It’ll come as no surprise to you (probably) that Dubrovnik can be a costly destination to visit. This Croatian city is an absolute stunner, but it also seems to revolve around tourism, and as such it can seem off-limits for travellers on a tighter budget. But pals, fear not! It’s very possible to visit Dubrovnik on a budget if you just know how. And that’s where I’m here to help. Read on for all my insider tips.
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Dubrovnik is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in Croatia, and it’s easy to see why. The walled old town is a maze of cobbled alleyways and red rooftops, perching on a rocky outcrop in the Adriatic Sea. It’s seeped in history, both recent and ancient, and when Game of Thrones started filming here the city’s popularity skyrocketed even higher. (Game of Thrones fans simply can’t get enough of the place.)
But as its popularity skyrocketed, so did its prices. Once Croatia switched from using kuna to euros, the prices skyrocketed even further.
So how can you visit Dubrovnik on a budget? Personally, I think it’s all about the timing of your visit, and the location of your stay.
When is the best time of year to visit Dubrovnik on a budget?
Whether you’re really watching the purse strings and are looking for a hostel, or you want a hotel or apartment for less than the inflated summer prices, it will always be cheaper to stay in Dubrovnik during the off-season.
Autumn is the perfect time to visit Dubrovnik on a budget. By mid-September, the crowds are starting to thin out but the weather is (save for a few occasional flash thunderstorms), still warm.
Come mid-October in Dubrovnik the streets are almost completely empty, some shops and restaurants are beginning to shut for the winter, and the price of accommodation even further. Of course, if you’re looking for busy vibes and crowded wine bars, Dubrovnik in autumn might not be your vibe, but if you just want to explore the city without the throngs of people, this is definitely my favourite time of year.
The above applies to basically anywhere in the Mediterranean, in fact autumn is my favourite time of year for visiting any of the traditional ‘Euro Summer’ locations. Read my complete guide to Europe’s best Autumnal destinations.
Where to stay on a budget in Dubrovnik
Not only is the atmosphere far more tranquil during the cooler months of Autumn, but it’s also far easier to find affordable accommodation.
For the tightest of budgets, there are plenty of hostels available. Look at Old Town Hostel or Hostel Angelina which are both within the walls of the Old Town, although bear in mind that hostel prices in Dalmatia are far pricier than those in other parts of Europe.
There are plenty of great apartments outside of the city walls (which tend to be much cheaper than staying within the Old Town), which work out as great value for money but are also within ten to fifteen minutes walking distance of the city. They also tend to have brilliant views of the coastline.
If you’ve got more cash to splash but just want a better deal, check out Heritage Hotel Lucia or Boutique Hotel Kazbek. Both hotels are outside of the city walls, and during the off-season prices are far more friendly to your wallet.
Search budget-friendly accommodation in Dubrovnik:
The best things to do on a budget in Dubrovnik
Right, pals. I’ve had enough of this idea that you need to fork out tonnes of cash to properly enjoy a place. That is simply not true. And Dubrovnik is a perfect example of that, because the whole place is like a living, breathing museum. All you really need to do is head out and see what you find.
Explore the Old Town. It’s Free!
The number one thing to do when visiting Dubrovnik on a budget is undoubtedly, to get exploring on foot. Walking along the 13th century city walls will set you back €30, which I personally believe is massively overpriced. (The ticket does now include entrance to other forts around Dubrovnik, so is worth it if you want to see a lot.)
But the cobbled up-and-down pathways of the old town form a picturesque (and completely free-of-charge) maze to explore at your own pace.
Make sure you veer off of the main streets and explore the back alleys and staircases. Not only do the narrow pathways provide a lovely bit of shade on a hot day, but there are plenty of details to stumble across. Gargoyles, bullet holes and even a basketball court can be found within the walls of this intriguing old city.
(Also cats. Dubrovnik has plenty of cats.)
Visit Dubrovnik’s quirkiest museum
Zagreb may have the Museum of Broken Relationships, but Dubrovnik has the more positive Love Stories Museum. (And for something completely out there, Split has a museum of taxidermy frogs. Croatian museums are nothing if not varied).
If you’re a fan of the quirkier things in life, this one’s for you.
The Love Stories Museum is in a house just outside the city walls, and it won’t take you more than half an hour to forty five minutes to get around, depending on your level of interest.
People from across the world have donated objects significant to their own love stories, and there are also exhibits on famous love stories, and on Dubrovnik’s history. It’s a cute way to spend some time, and as a bonus the owner even threw in a free bottle of water for me when I entered! He knows what he’s doing. Bravo sir.
You can pre-book tickets online, or turn up and buy on the door. Current ticket price is €9 per person.
Visit Fort Lovrijenac
Just outside of the city walls is a pretty little cove where a few wooden fishing boats bob gently on the water. Overlooking this cove is a fortress which almost looks as if its carved out of the rocks themselves. (Croatia does castles on rocks very well; check out Klis Fortress, a castle near Split which was also used as a Game of Thrones filming location.)
This is Lovrijenac Fort, which appeared several times in Game of Thrones as the Red Keep. (Disclaimer: I have never actually seen Game of Thrones, but it’s the kind of info that people appreciate, so make of it what you will.)
Climb up the stone steps to the top, and pay €15 to see inside the white walls of the triangular fortress. There’s not a lot to see inside, other than to marvel at how well the building has lasted all these years, but the view of the walled old town and the Adriatic Sea is beautiful. And the feeling of accomplishment at reaching the top on a hot day is the cherry on the cake.
Every summer, Lovrijenac is also used as a theatre where Shakespeare productions are performed. What a grand location.
2026 addition: When I first visited, Fort Lovrijenac was much cheaper to visit! However, if you buy a city walls ticket, it includes entry to the fort. It’s worth doing if you want to see a lot.
Swim in the Adriatic Sea
Croatia has some of the best beaches in Europe, and there are plenty of these to be found in and around Dubrovnik.
Banje Beach is just outside of the Ploče Gate, at the eastern entrance to the old town. This is a traditional beach with bars and restaurants, as well as a view of the outside of the city walls.
Inside the old town, enter a literal hole in the wall and walk down the stone steps to the Buža Bar which is perched on the cliffs between the city and the sea. You can buy drinks here (which are on the pricier side, but the location is great so it’s kind of worth it).
Chairs and tables are perched on rocks nearer the walls, but if you climb down closer to the sea you’ll find plenty of spots to sunbathe, or jump directly into the water from.
Take me to church
There is a slight danger when in Europe of becoming all ‘churched out.’ The entire continent is full of them after all. But there are some really beautiful churches in Dubrovnik which are worth popping into for a poke around, even if you’re not religious.
Dubrovnik Cathedral is probably the most easy to find. It’s right in the centre of the city, on a wide open square near the Old Port. But there are plenty more churches, both tiny and grandiose, tucked into just about every nook and cranny.
I’ll be honest, the first time I stumbled into a church in Dubrovnik was to shelter from the torrential rain which was hammering down outside. Myself and approximately 150 other people crammed into the building and stayed there, speaking only when absolutely necessary and in very hushed tones. The inside of the church was absolutely beautiful although the floor was very quickly a large puddle underfoot.
If you do plan to visit a church or cathedral in Croatia, bear in mind that it’s a Catholic country. You’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees, speak in hushed tones, and remember that these are very much working religious buildings. Don’t treat it like an attraction at Disneyland, basically.
Eating on a budget in Dubrovnik
Restaurants in Dubrovnik can be expensive, especially inside the walls of the Old Town where things can slide into tourist trap territory. It’s definitely worth enjoying a few good meals while you’re in town, but to balance out the cost, head to a bakery or two as well.
Burek is basically the holy grail of Croatia, and well worth a try whether you’re on a budget in Dubrovnik or not. Either a big swirl, or slice, of flaky pastry, filled with cheese and made fresh every single day.
And don’t forget about the supermarkets! I love heading to a local supermarket wherever I am in the world: it’s not just a great way to keep your food spending to a minimum, but I also really appreciate seeing what different foods are the locals’ ‘norm.’
My final tip: the best coffee in Dubrovnik
If you’re a regular reader of this little old blog, you’ll know that one thing I rarely scrimp on is coffee.
My favourite coffee shop in all of Dubrovnik is Cogito Coffee, which is located in a shady little corner down a tiny alleyway. It gets comparatively less footfall than the busier thoroughfares of the old town, so the atmosphere tends to be very chilled indeed. Just the way I like it.
Their cold brew is delicious, and there’s often a cat in the doorway keeping watch. There’s also a bigger Cogito Coffee just outside of Ploče Gate.
Dubrovnik is a massive tourist destination, where it’s easy to spend a lot of money, quickly. However it’s also incredibly easy to visit Dubrovnik on a budget, if you’re prepared to stray from the usual touristy path and take things at a more relaxed pace. Croatia is a wonderful, welcoming country, and in spite of its popularity, this beautiful city is no exception to that rule.
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