Point out the phrase Croatia, and Dubrovnik might be the primary metropolis that springs to thoughts. I can’t blame you; that is certainly one of 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 simply’ll most likely have to think about a couple of additional days off. Having spent a good period of time on this lovely place, I’m properly positioned to advise you on the ins and outs of life in certainly one of Croatia’s most lovely cities.
SEE ALSO: 10 Causes Why Croatia is a Digital Nomad’s Dream Vacation spot
About Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is situated within the southern Dalmatia area, lapped by the glittering waters of the Adriatic. It’s actually Croatia’s most well-known and busiest metropolis through the summer time months, however I additionally discovered it charming through the winter.
The one potential draw back to the slower (and colder) months is that the majority 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 the town partitions. In case you’re a Recreation of Thrones fan, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are a number of filming websites to find across the metropolis.
For me, life in Dubrovnik is about consuming good meals, socializing, taking within the lovely surroundings, and exploring the neighboring areas. Positive, it may possibly get busy through the peak summer time months, however there’s a lot to see and try 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 through the summer time months. I loved visiting through the autumn months particularly, as I discovered a fantastic social scene with out the key crowds.
As you may think about, Dubrovnik isn’t the most affordable 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 pals and meet different folks. The web is quick, there are many nice cafes to work from, and total, I had a incredible high quality of life throughout my keep.
I discovered the height summer time months, notably July and August, a bit of 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 time vibe.
Is Dubrovnik Protected?
The excellent news is that dwelling 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 total, 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 danger of petty theft, I felt very at residence in Dubrovnik and sometimes walked round by myself with out feeling any want to stay to the busier areas. In actual fact, I felt very secure in Croatia total.
The largest subject for me was the crowds across the metropolis wall areas through the peak summer time months, however that’s avoidable if you happen to discover massive teams of individuals a bit of overwhelming.
Greatest 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 below are a few of my suggestions:
1. Outdated City
If you wish to be as centrally situated as potential, the Outdated City is for you. I spent loads of my time right here, and though I didn’t search lodging within the space, I discovered it a reasonably vibrant and enjoyable spot. The one draw back is that you simply’re more likely 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 Outdated 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 points of interest. 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 full of life vibe however isn’t fairly as central because the Outdated City, I’d suggest 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 Outdated 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 Outdated City through 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 heart, round 6.5km/4 miles, but it surely’s simple to get to the Outdated City through 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 luxuriate in lazy days in cafes with a view, this can be 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 desirous about dwelling in Dubrovnik and wish to be someplace a bit of extra luxurious, Ploče is an efficient place to think about. Right here, you’ll discover some fancy resorts and Airbnbs, and whereas the worth is barely larger, the world gives a complicated vibe and is inside strolling distance of the Outdated City.
I discovered Ploče fairly a cushty and welcoming place. Banje Seaside can be close by, so it’s a good selection 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 superb supply of center floor between common life and touristic enjoyable.
The right way to Discover Lodging in Dubrovnik
Discovering lodging in Dubrovnik will be tough if you happen to go away it a bit of 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 may 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. It’s also possible to search simply outdoors of the town heart to maintain prices low. Nevertheless, I’d suggest 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 accessible in Dubrovnik for respectable 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 thought—discover someplace to remain! Lapad is a very common place for Airbnbs.
3. Fb teams: In case you search on Fb, you’ll discover many teams for Dubrovnik itself, together with digital nomad teams. It is a good technique to discover different like-minded individuals who you might be able to share lodging with and preserve prices low. It’s additionally an excellent place to search out additional recommendations on 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. Total, nonetheless, it’s on par with most massive European cities, and if you know the way to chop prices, you’ll preserve money in your pocket.
Eating places and Groceries
In case you select to eat at eating places concentrating on vacationers, you’ll shortly run out of money. For instance, the price of a meal in a reasonable vacationer restaurant within the Outdated City will price you round €30-€40, ($32-$43) relying on what you’ve gotten.
In case you keep away from these locations and as a substitute go to small, native eating places away from the town heart, you’ll discover decrease costs; I usually ate in a standard place in Lapad for round €15/$16, which is sort of a saving.
In case you 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 fill up on recent produce and go to the native butcher on your meat. Usually, you should purchase 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 residence varies in line with how shut or distant you’re from the Outdated City, however on common, you’re round €650/$690 per 30 days. Your utilities, similar to electrical energy, water, gasoline, and web are on high 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 price round €350/$370, relying in your utilization.
For these causes, it’s greatest to try to share lodging if you happen to can, so you may halve these costs and save as you go. Nevertheless, you could discover that Airbnb works out cheaper if you could find someplace that permits 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 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. It is a good way to economize.
If you wish to journey outdoors of the town heart, the bus community is dependable and comparatively low cost. A one-way ticket prices round €2/$2.10, and I discovered buses very easy to make use of. I’d suggest solely utilizing taxis or Uber when it’s good to, e.g. if it’s good to get residence late at evening; they’re fairly costly and can eat into your price range.
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 heart 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 most well-liked possibility.
Whichever possibility you select, it’s simple to high your telephone up on the finish of the month, both on-line or by visiting a retailer within the metropolis heart.
Cash Saving Ideas for Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is among the costliest locations in Dubrovnik, however that doesn’t imply you may’t save a bit of cash right here and there. Listed below are my high recommendations on learn how to just do that.
- Cook dinner at residence: Vacationer restaurant costs are a lot larger than common eating places; if you happen to cook dinner at residence, you’ll not solely get monetary savings however can be extra inclined to eat healthily.
- Keep away from the height summer time months: Dubrovnik is a seasonal place so it is sensible that costs are at all times larger from round June to the center of September. In case you can, keep away from these months and also you’ll discover cheaper costs usually. The winter months are additionally good for cash saving, though the town is rather a lot quieter.
- Stroll as a lot as potential: Buses are low cost and simple to make use of, however if you happen to stroll as a lot as you may, you’ll discover these Euros sticking round relatively than disappearing. As I discussed, the middle of Dubrovnik particularly may be very simple to stroll round.
- Keep away from taxis: There are occasions while you would possibly want to make use of a taxi but when potential, try to keep away from them. Taxis are costly, and until it’s late at evening otherwise you’re determined to get someplace shortly, choose to stroll or use the bus.
- Keep away from the vacationer entice: Vacationer locations are at all times costlier than extra conventional spots. Make sure you keep away from vacationer eating places but additionally just be sure you do your purchasing in small, locally-owned retailers relatively than vacationer ones close to the large sights.
- Keep outdoors of the Outdated City: It’s nice to remain centrally, however lease within the Outdated City is far larger than within the suburban areas. In case you can, share your lodging and go halves.
Coworking Areas in Dubrovnik and WiFi Velocity
Being a digital nomad in Dubrovnik, you’re most likely taken with 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 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 keeping with 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 need to use as a substitute. 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 Outdated City, however as a result of it’s a comfy house with snug chairs, nice WiFi, and incredible espresso. What extra may you need?
- Buzz Bar: In case you go to this bar/cafe through the day, you’ll discover it to be laidback, inexpensive, 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.
- City & Veggie: In case you’re vegan, that is the place for you. They provide scrumptious plant-based snacks and treats, but it surely’s additionally a cushty place to work from. The employees don’t thoughts you utilizing your laptop computer, and I used to be fairly productive from this spot.
Actions and Issues To Do in Dubrovnik
Whereas dwelling in Dubrovnik, your days off can be packed. For me, the very best factor about life on this metropolis is that you simply’re by no means too distant from a sight, a seashore, or just a fantastic cafe to sit down and chill for some time.
To present you an thought of what you may spend your free time on, listed below are my high 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 massive however coming your means: it’s greatest to do that very early within the morning or outdoors of the height season. In July and August, it’s practically unattainable to stroll round right here and luxuriate in it because of the crowds.
Regardless of that, it’s nonetheless my favourite factor to do – be sure you clear loads of house in your digital camera for superb snaps. You possibly can 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 be taught extra in regards to the metropolis partitions tour.
2. Elaphiti Islands
The gorgeous Elaphiti Islands are a brief boat journey from Dubrovnik harbor – it’s a good way to flee the hustle and bustle and luxuriate 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 suggest 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
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 best ways to do that is through a Recreation of Thrones strolling tour, which is able to take you to Fort Lovrijenac, Pile Gate, and Stradun. You’ll additionally go to a duplicate of the well-known Iron Throne at Jesuit Stairs.
Admittedly, I’m not the most important GoT fan however I nonetheless actually loved trying out the filming places. Having your picture taken on the Iron Throne can be a must-do and one thing you’ll wish to share in your social media accounts for everybody to see.
4. Dubrovnik Cable Automotive
I’m not usually one for heights, however I braved the Dubrovnik cable automobile, and I’m so glad I did. The views from the highest are merely spectacular and actually gave me a brand new appreciation of the world’s magnificence.
I’d suggest happening the cable automobile as early within the day as you may if you wish to keep away from crowds. Generally you must wait fairly some time if you happen to 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 high and luxuriate in a full day or a couple of hours at leisure.
5. Copacabana Seaside
Sure, the identify would possibly make you suppose you’re some place else totally, however Copacabana Seaside is certainly 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. Total, it’s only a excellent spot to absorb the solar, get a tan, and customarily benefit from the summer time vibes.
Climate in Dubrovnik
If you’d like the very best 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 median excessive temperature of 29°C/85°F, and a median sea temperature of 24°C/75°F. There’s little probability of rain through the summer time, 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 luxuriate 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 gives a comparatively gentle excessive of 12°C/54°F.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
As with anyplace on the planet, there are each professionals and cons of dwelling in Dubrovnik.
Execs of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
- Loads to see and do: There’s a motive Dubrovnik is so common as a trip spot; there’s lots to see and do. Throughout your break day, you’ll be spoilt for alternative 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 simple to be productive and get all my work performed.
- It’s simple 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 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’s good to go additional than the town heart, the bus community is reasonable and dependable.
- Improbable climate through the summer time: The summer time months carry seemingly infinite sunshine and splendidly sizzling days. In case you’re into summer time vibes, Dubrovnik gained’t disappoint you.
Cons of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik is costlier than different Croatian cities: Let’s tackle the elephant within the room: Dubrovnik will be dear. 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 troublesome: As a result of Dubrovnik is a principally summer time vacation spot, you could wrestle to search out lodging if you happen to go away it too late. As such, it’s good to plan forward.
- Dubrovnik may be very quiet through the winter months: Whereas it’s potential 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 you could 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 could 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 potential to stay and work on this lovely nation for as much as one 12 months. Working remotely in Dubrovnik is now rather a lot simpler because of this growth. The visa is comparatively simple to use for and granted shortly so long as you present all the required paperwork.
If granted, the visa permits you to keep for as much as a 12 months and can’t be renewed. Nevertheless, you may go away, anticipate six months after which reapply. You’ll want to indicate that you’ve sufficient funds to assist you throughout your keep together with an tackle in Croatia—this is usually a hostel tackle that you simply replace as soon as you discover someplace extra everlasting.
The additional excellent news is that you would be able to additionally apply to carry 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. Dwelling in Dubrovnik is an expertise in all the best methods, and also you’ll meet so many different folks throughout your time. After all, you additionally get to remain someplace that’s dripping in magnificence and historical past, which actually provides to the attraction.
I loved my time in Dubrovnik a lot that I hope to return. Whereas it’s not the most affordable vacation spot in Croatia, it’s a metropolis that provides one thing a bit of totally different from anyplace else, and with a bit of intelligent planning and some suggestions, you may preserve money in your pocket and discover far and vast.
