Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik On A Budget

Dubrovnik is one of the most unique cities I’ve ever been to. It’s surrounded by old city walls and has the most insane architecture. Since it’s one of the biggest hotspots in Croatia, it can be pretty expensive; however, with this post, you’ll be able to hit all the coolest places in this city! Below I listed budget tips, free activities, or cheap options to bypass the pricey ones. From outdoor activities like hikes and cliff jumping, to palaces and museums, to markets and so much more, I hope you enjoy this post on the best things to do in Dubrovnik on a budget! Happy exploring!

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Make Sure You Have This Before Heading to Dubrovnik!

• Rick Steves Croatia Travel Guide
  • I am normally not one to look at many travel guides… I like to explore on my own and go off the beaten path. However, Croatia is so full of insane facts and history, that it’s honestly very helpful to have this book! It even has walking routes, history tips, emergency numbers to call, and SO much more. I never go anywhere without my Rick Steves book for that country

Get The Dubrovnik Pass

I’m not typically one to pay for a city pass; I like to go off the beaten path and explore on my own. However, Dubrovnik itself is full of an unbelievable amount of museums, churches, palaces, and so much more, and the Dubrovnik Pass will actually save you money in the long run. Not only that, but it also covers bus tickets, the Lovrjenac Fortress, and a pass to walk on the city walls (which was my absolute favorite part of my entire trip). I listed all the perks of the pass below!

• City Walls + Lovrjenac Fortress

• Maritime Museum
• Ethnographic Museum
• Marin Držić House
• Dubrovnik Natural History Museum
• Friars Minor Franciscan Monastery Museum
• Rector’s Palace (one of my favorite places!)

• Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik
• Dulčić – Masle – Pulitika Gallery
• Pulitika Studio
• Archaeological exhibitions
• Bus Ticket

Take Public Transportation

Depending on where you’re planning on going and where you’re staying, public transportation will be your best friend. I stayed in a hostel that was about a 45 minute walk from the Old Town, and taking buses for almost no money was such a lifesaver.

My favorite thing is to use the app Google Maps to track how to get from spot to spot quickly and cheaply. If public transportation freaks you out, Uber and Bolt (another app similar to Uber used in Europe) are fairly cheap in Croatia. I could find 20 minute rides for 3-5 euros at times!

For more information about bus schedules, costs, etc. click below!

Take a Free Walking Tour

Since Dubrovnik is so unique and honestly fascinating, it’s worth taking a free walking tour to get to know the layout and the history of the city. Click below to check out some of the free tours!

Explore! Free Activities!

Go explore the Old Town!

• You can walk around for hours, popping in random churches and museums, checking out the Gundulic Square Market, and so much more!

Mount Srd

• Hike to the top of this mountain for an incredible view!
  • You can also take a cable car, however it’s pretty expensive.

Beach Day!

• Head to one of the MANY beaches… click HERE for a list of the best ones!

Luza Square

• This square is a crossroads in the old town where a ton of the epic historical sites are, like the city bell tower, the cathedral, and a few churches. This is pretty much the center of Old Town Dubrovnik!

Gradac Park

• This park isn’t far from the Old Town, and you’re right on top of the cliffs abby Danče beach. It’s perfect to come sit and chill and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city!

Check out the MANY Churches

• Three of the most famous ones are:
  • Church of St. Blaise
  • Saint Ignatius Church
  • St. Saviour Church
  • Church of the Holy Annunciation

Head to the Statue of Marin Držić 

• You’ll see his golden nose you have to rub for “good luck.”

Visit the Dubrovnik Cathedral

• It is open daily and free to explore, but there is a charge to visit the treasury.

Check out the Memorial Room of the Defenders of Dubrovnik.

See Ploče Gate

• This is the main entrance to Old Town from the Eastern side.

Check out the Old Town Harbor

• Hang out and watch the ships roll in! If you’re feeling crazy, you can catch a ferry to Lokrum Island or get a kayaking tour around the city walls!

Walk on City Walls

I know I already mentioned walking on the city walls, but it truly was my favorite part of my visit to Dubrovnik. After exploring the Old Town, I went to explore the top of the city, looking down on the bustling crowds and the many incredible buildings. You can also look out at the ocean, the fortress, and there are sometimes artists and musicians on the walls!

To get a ticket, you can either use the City Pass, go to the ticket office (next to the Large Onofrio fountain at the Pile Gate entrance to the Old Town), or buy one online.

Click below to look at tickets for the city walls, the fortress, and other insane palaces, walls, etc.

Go Cliff-Jumping

If you’re feeling adventurous, this is another free activity that is so iconic and something you have GOT to try at least once! All around the city walls by the water, you’ll see both tourists and locals climbing up part of the city walls and jumping off into the INCREDIBLY blue water! When I went, I met a group of 10 Irish guys and 2 Canadian girls who were sunbathing and cliff jumping, and we literally hung out all day. It’s such a fun way to make friends and get an adrenaline rush (even just watching others jump)!

Skip the Restaurants…

Since Dubrovnik is such a touristy spot, especially in the summer, restaurants tend to jack up prices during busy seasons. I saved hundreds of dollars by popping into the grocery store, grabbing sandwich supplies, some nuts and fruit, and a bottled cocktail, filling up my water bottle in the historic public fountains in the city square, and eating in the main street or on the beach! Meals cost me around 5-10 euros (versus getting a meal and a drink at a restaurant, which will end up being at least 3x that much!).

You can also head to a local market and grab some street food if you’re wanting a bit more of a cultural feel for your meals.

If your heart is set on a traditional Croatian meal and a sit down dinner, that’s ok! Save yourself money by going outside the city walls and walking (or taking public transportation) a bit further outside of the city. Places will be cheaper the further you get from the Old Town.

Stay For Cheap!

Hotels and AirBnbs are going to be pricey in this area. Similarly to restaurants, the closer to the city you are, the pricier everything will be. If you’re trying to ball on a budget, aim to get a spot further outside Dubrovnik.

If you’re on a major budget (like I am all the time), I 10000% recommend a hostel. I have had so much fun at hostels all around the world and have made so many friends! If that stresses you out, it’s ok! I have a whole posts dedicated to choosing the perfect hostel for you (below)!

There are some insane hostels inside the city or in the city walls, however you could end up paying over 100 euros a night just to rent a bunk in a room. No thanks. I stayed at an AWESOME hostel called Youth Club Lina ; it’s a small family-owned hostel, and when we got there, the owners came to greet us, brought us fresh juice, and talked to us about their family and their love of the city for 45 minutes! It was a delightful stay (and also right next to a bakery!). It’s a bit of a walk from the Old Town, but with Uber or public transportation, its not bad!

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