Dubrovnik, aka the Pearl of the Adriatic, might well be a bucket list destination, but you don’t need deep pockets to enjoy its beauty. With some careful planning and a bit of insider knowledge, you can explore everything this gem of a city has to offer without breaking the bank.
Getting Here on a Budget
Forget overpriced flights – traveling to Dubrovnik is all part of the adventure!
If you’re coming from Central Europe, an Interrail Global Pass could be your best friend. With it, you can hop on trains from 330 different European countries and travel across Croatia. Take a scenic route from Budapest or Vienna to Zagreb and, from there, you can take a bus or regional train to Dubrovnik. The ride might be long, but the landscapes more than make up for it.
If you’re craving adventure, cycling could be an option…seriously! The EuroVelo 8 route weaves through Italy, Slovenia and Croatia, leading you straight to Dubrovnik. This is slow travel at its finest, allowing you to make the most of the journey as well as the destination.
For the ultimate in cost-savings, buses are a good choice. FlixBus connects Dubrovnik with cities like Budapest, Prague and Vienna and it’s a really affordable way to travel. If you prefer something a little speedier, BlaBlaCar lets you share rides with locals heading the same direction – you might even get some insider tips along the journey.
Entertainment along the way
If you’re taking a slow option like a bus or lift share, travel doesn’t have to be tedious. With a decent data or WiFi connection, you can find a multitude of ways to keep yourself entertained, from gaming to reading digital guides about your destination.
On the gaming front, a smartphone really is all you need, as you can play the latest digital games, from indie gems to casino classics, without having to lug your laptop around with you. Cosy games, such as Campfire Cat Cafe are the perfect companions for a rural journey. For something a bit more exotic and upbeat, look for a mobile-friendly casino, which will give you access to exciting games like blackjack online, roulette, and many more. Puzzle games are also a must – as anyone who’s lost half their day to Candy Crush Saga will confirm.
Another option for the journey is to brush up on your knowledge of Dubrovnik before you arrive. You can use virtual travel apps like Google Arts & Culture to explore Dubrovnik’s landmarks and plan your trip. If you’re a keen reader, why not download an ebook on Croatian folklore or history to while away the hours with? Or, use a language learning app like Duolingo to grasp the basics to make interactions with the locals more pleasant.
Wallet-Friendly Accommodation
That’s your travel sorted, next, let’s find you a place to stay…
If you don’t mind sharing with roommates, Hostel Angelina Old Town provides decent and affordable dorms and private rooms right inside the city walls. It’s an excellent base for the more sociable solo travelers who enjoy meeting like-minded adventurers.
For more privacy, renting a room or apartment in Lapad or Gruž might be the better option. These areas are further out from the touristy hotspots, but they’re well-connected by public transport, so you’ll still be able to enjoy the main attractions. Check out Airbnb for plenty of listings.
Finally, if you prefer the hotel experience, Hotel Lapad strikes the perfect balance between comfort and affordability. Booking during shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) can also be a more cost-effective time to visit.
Eating Well on a Budget
Foodies will be pleased to know that dining out in Dubrovnik doesn’t have to be an expensive affair. Local bakeries, called pekaras, are the places to go for tasty and budget-friendly bites. Start your day with a traditional burek. These flaky pastries are filled with cheese or meat and are just the fuel you need for a day of adventures – they only cost a few euros, too.
Konobas are local taverns and a great place to get a more substantial meal. We especially like Konoba Tabak in Gruž, which will serve you up generous portions of traditional Dalmatian dishes.
Things to See and Do
If you really want to make some savings during your trip, ditch the expensive tour bus and take to the streets. The best way to experience Dubrovnik is to walk around, and you could easily spend hours exploring the maze-like streets of the Old Town. If you want to walk the famous city walls, there is a small fee for entry, but the views more than make up for it. To really maximize your experience, head there late afternoon or early morning to avoid the crowds and midday heat.
Croatia is known for its beaches and Dubrovnik doesn’t disappoint on that front. All of our beaches are free to enjoy, including the ever-popular Banje Beach. If you don’t mind something more off the beaten path, Sveti Jakov Beach offers equally stunning views with less crowds.
For a dose of culture, the Franciscan Church and Monastery showcases the city’s fascinating history. This 14th century monastery even contains a pharmacy museum, as well as its prized collection of ancient manuscripts. Look out for combined tickets that you can split with a fellow traveler, or visit on free-entry days to skip admission costs altogether.
