What’s it like to move to and live in Zagreb?
Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, attracts people from all over the world. And after my latest visit to Croatia I received a lot of questions about what life in Croatia is like.
Therefore I’m very excited to do this interview with Olivia who calls Zagreb home.
This interview is part of the Ask an Expat series. In this series I interview people living all over the world but outside of their country of birth. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of living abroad, share tips for anyone thinking about moving abroad, and information about the city and country the expat now lives in.
Living in Zagreb, Croatia
Name: Olivia Loren
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Her Story:
”Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio to Croatian parents, I grew up surrounded by Croatian culture and language.
My parents really made an effort to ensure we preserve our heritage, so they enrolled me in Croatian dance classes. We would also take frequent summer trips to Croatia as a family, but it wasn’t until I was older that I really learned to appreciate our family’s culture. As a kid, I just wanted to fit in with my American friends!
Visiting Croatia was always filled with fun memories like spending entire days on the beach, getting breakfast from the bakery each morning, and taking public transportation into the city solo to meet up with friends as a teenager. It was everything I didn’t have back at home.
When I finally moved to Zagreb in 2014, I experienced unexpected culture shock, because, as you can imagine, living somewhere is quite different from vacationing there.
It took me some time, but I eventually learned the language fluently and adapted to the lifestyle. And now I can’t imagine moving back to the States!
I’m grateful for all the knowledge and experiences my parents gave me about Croatia. They showed me how beautiful the country is and it has become a huge part of who I am today. So much so that I started a blog about Croatia where I share travel tips, destination guides, and local insights to help visitors plan their vacation.”
Why Did You Move to Zagreb?
”I moved to Zagreb in 2014 for an MBA program.
I had just graduated from college and was looking into continuing my education. One of my childhood friends from Zagreb happened to text me and told me about an MBA program in English that she was enrolled in, and encouraged me to look into it as well. Shortly after, I applied and was accepted, and before I knew it I was on a plane to Zagreb!
My original plan was to return to the United States after I graduated from the program, but I ended up getting the opportunity to work at a local digital agency. I found myself extending my stay year after year, and now I’ve been living in Zagreb for over a decade.”
What Do You Like About Living in Zagreb?
”I absolutely adore the cafe culture here.
There are so many cafes in Zagreb, all of which have a different vibe and atmosphere. The locals in Croatia really value their coffee time, which is more about socializing than actually drinking coffee.
One thing many friends who come to visit immediately notice is how the cafes are absolutely packed at all times of the day. There is always time for a cup of coffee!
Another thing I like about living in Zagreb is that it’s such a walkable city. All of the major attractions in the city are within walking distance, and there are many pedestrian-only areas where you can just wander around the cobblestone streets and get a real feel for the city.”
What Do You Dislike About Living in Zagreb?
”Zagreb isn’t as large as other European capitals. And consequently, the airport doesn’t offer the great connections that many other major international hubs do.
One lifestyle-related thing I don’t particularly love is that a lot of people smoke cigarettes, so if that’s something you’re not used to you’ll definitely notice it here. It’s not entirely possible to avoid, but there are more and more smoke-free cafes popping up around the city.”
Is Zagreb Safe as a Place to Live?
As a woman who moved here solo, I can confidently say that Zagreb is a safe city to live in. It’s not uncommon to see children playing outside without parental supervision or even taking public transportation across the city.
Walking alone at night is also something I’ve never had an issue with. Of course, this is not to say that nothing ever happens–it’s important to be aware of your surroundings no matter where you are in the world.
Generally though, Zagreb is very safe.”
Is Zagreb Expensive as a Place to Live?
The cost of living in Zagreb has certainly gone up since I moved here a decade ago.
Prices have increased to a level that is comparable to other countries in Western Europe, which means that for a lot of the locals, it is too expensive. If you are earning a foreign salary, it is still quite reasonable and you should be able to live in Zagreb very comfortably.”
What Is Your Favorite Thing to Do in Zagreb?
”I love wandering around the Upper Town. It has this beautiful, historic charm to it and is like walking around a storybook.
There are usually lots of festivals going on in the city throughout the year as well. From the annual Burger Festival, Food Truck Festival, Jazz Fesival, Vegan Festival, Film Festival, you name it, there’s probably a festival for it!
Zagreb is simply brimming with exciting and fun activities all the time.”
What Is Your Favorite Place to Hang Out in Zagreb?
”My favorite place to hang out is at the specialty coffee shops! Cogito is probably my number one, but I also love Express.
My favorite neighborhood in the city has to be Marticeva. It’s an artsy and eclectic design district that’s filled with cool cafes, interesting shops, and artisan bakeries.”
What Is the Expat / International Community Like in Zagreb?
The international community in Zagreb has changed A LOT since I moved here–and for the better.
Over the last several years, there has been a huge uptick in foreigners choosing to base themselves in Zagreb either temporarily or long-term.
This largely has to do with Croatia being one of the first countries to introduce a Digital Nomad Visa, but also because many Croatians from the diaspora are choosing to return to their homeland. Plus, since Croatia has entered the Schengen it has become more attractive to travelers.
In terms of the actual community itself, it is very diverse and welcoming. There are many events that cater to English speakers in Zagreb, plus there’s a whole slew of expat groups, clubs, and activities for those looking to meet other internationals.”
Any Tips for Moving To / Living in Zagreb?
”Learn how to go with the flow, if that’s not something you already do. Things in Zagreb move at a much slower pace than they do in North America, Northern Europe, and Australia (if you’re coming from those places).
There is a lot of red tape when it comes to getting anything official done, as well as lengthy waiting times when getting your visa approved. It’s something you’ll have to get used to and you’ll have to accept if you plan to spend an extended amount of time here.
Also, be sure to get involved in the community! This is the same for moving anywhere in the world, but in order to meet new people you’ll need to get out and about. There are tons of groups and events for expats and digital nomads in Zagreb.
Say yes to things you might not usually do and try something new, you never know who you might meet!”
Any Resources You Found Useful During the Process of Moving to and Building a New Life in Zagreb?
”The Expats in Zagreb Facebook group is a good starting point for making connections.
If you’re a digital nomad, remote worker, or just want to expand your network, you’ll definitely want to look into DNA (Digital Nomad Association) Croatia and Nomad Tribe Croatia. Both of these groups host regular meetups and monthly events.
For apartment hunting, the best place to look is on Njuskalo. This website is used by locals to find long-term rentals and to purchase property. It is only available in Croatian, but you should be able to navigate with the help of Google Translate (even better if you can find a trusted local to help you out!).
Visa types will vary on a case-by-case basis. All official information about visas in Croatia is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs official website.”
Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You Are in Zagreb?
”When in Zagreb, you’ll want to make sure to walk around Zrinjevac Park and King Tomislav Square, the most beautiful area of the city.
Of course, explore the Upper Town and stroll down Tkalciceva Street–the most famous walking street in the city where you can grab a bite or a drink at one of the many restaurants that line the cobblestone road.
If you’ll be in Zagreb in December, definitely make time to check out the Christmas market! Advent in Zagreb was voted the best Christmas market in Europe three years in a row, so you know that when it comes to holiday celebrations, it’s go big or go home in Croatia’s capital city!”
About Olivia
Olivia is an American with Croatian roots who moved to Zagreb in 2014 for a study abroad program and never looked back. She has been living in Croatia ever since and enjoys helping other people plan epic vacations to the country she now calls home.
She created the blog, Inspired by Croatia, to share itineraries, local tips, and exclusive insights for discovering Croatia off the beaten path.
About Zagreb
Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, sits nestled between the southern slopes of Medvednica Mountain and the banks of the Sava River. It’s the country’s largest city with a population of approximately 700,000. But, it’s by no means an overwhelmingly large city.
Zagreb is known for its blend of historical architecture and modern amenities, and offers a rich cultural experience, with numerous museums, galleries, and architectural landmarks.
The city’s dynamic atmosphere is complemented by vibrant outdoor markets, nice parks, a diverse culinary scene, and a plethora of cultural events throughout the year.
Zagreb is a very walkable city but has an efficient public transportation network as well, which makes moving around the city easy.
The city generally ranks high to very high on quality of life indexes, which explains why people from all over the world choose to move to Zagreb.
Also Read:
- Interview About Living in Dubrovnik
- 6 Reasons Why Moving Abroad is Such a Valuable Experience
- Small Ship Cruises in Croatia – Things to Know Before You Book!
- The Best Places to Visit in Croatia