How to See Croatia for Less!
Explore Dubrovnik on a Budget
In the summer of 2022, my older sister Sam and I finally decided to check off one of our top bucket list destinations: Croatia! After years of dreaming about it, the timing was perfect—I’d just finished my freshman year at UTK, and she had graduated from UT Austin.
As two broke college students, we made sure to keep the trip as budget-friendly as possible, relying on hostels and public transportation to stretch our dollars.
DUBROVNIK
Our first stop along the Croatian coast was the historic city of Dubrovnik. Situated in the southernmost part of the country, Dubrovnik is famous for its stunning medieval walls that encircle the Old Town. It’s also well-known for being a major filming location for Game of Thrones, and you can even take a dedicated GOT tour around the city—or, like us, casually tag along in the background at a few key stops!
My sister and I spent three full days exploring Dubrovnik, but in hindsight, two days would have been enough. While we enjoyed our time there, the city is quite touristy, and a shorter stay would’ve still allowed us to experience its charm without feeling rushed.
WHERE TO STAY
Hostel Angelina was a fantastic choice, especially for a first-timer like me. Although my sister and I stayed in a private room, it was clean and comfortable. From what we heard after chatting with other guests in the shared rooms, their experiences were just as positive!
One of the best features of the hostel was the variety of activities it offered, from sunset hikes to organized nights out at local clubs. These were great opportunities to meet fellow travelers. (Fun fact: I even ran into another UT student during one of these events!)
THINGS TO DO
Let me start by saying that my sister and I are definitely beach people, so if you’re the type who likes a jam-packed, adventure-filled itinerary, these recommendations might not be for you!
Two spots we absolutely loved were Beach Bar Dodo and Ala Mizerija, cliffside bars nestled beside each other in a secluded harbor. Both offer a relaxed atmosphere, making them the perfect place to spend an afternoon. We preferred Ala Mizerija for food, but both have an equally great vibe, so you really can’t go wrong with either! You can set up towels, go for a swim in the crystal-clear (and freezing!) cove, or just enjoy the view.
From our hostel in the Old City, it was about a 10-15 minute walk to get there, but I’d recommend allowing yourself around 40 minutes to find it, as it’s tucked away and maps aren’t always clear. We loved this spot so much that we ended up spending a few hours there every single day we were in Dubrovnik!
One of the most popular tourist activities in Dubrovnik is walking the city’s famous walls. While it’s a bit on the pricier side (around $35 USD per person), it does offer some of the best views of the city. I wouldn’t say it’s a must-do, but we didn’t regret it! Pro tip: plan to start the walk as soon as it opens—the crowds build quickly, and by 10 AM, it gets incredibly hot.
Banje Beach, a beautiful rocky beach just outside the city walls, is about a 10-minute walk away. For a relaxing day, we’d grab a loaf of bread, salami, and cheese from a local market and head to the beach. Packing food from the market became our go-to for breakfast and lunch, as it was much cheaper than eating out. At the beach, you can rent umbrellas for a low price or splurge a little more for lounge chairs. Either way, I’d recommend renting some form of shade since there’s no natural cover on the beach.
If you have an extra day or just a few hours to spare, consider checking out Lokrum Island! For about $25 USD roundtrip, you can take a quick 15-minute water taxi from the Old City to Lokrum. The island offers a variety of activities, catering to both beach lovers and more adventurous types.
To end your day, head to Buza Bar, a cliffside spot perfect for watching the sunset and even doing some cliff jumping. Drinks can be on the pricey side, so I recommend grabbing a Radler from a local market before you go for a more budget-friendly option. If you’re looking for something with more energy, Culture Club Revelin is a great choice. Located at the entrance of the Old City, it’s exactly what you’d picture when thinking of a European nightclub! Pro tip: The club really comes alive between 1 AM and 5 AM—anything earlier and it’s pretty quiet.
Hi! I’m Katie, a wannabe travel journalist currently based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Originally from a small town near San Francisco, I made the big move in August 2021 to attend the University of Tennessee, where I’m studying Public Relations. While my travel dreams are on pause for now, moving across the country at 18 has been an adventure all on its own.
Though I’m still young, I’ve had the chance to experience some amazing places! With a dad who’s a pilot and a mom who grew up in Australia, it’s no surprise that I caught the travel bug early. Before turning 18, I’d already explored five countries, two continents, and 22 states. While there’s still so much more I want to see, I’m just getting started!
On my blog, Katie DeGavre, you’ll find inspiration, tips, and detailed itineraries to fuel your future adventures. Traveling has been such a gift, and I hope my experiences motivate you to go out and see the world for yourself. For more frequent updates, check out my social media where I share my latest adventures!
