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 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 just’ll most likely have to consider just a few 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 one among Croatia’s most lovely cities.
About Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is situated within the southern Dalmatia area, lapped by the glittering waters of the Adriatic. It’s definitely Croatia’s most well-known and busiest metropolis throughout the summer time months, however I additionally discovered it charming throughout the winter.
The one potential draw back to the slower (and colder) months is that almost all issues shut; nevertheless if that doesn’t trouble you, it is best to benefit from the slower tempo of life.
It’s a very historic metropolis, relationship again to across the seventh century, and its most well-known spot is town partitions. If you happen to’re a Sport of Thrones fan, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are a number of filming websites to find across the metropolis.
For me, life in Dubrovnik is about consuming good meals, socializing, taking within the lovely surroundings, and exploring the neighboring areas. Positive, it may get busy throughout 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 develop into a hotspot for digital nomads, particularly throughout the summer time months. I loved visiting throughout the autumn months particularly, as I discovered an excellent 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 buddies and meet different individuals. The web is quick, there are many nice cafes to work from, and general, I had a implausible high quality of life throughout my keep.
I discovered the height summer time months, significantly July and August, somewhat too populated, and I don’t advise you to try to stroll town partitions at the moment. Nevertheless, the climate is wonderful, 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 vital security issues. I by no means felt unsafe or unnerved throughout my time there, and general, Dubrovnik is taken into account a protected place. After all, it’s a big metropolis so at all times use your widespread sense and keep in mind that in busy areas, there’s at all times an opportunity of pickpockets.
Regardless of the small threat of petty theft, I felt very at house in Dubrovnik and infrequently walked round by myself with out feeling any want to stay to the busier areas. In reality, I felt very protected in Croatia general.
The largest concern for me was the crowds across the metropolis wall areas throughout the peak summer time months, however that’s avoidable when you discover giant teams of individuals somewhat overwhelming.
Greatest Areas to Dwell in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik isn’t a very sprawling metropolis, however there are some very best areas to base your self as a digital nomad. Listed here 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 numerous 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 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 town and means you’re by no means too far-off from nightlife, eating places, and points of interest. There are additionally loads of implausible 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 Outdated 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 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 hire is barely decrease as a result of it’s not fairly as central. It’s additionally fairly straightforward to get to the Outdated City through 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 preferred it there. It’s barely out of town middle, round 6.5km/4 miles, however it’s straightforward to get to the Outdated City through bus. I loved the slower tempo and the very 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 stay by the seashore and luxuriate in lazy days in cafes with a view, it is 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
If you happen to’re interested by dwelling in Dubrovnik and wish to be someplace somewhat extra luxurious, Ploče is an efficient place to think about. Right here, you’ll discover some fancy lodges and Airbnbs, and whereas the value is barely greater, the world gives a classy vibe and is inside strolling distance of the Outdated City.
I discovered Ploče fairly a snug and welcoming place. Banje Seashore can be close by, so it’s a sensible choice 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.
Find out how to Discover Lodging in Dubrovnik
Discovering lodging in Dubrovnik may 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 time season begins, so you may safe a spot to remain. If you happen to’re visiting within the winter months, you’ll discover lodging fairly straightforward to search out.
1. Reserving.com: I used reserving.com to search out hostels and serviced lodging in Dubrovnik and at all times discovered nice costs. You can too search simply exterior of town middle to maintain prices low. Nevertheless, I’d suggest reserving as far prematurely as potential, to keep away from the most effective costs being snapped up.
2. Airbnb: There are a lot of long-stay residences obtainable in Dubrovnik for respectable costs. Once more, it’s finest 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: If you happen to search on Fb, you’ll discover many teams for Dubrovnik itself, together with digital nomad teams. It is a good approach to discover different like-minded individuals who you might be able to share lodging with and hold prices low. It’s additionally place to search out additional tips about saving cash and issues to see and do.
Price of Residing in Dubrovnik
I really feel the price of dwelling in Dubrovnik is barely greater than in the remainder of the nation, however that’s doubtless as a result of it’s such a vacationer place. General, nevertheless, it’s on par with most giant European cities, and if you understand how to chop prices, you’ll hold money in your pocket.
Eating places and Groceries
If you happen to 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 average vacationer restaurant within the Outdated City will value you round €30-€40, ($32-$43) relying on what you might have.
If you happen to 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 conventional place in Lapad for round €15/$16, which is sort of a saving.
If you happen to can, it’s finest to cook dinner at house as you’ll discover groceries fairly moderately priced. Head to the contemporary fruit and vegetable markets to replenish on contemporary produce and go to the native butcher to your meat. Generally, you should purchase per week’s value of groceries for lower than €50/$53.
Lodging Prices
Lodging is almost certainly to take the most important chunk of your cash. The price of an condo varies in keeping with how shut or far-off you might be from the Outdated City, however on common, you’re round €650/$690 per 30 days. Your utilities, similar to electrical energy, water, fuel, and web are on high of that value.
Throughout the summer time, 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 finest to try to share lodging when you can, so you may halve these costs and save as you go. Nevertheless, chances are you’ll 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 town fairly walkable, and the middle is all pedestrianized, which makes getting round on foot so much simpler. It is a wonderful means to economize.
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 you’ll want to, e.g. if you’ll want to get house late at night time; 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 coated my calls and knowledge 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 inexpensive, at round €5/$5.30.
Different dependable SIM suppliers embrace A1 and Telemach. You can too use an eSIM, with Airalo being the most well-liked choice.
Whichever choice you select, it’s straightforward to high your cellphone up on the finish of the month, both on-line or by visiting a retailer within the metropolis middle.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is likely one of the costliest locations in Dubrovnik, however that doesn’t imply you may’t save somewhat cash right here and there. Listed here are my high tips about how one can do exactly that.
- Prepare dinner at house: Vacationer restaurant costs are a lot greater than common eating places; when you cook dinner at house, you’ll not solely lower your expenses however might 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 greater from round June to the center of September. If you happen to can, keep away from these months and also you’ll discover cheaper costs basically. The winter months are additionally good for cash saving, though town is so much 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 may, you’ll discover these Euros sticking round reasonably than disappearing. As I discussed, the middle of Dubrovnik particularly could 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 potential, try to keep away from them. Taxis are costly, and except it’s late at night time otherwise you’re determined to get someplace 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 additionally just be sure you do your purchasing in small, locally-owned retailers reasonably than vacationer ones close to the large sights.
- Keep exterior of the Outdated City: It’s nice to remain centrally, however hire within the Outdated City is far greater than within the suburban areas. If you happen to can, share your lodging and go halves.
Coworking Areas in Dubrovnik and WiFi Pace
Being a digital nomad in Dubrovnik, you’re most likely focused on coworking spots. Though there are numerous 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, similar to video calls. In response to 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-friendly cafes you should use as a substitute. 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 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 comfortable house with comfy chairs, nice WiFi, and implausible espresso. What extra may you need?
- Buzz Bar: If you happen to go to this bar/cafe throughout the day, you’ll discover it to be laidback, inexpensive, and cozy for just a few hours of labor. Nevertheless, it’s finest to depart earlier than 6 pm because it will get fairly busy and loud.
- City & Veggie: If you happen to’re vegan, that is the place for you. They provide scrumptious plant-based snacks and treats, however it’s additionally a snug 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 most effective factor about life on this metropolis is that you just’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 offer you an concept of what you may spend your free time on, listed below are my high picks:
1. Dubrovnik Metropolis Partitions
Palms down, the primary factor to do in Dubrovnik is to stroll across the metropolis partitions. Nevertheless, there’s a large however coming your manner: it’s finest to do that very early within the morning or exterior of the height season. In July and August, it’s almost unattainable to stroll round right here and luxuriate 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 digicam for wonderful 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 study 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 all places you look.
3. Sport of Thrones Strolling Tour
If you happen to’re a soon-to-be Dubrovnik digital nomad and a GoT fan, you have to go to the filming areas across the metropolis. One of the simplest ways to do that is through 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 trying out the filming areas. Having your photograph 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 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 world’s magnificence.
I’d suggest occurring the cable automotive as early within the day as you may if you wish to keep away from crowds. Generally it’s a must to wait fairly some time when you go to within the afternoon, particularly throughout the peak months. In case you have time, seize a espresso and a few cake from the restaurant on the high and luxuriate in a full day or just a few hours at leisure.
5. Copacabana Seashore
Sure, the identify would possibly make you suppose you’re elsewhere 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. General, it’s only a great spot to take in the solar, get a tan, and usually benefit from the summer time vibes.
Climate in Dubrovnik
If you would like the most effective of the climate, you’ll have to take care of the crowds and go to Dubrovnik between June and the center of September. The most well liked month is July, with a median excessive temperature of 29°C/85°F, and a median sea temperature of 24°C/75°F. There’s little likelihood of rain throughout the summer time, with solely a median of 38mm in August as an entire.
Even throughout the spring and fall months, you’ll expertise loads of sunshine, with round 12 hours of sunshine in Could and 10 in September. If you wish to go to throughout 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.
Professionals and Cons of Residing in Dubrovnik
As with wherever on the earth, there are each execs and cons of dwelling in Dubrovnik.
Professionals of Residing in Dubrovnik
- A lot to see and do: There’s a cause Dubrovnik is so standard as a trip spot; there’s loads to see and do. Throughout your day off, 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 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 individuals: Dubrovnik is a well-liked spot for digital nomads and vacationers basically. I met many like-minded individuals there; it’s straightforward to search out others to community or just socialize with.
- Getting round is simple: Dubrovnik is a really walkable metropolis, and even when you’ll want to go additional than town middle, the bus community is affordable and dependable.
- Unbelievable climate throughout the summer time: The summer time months carry seemingly infinite sunshine and splendidly scorching days. If you happen to’re into summer time vibes, Dubrovnik received’t disappoint you.
Cons of Residing in Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik is costlier than different Croatian cities: Let’s handle the elephant within the room: Dubrovnik may be expensive. 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 troublesome: As a result of Dubrovnik is a principally summer time vacation spot, chances are you’ll battle to search out lodging when you depart it too late. As such, you’ll want to plan forward.
- Dubrovnik could be very quiet throughout the winter months: Whereas it’s potential to spend time in Dubrovnik throughout the winter, many bars, eating places, cafes, and retailers are closed for the season. You’ll discover a extra genuine vibe, and it’s so much 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; when you’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 potential to stay and work on this lovely nation for as much as one 12 months. Working remotely in Dubrovnik is now so much simpler because of 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 permits you to keep for as much as a 12 months and can’t be renewed. Nevertheless, you may depart, await 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 handle in Croatia—this is usually a hostel handle that you just replace as soon as you discover someplace extra everlasting.
The additional excellent news is you could additionally apply to carry 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. Residing in Dubrovnik is an expertise in all the fitting methods, and also you’ll meet so many different individuals throughout your time. After all, you additionally get to remain someplace that’s dripping in magnificence and historical past, which definitely provides to the attraction.
I loved my time in Dubrovnik a lot that I hope to return. Whereas it’s not the most affordable vacation spot in Croatia, it’s a metropolis that gives one thing somewhat completely different from wherever else, and with somewhat intelligent planning and some ideas, you may hold money in your pocket and discover far and extensive.
