The capital metropolis of Croatia is a vigorous, historic, vibrant, and enjoyable place to spend a while. If you happen to’re pondering of dwelling in Zagreb, prepare for an expertise like no different; this place is stuffed with issues to see and do, and also you’ll in all probability by no means wish 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 lovely nation. For me, it’s probably the greatest 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 must 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 large Medvednica mountain looming within the close to distance.
If you happen to’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 full of historic nods, as the entire metropolis got here to be in 1134.
But it surely’s not all historical past. Zagreb is full of modern-day enjoyable too, together with nightlife, gastronomy, buying, and artwork. The encompassing space can also be stuffed with must-visit locations, with climbing trails within the Medvednica mountain and Veternica Cave, full of archaeological wonders.
Digital Nomad in Zagreb: Private Expertise
For me, the wonderful thing about life in Zagreb is that it’s extra genuine than many different components of the nation. If you happen to go to a seashore vacation spot, like Cut 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 top 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 staff 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 unbelievable alternative out there to you.
Is Zagreb Protected?
When enthusiastic about dwelling in Zagreb as a digital nomad, or wherever new, certainly one of your first considerations 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 night time. That being mentioned, this can be a capital metropolis, so it’s advisable to at all times use your widespread sense, particularly in crowded areas.
Together with typical precautions when visiting any new vacation spot, watch your bag within the metropolis heart, as there’ll at all times be opportunistic pickpockets occasionally. Apart from that, Zagreb is fairly secure throughout, and so far as capitals go, I felt very safe right here.
Greatest Areas to Reside in Zagreb
When dwelling in Zagreb, it’s essential to decide on the best 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 here 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 thing, together with cafes and coworking spots. It’s additionally an important place for assembly different distant staff.
Nevertheless, it’s not all hustle and bustle as there are some nice parks to chill out in throughout the summer time months. The lease 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 staff. There’s a really vigorous digital nomad group round this space, which means that it’s nice for networking and assembly different like-minded individuals.
If you happen to’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 all places 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
If you happen to desire a bit extra peace and quiet, Maksimir is an effective 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, for my part, nevertheless it’s additionally dwelling to town’s soccer stadium so it will possibly get a bit loud throughout dwelling video games. You could possibly say that Maksimir is extra suburban, nevertheless it’s nonetheless inside very straightforward attain of town heart.
4. Šalata
If you happen to’re working remotely in Zagreb and are in search of a extra luxurious place to remain, Šalata is price contemplating. Right here, you’ll discover massive homes, flats, and even villas. Nevertheless, you’ll pay extra for lease on this space.
If in case you have the finances, 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 time months.
The right way to Discover Lodging in Zagreb
The most important hurdle for digital nomads, wherever on this planet you might be, is discovering lodging to fit your wants and finances. Listed here are my high 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 house for a month this fashion, and I managed to save lots of 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 typically extra suburban.
2. Reserving.com: You’ll discover a wide range of hostels, accommodations, 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 web site, and I used to be very pleased with my alternative.
3. Enquire at coworking areas: If you happen to inquire with different distant staff and workers at coworking areas, you could discover somebody who wants a roommate. It’s commonplace to search out adverts pinned on the partitions, so maintain 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 out there, and you’ll search for adverts there. In fact, 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 dwelling in Zagreb to be a bit decrease than in different main European capitals. If you happen to’re being paid in a international foreign money, e.g. {dollars}, nonetheless, you’ll discover that your cash does go barely additional. That will help you finances, listed here are some approximate prices.
Eating places and Groceries
If you happen to eat at eating places which might be aimed towards vacationers, you’ll be able to count on to pay much more. As an illustration, you’re round €12-€15/$13-$17 for a hen/pizza fashion meal, but you’ll be able to go to an area 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 dwelling as this can undoubtedly prevent money. You possibly can decide up a kilo of hen 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 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 house within the metropolis heart will value round €530/$580 per thirty days, with utilities on high, relying on how a lot you employ. 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 simple and low-cost. A one-way ticket on any type of public transport will value you round €0.60/$0.65. Nevertheless 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 commonly. Nevertheless, it’s price remembering that taxis and Uber are the costliest choices. I solely used these after I was out late at night time and it was a safer alternative.
SIM Playing cards and Information
I purchased a SIM card from Hrvatski Telekom, often known as 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 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 Ideas 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 rapidly.
- Keep away from touristic eating places: You’ll pay an entire lot extra, and also you gained’t get to eat genuine meals. Head to the native, genuine eating places and also you’ll save plenty of money.
- Keep away from peak instances: Zagreb is busy all 12 months round however Easter, Christmas, and New Yr are whenever you’ll discover costs for lodging improve. Attempt to keep away from these instances if doable.
- Take a look at sharing lodging: Coliving and sharing an house are good methods to save lots of money and nonetheless have a snug place to remain. Coworking spots are the place to search 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 until you actually need to.
Coworking Areas in Zagreb and WiFi Velocity
If you happen to’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 top quality. In response to Speedtest, Zagreb’s common add and obtain speeds are 46.99 Mbps and 111.79 Mbps respectively.
If you happen to’re somebody who enjoys working from coworking areas, you’ll discover a lot throughout town. Listed here are some high-quality choices:
1. Influence Hub
Influence Hub is among 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 places of work are typically standardized. The Zagreb workplace could be very smooth and trendy and has extraordinarily snug chairs.
I discovered the web right here to be wonderful, and it has such a welcoming environment inside. I met many different distant staff right here, so it’s nice for networking and socializing.
2. Hub 385
Hub 385 is one other high coworking area in central Zagreb. You possibly can join a month-to-month membership package deal if you happen to intend to make use of the area so much, or you’ll be able to e-book a day area and use one of many sizzling desks. If you happen to 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’ll be able to meet different individuals simply. It has a snug 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 trendy 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 basically shiny, and the seating is tremendous snug, 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 high picks:
- Potter: Potter is a smooth and trendy place to take a seat for just a few hours and get some work finished. The WiFi is superb, and their coffees are a few of the finest I discovered in Zagreb. This spot can also be fairly affordable in value, which is at all times a bonus.
- Program Bar: This can be a great spot to work throughout the day, and the workers haven’t 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: If you happen to’re in search of someplace a bit fancier, with actually nice meals, I’d extremely advocate Inverno. There’s an outside seating space which is good for working, and the WiFi is dependable. I met just a few different distant staff right here, so it’s nice for networking too.
Actions and Issues To Do in Zagreb
The beauty of 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 here 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 finished 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 recommend 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 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 dwelling an entire lot extra.
2. Dolac Market
Dolac Market is the best 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 an important place to satisfy pleasant locals and maintain prices down on meals expenditure too.
I’d advocate going early within the morning if you happen to can, as that is whenever you’ll seize the freshest fare. It may well get very busy right here with locals filling up their pantries, however simply take your time and take in the environment. The distributors will even allow you to attempt issues if you happen to ask, so don’t be afraid to go for it.
3. Zagreb Cathedral
The central level of town is Zagreb Cathedral, and it’s nicely price 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 total.
You possibly can, after all, go contained in the cathedral, particularly throughout providers and mass. The within is simply as spectacular as the skin, if no more so. Be aware when taking images; it’s finest to keep away from doing so when providers are in progress, however outdoors of that point, you’ll be able to take images 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 12 months. Through the summer time months, you’ll see households having fun with a picnic and youngsters taking part in. Nevertheless, my favourite time to go to this park is throughout 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 if you happen to needed a scenic place to get some work finished. I did this a few instances and though the outdated ‘glare on the 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 slightly 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 info.
It’s an important 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 notably chilly, that is the best 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. Positioned 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 time months, Zagreb experiences a mean excessive of 28C/82F in July, which is the most popular month. Nevertheless, 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, nonetheless, 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 time season however don’t assume that’s the one means—Zagreb is a phenomenal place in summer time and tends to be a bit cooler than cities and cities on the coast.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Zagreb
Earlier than you develop into a Zagreb digital nomad, it’s essential to think about either 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 totally different.
SEE ALSO: 15 Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Croatia
Professionals 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, nevertheless 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 an important place to chill out.
- Many different digital nomads: With the brand new digital nomad visa, Zagreb has develop into an actual digital nomad hotspot, particularly throughout the winter months. It’s very easy to satisfy individuals, both for work or socially.
- A extra genuine lifestyle: I discovered the ‘real’ 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 a lot to see and do, together with historical past, structure, tradition, artwork, gastronomy, buying, and wonderful nightlife.
- Wonderful 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
- It’s possible you’ll wish to go to the seashore in the summertime: Zagreb doesn’t have a seashore, so when the summer time months arrive, you could end up craving for seashore time. I actually did, and that’s after I relocated to Cut up and Korčula.
- Lodging might be difficult to search out: Whereas not not possible, discovering lodging in Zagreb might 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 when 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 over the past couple of years there was a slight rise. In fact, this merely means it’s worthwhile to search for intelligent methods to save lots of money.
Digital Nomad Visa for Zagreb
Dwelling in Zagreb has develop into so much 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 12 months, 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 12 months, it’s important to depart. The excellent news is you could reapply six months after your outdated visa expires. Click on right here for all required documentation, and skim our full article right here.
You possibly can apply for the visa earlier than you arrive in Croatia or when you arrive. If you happen to 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 data it’s worthwhile 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.
You may as well use Zagreb as a winter vacation spot after which go to the coastal areas throughout the summer time. With a lot to see and do, Zagreb provides you a snug dwelling base, whereas additionally displaying you the genuine Croatian lifestyle.
