Dubrovnik: the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” one of the most famous travel places in Croatia. Medieval walls shimmered along the coastline of the Adriatic, connecting with the hands of history that draws millions year after year. But yes, I must say, as beautiful as it is, it is exorbitantly more expensive to travel here than to pay a visit to Los Angeles. And yes, a local even joked, “Dubrovnik is like Los Angeles, but smaller and pricier.” It seemed an exaggeration at first, but as I traveled within the city and did the tallying, oddly it felt too true. What makes Dubrovnik a premium destination, after all?
Dubrovnik is like Los Angeles, but smaller and pricier – A local from the city
The “Game of Thrones Effect”
Dubrovnik: A Costly Slice of Adriatic Paradise
Since serving as King’s Landing in the popular Game of Thrones series made Dubrovnik world-famous.Worldwide recognition about the city brought massive financial expenses.Tourism costs have dramatically increased throughout every segment of the Dubrovnik city including restaurants and souvenir stores as well as tour operators.A Game of Thrones walking tour is available for visitors who wish to join. It’ll set you back over 50€. Tourist interest in pop culture has led to increased costs for visitors who want to experience this important site.
Limited Space but Ever-Demanding
Dubrovnik is small, and it doesn’t provide much when it comes to accommodation, dining, or entertainment opportunities. It is during the tourist season when there’s no much chance of escaping the normal confines of a situation like high demand against limited supply. Hotel rooms and Airbnb rentals can cost anywhere from 150€ to 400€ per night, even for mid-range options. Competing with this is Los Angeles, whose very size and range of options seem to dilute possible chances of finding something within budget.
Dine with a View—At a Price
Dubrovnik: A Costly Slice of Adriatic Paradise
Old Town, Dubrovnik, is full of restaurants boasting breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea or historic city walls. Be prepared to pay for that view, though. With a simple seafood dinner accompanied by some wine, expect to cough up 40€ on average. Coffee or cocktails at a popular terrace bar can easily charge from 10€ to 15€ per person. While Los Angeles has high-end eateries too, there are many affordable local joints and food trucks selling great-tasting food at much cheaper prices.
Heavy Taxation on Tourists and Entry Fees
The tourist infrastructure in Croatia was never short of these additional kinds of charges to surprise the traveler. For example, to enter the well-known walls of the city, visitors must shell out 35€ each. Such amounts coupled with other attractions, like the cable car ride or an island tour, build up quickly when in a day’s sightseeing. Comparatively, many famous attractions in Los Angeles, such as the Griffith Observatory and beaches, have a free entry which helps to offset other costs.
Cruise Ships and Overtourism
Another piece of evidence that puts prices higher is that Dubrovnik receives an influx of cruise ship tourists. Every day, thousands of visitors disembark from cruise ships to overrun the Old Town in just a few hours. So, with this type of overtourism, small businesses in the area frequently lock themselves into higher prices as their catering is more towards transient visitors than locals or longer-term travelers.
Is It Worth the Cost?
Dubrovnik: A Costly Slice of Adriatic Paradise
Dubrovnik’s medieval charm and Adriatic views are stunning, but its Game of Thrones fame has made it expensive. Tours, meals, and Old Town accommodations come with a steep price, even during shoulder seasons.
For a more affordable yet equally stunning experience, consider hidden gems like Slovenia’s Lake Bled, Montenegro’s Kotor, or Mostar in Bosnia. These destinations offer rich history, culture, and breathtaking views without breaking the bank. Sometimes, the best adventures lie off the beaten path.
