Budget & Costs
What does Dubrovnik cost?
Dubrovnik is significantly more expensive than the rest of Croatia — Old Town prices are on par with Venice or the Côte d'Azur. Accommodations are particularly expensive in summer, dining in the Old Town is pricey. Outside the walls and in the off-season, the bill looks friendlier. Since 2023, the Euro is the official currency — no more exchanging needed.
Typical Prices (Guidelines 2025/2026)
| Item | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Espresso / Cappuccino | 1.50–3.00 |
| Small beer (0.5l) | 3.00–5.00 |
| Plate of Ćevapčići | 8–12 |
| Fish dish in a restaurant | 15–30 |
| Black risotto | 12–20 |
| Supermarket shopping (1 day) | 10–18 |
| Hostel (dormitory) | 25–45 |
| Mid-range hotel (double room, summer) | 120–250 |
| Apartment (central, studio) | 80–180 |
| City wall entrance | 35 |
| Cable car Srđ (round trip) | 27 |
| Ferry Lokrum (round trip) | 15 |
| Kayak tour (3h) | 35–50 |
| GoT walking tour | 25–40 |
| Dubrovnik Card (1 day) | 35 |
Budget Levels
Backpacker / Budget (€50–80 per day)
Hostel or cheap apartment outside the Old Town (Lapad, Gruž), supermarket shopping (Konzum, Lidl) for breakfast and snacks, one restaurant visit per day, free activities (beach, strolling Stradun, Gundulićeva market). City walls once (€35) — worth every budget. Eat outside the Old Town: prices are 30–50% cheaper.
Mid-range (€100–200 per day)
Nice apartment in the Old Town or good hotel in Lapad, restaurants in and outside the walls, 1–2 activities per day (kayaking, Lokrum, cable car), wine with dinner. The most comfortable way to experience Dubrovnik. Treat yourself to a fish platter at the harbor and cocktails at the Buža Bar.
Comfort / Luxury (€250–500+ per day)
Boutique hotel in the Old Town (Pucić Palace, Hotel Stari Grad), fine dining restaurants, private boat tours to the Elaphites, wine tasting on Pelješac with a private guide, spa at Rixos Libertas. Dubrovnik can be truly luxurious — and the settings are breathtaking.
Tipp
The biggest money-saving hack in Dubrovnik: Eat outside the Old Town. The restaurants in Gruž, Lapad, and Mokošica offer the same quality at 30–50% lower prices. And: The Dubrovnik Card (1/3/7 days) includes city walls, museums, and bus rides — pays off from 2 attractions.
Money-Saving Tips
Dubrovnik doesn't have to be expensive if you plan cleverly:
- Dubrovnik Card: The 1-day card (€35) includes city walls (€35 single price!), Rector's Palace, Maritime Museum, and bus rides — saves money immediately. The 3-day card (€45) is even better.
- Eat outside the walls: In Gruž, there are excellent konobas (traditional restaurants) at local prices. Restaurant Pantarul or Shizuku in Lapad — top quality without the Old Town surcharge.
- Use city buses: Libertás buses cover all important routes (Old Town – Lapad – Gruž – Ploče) for €2/ride. Day pass €5.
- The beach is free: The rocky coves south of the Old Town (Sveti Jakov, Bellevue) cost nothing and are more beautiful than hotel beaches.
- Refill water: The tap water in Dubrovnik is excellent. Bring a water bottle — the Onofrio fountains on the Stradun provide the same water as in the 15th century.
- Cruise ship radar: Check cruisemapper.com for the arrival schedule. On days without cruise ships, the Old Town is half as crowded — and the experience is twice as good.
- Early on the wall: The city walls open at 8 am (summer). Those who arrive at opening have the wall almost to themselves. It gets crowded from 10 am. Alternatively: after 5 pm, when the cruise guests are gone.
- Book off-season: An apartment that costs €200/night in August is available in May or October for €70–100. The experience is often even better in the off-season.
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