Yes — with the right approach, it is. Don’t miss these tips!

I had the privilege of living in this extraordinary city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast for half a year. Once a quieter destination, Dubrovnik changed forever after Game of Thrones was filmed here. The series brought worldwide fame—and with it, prices that soared, especially in the Old Town. Some restaurant bills there can feel alarmingly high.

The truth is simple: the closer you get to the Old Town, the higher your expenses will be. But step just beyond the city walls, and a different Dubrovnik appears—more authentic, more affordable, and just as enchanting.

During my time as a student in Dubrovnik, I lived in Lapad, about a 30-minute walk from the Old Town. There, and in neighborhoods like Gruž and Babin Kuk, prices drop dramatically while the quality of life remains. Buses connect the city easily, and tickets cost only a couple of euros.

A meal that might cost €50–60 in the Old Town will often be just €10–15 outside of it—where you’ll also find wonderful local restaurants serving both Dalmatian and Balkan cuisine.

Accommodation follows the same pattern: Airbnbs between Lapad and the Old Town are more reasonable in the low season, and even the Student Dormitory (Studentski Dom Dubrovnik) may be an option for short stays. The canteen meals are affordable, and students in Croatia can eat for as little as €1–2 with their card.

Timing, however, is everything. Summer brings enormous crowds and skyrocketing prices—sometimes so packed that walking the narrow streets becomes nearly impossible. My advice: discover Dubrovnik in winter or early spring. From January to May, the city is serene, the weather mild (though occasionally touched by bura winds), and the Old Town feels like a place that truly belongs to you. In my view, Dubrovnik is a city that deserves a more balanced tourism calendar, one that both locals and visitors can enjoy year-round.

I hope these insights help. Croatia left a profound mark on me, and Dubrovnik especially—its beauty, history, and people make it a place worth discovering, whether in high luxury or on a thoughtful budget. The Dalmatian coast is, quite simply, unforgettable.