case you prepare dinner at residence, 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 smart that costs are at all times increased from round June to the center of September. If you happen to can, keep away from these months and also you’ll discover cheaper costs typically. The winter months are additionally good for cash saving, though the town is lots quieter.
- Stroll as a lot as potential: Buses are low-cost and straightforward to make use of, however in case you stroll as a lot as you’ll be able to, you’ll discover these Euros sticking round slightly than disappearing. As I discussed, the middle of Dubrovnik specifically could 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 potential, try to keep away from them. Taxis are costly, and except 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 remember to do your purchasing in small, locally-owned outlets slightly than vacationer ones close to the massive sights.
- Keep exterior of the Previous City: It’s nice to remain centrally, however lease within the Previous City is far increased than within the suburban areas. If you happen to can, share your lodging and go halves.
Coworking Areas in Dubrovnik and WiFi Pace
Being a digital nomad in Dubrovnik, you’re most likely interested by coworking spots. Though there are various 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 simply’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, similar to video calls. In response to 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 residing in Dubrovnik as a digital nomad, I discovered a number of spots to completely swimsuit my wants. Listed below are my suggestions:
- Nishta: I actually preferred 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 snug chairs, nice WiFi, and unbelievable espresso. What extra may you need?
- Buzz Bar: If you happen to go to this bar/cafe throughout the day, you’ll discover it to be laidback, inexpensive, and cozy for a couple of hours of labor. Nevertheless, it’s greatest to depart earlier than 6 pm because it will get fairly busy and loud.
- City & Veggie: If you happen to’re vegan, that is the place for you. They provide scrumptious plant-based snacks and treats, however it’s additionally a cushty place to work from. The workers don’t thoughts you utilizing your laptop computer, and I used to be fairly productive from this spot.
Actions and Issues To Do in Dubrovnik
Whereas residing in Dubrovnik, your days off might be packed. For me, the very 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 amazing cafe to take a seat and chill for some time.
To provide you an concept of what you’ll be able to spend your free time on, listed here 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 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 unattainable 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 – be sure you clear loads of area in your digicam for superb snaps. You possibly can 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 study 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 seashore. I took an island-hopping boat journey that lasted round eight hours and I used to be so blissed out by the tip of it; I can’t advocate it sufficient.
Taking a guided tour means you’ll get to see a number of islands, and Šipan was my favourite. There are additionally ruins of church buildings to discover, vineyards, and beautiful views in all places you look.
3. Sport of Thrones Strolling Tour
If you happen to’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 Sport 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 largest GoT fan however I nonetheless actually loved testing the filming areas. Having your photograph taken on the Iron Throne can also be a must-do and one thing you’ll need to share in your social media accounts for everybody to see.
4. Dubrovnik Cable Automobile
I’m not usually one for heights, however I braved the Dubrovnik cable 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 realm’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 must wait fairly some time in case you go to within the afternoon, particularly throughout 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 Seashore
Sure, the title may make you assume you’re some other place totally, however Copacabana Seashore is one among 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 good spot to absorb the solar, get a tan, and usually benefit from the summer season vibes.
Climate in Dubrovnik
If you would like the very 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 median excessive temperature of 29°C/85°F, and a median sea temperature of 24°C/75°F. There’s little likelihood of rain throughout the summer season, with solely a median of 38mm in August as an entire.
Even throughout the spring and fall months, you’ll expertise loads of sunshine, with round 12 hours of sunshine in Might and 10 in September. If you wish to go to throughout the winter months and revel in a extra chilled-out vibe, you may need to keep away from November because the wettest month. Regardless of that, the coldest month of January nonetheless affords a comparatively gentle excessive of 12°C/54°F.
Execs and Cons of Residing in Dubrovnik
As with anyplace on this planet, there are each execs and cons of residing in Dubrovnik.
Execs of Residing in Dubrovnik
- Loads to see and do: There’s a motive Dubrovnik is so well-liked as a trip spot; there’s loads to see and do. Throughout your break day, you’ll be spoilt for alternative in relation 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 individuals: Dubrovnik is a well-liked spot for digital nomads and vacationers typically. I met many like-minded individuals 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 you might want to go additional than the town middle, the bus community is reasonable and dependable.
- Unbelievable climate throughout the summer season: The summer season months convey seemingly infinite sunshine and splendidly sizzling days. If you happen to’re into summer season vibes, Dubrovnik gained’t disappoint you.
Cons of Residing in Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik is costlier than different Croatian cities: Let’s handle 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 the very best of each worlds.
- Discovering lodging will be tough: As a result of Dubrovnik is a principally summer season vacation spot, you might wrestle to search out lodging in case you go away it too late. As such, you might want to plan forward.
- Dubrovnik could be very quiet throughout the winter months: Whereas it’s potential 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 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; in case you’re extra productive in a coworking setup, you might be disillusioned. 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 potential to stay and work on this lovely nation for as much as one yr. Working remotely in Dubrovnik is now lots simpler because of this growth. The visa is comparatively straightforward to use for and granted rapidly so long as you present all the required paperwork.
If granted, the visa lets you keep for as much as a yr and can’t be renewed. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to go away, look ahead to six months after which reapply. You’ll want to indicate 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 which you could additionally apply to convey your partner and kids 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 suitable methods, and also you’ll meet so many different individuals throughout your time. After all, you additionally get to remain someplace that’s dripping in magnificence and historical past, which definitely 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 just a little completely different from anyplace else, and with just a little intelligent planning and some suggestions, you’ll be able to preserve money in your pocket and discover far and large.
