Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in Zagreb

The capital metropolis of Croatia is a full of life, historic, vibrant, and enjoyable place to spend a while. Should you’re considering of residing in Zagreb, prepare for an expertise like no different; this place is stuffed with issues to see and do, and also you’ll in all probability by no means wish to depart. I do know I didn’t.

In January 2021, Croatia’s digital nomad visa opened the doorways for extra individuals to spend time on this 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 residing in Zagreb, you’ll have to know what to anticipate earlier than you go.

Handily, I can share my experiences so you may 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.

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 full of historic nods, as the entire metropolis got here to be in 1134.

But it surely’s not all historical past. Zagreb is full of modern-day enjoyable too, together with nightlife, gastronomy, buying, and artwork. The encircling space can be stuffed with must-visit locations, with mountaineering trails within the Medvednica mountain and Veternica Cave, full of 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. Should you go to a seashore vacation spot, like Split 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 spaces and cafes to work from.

There’s lots to see and do in and across the metropolis too. Your days off won’t ever be boring, and so far as meals goes, you’ll have an unbelievable alternative obtainable to you.

Is Zagreb Secure?

When eager about residing 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 safe city. 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 widespread sense, particularly in crowded areas.

Together with typical precautions when visiting any new vacation spot, watch your bag within the metropolis middle, as there’ll all the time be opportunistic pickpockets once in a while. Apart from that, Zagreb is fairly protected throughout, and so far as capitals go, I felt very safe right here.

Finest Areas to Reside in Zagreb

When residing 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 wish 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 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 the whole lot, together with cafes and coworking spots. It’s additionally an amazing 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 lease costs listed here are fairly common too, contemplating it’s such a central space.

2. Higher City/Gornji Grad

Gornji Grad is the higher a part of town middle, and that is one other nice space for distant employees. There’s a really full of life digital nomad group 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 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

Should you favor a bit extra peace and quiet, Maksimir is an efficient alternative. You’ll discover an enormous park right here—the biggest within the metropolis—and loads of cafes.

Maksimir has a extra laid-back really feel, for my part, nevertheless it’s additionally dwelling to town’s soccer stadium so it will possibly get a little bit loud throughout dwelling video games. You could possibly say that Maksimir is extra suburban, nevertheless it’s nonetheless inside very simple attain of town middle.

4. Šalata

Should you’re working remotely in Zagreb and are searching for a extra luxurious place to remain, Šalata is price contemplating. Right here, you’ll discover giant homes, residences, and even villas. Nonetheless, you’ll pay extra for lease on this space.

When you’ve got the price range, 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.

Learn how to Discover Lodging in Zagreb

The largest hurdle for digital nomads, wherever on the earth you might be, is discovering lodging to fit your wants and price range. Listed here are my prime picks on the place to discover a place to remain in Zagreb.

1. Airbnb: There’s a spread of nice lodging obtainable on Airbnb, and lots 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 value of lease throughout town. The one draw back is if you wish to keep within the metropolis middle—Airbnb listings are usually extra suburban.

2. Booking.com: You’ll discover a wide range 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 means of this web site, and I used to be very proud of my alternative.

3. Enquire at coworking areas: Should you 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 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’ll search for advertisements there. In fact, you can too inquire about sharing alternatives and ask for recommendation from individuals already there.

Value of Dwelling in Zagreb

I discovered the price of residing in Zagreb to be a little bit decrease than in different main European capitals. Should you’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 price range, listed here 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. As an example, you’re taking a look at round €12-€15/$13-$17 for a rooster/pizza type 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 cook dinner at dwelling as it will undoubtedly prevent money. You possibly can 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 may cook dinner meals that may 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 cause, store round earlier than you decide to something, particularly by way of neighborhood.

On common, a one-bedroom residence within the metropolis middle will value round €530/$580 monthly, with utilities on prime, relying on how a lot you utilize. I’d 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, 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 often. Nonetheless, it’s price remembering that taxis and Uber are the costliest choices. I solely used these once I was out late at evening and it was a safer alternative.

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 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 the same setup course of. An eSIM is an alternative choice, and Airalo is extensively used throughout Croatia, with good connectivity.

Cash Saving Ideas for Zagreb

1. Store native: When residing 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 rapidly.
2. 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.
3. Keep away from peak occasions: Zagreb is busy all 12 months round however Easter, Christmas, and New 12 months are once you’ll discover costs for lodging improve. Attempt to keep away from these occasions if doable.
4. Take a look at sharing lodging: Coliving and sharing an residence 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.
5. Stroll as a lot as you may: I discovered Zagreb a really walkable metropolis, and though public transport is reasonable, it can save you lots 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 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. According to 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 lots throughout town. Listed here are some high-quality choices:

1. Impression Hub

Impact Hub is among 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 prime coworking house in central Zagreb. You possibly can join a month-to-month membership package deal if you happen to intend to make use of the house lots, or you may ebook a day house and use one of many sizzling desks. Should you 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 may meet different individuals simply. It has a cushty really feel, and there’s free tea and occasional all through the day, in addition to a kitchen space for making ready meals.

3. Regus

I labored from this coworking house a couple 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 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 absolutely brilliant, 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 sometimes, I do favor to work from cafes. Fortunately, there are numerous glorious choices in Zagreb – listed here are my prime picks:

1. Potter: Potter is a glossy and fashionable place to take a seat for a couple of hours and get some work performed. The WiFi is great, and their coffees are a number of the finest I discovered in Zagreb. This spot can be fairly cheap in value, which is all the time a bonus.
2. Program Bar: It is a excellent spot to work through the day, and the workers don’t have 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.
3. Inverno: Should you’re searching for someplace a bit fancier, with actually nice meals, I’d extremely advocate Inverno. There’s an out of doors seating space which is good 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 wonderful thing about being a digital nomad in Zagreb is that there’s lots 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 here are a few of my favourite spots within the metropolis:

1. Higher & Decrease Cities

Each the higher and decrease elements of town are price exploring, and they are often performed 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’re taking a walking 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 an everyday work day. With the assistance of an skilled information, you’ll be taught extra concerning the historical past and admire the place you’re residing a complete 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 need a style of genuine Croatian life, that is the place to go! It’s an amazing place to fulfill pleasant locals and maintain prices down on meals expenditure too.

I’d advocate going early within the morning if you happen to can, as that is once 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 will even allow you to strive issues if you happen to ask, so don’t be afraid to go for it.

3. Zagreb Cathedral

The central level of town is Zagreb Cathedral, and it’s effectively price a go to simply to take a look at the gorgeous structure. You possibly can see the steeple of the cathedral from most elements of town, and it’s the icon of Zagreb general.

You possibly can, after all, 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 finest to keep away from doing so when companies are in progress, however exterior of that point, you may take pictures of the inside.

4. Maksimir Park

The gorgeous Maksimir Park is the oldest public park within the metropolis, and it’s a beautiful place for a stroll it doesn’t matter what the time of 12 months. 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 could possibly even take your laptop and sit beneath a shady tree if you happen to needed a scenic place to get some work performed. I did this a few occasions and though the outdated ‘glare on the display screen’ drawback 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 because the identify sounds somewhat miserable, nevertheless it’s one among 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 data.

It’s an amazing 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 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

Dwelling in Zagreb as a digital nomad means you’re open to the weather relying upon once you go. Positioned within the northwest of the nation, Zagreb has 4 distinct seasons, and my favourite occasions are spring and autumn when you may actually really feel the change of climate within the air.

Throughout the summer season months, Zagreb experiences an average high 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 season season however don’t assume that’s the one means—Zagreb is a gorgeous place in summer season and tends to be a little bit cooler than cities and cities on the coast.

Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Zagreb

Earlier than you turn into a Zagreb digital nomad, it’s essential to think about either side of the coin. Though I consider that the professionals far outweigh the cons, each single vacation spot on the earth has upsides and downsides, and Zagreb isn’t any completely different.

SEE ALSO: 15 Pros and Cons of Living in Croatia

Professionals of Dwelling in Zagreb

• Zagreb is a compact metropolis: One of many issues I loved most about Zagreb is that I might stroll to many locations. You will have public transport typically, nevertheless 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 biggest park within the metropolis and an amazing place to loosen up.
• Many different digital nomads: With the brand new digital nomad visa, Zagreb has turn 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 presents lots 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

• You might wish to go to the seashore in the summertime: Zagreb doesn’t have a seashore, so when the summer season months arrive, it’s possible you’ll end up craving for seashore time. I definitely did, and that’s once I relocated to Split and Korčula.
• Lodging will be tough to seek out: Whereas not unattainable, discovering lodging in Zagreb will be troublesome, particularly within the metropolis middle. It’s finest to ebook an Airbnb or a hostel earlier than you arrive after which search for one thing extra appropriate when you’re there.
• Value of residing is decrease proper now however is rising: Zagreb’s value of residing is low in comparison with another giant European cities, however over the past couple of years there was a slight rise. In fact, this merely means you could search for intelligent methods to avoid wasting money.

Digital Nomad Visa for Zagreb

Dwelling in Zagreb has turn into lots simpler due to 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 simply can not renew this visa, so after one 12 months, you need to depart. The excellent news is that you may reapply six months after your outdated visa expires. Click 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 make sure to examine the entry necessities on your nation of origin.

In Conclusion

This digital nomad information to Zagreb has given you all the data you could 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 even 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 cushty home base, whereas additionally displaying you the genuine Croatian lifestyle.