Point out the phrase Croatia, and Dubrovnik might be the primary metropolis that springs to thoughts. I can’t blame you; that is considered one of my favourite cities on the earth. 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 simply’ll in all probability must consider a number of additional days off. Having spent a good period of time on this lovely place, I’m effectively positioned to advise you on the ins and outs of life in considered one of Croatia’s most lovely 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 in the course of the summer season 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; nonetheless if that doesn’t hassle 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 the town partitions. If you happen to’re a Recreation of Thrones fan, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are a number of filming websites to find across the metropolis.
For me, life in Dubrovnik is about consuming good meals, socializing, taking within the lovely surroundings, and exploring the neighboring areas. Certain, it might probably get busy in the course of the peak summer season months, however there’s a lot to see and try this it’s straightforward to flee the crowds for a number 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 season months. I loved visiting in the course of the autumn months particularly, as I discovered an awesome 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 associates 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 season months, significantly July and August, a bit of too populated, and I don’t advise you to aim to stroll the town partitions presently. Nevertheless, the climate is superb, there are some nice seashores close by, and also you’re certain to like the full-on summer season vibe.
Is Dubrovnik Protected?
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 total, Dubrovnik is taken into account a secure place. After all, it’s a big metropolis so at all times use your frequent sense and do not forget that in busy areas, there’s at all times an opportunity of pickpockets.
Regardless of the small 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 actual fact, I felt very secure in Croatia total.
The largest difficulty for me was the crowds across the metropolis wall areas in the course of the peak summer season months, however that’s avoidable in case you discover massive teams of individuals a bit of overwhelming.
Greatest Areas to Stay in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik isn’t a very sprawling metropolis, however there are some supreme 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 positioned 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 reasonably vibrant and enjoyable spot. The one draw back is that you simply’re prone to spend extra on hire, but when you will discover 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 far-off 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 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 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 by way of bus if you wish to be proper in the midst of the 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 the town middle, round 6.5km/4 miles, nevertheless 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 hire isn’t that low-cost; it’s classed as being fairly high-end.
Nevertheless, if you wish to stay by the seaside 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
If you happen to’re serious about residing in Dubrovnik and wish to be someplace a bit of 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 affords a classy vibe and is inside strolling distance of the Outdated City.
I discovered Ploče fairly a snug and welcoming place. Banje Seashore can also 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 superb supply of center floor between common life and touristic enjoyable.
Discover Lodging in Dubrovnik
Discovering lodging in Dubrovnik may be difficult in case you depart it a bit of too late to start your search. I like to recommend planning to reach a month or so earlier than the summer season 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 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 outdoors of the 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 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: If you happen to search on Fb, you’ll discover many teams for Dubrovnik itself, together with digital nomad teams. This can be a good technique to discover different like-minded individuals who you could possibly share lodging with and maintain prices low. It’s additionally a superb place to seek out additional recommendations on saving cash and issues to see and do.
Price 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 doubtless as a result of it’s such a vacationer place. Total, nonetheless, it’s on par with most massive European cities, and if you know the way to chop prices, you’ll maintain money in your pocket.
Eating places and Groceries
If you happen to select to eat at eating places focusing on vacationers, you’ll rapidly 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 may have.
If you happen to keep away from these locations and as an alternative go to small, native eating places away from the town middle, you’ll discover decrease costs; I typically ate in a standard place in Lapad for round €15/$16, which is sort of a saving.
If you happen to can, it’s greatest to prepare dinner at house as you’ll discover groceries fairly fairly priced. Head to the recent fruit and vegetable markets to replenish on recent produce and go to the native butcher in your meat. Generally, you should buy per week’s value of groceries for lower than €50/$53.
Lodging Prices
Lodging is more than likely to take the most important chunk of your cash. The price of an condominium varies in response to how shut or far-off you might be from the Outdated City, however on common, you’re round €650/$690 monthly. Your utilities, corresponding to electrical energy, water, fuel, and web are on high of that worth.
Through the summer season, 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 in case you can, so you may halve these costs and save as you go. Nevertheless, it’s possible you’ll discover that Airbnb works out cheaper if you will discover 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 so much simpler. This can be a smart way to save cash.
If you wish to journey outdoors 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 suggest solely utilizing taxis or Uber when that you must, e.g. if that you must get house late at evening; they’re fairly costly and can eat into your price range.
SIM Playing cards and Information
I used Hrvatski Telekom (T-Cellular) for my SIM card wants, and it lined my calls and knowledge at affordable prices. It’s very easy to get a SIM card; you merely take your passport right into a retailer within the metropolis 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 preferred possibility.
Whichever possibility you select, it’s straightforward to high 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 most costly locations in Dubrovnik, however that doesn’t imply you may’t save a bit of cash right here and there. Listed here are my high recommendations on learn how to do exactly that.
- Cook dinner at house: Vacationer restaurant costs are a lot increased than common eating places; in case you prepare dinner at house, you’ll not solely lower your expenses however will likely be extra inclined to eat healthily.
- Keep away from the height summer season months: Dubrovnik is a seasonal place so it is smart that costs are at all times increased 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 normally. The winter months are additionally good for cash saving, though the town is so much quieter.
- Stroll as a lot as potential: Buses are low-cost and straightforward to make use of, however in case you stroll as a lot as you may, you’ll discover these Euros sticking round fairly 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, attempt to keep away from them. Taxis are costly, and except 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 lure: Vacationer locations are at all times costlier than extra conventional spots. Remember to keep away from vacationer eating places but in addition just be sure you do your purchasing in small, locally-owned retailers fairly than vacationer ones close to the massive sights.
- Keep outdoors of the Outdated City: It’s nice to remain centrally, however hire within the Outdated City is far increased 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 in all probability excited by coworking spots. Though there are a lot of distant staff right here, the town is primarily aimed towards vacationers, and there are but to be any good high quality coworking areas.
The excellent news is that you simply’ll discover loads of nice cafes to work from, and I’ll speak about these shortly.
One other plus level of staying in Dubrovnik is the web. I didn’t expertise any issues with WiFi throughout my time in Dubrovnik, even when utilizing it for heavy work, corresponding 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 need to use as an alternative. 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 Outdated City, however as a result of it’s a comfortable area with snug chairs, nice WiFi, and incredible espresso. What extra may you need?
- Buzz Bar: If you happen to go to this bar/cafe in the course of the day, you’ll discover it to be laidback, inexpensive, and cozy for a number 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: If you happen to’re vegan, that is the place for you. They provide scrumptious plant-based snacks and treats, nevertheless 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 residing in Dubrovnik, your days off will likely be packed. For me, the most effective factor about life on this metropolis is that you simply’re by no means too far-off from a sight, a seaside, or just an awesome cafe to take a seat and chill for some time.
To provide you an thought of what you may 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. Nevertheless, there’s a large however coming your means: it’s greatest to do that very early within the morning or outdoors of the height season. In July and August, it’s almost unattainable 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 digicam for superb snaps. You’ll be able to stroll across the partitions in round two hours most and from there, head into the Outdated City to proceed your sightseeing tour. Click on right here to be taught extra in regards to the metropolis partitions tour.
2. Elaphiti Islands
The gorgeous Elaphiti Islands are a brief boat journey from Dubrovnik harbor – it’s an effective 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 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 beautiful views in every single place you look.
3. Recreation 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. The easiest way to do that is by way of a Recreation of Thrones strolling tour, which is able to take you to Fort Lovrijenac, Pile Gate, and Stradun. You’ll additionally go to a 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 also 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 suggest occurring the cable automotive as early within the day as you may if you wish to keep away from crowds. Typically you must wait fairly some time in case you go to within the afternoon, particularly in the course of the peak months. In case you have time, seize a espresso and a few cake from the restaurant on the high and revel in a full day or a number of hours at leisure.
5. Copacabana Seashore
Sure, the identify would possibly make you assume you’re some other place solely, however Copacabana Seashore is considered one of 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 good spot to take in the solar, get a tan, and customarily benefit from the summer season vibes.
Climate in Dubrovnik
If you would like the most effective of the climate, you’ll must take care of the crowds and go to Dubrovnik between June and the center of September. The most popular 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 season, 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 Might 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 affords a comparatively gentle excessive of 12°C/54°F.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
As with wherever on the earth, there are each professionals and cons of residing in Dubrovnik.
Professionals of Dwelling in Dubrovnik
- A lot 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 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 straightforward to be productive and get all my work achieved.
- It’s straightforward to satisfy different like-minded folks: Dubrovnik is a well-liked spot for digital nomads and vacationers normally. 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 that you must go additional than the town middle, the bus community is affordable and dependable.
- Implausible climate in the course of the summer season: The summer season months carry seemingly limitless sunshine and splendidly scorching days. If you happen to’re into summer season 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 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 tough: As a result of Dubrovnik is a principally summer season vacation spot, it’s possible you’ll wrestle to seek out lodging in case you depart it too late. As such, that you must plan forward.
- Dubrovnik could be very quiet in the course of the winter months: Whereas it’s potential 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 so much simpler to discover the town partitions, however it’s possible you’ll 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, it’s possible 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 yr. Working remotely in Dubrovnik is now so much simpler due to this growth. 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 yr and can’t be renewed. Nevertheless, you may depart, look forward to 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 is usually a hostel handle that you simply replace as soon as you discover someplace extra everlasting.
The additional excellent news is that 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. Dwelling in Dubrovnik is an expertise in all the correct 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 affordable vacation spot in Croatia, it’s a metropolis that provides one thing a bit of totally different from wherever else, and with a bit of intelligent planning and some ideas, you may maintain money in your pocket and discover far and huge.
#Digital #Nomad #Information #Dwelling #Dubrovnik #Croatia
