Two Days of Fun in Zagreb: Budget-Friendly Guide

Experience the charm of Zagreb without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Experience the best of Zagreb while staying within your budget. Explore the historic Upper Town, take a walk around the stunning Lake Jarun or catch a performance at the Croatian National Theater. Enjoy delicious local cuisine at affordable prices and stay at budget-friendly hostels or affordable hotels.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Heart of Zagreb

  • Start with a traditional Croatian breakfast at Bistro Šalša and fuel up*
  • Visit the St. Mark's Church, a symbol of the city's historical heritage
  • Walk up to the Lotrščak Tower for the best panoramic views of the city
  • Stroll through the Dolac Market to try some local produce and craft*
  • Head to the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art to get a sense of the country's art and culture
  • Have dinner at Kolar's delightful garden, an affordable and tasty restaurant
  • Where to stay: Chillout Hostel in Tkalčićeva Street, known for its central location, cleanliness, and friendly staff*
Day 2

Nature and Culture in One Day

  • Catch the funicular to the Upper Town and visit the Museum of Broken Relationships*
  • Take a tram to Maksimir Park, Zagreb's first public park, and explore its zoo, lakes, and forests
  • Swing by the Technical Museum Nikola Tesla to discover the life and inventions of the famous scientist
  • Grab a late lunch at Pod mirnim krovom, a cozy eco-friendly restaurant that serves vegetarian food at fair prices*
  • Visit the Art Pavilion, a stunning exhibition space, and see contemporary art from Croatia and beyond
  • End the day with a concert or a play at the Croatian National Theater, a stunning neo-baroque building
  • Where to eat: La Struk (meaning "The Pancake"), a small eatery specialized in štrukli, a traditional cheese-filled pastry*
  • Zagreb vibes: Don't forget to drink water from the city's charming fountains, and take a selfie with Manduševac Fountain, Zagreb's most famous one*

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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