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 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 among the finest 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 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.
Nevertheless 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 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. For those who go to a seaside 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 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 staff and located many coworking areas and cafes to work from.
There’s loads 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 accessible to you.
Is Zagreb Secure?
When serious about dwelling in Zagreb as a digital nomad, or wherever new, one in all your first issues is probably going security. The excellent news is that Zagreb is a protected 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 all the time use your frequent sense, particularly in crowded areas.
Together with traditional precautions when visiting any new vacation spot, watch your bag within the metropolis heart, as there’ll all the time be opportunistic pickpockets every so often. Aside from that, Zagreb is fairly protected throughout, and so far as capitals go, I felt very safe right here.
Finest Areas to Stay in Zagreb
When dwelling in Zagreb, it’s necessary to decide on the proper 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 the town, so that you’re near every little thing, together with cafes and coworking spots. It’s additionally an awesome place for assembly different distant staff.
Nonetheless, it’s not all hustle and bustle as there are some nice parks to calm down in throughout the summer time 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 the town heart, and that is one other nice space for distant staff. There’s a really energetic digital nomad neighborhood round this space, which 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 the 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 desire a bit extra peace and quiet, Maksimir is an efficient selection. You’ll discover an enormous park right here—the most important within the metropolis—and loads of cafes.
Maksimir has a extra laid-back really feel, in my view, but it surely’s additionally residence to the town’s soccer stadium so it might probably get slightly loud throughout residence video games. You could possibly say that Maksimir is extra suburban, but it surely’s nonetheless inside very straightforward attain of the town heart.
4. Šalata
For those who’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. Nonetheless, you’ll pay extra for lease on this space.
When you’ve got the funds, 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 time months.
Learn how 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 funds. 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 accessible on Airbnb, and lots of locations settle for long-term stays. I stayed in an condominium for a month this manner, and I managed to avoid wasting on the common worth of lease throughout the 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, lodges, 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 selection.
3. Enquire at coworking areas: For those who inquire with different distant staff and workers at coworking areas, you could discover somebody who wants a roommate. It’s common to seek out advertisements pinned on the partitions, so hold 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 accessible, and you may search for advertisements there. After all, you can even inquire about sharing alternatives and ask for recommendation from individuals already there.
Price of Dwelling in Zagreb
I discovered the price of dwelling in Zagreb to be slightly decrease than in different main European capitals. For those who’re being paid in a international forex, e.g. {dollars}, nonetheless, you’ll discover that your cash does go barely additional. That can assist you funds, listed below are some approximate prices.
Eating places and Groceries
For those who eat at eating places which can be aimed towards vacationers, you’ll be able to anticipate to pay much more. As an illustration, you’re taking a look at round €12-€15/$13-$17 for a rooster/pizza type 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 may get a good-quality cappuccino for round €1.80/$2.
It’s a good suggestion to cook dinner at residence as it will 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, normally round €1-€2/$1.10-$2.20 per kilo. With all of that, you’ll be able to 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 purpose, store round earlier than you decide to something, particularly by way of neighborhood.
On common, a one-bedroom condominium within the metropolis heart will value round €530/$580 per 30 days, with utilities on prime, relying on how a lot you utilize. I might 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’ll be able to take buses, trams, taxis, Ubers, and the funicular railway to the Higher City, all of which run commonly. Nonetheless, it’s price remembering that taxis and Uber are the most costly choices. I solely used these after 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 called Simpa, and this lasted throughout 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 use A1, Telemach Croatia, or Tomato, all of which have the same 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 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 12 months are if 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 condominium 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 reasonable, it can save you loads 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 greatest 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 accordance 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 loads throughout the town. Listed below are some high-quality choices:
1. Impression Hub
Impression 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 glossy and trendy and has extraordinarily snug chairs.
I discovered the web right here to be glorious, 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 prime coworking house in central Zagreb. You’ll be able to join a month-to-month membership package deal when you intend to make use of the house loads, or you’ll be able to ebook a day house and use one of many sizzling 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 just a few instances and I discovered Regus to be a best choice. It has a really trendy and glossy 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 could be very quick and dependable right here; I did a number of video calls and had no points. The workplace is de facto vivid, 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 desire to work from cafes. Fortunately, there are lots of glorious choices in Zagreb – listed below are my prime picks:
- Potter: Potter is a glossy and trendy place to sit down for just a few hours and get some work completed. The WiFi is superb, and their coffees are a number of the finest I discovered in Zagreb. This spot can also be fairly cheap in worth, which is all the time a bonus.
- Program Bar: This can be a excellent place to work throughout the day, and the workers haven’t any points with individuals sitting with their laptops. The costs are cheap, and the seats are extraordinarily snug too. The WiFi right here is especially robust.
- Inverno: For those who’re in search of 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 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 loads to see and do when you’ve completed work for the day or on a hard-earned break day. 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 the 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 are taking a strolling tour to get essentially 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 be taught extra concerning the historical past and admire 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 would like a style of genuine Croatian life, that is the place to go! It’s an awesome place to fulfill pleasant locals and hold prices down on meals expenditure too.
I’d suggest going early within the morning when you can, as that is if 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 take in the environment. The distributors will even allow you to strive issues when you ask, so don’t be afraid to go for it.
3. Zagreb Cathedral
The central level of the town is Zagreb Cathedral, and it’s nicely price a go to simply to take a look at the attractive structure. You’ll be able to see the steeple of the cathedral from most components of the town, and it’s the icon of Zagreb general.
You’ll be able to, 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 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 pictures of the inside.
4. Maksimir Park
The gorgeous 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 12 months. Through the summer time months, you’ll see households having fun with a picnic and kids taking part in. Nonetheless, 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 when you needed a scenic place to get some work completed. I did this a few instances and though the previous ‘glare on the display’ 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 for the reason that identify sounds slightly miserable, but it surely’s one in all my favourite locations in Zagreb. The Museum of Damaged Relationships tells the story of affection tales gone incorrect however with loads of emotion and background info.
It’s an awesome spot to go on a leisurely break day, 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 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 if 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 median excessive of 28C/82F in July, which is the most well liked 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 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 Could when the common is round 20C/50F. Right now, many individuals head off to the coastal areas for the summer time season however don’t assume that’s the one approach—Zagreb is a phenomenal place in summer time and tends to be slightly cooler than cities and cities on the coast.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Zagreb
Earlier than you change into a Zagreb digital nomad, it’s necessary 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 is not any completely 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 may stroll to many locations. You will have public transport generally, but it surely’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 most important park within the metropolis and an awesome place to calm down.
- Many different digital nomads: With the brand new digital nomad visa, Zagreb has change into an actual digital nomad hotspot, particularly throughout the winter months. It’s very easy to fulfill individuals, both for work or socially.
- A extra genuine lifestyle: I discovered the ‘actual’ Croatia in Zagreb. When you’ll discover conventional customs and tradition in Dubrovnik and different touristic spots, the capital is the place you’ll perceive the genuine Croatian approach.
- A lot to see and do: Being a capital metropolis, Zagreb provides loads to see and do, together with historical past, structure, tradition, artwork, gastronomy, buying, and glorious 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 seaside in the summertime: Zagreb doesn’t have a seaside, so when the summer time months arrive, you could end up craving for seaside time. I definitely did, and that’s after I relocated to Cut up and Korčula.
- Lodging might be tough to seek out: Whereas not unimaginable, discovering lodging in Zagreb might 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 whilst you’re there.
- Price 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. After all, this merely means that you must search for intelligent methods to avoid wasting money.
Digital Nomad Visa for Zagreb
Dwelling in Zagreb has change 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 homeowners 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 just can’t renew this visa, so after one 12 months, it’s a must to depart. The excellent news is that you would be able to 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 remember to examine the entry necessities on your nation of origin.
In Conclusion
This digital nomad information to Zagreb has given you all the knowledge that you must determine 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 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 offers you a cushty residence base, whereas additionally displaying you the genuine Croatian lifestyle.
