Zagreb, Croatia: A Family Friendly Adventure on a Budget

Discover the wonders of Zagreb, Croatia, for an unforgettable family adventure.

19 July 2023

Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, offers a fantastic family-friendly trip with its rich history, vibrant culture, and numerous attractions. Explore the cobblestone streets of the Upper Town to see the charming medieval architecture and visit must-see sites like St. Mark's Church and the Lotrščak Tower. Don't miss the Maksimir Park, where kids can enjoy playgrounds, a zoo, and beautiful nature trails for a fun-filled day out.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Historic Zagreb:

  • Check into the quirky Hotel Dubrovnik, conveniently located in the city center. You'll be greeted by funky designs and charming Croatian hospitality.
  • Wander through the Upper Town, where cobblestone streets are as crooked as a politician's promise. Don't forget to snap a selfie with the iconic Lotrščak Tower!
  • Visit the Zagreb Cathedral, a masterpiece of architecture that towers over the city like a proud peacock. Marvel at its intricate details and take a moment for a silent prayer ̶ or a request for good weather if you forgot your umbrella.
  • Treat your little ones to a visit to the Museum of Illusions, where their minds will be bent, twisted, and turned like a Croatian pretzel. Watch them laugh as they defy gravity and shrink like Alice in Wonderland.
  • Indulge in traditional Croatian cuisine at the rustic Vinodol Restaurant. Savor the hearty flavors of sarma, a dish that wraps cabbage leaves around love and happiness. Don't forget to raise your glass of rakija for a toast to an unforgettable day.
Day 2

Parks, Museums, and Ice Cream Cones:

  • Start the day with a stroll through the verdant Maksimir Park, where peacocks flaunt their feathers and squirrels play hide-and-seek with acorns. Find a cozy spot for a family picnic and let nature serenade your soul.
  • Discover the charming Museum of Broken Relationships, where love stories have gone sour and left behind bittersweet memories. Let the emotions flow as you read tales of heartbreak, lost teddy bears, and forgotten promises.
  • Treat your taste buds to a scoop (or two, or three) of heavenly ice cream at Vincek. With flavors like lavender, fig, and rose, you'll feel like you've stepped into a fairytale and ended up at the Queen's tastebud-teasing ball.
  • Satisfy your craving for culture at the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art. Admire whimsical paintings created by artists who prove that you don't need fancy art supplies or a fine arts degree to make spectators go "ooh" and "aah."
  • Before bidding farewell to Zagreb, embark on a foodie adventure at Tekka. Taste heavenly dishes inspired by international flavors, as interpretations of love and passion dance on your palate. Don't blame us if you start planning a relocation to Zagreb we warned you!
  • No summary paragraph after the final day.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Zagreb, Croatia by plane is to fly into Zagreb International Airport, also known as Franjo Tuđman Airport. Many airlines operate flights to Zagreb from major European cities such as London, Paris, and Frankfurt.

Car

Driving to Zagreb is a great option for those who prefer a road trip. The most popular route is from Budapest, Hungary to Zagreb, which takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes depending on traffic. The journey is scenic and there are many rest stops along the way.

Train

There are several train routes available to reach Zagreb, but the most convenient and comfortable option is to take the train from Vienna, Austria to Zagreb. The journey takes around 6 hours and the trains depart from Vienna Hauptbahnhof station.

Boat

While there is no direct boat route to Zagreb, it is possible to arrive in Croatia via boat and then travel to Zagreb by train or bus. The best way is to take a ferry from Ancona, Italy to Split, Croatia, and then take a train or bus from Split to Zagreb.

Bus

Traveling to Zagreb by bus is a great option for those on a budget. The best way is to take a bus from major European cities such as Budapest, Hungary or Vienna, Austria. The buses depart from major bus terminals in those cities and arrive at Zagreb Central Bus Station.

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