LANGUAGE

Croatian

CURRENCY

Croatian Kuna

BEST TIME TO VISIT

April to September

NEAREST RAILWAY STATION

Zagreb Glavni kolodvor

NEAREST AIRPORT

Franjo Tuđman Airport Zagreb(ZAG)

EMERGENCY HELPLINE NUMBER

112

INTERNET ACCESS

Free wi-fi is standard in Zagreb’s accommodation and is offered by most cafes and many restaurants.

Impact Hub Zagreb is a cheerful and friendly co-working space in a massive apartment inside a historic residential building. If you need internet and a place to work for a day or more, digital nomad day rates are available.

VISA

Generally not required for stays of up to 90 days. Some nationalities (such as Chinese, Indian, Russian, South African and Turkish) do need them.

Citizens of many countries, including EU member states, Australia, Bosnia, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Japan, Macedonia, Montenegro, New Zealand, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea and the USA, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. (This means that leaving the country just to get a stamp and then return isn’t a legal option.)

Other nationalities can check whether they need a visa and download application forms on the website of the Croatian Ministry for Foreign & European Affairs (www.mvep.hr).

HOTEL

We recommend these convenient city-center hotels in Zagreb, near the main square and other top attractions:

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel: historic luxury, glamorous Art Deco lounge, old-world charm, L’Occitane toiletries, excellent restaurant.

Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria: mid-range rates, walking distance from the old town, complimentary coffee, breakfast buffet included, free Wi-Fi and parking.

ZIGZAG Integrated Hotel Zagreb: great-value, steps from the main square, contemporary style, spacious apartments.

Hotel Rebro: budget pricing, clean and comfortable, modern decor, near cafes and restaurants.

COST OF LIVING

Not many years ago, Croatia was like the newly discovered alternative to Italy that was less crowded and way cheaper, but things have changed and it’s not terribly cheap anymore. Zagreb is still definitely cheaper than Rome, but now they aren’t very far apart in many respects.

It’s true that the main attractions continue to be either free or fairly cheap, so at least you won’t need to spend a fortune once you arrive, but expenses like transportation can really add up quickly if you aren’t careful. Hotels in Zagreb are still definitely cheaper than similar places in Rome, though during peak summer season they might not seem like bargains. Some Zagreb hostels continue to offer good value to backpacker types, however.

Food and drinks are also cheaper than they are in Italy and yet noticeably more expensive than they were only a few years ago. Unlike many other large European cities, at least it’s not impossible to find modestly priced simple meals. Drink prices aren’t too bad, and there are some happy hour deals around if you look. Zagreb hotels have a pattern similar to many European resort areas where prices are at their highest during July and August, and the general high season lasts from April through October. Hostels in Zagreb don’t vary their prices much through the year, though you’ll have a much easier time finding a bed or a room during the low season from January through March.