CroatiaVisited Jul 2021 · 1 week
A pleasant, if not particularly vibrant Balkan city.
This guide was written 5 years ago
Prices, opening hours and recommendations may have changed since my visit, so double-check anything important before you book.
Featuring medieval structures along side Austro-Hungarian architecture from the 19th century.
Fine for a weekend city break, but would struggle to suggest it for a prolonged stay. Ideal for a short city break.
Good · #45 of 62
6.8/10
Whilst it's a little more expensive than some of the other neighbouring Balkan countries, you should still be any to pick up a decent apartment for a reasonable price, especially if booking for a month. Due to how last minute I booked I ended up staying in a hotel, of which there are plenty of good value options.
Good · #43 of 62
7.1/10
Croatia and in particular Zagreb, has a strong tech sector and as a result there's no shortage of coworking spaces dotted across all areas of the city.
Good · #32 of 62
7.6/10
Great value food and drink can be found all across the city, with prices lower than what you would expect to pay in a major European capital.
Good · #40 of 62
6.2/10
After 6 weeks in Belgrade, I had made plans for a summer cycling vacation on the Croatian coast. Zagreb was the ideal place to arrive in and work from for a week beforehand.
$1,067a month, before rent
Basic living costs, rent not included
Day-to-day spending for a month: two meals out and a coffee every day, three taxis and two nights out a week, a gym and a coworking desk. Add your rent on top.
ModeratePrices as of Oct 2026. Confidence: medium (gym & coworking verified; other prices restated at 2026-10-07 exchange rates). Sources: numbeo.com, hub385.com. Always check locally before planning around them.
Zagreb's peak summer weather was ideal, with hot midday temperatures that were comfortable and didn't hinder outdoor activities. That being said, somehow I managed to book somewhere with A/C, which is a repeat i would not be in a hurry to repeat.
Having spent a week in the city, I felt no real desire to stay any longer, or return for a subsequent visit.
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain mm | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -1 | 7 | 61 | |
| February | 1 | 10 | 45 | |
| March | 2 | 17 | 97 | |
| April | 5 | 22 | 57 | |
| May | 10 | 22 | 107 | wet month · peak season |
| June | 17 | 32 | 53 | peak season |
| July | 18 | 32 | 72 | peak season |
| August | 18 | 33 | 83 | peak season |
| September | 12 | 26 | 106 | wet month · peak season |
| October | 7 | 18 | 98 | wet month |
| November | 1 | 12 | 87 | |
| December | 0 | 5 | 46 | peak season |
Typical daytime highs and overnight lows, from the last two years of observations (Open-Meteo). Rain icons mark the wettest months.
Digital nomad visa available
In January 2021, the Croatian government introduced a digital nomad visa program, allowing remote workers to reside in the country. This visa, however, is more akin to a temporary residence permit than a traditional visa. It enables digital nomads to stay in Croatia for six months to a year, with the option to reapply after expiration.
Once the visa's validity ends, digital nomads must leave the country for 90 days before being eligible to apply for a new digital nomad visa. As Croatia is now part of the Schengen Area, holders of this visa can travel freely to other European countries within the Schengen zone, much like digital nomad visas issued by Estonia, Spain, Portugal, or Malta.
Notably, the Croatian government does not charge income tax to individuals residing in the country with a digital nomad visa. They are only required to pay taxes in their country of tax residency.
Croatia operates on Central European Time (CET), aligning with Western Europe.
I'd aim to be as close to the centre as possible, with few benefits to being further out.
Being based anywhere close to here put's you in great proximity to everything the city centre has to offer. It's never too hectic and I didn't find noise to be a problem.
Croatia and in particular Zagreb, has a strong tech sector and as a result there's no shortage of coworking spaces dotted across all areas of the city.
Since I visited, the office has moved to a new location but is still ran by the same team.
Impact Hub is a global organisation with over 100 locations worldwide with a focus on inclusive and sustainable innovation. There's little I can comment on with regards to the new location but I've lifted the below from their website.
"Impact Hub has been present in Zagreb since 2011, and despite having relocated our premises four times since then, our mission remains the same: creating a supportive space for all those courageous individuals who dare to dream, create, and push boundaries."
Basaričekova ul. 11, 10000, Zagreb
Any football fans may be interested in visiting Mark Viduka's cafe, situated a couple of miles north of the centre into the hills.
Great coffee with snacks and a selection of craft beers.
Popular Thai dishes served in a relaxed informal setting in the centre of town.
Located a bit out of the centre of town, it's worth a walk for a range of quality local crafts and live sports.
A sprawling recreational area consisting of two large artificial lakes and a vibrant hub for outdoor activities, including rowing. An ideal destination for a morning run and easily accessible from the centre.
A luscious mountainous nature park that offers a plethora of hiking trails, accessible on foot from the city centre. Be sure to bring plenty of battery on your phone or a brush up on your map reading skills.
A great destination to run, only a few miles from the centre of the city.
For any cycling enthusiasts, I would highly recommend cycling into this region of the country en-route to the coast. Peaceful roads with plenty of elevation and a train track nearby should you need to call it a day.
There were few signs of a strong remote working community in the city, however that may have changed in more recent times.
During the summer months you are more likely to encounter people heading down to the Croatian coastline which is the major draw for tourism and remote working in the country.
Partners I recommend. Some of these links give you a discount, and I may receive a referral reward.
SafetyWing
For trips exceeding 30 continuous days, seek dedicated travel insurance. Most holiday policies or credit card offerings become invalid after 30 days, despite advertising year-round protection. SafetyWing provides medical and travel coverage specifically designed for remote workers.
Having successfully claimed through their platform with impressive speed, I confidently recommend their service.
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