The capital metropolis of Croatia is a energetic, historic, vibrant, and enjoyable place to spend a while. If you happen to’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 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 the most effective locations on the planet; the surroundings, seashores, tradition, meals, and pleasant locals are second to none. However as a digital nomad dwelling in Zagreb, you’ll have to know what to anticipate earlier than you go.
Handily, I can share my experiences so you possibly can guarantee a clean 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 massive 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.
Nevertheless it’s not all historical past. Zagreb is filled with modern-day enjoyable too, together with nightlife, gastronomy, purchasing, and artwork. The encompassing space can be filled with must-visit locations, with mountain climbing trails within the Medvednica mountain and Veternica Cave, filled with archaeological wonders.
Digital Nomad in Zagreb: Private Expertise
For me, the beauty of life in Zagreb is that it’s extra genuine than many different components of the nation. If you happen to go to a seaside vacation spot, like Break up or Dubrovnik, positive, you’ll see native life, however not like you possibly can 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 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 accessible to you.
Is Zagreb Secure?
When fascinated 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 stated, it is a capital metropolis, so it’s advisable to at all times 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 at all times be opportunistic pickpockets occasionally. 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 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 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 part, together with cafes and coworking spots. It’s additionally an ideal place for assembly different distant employees.
Nonetheless, it’s not all hustle and bustle as there are some nice parks to calm down in through the summer time months. The hire 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 employees. There’s a really energetic 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 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
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, however it’s additionally dwelling to town’s soccer stadium so it will possibly get a bit loud throughout dwelling video games. You may say that Maksimir is extra suburban, however it’s nonetheless inside very simple attain of town heart.
4. Šalata
If you happen to’re working remotely in Zagreb and are searching for a extra luxurious place to remain, Šalata is value contemplating. Right here, you’ll discover massive homes, residences, and even villas. Nonetheless, you’ll pay extra for hire on this space.
When you have the finances, 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.
Find out how to Discover Lodging in Zagreb
The most important hurdle for digital nomads, wherever on the planet you’re, 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 accessible on Airbnb, and lots of locations settle for long-term stays. I stayed in an condominium for a month this fashion, and I managed to avoid wasting on the common worth of hire throughout town. The one draw back is if you wish to keep within the metropolis heart—Airbnb listings are usually extra suburban.
2. Reserving.com: You’ll discover a wide variety 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 website, and I used to be very pleased with my selection.
3. Enquire at coworking areas: If you happen to inquire with different distant employees and workers at coworking areas, it’s possible you’ll discover somebody who wants a roommate. It’s commonplace to seek out advertisements pinned on the partitions, so preserve your eyes peeled.
4. Fb teams: Head over to Fb and have a look at digital nomad teams in Zagreb. There are a number of accessible, and you may search for advertisements there. In fact, it’s also possible to inquire about sharing alternatives and ask for recommendation from individuals already there.
Value 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 overseas 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 can be aimed towards vacationers, you possibly can count on to pay much more. As an example, you’re round €12-€15/$13-$17 for a rooster/pizza fashion meal, but you possibly can 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 may 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 possibly can prepare dinner meals that may 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 condominium 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 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 value you round €0.60/$0.65. Nonetheless Zagreb isn’t an enormous, sprawling metropolis, and I discovered it fairly simple to stroll to most locations, 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. Nonetheless, it’s value 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 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 need to use A1, Telemach Croatia, or Tomato, all of which have an identical 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 quite a lot of money.
- Keep away from peak occasions: Zagreb is busy all yr round however Easter, Christmas, and New Yr are whenever you’ll discover costs for lodging improve. Attempt to keep away from these occasions if doable.
- Have a look at sharing lodging: Coliving and sharing an condominium are good methods to avoid wasting money and nonetheless have a snug place to remain. Coworking spots are the place to seek out out extra details about this.
- Stroll as a lot as you possibly can: 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 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. 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 loads throughout town. Listed here are some high-quality choices:
1. Influence Hub
Influence Hub is likely one of the hottest coworking spots in Zagreb, and I labored from right here a number of occasions. You may need labored in one other department throughout Europe, and their workplaces are typically standardized. The Zagreb workplace could be very glossy and fashionable and has extraordinarily snug chairs.
I discovered the web right here to be glorious, and it has such a welcoming ambiance inside. I met many different distant employees right here, so it’s nice for networking and socializing.
2. Hub 385
Hub 385 is one other high coworking area in central Zagreb. You possibly can join a month-to-month membership bundle when you intend to make use of the area so much, or you possibly can e book a day area and use one of many sizzling 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 possibly can 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 occasions and I discovered Regus to be a best choice. It has a really fashionable and glossy 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 absolutely vibrant, 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 favor to work from cafes. Fortunately, there are numerous glorious choices in Zagreb – listed here are my high picks:
- Potter: Potter is a glossy and fashionable place to sit down for a number of hours and get some work accomplished. The WiFi is superb, and their coffees are a number of the greatest I discovered in Zagreb. This spot can be fairly affordable in worth, which is at all times a bonus.
- Program Bar: It is a good spot to work through the day, and the workers don’t have any points with individuals sitting with their laptops. The costs are affordable, and the seats are extraordinarily snug too. The WiFi right here is especially sturdy.
- Inverno: If you happen to’re searching for 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 a number 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 loads 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 value exploring, and they are often accomplished 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 good for becoming into an everyday work day. With the assistance of an skilled information, you’ll be taught extra in regards to 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 ideal place to satisfy pleasant locals and preserve prices down on meals expenditure too.
I’d suggest going early within the morning when you can, as that is whenever you’ll seize the freshest fare. It will probably get very busy right here with locals filling up their pantries, however simply take your time and absorb the ambiance. The distributors may even allow you to attempt issues when you ask, so don’t be afraid to go for it.
3. Zagreb Cathedral
The central level of town is Zagreb Cathedral, and it’s nicely 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 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 aware when taking pictures; it’s greatest to keep away from doing so when providers are in progress, however exterior of that point, you possibly can take images 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 yr. Throughout the summer time 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 may even take your laptop computer and sit beneath a shady tree when you needed a scenic place to get some work accomplished. I did this a few occasions and though the previous ‘glare on the display’ drawback 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 somewhat miserable, however it’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 data.
It’s an ideal 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 suggest 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 occasions are spring and autumn when you possibly can actually really feel the change of climate within the air.
Throughout the summer time months, Zagreb experiences a median 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 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 typical 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 method—Zagreb is a gorgeous place in summer time and tends to be a bit cooler than cities and cities on the coast.
Professionals and Cons of Residing in Zagreb
Earlier than you develop into a Zagreb digital nomad, it’s necessary to contemplate each side of the coin. Though I imagine that the professionals far outweigh the cons, each single vacation spot on the planet has upsides and downsides, and Zagreb is not any totally different.
SEE ALSO: 15 Professionals and Cons of Residing in Croatia
Professionals of Residing 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’ll need public transport generally, however it’s a compact metropolis, and it’s fairly simple to get round on foot.
- Loads of inexperienced areas: Zagreb isn’t a concrete jungle like many capitals and there are numerous inexperienced areas. Maksimir Park is the most important park within the metropolis and an ideal place to calm down.
- Many different digital nomads: With the brand new digital nomad visa, Zagreb has develop into an actual digital nomad hotspot, particularly through the winter months. It’s very easy to satisfy individuals, both for work or socially.
- A extra genuine lifestyle: I discovered the ‘actual’ Croatia in Zagreb. 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 method.
- Loads to see and do: Being a capital metropolis, Zagreb presents loads to see and do, together with historical past, structure, tradition, artwork, gastronomy, purchasing, and glorious 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 Break up and Korčula.
- Lodging could be tough to seek out: Whereas not unimaginable, discovering lodging in Zagreb could be tough, particularly within the metropolis heart. It’s greatest to e book an Airbnb or a hostel earlier than you arrive after which search for one thing extra appropriate whilst you’re there.
- Value of dwelling is decrease proper now however is rising: Zagreb’s value of dwelling is low in comparison with another massive European cities, however during the last couple of years there was a slight rise. In fact, this merely means it’s worthwhile to search for intelligent methods to avoid wasting money.
Digital Nomad Visa for Zagreb
Residing 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 yr, and through this time, you’re not required to pay tax in Croatia; you merely proceed paying the place you’re registered.
The one draw back is that you simply can not renew this visa, so after one yr, it’s a must to depart. The excellent news is you could reapply six months after your previous 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. If you happen to do that, you’ll want a visa to enter the nation. Croatia is within the Schengen zone, however you’ll want to verify the entry necessities on your nation of origin.
In Conclusion
This digital nomad information to Zagreb has given you all the data it’s worthwhile to 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 can too use Zagreb as a winter vacation spot after which go to the coastal areas through the summer time. With a lot to see and do, Zagreb provides you a snug dwelling base, whereas additionally exhibiting you the genuine Croatian lifestyle.
