Solo in Dubrovnik: Budget-Friendly Things to Do & Where to Stay

Solo in Dubrovnik? Here’s how to explore Croatia’s lively city gem on a budget, just like I did on my solo adventures.

Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s most sought-after destinations, so if you’re planning a trip to the country, it’s likely on your must-visit list. This hilly city offers sweeping views over the Adriatic coastline and the Croatian archipelago. It’s known for its impressive medieval architecture, and lively Old Town streets. But there’s so much more to Dubrovnik than this. Whether you want to relax on beaches, take boat trips, go hiking, or take day trips to nearby Bosnia or Montenegro, there’s plenty to see and do – and it’s surprisingly doable on a budget, even for solo travellers.

I wrapped up my month-long Croatia trip with five nights in Dubrovnik (four full days – well, plus the night before heading to Mljet Island for two nights!). After a lot of moving around, spending this time in one place was exactly what I needed, and it really let me enjoy Dubrovnik!

Whether you’re travelling solo or simply exploring on a budget, Dubrovnik makes it easy. In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know for a budget-friendly solo trip – from how to get to Dubrovnik, to where to stay, to the best things to do.

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🌴Ready to plan your solo trip to Dubrovnik?
✈️ Book cheap flights → Skyscanner
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How to Get to Dubrovnik

So, let’s start with the basics – getting to Dubrovnik as a solo traveller! Whether you’re flying in from abroad or arriving from elsewhere in Croatia as I did, there are a few easy (and budget-friendly) ways to reach the city.

By Plane ✈️

Budget airlines fly into Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), so you can (hopefully!) find a cheap flight.

✨Tip: I always use Skyscanner to compare airlines and find the best deals. If you can be flexible, click on ‘flexible dates’ to find the cheapest options around when you wish to go. I always do this!! You can search for flights here.

Once you land, getting to the city is easy. The Platanus shuttle bus is the main service running between Dubrovnik Airport and the city center.

• Journey time: around 20-30 minutes
• Cost: €10 one way / €15 return
• Stops: runs to/from the Cable Car bus stop (right by Ploče Gate, the main entrance to Dubrovnik Old Town on the eastern side) and the main bus station in Gruž.
• Tickets: available to buy online here, at the Platanus airport counter, Cable Car stop office, or the main bus station in Gruž.

✈️I took this transfer from the Ploče Gate stop (literally a one-minute walk from my hostel – Love Dubrovnik Hostel) to the airport (I only flew out of Dubrovnik, not in!). I bought my ticket at the Cable Car stop office just before boarding the bus. It was the perfect solo traveller, budget-friendly way to get between Dubrovnik Airport and the city – easy, reliable, and stress-free. 💶

By Bus 🚌

Travelling to Dubrovnik by bus is an easy and affordable option, especially if coming from elsewhere in Croatia, or even Bosnia & Herzegovina, or Montenegro. So, here’s how to get here by bus from:

– Elsewhere in Croatia

• Many travelers choose to go from Split to Dubrovnik, but my last stop before arriving was Makarska. I took a FlixBus service, which I recommend – it was punctual, comfortable, and budget-friendly. Other bus companies such as Nomago and Arriva also run routes to Dubrovnik. Reserve your ticket online here.

– Bosnia & Herzegovina

• Direct buses run from popular cities like Mostar and Sarajevo. The journey offers beautiful views as you cross the border into Croatia. Do remember to keep your passport handy for border checks! Check bus times and prices here.

– Montenegro

• Visiting Kotor or the Bay of Kotor and want to continue to Dubrovnik? You can take a direct bus, which usually takes around 2.5–3 hours depending on the border wait time. Book bus travel from Montenegro to Dubrovnik here.

✨ Tip: Check out BusBud to easily compare timetables and ticket prices for your route. Secure your ticket online today.

Where you’ll arrive: All buses arrive at the Dubrovnik Main Bus Station, located in the Gruž Harbour area. From there, you can easily and cheaply catch a local bus to other parts of the city, including the Old Town and Lapad, two of the most popular areas to stay in Dubrovnik. Note that there is budget-friendly accommodation near the bus station – I actually stayed one night nearby since I arrived into Dubrovnik in the evening, and was leaving first thing on a ferry to Mljet from Gruž Port the next day! For a well-rated hostel option near the bus station, check out Hostel Petra Marina.

Speaking of accommodation, let’s take a look at the best places to stay as a solo budget traveller in Dubrovnik.

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Where to Stay in Dubrovnik on a Budget

In the Old Town

The Old Town is the heart of the city, and it’s possible to stay here even as a solo budget traveller in Dubrovnik – there are several hostels both in and just outside the city walls.

✨Check out Dubrovnik hostel availability and prices here.

Thanks to some last-minute booking chaos, I ended up trying a couple of different hostels, which actually turned out to be the perfect way to see Dubrovnik from different perspectives. From waking up inside the historic Old Town at Old Town Hostel, to staying just outside the walls in a quieter spot at Love Dubrovnik Hostel!

Both stays were awesome, and I’d totally recommend these hostels to other travelers. And honestly, when it comes to location, anything in or just outside the Old Town is a win. Here’s a closer look at both:

Old Town Hostel 🏰

There really is no better way to be introduced to Dubrovnik’s Old Town than by staying right in the heart of it – which is exactly what I got with my first night in the city, thanks to Old Town Hostel. Reserve a bed here.

• 📍 Location: Inside the city walls, just a two-minute walk from Pile Gate, the main entrance to the Old Town. You can step straight into Dubrovnik’s historic streets.
• 🛏 Rooms: I stayed in a six-bed mixed dorm, which was pretty spacious, with a shared bathroom just outside the room. No air conditioning (only fans) – fine in September as it cooled down later on, but summer nights could be pretty toasty!
• ☕ Facilities: Small kitchen space (cooking area is compact, but works!), free tea and coffee, space to comfortably eat, relax, chat. No separate lounge, but the kitchen works well.
• 🔊 Noise: My room was above a restaurant, but it quieted down after dinner – I was a bit concerned on arrival, but I had a great sleep!
• 🌟 Atmosphere: Friendly and social – perfect for solo travelers. It’s small enough that you can’t really not talk to people!

✅ Book your stay at Old Town Hostel here.

✨Tip: If you want a lively social experience and to be in the heart of the Old Town, this is unbeatable for location.

Love Dubrovnik Hostel ❤️

After spending a night in Old Town Hostel I then stayed 4 nights in Love Dubrovnik Hostel, and felt like this was a great choice for a longer stay – relaxed atmosphere, plenty of space, and just steps from all the action. Check rates and availability here.

• 📍 Location: Just outside the Old Town, about a two-minute walk from Ploče Gate. Super close to the action but in a quieter area – perfect if you like a little peace!
• 🛏 Rooms: Spacious and comfortable. I stayed in the female-only dorm, which was honestly the most spacious hostel room I’ve ever stayed in (and I’ve stayed in a lot!). Air-con (perfect for summer nights), fridge in the room, too.
  • I loved the layout: the room had its own private bathroom, but you first walk into a small entry area with a sink, mirror, and hairdryer before reaching the main room. This design is great because you don’t hear any bathroom noise, and it’s perfect for getting ready early without disturbing anyone. I definitely appreciated it before my 6:10am tour to Mostar!!
• ☕ Facilities: Comfortable common area, outdoor seating, good kitchen, with plenty of space to relax.
• 🌟 Atmosphere: Not as social as Old Town Hostel, but very relaxed. If you prefer a bit more space and quiet, it’s perfect! I was so busy exploring during the day that I didn’t mind – there wasn’t much time left to be social anyway once I’d returned, cooked dinner, and made my plans for the next day.

✅ Book your stay at Love Dubrovnik Hostel here.

✨Tip: Perfect if you want the convenience of being near the Old Town but prefer a calmer, more relaxed base.

Why I Recommend Both:

• Old Town Hostel: Best if you want to be in the middle of the action and meet people easily. 🌟 Secure your stay here
• Love Dubrovnik Hostel: Perfect if you want a quieter stay with more space, but still be able to walk everywhere. 🌟 Reserve a bed here

Both hostels are budget-friendly (well, as budget-friendly as it gets in such a prime location), perfect for solo travelers, and make exploring Dubrovnik easy to do!

Beyond the Old Town

There’s no question that staying in or just outside the Old Town puts you in the most desirable, prime location. That said, if you’re looking for even more budget-friendly options, you might want to stay a little further out. Areas like Gruž (where the main port and bus station are) and Lapad (a lovely peninsula with beaches) offer more affordable hostels, guesthouses, and apartments

✨Frequent bus services to the Old Town make getting around super easy – you’re never too far from the action. Staying a little further out also comes with perks like more space and peace, cheaper food options, bigger supermarkets, and a more local vibe – to name just a few budget solo traveller perks.

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Things to do in Dubrovnik as a Solo Budget Traveller

Here are some top pick things to do in Dubrovnik as a solo budget traveller, based on my own experiences.

– Explore the Old Town

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is the heart of the city. When people think of Dubrovnik, they think of this UNESCO listed gem. You can’t visit this city without stepping foot within the city walls! And if you stay in or just outside the Old Town like I did at Old Town Hostel or Love Dubrovnik Hostel, you can literally step out your door and be right in the action! Walking through the city walls, exploring historic streets, and soaking up the atmosphere is so easy when you’re based nearby.

What to Do in the Old Town?

Literally just wandering the main street, Stradun, is a treat. There is so much buzz and life here. Once you’ve explored this main area, venture down the smaller cobblestone lanes, or climb the many stairs to uncover hidden spots. Wherever you wander, you’ll find yourself marvelling at impressive landmarks such as Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, to name a few. Moreover, you won’t miss Onofrio’s Fountain or the Old Harbour, where the boats to Lokrum Island come and go (more about that day trip in a minute!).

For budget solo travellers, there’s plenty to see in the Old Town without spending anything. That said, the city’s main attraction is walking the city walls – and this isn’t cheap!

Dubrovnik’s City Walls

The walls encircle the Old Town (take a look at the below photo!) and offer some of Dubrovnik’s most iconic views – terracotta rooftops, impressive fortresses and the shimmering Adriatic Sea. It’s one of those experiences that truly captures the beauty and history of Dubrovnik.

• Ticket cost: €40 for adults
  • Money-saving tip: Consider the Dubrovnik City Pass, which also costs €40 for one day and includes access to the city walls, Lovrjenac Fortress, Rector’s Palace, multiple museums, and unlimited public bus travel. There are also longer-duration passes available: 3-day pass (€50), 7-day pass (€60) – great value if you’re staying longer.
• Time needed: Expect the walk to take around 1.5–2 hours.
• When to go: It gets very busy, especially in peak season! Try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a (hopefully) quieter experience.

Disclaimer: I didn’t do this ‘must-do’ attraction in Dubrovnik, for a few reasons. The price felt quite high, especially knowing there are other amazing viewpoints around the city – like Mount Srđ, which offers incredible views for a free hike up. The weather was also a bit dodgy on a couple of days during my stay, and I didn’t want to spend that much for the views not to be at their best, so I kind of ran out of time. Plus, it means when I go back one day I still have this to look forward to!!

Eating on a Budget in Dubrovnik’s Old Town

Being in the Old Town isn’t the most budget-friendly option for solo travellers. Food is overpriced, but if you head just outside the city walls, you can easily save €1.50–2 on each pizza slice or pastry from a bakery for example. I kept returning to Babić Pekara, a bakery right outside Ploče Gate (and just a minute from my hostel, Love Dubrovnik Hostel) for cheaper eats!

I also found the most budget-friendly ice cream within the Old Town at Gelateria Dubrovnik, located on the main street just steps from Pile Gate. One scoop was only €2.50 (much cheaper than the €4 many other places charge!).

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– Hit Dubrovnik’s Beaches near the Old Town: From Banje to Sveti Jakov

There’s no doubt the beach is the perfect solo budget travel activity, and with many beaches around the city, Dubrovnik makes it a easy to do. Let’s take a look at a couple of the best beaches near the Old Town, which I recommend visiting.

Banje Beach

Banje Beach is Dubrovnik’s most popular beach, mainly because of its unbeatable location – just a 10 minute walk from Pile Gate. It’s super convenient if you’re staying near the Old Town, and offers amazing views of Dubrovnik’s city walls along with that classic crystal-clear Adriatic water Croatia is famous for.

Due to its prime location, Banje Beach gets very busy in the summer months, but it’s still the perfect place to mix sightseeing in the Old Town with some beach time.

Banje Beach has two sections – a free public area and a private section where you can pay to rent a sunbed and umbrella (not so budget-traveler friendly, but maybe you’ll want to treat yourself!). If you fancy a drink, you can grab one from one of the beach bars or restaurants along the shore. If you’re keeping things budget-friendly, just stick to the public section and come prepared with your own snacks and drinks – you’ll still enjoy the same amazing views and beach vibes!

I didn’t actually stop at Banje Beach itself, instead choosing to keep walking along the coast (I was in exploring mode!). The day I visited wasn’t really beach weather (overcast with a few spits of rain), however it did brighten up a little for a while! Anyway, the little coastal wander turned out to be worth it! Why? Because around 20 minutes further along, I came across Sveti Jakov Beach, which drew me in for some beach time (despite the lack of sunshine!!).

Sveti Jakov Beach

Sveti Jakov Beach is a nice contrast to Banje Beach – it’s quieter, more local, and feels more relaxed (perfect for solo travellers looking for a peaceful beach escape!). Yet it still offers amazing views back towards the city walls and across to Lokrum Island. In my opinion, it outshines Banje Beach!

When I spotted the steps leading down to this beach, I knew I had to take them and check it out up close. I’m so glad I did!! While it’s always quieter than Banje Beach, the not-so-great weather on the day I visited made it extra quiet! I really felt like I’d escaped the buzz of the Old Town and found a hidden gem of a beach (though it’s not so hidden if you just go that little further along the coast!).

The beach is pebbly, and while there are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, there’s also plenty of space to simply lay out a towel for free. There’s a small beach bar and restaurant right by the water – perfect if you want to grab a cold drink or something to eat. If you’re sticking to budget travel life, though, bring your own snacks and water. Otherwise, you’ll need to climb back up all those stairs to find a store!

I loved my time spend on Sveti Jakov Beach, even though the weather wasn’t ideal… But that also kind of made it even cooler (literally though!!) to be there, and with far fewer people around! I didn’t even go in for a swim as it was a bit chilly, but at least I did manage to leave before some very heavy rain hit the city, and still felt like I had achieved something with my day by discovering this gem!!

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– Mount Srd Hike

One of my favourite experiences in Dubrovnik was solo hike up Mount Srđ for sunset. The end point is where Duborvnik’s famous cable car goes, but as a lover of hiking and budget-friendly (free!) activities, taking the cable car wasn’t nearly as appealing to me. If you do prefer a quicker, less active option, the cable car is available – a round trip costs €27, or €15 if you go up and walk back down.

What to expect:

The hike is great, on a super easy to follow trail. The trailhead is about a 30-minute walk from Pile Gate, or around 20 minutes from Love Dubrovnik Hostel, where I was staying. From the start of the trail, it’s around a 2.2km steady climb to the top. The first little section winds through trees, and then the rest of the trail follows a zig-zag path (kinda cool!) that’s not technical, just a bit steep. Don’t worry, there are non-stop views to take your mind off the climb! It can be busy at the top, but there’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the insane views over Dubrovnik and the Adriatic, including looking out over many islands. I honestly loved it – the climb and the views!!!!

Whether you choose to do the hike for sunset or not, it’s definitely worth it! If you do go for sunset, you’ll (hopefully) catch some amazing sunset scenes from what has to be the city’s best sunset spot.

Do be sure to start heading back down as soon as the sun sets. The last section through the trees can get, well, dark in the dark, but once you reach the main streets, the street lights make the final stretch back to your accommodation easy.

Interested in an even more adventurous way of visiting Mount Srd and experiencing epic views? You may wish to go on a Panorama Zipline Tour! You will be transported up to Mount Srd, from where you get to zipline through the sky over Dubrovnik!! This is a very highly rated activity option!

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– Explore Lapad

Lapad is a beautiful area in Dubrovnik that offers the chance to experience a more laid-back, local, and quieter side of the city. It’s perfect if you want a beach day, relaxed seaside strolls, and a glimpse of Dubrovnik life beyond the Old Town. For solo travellers visiting Dubrovnik on a budget, Lapad is ideal – you can enjoy stunning views, beaches, and eats without spending much.

✨For a budget stay in Lapad, check out Dubrovnik Backpackers Club – reserve a bed here. Like the idea of staying around Lapad but not in a hostel? This is one of the more budget-friendly areas with a range of hotels/apartments/guesthouses to choose from. Explore Lapad accommodation here.

I spent one day exploring Lapad, Dubrovnik, and I’m so glad I did! You can easily (and cheaply!) hop on a bus from the Old Town, but me being me, I decided to walk (the best way to take in a new place) – it’s about an hour each way.

Uvala Lapad Beach

For lunch, I grabbed something from a local bakery, which turned out to be much cheaper than eating in (and even just outside of!) the Old Town. For example, I paid around €2-3 less for a slice of pizza (and it was bigger, too!). I took my lunch down to Uvala Lapad Beach, the main and largest beach in the area. After the long walk, I was ready to relax (and eat!). This is a pebble beach with Croatia’s famous crystal-clear water, so of course, I had to go in for a swim!!

Šetalište Nika i Meda Pucića

After some time on the beach, I wandered along Šetalište Nika i Meda Pucića, a scenic coastal promenade with lovely sea views, a few cafés and restaurants, and small coves along the way. It’s a beautiful walk, and this area is perfect if you’re looking for quieter swimming spots (just be cautious if you’re swimming solo!).

Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park

From there, I ventured into Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park (Park šuma Velika i Mala Petka), where I followed the walking paths and climbed up to a viewpoint. The view from the top wasn’t the most impressive in Dubrovnik, but any Dubrovnik viewpoint is worth it, right?! This green space and peaceful trails is the perfect addition to this area.

I only scratched the surface of what Lapad has to offer. I didn’t get the chance to explore the other side of the peninsula, where you’ll find spots likes Copacabana Beach, another popular beach choice, as well as the promenade along that side.

If you’re planning to travel solo and on a budget in Dubrovnik, make sure to include Lapad on your itinerary. It’s the perfect way to experience the city in a different light than the busy (but wonderful!) Old Town. (If you’re really short on time, though, choose the Old Town over Lapad!)

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– Visit Lokrum Island on a (Half) Day Trip

Just a 15 minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Lokrum is the easiest island getaway (note that you can’t stay overnight!). The island is small enough that even a few hours, or half a day, is enough time to explore. That’s exactly what I did, since I wanted to be back in time to climb Mount Srđ later that day.

The round-trip ferry ticket and entrance fee (Lokrum is a protected nature reserve) cost me €30. While that’s pricier than I’d usually spend as a budget traveller, I decided to go for it – I opted for this trip over walking the city walls since I’d already seen a lot of the Old Town (though some might say I missed out – maybe next time!!), which are more expensive.

What to Expect on Lokrum

I loved the tranquility and peacefulness on Lokrum – it’s such a contrast to the busy streets of the Old Town, where everyone has just come from! Marked trails lead the way around the island, making it easy to explore, with plenty of spots to sit and relax or go for a swim in the clear water.

There are various points of interest, from the old Benedictine Monastery and botanical gardens to the small “Dead Sea” salt lake that’s a popular spot for a dip, and my favourite part – the view from Fort Royal. There’s a short hike up to the fort and viewpoint, which offers amazing views over Dubrovnik’s coastline, Lokrum, and the Adriatic Sea. It’s super cool to see the Old Town from this perspective! So even though I didn’t walk the city walls, I still got this bonus Old Town view!!

Oh, and there are plenty of peacocks roaming around! They’re beautiful to see, but be careful if you try to eat some food – I couldn’t get any peace to enjoy my snacks!! It’s definitely one way to make them come close!!

For me, Lokrum was the perfect solo half-day trip – peaceful, beautiful, and just different enough to make me feel like I’d had a mini adventure without going too far or spending too much.

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– Take a Day Trip From Dubrovnik to Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

A day trip to Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls from Dubrovnik is one of the most popular (and affordable) day tours you can take. That’s right – this one’s best done as a guided day tour (with free time included!) – an easy, surprisingly budget-friendly solo travel adventure from Dubrovnik. The price really is great value for what’s included, and it’s a fun way to meet others while seeing a bit beyond Croatia – you don’t always need to be solo when travelling solo!

For a solo traveller visiting a new country, all you really need to do is book the ticket, show up on time (passport in hand for the border crossing!), and let someone else handle all the logistics – stress-free sightseeing, sorted. Explore day tour options here.

So, I actually spent my last day in Dubrovnik – and my last day of four weeks in Croatia – not even in Croatia (at least during the day)! Taking this trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina was such a perfect final day – relaxed, interesting, and fun! It would’ve felt silly to skip the chance to visit another country when it’s right there and so easy to do! For a full guide to this exact trip, see my post: Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls from Dubrovnik – Solo Day Trip.

✨ Book your guided day tour here – this is the one I did, which I highly recommend!

Here’s what a typical Dubrovnik to Mostar day trip itinerary looks like:

• 🚌 Travel by coach with a guide – expect an early start (my pick-up time was 6:10am!), but there is plenty time to sit back and enjoy the stunning views en route to Mostar. We also got a quick breakfast stop not long after crossing the border.
• 🕌 Mostar – learn about the history of the iconic Stari Most bridge and Old Town with a 30-minute guided tour, then enjoy around 2 hours of free time to wander, shop, grab some food and take in the scenes and atmosphere of Mostar’s busy and lively Old Town.
• 💦 Kravice Waterfalls – spend around 1 hour admiring the stunning waterfalls, snapping photos, and swimming in the ‘refreshing’ water! The perfect nature break after exploring Mostar.
• 🚌 Return to Dubrovnik – back in the city with time to catch the rest of the evening after a day well spent exploring another country!

You can easily book this day tour via GetYourGuide or Viator – both offer affordable options with free cancellation, which is ideal for solo travellers who like to stay flexible. Click here to check out and book the top-rated tour I did!

Tip: Don’t forget your passport, some cash (most places accept Euros in Mostar), and your swimsuit for Kravice!

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Final Thoughts

For the final stop on my month-long solo Croatia adventure, Dubrovnik didn’t disappoint! With its vibrant Old Town, hidden beaches, scenic city hikes, stunning views and easy day trips, it felt like the perfect way to wrap up my journey. I had many little adventures during my time there, and even as a solo traveller on a budget, I felt like I got the full Dubrovnik experience. With a little bit of planning (even spontaneous!), a mix of free and paid adventures and activities, and simply following wherever the city streets lead you, you can have an unforgettable time in Dubrovnik too!

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Going on a Croatia adventure? Why not head along the coast from Dubrovnik to Zadar (where I began my Croatia trip!). For some Zadar travel tips and inspiration, check out my post – Zadar Travel Guide: Things to Do, Where to Stay & Day Trip Ideas