Zagreb Uncovered: 4 Days of Adventure & Flavor

Explore Zagreb without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is a beautiful European destination that can be visited on a limited budget. Exploring the scenic streets, parks, and museums in the city is very affordable, with many attractions offering free admission. Eating out may be a bit expensive, but street food stalls and local markets offer delicious and budget-friendly options.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Ancient Zagreb

  • Check into the budget-friendly Hotel Central, conveniently located near the city center.
  • Take a stroll through Zagreb's oldest neighborhood, Gradec, and admire the charming architecture.
  • Visit the Zagreb Cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century.
  • Explore the fascinating exhibits at the Museum of Broken Relationships.
  • Enjoy a traditional Croatian meal at La Štruk, known for their delicious štrukli (cheese pastry).
Day 2

Discovering Outdoor Zagreb

  • Start the day with a cup of coffee at Velvet Cafe, a cozy spot with an outdoor terrace.
  • Take a hike up Mount Medvednica for stunning views of the city and surrounding areas.
  • Visit Maksimir Park, Zagreb's largest park, and wander through its winding trails and lakes.
  • Stop by Dolac Market, a bustling outdoor market selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
  • Indulge in some delicious street food at Zagreb's hidden gem, Kužina.
Day 3

Exploring Quirky Zagreb

  • Visit the quirky and colorful Museum of Illusions, perfect for kids and adults alike.
  • Discover the hidden treasures of Tkalciceva Street, a bohemian area filled with street art and unique shops.
  • Check out the street art scene in the nearby alleyways.
  • Take a break at Zrno Bio Bistro, a cozy spot serving organic, vegetarian and vegan options.
  • Visit the Museum of Torture, a fascinating albeit gruesome museum that explores the history of torture.
Day 4

Indulging in Culinary Zagreb

  • Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Otto & Frank, with a wide range of options from fresh croissants to savory omelets.
  • Go on a guided food tour of the city, sampling some of the best local delicacies such as kulen, truffles and Croatian wine.
  • Have a leisurely picnic in the lush Botanical Gardens, surrounded by beautiful greenery and blooming flowers.
  • Take a cooking class at Slastičarnica Zagreb, where you can learn to make traditional Croatian sweets.
  • End the day with dinner at Vinodol, serving up authentic Croatian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

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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