Point out the phrase Croatia, and Dubrovnik might be the primary metropolis that springs to thoughts. I can’t blame you; that is one in all my favourite cities on the planet. Certain, 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 just’ll in all probability must think about a couple of additional days off. Having spent a good period of time on this lovely place, I’m nicely positioned to advise you on the ins and outs of life in one in all 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 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 almost all issues shut; nonetheless if that doesn’t trouble you, you must benefit from the slower tempo of life.
It’s a very historic metropolis, relationship again to across the seventh century, and its most well-known spot is 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 lovely surroundings, and exploring the neighboring areas. Certain, it might probably 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 a couple of days.
Digital Nomad in Dubrovnik: Private Expertise
Since Croatia launched its digital nomad visa (extra on that later), Dubrovnik has turn into a hotspot for digital nomads, particularly in the course of the summer time months. I loved visiting in the course of the autumn months particularly, as I discovered a fantastic social scene with out the foremost crowds.
As you possibly can think about, Dubrovnik isn’t the most cost effective metropolis due to its touristic label, however there are many methods to chop prices. I loved my time within the metropolis and located it very easy to make new mates and meet different 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 time months, notably July and August, somewhat too populated, and I don’t advise you to aim to stroll town partitions at the moment. Nevertheless, the climate is wonderful, there are some nice seashores close by, and also you’re positive to like the full-on summer time 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 danger of petty theft, I felt very at house in Dubrovnik and infrequently walked round alone with out feeling any want to stay to the busier areas. The truth is, I felt very secure in Croatia general.
The most important difficulty for me was the crowds across the metropolis wall areas in the course of the peak summer time months, however that’s avoidable for those who discover giant teams of individuals somewhat overwhelming.
Finest Areas to Stay in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik isn’t a very sprawling metropolis, however there are some superb 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 doable, the Previous City is for you. I spent a whole lot of my time right here, and though I didn’t search lodging within the space, I discovered it a fairly vibrant and enjoyable spot. The one draw back is that you just’re more likely to spend extra on hire, 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 distant 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 vigorous 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 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 hire 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 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, 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 hire isn’t that low-cost; it’s classed as being fairly high-end.
Nevertheless, if you wish to dwell by the seashore and revel in lazy days in cafes with a view, it is 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
For those who’re interested by residing in Dubrovnik and wish to be someplace somewhat extra luxurious, Ploče is an efficient place to contemplate. Right here, you’ll discover some fancy lodges and Airbnbs, and whereas the worth is barely increased, the realm gives a complicated vibe and is inside strolling distance of the Previous City.
I discovered Ploče fairly a snug and welcoming place. Banje Seaside can be close by, so it’s a sensible choice for those who 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.
The right way to Discover Lodging in Dubrovnik
Discovering lodging in Dubrovnik may be tough for those who go away it somewhat 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 possibly can safe a spot to remain. For those who’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 can even search simply exterior of town middle to maintain prices low. Nevertheless, I’d suggest reserving as far upfront as doable, to keep away from the most effective 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 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 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 technique to discover different like-minded individuals who you might be able to share lodging with and maintain prices low. It’s additionally a great place to search out additional tips about saving cash and issues to see and do.
Value of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
I really feel the price of residing in Dubrovnik is barely increased 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 giant European cities, and if you know the way to chop prices, you’ll maintain money in your pocket.
Eating places and Groceries
For those who 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 reasonable vacationer restaurant within the Previous City will value you round €30-€40, ($32-$43) relying on what you might have.
For those who keep away from these locations and as a substitute 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 cook dinner at house as you’ll discover groceries fairly moderately priced. Head to the recent fruit and vegetable markets to top off on recent produce and go to the native butcher to your meat. Basically, you should purchase every week’s value of groceries for lower than €50/$53.
Lodging Prices
Lodging is most definitely to take the biggest chunk of your cash. The price of an house varies in response to how shut or distant you might be from the Previous City, however on common, you’re taking a look at round €650/$690 per 30 days. Your utilities, resembling electrical energy, water, fuel, and web are on prime of that worth.
Through the summer time, you’ll want no less than a fan, however air-conditioning if in all probability preferable. On common, utilities will value round €350/$370, relying in your utilization.
For these causes, it’s greatest to attempt to share lodging for those who can, so you possibly can halve these costs and save as you go. Nevertheless, chances are you’ll discover that Airbnb works out cheaper if you’ll find someplace that permits long-term stays. Once more, keep away from the Previous City to maintain costs a bit decrease.
Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik
The excellent news is that as a Dubrovnik digital nomad, you’ll discover it straightforward to get round. I discovered town fairly walkable, and the middle is all pedestrianized, which makes getting round on foot lots simpler. It is a wonderful means to save cash.
If you wish to journey exterior 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 it’s worthwhile to, e.g. if it’s worthwhile to get house late at evening; they’re fairly costly and can eat into your finances.
SIM Playing cards and Information
I used Hrvatski Telekom (T-Cellular) 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 and so they’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 even 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 Ideas for Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is likely one of the costliest locations in Dubrovnik, however that doesn’t imply you possibly can’t save somewhat cash right here and there. Listed here are my prime tips about the way to just do that.
- Cook dinner at house: Vacationer restaurant costs are a lot increased than common eating places; for those who cook dinner at house, you’ll not solely lower your expenses however will probably 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 usually. The winter months are additionally good for cash saving, though town is lots quieter.
- Stroll as a lot as doable: Buses are low-cost and straightforward to make use of, however for those who stroll as a lot as you possibly can, you’ll discover these Euros sticking round quite than disappearing. As I discussed, the middle of Dubrovnik particularly may be very straightforward to stroll round.
- Keep away from taxis: There are occasions while you would possibly want to make use of a taxi but when doable, attempt to keep away from them. Taxis are costly, and until it’s late at evening otherwise you’re determined to get someplace rapidly, 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 in addition just remember to do your buying in small, locally-owned outlets quite than vacationer ones close to the large sights.
- Keep exterior of the Previous City: It’s nice to remain centrally, however hire within the Previous 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 in all probability concerned with coworking spots. Though there are lots of 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 just’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, resembling video calls. Based on 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 utilize as a substitute. When residing in Dubrovnik as a digital nomad, I discovered a number of spots to completely go well with 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 house with snug chairs, nice WiFi, and improbable 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 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: For those who’re vegan, that is the place for you. They provide scrumptious plant-based snacks and treats, however it’s additionally a snug place to work from. The workers don’t thoughts you utilizing your laptop computer, and I used to be fairly productive from this spot.
Actions and Issues To Do in Dubrovnik
Whereas residing in Dubrovnik, your days off will probably be packed. For me, the most effective factor about life on this metropolis is that you just’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 provide you an concept of what you possibly can spend your free time on, listed here are my prime picks:
1. Dubrovnik Metropolis Partitions
Fingers down, the primary factor to do in Dubrovnik is to stroll across the metropolis partitions. Nevertheless, there’s a massive 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 almost unimaginable 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 house in your digital camera for wonderful snaps. You’ll be able to stroll across the partitions in round two hours most and from there, head into the Previous City to proceed your sightseeing tour. Click on right here to be taught extra in regards to the metropolis partitions tour.
2. Elaphiti Islands
The 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 seashore. I took an island-hopping boat journey that lasted round eight hours and I used to be so blissed out by the top 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 all over the 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 places across the metropolis. The easiest way 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 largest 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 Automotive
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 possibly can if you wish to keep away from crowds. Generally you need to wait fairly some time for those who go to within the afternoon, particularly in the course of the peak months. If in case you have time, seize a espresso and a few cake from the restaurant on the prime and revel in a full day or a couple of hours at leisure.
5. Copacabana Seaside
Sure, the identify would possibly make you assume you’re some place else solely, however Copacabana Seaside is one in all 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 usually benefit from the summer time vibes.
Climate in Dubrovnik
In order for you the most effective 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 mean excessive temperature of 29°C/85°F, and a mean sea temperature of 24°C/75°F. There’s little likelihood of rain in the course of the summer time, with solely a mean 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 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.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
As with wherever on the planet, there are each execs and cons of residing in Dubrovnik.
Professionals of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
- Lots to see and do: There’s a purpose Dubrovnik is so common as a trip spot; there’s lots to see and do. Throughout your day without work, you’ll be spoilt for selection on the subject 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 straightforward to be productive and get all my work finished.
- It’s straightforward 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 straightforward to search out others to community or just socialize with.
- Getting round is straightforward: Dubrovnik is a really walkable metropolis, and even when it’s worthwhile to go additional than town middle, the bus community is reasonable and dependable.
- Improbable climate in the course of the summer time: The summer time months carry seemingly countless sunshine and splendidly scorching days. For those who’re into summer time vibes, Dubrovnik gained’t disappoint you.
Cons of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik is costlier than different Croatian cities: Let’s handle the elephant within the room: Dubrovnik may be dear. Nevertheless, as I’ve talked about, there are methods to chop prices so that you get the most effective of each worlds.
- Discovering lodging may be tough: As a result of Dubrovnik is a largely summer time vacation spot, chances are you’ll wrestle to search out lodging for those who go away it too late. As such, it’s worthwhile to 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 outlets are closed for the season. You’ll discover a extra genuine vibe, and it’s lots simpler to discover town partitions, however chances are you’ll discover leisure barely missing.
- No coworking areas: Dubrovnik doesn’t have any coworking areas but; for those who’re extra productive in a coworking setup, chances are you’ll be disenchanted. 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 doable to dwell and work on this lovely nation for as much as one 12 months. Working remotely in Dubrovnik is now lots simpler due to this improvement. 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 12 months and can’t be renewed. Nevertheless, you possibly can go away, 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 generally is a hostel handle that you just replace as soon as you discover someplace extra everlasting.
The additional excellent news is that you could 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 suitable 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 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 somewhat totally different from wherever else, and with somewhat intelligent planning and some ideas, you possibly can maintain money in your pocket and discover far and broad.