The capital metropolis of Croatia is a energetic, historic, vibrant, and enjoyable place to spend a while. For those who’re pondering of dwelling in Zagreb, prepare for an expertise like no different; this place is filled with issues to see and do, and also you’ll most likely by no means wish to go away. 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 lovely nation. For me, it’s top-of-the-line locations on this planet; the surroundings, seashores, tradition, meals, and pleasant locals are second to none. However as a digital nomad dwelling in Zagreb, you’ll have to know what to anticipate earlier than you go.
Handily, I can share my experiences so you’ll be able to guarantee a clean keep on this lovely 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.
For those who’re a historical past lover, you’re positive to benefit from the metropolis’s wealthy Roman previous. There are numerous ruins across the metropolis, together with the Roman Andautonia, and Zagreb as an entire is filled with historic nods, as the entire metropolis got here to be in 1134.
However it’s not all historical past. Zagreb is filled with modern-day enjoyable too, together with nightlife, gastronomy, buying, and artwork. The encompassing space can also be filled with must-visit locations, with climbing 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. For those who go to a seashore vacation spot, like Break up or Dubrovnik, positive, you’ll see native life, however not like you’ll be able to 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 good 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 a lot 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 selection obtainable to you.
Is Zagreb Secure?
When serious about dwelling in Zagreb as a digital nomad, or wherever new, certainly one 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, this can be a capital metropolis, so it’s advisable to all the time use your frequent sense, particularly in crowded areas.
Together with normal precautions when visiting any new vacation spot, watch your bag within the metropolis heart, as there’ll all the time be opportunistic pickpockets now and again. Apart from that, Zagreb is fairly secure throughout, and so far as capitals go, I felt very safe right here.
Finest Areas to Dwell in Zagreb
When dwelling in Zagreb, it’s necessary to decide on the precise neighborhood. Not solely does this imply you’re extra prone to have a greater time since you’re near what you wish 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 good 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 thing, together with cafes and coworking spots. It’s additionally a fantastic place for assembly different distant employees.
Nonetheless, it’s not all hustle and bustle as there are some nice parks to chill out in through the summer season months. The lease costs listed below 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 neighborhood round this space, that means that it’s nice for networking and assembly different like-minded individuals.
For those who’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 lovely structure in every single place you look. Regardless of its historical past, there’s nonetheless loads of modern-day enjoyable available with numerous cafes, bars, eating places, and buying alternatives.
3. Maksimir
For those who choose a bit extra peace and quiet, Maksimir is an effective selection. 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, nevertheless it’s additionally house to town’s soccer stadium so it will probably get just a little loud throughout house video games. You could possibly say that Maksimir is extra suburban, nevertheless it’s nonetheless inside very simple attain of town heart.
4. Šalata
For those who’re working remotely in Zagreb and are searching for a extra luxurious place to remain, Šalata is price contemplating. Right here, you’ll discover massive homes, flats, and even villas. Nonetheless, you’ll pay extra for lease on this space.
In case you have the price range, I’d advocate 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.
Learn how to Discover Lodging in Zagreb
The largest hurdle for digital nomads, wherever on this planet you’re, 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 spread of nice lodging obtainable on Airbnb, and lots of locations settle for long-term stays. I stayed in an residence for a month this fashion, and I managed to avoid wasting on the common value of lease throughout town. The one draw back is if you wish to keep within the metropolis heart—Airbnb listings are usually extra suburban.
2. Reserving.com: You’ll discover a wide range of hostels, resorts, and serviced lodging at good costs on reserving.com. Once I first arrived in Zagreb, I stayed in a hostel I booked by this web site, and I used to be very pleased with my selection.
3. Enquire at coworking areas: For those who inquire with different distant employees and workers at coworking areas, you could discover somebody who wants a roommate. It’s commonplace to seek out adverts pinned on the partitions, so preserve your eyes peeled.
4. Fb teams: Head over to Fb and have a look at digital nomad teams in Zagreb. There are a number of obtainable, and you’ll search for adverts there. After all, you may as well inquire about sharing alternatives and ask for recommendation from individuals already there.
Value of Dwelling in Zagreb
I discovered the price of dwelling in Zagreb to be just a little decrease than in different main European capitals. For those who’re being paid in a international foreign money, e.g. {dollars}, nevertheless, you’ll discover that your cash does go barely additional. That will help you price range, listed below are some approximate prices.
Eating places and Groceries
For those who eat at eating places which are aimed towards vacationers, you’ll be able to anticipate to pay much more. As an illustration, you’re round €12-€15/$13-$17 for a rooster/pizza model meal, but you’ll be able to go to a neighborhood restaurant and eat conventional meals for round €8/$9. The excellent news is that espresso is fairly low cost; you will get a good-quality cappuccino for round €1.80/$2.
It’s a good suggestion to prepare dinner at house as this may undoubtedly prevent money. You’ll be able to choose up a kilo of rooster breasts for round €8/$9, beef for round €12/$13, and contemporary produce could be very low cost, often round €1-€2/$1.10-$2.20 per kilo. With all of that, you’ll be able to prepare dinner meals that may final for a couple of days.
Lodging Prices
So far as life in Zagreb goes, I discovered lodging to be my largest expense. For that cause, store round earlier than you decide to something, particularly when it comes to 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 utilize. I might estimate a mean quantity for month-to-month utilities to be round €200/$218.
Transportation Prices in Zagreb
The excellent news is that getting round Zagreb is straightforward 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 simple to stroll to most locations, due to staying comparatively centrally.
You’ll be able to take buses, trams, taxis, Ubers, and the funicular railway to the Higher City, all of which run recurrently. Nonetheless, it’s price remembering that taxis and Uber are the most costly choices. I solely used these once I was out late at evening and it was a safer selection.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
I purchased a SIM card from Hrvatski Telekom, also referred to as Simpa, and this lasted at some point of my keep. The cardboard value €3/$3.30, and I merely topped it up with the quantity of credit score I wished. 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 should utilize A1, Telemach Croatia, or Tomato, all of which have an analogous setup course of. An eSIM is another choice, and Airalo is extensively used throughout Croatia, with good connectivity.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Zagreb
- Store native: When dwelling in Zagreb, purchase contemporary 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 an entire 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 while you’ll discover costs for lodging improve. Try to keep away from these instances if potential.
- 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 seek out out extra details about this.
- Stroll as a lot as you’ll be able to: I discovered Zagreb a really walkable metropolis, and though public transport is affordable, it can save you so much in the long run. Keep away from utilizing taxis or Uber except you actually need to.
Coworking Areas in Zagreb and WiFi Pace
For those who’re contemplating working remotely in Zagreb, the web high quality is prone to be your largest concern. The excellent news is that I by no means had a problem with the WiFi and I discovered it to be prime quality. In keeping with Speedtest, Zagreb’s common add and obtain speeds are 46.99 Mbps and 111.79 Mbps respectively.
For those who’re somebody who enjoys working from coworking areas, you’ll discover a lot throughout town. Listed below are some high-quality choices:
1. Influence Hub
Influence Hub is without doubt one of the hottest coworking spots in Zagreb, and I labored from right here a number of instances. You may need labored in one other department throughout Europe, and their places of work are usually standardized. The Zagreb workplace could be very smooth and fashionable and has extraordinarily snug chairs.
I discovered the web right here to be glorious, and it has such a welcoming ambiance 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 house in central Zagreb. You’ll be able to join a month-to-month membership package deal should you intend to make use of the house so much, or you’ll be able to e book a day house and use one of many scorching desks. For those who do that, it’s finest to name forward as they do get fairly busy.
This coworking house has common occasions all through the week so you’ll be able to meet different individuals simply. It has a cushty really feel, and there’s free tea and low all through the day, in addition to a kitchen space for getting ready meals.
3. Regus
I labored from this coworking house a couple of instances and I discovered Regus to be a best choice. It has a really fashionable and smooth vibe, and the day costs are fairly affordable, at €6.70/7.35 per day. Inside that, you get free tea, espresso, and water.
The web could be very quick and dependable right here; I did a number of video calls and had no points. The workplace is admittedly brilliant, and the seating is tremendous snug, setting you up for a productive day.
Finest Cafes to Work From in Zagreb
Though I like coworking areas often, I do choose to work from cafes. Fortunately, there are various glorious choices in Zagreb – listed below are my prime picks:
- Potter: Potter is a smooth and fashionable place to take a seat for a couple of hours and get some work completed. The WiFi is great, and their coffees are a few of the finest I discovered in Zagreb. This spot can also be fairly affordable in value, which is all the time a bonus.
- Program Bar: It is a good spot to work through the day, and the workers don’t have any points with individuals sitting with their laptops. The costs are affordable, and the seats are extraordinarily snug too. The WiFi right here is especially robust.
- Inverno: For those who’re searching for someplace a bit fancier, with actually nice meals, I’d extremely advocate Inverno. There’s an outside seating space which is right for working, and the WiFi is dependable. I met a couple of 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 a lot to see and do when you’ve completed work for the day or on a hard-earned time off. 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 price exploring, and they are often completed 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 probably the most out of your time. These excursions solely final round 2.5 hours so it’s good for becoming into a daily work day. With the assistance of an skilled information, you’ll study extra in regards to the historical past and respect the place you’re dwelling an entire lot extra.
2. Dolac Market
Dolac Market is the perfect place to get your contemporary fruit and greens in addition to all method of different scrumptious produce, together with freshly caught fish. If you need a style of genuine Croatian life, that is the place to go! It’s a fantastic place to satisfy pleasant locals and preserve prices down on meals expenditure too.
I’d advocate going early within the morning should you can, as that is while you’ll seize the freshest fare. It could possibly get very busy right here with locals filling up their pantries, however simply take your time and absorb the ambiance. The distributors may even allow you to strive 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 price a go to simply to take a look at the gorgeous structure. You’ll be able to see the steeple of the cathedral from most components of town, and it’s the icon of Zagreb general.
You’ll be able to, in fact, go contained in the cathedral, particularly throughout companies and mass. The within is simply as spectacular as the skin, if no more so. Be aware when taking pictures; it’s finest to keep away from doing so when companies are in progress, however outdoors of that point, you’ll be able to take photographs of the inside.
4. Maksimir Park
The attractive Maksimir Park is the oldest public park within the metropolis, and it’s an exquisite place for a stroll it doesn’t matter what the time of yr. Through 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 through the winter, when there’s a cozy and nearly Narnia-like really feel.
You could possibly even take your laptop computer and sit below a shady tree should you wished a scenic place to get some work completed. I did this a few instances and though the previous ‘glare on the display screen’ downside was annoying, it was a very nice place to spend a few hours.
5. Museum of Damaged Relationships
I wasn’t positive what to anticipate from this museum, particularly because the title sounds fairly miserable, nevertheless it’s certainly one of my favourite locations in Zagreb. The Museum of Damaged Relationships tells the story of affection tales gone improper however with loads of emotion and background data.
It’s a fantastic spot to go on a leisurely time off, and it’s actually one of many extra distinctive issues to do in and across the capital. I’d advocate you spend 1-2 hours right here, so if it’s raining or significantly 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 while you go. Situated within the northwest of the nation, Zagreb has 4 distinct seasons, and my favourite instances are spring and autumn when you’ll be able to actually really feel the change of climate within the air.
Through the summer season months, Zagreb experiences a mean 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 mean of 104.3mm. November is the rainiest month at 117.9mm, and it’s prone 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 Could 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 manner—Zagreb is an attractive place in summer season and tends to be just a little cooler than cities and cities on the coast.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Zagreb
Earlier than you grow to be a Zagreb digital nomad, it’s necessary to think about each side of the coin. Though I consider that the professionals far outweigh the cons, each single vacation spot on this planet has upsides and downsides, and Zagreb isn’t any completely 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 have public transport generally, nevertheless it’s a compact metropolis, and it’s fairly simple to get round on foot.
- Loads of inexperienced areas: Zagreb isn’t a concrete jungle like many capitals and there are various inexperienced areas. Maksimir Park is the biggest park within the metropolis and a fantastic place to chill out.
- Many different digital nomads: With the brand new digital nomad visa, Zagreb has grow to be an actual digital nomad hotspot, particularly through 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 manner.
- A lot to see and do: Being a capital metropolis, Zagreb gives a lot to see and do, together with historical past, structure, tradition, artwork, gastronomy, buying, and glorious nightlife.
- Wonderful WiFi: Web entry is significant 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
- Chances are you’ll wish to go to the seashore in the summertime: Zagreb doesn’t have a seashore, so when the summer season months arrive, you could end up craving for seashore time. I actually did, and that’s once I relocated to Break up and Korčula.
- Lodging may be difficult to seek out: Whereas not unimaginable, discovering lodging in Zagreb may be tough, particularly within the metropolis heart. It’s finest to e book an Airbnb or a hostel earlier than you arrive after which search for one thing extra appropriate whilst you’re there.
- Value of dwelling is decrease proper now however is rising: Zagreb’s value of dwelling is low in comparison with another massive European cities, however during the last couple of years there was a slight rise. After all, this merely means it’s good to search for intelligent methods to avoid wasting money.
Digital Nomad Visa for Zagreb
Dwelling in Zagreb has grow to be so much simpler due to the Croatian digital nomad visa, which was launched in 2021. This visa is open to third-country freelancers and enterprise homeowners 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 simply can not renew this visa, so after one yr, it’s important to go away. The excellent news is you could reapply six months after your previous visa expires. Click on right here for all required documentation.
You’ll be able to apply for the visa earlier than you arrive in Croatia or when you arrive. For those who do that, you’ll want a visa to enter the nation. Croatia is within the Schengen zone, however make sure you verify the entry necessities in your nation of origin.
In Conclusion
This digital nomad information to Zagreb has given you all the knowledge it’s good to resolve whether or not the Croatian capital is your subsequent vacation spot. I extremely advocate you go; I actually loved my time in Zagreb, and it’s someplace I’d like to return to.
It’s also possible to use Zagreb as a winter vacation spot after which go to the coastal areas through the summer season. With a lot to see and do, Zagreb provides you a cushty house base, whereas additionally displaying you the genuine Croatian lifestyle.