5 Tips for Visiting Dubrovnik on a Budget

Henry David Thoreau once said that “all good things are wild and free.” This should be a guiding beacon when traveling on a budget. Indeed, when visiting Europe, there is so much you can see and do without spending a fortune, thanks to the immensely rich culture and generous mother nature. Same is true for Dubrovnik.

But as a budget traveler, there are a number of things to consider before hopping on a plane and seeking new adventures in Croatia.

1. Avoid Staying at Hotels

 One of the biggest cost factors of your trip to Dubrovnik is certainly going to be accommodation, so if you are short on budget, we would recommend considering alternatives to hotel lodging, as there are not too many hotels and they tend to get rather pricey especially during high season. Instead, you can go for vacation rentals, combining the comfort of home with the flexibility of a hotel. This will also give you the freedom to cook for yourself and eat in, versus spending a big chunk of your travel budget on expensive touristy cafes and restaurants.

2. Eat and Drink Like a Local

 Once you have successfully arranged for a place to stay, it’s time to plan for food and drinks. If you love to cook and don’t mind preparing food while on vacation, then find the closest supermarket and get some good local produce, and then you can prepare yourself a delicious Croatian feast. You can even go a step further and try some traditional Croatian dish recipes for a truly local experience.

If you are not really into cooking or prefer to not cook on holidays, then for a cheap option we would recommend avoiding popular touristy spots and eating out in local cafes, bistros, and restaurants. A decent one-course meal will cost you 10 to 15 EUR, though.

As for drinks, the best thing to do is get a refillable water bottle and drink from the water fountains spread all over the Old Town.

3. Educate Yourself

 When traveling to a new city on a budget, you need to get prepared and do a thorough research before the trip. This will not only keep you safe but will also help save money on expensive tours and travel guides. Learn the backstory of all the places you are planning to visit or simply download a quick guide to Dubrovnik for reference during the trip. Take advantage of the many free information sources that are available online and educate yourself.

4. Walk the Walls and Climb Mount Srd

 If there’s only one paid attraction you are going to visit when in Dubrovnik, then it certainly should be the City Walls. The ticket price is 20 EUR per person, but the incredible views of the Old City and the sea are definitely worth the price. The walls are a total of 2 kilometers in length, and there are lots of stairs to climb up and down, but the trip is worth it.

However, if your budget doesn’t afford the price and you still want those amazing views, there is another option: climbing Mount Srd. There is a picturesque serpentine path heading straight to the top of the mountain, which is 412 meters high. The hike will take you around 90 minutes, and you will be rewarded with breathtaking aerial views of Dubrovnik.

5. Hit the Beach

 Last but not least, you should visit Dubrovnik beaches even if you are traveling during the offseason. Enjoying a lazy beach day is always a good idea, especially after an intense morning hike. Head to one the most popular Dubrovnik public beaches: Banje, Lapad bay beaches, or Copacabana beach.