Dubrovnik On A Budget: 8 Money-Saving Trip Tips

Dubrovnik – the Pearl of the Adriatic – is Croatia’s most visited destination. Each summer season, the city sees record-breaking crowds – and as the number of tourists increase, so does the cost of visiting Dubrovnik. If you are wondering if Dubrovnik is expensive, it is, but no need to worry. There are still plenty of things to do in Dubrovnik on a budget!

 

Dubrovnik Budget FAQs

Before we jump to list of ways to save money in Dubrovnik, we want to answer a few of the most frequently asked questions. 

 

Is Dubrovnik Expensive? 

Expensive is a relative word – and compared to the rest of Croatia and the Balkans, there is no doubt that Dubrovnik is expensive. Activities, accommodations, restaurants and bars all cost more in Dubrovnik than in other nearby destinations. 

That said, Dubrovnik is one of the Best Cities in Croatia to Visit – and it would be a shame to miss it just because it’s pricey. Our tips will help you plan a Dubrovnik cheap trip! 

 

Are there Cheap Restaurants in Dubrovnik? 

While few and far between, there are a few Dubrovnik budget restaurants where you can still get a taste of the local flavor without emptying your wallet. We share a few of the best places to eat in Dubrovnik for cheap on our list at #4. 

 

Are there Activities in Dubrovnik for Free? 

Yes, there are free things to do in Dubrovnik! To be honest, some of the very best things to do in Dubrovnik don’t cost a dime. 

Travelers on a rock bottom budget could easily plan their time discovering Dubrovnik…and not spend a cent. 

 

How to Plan a Vacation to Dubrovnik for Cheap? 

There are many ways to Plan a Vacation to Croatia on a budget. Our tips for cheap things to do in Dubrovnik will help get you started. 

As you research Dubrovnik trip ideas, be sure to stay organized. Planning ahead is a great way to save money, but only if you keep on top of the details. We recommend using our Travel Planner Printables.

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8 Tips for Visiting Dubrovnik on a Budget

As Dubrovnik prices increase, some may wonder if a low-cost Dubrovnik trip is still possible. We can assure you, it is! 

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Dubrovnik Travel Guide for your trip to Croatia!

 

#1 Wander the Dubrovnik Old Town

Within the confines of the historic defensive walls is Dubrovnik’s beautifully preserved Old Town – and sightseeing here is absolutely free. Walk through the grand Pile Gate, wander along the Stradun and up the steep stairs to hidden churches and cozy alleyways. Skip the pricey tours and use our easy-to-follow Self-Guided Free Dubrovnik Walking Tour.

While there is no cost to enter the Dubrovnik Old Town, you might be tempted to purchase an ice cream while you enjoy your stroll. Fortunately, a single scoop cone from some shops still costs about $3.

 

#2 Explore the Dubrovnik Coastline and Hilltops

It’s easy to get lost in the architecture and beauty of Old Town Dubrovnik, but getting above it is equally stunning…if not more so. Escape the crowds of people, breathe in the fresh air and go on our free Dubrovnik adventure to the Best Viewpoints in the city.

 

Coastline Trails in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik coastal trails extend to the east and west of the Old Town. Along the route, trekkers are treated to some of the most captivating views of Dubrovnik from afar. If you keep walking, you’ll find your way down to the ridiculously clear, blue water and #3 on our list.

 

Dubrovnik Hilltop Views

For an elevated view of Dubrovnik, go to the Top of Mount Srd – which you can do on foot for free! A round trip ride on the cable car costs nearly $30 per person. However, budget savvy travelers can hike up the zigzagging switchbacks to the top without spending anything.

Alternatively, compromise and buy a one-way fare for the cable car then hike back down. An even more frugal option would be to ride the local bus #17 to Bosanka. From there make the scenic and easy walk up and hike back down the zigzags.

 

#3 Take a Swim at Dubrovnik Beaches

Spending time at one of the Dubrovnik Beaches is a top activity in the summertime. Banje is Dubrovnik’s most popular beach and located just outside the Ploce Gate and the Old Port. The Banje Beach Club charges a per day fee for use of the lounger chairs, but it’s free to spread your own towel on the pebbly sand, soak up the sun and swim in the Adriatic Sea.

Keen on a more adventurous swim? Head to the pier of the Old Port and follow the path to the right and outside of the Dubrovnik walls. Use caution and the ladders bolted to rocks to climb in and out.

 

#4 Cheap Places to Eat in Dubrovnik

Generally speaking, the cost of eating and drinking in Croatia is relatively low…but that rule doesn’t apply to the Pearl of the Adriatic. Trust us, the cost of eating out in Dubrovnik can quickly add up.

There are some Dubrovnik cheap eats, but eating and drinking out can be real budget busters. For a meal that doesn’t break the bank, plan to prepare your own food that can be transported as a picnic meal. 

 

Cheap Restaurants Dubrovnik

We get it, you’re on vacation and want to enjoy yourself. So, where can you eat in Dubrovnik for cheap? We are highlighting a few of the best cheap restaurants in Dubrovnik. 

 

Barba

Barba Dubrovnik is a seafood restaurant at a bargain price! The fish street food restaurant in Dubrovnik Old Town is known for their octopus (seriously, try the Octopus Burger!), but they also have calamari, oysters and shrimp menu options. 

 

Pizzeria Tabasco

Just outside the city walls, Pizzeria Tabasco makes incredible wood-fired pizzas at affordable prices. We recommend eating on the terrace along with the inexpensive house wine!

 

Presa

A fast food joint serving local dishes, Presa is a good place to get a taste of traditional Balkan food – like Cevapi (it’s one of our favorite Croatian Dishes!).

 

Pekara 

Small bakeries – called pekaras – are a good spot to pick up cheap things to eat in Dubrovnik, like Burek (a satisfying meat pastry), sandwiches and pizza cuts (slices). 

 

Dubrovnik Supermarket

While eating at inexpensive establishments will help keep your Dubrovnik costs down, you can really save some money by heading to the local grocery store.

Konzum grocery store has everything to make cheap meals at home. That said, we recommend buying affordable picnic items and finding a picturesque spot to dine with a view!

 

Drinking for Cheap in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s famous buza bars cling to the rocks overlooking the sea and are accessed through narrow holes in the wall. These spots are very hard to resist, especially at sunset! However, the steep upcharge for cheap beer is difficult to justify. The cost of drinks at a Dubrovnik Buza start at about $7 for a small bottle of boring beer.

Instead, grab a few cold beers from the grocery store and walk through the bar to the lower platforms (without tables or chairs) for a BYOB sunset. Arrive early to get a good spot, and keep in mind that there’s no toilets!

 

#5 Choose Dubrovnik Activities Wisely

Like most popular vacation destinations, Dubrovnik has plenty of tourist attractions that are certain to leave your wallet lighter.

Among the most popular activities in Dubrovnik are walking the ancient city walls, riding the cable car to Mt. Srd and joining a Game of Thrones Tour – all of which cost a small bundle. Other activities, like visiting museums, hopping on a boat ride to Lokrum Island and most Dubrovnik tours aren’t exactly cheap either.

While travelers visiting Dubrovnik on a budget might choose to pass on these, we have a few money-saving tips that might help you experience them without going broke.

 

Limit Spending on Dubrovnik Activities

Prioritize what you spend your money on in Dubrovnik. Don’t aim to tackle all of Dubrovnik’s attractions. Pick the one – just one – that is most appealing to you and skip the rest.

At the very least, combine top sights with a single ticket, like the Dubrovnik Cable Car, City Walls and Walking Tour combo.

 

Find Money Saving Alternatives

Seek out cost-saving alternatives to popular activities. Rather than hiring a guide to lead you, use our Free Dubrovnik Walking Tour. Instead of paying for a GOT Tour, find the sights on your own with a self-guided walk.

As we mentioned in Tip #2, don’t take the roundtrip Dubrovnik Cable Car. Instead, hike to the top for free or ride the Cable Car or City Bus one-way (which is our favorite way to enjoy Mount Srd!).

 

Buy the Dubrovnik Card 

If walking the walls and entering museums are at the top of your list, consider purchasing a Dubrovnik Card. It’s available for 1, 3 or 7 days and costs €35, €45 or €55, if purchased online.

To maximize your savings, we recommend purchasing a 1-Day Dubrovnik Card and visiting all sights of interest in one fell swoop. The Dubrovnik Pass also includes public transportation, which would otherwise cost about $2 per ride.

 

Make the Most of the Activities You Choose

If you do choose to spend money on expensive Dubrovnik activities, be sure to plan ahead and make the most of the experience. 

For example, walking the Walls in Dubrovnik is an expensive activity, no doubt. However, it is a truly unique experience while staying in Dubrovnik.

In order to get the most for your money, we recommend getting an early start before the crowds arrive and allowing plenty of time (3+ hours) to walk at a leisurely pace.

Bring a good guidebook that will help locate Dubrovnik sights as you walk. If you’re a history buff, consider the bundled Dubrovnik City Walls Combo Walking Tour. 

 

#6 Plan DIY Day Trips from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Day Trips are a great way to see more of the region. You can find the best Croatia tours on Viator. Just be sure to carefully read fellow traveler reviews and comparison shop for the top value tours.

However, if you are visiting Croatia on a budget and find that the tours are too expensive, planning your own day trips from Dubrovnik can be a cheaper route.

You can rent a car, but using public transportation may be a more affordable option. Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kotor, Montenegro are popular overland day trips from Dubrovnik that can be reached by one of the regional buses. 

Croatian Island Hopping is also possible from Dubrovnik on a budget! Utilize the catamarans (check the schedules online with Jadrolinija and Krilo) to spectacular destinations like Korcula and Hvar that provide more truly wonderful scenery!

 

#7 Visit Dubrovnik in the Off-Season

Dubrovnik is still a very seasonal destination and the prices of activities and places to stay vary drastically.

At the height of summer, the city is crushed with crowds and prices for hotels, apartments, restaurants and sights skyrocket. Prices in Dubrovnik dip lower in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) and hit rock bottom in the winter.

 

#8 See Dubrovnik on a Day Trip

One of the things to makes Dubrovnik so expensive is the pricey accommodations. If you can’t find a cheap place to stay in Dubrovnik that fits into your budget, then consider staying somewhere nearby – like Herceg Novi, Montenegro – and take a day trip instead.

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Tips for Vacationing in Dubrovnik on a Budget

We’ve been visiting Croatia for decades and have some more advice for planning a cheap vacation.

 

Where To Stay in Dubrovnik on a Budget

When deciding on a place to stay, there is a wide range of accommodations. However, finding cheap hotels in Dubrovnik isn’t so easy – especially in the summer season. 

 

Stay in a Dubrovnik Holiday Apartment

We have found the best deals in Dubrovnik are vacation rentals. Offered through both Airbnb and Booking.com, holiday apartments tend to be less expensive than most hotels. Plus, travelers can save money by making some meals at home. 

 

Hotels and Hostels in Dubrovnik

Although we have typically found apartments to cost less, travelers can still find deals on Dubrovnik hotels. Before starting your search on Booking, read our tips for finding the Best Hotels for Cheap. 

Budget travelers can also search for hostels. Some top hostels in Dubrovnik that get great reviews are Hostel 365 for U and Hostel Angelina Old Town.  

 

Cheapest Place To Stay in Dubrovnik

One of the best ways to find cheap places to stay is to expand your search beyond the Dubrovnik Old Town. You can save a lot of money by not staying in the center. 

We have stayed inside the city walls on our winter visits, but outside the Dubrovnik Gates as well in an affordable apartment in Lapad and in a budget economy apartment near the Gruz Port. 

 

Getting To Dubrovnik, Croatia

Arriving in Dubrovnik by plane is the most common, however there are also connections to by bus or boat.

 

Flying to Dubrovnik

Flights land at the Dubrovnik International Airport (DBV) and are quite seasonal, with very few in the winter. For US travelers, there are direct New York (EWR) to Dubrovnik flights over summer, but come at a premium price.

Travelers flying to Dubrovnik should start their search for deals early on Skyscanner. But first, read our tips on how to Find the Best Flight Fares. 

 

Ferry to Dubrovnik

If traveling to Dubrovnik by boat, there are two main companies that service the Port of Gruz. They connect other Croatian port cities (ie. Split to Dubrovnik), as well as Italy. Check schedules online with Jadrolinija and Krilo. 

 

Taking the Bus to Dubrovnik

Travelers already in the Balkans will likely find that taking a bus to Dubrovnik is the most affordable way to get there. 

Our preferred company is FlixBus – as most are economical, clean and comfortable. Otherwise, we search on BusCroatia, but always confirm current routes and times at the station.

 

Getting Around Dubrovnik for Cheap

The cheapest way to get around Dubrovnik is by walking! That said, those who snag a cheap spot to stay away from the center may want to use a local bus. A one way ticket costs €2.50 and a convenient all-day pass good for 24 hours is €5.30.

 

What To Pack for Your Trip to Dubrovnik

Now that you are ready to go to Dubrovnik, it’s time to talk about packing. So, grab our FREE Packing Checklist and let’s go to Croatia!

 

Comfortable Shoes

Dubrovnik Old Town is stunningly beautiful – but there are a lot of stairs and slick stones, too. Be sure to have good walking shoes. I like to wear these sneakers and Kris wears Merrell trail shoes for everyday sightseeing. Read our reviews on the Best Travel Shoes for more advice!

 

Travel Camera

Rather than buying souvenirs, we take photos! So we do recommend using a real camera for your Croatia trip so that you capture the true beauty of Dubrovnik.

We shoot with a Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens. We love that it is easy to use, takes high quality photos and is one of the more affordable travel cameras. 

 

Sun Protection and Beach Gear

The sun is intense on the Dalmatian Coast! Bring plenty of sunscreen (it can be pricey in the Old Town shops) and remember all of your necessary beach gear – like a bathing suit, a wide brimmed hat to shade your face and polarized sunglasses. 

 

Day Pack

Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you will want to also have a great day bag to organize all your everyday essential travel items!

 

Croatia Travel Insurance

If you haven’t already obtained coverage, consider the affordable plans with World Nomads.

Now Plan Your Complete Dubrovnik Vacation!

 

Start planning your trip to Croatia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

Visiting other Top Croatia Cities like Makarska, Zagreb, Osijek, Rovinj, Sibenik or Zadar? Great! Find out how to put it all together in our sample 1 Week Croatia Itineraries.

 

 

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