5 Days of Fun in Zagreb, Croatia!

Discover Croatia's hidden gem in the heart of Europe: Zagreb.

22 April 2023

Zagreb is a charming and vibrant city that offers a mix of old-world charm and modernity. As a tourist, you can explore the city's rich historical and cultural heritage by visiting its stunning museums, art galleries, and landmarks. From the bustling markets and delicious cuisine to the laid-back cafes and lively nightlife, Zagreb has something to offer everyone.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to Zagreb

  • Check into Hotel Esplanade, a historic 5-star hotel with luxurious rooms and prime location
  • Wander through the Dolac Market, the city’s most iconic outdoor market, and sample local specialties like štrukli and ajvar
  • Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships, a quirky exhibit of mementos from past relationships
  • Take a guided walking tour of the city, exploring Zagreb’s charming streets and hidden alleyways
  • Catch sunset views from the Zagreb Eye Observation Deck, with panoramic views of the city
Day 2

Discovering the Old Town

  • Explore the Upper Town, Zagreb’s old town, and see the city’s iconic landmarks, including St. Mark’s Church and Lotrščak Tower
  • Visit the Croatian Museum of Naive Art, showcasing art from self-taught artists in Croatia and beyond
  • Walk through the lush greenery of the Botanical Garden, home to over 10,000 plant species
  • Enjoy a traditional meal at Otto & Frank, a cozy bistro serving up Croatian classics with a modern twist
  • End the night with drinks at Hemingway Bar, a trendy cocktail bar with an extensive menu of creative drinks
Day 3

Day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park

  • Take a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Croatia’s most impressive natural wonders
  • Hike through the park, admiring the turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests
  • Take a boat ride or paddle boat tour to experience the park from a unique perspective
  • Enjoy lunch at one of the park’s restaurants, featuring fresh local ingredients and traditional Croatian dishes
  • Return to Hotel Esplanade for a relaxing evening at the spa or sipping cocktails at the hotel bar
Day 4

Arts and Culture

  • Visit the Modern Gallery, showcasing the best of Croatian modern art from the 19th and 20th centuries
  • Take a stroll through the Art Park, an area of the city filled with sculptures and art installations
  • See a show at the Croatian National Theater, where you can experience opera, ballet, and theater
  • Stop by La Štruk, a cozy cafe serving up delicious sweet and savory štrukli, a traditional Croatian dish
  • End the night with a drink at Swanky Monkey Garden Bar, a stylish and sophisticated cocktail bar with an outdoor terrace
Day 5

Farewell to Zagreb

  • Explore the Museum of Contemporary Art, showcasing the best of contemporary art from Croatia and beyond
  • Take a bike tour of the city, seeing sights like Mirogoj Cemetery and the Medvednica mountain
  • Enjoy a farewell lunch at Vinodol, a restaurant serving up modern Croatian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere
  • Visit the Zagreb Cathedral, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks
  • Take one last stroll through the city and soak up the vibrant atmosphere before saying goodbye to Zagreb

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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