The capital metropolis of Croatia is a energetic, 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 most likely by no means need to depart. I do know I didn’t.
In January 2021, Croatia’s digital nomad visa opened the doorways for extra individuals to spend time on this stunning nation. For me, it’s top-of-the-line 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 have to know what to anticipate earlier than you go.
Handily, I can share my experiences so you’ll be able to guarantee a easy keep on this stunning metropolis.
About Zagreb
Zagreb is each the capital and largest metropolis in Croatia. It’s situated 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 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 encircling space can be stuffed 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 elements of the nation. If you happen to go to a seaside vacation spot, like Split 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 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 spaces 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 unbelievable selection obtainable to you.
Is Zagreb Protected?
When occupied with dwelling in Zagreb as a digital nomad, or anyplace new, certainly one of your first considerations is probably going security. The excellent news is that Zagreb is a safe city. I by no means as soon as felt unnerved or unsafe throughout my time there, even at evening. That being stated, it is a capital metropolis, so it’s advisable to all the time use your frequent sense, particularly in crowded areas.
Together with standard precautions when visiting any new vacation spot, watch your bag within the metropolis heart, as there’ll all the time be opportunistic pickpockets every now and then. Aside from that, Zagreb is fairly protected 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 necessary to decide on the best 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 here are my suggestions.
1. Decrease City/Donji Grad
I feel 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 all the pieces, together with cafes and coworking spots. It’s additionally a fantastic 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 the town heart, and that is one other nice space for distant staff. There’s a really energetic digital nomad group round this space, that means that it’s nice for networking and assembly different like-minded individuals.
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 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 buying alternatives.
3. Maksimir
If you happen to favor 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, for my part, but it surely’s additionally dwelling to the town’s soccer stadium so it might probably get a bit loud throughout dwelling video games. You can say that Maksimir is extra suburban, but it surely’s nonetheless inside very straightforward attain of the town heart.
4. Šalata
If you happen to’re working remotely in Zagreb and are on the lookout for 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 way to Discover Lodging in Zagreb
The largest hurdle for digital nomads, wherever on the earth you’re, is discovering lodging to fit your wants and finances. Listed here are my prime picks on the place to discover a place to remain in Zagreb.
1. Airbnb: There’s a variety 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 worth of lease throughout the town. The one draw back is if you wish to keep within the metropolis heart—Airbnb listings are usually extra suburban.
2. Booking.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 means of this web site, and I used to be very proud of my selection.
3. Enquire at coworking areas: If you happen to inquire with different distant staff and workers at coworking areas, it’s possible you’ll discover somebody who wants a roommate. It’s common to search out adverts pinned on the partitions, so maintain your eyes peeled.
4. Fb teams: Head over to Fb and take a look at digital nomad teams in Zagreb. There are a number of obtainable, and you may search for adverts there. After all, 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 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 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 fashion 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 may get a good-quality cappuccino for round €1.80/$2.
It’s a good suggestion to cook dinner at dwelling as this can 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 recent 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 can final for a number 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 price 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 straightforward and low-cost. A one-way ticket on any type of public transport will price 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’ll be able to take buses, trams, taxis, Ubers, and the funicular railway to the Higher City, all of which run usually. Nevertheless, 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 Information
I purchased a SIM card from Hrvatski Telekom, also referred to as Simpa, and this lasted at some point of 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 the same setup course of. An eSIM is an alternative choice, and Airalo is broadly used throughout Croatia, with good connectivity.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Zagreb
- Store native: When dwelling in Zagreb, purchase recent produce from the native markets, meat from the butcher, and solely use supermarkets for cabinet necessities. You’ll save money fairly shortly.
- Keep away from touristic eating places: You’ll pay 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 numerous 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 potential.
- Have 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’ll be able to: I discovered Zagreb a really walkable metropolis, and though public transport is affordable, it can save you lots in the long run. Keep away from utilizing taxis or Uber until you really want to.
Coworking Areas in Zagreb and WiFi Velocity
If you happen to’re contemplating working remotely in Zagreb, the web high quality is more likely to be your greatest concern. The excellent news is that I by no means had a problem with the WiFi and I discovered it to be top quality. According 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 loads throughout the town. Listed here are some high-quality choices:
1. Affect Hub
Impact Hub is likely one of the hottest coworking spots in Zagreb, and I labored from right here a number of instances. You might need labored in one other department throughout Europe, and their workplaces are usually standardized. The Zagreb workplace could be very modern 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 prime coworking area in central Zagreb. You’ll be able to join a month-to-month membership package deal in the event you intend to make use of the area lots, or you’ll be able to ebook a day area and use one of many scorching desks. If you happen to do that, it’s greatest 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 low all through the day, in addition to a kitchen space for making ready meals.
3. Regus
I labored from this coworking area a number of instances and I discovered Regus to be a best choice. It has a really trendy and modern 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 basically vibrant, 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 favor to work from cafes. Fortunately, there are various wonderful choices in Zagreb – listed here are my prime picks:
- Potter: Potter is a modern and trendy place to sit down for a number of hours and get some work completed. The WiFi is great, and their coffees are a number of the greatest I discovered in Zagreb. This spot can be fairly cheap in worth, which is all the time a bonus.
- Program Bar: It is 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 sturdy.
- Inverno: If you happen to’re on the lookout for 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 a number of different distant staff 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 loads 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 here are a few of my favourite spots within the metropolis:
1. Higher & Decrease Cities
Each the higher and decrease elements of the town are price exploring, and they are often completed on foot. The winding, cobbled streets are stuffed with architectural wonders and small boutiques. I stumbled upon many cute cafes round this space too.
I’d recommend you are taking a walking 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 a daily work day. With the assistance of an skilled information, you’ll be taught 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 best place to get your recent fruit and greens in addition to all method of different scrumptious produce, together with freshly caught fish. If you’d like a style of genuine Croatian life, that is the place to go! It’s a fantastic 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 if you’ll seize the freshest fare. It may get very busy right here with locals filling up their pantries, however simply take your time and absorb the environment. The distributors can even allow you to attempt 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 properly 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 elements of the town, and it’s the icon of Zagreb total.
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 greatest 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 a beautiful place for a stroll it doesn’t matter what the time of 12 months. In the course of the summer time months, you’ll see households having fun with a picnic and kids enjoying. Nevertheless, my favourite time to go to this park is throughout the winter, when there’s a cozy and virtually Narnia-like really feel.
You can even take your laptop and sit underneath a shady tree in the event you needed a scenic place to get some work completed. I did this a few instances and though the outdated ‘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 quite miserable, but it surely’s certainly one of my favourite locations in Zagreb. The Museum of Broken Relationships tells the story of affection tales gone incorrect however with loads of emotion and background info.
It’s a fantastic spot to go on a leisurely time without work, 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 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 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.
In the course of the summer time months, Zagreb experiences an average high of 28C/82F in July, which is the most well liked month. Nevertheless, Zagreb nonetheless experiences rain in the summertime months, with July experiencing a median of 104.3mm. November is the rainiest month at 117.9mm, and it’s more likely to snow between November and February.
The winter can see nighttime temperatures as little as -2C/28F in January, nonetheless, the spring months arrive in Might when the common is round 20C/50F. At the moment, many individuals head off to the coastal areas for the summer time season however don’t assume that’s the one manner—Zagreb is a phenomenal place in summer time and tends to be a bit cooler than cities and cities on the coast.
Execs and Cons of Residing in Zagreb
Earlier than you grow to be a Zagreb digital nomad, it’s necessary to contemplate either side of the coin. Though I consider that the professionals far outweigh the cons, each single vacation spot on the earth has upsides and downsides, and Zagreb is not any completely different.
SEE ALSO: 15 Pros and Cons of Living 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 will have public transport typically, 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 various inexperienced areas. Maksimir Park is the most important 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 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 manner.
- A lot to see and do: Being a capital metropolis, Zagreb gives loads to see and do, together with historical past, structure, tradition, artwork, gastronomy, buying, and wonderful nightlife.
- Glorious 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 Residing in Zagreb
- Chances are you’ll need to go to the seaside in the summertime: Zagreb doesn’t have a seaside, so when the summer time months arrive, it’s possible you’ll end up craving for seaside time. I actually did, and that’s after I relocated to Split and Korčula.
- Lodging could be difficult to search out: Whereas not unimaginable, discovering lodging in Zagreb could 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 when you’re there.
- Price of dwelling is decrease proper now however is rising: Zagreb’s price 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 you must search for intelligent methods to avoid wasting money.
Digital Nomad Visa for Zagreb
Residing in Zagreb has grow to be lots 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, you need to depart. The excellent news is that you could reapply six months after your outdated visa expires. Click here for all required documentation.
You’ll be able to 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 be sure you examine the entry necessities to your nation of origin.
In Conclusion
This digital nomad information to Zagreb has given you all the knowledge you must 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.
It’s also possible to 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 home base, whereas additionally exhibiting you the genuine Croatian lifestyle.
