Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb doesn’t sit on the Adriatic like Dubrovnik or Split, and that’s part of its appeal. As Croatia’s capital, it has more of a Central European rhythm – grand squares, Austro-Hungarian facades, tram bells, and an endless café culture where people actually take the time to sit and chat.

You’ll wander leafy parks, stumble across curious little museums, and find markets that locals have been using for generations. Festivals pop up all year, from outdoor concerts in summer to one of Europe’s best Christmas markets in winter.

The city is easy to get around on foot or by tram, but it isn’t a one-day stopover. Give Zagreb a couple of days and you’ll start to notice the small details – street art tucked into alleyways, the smell of roasted chestnuts in autumn, or the buzz of Tkalčićeva Street on a Friday night.

Quick planner

• Best months: May, June, September and December. Spring and early autumn mean mild weather and café terraces in full swing. December is magical with Advent in Zagreb’s Christmas markets.
• Must-do combo: Stroll through Dolac Market in the morning, ride the funicular up to the Upper Town for St. Mark’s Church and Lotrščak Tower views, then finish the day people-watching on Tkalčićeva Street.
• Smart saver: Planning to visit several museums? The Zagreb Card often works out cheaper than buying single tickets — check current offers here: https://www.absolute-croatia.com/zagreb/travel-information/zagreb-card.
• Easy day trip: Plitvice Lakes National Park for waterfalls and trails; Varaždin for baroque architecture; or Samobor for local kremšnita cake. See options at https://www.absolute-croatia.com/zagreb/day-trips
• Parks & green escapes: Maksimir Park (classic city park), Bundek Lake (picnics & festivals), Jarun Lake (sports & nightlife), and Mirogoj Cemetery (stunning arcades and sculptures).

Top Attractions & Sights in Zagreb

Zagreb’s charm lies in the contrast between its Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and Lower Town (Donji Grad). The Upper Town is a maze of cobblestone streets, medieval landmarks, and hidden chapels. Visitors can admire the iconic St. Mark’s Church with its colorful tiled roof, pass through the candle-lit Stone Gate, or climb the Lotrščak Tower to catch the daily noon cannon shot and sweeping city views. The short but iconic funicular links this historic quarter with the more modern streets below.

The 19th-century Lower Town unfolds with grand architecture, green parks, and cultural venues. The bustling Ban Jelačić Square serves as the city’s central meeting point, while Zrinjevac Park is a leafy escape that’s especially beautiful in spring and autumn. Cultural life centers on landmarks such as the Croatian National Theatre, alongside a wealth of museums and galleries. Highlights include the moving Museum of Broken Relationships, the extensive Mimara Museum, the bold Museum of Contemporary Art, and the inventive Technical Museum Nikola Tesla. Together, these sights paint a vivid picture of Zagreb’s history, culture, and creativity.

Upper Town (Gornji Grad)

The historic Upper Town is the oldest part of Zagreb, best explored on foot. Highlights include:

1. St. Mark’s Church with its colorful tiled roof.
2. Stone Gate, a medieval gateway that now serves as a small chapel.
3. Lotrščak Tower, where a cannon is fired at noon every day, offering sweeping views.
4. The Funicular, one of the world’s shortest, linking Upper and Lower Towns.

Lower Town (Donji Grad)

Laid out in the 19th century, the Lower Town is full of grand architecture, squares, and gardens.

• Ban Jelačić Square, Zagreb’s main square and meeting point.
• Zrinjevac Park, especially beautiful in spring and autumn.
• The Croatian National Theatre, a neo-baroque landmark.

Museums & Galleries

Zagreb has over 30 museums, covering everything from history to quirky collections.

• Museum of Broken Relationships, evokes more emotions than many artworks ever will.
• Mimara Museum, housing a vast collection of art and artifacts.
• Museum of Contemporary Art, for modern exhibitions.
• Technical Museum Nikola Tesla, celebrating Croatia’s most famous inventor.

Attractions table

Attraction	Why Visit	Practical Tips
Upper Town (Gornji Grad)	Medieval core of Zagreb: cobblestones, hidden chapels, city views.	Best on foot; ride the funicular up, wander down. Quieter early morning or late evening.
St. Mark’s Church	Iconic tiled roof and historic square at the heart of Upper Town.	Photos are best in soft light; check for services before entering.
Stone Gate	Medieval gateway turned votive chapel with candles and plaques.	Keep voices low; mind candles and narrow passage.
Lotrščak Tower	Noon cannon and sweeping views over the Lower Town.	Arrive before 12:00 to hear the shot; stair climb is steep.
Funicular	One of the world’s shortest funiculars linking Upper & Lower Town.	Great shortcut uphill; combine with Lotrščak Tower visit.
Lower Town (Donji Grad)	19th-century grid of grand buildings, squares, and gardens.	Stroll the “Green Horseshoe”; comfortable shoes recommended.
Ban Jelačić Square	Main meeting point and transit hub; lively city atmosphere.	Good starting spot for walks and tram connections.
Zrinjevac Park	Leafy promenade with fountains; lovely in spring and autumn.	Bring a coffee; watch local life under the trees.
Croatian National Theatre	Neo-baroque landmark and cultural icon.	Check performance schedules; evening façade lighting is photogenic.
Museums & Galleries (overview)	30+ institutions from history to contemporary art and quirky collections.	Consider clustering nearby venues; some have late hours in summer.
Museum of Broken Relationships	Poignant, witty collection of everyday objects and human stories.	Can be busy; book or visit earlier in the day.
Mimara Museum	Wide-ranging art and artifacts in a grand setting.	Plan 1–2 hours; check current exhibitions.
Museum of Contemporary Art	Bold modern and contemporary exhibitions.	Allow time for large installations; verify temporary shows.
Technical Museum Nikola Tesla	Hands-on science & technology; celebrates Croatia’s famed inventor.	Great for families; look for demonstration times.

But before you buy, check a few details:

• See which attractions are included in the card (some are free entry, others may only offer discounts).
• Consider the duration — the 24h card gives you just one full day; if you stay 2-3 days, it may still add value if you plan your visits tightly.
• Check the activation time (when your first use starts the clock) and your arrival/departure times, so you don’t lose hours. Also compare the cost of individual museum tickets + transport vs the fixed price of the card. Doing that math helps decide if “pass or pay” is better for your itinerary.

How to save (and skip the lines)

• Get the Split Card for free museum entries & discounts.
• Buy combo tickets for Diocletian’s Palace attractions.
• Pre-book ferries in high season.
• Visit top sights in the morning or evening to avoid cruise ship groups.

Price box: Diocletian’s Palace (official)

• Palace grounds: free.
• Tickets: cellars, cathedral, treasury, crypt, bell tower.
• Combo ticket cheaper than singles.
• See Diocletian’s Palace attraction info.

Price box: Split Card (official)

• Available for 24h, 48h, 72h.
• Includes free museum entries, bus rides, and restaurant discounts.
• Buy at tourist offices, hotels, kiosks or online.

Neighborhoods & where to stay

Split has diverse areas for different travel styles. Browse Split hotels, hostels, and villas.

Quick list

• Split Old Town – history, nightlife, boutique stays.
• Riva & Bacvice – central, beach, and nightlife.
• Marjan Hill – quiet villas & greenery.
• Žnjan & Trstenik – modern seaside hotels & family beaches.

Split Old Town (inside the walls)

Split Old Town, centered around the ancient Diocletian’s Palace, is the heart of the city and the perfect place to stay for first-time visitors. This UNESCO-listed palace area is filled with charming historic alleys, lively cafés, and boutique shops, all within walking distance of the city’s top sights. Couples and travelers on a short stay will love the mix of history, culture, and vibrant atmosphere packed into this compact district.

Editor picks: Hotel Villa Diana, Hotel Vestibul Palace & Villa

Perfect 1–3 day itineraries

One day in Zagreb (classic)

Start at Ban Jelačić Square, the meeting point for everyone in Zagreb, then wander up to the Dolac Market. It’s loud, colorful, and full of fresh fruit, veggies, and handmade cheese—you’ll probably get offered a slice to taste.

Take the tiny funicular up to the Upper Town. Up here the pace slows down: the bright roof tiles of St. Mark’s Church stand out against narrow cobblestone lanes, and the Stone Gate still has candles flickering from passersby. If you climb Lotrščak Tower, you’ll hear the cannon that fires every day at noon.

In the afternoon, step into the Museum of Broken Relationships. It’s funny, sad, and oddly moving—ordinary objects with extraordinary stories.

By evening, join the buzz on Tkalčićeva Street. The café terraces fill up, couples stroll arm in arm, and the smell of grilled meat and fresh beer drifts through the air. Pick a spot, order a glass of local wine, and watch the world go by.

1. Ban Jelačić Square & Dolac Market – main square and lively morning market with fresh produce and local snacks.
2. Upper Town – ride the funicular, see St. Mark’s Church, Stone Gate, and Lotrščak Tower views.
3. Museum of Broken Relationships – quirky and moving collection of everyday objects and stories.
4. Tkalčićeva Street – cafés, bars, and people-watching in Zagreb’s liveliest street.

Two-three days in Zagreb

With extra time, add the Mimara Museum and the Zagreb Cathedral, then wander through Zrinjevac Park with its fountains and shady trees. Spend half a day at Maksimir Park for a dose of greenery or visit Mirogoj Cemetery, known for its arcades and sculptures.

And don’t skip Zagreb’s café culture. Order a coffee, sit back, and see how locals turn a quick espresso into an unhurried ritual.

1. Classic one-day Zagreb loop
2. Add the Mimara Museum, Zagreb Cathedral, and a walk through Zrinjevac Park
3. Spend an afternoon in Maksimir Park or explore Mirogoj Cemetery
4. Discover the café culture — Zagreb is known for locals spending hours sipping coffee and people-watching.

Four-five days in Zagreb

Zagreb works well as a base for day trips. Plitvice Lakes are about two hours away and worth it for the waterfalls and lakes linked by wooden paths.

If you prefer something closer, head to Varaždin, a small baroque town with pretty squares and a laid-back feel.

For wine and countryside, the Zagorje hills are dotted with family-run wineries where you can taste local varieties with homemade food.

1. Plitvice Lakes – about 2 hours from Zagreb, famous for waterfalls.
2. Varaždin – baroque town north of the city with pretty squares and slower pace.
3. Zagorje – rolling hills, family wineries, and traditional food pairings

Timing islands? Use our Ferries & Timetables hub for seasonal schedules and operators.

Itinerary table

Duration	Highlights	Suggested Flow
1 day	Ban Jelačić Square, Dolac Market, Upper Town (St. Mark’s, Stone Gate, Lotrščak), Museum of Broken Relationships, Tkalčićeva Street	Morning: Ban Jelačić & Dolac. Late morning: funicular to Upper Town (St. Mark’s, Stone Gate, Lotrščak). Afternoon: Museum of Broken Relationships. Evening: Tkalčićeva cafés
2-3 days	Mimara Museum, Zagreb Cathedral, Zrinjevac Park, Maksimir Park or Mirogoj Cemetery, café culture	Day 1: Classic loop. Day 2: Mimara, Cathedral, Zrinjevac. Day 3: Maksimir or Mirogoj + long coffee on a terrace
4-5 days or more	Day trips: Plitvice Lakes, Varaždin, Zagorje wine hills	Day 1–2: Classic + extras. Day 3–5: Plitvice (waterfalls & boardwalks), Varaždin (baroque old town), Zagorje (family wineries & countryside).

Best day trips

• Brač – Zlatni Rat Beach – Croatia’s most famous beach, a white-pebble spit shifting with the tides. Perfect for swimming and water sports. → Ferries to Supetar or Bol
• Hvar – Fortress & Nightlife – Explore Hvar Town’s Spanish Fortress by day and enjoy its legendary nightlife after sunset. → Catamaran from Split (1 hr)
• Vis & Blue Cave – Crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and the glowing Blue Cave on nearby Biševo. → Organized boat tours from Split
• Solin (Salona) – Roman Ruins – Wander the remains of an ancient Roman city just outside Split, with amphitheater and basilicas. → Local bus or short taxi ride
• Klis Fortress – Medieval Stronghold – A dramatic fortress above Split, famous as a filming site for Game of Thrones. → Local bus or car (20 min)
• Krka National Park – Waterfalls – Boardwalk trails, waterfalls, and boat rides to Visovac Monastery. A top day trip for nature lovers. → Bus or guided tour from Split

Day trips table

Destination	Travel Time	Highlights	Best For
Brač (Bol)	1h ferry	Zlatni Rat beach.	Beach lovers.
Hvar	1–1.5h ferry	Fortress views, nightlife, lavender.	Couples, partygoers.
Vis & Blue Cave	2h+ ferry	Hidden bays, Blue Cave tours.	Adventurers, photographers.
Solin (Salona)	15 min drive	Roman amphitheatre & ruins.	History buffs.
Klis Fortress	20 min drive	Fortress views, GOT filming site.	Families, culture lovers.
Krka NP	1.5h drive	Waterfalls, swimming spots.	Nature & hikers.

Getting There & Getting Around

You can reach Zagreb easily by air, train, or bus. The city’s Franjo Tuđman Airport is Croatia’s largest international hub, with direct flights from many European cities and beyond. From the terminal, a shuttle bus runs to the central bus station in about 30 minutes – see shuttle bus info and timetables.

If you’re traveling overland, the main railway station Glavni Kolodvor connects Zagreb with Croatian cities and several European capitals. Long-distance buses are also a popular option: they arrive at Autobusni Kolodvor, just outside the center, with frequent services from the coast and neighboring countries

Quick list

• Airport shuttle & taxis – 30 min from Franjo Tuđman Airport to the bus station.
• Trains (Glavni Kolodvor) – links Zagreb with Croatia and nearby capitals.
• Long-distance buses – frequent routes from coast & neighboring countries.
• Trams & local buses – cheap, reliable city transport.
• Walking – compact center, best for Old Town & parks.

Arriving in Zagreb by air

Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport is the country’s largest international hub, with flights from across Europe and beyond. From the airport, the shuttle bus to the central bus station takes about 30 minutes.

Arriving in Zagreb by train

The main railway station, Glavni Kolodvor, connects Zagreb with other Croatian cities and European capitals.

Arriving in Zagreb by bus

Long-distance buses arrive at Autobusni Kolodvor (Zagreb Main Bus Station), just outside the city center, with regular services from coastal cities and neighboring countries.

Driving & parking

Zagreb is divided into several paid parking zones, each with different hourly rates and time limits depending on how close you are to the city centre. In Zone I (central areas), you’ll pay about €1.60/hour with a maximum stay of 2 hours. Zone II is around €0.70/hr (max ~3 hours), Zone III drops to €0.30/hr and has no strict time limit in many cases. There’s also a Zone IV for more peripheral or daily parking (not hourly), with daily rates – in some areas ~€1.30/day. See Zagreb Parking.

For public garages, prices vary. The Gorica Garage for example charges €1.10/hr during daytime (08:00-18:00), and €0.50/hr at night (18:00-08:00), with a full 24-hour parking costing around €6.60. Monthly permits are also available, with prices in some central garages running up to €100/month depending on zone.

Getting Around the City

Zagreb is compact and very walkable, especially in the central districts. For longer distances, the tram network is reliable, affordable, and easy to navigate . Buses cover routes beyond the tram lines. A single ticket is valid for both trams and buses, but remember to stamp it in the yellow machine as soon as you board.

• Short hop tickets (30 minutes) are handy for quick trips.
• Daily and multi-day passes are available and cheaper if you plan to ride often.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber operate throughout the city. Cycling is also becoming popular, with public bike-sharing schemes available in central neighborhoods.

Mode	Pros	Cons	Best For
Airport Shuttle	Direct to Main Bus Station; budget-friendly.	Fixed departure times.	Budget travelers.
Taxi / Transfer	Fast, door-to-door from airport or station.	Higher cost than shuttle or tram.	Groups, late arrivals, lots of luggage.
ZET Trams	Frequent, inexpensive; great city coverage.	Crowded at rush hour; surface delays.	City center hops.
ZET Buses	Reach suburbs and areas without trams.	Slower in traffic; fewer night services.	Local travel beyond the center.
Intercity Bus / Train	Regular links across Croatia & nearby capitals.	Station transfer needed for hotels.	Arrivals/departures to/from Zagreb.
Driving	Flexibility for day trips (e.g., Zagorje, Plitvice).	Paid zones; tight parking in the center.	Day trips outside the city.
Bike / E-scooter	Cheap, green, fun on flatter routes.	Limited lanes; weather dependent.	Parks & short urban rides.

When to Visit Zagreb

Zagreb lives through four very different seasons, and locals will tell you each one gives the city a new personality. Summer can be hot — sometimes uncomfortably so — but the long evenings mean packed terraces and free concerts in the squares. Spring is everyone’s favorite for walking; the chestnut trees bloom, and suddenly every café table spills out onto the pavement.

Autumn is cooler, with golden leaves piling up in Zrinjevac Park and the smell of roasted corn at street corners. Winter can feel harsh at first, with snow and icy mornings, but it’s also when Zagreb puts on its biggest show: Advent. The Christmas market takes over the center with lights, mulled wine, and music, turning those short days into something magical.

• Spring (April–June): Parks burst into bloom, outdoor terraces open, and the festival season kicks off.
• Summer (July–August): Warm to hot (25–35°C), with lively outdoor concerts, but also quieter streets as many locals head to the coast.
• Autumn (September–October): Golden leaves, harvest festivals, and ideal weather for city walks.
• Winter (November–February): Cold, often snowy, but magical thanks to Advent in Zagreb – repeatedly voted one of Europe’s best Christmas markets.

Food & drink

Eating in Split is all about freshness and tradition. For seafood lovers, the daily catch is a must—think grilled squid still tasting of the sea, or mussels cooked in a simple garlic-and-wine broth. The city’s waterfront konobas (taverns) make it easy to enjoy whatever the fishermen brought in that morning.

If you’re more into meat, try pašticada, a slow-cooked beef dish in rich red wine sauce, or peka, where lamb or octopus is baked under a bell-shaped lid over hot coals. For something sweet, there’s rozata, a caramel custard similar to crème brûlée, and fritule, bite-sized doughnuts dusted with sugar. To drink like a local, order a glass of Plavac Mali, a bold Dalmatian red, or finish the night with a shot of rakija, the fiery fruit brandy that often comes homemade.

Dalmatian cuisine highlights:

• Seafood: daily catch, grilled squid, mussels.
• Meat dishes: pašticada, peka.
• Desserts: rozata custard, fritule.
• Drinks: Plavac Mali wines, rakija.

See restaurants in Split

Practical tips

• Stay hydrated: Tap water in Split is safe to drink, it comes from the Jadro spring and meets EU quality standards.
  Tip: carry a refillable bottle and top it up at public fountains or your accommodation. After heavy rain, locals sometimes wait for clarity to return, so check local advisories in rare cases of temporary issues.
• Time your museum visits: Spring and autumn (April–May, September-October) are great for sightseeing with fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Museums like the Archaeological Museum or the Split City Museum remain open, though winter hours (November–March) are often shorter – always check updated schedules before you go.
• Museums at night: During summer months, several museums and galleries in Split extend their opening hours into the evening — for example, Salon Galić stays open until 21:00 on weekends. Also, the annual Museum Night offers free entry to many institutions until midnight.

Money & payments

• Currency: Euro (€). Cards widely accepted; carry cash for small shops.
• Use ATMs from major banks; decline “dynamic currency conversion” on card terminals for better rates.

Sample daily budget (pp)

• Food & drink: Inexpensive meals in Split average ~€14–15; coffee ~€2–3. A budget day = bakery/fast-casual + one sit-down; comfort = two sit-down meals; upscale = fine dining & wine.
• Local transport: Many sights are walkable; single city/airport bus fares are ~€2.50–€3 on Promet’s lines, so €0–6 covers walking + 1–2 rides; comfort adds more rides/occasional taxi; upscale assumes taxis/rideshares.
• Sightseeing: Old Town/Diocletian’s Palace is free to walk; typical paid entries: Archaeological Museum €8; St. Domnius combo tickets ~€7–€11, comfort = multiple sites or a small guided tour; upscale = guided/private tours or premium experiences.

Category	Budget	Comfort	Upscale
Food & drink	€20–35	€35–60	€60+
Local transport	€0–6	€6–12	€12+
Sightseeing	€0–25	€25–50	€50+

Sample Family Budget (per day, total for 4)

Food & drink

• Breakfast at bakery/café: €12–15
• Lunch (pizzeria or konoba, shared dishes): €40–50
• Ice cream/coffee: €10–12
• Dinner (family-friendly restaurant, some wine/soft drinks): €60–80
• Daily total: ~€120–150

Local transport

• Mostly walking in Old Town
• Promet city bus (4 tickets, 2 rides): ~€10–12
• Occasional taxi/transfer: €10–15
• Daily total: ~€10–25

Sightseeing & activities

• Diocletian’s Palace: free to explore
• Cathedral + Bell Tower tickets (2 adults + 2 reduced): ~€25
• Small museum entry (e.g. Archaeological Museum): ~€20
• Optional: half-day Marjan bike rental for 4: ~€30–40
• Daily total: ~€20–40

Estimated family daily budget: €150–215 (depending on activities and dining choices).

Actual costs vary by season and choice of activities; check ticket prices before you go.

Connectivity

• eSIMs work well; cafés and hotels commonly offer free Wi‑Fi. Free Wi-Fi on Riva; 4G/5G networks strong.
• Power: EU type C/F, 230V ~ 50Hz

Health & safety

• Tap water from the Jadro spring is safe to drink; refill bottles at public fountains.
• Wear sturdy shoes – Diocletian’s Palace alleys are paved with smooth, slippery stone (especially after rain); use swim ladders and mind sea urchins on rocky entries.
• Bring sunscreen – many Split’s beaches have little natural shade.

Accessibility

• Old Town cobblestones tricky for wheelchairs. Riva & Žnjan accessible.
• Public buses in Split have limited wheelchair accessibility, varying by route and vehicle.

Handy phrases

Dobar dan (hello) • Hvala (thank you) • Molim (please/you’re welcome) • Koliko košta? (How much is it?)

Quick “Pass vs single tickets” logic (no hardcoded prices)

• Split Card = best if visiting multiple museums.
• Single tickets = fine if focusing on Palace, beaches, outdoors.
• Always confirm official, current pricing the week you travel; seasonal adjustments are common.

FAQ

FAQ table

Question	Short Answer
How many days do I need in Split?	2–3 for Split, 4–5 with trips.
Can you swim in Split?	Yes, at Bačvice, Žnjan, Kašjuni, Bene
Split or Dubrovnik?	Split for variety & islands, Dubrovnik for scenery. Read more about Dubrovnik.
Do I need a car in Split?	Not in Split; useful for inland trips.

Official resources referenced in this guide

Split Tourist Board: events calendar, attractions, visitor information https://visitsplit.com

Promet Split buses: timetables, zone maps, ticket prices https://www.promet-split.hr/

Split Airport (official): arrivals, departures, transfer info split-airport.hr

Jadrolinija (official): national ferry operator, routes to islands and Italy jadrolinija.hr

Krilo / Kapetan Luka (official): fast catamaran routes to islands Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Dubrovnik krilo.hr

TP Line ferries (official): seasonal catamaran connections on the Dalmatian coast tplines.hr

UNESCO listing: Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian. UNESCO World Heritage Centre