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Dubrovnik, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is one of my favourite remote work destinations in Croatia. It’s already known for its history, medieval architecture, and amazing views of the Adriatic Sea. While it’s a popular tourist destination in high season, Dubrovnik is fast-becoming a go-to destination for digital nomads and workationers.

The city is best known for its Old Town (which has played backdrop to Game of Thrones), but there is so much more to explore beyond these walls. I previously introduced Dubrovnik to this community when I was invited to WorkPlaceCultureConference. But in this guide, I’ll be sharing a little more about why Dubrovnik is one of my top recommendations and some of the better places to remote work from.

Why Dubrovnik is Ideal for Remote Workers

First we need to talk a little bit more about the city itself. Dubrovnik's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it hosts numerous festivals, concerts, and cultural events throughout the year, providing plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in local traditions and make new connections.

I was kindly invited by Digital Nomad Association Croatia, Saltwater Nomads and Experience Dubrovnik to spend time in the city during carnival (February), and it was one of my favourite experiences of all time. There were activities all week for schools and communities and over the weekend there was dressing up, festivities and a pasta-making competition (during which local hotels and restaurants all got involved). Everyone was so incredibly welcoming and it was amazing to experience the Old Town with more ‘manageable’ amounts of people.

Although I have my favourite places to remote work from (both in the Old and New Town), it’s actually pretty common for most cafes, restaurants and hotels in town to have complimentary wifi. But in some places it makes more sense to go for coffee, and others have a better suited environment for working in.

Where to remote work in Dubrovnik

Old Town

When people think of Dubrovnik, they think of the Old Town, so it makes sense for us to start there. Having had the opportunity to visit a couple of times now, I personally wouldn’t choose to come in to the Old Town to work unless I was tying it in with a cultural activity and/or to meet people. It’s a little pricier than the rest of the town and the environment is less conducive to work in (at least for me anyway unless doing content).

Gradska Kavana Arsenal

While slightly on the pricier side (for Croatia), this is one of my favourite spots in Dubrovnik full stop. Whether for brunch on the terrace or to work for a couple of hours upstairs, there is something about the environment that I love here.

Nishta

I first visited Nishta when I was looking for vegetarian options on my first trip to Dubrovnik - and it doesn’t disappoint for plant-based alternatives to some traditional Croatian dishes. It was also great during the quieter months to remote work from for a little bit as well (if you’re looking to get away from the general bustle of the main streets).

Stradoon

You can enjoy this restaurant either inside or outside on one of the main streets of the Old Town (especially during Carnival). It was a nice enough alternative and was worth it for a couple of hours of work.

New Town

Akademis Academia

A place frequented by students, the space is also used for conferences and events, plus the cafe is available to the public as well. Although there are student and non-student prices, it was still one of the cheapest cups of ‘kava’ I had in Dubrovnik overall and the wifi was great for what I needed.

Coffee Break

Located inside Dubrovnik University, I really enjoyed the atmosphere here. From what I remember, there were again student and non-student prices, but it was still on the more budget-friendly side. If I had been staying a bit closer to the Old Town, I might have gone here a little more often.

Taj Mahal

So this restaurant came up when I was searching for coffee and wifi, which were great, but what I most loved about this place was being able to get some Bosnian food (which after spending a month in Mostar a few months before that, I didn’t realise I was missing). The design is beautiful and it was again one of those places that I would have happily gone in more if I was staying a little bit closer to it.

Urban & Veggie

One of my finds on my most recent visit when I was searching for vegetarian places to eat (the Balkans are better known for their meat-based cuisine) and I actually came back here a couple of times. Although there wasn’t quite as much atmosphere, the food was great and it made for a great pit stop when visiting the harbour and the shops around it.

Where to stay in Dubrovnik

The first time I visited Dubrovnik, I stayed in the Old Town and while I get that it can feel exciting to do so, I’d strongly advise you don’t - especially in the warmer months. Prices in general are higher in the Old Town, from coffees to accommodation, but depending on where you stay, you’ll be surrounded by crowds of people and having to walk up and down a lot of stairs. (Which trust me you do not want to be doing with suitcases and bags).

Staying in Lapad during my latest stay was the best because it was similar distance between the newer harbour and Old Town. Plus it was closer to some of the less crowded beaches (perfect for quiet Sunday morning walks), local cafes to start the day and shops (and fairer prices for groceries and other things).

things to do in dubrovnik

Generally speaking Dubrovnik is best known for the Old Town and its beautiful beaches, but there is so much more to see and do than this. I had an opportunity to test out the Digital Nomad Pass, and it didn’t disappoint! It gives you access to so many different activities around town and certain transport as well. And unlike other visitor passes, it can last for a month. From the Old Town Walls to the Modern Art Museum, to smaller galleries and museums full of history, there is a lot to explore around the entire town. (I was kindly invited to watch a performance at the Marin Držić Theatre by the Dubrovnik Orchestra and this is an absolute must for music lovers)!

There is of course so much more beyond the city as well, including hiking, kayaking, sailing, horse riding and island hopping (although keep in mind that some islands, like Lokrum only open for a couple of months of the year).

If you’re looking to slow things down a little bit during your time off, Dubrovnik is also well known for its spa and relaxation facilities. One afternoon, I visited the spa at Hotel Dubrovnik Palace one morning and it was the most incredible experience (from what I remember, it cost about £30 for a pass which included a pool and sauna). I then did a couple of hours of work with a coffee downstairs in the bar, looking over the beautiful views of the sea.

Getting around the city is also relatively easy, with the Digital Nomad Pass, you can actually use the Libertas bus system around the town. But there are of course also plenty of taxis, Ubers and if you want to head even further off the beaten path, then you can hire a car. Personally, I enjoyed walking that little bit extra every so often and coming across some of the places I mentioned above, beach spots and other things that I wouldn’t have thought to look for unless I’d been going at a slower pace.

While Dubrovnik is known for its Old Town (and the Old Town is absolutely worth a visit), I believe there is so much more to the city beyond the Old Town Walls, and this is why I am always so happy to come back. There is a lot of community that have fallen in love with the quiet charm of the place and are building year round lives there. From amazing food to a welcoming community, Dubrovnik has a lot to offer long stay visitors!

Have you thought about going yet?

Han x