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 earth. 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 must think about just a few further 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 certainly 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 definitely 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; nevertheless if that doesn’t trouble you, you need 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 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. Positive, it will probably get busy through the peak summer season months, however there’s a lot to see and do 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 out to be a hotspot for digital nomads, particularly through the summer season months. I loved visiting through the autumn months particularly, as I discovered an excellent social scene with out the key crowds.
As you’ll be able to 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 mates and meet different folks. The web is quick, there are many nice cafes to work from, and general, I had a improbable high quality of life throughout my keep.
I discovered the height summer season months, significantly July and August, somewhat too populated, and I don’t advise you to try to stroll town partitions at the moment. Nonetheless, the climate is wonderful, 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 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 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 danger of petty theft, I felt very at house in Dubrovnik and sometimes walked round alone with out feeling any want to stay to the busier areas. In actual fact, I felt very secure in Croatia general.
The most important situation for me was the crowds across the metropolis wall areas through the peak summer season months, however that’s avoidable when you discover massive teams of individuals somewhat overwhelming.
Greatest Areas to Reside in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik isn’t a very sprawling metropolis, however there are some best areas to base your self as a digital nomad. Listed here are a few of my suggestions:
1. Previous City
If you wish to be as centrally positioned as potential, the Previous City is for you. I spent plenty 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 more likely 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 town and means you’re by no means too far-off from nightlife, eating places, and sights. There are additionally loads of improbable 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 suggest Lapad. This neighborhood is pedestrianized, so that you’re not going to be disturbed by site visitors. It’s additionally house to some fairly cafes, eating places, and a welcoming seaside view.
I appreciated 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 midst of town itself.
3. Babin Kuk
I stayed within the Babin Kuk space for some time and I actually appreciated it there. It’s barely out of town middle, round 6.5km/4 miles, nevertheless it’s simple to get to the Previous 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 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 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 somewhat extra luxurious, Ploče is an effective place to think about. Right here, you’ll discover some fancy lodges and Airbnbs, and whereas the worth is barely greater, the realm gives a classy vibe and is inside strolling distance of the Previous City.
I discovered Ploče fairly a cushty and welcoming place. Banje Seaside can also be close by, so it’s a good selection when you get pleasure from 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.
Discover Lodging in Dubrovnik
Discovering lodging in Dubrovnik might be difficult when you depart it somewhat 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. For those who’re visiting within the winter months, you’ll discover lodging fairly simple to search out.
1. Reserving.com: I used reserving.com to search out hostels and serviced lodging in Dubrovnik and at all times discovered nice costs. You too can search simply outdoors of town middle to maintain prices low. Nonetheless, I’d suggest reserving as far upfront as potential, to keep away from the very best costs being snapped up.
2. Airbnb: There are lots of long-stay residences accessible 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 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. It is a good solution to discover different like-minded individuals who you could possibly share lodging with and preserve prices low. It’s additionally place to search out further tips about saving cash and issues to see and do.
Value 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 possible as a result of it’s such a vacationer place. General, nevertheless, 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
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 Previous City will value you round €30-€40, ($32-$43) relying on what you have got.
For those who keep away from these locations and as an alternative go to small, native eating places away from town middle, you’ll discover decrease costs; I usually ate in a standard place in Lapad for round €15/$16, which is kind of a saving.
For those who can, it’s greatest to prepare dinner at house 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 to your meat. Generally, you should buy per week’s price of groceries for lower than €50/$53.
Lodging Prices
Lodging is most certainly to take the biggest chunk of your cash. The price of an residence varies in keeping with how shut or far-off you might be from the Previous City, however on common, you’re round €650/$690 per thirty days. Your utilities, reminiscent of electrical energy, water, fuel, and web are on high of that worth.
In the course of the summer season, you’ll want a minimum of 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 when you can, so you’ll be able to halve these costs and save as you go. Nonetheless, you might discover that Airbnb works out cheaper if you’ll find someplace that enables long-term stays. Once more, keep away from the Previous City to maintain costs a bit decrease.
Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik
The excellent news is that as a Dubrovnik digital nomad, you’ll discover it simple to get round. I discovered 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 outdoors of 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 suggest solely utilizing taxis or Uber when you want to, e.g. if you want to get house late at night time; they’re fairly costly and can eat into your funds.
SIM Playing cards and Information
I used Hrvatski Telekom (T-Cellular) for my SIM card wants, and it coated 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 they usually’ll set you up. A SIM card is reasonably priced, at round €5/$5.30.
Different dependable SIM suppliers embrace A1 and Telemach. You too can use an eSIM, with Airalo being the most well-liked choice.
Whichever choice you select, it’s simple 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 without doubt one of the most costly locations in Dubrovnik, however that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t save somewhat cash right here and there. Listed here are my high tips about find out how to do exactly that.
- Cook dinner at house: Vacationer restaurant costs are a lot greater than common eating places; when you prepare dinner at house, 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 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 typically. The winter months are additionally good for cash saving, though town is quite a bit quieter.
- Stroll as a lot as potential: Buses are low-cost and simple to make use of, however when you stroll as a lot as you’ll be able to, you’ll discover these Euros sticking round fairly than disappearing. As I discussed, the middle of Dubrovnik particularly could be very simple to stroll round.
- Keep away from taxis: There are occasions whenever you may want to make use of a taxi but when potential, attempt to keep away from them. Taxis are costly, and except it’s late at night time 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 dearer than extra conventional spots. You’ll want to keep away from vacationer eating places but additionally just be sure you do your procuring in small, locally-owned retailers fairly than vacationer ones close to the massive sights.
- Keep outdoors of the Previous City: It’s nice to remain centrally, however lease within the Previous City is far greater than within the suburban areas. For those who can, share your lodging and go halves.
Coworking Areas in Dubrovnik and WiFi Velocity
Being a digital nomad in Dubrovnik, you’re most likely fascinated by coworking spots. Though there are various distant staff right here, 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, reminiscent of video calls. In response to Speedtest, the common 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 an alternative. When dwelling in Dubrovnik as a digital nomad, I discovered a number of spots to completely swimsuit my wants. Listed here are my suggestions:
- Nishta: I actually appreciated 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 improbable 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, 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, nevertheless 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 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 excellent cafe to sit down and chill for some time.
To present you an thought of what you’ll be able to spend your free time on, listed here are my high 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 massive however coming your method: it’s greatest to do that very early within the morning or outdoors 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 – ensure you clear loads of area in your digicam for wonderful 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 be taught extra concerning the metropolis partitions tour.
2. Elaphiti Islands
The attractive Elaphiti Islands are a brief boat journey from Dubrovnik harbor – it’s 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 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 gorgeous views in every single place 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 areas across the metropolis. One of the best 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 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 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 realm’s magnificence.
I’d suggest 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 when you go to within the afternoon, particularly through the peak months. When you have time, seize a espresso and a few cake from the restaurant on the high and revel in a full day or just a few hours at leisure.
5. Copacabana Seaside
Sure, the title may make you assume you’re someplace else fully, 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. General, it’s only a great 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 probability of rain through the summer season, with solely a median of 38mm in August as a complete.
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 may need 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.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
As with anyplace on the earth, there are each professionals and cons of dwelling in Dubrovnik.
Professionals of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
- A lot to see and do: There’s a cause Dubrovnik is so common as a trip spot; there’s lots to see and do. Throughout your day off, you’ll be spoilt for alternative in the case of historic locations to go to and areas of pure magnificence.
- Dependable, high-quality web: I by no means had a problem with the Web in Dubrovnik, and I discovered it very simple to be productive and get all my work achieved.
- It’s simple to satisfy different like-minded folks: Dubrovnik is a well-liked spot for digital nomads and vacationers typically. 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 you want to go additional than town middle, the bus community is affordable and dependable.
- Improbable climate through the summer season: The summer season months deliver seemingly countless sunshine and splendidly sizzling days. For those who’re into summer season vibes, Dubrovnik gained’t disappoint you.
Cons of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik is dearer than different Croatian cities: Let’s deal with 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 very best of each worlds.
- Discovering lodging might be tough: As a result of Dubrovnik is a principally summer season vacation spot, you might battle to search out lodging when you depart it too late. As such, you want to plan forward.
- Dubrovnik could 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 quite a bit simpler to discover town partitions, however you might discover leisure barely missing.
- No coworking areas: Dubrovnik doesn’t have any coworking areas but; when 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 potential to stay and work on this stunning nation for as much as one 12 months. Working remotely in Dubrovnik is now quite a bit simpler due to 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 lets you keep for as much as a 12 months and can’t be renewed. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to depart, look forward to six months after which reapply. You’ll want to indicate that you’ve got sufficient funds to assist you throughout your keep together with an deal with in Croatia—this is usually a hostel deal with that you simply replace as soon as you discover someplace extra everlasting.
The additional excellent news is 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 proper 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 definitely 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 somewhat totally different from anyplace else, and with somewhat intelligent planning and some ideas, you’ll be able to preserve money in your pocket and discover far and vast.
