A Digital Nomad Guide to Zagreb

Zagreb Visa

Most visitors do not require a visa to enter Croatia, and generally speaking, it is possible to stay in the country for most visitors to remain in the country for 90 days within an 180 day period without holding a visa or paying any sort of fee to do so. This applies to EU nationals, who can exercise free movement of people across other member states, as well as to nationals of a number of other nations – but exceptions to this rule include citizens of China, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine and Turkey. Individuals travelling from these countries will need to apply for a visa beforehand.

Recently, Croatia has recognised the unique needs and requirements of digital nomads and made moves towards making extended stays in the country easier. Just last year, Croatia passed a new Foreign Nationals Act which allows digital nomads a temporary stay in Croatia of up to one year. Currently, it’s not possible to extend this type of visa and a new application can be submitted only six months after the expiry of the previously granted stay.

It is also now possible for close family members of a digital nomad who has been granted a temporary stay in Croatia may join them for this time. To be granted the visa, you must not have a criminal record, and an employment contract with an employer outside of Croatia is essential. You’ll also need to prove that you have sufficient means to support yourself during your stay and produce a bank statement that shows you have a minimum of HRK28,800 (€3802) available for a period of 12 months.

If you’re unsure which set of circumstances apply to you and your individual case, then be sure to do your research before you travel to avoid running into any obstacles. Relevant and detailed information can usually be found on your country of origin’s government website.

Culture and Food in Zagreb

Culture

Croatia’s culture is unique and interesting, bearing influence from a variety of different ethnicities that have encompassed the country over the years. Mainly made up of Croats, there are also a number of national minorities, which include Serbs, Slovenes, Bosnians, Czechs, Hungarians and Italians.

Most Croats are Roman Catholic, while the Serbian population mainly belong to the Serbian brand of the Eastern Orthodox Church, with a variety of other small religious minorities also present.

Dating back almost thirteen centuries, Croatia is steeped in rich history and carries many literary, musical and artistic traditions. The country’s national music is influenced by sounds from the Mediterranean, the Balkand and Central Europe, with folk, pop and a combination of the two some of the most popular and listened-to genres today.

Zagreb, as a city, came to be back in 1904, after years of opposition between the two neighbouring settlements of Gradec and Kaptol, from which it is formed. Later, it went on to be named the nation’s capital in 1945.

Cuisine

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Croatian cuisine has been influenced by the flavours and ingredients of many of its surrounding countries, with mainland cuisine closest to Hungarian, Turkish and Viennese. Heavy roast dishes, rich cheeses and Osman-influenced recipes are prevalent, while on the coast, you’ll find plenty of fresh fish and seafood.

Just like Vienna, Croatia is known for its numerous high-quality coffee houses, which can be found across the country and in high concentration within Zagreb itself. It is also famed for its excellent wines, with some of the most famous whites being Malvazija Pinot, Pošip, Kujundžuša and Muskat and the nation’s finest red wines including Merlot, Teran, Opolo and Plavac, all of which are typically produced along Croatia’s coastal regions.

In recent years, the gastro scene in Zagreb has flourished, and while affordable fast-food classics like hot sandwiches and kebabs are still a staple, you’ll now find a range of international restaurants to choose from including Italian, Asian, Lebanese and Macedonian.

The city’s snack bars are a great pitstop for an affordable bite to eat, with meals available from between 20 and 40 kunas (3-6 Euros). Here, you can try typical Croatian stews, hearty bean dishes and tasty fried fish. And down at Dolac Market, which will likely become a regular haunt while living in Zagreb, you’ll find plenty of fresh, local produce to cook with at home.

Zagreb Nightlife

Night owls will find plenty to keep them entertained on an evening in Zagreb, with a lively live music scene and plenty of bars that transform into small clubs as the night gets on. These are some of our favourite spots to check out for a taste of real Croatian nightlife and a chance to mix with both locals and expats alike.

Aquarius

Located on the scenic Jarun lakeside, this sprawling, 2,000 capacity venue is spread over two floors and has been one of the liveliest nightlife venues in Zagreb since it first opened its doors back in 1992. With two different ambiences on any given night, you’ll find a host of local and national DJs spinning sets at the weekends, with genres ranging from Goa trance and RnB to cutting-edge house and electro.

Spunk

Tucked away beneath Zagreb’s opulent National University Library, Spunk is a favourite coffee spot during the day, its walls adorned with quirky comic book murals and vintage movie posters – and is often frequented by students taking a break from their studies. After dark, the vibe transforms and Spunk becomes a bohemian alternative music bar, making it the perfect spot for getting on those dancing shoes and indulging in some of the local wines and beers.

Boogaloo

Just a stone’s throw from Zagreb’s central train station, this 1,500 capacity club is set within the confines of a former cinema and cultural centre and hosts a packed calendar of retro-style parties, with live international metal acts, techno DJs and other niche and alternative music nights happening throughout the year.

AKC Medica

This non-profit collaborative is one of Zagreb’s most famous night spots and was born of the city’s anarchist movement. Today, it retains its rebellious feel and regularly hosts punk gigs and dub-reggae DJs, as well as film evenings run by visual arts association Otomptom. If grunge, grimey, raucous and fun is your scene, then look no further – because AKC Medica ticks all of those boxes and more.

Funk Club

This unassuming cafe-bar is one of the city’s most deceptive, and might not look like much to begin with – but after dark, this cafe-bar transforms to become a lively venue pumping out house, electro and broken beats throughout the week. It closes on Sundays and Mondays to give its regulars a chance to recover from the weekend’s excesses – then throws open its doors on a Tuesday evening, ready to do it all again.

Things to do in Zagreb

• The Upper Town

  Croatia’s cities are characterised by their narrow, winding cobbled streets and historical buildings, and Zagreb’s Upper Town is no different. This steep area of the city is reachable via a funicular or a steep set of stairs and promises to transport you right back to times gone by. If you’re up for the hike, then you can expect to take in some sweeping views along the way, with the very best vistas right at the top. Look out for St. Mark’s church and its colourful roof.

• The Zagreb Eye

  For more stunning views of the city below, take a trip on the Zagreb Eye.  Here, you’ll get to enjoy 360 degree panoramas from the 16th floor, taking in the higgledy-piggledy rooftops which comprise a mixture of towering high-rises and historic buildings. Don’t forget to take your camera, because these are the kind of views you’ll want to remember long into the future.

• Dolac Market

  A stroll around the city’s Dolac market is a must if you’re eager to get a taste of local life, and if you’re planning on staying in Zagreb for a while then you might just become a regular. Here, you’ll find an abundance of fresh, locally-grown produce, including fruits, vegetables, meat and fish. You’ll find it tucked away just behind the main square – get set for a bustling and vibrant atmosphere and a chance to rub shoulders with Croatians of all ages.

• Zagreb Cathedral

  Perhaps one of Zagreb’s most iconic landmarks is its historic cathedral, which was previously known as the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This impressive piece of architecture has been transformed into a neo-gothic monument thanks to a string of reconstructions and upgrades through the ages. The twin towers, which can be spotted from all over the city, are one of the most notable elements of the building.

• Maksimir Park

  As the oldest public park in Zagreb, Maksimir Park is bound to make it onto your radar during your time spent living in Zagreb, and so it should. The perfect place to take a breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the central city, it’s a sprawling green space punctuated with verdant meadows, pretty lakes and streams, and a stroll through it is a chance to spot some of Croatia’s native birds and wildlife.

• Mali Medo

  Fan of a good beer? Then you’re in the right place. The Mali Medo bar, located on Tkalčićeva Street, is a favourite amongst both tourists and locals alike, and serves up local favourites including Cma Kraljica and Mrki Medved. It also happens to be a great place to sample some tasty Croatian fare at a reasonable price – so expect to want to come back here often while living in Zagreb.

• Mimara Museum

  There are plenty of interesting museums and art galleries to explore in Zagreb, one of the most interesting of which being the lower town Mimara. Named after 20th century art collector Ante Topić Mimara, the permanent exhibits here were donated by Miramar, who was linked to infamous art theft during the Second World War – and features works from the likes of Canaletto, Holbein, Velazquez, Rubens, Monet, Renoir and Degas to name but a few.

• Museum of Broken Relationships

  Looking to do something a little more unusual? The museum of Broken Relationships is a unique and interesting attraction that you must visit at least once. Filled with heart-wrenching displays telling emotional stories of love and loss through the ages, it’s not one for the faint hearted, but if you’re a sucker for romance and aren’t afraid to show some emotion then be sure to book your tickets.

• King Tomislav Square

  This impressive city square, named after the first Croatian King, is bound to play a central role during your time in Zagreb as a digital nomad, and is the perfect place to relax over a glass of local wine and some Croatian cuisine and simply people-watch. If you’re arriving by train, then you’ll step straight into it when you disembark – be sure to bring some ice skates if you’re coming in winter, when it becomes a seasonal wonderland.

• Jarun Lake

  Zagreb can get hot during the summer months, at times, unbearably so. And as it’s not on the coast, Croatians have to look elsewhere in search of places to cool off, namely the picturesque Jarun Lake. Here, you’ll find a plethora of leisure activities available to take part in – from paddle boarding and kayaking to competitive rowing. Flanked by pretty pebble beaches, its banks also play host to the internationally-renowned INmusic festival, which takes place in late June and has previously seen headliners including the Pixies, PJ Harvey and Wilco. The perfect place to relax and unwind away from the stresses and strains of the city in warmer weather, it’s certain to become a favourite.

Best Time to Visit Zagreb

The Croatian interior enjoys a continental climate that is defined by very hot summers, which can be unbreakable at times due to the lack of sea breeze. This contrasts somewhat dramatically with cold winters and regular snowfall – while down on the coast, the country enjoys a more Mediterranean climate, with hot, sunny and dry weather throughout the summer months and milder, wetter winters.

In Zagreb, temperatures can soar towards 30 degrees celsius in July and August, often topping out at around 28 or 29. Conversely, the mercury can dip below -3 degrees celsius in January, which is the coldest month, closely followed by December. July is the rainiest month by quite some way, although May and August also experience a higher level of precipitation than most.

Throughout the year in Zagreb, there are 29 snowfall days on average, the majority of these occurring from January to March and also in December, which sees the highest concentration of any single month at 6.7 days. There are 135.6 rainfall days, and 840mm of precipitation in total.

The best time to visit Croatia tends to be in April, May, June and September, which are seen as the shoulder season. At these points in the year, the weather is pleasant and not too hot, and you’ll also be avoiding peak tourist season – plus spring rains, in the case of the former three, make the warm weather more bearable.

Zagreb for Families

Schools and kindergartens

In Croatia, schools are a range of schools, including public and private, with 12 international schools across the country offering programs in languages including English, Chinese, French, Spanish, German and Italian. If you have children but don’t plan on staying in Croatia permanently, then these are a good option to keep their schooling up to date, although if you’re considering making Zagreb a more permanent base then you may want to consider enrolling them in a Croatian-speaking school or kindergarten for greater immersion.

Many of the international schools in Croatia offer specialist curriculums based around technology, sports or the arts.

Zagreb currently has ten international schools and kindergartens. These include:

• American International School of Zagreb
• British International School of Zagreb
• British International School of Zagreb Bright Horizons
• Deutsche Internationale Schule Zagreb
• Ecole Française Internationale de Zagreb
• International Kindergarten “Mala kuća”
• Dječji vrtić zvjezdica (Little Star kindergarten)
• Dječji vrtić Obzori (Kindergarten Horizons)
• Matija Gubec International School
• The Learning Tree International Kindergarten

Playgroups

For something a little more informal, local playgroups are a great choice and take place at some central community halls across the city. At roughly 30 HRK per session, they provide an opportunity for toddlers and parents to get together in a Croatian and English speaking environment to socialise and play. 

The International Women’s Club Zagreb is a great place to start for meeting like-minded parents, many of whom have children and will be able to advise you of the best and most current bilingual playgroups happening across the city (venues and schedules tend to change from time to time).

Babysitting

If you’re looking for the occasional babysitter for your children while living in Zagreb then you can expect to pay around 25 HRK per hour for an experienced sitter. The best way to find one is word of mouth –  again, members of the IWCZ will likely be able to make recommendations. If you’re from the U.S, the embassy in Zagreb also circulates a regular newsletter featuring up-to-date contact details for trusted babysitters and nannies currently offering up their services in the city.

Living in Zagreb

Zagreb Transportation

As with any new city, the best possible way to get your bearings is to walk as much as possible, and thankfully,  Zagreb lends itself well to getting around on foot. Within the city centre, you’re never more than 20 minutes from where you want to be – which is no small feat in a capital city and can save you money as well providing the opportunity to get to know this exciting city inside out.

That said, if you’re in a hurry, or the weather is bad, then the good news is that the public transport options are pretty reliable and won’t eat too much into your monthly budget.

Buses

A 30-minute journey on board a local bus will set you back just 4HRK, which equates to around $0.60 USD. A longer journey is actually better value for money – expect to pay about 7 HRK ($1.50 USD) for a 60-minute schlep across the city. If you plan on using Zagreb’s buses often, then you may want to consider getting a monthly pass at 400 HRK / $60 USD.

Trams

Tram tickets are known as “tramvajska kartas”, and can be bought at any of the city’s newspaper kiosks as singles which must be validated when you board the tram. Tickets cost 4 kunas, and once validated can be used as many times as required within a 30-minute window. You may also purchase a ticket from the driver, but it isn’t a cost-effective way to travel, as doing so will cost you far more at 6 kunas.

Taxis and Ubers

Taxis in Zagreb tend to be expensive, so if you need to travel privately then consider using Uber instead. The service is quick and efficient, and rates are reasonable – a 15-20 minute ride, such as the journey from the airport to the city centre, will cost you in the region of about 95 HRK by Uber or 100-150 Kunas or so (about £11.50 – £17/€13.50 – €20/$15 – $22) by taxi – which reflects the decreased rates drivers have had to implement in recent years in order to compete.

The funicular railway

If you’re looking for a quick way to reach Zagreb’s Upper Town without climbing a multitude of steep stairs, then the funicular railway is just the ticket. It will elevate you to the required 66m in a timely fashion, just as it has done since 1890, costing you 4 kuna for the privilege – and the views from the top are more than worth it.

Fitness and Health

Staying in shape as a digital nomad can be challenging, but joining a gym when staying in one location for an extended period can be a great way to get back on top of things. The gyms in Zagreb might not, unfortunately, be some of the best in Europe and many tend to be quite small and offer limited equipment – however, there are a couple that are better than the rest, so make sure to have them on your radar.

Fitness Forma is centrally located and membership is moderately priced at 260 HRK ($39 USD) per person, per month. If you’re travelling or living with someone else who wants to join, then a family membership will give you the same for 400 HRK ($60 USD) per month for the two of you, which works out cheaper. In the gym, you’ll find a variety of modern exercise machines and free weights, along with a regular calendar of classes happening each week.

The Health Club at Esplanade Zagreb is another good option and is located in the five-star Esplanade Hotel. Head here for private personal training sessions, an excellent range of equipment and a sauna and steam room for afterwards.

If yoga is more your thing, then the Dharma Yoga Zagreb should be your first port of call. Masterclasses, workshops and retreats are held here regularly by owner Sandra Pintarić , who brought the concept to the city back in 2011, with a range of weekly classes including hatha-raja and bhakti yoga making up some of the best on offer in the city.

Zagreb People

Croatia is a small country that is home to just four million inhabitants, around 807,000 of whom reside in Zagreb. Although not all Croatians speak English, many of them do, and more often than not, will be friendly and only too happy to help you should you need it during your time spent living in the city as a digital nomad.

Generally speaking, Croatians are friendly and open, and many have a great sense of humour which makes them easy to spend time with. They will almost always be ready to greet you with a smile, and interactions at shops, cafes and restaurants across the city will ensure that you, too, leave a smile on your face. Expats and digital nomads are made to feel welcome here, which is perhaps one of the many reasons more and more are beginning to choose it as a base.

Should you be lucky enough to be invited to a local’s home, then you can be sure of an enjoyable experience. Croatians are hospitable and will go out of their way to make you feel welcome – spoiling you with food and drink and asking plenty of non-invasive questions to keep the conversation flowing.

Most Croatians are very culturally aware, so you’ll have little trouble finding subject matter to chat about should you accept an invitation to join them for a drink or dinner. In fact, you’ll likely find them to be ahead of many other Europeans, with an up-to-the-minute knowledge of the latest hit films, musical releases and plays. Cinemas, theatres and music venues in Zagreb are widely attended by locals, and the younger generations will almost always have a packed diary of events and shows lined up at any given point in the year.

In a nation that is home to such vast expanses of natural beauty, it’s refreshing to find a population that appreciates it. Croatians tend to be very proud of this element of their country, and rightly so – with many choosing to spend their weekends immersed in nature and exploring walking trails, spotting waterfalls and swimming in the sea.

Of course, you won’t just find native Croatians living in Zagreb, and this is precisely one of the things that makes it so interesting. Residents have a mixed heritage, including Serbian, Slovenian, Bosnian and Czech – and with a growing number of digital nomads from North America, Australia, India and across Europe – as well as many other nations around the world – it makes for an interesting place in which to meet a diverse range of people.

Zagreb Insurance and Medical Care

As with any new country you intend to spend an extended period of time in, it’s wise to take out comprehensive travel insurance before you arrive in Croatia. If you’re an EU national, then any essential state-provided medical care here will be covered by your European Health Insurance Card – but there are certain things it doesn’t cover, including private treatment and repatriation, so be sure to read the small print and take out a separate personal insurance policy to fill in any gaps. Safety Wing is a good option for health and travel insurance for digital nomads.

In February of this year, the Croatian government passed amendments to the law on the compulsory health insurance and healthcare of foreigners entering or living in the country in order to regulate digital nomads’ right to healthcare. These allow all digital nomads to exercise their rights to healthcare without the need to register for compulsory health insurance, but they are obliged to cover the costs of healthcare themselves if they do not hold a suitable policy through which they can claim.

In Zagreb, you’ll find quality private healthcare and the costs are low.

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Zagreb

If you’re in Zagreb on a digital nomad visa then you won’t be permitted to look for work locally during your stay – so you’ll need to ensure that you have regular work coming in that is guaranteed by a contract before you apply, and complete the process ahead of travel.

If, however, you wish to apply for a working visa in Croatia or are a member of an EEA state then picking up some extra work may be possible. 

The tourism industry is once again a nice place to find work. Those with specialist skills that lend themselves to other professions and industries may also get lucky, and native speakers of foreign languages, including English, remain in high demand. Positions for teachers, proofreaders and editors often open up throughout the year. Jobs in manufacturing and agriculture – two of Croatia’s biggest industries besides tourism – may also be secured with the right approach.

Once you have your CV prepared, here are some places to look:

Search engines: Moj Pasao and Posao allow users to keyword search jobs listing in Croatia – and better yet, you can set up email alerts to ensure that you’re always one of the first to know about new openings. A great way to get ahead of the game.

Classified sites: Head to Njuškalo or Plavi Oglasnik for recently listed job opportunities across Croatia. But as adverts are all in Croatian, you might want to make friends with a local first!

Euraxess: An international initiative designed to support both European and non-European researchers seeking careers in their field within Europe, including Croatia.

Newspapers: It may be old school, but many Croatian job opportunities continue to be listed in local newspapers. Pick one up daily, and make the most of the opportunity to brush up on your Croatian – or enlist the help of that local friend once again to make the entire process less stressful.

Recruitment agencies: If searching alone proves fruitless, then check out some of these agencies, who may be able to help:

• Electus
• Antal International
• Selectio
• Croatian Employment Service

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.