Dubrovnik is a well-known holiday destination for the rich and famous, even the Beckhams have been spotted on Lopud Island. Tourists flock to the walled city and the pristine beaches, fancy seafood restaurants and island paradises nearby. Dubrovnik is red hot right now in terms of tourism. It’s a must-see place for any Game of Thrones fan. 

The big question is: can you visit Dubrovnik on a shoe-string budget? 

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. I’ve come to the rescue with some handy tips to save money and make the most of your time in Dubrovnik. Feast your eyes on my penny-pinching ideas below:

First of all, the walled city is the most expensive area to eat and stay in. You don’t need to stay inside the walled citadel – save money by staying outside the most expensive and touristy area. It’s easy to get to the walled city from most parts of Dubrovnik as there are good bus links around the city. We found a good deal for an Airbnb inside the city walls however if you have more time i.e. 4 days or more it makes sense to stay somewhere slightly cheaper. It was great to have all the attractions so close by but we would’ve stayed somewhere further away if we had more time. It’s up to you though!

If you’re feeling up to the challenge, see if you can stand on the gargoyle-like creature in the photo with both feet – apparently if you succeed you’ll find love.

You might have to compromise by cooking some of your own meals. It’s very expensive to eat out all the time in Dubrovnik, even buying sandwiches from the bakery can set you back 5 euros or more depending on the location of the bakery. I recommend choosing an Airbnb or hostel with a kitchen, this gives you the option to cook if you want to save money.

The supermarkets inside the walled city are more expensive than those that are outside the city centre. If you’ve got the time and the willpower head to the Maxi Konzum or Super Konzum. FYI the Konzum supermarket inside the walled city is closed on a Sunday, you will need to bear this in mind when planning grocery shopping trips. This Konzum isn’t so bad if you’re picking up essentials like pasta, rice or bread but it’s only small so the options are quite limited. 

Bakeries are a savior for all budget travelers. For a cheap lunch on the go, head to Pekara Rusica Bakery located outside the city walls. It’s uphill and there are quite a lot of steps involved but it’s worth the walk to save some pennies, plus there are some nice views of the bay and fortress from the top of the hill. If you don’t fancy facing all those stairs, Pile Bakery just outside of Pile Gate is also a great bakery offering relatively cheap baked goods.

 There are also pretty impressive views on the way up to Pekara Rusica

Visit during the shoulder months instead of during peak season i.e. summer holidays. We were told that a single bed in a shared dorm room can cost up to $70 per night in the summer. This is crazy! We visited during October and the weather was still lush and the tourist hordes had calmed down slightly. 

This is seriously quiet for the Stradun (main pedestrian street) – expect crowds if you visit during peak season!

If you want to escape the crowds of the Old Town and are looking for a more serene way to spend your holiday, book a boat tour to Elaphiti Islands with lunch included like this one on Tripadvisor – this means one less meal you need to cook or buy, and most this importantly could provide a welcome break from cheap options like pasta or rice! The food is freshly cooked on the boat with the option of chicken, fish or a vegan meal choice and the portions are very generous. Wine, rakia and soft drinks are also included, which definitely sweetens the deal and will get you in the holiday spirit. The boat stops at the islands of Koločep, Lopud and Šipan and gives passengers ample time to wander around the traditional fishing villages or just unwind watching the waves lapping at the harbor. On Lopud Island, it’s possible to walk (or catch a golf cart, depending on how lazy you are) to Sunj beach which is a popular and pristine beach. 

Filling up on food and wine during the Elaphiti Islands tour

While the Dubrovnik City Pass seems expensive, it actually works out cheaper to buy the pass than pay for two attractions separately. Attractions covered by the Dubrovnik City pass include the Rector’s Palace, Maritime Museum, City Walls, Ethnographic Museum, Franciscan Church and Monastery and Fort Lovrijenac. If you’re planning on visiting at least two of these attractions, it’s worth purchasing the Dubrovnik City pass for 24 or 48 hours. Another great piece of advice is to activate the pass just before sunset and walk the city walls, you can then use it for the whole of the next day to visit museums around the city, maximizing the time you have. 

Admiring the architecture is a cheap activity in the city

Explore some of the free attractions that the city has to offer such as the Stradun (main pedestrian street), the Port on the eastern side of the walled city, Church of St. Ignatius, Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Onofrio’s Large Fountain, Pile Gate and the collections inside the Sponza Palace. It’s also possible to walk to the top of the stairs at Fort Lovrijenac and admire the views over the Old Town of Dubrovnik without paying the admission fee. Another free activity you can participate in is swimming near Blaze beach just outside of the walled city, although it’s important to bear in mind you need to be a competent swimmer to give this a try.