Zagreb on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun!

Discover the charm of Zagreb without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Zagreb is a charming and affordable city in Croatia, perfect for budget travelers. Visit the historic Upper Town for stunning views and architecture, and indulge in delicious traditional cuisine at local markets. The city also offers numerous free attractions, such as walking tours, museums, and parks.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arriving in Zagreb

  • Check into the budget-friendly, yet stylish, Hotel Jadran
  • Wander through Zagreb's historic Upper Town, from the colorful St. Mark's Church to the Lotrščak Tower's famous cannon blast
  • Take a stroll down Tkalčićeva Street, a charming pedestrian avenue filled with shops and cafes
  • Satisfy your appetite with some tasty Croatian cuisine at Restaurant Didov San, known for its traditional flavors and rustic decor
  • Toast your arrival with a drink at the atmospheric cocktail bar, Swanky Monkey Garden.
Day 2

Discovering Zagreb's Museums

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the trendy Rocket Burger & Bar
  • Immerse yourself in Croatian art and culture at the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Croatian National Theatre
  • Visit the Technical Museum, showcasing innovations in technology and science
  • Enjoy a light lunch at the Museum of Illusions' Café Cezar
  • Explore the Zagreb City Museum's exhibits on the city's history and evolution
Day 3

Adventuring in Nature

  • Wake up early for a hike up Mount Medvednica, followed by a scenic cable car ride down
  • Grab lunch at the rustic mountain cabin, Vidikovac Sljeme, enjoying panoramic views of Zagreb and the surrounding countryside
  • Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the lush greenery of Maksimir Park, complete with a zoo and lakes
  • Sample traditional Croatian dishes at the cozy, family-run Konoba Didov San
  • End the day with a drink at The Garden Brewery, a popular spot for craft beer lovers.
Day 4

Exploring Zagreb's Surroundings

  • Take a day trip to the charming town of Samobor, filled with small shops and cafes
  • Visit the Samobor Castle, a medieval fortress with stunning views of the area
  • Try a famous local dessert, kremšnita, at the town's bakery, Skelin
  • Return to Zagreb for dinner at Fino Food and Wine, enjoying dishes made with fresh, local ingredients and a wide selection of wine
  • End the night with a drink at the quirky and artistic Hemingway Bar.
Day 5

Relaxing in Zagreb

  • Sleep in and enjoy breakfast at the Zagreb Pancake House, offering a variety of sweet and savory options
  • Stroll through the Botanical Garden, admiring the various species of plants and flowers
  • Spend the afternoon at Jarun Lake, a popular recreational area for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports
  • Dine at Sofra, a cozy restaurant serving delicious Turkish cuisine
  • End your stay in Zagreb with a nightcap at the hip and eclectic Scrappy's Bar.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Zagreb

Welcome to a city where the streets are lined with cafes, the people love their coffee almost as much as their football, and you'll wonder why you didn't bring an extra stomach to try all the pastries. Bonus points if you can pronounce Zagrebački odrezak correctly.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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