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How much is a main meal in Croatia?

Costs of Food and Drink in Croatia In the very best restaurants of major tourist destinations Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar, a two-course dinner excluding drinks and tips will be around US$80. At the opposite end of the scale, a similar meal in a mid-range restaurant will be around USD / EUR €50.



In 2026, the cost of a main meal in Croatia depends heavily on the region and the style of dining. At an inexpensive restaurant, a main dish typically costs around €12 to €15. In a mid-range establishment, particularly in popular tourist areas like Dubrovnik’s Old Town or Split’s Riva, you can expect to pay between €20 and €35 for a single main course, such as fresh Adriatic seafood or a traditional "Peka" (slow-cooked meat). Pizza remains a budget favorite, ranging from €10 to €18 depending on the toppings and location. For travelers on a tighter budget, "Gablec" or "Marenda" (fixed-price lunch specials for locals) often include a main dish for under €10. Since the adoption of the Euro and the surge in tourism, prices in coastal "hotspots" have aligned more closely with Western European capitals, so savvy travelers often head to smaller inland villages or "Konobas" (traditional taverns) to find high-quality meals for 20-30% less than the waterfront prices.

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How Much Cash Should I Bring? We recommend bringing 800-1000 USD per person for an 8-10 day trip.

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It depends on your travel style and spending habits, but a moderate budget could range from €1000 to €1500 for a week for accommodation, meals, entertainment, and some activities. If you're on a backpacker budget, it's possible to visit the country for about €500 a week.

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Coffee or espresso in Croatia costs between 6-15 kuna in most places. There are some places where coffee costs less and more, but they are very rare. The price is usually around HRK 10 in Zagreb and in places where there are many tourists.

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It's important to note that while card payments are widely accepted, some smaller establishments, local markets, or remote areas may prefer cash transactions. It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially when visiting more rural or off-the-beaten-path destinations.

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Despite being such a coveted place to visit, Croatia still offers an outstanding value. In fact, travel cost indexes have ranked it cheaper than 29 other European countries. It's much less expensive than the Scandinavian nations, France, the U.K., Spain, Italy, and even Greece.

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Spending a week in Croatia is a great choice for most travelers. In seven to 10 days, you can easily explore Dubrovnik, Split, and the Dalmatian Islands, with enough time left over to add another region or national park to the itinerary.

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English is by far one of the most commonly taught at this point, along with German and Italian. Being bilingual, or even multilingual, is common among Croatians. For example, a recent poll showed that 80% of Croatians are multilingual. Within that group, 81% speak English.

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Pasta is one of the most popular food items in Croatian cuisine, especially in the region of Dalmatia. Manistra na pome (pasta with tomato sauce) is a staple. The other popular sauces include creamy mushroom sauce, minced meat sauce and many others.

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You should know that Croatia's drinking water is high in quality thanks to the numerous spring water sources throughout the country. So yes, tap water is OK to drink in Croatia.

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