The capital metropolis of Croatia is a energetic, historic, vibrant, and enjoyable place to spend a while. In case you’re pondering of residing in Zagreb, prepare for an expertise like no different; this place is stuffed with issues to see and do, and also you’ll most likely by no means need to depart. I do know I didn’t.
In January 2021, Croatia’s digital nomad visa opened the doorways for extra individuals to spend time on this stunning nation. For me, it’s among the finest locations on the planet; the surroundings, seashores, tradition, meals, and pleasant locals are second to none. However as a digital nomad residing in Zagreb, you’ll have to know what to anticipate earlier than you go.
Handily, I can share my experiences so you may guarantee a easy keep on this stunning metropolis.
About Zagreb
Zagreb is each the capital and largest metropolis in Croatia. It’s positioned within the north of the nation, not removed from the border with Slovenia. It’s a really fairly metropolis too, standing on the banks of the Sava River, with the massive Medvednica mountain looming within the close to distance.
In case you’re a historical past lover, you’re certain to benefit from the metropolis’s wealthy Roman previous. There are numerous ruins across the metropolis, together with the Roman Andautonia, and Zagreb as a complete is filled with historic nods, as the entire metropolis got here to be in 1134.
But it surely’s not all historical past. Zagreb is filled with modern-day enjoyable too, together with nightlife, gastronomy, procuring, and artwork. The encompassing space can also be stuffed with must-visit locations, with mountaineering trails within the Medvednica mountain and Veternica Cave, filled with archaeological wonders.
Digital Nomad in Zagreb: Private Expertise
For me, the beauty of life in Zagreb is that it’s extra genuine than many different components of the nation. In case you go to a seaside vacation spot, like Break up or Dubrovnik, certain, you’ll see native life, however not like you may in Zagreb. I felt welcomed by the locals within the capital metropolis, and by the tip of my time there, I actually felt like I’d skilled the actual Croatia.
Zagreb is a superb spot for digital nomads. I by no means had any points with the WiFi, I met numerous different distant employees and located many coworking areas and cafes to work from.
There’s lots to see and do in and across the metropolis too. Your days off won’t ever be boring, and so far as meals goes, you’ll have an unimaginable alternative out there to you.
Is Zagreb Protected?
When interested by residing in Zagreb as a digital nomad, or wherever new, one in every of your first issues is probably going security. The excellent news is that Zagreb is a secure metropolis. I by no means as soon as felt unnerved or unsafe throughout my time there, even at evening. That being mentioned, it is a capital metropolis, so it’s advisable to at all times use your frequent sense, particularly in crowded areas.
Together with standard precautions when visiting any new vacation spot, watch your bag within the metropolis heart, as there’ll at all times be opportunistic pickpockets now and again. Aside from that, Zagreb is fairly secure throughout, and so far as capitals go, I felt very safe right here.
Greatest Areas to Dwell in Zagreb
When residing in Zagreb, it’s necessary to decide on the appropriate neighborhood. Not solely does this imply you’re extra more likely to have a greater time since you’re near what you need to see, however you’ll save money too. Listed below are my suggestions.
1. Decrease City/Donji Grad
I believe the Donji Grad space is a superb spot for digital nomads and I stayed right here myself. That is within the central a part of town, so that you’re near every little thing, together with cafes and coworking spots. It’s additionally a terrific place for assembly different distant employees.
Nonetheless, it’s not all hustle and bustle as there are some nice parks to loosen up in in the course of the summer season months. The hire costs listed here are fairly common too, contemplating it’s such a central space.
2. Higher City/Gornji Grad
Gornji Grad is the higher a part of town heart, and that is one other nice space for distant employees. There’s a really energetic digital nomad group round this space, that means that it’s nice for networking and assembly different like-minded individuals.
In case you’re a Zagreb digital nomad who’s into historical past, staying right here places you proper within the coronary heart of it. That is the medieval a part of town, so that you’ll discover stunning structure all over the place you look. Regardless of its historical past, there’s nonetheless loads of modern-day enjoyable available with numerous cafes, bars, eating places, and procuring alternatives.
3. Maksimir
In case you desire a bit extra peace and quiet, Maksimir is an efficient alternative. You’ll discover an enormous park right here—the biggest within the metropolis—and loads of cafes.
Maksimir has a extra laid-back really feel, in my view, however it’s additionally dwelling to town’s soccer stadium so it might probably get a bit of loud throughout dwelling video games. You possibly can say that Maksimir is extra suburban, however it’s nonetheless inside very straightforward attain of town heart.
4. Šalata
In case you’re working remotely in Zagreb and are on the lookout for a extra luxurious place to remain, Šalata is value contemplating. Right here, you’ll discover giant homes, residences, and even villas. Nonetheless, you’ll pay extra for hire on this space.
In case you have the price range, I’d suggest this neighborhood to anybody who enjoys artwork and music. There’s a thriving arts scene on this space and common festivals and occasions are held all through the summer season months.
The best way to Discover Lodging in Zagreb
The largest hurdle for digital nomads, wherever on the planet you might be, is discovering lodging to fit your wants and price range. Listed below are my prime picks on the place to discover a place to remain in Zagreb.
1. Airbnb: There’s a variety of nice lodging out there on Airbnb, and lots of locations settle for long-term stays. I stayed in an residence for a month this manner, and I managed to avoid wasting on the common worth of hire throughout town. The one draw back is if you wish to keep within the metropolis heart—Airbnb listings are typically extra suburban.
2. Reserving.com: You’ll discover a wide range of hostels, motels, and serviced lodging at good costs on reserving.com. After I first arrived in Zagreb, I stayed in a hostel I booked by way of this website, and I used to be very pleased with my alternative.
3. Enquire at coworking areas: In case you inquire with different distant employees and workers at coworking areas, you might discover somebody who wants a roommate. It’s common to search out advertisements pinned on the partitions, so maintain your eyes peeled.
4. Fb teams: Head over to Fb and take a look at digital nomad teams in Zagreb. There are a number of out there, and you may search for advertisements there. After all, you too can inquire about sharing alternatives and ask for recommendation from individuals already there.
Value of Dwelling in Zagreb
I discovered the price of residing in Zagreb to be a bit of decrease than in different main European capitals. In case you’re being paid in a international forex, e.g. {dollars}, nevertheless, you’ll discover that your cash does go barely additional. That will help you price range, listed here are some approximate prices.
Eating places and Groceries
In case you eat at eating places which are aimed towards vacationers, you may count on to pay much more. As an illustration, you’re round €12-€15/$13-$17 for a hen/pizza model meal, but you may go to an area restaurant and eat conventional meals for round €8/$9. The excellent news is that espresso is fairly low-cost; you may get a good-quality cappuccino for round €1.80/$2.
It’s a good suggestion to cook dinner at dwelling as it will undoubtedly prevent money. You possibly can decide up a kilo of hen breasts for round €8/$9, beef for round €12/$13, and recent produce may be very low-cost, often round €1-€2/$1.10-$2.20 per kilo. With all of that, you may cook dinner meals that may final for just a few days.
Lodging Prices
So far as life in Zagreb goes, I discovered lodging to be my largest expense. For that motive, store round earlier than you decide to something, particularly by way of neighborhood.
On common, a one-bedroom residence within the metropolis heart will value round €530/$580 per thirty days, with utilities on prime, relying on how a lot you employ. I’d estimate a median quantity for month-to-month utilities to be round €200/$218.
Transportation Prices in Zagreb
The excellent news is that getting round Zagreb is simple and low-cost. A one-way ticket on any type of public transport will value you round €0.60/$0.65. Nonetheless Zagreb isn’t an enormous, sprawling metropolis, and I discovered it fairly straightforward to stroll to most locations, because of staying comparatively centrally.
You possibly can take buses, trams, taxis, Ubers, and the funicular railway to the Higher City, all of which run recurrently. Nonetheless, it’s value remembering that taxis and Uber are the costliest choices. I solely used these after I was out late at evening and it was a safer alternative.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
I purchased a SIM card from Hrvatski Telekom, also called Simpa, and this lasted at some stage in my keep. The cardboard value €3/$3.30, and I merely topped it up with the quantity of credit score I needed. I solely wanted my passport and I simply went into one of many shops, the place the pleasant assistant set all of it up for me.
Alternatively, you need to use A1, Telemach Croatia, or Tomato, all of which have the same setup course of. An eSIM is an alternative choice, and Airalo is broadly used throughout Croatia, with good connectivity.
Cash Saving Ideas for Zagreb
- Store native: When residing in Zagreb, purchase recent produce from the native markets, meat from the butcher, and solely use supermarkets for cabinet necessities. You’ll save money fairly shortly.
- Keep away from touristic eating places: You’ll pay a complete lot extra, and also you received’t get to eat genuine meals. Head to the native, genuine eating places and also you’ll save a number of money.
- Keep away from peak instances: Zagreb is busy all yr round however Easter, Christmas, and New Yr are whenever you’ll discover costs for lodging improve. Try to keep away from these instances if doable.
- Take a look at sharing lodging: Coliving and sharing an residence are good methods to avoid wasting money and nonetheless have a cushty place to remain. Coworking spots are the place to search out out extra details about this.
- Stroll as a lot as you may: I discovered Zagreb a really walkable metropolis, and though public transport is affordable, it can save you loads in the long run. Keep away from utilizing taxis or Uber until you really want to.
Coworking Areas in Zagreb and WiFi Pace
In case you’re contemplating working remotely in Zagreb, the web high quality is more likely to be your largest concern. The excellent news is that I by no means had a difficulty with the WiFi and I discovered it to be top quality. In response to Speedtest, Zagreb’s common add and obtain speeds are 46.99 Mbps and 111.79 Mbps respectively.
In case you’re somebody who enjoys working from coworking areas, you’ll discover lots throughout town. Listed below are some high-quality choices:
1. Affect Hub
Affect Hub is without doubt one of the hottest coworking spots in Zagreb, and I labored from right here a number of instances. You might need labored in one other department throughout Europe, and their workplaces are usually standardized. The Zagreb workplace may be very smooth and fashionable and has extraordinarily comfy chairs.
I discovered the web right here to be wonderful, and it has such a welcoming environment inside. I met many different distant employees right here, so it’s nice for networking and socializing.
2. Hub 385
Hub 385 is one other prime coworking area in central Zagreb. You possibly can join a month-to-month membership package deal should you intend to make use of the area loads, or you may ebook a day area and use one of many sizzling desks. In case you do that, it’s finest to name forward as they do get fairly busy.
This coworking area has common occasions all through the week so you may meet different individuals simply. It has a cushty really feel, and there’s free tea and occasional all through the day, in addition to a kitchen space for getting ready meals.
3. Regus
I labored from this coworking area just a few instances and I discovered Regus to be a best choice. It has a really fashionable and smooth vibe, and the day costs are fairly cheap, at €6.70/7.35 per day. Inside that, you get free tea, espresso, and water.
The web may be very quick and dependable right here; I did a number of video calls and had no points. The workplace is admittedly shiny, and the seating is tremendous comfy, setting you up for a productive day.
Greatest Cafes to Work From in Zagreb
Though I like coworking areas sometimes, I do desire to work from cafes. Fortunately, there are lots of wonderful choices in Zagreb – listed here are my prime picks:
- Potter: Potter is a smooth and fashionable place to sit down for just a few hours and get some work carried out. The WiFi is great, and their coffees are a number of the finest I discovered in Zagreb. This spot can also be fairly cheap in worth, which is at all times a bonus.
- Program Bar: This can be a excellent place to work in the course of the day, and the workers don’t have any points with individuals sitting with their laptops. The costs are cheap, and the seats are extraordinarily comfy too. The WiFi right here is especially robust.
- Inverno: In case you’re on the lookout for someplace a bit fancier, with actually nice meals, I’d extremely suggest Inverno. There’s an outside seating space which is right for working, and the WiFi is dependable. I met just a few different distant employees right here, so it’s nice for networking too.
Actions and Issues To Do in Zagreb
The wonderful thing about being a digital nomad in Zagreb is that there’s lots to see and do when you’ve completed work for the day or on a hard-earned day without work. I by no means discovered myself feeling bored throughout my time as a nomad in Zagreb. Listed below are a few of my favourite spots within the metropolis:
1. Higher & Decrease Cities
Each the higher and decrease components of town are value exploring, and they are often carried out on foot. The winding, cobbled streets are crammed with architectural wonders and small boutiques. I stumbled upon many cute cafes round this space too.
I’d counsel you’re taking a strolling tour to get essentially the most out of your time. These excursions solely final round 2.5 hours so it’s excellent for becoming into an everyday work day. With the assistance of an skilled information, you’ll be taught extra concerning the historical past and recognize the place you’re residing a complete lot extra.
2. Dolac Market
Dolac Market is the perfect place to get your recent fruit and greens in addition to all method of different scrumptious produce, together with freshly caught fish. In order for you a style of genuine Croatian life, that is the place to go! It’s a terrific place to satisfy pleasant locals and maintain prices down on meals expenditure too.
I’d suggest going early within the morning should you can, as that is whenever you’ll seize the freshest fare. It may get very busy right here with locals filling up their pantries, however simply take your time and take in the environment. The distributors may also allow you to attempt issues should you ask, so don’t be afraid to go for it.
3. Zagreb Cathedral
The central level of town is Zagreb Cathedral, and it’s properly value a go to simply to take a look at the attractive structure. You possibly can see the steeple of the cathedral from most components of town, and it’s the icon of Zagreb general.
You possibly can, after all, go contained in the cathedral, particularly throughout companies and mass. The within is simply as spectacular as the surface, if no more so. Be conscious when taking images; it’s finest to keep away from doing so when companies are in progress, however exterior of that point, you may take photographs of the inside.
4. Maksimir Park
The gorgeous Maksimir Park is the oldest public park within the metropolis, and it’s a beautiful place for a stroll it doesn’t matter what the time of yr. Throughout the summer season months, you’ll see households having fun with a picnic and youngsters taking part in. Nonetheless, my favourite time to go to this park is in the course of the winter, when there’s a cozy and virtually Narnia-like really feel.
You possibly can even take your laptop computer and sit beneath a shady tree should you needed a scenic place to get some work carried out. I did this a few instances and though the previous ‘glare on the display screen’ drawback was annoying, it was a very nice place to spend a few hours.
5. Museum of Damaged Relationships
I wasn’t certain what to anticipate from this museum, particularly for the reason that identify sounds slightly miserable, however it’s one in every of my favourite locations in Zagreb. The Museum of Damaged Relationships tells the story of affection tales gone unsuitable however with loads of emotion and background info.
It’s a terrific spot to go on a leisurely day without work, and it’s definitely one of many extra distinctive issues to do in and across the capital. I’d suggest you spend 1-2 hours right here, so if it’s raining or notably chilly, that is the perfect exercise to interrupt up your day.
Climate in Zagreb
Dwelling in Zagreb as a digital nomad means you’re open to the weather relying upon whenever you go. Situated within the northwest of the nation, Zagreb has 4 distinct seasons, and my favourite instances are spring and autumn when you may actually really feel the change of climate within the air.
Throughout the summer season months, Zagreb experiences a median excessive of 28C/82F in July, which is the most popular month. Nonetheless, Zagreb nonetheless experiences rain in the summertime months, with July experiencing a median of 104.3mm. November is the rainiest month at 117.9mm, and it’s more likely to snow between November and February.
The winter can see nighttime temperatures as little as -2C/28F in January, nevertheless, the spring months arrive in Might when the common is round 20C/50F. Presently, many individuals head off to the coastal areas for the summer season season however don’t assume that’s the one means—Zagreb is an attractive place in summer season and tends to be a bit of cooler than cities and cities on the coast.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Zagreb
Earlier than you turn into a Zagreb digital nomad, it’s necessary to contemplate each side of the coin. Though I imagine that the professionals far outweigh the cons, each single vacation spot on the planet has upsides and downsides, and Zagreb is not any totally different.
SEE ALSO: 15 Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Croatia
Execs of Dwelling in Zagreb
- Zagreb is a compact metropolis: One of many issues I loved most about Zagreb is that I might stroll to many locations. You will want public transport typically, however it’s a compact metropolis, and it’s fairly straightforward to get round on foot.
- Loads of inexperienced areas: Zagreb isn’t a concrete jungle like many capitals and there are lots of inexperienced areas. Maksimir Park is the biggest park within the metropolis and a terrific place to loosen up.
- Many different digital nomads: With the brand new digital nomad visa, Zagreb has turn into an actual digital nomad hotspot, particularly in the course of the winter months. It’s very easy to satisfy individuals, both for work or socially.
- A extra genuine lifestyle: I discovered the ‘actual’ Croatia in Zagreb. Whilst you’ll discover conventional customs and tradition in Dubrovnik and different touristic spots, the capital is the place you’ll perceive the genuine Croatian means.
- A lot to see and do: Being a capital metropolis, Zagreb gives lots to see and do, together with historical past, structure, tradition, artwork, gastronomy, procuring, and wonderful nightlife.
- Glorious WiFi: Web entry is important for a digital nomad, and I by no means had any points with connectivity whereas I used to be in Zagreb.
Cons of Dwelling in Zagreb
- You could need to go to the seaside in the summertime: Zagreb doesn’t have a seaside, so when the summer season months arrive, you might end up craving for seaside time. I definitely did, and that’s after I relocated to Break up and Korčula.
- Lodging could be difficult to search out: Whereas not inconceivable, discovering lodging in Zagreb could be troublesome, particularly within the metropolis heart. It’s finest to ebook an Airbnb or a hostel earlier than you arrive after which search for one thing extra appropriate when you’re there.
- Value of residing is decrease proper now however is rising: Zagreb’s value of residing is low in comparison with another giant European cities, however during the last couple of years there was a slight rise. After all, this merely means you might want to search for intelligent methods to avoid wasting money.
Digital Nomad Visa for Zagreb
Dwelling in Zagreb has turn into loads simpler because of the Croatian digital nomad visa, which was launched in 2021. This visa is open to third-country freelancers and enterprise house owners for as much as one yr, and through this time, you’re not required to pay tax in Croatia; you merely proceed paying the place you’re registered.
The one draw back is that you just can’t renew this visa, so after one yr, it’s important to depart. The excellent news is that you could reapply six months after your previous visa expires. Click on right here for all required documentation.
You possibly can apply for the visa earlier than you arrive in Croatia or when you arrive. In case you do that, you’ll want a visa to enter the nation. Croatia is within the Schengen zone, however remember to test the entry necessities to your nation of origin.
In Conclusion
This digital nomad information to Zagreb has given you all the knowledge you might want to resolve whether or not the Croatian capital is your subsequent vacation spot. I extremely suggest you go; I actually loved my time in Zagreb, and it’s someplace I’d like to return to.
You too can use Zagreb as a winter vacation spot after which go to the coastal areas in the course of the summer season. With a lot to see and do, Zagreb provides you a cushty dwelling base, whereas additionally exhibiting you the genuine Croatian lifestyle.