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Is Dubrovnik Expensive? (A 2023 Guide to Prices in Dubrovnik)
Are you considering visiting Croatia but asking yourself, Is Dubrovnik expensive to visit?
If so, you’re not alone. Dubrovnik, Croatia has exploded in popularity since serving as one of the main filming locations for the award-winning series, Game of Thrones. It’s not hard to see why this Croatian town is such a sought after destination for vacation-goers either. The city walls are impressively breathtaking, the beaches are pristine, and the food is out of this world.
As with any trip, it is important to consider the cost of travel to Dubrovnik. As someone who has been living in Croatia and traveling the country extensively for well over a decade, I’m very familiar with the prices of hotels, transportation, food and drink in Croatia’s most popular destinations – Dubrovnik included.
In this post, I’ll break down the cost of visiting Dubrovnik and answer the age old question Is Dubrovnik expensive? so that you can decide if Dubrovnik is worth the cost.
Is Dubrovnik Expensive?
Finally, the answer that you’re here for!
I know you’re dying to know if Dubrovnik is expensive or not, and I’m here to tell you that…
It depends.
Not the answer you were expecting, huh? I get it. But the truth is, whether you find Dubrovnik expensive or not will depend on a number of factors. Generally speaking, Dubrovnik is more expensive than a lot of other destinations in Croatia. However, whether or not you personally find it expensive is quite subjective and heavily contingent upon your travel style.
Let’s face it, what is expensive to one person may not be to another.
The truth is, prices in Dubrovnik vary widely. They significantly depend on the time of year you visit, the area of Dubrovnik you choose to stay in, and of course, your budget.
To give you a better idea of what it costs to visit Dubrovnik, I have broken down the average prices of common travel costs including accommodation, food and drink, activities, and transportation in Dubrovnik. This way, you can estimate how far your budget will get you in Dubrovnik, and finally, allow you to form your own conclusion on how expensive Dubrovnik really is.
Accommodation Prices in Dubrovnik
The number one thing you will need when visiting Dubrovnik is a place to stay. Dubrovnik offers a wide range of accommodation, so whether you like to travel in luxury and stay at 5-star resorts or prefer kicking it like a local in private apartments with your own kitchen, there is something for everyone in Dubrovnik.
Prices for accommodation in Dubrovnik will vary based on the time of year you visit and the location you choose to stay in. High season in Croatia runs from June through August and is the most popular time to visit Dubrovnik. Accommodation during this time is in high demand, so you can expect prices to follow suit.
During Dubrovnik’s rainy season, like the months of October, November, March, and April, prices will usually be more affordable for apartments and hotels, and even some activities.
It should also go without saying that location is a large factor that will dictate the price of your accommodation in Dubrovnik. Basing yourself in the heart of the Old Town will cost more, but it might be worth it for the epic location and views! Alternatively, staying further away from the historic city center will likely be more affordable if you’re on a tight budget.
Below, you can find the average price per night for accommodation in Dubrovnik based on prices during high season (averages were taken for one night in July). It is important to take these averages for what they are (the average of the highest and lowest accommodation price in that particular category) and do your own research based on your specific travel dates to get an accurate price estimate.
- Average 5 Star Hotel Price: €467.50 per night
- Average 4 Star Hotel Price: €354 per night
- Average 3 Star Hotel Price: €190 per night
- Average Private Apartment Price: €357 per night
- Average Hostel Price: €129.50 per night
When searching for accommodation in Dubrovnik, the best place to book is through Booking.com. This is by far the most popular booking website in Croatia where you will find the most properties available, including hotels and private apartments.
Beaches in Dubrovnik
You’ll be happy to know that beaches in Dubrovnik Croatia are free to use (and free from sharks)! Most of them, that is. If you plan on spending a lot of time at the beach, you may want to rent a sun bed and umbrella (if they are not already included in the hotel you are staying at). Croatia’s beaches are pebbled, and some are rocky, so renting a chair may be worth the extra comfort for the day.
- Average price of renting two sun beds and umbrella for the day = €28
Keep in mind that most vendors will only accept cash. As of January 1st, 2023, the official currency of Croatia is the Euro. (Prior to the changeover, the national currency was the kuna, which is also the name of the national animal of Croatia).
Food & Drink in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Restaurant Prices
When it comes to eating out in Dubrovnik, there are all types of restaurants available. From pizza places to high end, fine-dining establishments, there is something to satisfy everyone’s palate. However, due to Dubrovnik’s popularity, food prices at restaurants in Dubrovnik can be quite high compared to other destinations in Croatia.
The cost of a regular meal at a mid-range restaurant in the heart of the Old Town can range from €18-€30 for an individual dish without drinks or sides included. With one glass of wine or soft drink and a side dish, the total cost of the meal can rise to around €35 per person, not including dessert.
It is also important to note that most restaurants in Croatia will not offer tap water, so be prepared for the additional cost of bottled water at dinner.
In search of dessert? You can’t visit Dubrovnik without trying some of the city’s best ice cream. One scoop of delicious gelato will run you around €2 at ice cream shops throughout the city.
Budget Friendly Dubrovnik Food Prices
For those looking to save money while visiting Dubrovnik, it may be wise to explore the city’s street food scene. Try some Croatian specialties like burek (flaky pastries with cheese or meat fillings) from a local bakery, or sample Croatian fast food like ćevapi (grilled minced meat sausages). These dishes can be found in most tourist areas and can cost as little as €2-€5 per item.
With some research and exploration, it is possible to find cheaper meals. However, this will require venturing out of the Old Town to some of the smaller, more local restaurants on the outskirts of Dubrovnik. These places are typically further away from tourist areas, so you’ll have to take into consideration the cost of getting there as well.
Alternatively, you can also save money on food in Dubrovnik by cooking a few meals at your accommodation. Pick up some local produce at the farmers market behind the Church of St. Blaise or, if you’re really keen on saving, venture over to Gruž Market where the locals shop.
Grocery stores like Konzum and Tommy can also be found around Dubrovnik and are great for stocking up on snacks or breakfast items at reasonable prices.
Bars in Dubrovnik
There are tons of different bars in Dubrovnik, many of which serve specialty cocktails, local wines, and of course, beer. While visiting the city, you’ll likely want to sit down for a drink somewhere. In Croatia, a “bar” can refer to both a place to get coffee or cocktails. The prices below reflect how much you can expect to pay for beverages within the walled city:
- Beer (domestic): €5-€8
- Cocktail: €15-€20
- Glass of wine: €6-€9
- Coffee: €2-€3
- Mineral water (bottle): €5
- Coca Cola: €4
Entertainment in Dubrovnik
If you’re looking for a vacation packed with adventure and exploration, then Dubrovnik is the perfect destination. With its stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and its beautiful Old Town walls, Dubrovnik offers plenty of entertainment and activity options that can keep visitors busy all day long. Whether you want to go on a private boat tour around Dubrovnik or take a day trip to neighboring countries like Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina, there are endless possibilities for day trips and entertainment in the city.
Here is a breakdown of the most popular activities in Dubrovnik and how much you can expect to spend per person:
- Walking the city walls: €36.50 per person
- Day trip to Lokrum Island: €28.50 per person (includes round trip boat ride and park entrance fee)
- Cable car ride to the top of Mount Srd: €28.49 round trip per person
- Sea kayaking tour: €38.18 for two adults
- Dubrovnik boat tour: varies from €40 – €500
- Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Walking Tour: €51.26
- Day trip to Montenegro: €65.44
- Day trip to Mostar (Bosnia & Herzegovina): €85.02
For history buffs and those more artistically inclined, there are many art galleries in the city that are free to visit. Being the culturally rich city that it is, Dubrovnik also boasts a wonderful collection of museums. If you are interested in visiting the Archeological Museum, Maritime Museum, Franciscan Monastery Museum, and more, you may want to look into getting a Dubrovnik Pass.
The Dubrovnik Pass is available for 1, 3, or 7 days and includes access to the city walls and other amazing sights. It also includes access to public transportation and can get you additional discounts on activities, shopping, day trips, and even restaurants.
The Dubrovnik Pass starts at €37.50 per person.
Transportation in Dubrovnik
When traveling anywhere in the world, it’s important to take cost of transportation into consideration once you’re on the ground. How will you get around? Are there taxis? How about public transportation?
This can be easy to overlook, but it can seriously impact your budget if you don’t plan accordingly. When it comes to getting around Dubrovnik, you should know that the Old Town is pedestrian only. This is the section of town that is completely enclosed by the ancient stone walls. It is very easy to navigate on foot, but be prepared for lots of stairs!
Outside of the city walls are two main options for transportation: local buses and taxis. Taxis can be quite expensive, so if you want to save some cash on transportation, I recommend avoiding them if you can.
Local Buses in Dubrovnik
Buses, on the other hand are an inexpensive and convenient way to navigate Dubrovnik and the surrounding area. The company, Libertas, runs public transport in the city. It offers a total of 12 bus lines that connect the different parts of the city with the main station at Pile (the closest stop to the entrance of the Old Town).
From Pile Station, you can take Bus number 6 towards Lapad and Babin Kuk, two neighborhoods where some of the city’s biggest hotels and private accommodations are located. The bus runs every 15 minutes, making it easy to get around without hassle.
Click here to view the Dubrovnik bus schedules.
A bus ticket will run you around €2.00 and is valid for 59 minutes in all directions. Tickets can be purchased in cash only on the bus, or at Libertas kiosks located around town.
Airport Shuttle Dubrovnik
Getting from the airport in Dubrovnik to the Old Town is straightforward, thanks to the shuttle bus that departs Dubrovnik Airport 30 minutes after each flight arrival. The journey from Dubrovnik Airport to the city takes about 25-30 minutes and will drop you off at the bus stop at Pile Gate (the closest stop to the entrance of the Old Town).
If you are staying inside of the Old Town, you can walk to your accommodation from the bus stop. If you are staying in a different area of Dubrovnik, you can catch one of the local buses that cover the rest of the city.
- One-way ticket from Dubrovnik airport = €10
- Round trip ticket from Dubrovnik airport = €13
Tickets can be purchased in cash, directly from the bus driver. There is no need to buy tickets in advance.
Prefer to take a taxi from the airport to your accommodation? I recommend using Uber from the Dubrovnik airport to wherever you’re staying. This will ensure you get the best rate and not fall victim to any artificial inflation of fees. You can expect to pay around €40 for a taxi from the Dubrovnik airport to the Old Town.
If you don’t have an international phone plan, use the app Airalo to get affordable data while visiting Croatia. Airalo is an eSIM that you can install on your phone before leaving for your trip, which will allow you to have instant internet access as soon as you touch down in Croatia.
Renting a Car in Dubrovnik
The cost of renting a car in Dubrovnik can vary, depending on the time of year you visit. You can find car rentals for as little as €25 per day during low season, and upwards of €130 per day in mid-July.
I like using Discover Cars as they always check both international and local providers to ensure you get the best rates.
With that said, I would encourage you to wait to rent a car until you plan to move to your next location. This is because the parking situation in Dubrovnik will cause you more headache than it’s worth.
The main streets and roads around the town are very narrow and parking can be difficult to find, not to mention expensive if you do find it. Parking around the city can range from €5 an hour and up to €25 per day depending on the lot.
For this reason, having a car in Dubrovnik is not recommended unless absolutely necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need per day in Dubrovnik?
If you want to travel comfortably in Dubrovnik, I would recommend a budget of €100 per day to include food, drink, activities, and the occasional souvenir.
Is Croatia expensive for tourists?
This really depends on where you are coming from and how large your budget is. Many visitors from North America and northern Europe report that the prices in Dubrovnik are comparable to their home countries.
Is Dubrovnik expensive for food and drink?
The prices for food in Dubrovnik are quite high compared to the rest of Croatia. You can expect to spend around €35 per person for an entree and drink at a restaurant in Dubrovnik. Of course, it’s possible to find cheaper options by venturing outside the city walls and seeking out places where the locals eat. Alternatively, you can always purchase your own groceries and cook a few meals at your accommodation.
How much is a cup of coffee in Dubrovnik?
Depending on where you choose to sit, a cup of coffee in Dubrovnik can cost anywhere from €2 to €6. If you sit at a cafe on Stradun (Dubrovnik’s most famous street), you’ll pay around €5. You can find cheaper options outside of the Old Town walls and away from touristy places.
How much is beer in Dubrovnik?
Beer in Dubrovnik will run you around €5-€8.
Why is Dubrovnik expensive?
It is true that Dubrovnik is more expensive than other destinations in Croatia. This is heavily due to Dubrovnik serving as the main filming location for Star Wars and Game of Thrones, which has led to a huge increase in visitors making it the most popular destination in Croatia.
How much spending money for Dubrovnik do I need?
A mid-range budget of around €100 per day is a good estimate for spending money in Dubrovnik. Of course, you can get by with less by staying in budget accommodation and cooking a few of your meals. That being said, the sky is the limit if you want to splurge on your vacation to Dubrovnik.
Is Dubrovnik expensive to holiday?
It can be! If you plan to go during peak season (between the months of June and August) then your holiday will be more expensive when it comes to activity and accommodation prices. If you are willing to visit Dubrovnik during the fall or winter, your budget will go much and your holiday will be less expensive.
Is Dubrovnik more expensive than Split?
Generally speaking, Dubrovnik is more expensive than Split. If you are on a budget, you may want to consider spending a few more days in Split than Dubrovnik.
Wrap Up: Is Dubrovnik Expensive
In total, you can expect to spend around €75-€250 per day in Dubrovnik.
The low end takes into account staying at a budget accommodation, eating street food, avoiding alcohol, and doing the bare minimum when it comes to paid activities. The higher end is a solid estimate for those who plan to stay at 4 or 5 star hotels, will do a couple of paid activities during their stay, eat at restaurants in the city, and enjoy a few cocktails during their trip.
These daily spending estimates do not include airfare, so be sure to add that to your budget!
While Dubrovnik is more expensive than other destinations in Croatia, don’t let the higher prices deter you from visiting! The city is magnificent and will certainly leave you breathless when you step foot into its medieval walls. It is well-worth seeing and can totally be visited without breaking the bank if you’re smart about your budget.
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Croatia Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Croatia travel insurance?
10000% YES – Seriously, don’t leave home without it. You never know what can happen on the road (like that time I had to go to urgent care in Thailand for a severe case of dehydration). Luckily I had SafetyWing insurance that covered my bill. Their average plan is $42 for 28 days – that’s $1.50 a day to enjoy peace of mind…just get it. Plus you can adjust your length of coverage to your specific dates of travel, so you could be paying even less than that!
📱 Will my phone work in Croatia?
Maybe – check with your provider to see if you’ll have service while traveling Croatia. If you don’t have service (or it’s too expensive) I recommend getting an eSIM like Airalo. Airalo allows you to have data while traveling without the high costs of roaming. They have super affordable plans available for 190+ countries, including Croatia. Download the app and get your plan before you leave home so that you have data as soon as you touch down in Croatia!
🏨 What’s the best way to book my Croatia accommodations?
For Croatia hotels, Booking is by far the best site.
🛫 What’s the best site to buy Croatia flights?
I always use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights.
🚗 Is it safe to rent a Car in Croatia?
Yes! – In fact, renting a car in Croatia is one of the best ways to see the country! I recommend Discover Cars because they check both local and international rental companies to ensure you get the best deal. (Get your Croatia road trip itinerary here)
💦 Is it safe to drink the water in Croatia?
Tap water in Croatia is completely safe to drink, so bring your reusable water bottle and fill up! (Read more)
🪪 Do I need a visa for Croatia?
Depending on where you are coming from you may or may not need a visa to enter Croatia. Check the official Republic of Croatia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more information on who should apply for a visa.
