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. 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 must consider just a few further days off. Having spent a good period of time on this stunning place, I’m nicely positioned to advise you on the ins and outs of life in one among Croatia’s most stunning 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 in the course of the summer time months, however I additionally discovered it charming in the course of the winter.
The one potential draw back to the slower (and colder) months is that the majority issues shut; nevertheless if that doesn’t trouble you, it’s best to benefit from the slower tempo of life.
It’s a very historic metropolis, courting again to across the seventh century, and its most well-known spot is the town partitions. For those who’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 stunning surroundings, and exploring the neighboring areas. Certain, it could possibly get busy in the course of the peak summer time months, however there’s a lot to see and do this it’s straightforward 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 grow to be a hotspot for digital nomads, particularly in the course of the summer time months. I loved visiting in the course of the autumn months specifically, as I discovered an important social scene with out the key crowds.
As you may think about, Dubrovnik isn’t the most affordable 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 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, slightly too populated, and I don’t advise you to aim to stroll the town partitions presently. Nonetheless, 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 Secure?
The excellent news is that dwelling in Dubrovnik as a digital nomad is unlikely to pose any important security issues. I by no means felt unsafe or unnerved throughout my time there, and total, Dubrovnik is taken into account a secure place. In fact, 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 danger 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. The truth is, I felt very secure in Croatia total.
The most important problem for me was the crowds across the metropolis wall areas in the course of the peak summer time months, however that’s avoidable in case you discover massive teams of individuals slightly overwhelming.
Finest Areas to Reside in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik isn’t a very sprawling metropolis, however there are some perfect 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 doable, the Outdated 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 fairly 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 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 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 energetic vibe however isn’t fairly as central because the Outdated City, I’d advocate Lapad. This neighborhood is pedestrianized, so that you’re not going to be disturbed by visitors. It’s additionally 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 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 straightforward to get to the Outdated 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 Outdated City by way of bus. I loved the slower tempo and the very fact that there have been fewer crowds. The one draw back is that 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 employees on this neighborhood, and since it’s quieter, I felt much less overwhelmed by noise and crowds.
4. Ploče
For those who’re serious about dwelling in Dubrovnik and wish to be someplace slightly extra luxurious, Ploče is an effective place to contemplate. Right here, you’ll discover some fancy motels and Airbnbs, and whereas the worth is barely increased, the realm presents a classy vibe and is inside strolling distance of the Outdated City.
I discovered Ploče fairly a cushty and welcoming place. Banje Seashore can be close by, so it’s a good selection in case you take pleasure in 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.
The best way to Discover Lodging in Dubrovnik
Discovering lodging in Dubrovnik might be difficult in case you depart it slightly too late to start your search. I like to recommend planning to reach a month or so earlier than the summer time season begins, so you may safe a spot to remain. For those who’re visiting within the winter months, you’ll discover lodging fairly straightforward to 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. You can too search simply exterior of the town middle to maintain prices low. Nonetheless, I’d advocate reserving as far upfront as doable, to keep away from the perfect costs being snapped up.
2. Airbnb: There are lots of long-stay flats obtainable in Dubrovnik for first rate costs. Once more, it’s greatest to ebook 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 standard place for Airbnbs.
3. Fb teams: For those who search on Fb, you’ll discover many teams for Dubrovnik itself, together with digital nomad teams. It is a good option to discover different like-minded individuals who you might be able to share lodging with and maintain prices low. It’s additionally a superb place to seek out further 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 increased than in the remainder of the nation, however that’s possible as a result of it’s such a vacationer place. Total, nevertheless, it’s on par with most massive European cities, and if you understand how to chop prices, you’ll maintain money in your pocket.
Eating places and Groceries
For those who select to eat at eating places focusing on vacationers, you’ll shortly run out of money. For instance, the price of a meal in a reasonable vacationer restaurant within the Outdated City will price you round €30-€40, ($32-$43) relying on what you’ve gotten.
For those who 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 sort of a saving.
For those who 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 top off on contemporary produce and go to the native butcher in your meat. Normally, you should buy per week’s price of groceries for lower than €50/$53.
Lodging Prices
Lodging is most certainly to take the most important chunk of your cash. The price of an residence varies based on how shut or distant you’re from the Outdated City, however on common, you’re taking a look at round €650/$690 monthly. Your utilities, comparable to electrical energy, water, fuel, and web are on prime of that value.
In the course of the summer time, you’ll want not 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 attempt to share lodging in case you can, so you may halve these costs and save as you go. Nonetheless, you might 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 straightforward to get round. I discovered the town fairly walkable, and the middle is all pedestrianized, which makes getting round on foot quite a bit simpler. It is a smart 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 it’s essential, e.g. if it’s essential get residence late at evening; they’re fairly costly and can eat into your finances.
SIM Playing cards and Information
I used Hrvatski Telekom (T-Cell) for my SIM card wants, and it lined my calls and information at affordable prices. It’s very easy to get a SIM card; you merely take your passport right into a retailer within the metropolis middle they usually’ll set you up. A SIM card is reasonably priced, at round €5/$5.30.
Different dependable SIM suppliers embody A1 and Telemach. You can too use an eSIM, with Airalo being the preferred choice.
Whichever choice you select, it’s straightforward 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 among the costliest locations in Dubrovnik, however that doesn’t imply you may’t save slightly cash right here and there. Listed below are my prime tips about methods to do exactly 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 will likely 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 increased from round June to the center of September. For those who can, keep away from these months and also you’ll discover cheaper costs generally. The winter months are additionally good for cash saving, though the town is quite a bit quieter.
- Stroll as a lot as doable: Buses are low-cost and simple to make use of, however in case you stroll as a lot as you may, you’ll discover these Euros sticking round somewhat than disappearing. As I discussed, the middle of Dubrovnik specifically may be very straightforward to stroll round.
- Keep away from taxis: There are occasions once you may want to make use of a taxi but when doable, attempt to keep away from them. Taxis are costly, and except 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 lure: 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 retailers somewhat than vacationer ones close to the large sights.
- Keep exterior of the Outdated City: It’s nice to remain centrally, however lease within the Outdated City is far increased 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 considering coworking spots. Though there are lots of 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 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, comparable to 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 computer-friendly cafes you should utilize as a substitute. When dwelling in Dubrovnik as a digital nomad, I discovered a number of spots to completely swimsuit my wants. Listed below are my suggestions:
- Nishta: I actually preferred 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 area with snug chairs, nice WiFi, and incredible espresso. What extra may you need?
- Buzz Bar: For those who go to this bar/cafe in the course of the day, you’ll discover it to be laidback, reasonably priced, and comfy 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, however it’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 will likely 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 important cafe to sit down and chill for some time.
To present you an concept 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 approach: it’s greatest to do that very early within the morning or exterior of the height season. In July and August, it’s practically not possible to stroll round right here and revel in it as a result of crowds.
Regardless of that, it’s nonetheless my favourite factor to do – ensure you clear loads of area in your digital camera for superb snaps. You may stroll across the partitions in round two hours most and from there, head into the Outdated City to proceed your sightseeing tour. Click on right here to study extra concerning the metropolis partitions tour.
2. Elaphiti Islands
The gorgeous 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 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 gorgeous views in all places you look.
3. Sport of Thrones Strolling Tour
For those who’re a soon-to-be Dubrovnik digital nomad and a GoT fan, you have to go to the filming places across the metropolis. One of the simplest ways to do that is by way of a Sport of Thrones strolling tour, which is able to take you to Fort Lovrijenac, Pile Gate, and Stradun. You’ll additionally go to a reproduction of the well-known Iron Throne at Jesuit Stairs.
Admittedly, I’m not the most important GoT fan however I nonetheless actually loved testing the filming places. Having your 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 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 realm’s magnificence.
I’d advocate happening the cable automotive as early within the day as you may if you wish to keep away from crowds. Generally you need to wait fairly some time in case you go to within the afternoon, particularly in the course of the peak months. When you have 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 Seashore
Sure, the title may make you assume you’re someplace else solely, 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. Total, it’s only a excellent place to take in the solar, get a tan, and customarily benefit from the summer time vibes.
Climate in Dubrovnik
If you’d like the perfect of the climate, you’ll must 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 in the course of the summer time, with solely a median of 38mm in August as an entire.
Even in the course of the spring and fall months, you’ll expertise loads of sunshine, with round 12 hours of sunshine in Could and 10 in September. If you wish to go to in the course of the winter months and revel in a extra chilled-out vibe, you may wish to keep away from November because the wettest month. Regardless of that, the coldest month of January nonetheless presents a comparatively gentle excessive of 12°C/54°F.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
As with wherever on this planet, there are each execs and cons of dwelling in Dubrovnik.
Professionals of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
- A lot to see and do: There’s a purpose Dubrovnik is so standard as a trip spot; there’s loads to see and do. Throughout your time without work, you’ll be spoilt for alternative with regards 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 completed.
- It’s straightforward to fulfill different like-minded folks: Dubrovnik is a well-liked spot for digital nomads and vacationers generally. I met many like-minded folks there; it’s straightforward to seek out others to community or just socialize with.
- Getting round is straightforward: Dubrovnik is a really walkable metropolis, and even when it’s essential go additional than the town middle, the bus community is reasonable and dependable.
- Incredible climate in the course of the summer time: The summer time months deliver seemingly limitless sunshine and splendidly sizzling days. For those who’re into summer time 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 might be expensive. Nonetheless, as I’ve talked about, there are methods to chop prices so that you get the perfect of each worlds.
- Discovering lodging might be tough: As a result of Dubrovnik is a largely summer time vacation spot, you might wrestle to seek out lodging in case you depart it too late. As such, it’s essential plan forward.
- Dubrovnik may be very quiet in the course of the winter months: Whereas it’s doable to spend time in Dubrovnik in the course of the winter, many bars, eating places, cafes, and retailers are closed for the season. You’ll discover a extra genuine vibe, and it’s quite a bit 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 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 doable to dwell and work on this stunning nation for as much as one yr. Working remotely in Dubrovnik is now quite a bit simpler due to this growth. The visa is comparatively straightforward to use for and granted shortly 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. Nonetheless, you may depart, anticipate 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 could be a hostel handle that you simply replace as soon as you discover someplace extra everlasting.
The additional excellent news is which you can 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 correct methods, and also you’ll meet so many different folks throughout your time. In fact, you additionally get to remain someplace that’s dripping in magnificence and historical past, which actually provides to the enchantment.
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 slightly totally different from wherever else, and with slightly intelligent planning and some ideas, you may maintain money in your pocket and discover far and broad.