The capital metropolis of Croatia is a energetic, historic, vibrant, and enjoyable place to spend a while. Should you’re considering 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 in all probability 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 earth; 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 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 large Medvednica mountain looming within the close to distance.
Should 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.
However it’s not all historical past. Zagreb is filled with modern-day enjoyable too, together with nightlife, gastronomy, purchasing, and artwork. The encircling 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 wonderful thing about life in Zagreb is that it’s extra genuine than many different components of the nation. Should you go to a seashore vacation spot, like Cut 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 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 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 unbelievable selection out there to you.
Is Zagreb Secure?
When excited about dwelling in Zagreb as a digital nomad, or anyplace new, one among 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 stated, this can be a capital metropolis, so it’s advisable to at all times use your frequent sense, particularly in crowded areas.
Together with common precautions when visiting any new vacation spot, watch your bag within the metropolis heart, as there’ll at all times be opportunistic pickpockets sometimes. Aside from that, Zagreb is fairly secure 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 essential to decide on the suitable 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 feel 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 the town, so that you’re near all the things, together with cafes and coworking spots. It’s additionally an awesome place for assembly different distant employees.
Nonetheless, it’s not all hustle and bustle as there are some nice parks to loosen up in through the summer season months. The hire 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 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.
Should 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 the town, so that you’ll discover stunning 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 purchasing alternatives.
3. Maksimir
Should you desire 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, for my part, but it surely’s additionally house to the town’s soccer stadium so it could possibly get just a little loud throughout house video games. You might say that Maksimir is extra suburban, but it surely’s nonetheless inside very straightforward attain of the town heart.
4. Šalata
Should you’re working remotely in Zagreb and are in search of a extra luxurious place to remain, Šalata is value contemplating. Right here, you’ll discover giant homes, flats, and even villas. Nonetheless, you’ll pay extra for hire on this space.
When 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 season months.
Easy methods to Discover Lodging in Zagreb
The most important hurdle for digital nomads, wherever on the earth you’re, is discovering lodging to fit your wants and finances. 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 plenty 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 the 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 variety of hostels, inns, and serviced lodging at good costs on reserving.com. Once I first arrived in Zagreb, I stayed in a hostel I booked by this website, and I used to be very pleased with my selection.
3. Enquire at coworking areas: Should you inquire with different distant employees and employees at coworking areas, chances are you’ll 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 can even inquire about sharing alternatives and ask for recommendation from individuals already there.
Price of Residing in Zagreb
I discovered the price of dwelling in Zagreb to be just a little decrease than in different main European capitals. Should you’re being paid in a overseas foreign money, e.g. {dollars}, nonetheless, you’ll discover that your cash does go barely additional. That can assist you finances, listed below are some approximate prices.
Eating places and Groceries
Should you eat at eating places which might be aimed towards vacationers, you may count on to pay much more. For example, you’re taking a look at round €12-€15/$13-$17 for a rooster/pizza model meal, but you may 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 can undoubtedly prevent money. You possibly can decide 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 may prepare dinner meals that can 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 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 price round €530/$580 per 30 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 simple and low-cost. A one-way ticket on any type of public transport will price 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, due to staying comparatively centrally.
You possibly can take buses, trams, taxis, Ubers, and the funicular railway to the Higher City, all of which run repeatedly. Nonetheless, it’s value remembering that taxis and Uber are the costliest choices. I solely used these once I was out late at night time 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 during my keep. The cardboard price €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 an analogous 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 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 a complete lot extra, and also you gained’t get to eat genuine meals. Head to the native, genuine eating places and also you’ll save quite a lot of money.
- Keep away from peak instances: Zagreb is busy all 12 months round however Easter, Christmas, and New 12 months are whenever 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 snug 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 reasonable, it can save you rather a lot in the long run. Keep away from utilizing taxis or Uber except you actually need to.
Coworking Areas in Zagreb and WiFi Pace
Should 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 problem with the WiFi and I discovered it to be prime quality. In line with Speedtest, Zagreb’s common add and obtain speeds are 46.99 Mbps and 111.79 Mbps respectively.
Should you’re somebody who enjoys working from coworking areas, you’ll discover a lot throughout the 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 typically standardized. The Zagreb workplace could be very smooth and trendy and has extraordinarily comfy 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 possibly can join a month-to-month membership package deal in the event you intend to make use of the house rather a lot, or you may ebook a day house and use one of many sizzling desks. Should you do that, it’s greatest to name forward as they do get fairly busy.
This coworking house has common occasions all through the week so you may meet different individuals simply. It has a snug 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 trendy 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 could be very quick and dependable right here; I did a number of video calls and had no points. The workplace is admittedly vibrant, and the seating is tremendous comfy, 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 numerous glorious choices in Zagreb – listed below are my prime picks:
- Potter: Potter is a smooth and trendy place to take a seat for a couple of hours and get some work achieved. The WiFi is great, and their coffees are among the greatest I discovered in Zagreb. This spot can also be fairly cheap in worth, which is at all times a bonus.
- Program Bar: It is a good spot to work through the day, and the employees haven’t 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 sturdy.
- Inverno: Should you’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 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 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 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 the town are value exploring, and they are often achieved on foot. The winding, cobbled streets are full of 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 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 study extra concerning the historical past and admire the place you’re dwelling a complete 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 maintain prices down on meals expenditure too.
I’d advocate going early within the morning in the event you can, as that is whenever you’ll seize the freshest fare. It might get very busy right here with locals filling up their pantries, however simply take your time and absorb the ambiance. The distributors can even allow you to strive issues in the event 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 effectively 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 the town, and it’s the icon of Zagreb general.
You possibly can, in fact, go contained in the cathedral, particularly throughout providers and mass. The within is simply as spectacular as the skin, if no more so. Be conscious when taking pictures; it’s greatest to keep away from doing so when providers are in progress, however outdoors of that point, you may take images 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 12 months. 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 through the winter, when there’s a cozy and virtually Narnia-like really feel.
You might even take your laptop computer and sit underneath a shady tree in the event you needed a scenic place to get some work achieved. I did this a few instances and though the outdated ‘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 certain what to anticipate from this museum, particularly for the reason that title sounds slightly miserable, but it surely’s one among 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 data.
It’s an awesome spot to go on a leisurely time without work, and it’s definitely 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 best exercise to interrupt up your day.
Climate in Zagreb
Residing 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 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 more likely 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. At the moment, many individuals head off to the coastal areas for the summer season season however don’t assume that’s the one means—Zagreb is a wonderful place in summer season and tends to be just a little cooler than cities and cities on the coast.
Execs and Cons of Residing in Zagreb
Earlier than you change into a Zagreb digital nomad, it’s essential to contemplate each side of the coin. Though I imagine that the professionals far outweigh the cons, each single vacation spot on the earth has upsides and downsides, and Zagreb isn’t any totally different.
SEE ALSO: 15 Execs and Cons of Residing in Croatia
Execs of Residing 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’ll need 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 numerous inexperienced areas. Maksimir Park is the biggest park within the metropolis and an awesome place to loosen up.
- Many different digital nomads: With the brand new digital nomad visa, Zagreb has change into an actual digital nomad hotspot, particularly through 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. 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.
- Loads to see and do: Being a capital metropolis, Zagreb affords a lot to see and do, together with historical past, structure, tradition, artwork, gastronomy, purchasing, 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 Residing in Zagreb
- Chances are you’ll need to go to the seashore in the summertime: Zagreb doesn’t have a seashore, so when the summer season months arrive, chances are you’ll end up craving for seashore time. I definitely did, and that’s once I relocated to Cut up and Korčula.
- Lodging might be tough to search out: Whereas not not possible, discovering lodging in Zagreb might be tough, particularly within the metropolis heart. It’s greatest 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 price of dwelling is low in comparison with another giant European cities, however during the last couple of years there was a slight rise. In fact, this merely means you have to search for intelligent methods to avoid wasting money.
Digital Nomad Visa for Zagreb
Residing in Zagreb has change into rather a lot simpler due to 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 just can’t renew this visa, so after one 12 months, it’s a must to depart. The excellent news is you could reapply six months after your outdated 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. Should you do that, you’ll want a visa to enter the nation. Croatia is within the Schengen zone, however you should definitely verify the entry necessities to your nation of origin.
In Conclusion
This digital nomad information to Zagreb has given you all the data you have to determine 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 can too 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 snug house base, whereas additionally exhibiting you the genuine Croatian lifestyle.
