Dubrovnik on a Budget: A Day Trip Guide

Experience the charm of Dubrovnik on a budget and still feel like royalty.

21 June 2023

Dubrovnik, Croatia is a beautiful coastal city that offers a plethora of affordable activities and experiences. Exploring the old city walls, visiting the many beaches, and hiking to Mount Srd are all low-cost options. For food, street vendors and local markets offer tasty options without breaking the bank.

Day trip plan

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Day

Discovering Dubrovnik on a Budget

  • Start your day at Buža bar, a cliffside bar with a stunning sea view. Sip a coffee or cold beer while you watch the waves crash below.
  • Take a walk along the city walls for a panoramic view of Dubrovnik’s red-roofed old town. At 150 HRK for the ticket, it’s a bit pricey, but worth it.
  • Visit the Franciscan Monastery, an architectural marvel with a 14th-century pharmacy and a gorgeous cloister. Entrance fee is only 30 HRK.
  • For lunch, head to Pizzeria Castro – affordable prices and delicious pizza that will fill you up for the rest of the day.
  • Finish the day by taking a cable car up to the top of Srd Hill. The view of Dubrovnik from above is breathtaking and only costs 200 HRK for the roundtrip.
  • End the day on a sweet note at Dolce Vita, a gelato place with a variety of flavors at reasonable prices.
  • Dubrovnik may be an expensive city, but with the right planning and a limited budget, it’s still possible to enjoy everything this charming city has to offer.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Dubrovnik, Croatia by plane is to fly into Dubrovnik Airport, which is located about 20km from the city center. There are many international airlines that operate flights to Dubrovnik, including Croatia Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines.

Car

If you're driving to Dubrovnik, Croatia, the best route is to take the A1 highway from Split and then continue on the D8 coastal road towards Dubrovnik. Keep in mind that there are some border crossings with Bosnia and Herzegovina along the way, so be sure to have your passport and documents in order.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Dubrovnik, Croatia. However, you can take a train to Split or Ploče and then take a bus or ferry to Dubrovnik.

Boat

Dubrovnik is a popular port of call for many Mediterranean and Adriatic cruises. If you're traveling by boat, you can take a ferry or catamaran from nearby cities such as Split, Hvar, Korčula, and Mljet. The main ferry port in Dubrovnik is located in Gruž, about 2km from the Old Town.

Bus

The best way to get to Dubrovnik, Croatia by bus is to take a direct bus from major cities in Croatia or neighboring countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia. The main bus station in Dubrovnik is located in Gruž, about 2km from the Old Town.

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