Capital city in City of Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb
Croatia's capital: cheaper than the coast, full of cafés, museums and parks, with real coworking and year-round life. Best city for remote workers in Croatia; no beach, and winters are grey.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$2,030–2,930Comfortable, one person · €1,800–2,600Details
- Value for money40/100Better value than 39% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 29°CDetails
- Air quality16 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2020) · PollutedDetails
- Internet93 MbpsFixed broadband, Croatia medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe and good; drinking fountains in parks and squares.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$56–101Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless almost everywhere; cash for Dolac market, small bakeries and tram kiosks.Details
Where to stay in Zagreb
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Lower Town (Donji grad) | Best base: parks, cafés, trams, walkable to everything |
| Upper Town (Gornji grad) and Tkalčićeva | Old streets and bars; touristy and hilly |
| Trešnjevka | Cheaper rent, local markets, young crowd |
| Jarun and Novi Zagreb | Lake, running and cheaper flats, tram or bus to center |
Apps that work in Zagreb
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Viber
- Jadrolinija: Ferry and catamaran tickets and timetables
- FlixBus: Intercity and international bus tickets
- Taxis: Use apps or the Cammeo taxi app; street taxis are metered but cost more from the station and airport.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Croatia.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless almost everywhere; cash for Dolac market, small bakeries and tram kiosks.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Avoid standalone Euronet ATMs with high fees; use bank ATMs and always decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected but appreciated: round up or leave about 10% for good restaurant service, ideally in cash so staff get it.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work wherever contactless is accepted, which is nearly everywhere.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen member: 90 days in any 180 across the whole Schengen area. Non-EU visitors give fingerprints and a photo for the EES on entry.
- ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is not yet required; its launch has slipped beyond 2026.
- Your accommodation must register you with police within 48 hours; hotels do it. Staying privately, register at a police station.
Emergency numbers
Police 192 · Ambulance 194 · Fire 193 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
EU SIMs roam at no extra cost. Prepaid SIMs are sold in operator shops and Tisak kiosks; about €10–20 buys a month of generous data. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Croatia
Going to Zagreb solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.