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The capital metropolis of Croatia is a vigorous, historic, vibrant, and enjoyable place to spend a while. When you’re pondering of dwelling in Zagreb, prepare for an expertise like no different; this place is filled with issues to see and do, and also you’ll most likely by no means 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 lovely 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 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 lovely 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.
When 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 an entire is full of historic nods, as the entire metropolis got here to be in 1134.
However it’s not all historical past. Zagreb is full of modern-day enjoyable too, together with nightlife, gastronomy, purchasing, and artwork. The encompassing space can also be filled 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 wonderful thing about life in Zagreb is that it’s extra genuine than many different elements of the nation. When you go to a seaside vacation spot, like Break 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 tip 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 staff 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 obtainable to you.
Is Zagreb Protected?
When interested by dwelling in Zagreb as a digital nomad, or wherever new, one in all 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 evening. That being mentioned, it is a capital metropolis, so it’s advisable to all the time use your frequent sense, particularly in crowded areas.
Together with regular precautions when visiting any new vacation spot, watch your bag within the metropolis heart, as there’ll all the time be opportunistic pickpockets infrequently. Apart from that, Zagreb is fairly secure throughout, and so far as capitals go, I felt very safe right here.
Finest Areas to Dwell in Zagreb
When dwelling in Zagreb, it’s vital to decide on the correct 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 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 pieces, together with cafes and coworking spots. It’s additionally a terrific place for assembly different distant staff.
Nevertheless, it’s not all hustle and bustle as there are some nice parks to loosen up in through the summer time months. The lease costs listed below are fairly common too, contemplating it’s such a central space.
2. Higher City/Gornji Grad
Gornji Grad is the higher a part of the town heart, and that is one other nice space for distant staff. There’s a really vigorous digital nomad neighborhood round this space, which means that it’s nice for networking and assembly different like-minded individuals.
When 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 lovely structure in all places 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
When you want 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 residence to the town’s soccer stadium so it could get just a little loud throughout residence video games. You may say that Maksimir is extra suburban, but it surely’s nonetheless inside very simple attain of the town heart.
4. Šalata
When you’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, flats, and even villas. Nevertheless, you’ll pay extra for lease on this space.
When you have the funds, 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 best way 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 funds. 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 obtainable 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 lease throughout the town. The one draw back is if you wish to keep within the metropolis heart—Airbnb listings are typically extra suburban.
2. Reserving.com: You’ll discover a wide range of hostels, motels, 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 proud of my selection.
3. Enquire at coworking areas: When you inquire with different distant staff and workers at coworking areas, you could discover somebody who wants a roommate. It’s common to search out advertisements pinned on the partitions, so hold your eyes peeled.
4. Fb teams: Head over to Fb and have a look at digital nomad teams in Zagreb. There are a number of obtainable, and you may search for advertisements there. After all, you may also 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. When you’re being paid in a overseas forex, e.g. {dollars}, nevertheless, you’ll discover that your cash does go barely additional. That can assist you funds, listed below are some approximate prices.
Eating places and Groceries
When you eat at eating places which might be aimed towards vacationers, you may anticipate to pay much more. As an illustration, you’re taking a look at round €12-€15/$13-$17 for a hen/pizza model meal, but you may 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 residence as this can undoubtedly prevent money. You possibly can choose up a kilo of hen 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 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 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 thirty days, with utilities on high, relying on how a lot you employ. 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. Nevertheless 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 repeatedly. Nevertheless, 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 called Simpa, and this lasted at some stage in my keep. The cardboard price €3/$3.30, and I merely topped it up with the quantity of credit score I wished. 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 utilize 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 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 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 plenty of money.
- Keep away from peak instances: Zagreb is busy all yr round however Easter, Christmas, and New Yr are once you’ll discover costs for lodging enhance. Attempt 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 cushty 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 affordable, it can save you rather a lot in the long run. Keep away from utilizing taxis or Uber until you actually need to.
Coworking Areas in Zagreb and WiFi Pace
When 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. Based on Speedtest, Zagreb’s common add and obtain speeds are 46.99 Mbps and 111.79 Mbps respectively.
When you’re somebody who enjoys working from coworking areas, you’ll discover a lot throughout the town. Listed here are some high-quality choices:
1. Impression Hub
Impression 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 usually standardized. The Zagreb workplace could be very modern and trendy and has extraordinarily snug chairs.
I discovered the web right here to be glorious, and it has such a welcoming environment inside. I met many different distant staff right here, so it’s nice for networking and socializing.
2. Hub 385
Hub 385 is one other high coworking area in central Zagreb. You possibly can join a month-to-month membership package deal if you happen to intend to make use of the area rather a lot, or you may e-book a day area and use one of many sizzling desks. When you 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 may meet different individuals simply. It has a cushty really feel, and there’s free tea and low all through the day, in addition to a kitchen space for getting ready meals.
3. Regus
I labored from this coworking area a couple 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 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 actually 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 want to work from cafes. Fortunately, there are various glorious choices in Zagreb – listed below are my high picks:
- Potter: Potter is a modern and trendy place to sit down for a couple of hours and get some work finished. The WiFi is superb, and their coffees are among the greatest I discovered in Zagreb. This spot can also be fairly affordable in worth, which is all the time a bonus.
- Program Bar: This can be a excellent place to work through the day, and the workers haven’t 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: When 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 right for working, and the WiFi is dependable. I met a couple of different distant staff right here, so it’s nice for networking too.
Actions and Issues To Do in Zagreb
The beauty of being a digital nomad in Zagreb is that there’s a lot 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 the town are value exploring, and they are often finished 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 counsel you’re taking a strolling tour to get essentially the most out of your time. These excursions solely final round 2.5 hours so it’s good for becoming into an everyday work day. With the assistance of an skilled information, you’ll be taught extra concerning the historical past and recognize the place you’re dwelling an entire lot extra.
2. Dolac Market
Dolac Market is the perfect 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 a terrific place to satisfy pleasant locals and hold 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 possibly get very busy right here with locals filling up their pantries, however simply take your time and take in the environment. The distributors may 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 the town is Zagreb Cathedral, and it’s nicely value 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 the town, and it’s the icon of Zagreb total.
You possibly can, after all, 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 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 a beautiful place for a stroll it doesn’t matter what the time of yr. In the course of the summer time months, you’ll see households having fun with a picnic and youngsters enjoying. Nevertheless, my favourite time to go to this park is through the winter, when there’s a cozy and nearly Narnia-like really feel.
You may even take your laptop computer and sit below a shady tree if you happen to wished a scenic place to get some work finished. I did this a few instances and though the previous ‘glare on the display’ downside was annoying, it was a very nice place to spend a few hours.
5. Museum of Damaged Relationships
I wasn’t certain what to anticipate from this museum, particularly for the reason that title sounds reasonably miserable, but it surely’s one in all my favourite locations in Zagreb. The Museum of Damaged Relationships tells the story of affection tales gone improper however with loads of emotion and background info.
It’s a terrific spot to go on a leisurely break day, 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 notably chilly, that is the perfect 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 once 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.
In the course of the summer time months, Zagreb experiences a mean excessive of 28C/82F in July, which is the most popular month. Nevertheless, 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, nevertheless, the spring months arrive in Could when the common 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 approach—Zagreb is an attractive place in summer time and tends to be just a little cooler than cities and cities on the coast.
Professionals and Cons of Residing in Zagreb
Earlier than you change into a Zagreb digital nomad, it’s vital to think about either 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 is not any completely 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 might stroll to many locations. You will have public transport typically, but it surely’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 various inexperienced areas. Maksimir Park is the most important park within the metropolis and a terrific 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 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 approach.
- A lot to see and do: Being a capital metropolis, Zagreb gives 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
- You could need to go to the seaside in the summertime: Zagreb doesn’t have a seaside, so when the summer time months arrive, you could end up craving for seaside time. I actually did, and that’s after I relocated to Break up and Korčula.
- Lodging may be tough to search out: Whereas not unimaginable, discovering lodging in Zagreb may be troublesome, 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.
- 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 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 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, you need to depart. The excellent news is which 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. When you do that, you’ll want a visa to enter the nation. Croatia is within the Schengen zone, however you should definitely test the entry necessities in your nation of origin.
In Conclusion
This digital nomad information to Zagreb has given you all the data you must resolve 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 through the summer time. With a lot to see and do, Zagreb provides you a cushty residence base, whereas additionally exhibiting you the genuine Croatian lifestyle.
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