Is Dubrovnik Expensive To Visit In 2024? (Local’s Take)
Are you planning a trip to Croatia and wondering is Dubrovnik expensive to visit?
You came to the right place!
I grew up in Dubrovnik and lived there for almost a decade, well before it became a tourist hotspot. As I still often visit my family in the city, I’m very familiar with prices in Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik is easily the most popular destination in Croatia since its popularity exploded after it was one of the main filming locations for the Game of Thrones series.
As you stroll the picturesque cobblestone streets of this walled city and admire the view from the majestic city walls, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
But, why does Dubrovnik have the reputation as the most expensive city in Croatia? As a Dubrovnik local, it’s hard not to notice the dramatic increase in Dubrovnik prices.
Let’s find out how expensive is Dubrovnik, so you can set a realistic budget for visiting this gorgeous city!
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Is Dubrovnik Expensive To Visit?
So the big question is: is Dubrovnik expensive to visit?
The answer might disappoint you, as the answer is yes and no.
The cost of visiting Dubrovnik really depends on your travel style and individual preferences.
Yes, you can visit Dubrovnik on a budget. Also, yes, you can easily spend over 300€ per day here.
If you’re the type who prefers five-star accommodations, gourmet meals, and guided tours of every attraction, then yes, Dubrovnik will certainly feel expensive.
However, if you’re backpacking Europe and don’t mind staying in hostels, cooking your own meals, and finding free things to do, then you’ll find Dubrovnik reasonable.
While Dubrovnik is more expensive than many other cities in Croatia, there are still plenty of budget-friendly activities to enjoy.
Generally speaking, the average prices in Dubrovnik are similar to those of most Western European countries and the United States.
If you’re visiting in the summer, Dubrovnik is far from the cheapest beach destination in Europe.
However, it doesn’t have to be one of the most expensive places in Europe if you plan your trip right.
In the end, it’s your travel style that will largely determine how expensive is Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik Budget Breakdown
When it comes to creating a budget for Dubrovnik, a lot will depend on your personal travel style.
Are you backpacking Dubrovnik on a shoestring backpacking budget, or do you want to go all out and try all the best restaurants in the city? The cost of your trip will vary dramatically.
As it is impossible to cater to every budget, this article will focus on backpackers and mid-range travelers, as that is my travel style.
I don’t mind staying in hostels, I prepare some of my meals and eat out for others, and I’ll combine day trip days with free activities.
- Accommodation: 50-100€ in high season (30€-50€ in shoulder season)
- Getting around by bus: 0-5€
- Food and eating out: 20-50€
- Drinks: 0-15€
- Fun money and attractions: 0-30€
TOTAL: 80-200€ per day in high season
Prices In Dubrovnik: What To Expect
Accommodation Prices In Dubrovnik
For most travelers, accommodation tends to be the biggest daily expense.
But the final amount will depend on the time of your visit. In Dubrovnik, accommodation prices fluctuate dramatically depending on the season.
The prices skyrocket if you’re visiting in the summer, which is a high season, one night in a hostel will cost between 50€ and 100€, while mid-range hotels can cost up to 200€ per night.
However, if you visit during the shoulder season or you’re backpacking in winter (November-March), you should be able to find decent accommodation for around 30€-50€ per night.
As it is the biggest expense, you can save money by spending fewer days in Dubrovnik.
Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Dubrovnik
Luckily for all the backpackers coming to Dubrovnik, the city offers a range of backpacker hostels that offer both dorms and private rooms.
Prices can range from 40€ to 90€ per night during the high season, and 25€ to 50€ in the shoulder season. Make sure to book early, as the best hostels sell out quickly.
Mid-range Options
If you’re not traveling solo, the best option for both comfort and budget is staying in family-run apartments.
In Dubrovnik, many locals rent out their spare rooms or entire apartments, especially during the tourist season. I even know people that move out of their flat into a smaller section of the house during summer!
These accommodations are often well-maintained, conveniently located, and offer a more authentic experience of living in the city.
Prices range widely, but you can expect to pay around 100€ to 150€ per night in high season. The prices drop to around 70€ in the shoulder season.
Luxury Hotels In Dubrovnik
If you’re seeking a more upscale experience, Dubrovnik offers an array of luxury accommodation options that promise an unforgettable stay.
The city is peppered with high-end hotels that boast upscale rooms, stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, world-class amenities, and top-notch customer service.
Honestly, if you can afford it, there’s nothing better than walking up in the Old Town stone house with a view of the sea.
🏠Browse all Dubrovnik accommodation on Booking.com!
Dubrovnik Food Prices
Dubrovnik offers a range of food options catering to different budgets.
Dining out at restaurants can be pricey, especially in the Old Town where a meal at an average restaurant will cost you around 20€-30€ per person.
If you opt for a fine dining experience, be prepared to dish out 80€ or more.
However, don’t be disheartened. There are affordable options available too!
Mlinar Bakery is a popular cheap choice in the city center. You can grab a pastry for 2-3€, and they even have several vegan options!
Additionally, self-catering is an excellent way to stay on budget. A farmer’s market in the city center is a cool way to get some local produce. Grocery stores like Konzum, Pemo, DM, and Tommy offer a variety of options at reasonable prices.
Dubrovnik Restaurant Prices
When it comes to restaurants in Dubrovnik the price difference is wild.
You can find places where a dish will set you back more than 100€, but you can also find places where a meal will cost you nearly nothing.
I’m vegan, so I don’t often visit upscale restaurants, as most specialize in seafood and meat. Vegan options in Croatia are usually not the best in traditional restaurants, and I can’t justify 20€ tomato pasta.
Although the city is renowned for its seafood and traditional meat dishes, there are vegan-friendly options and cheap food in Dubrovnik!
Normally, a meal at a vegan restaurant will cost you between 12€-18€.
I loved Nishta Vegan Restaurant in the Old Town. It is the only fully vegan restaurant in Dubrovnik, and the food was delicious!
Another option is Vege Dub, a vegetarian fast food spot in the Old Town with dishes for up to 15€.
Urban & Veggie is a great option for those staying outside the city center in Lapad.
Many other restaurants have vegan options, so as always HappyCow app will be your best friend!
Dubrovnik Supermarkets
You probably know by now that supermarkets in the Old Town are overpriced. So, if you’re staying in the city for a while and want to save money, skip those and take a bus to Lapad.
There you can find Tommy, Konzum, DM, and a few other bigger stores. Prices here are much lower than in the Old Town, and you’ll have more variety of products to choose from.
Dubrovnik Lidl is far from the city center and doesn’t make much sense unless you have a car.
If you don’t want to waste your time on grocery shopping, markets in the city center are fine, just expect the prices to be about 30% more expensive than regular Croatian supermarket prices.
You don’t need to buy bottled water in Dubrovnik, as tap water is great quality and there are several drinking fountains in the Old Town.
Dubrovnik Nightlife Prices
If you’re wondering if the nightlife in Dubrovnik is expensive, the answer is yes.
Dubrovnik nightlife can indeed be pricey, particularly if you’re planning to hit the popular bars and nightclubs.
At a typical city center bar, you can expect to pay anywhere from 5€ to 10€ for a drink, while cocktails are closer to 15€ and the average cost of beer in Dubrovnik is around 5€.
Renowned clubs and cocktail bars often charge upwards of 15€ for a single drink, and that doesn’t even include the entrance fee.
A night out in Dubrovnik can easily set you back 50€ or even more.
However, let me assure you – you don’t have to drink to enjoy the vibrant Dubrovnik nightlife!
Also, the main street bars are not the only ones! Climb up to Prijeko Ulica for some local favorites.
There’s a plethora of other entertainment options that are budget-friendly. I love just simply walking the cobblestone streets and soaking in the lively atmosphere of this ancient city.
Occasionally, you will also find live music in the city center with no cover charge.
Summer open-air cinema screenings under the stars are one of my favorite ways to see a movie, and this unique experience doesn’t even cost that much.
So while Dubrovnik might be expensive, there are ways you can experience nightlife as a solo female traveler while staying on a budget.
Cost Of Getting Around Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is actually a pretty small city, which is great because you will probably be able to walk to the city center from your accommodation.
Most attractions are in the city center, and even the beaches are just a short walk away.
The Old Town is a pedestrian zone anyway, so if you’re lucky to stay in the area, be sure not to overpack since you’ll have to carry your bag.
Walking is completely free!
Dubrovnik Local Bus
If you stay a bit further out of the city center, you don’t need to worry! Dubrovnik has a reliable and affordable local buses that run round the clock.
Bus prices in Dubrovnik start at around 2€ for a one-way ticket, but you can also get a daily or a 3-day ticket if you plan on taking a lot of buses.
Dubrovnik Taxi and Uber
Finally, you can take a taxi or an Uber. This will be the most expensive option, and it is hard to predict how much it will cost.
There is no uniform price list, and each taxi operator will have their own rates.
On average, you can expect a ride to be around 10€ from Pile Gate within the city and up to 40€ to Dubrovnik Airport and Cavtat.
With Uber, you can see the exact amount in the app when you order the ride. The main difference between Uber and other operators is that rates change depending on demand and availability.
So, it can be a significantly different price for the same journey on a different day.
Cost Of Renting A Car In Dubrovnik
Getting around Dubrovnik by car can be more of a hassle than a convenience.
The last time I visited, I had a car since I did a Croatia road trip from Pula to Dubrovnik. However, once I parked the car, I didn’t move it again.
Parking spots are very hard to come by, and when you do find one, it can be quite expensive.
Therefore, a car is not essential for your stay in the city.
However, if you prefer driving or plan to explore areas outside the city, renting a car is an option.
Expect to pay around 30€-50€ per day for a small car. The longer the rental period, the price is cheaper.
Be prepared for additional costs as well, such as parking fees which can range from 5€ per hour in the city center to 10€-20€ per day at hotel parking lots.
It’s wise to factor these costs into your Dubrovnik budget when making your travel plans.
🚗 Check rates and availability of rental cars in Dubrovnik here!
Cost Of Dubrovnik Day Trips And Activities
Cost Of Popular Things To Do In Dubrovnik
Walking the city walls is one of the essential Dubrovnik experiences. You can buy a ticket online, and it costs about 35€ including the Fort Lawrence visit.
One of the most popular activities in Dubrovnik is the Game of Thrones Walking Tour, where you’ll get to see all the filming locations in the city.
For the best view over the city, take a cable car to the top of Srđ Mountain!
Since Dubrovnik is a coastal city, there are plenty of summer activities to enjoy.
Beaches are completely free to visit in Dubrovnik!
If you prefer something more active, you can go kayaking or snorkeling.
Most Dubrovnik kayak tours start at about 30€ to 50€, which is quite affordable for an activity like that.
If you’re willing to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime activity, go for a private boat tour of the Dubrovnik coastline.
Finally, one of my favorite things to do in Dubrovnik is simply walk the cobblestone streets and explore the narrow, winding alleys. That is also free!
Best Day Trips From Dubrovnik
The most popular day trip from Dubrovnik is Lokrum Island. The Island is just a short 15-minute boat ride away from Dubrovnik, and it is a peaceful refuge from the busy Old Town. The return ticket costs around 20€.
Another popular choice is the Elaphiti Islands, a small archipelago north of Dubrovnik. The best way to visit is on one of the boat tours from Dubrovnik, you can find them for about 50€ per person.
For those drawn to historical sites, a visit to the island of Korčula, often referred to as “Little Dubrovnik,” is a must. You can easily catch a ferry for about 30€ return ticket, it takes about 2h and there are several daily departures in summer.
Mljet National Park, located on Mljet Island, offers beautiful salt lakes and a serene environment for nature lovers.
If you’re willing to venture further, a trip to Kotor in Montenegro provides a fascinating blend of stunning landscapes and rich history. I went to Kotor by car, but you can do it by public transport or tour for about 60€ per person.
Why is Dubrovnik So Expensive?
So, now you’re probably wondering why is Dubrovnik so expensive.
It’s actually quite understandable.
Even when I was a kid, the city was a popular summer destination. Always a slightly pricier option than Zadar or Pula.
However, the city’s popularity exploded in the 2010s! Dubrovnik was one of the main filming locations for a mega-popular TV show The Game Of Thrones, and everybody flocked to see King’s Landing in real life.
The city that was already popular for its beaches and picturesque Old Town was now on every backpacker’s Europe bucket list.
Dubrovnik is a small town, and it doesn’t have much space to grow. It is bordered by mountains on one side and the sea on the other. That limits accommodation options.
Dubrovnik Old Town is even smaller! Finding a place to rent and open a restaurant or a bar is extremely competitive, so rent is super high. That results in higher prices for the end product.
Also, Dubrovnik is not your typical backpacking destination. It is one of the most popular destinations in Croatia for luxury travelers.
While I might find a 30€ meal super expensive, living in France has taught me that it is quite normal for most people!
Finally, Dubrovnik is a victim of over-tourism. Cruise ships regularly drop off thousands of people for a day trip to the city, congesting the streets and tourist attractions without providing much value for the locals.
That’s why you’ll get much more value for your money outside the high season.
FAQ: How Expensive Is Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik can be expensive for food and drink if you eat every meal in a restaurant, as the average price for a sit-down meal starts at about 15€. However, even in the city center, you’ll find Mlinar and other bakeries for an affordable snack. You can also pick up some basics from supermarkets like Konzum or Lidl.
Yes, accommodation in Dubrovnik can be expensive, especially during the high season. However, there are more affordable options available for budget travelers. Hostels can be a great way to cut costs, with prices ranging from 30€-50€ in the shoulder season.
Generally speaking, yes, Dubrovnik is more expensive than Split. Split is a much larger city, so it is easier to find budget-friendly options. However, both cities have a fair share of high-end restaurants and luxury accommodations, so if you’re after luxury experiences, expect similar prices in both cities.
Absolutely! There are numerous free activities for travelers to enjoy in Dubrovnik. The city’s rich history and stunning architecture can be explored on foot, and sunbathing at Banje Beach is another favorite free activity.
Dubrovnik is an expensive choice if you spend your whole summer holiday in the city. The accommodation prices skyrocket in the summer, and you can expect to pay 100€ upwards per night to stay close to the Old Town.
For a week in Dubrovnik, you should have at least 700€. That is if you stay in budget-friendly accommodation or pay just for a portion of the apartment, eat out once a day, and get one drink. If you want to truly relax, enjoy gourmet restaurants and day trips, aim to have about 1000€.
You can find a cup of coffee in Dubrovnik for 2.5€ to 6€. It depends on where you sit for a coffee. Naturally, the most expensive option is Stradun where you’ll pay from 4€ to 6€ for a cup of coffee.
Summary: Is Dubrovnik Expensive To Visit?
While Dubrovnik can be more expensive compared to other cities in Croatia, it is still quite possible to enjoy a fun and memorable trip without breaking the bank.
The city offers a variety of free activities, budget-friendly dining options, and affordable accommodations, making it an accessible destination for solo female travelers on a budget.
Remember, the charm of Dubrovnik is not only in its rich history and stunning architecture but also in its inviting beaches, enchanting streets, and warm, friendly locals.
A visit to Dubrovnik is definitely worth every euro spent!
So, what do you think, is it expensive in Dubrovnik?
If you’re not convinced you can visit Dubrovnik on a budget, how about visiting Istria instead?
This northern Croatian coastal region is equally as beautiful and much more budget-friendly, so it can be a great alternative when you compare Dubrovnik to Pula.
