Zagreb

Planning Your Trip to Zagreb: Essential Information

Country and Region

Croatia

Timezone

GMT +1 (Central European Time)

Languages Spoken

Croatian

Currency

Euro (€)

Zagreb Weather and Climate: A Monthly Snapshot

January-February: Cold, often snowy, temperatures averaging around 0°C (32°F). Pack warm clothes!
March-April: Mild, with temperatures gradually rising from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). Rain is common, so bring an umbrella.
May-June: Pleasant and sunny, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Perfect for exploring!
July-August: Warm and sunny, with average temperatures around 25°C-30°C (77°F to 86°F). Ideal for outdoor activities.
September-October: Mild, with temperatures gradually decreasing from 20°C to 10°C (68°F to 50°F). Beautiful fall foliage.
November-December: Cold and often damp, with temperatures around 5°C (41°F). The magical Advent markets begin!

Discovering Zagreb: A City Overview

Zagreb, the vibrant capital of Croatia, seamlessly blends Central European elegance with Balkan charm. Explore the historic Upper Town (Gornji Grad) with its cobblestone streets and iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Church and the Museum of Broken Relationships. The Lower Town (Donji Grad) boasts grand Habsburg-era architecture, lush parks, and lively squares. Known for its numerous green spaces and thriving café culture, Zagreb is a walkable and welcoming city perfect for exploration.

Best Time to Visit Zagreb: Seasonal Guide

Pros & Cons by Season

• Spring (April-May): Pros – Pleasant weather, blooming flowers, fewer crowds. Cons – Occasional rain.
• Summer (June-August): Pros – Warm, sunny weather, outdoor events and festivals. Cons – Peak tourist season, higher prices, crowded attractions.
• Autumn (September-October): Pros – Mild weather, beautiful foliage, wine harvest festivals. Cons – Occasional rain, shorter daylight hours.
• Winter (November-March): Pros – Advent markets, festive atmosphere, lower prices. Cons – Cold weather, snow, shorter daylight hours.

Getting to Zagreb: Transportation and Visa Information

Flights: Zagreb Airport (ZAG) is well-connected to major European cities. Search for the best flight deals online.
Trains: Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor (Main Railway Station) offers connections to various European cities.
Visa Requirements: Croatia is part of the Schengen Area. Check your specific visa requirements based on your nationality well in advance of your trip.
Airport Transfers: Airport buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services provide convenient transfers to the city center.

Zagreb Fun Fact: A Glimpse into the Past

Did you know? The Grič Tunnel, originally a WWII shelter, transformed into a rave venue in the 90s and now serves as a pedestrian passage and event space.

Famous People From Zagreb

Slavoljub Eduard Penkala (engineer and inventor of the mechanical pencil) was a Zagreb native.

Top 10 Zagreb Attractions: Must-See Landmarks

1. St. Mark’s Church: Admire its iconic colorful tiled roof.
   • Address: Trg Sv. Marka 5, 10000, Zagreb
2. Museum of Broken Relationships: Explore poignant stories of love and loss.
   • Address: Ćirilometodska ul. 2, 10000, Zagreb
3. Zagreb Cathedral: Visit the impressive Gothic cathedral with towering spires.
   • Address: Kaptol ul. 31, 10000, Zagreb
4. Tkalčićeva Street: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this street filled with cafes and restaurants.
   • Address: Tkalčićeva ulica, 10000, Zagreb
5. Dolac Market: Experience Zagreb’s central farmers’ market.
   • Address: Dolac 9, 10000, Zagreb
6. Upper Town (Gornji Grad): Wander through the historic cobblestone streets.
7. Mimara Museum: Discover a diverse collection of art and artifacts.
   • Address: Rooseveltov trg 5, 10000, Zagreb
8. Museum of Arts and Crafts: Explore Croatian art and crafts.
   • Address: Trg Republike Hrvatske 10, 10000, Zagreb
9. Maksimir Park: Relax in this large park with lakes, forests, and a zoo.
   • Address: Maksimirski perivoj 1, 10000, Zagreb
10. Stone Gate (Kamenita Vrata): Visit this historic shrine with a miraculous painting.
    • Address: Kamenita ul., 10000, Zagreb

Zagreb Hidden Gems: Off the Beaten Path

• Grič Tunnel: Explore this former WWII shelter turned pedestrian passage.
  • Address: Mesnička ul., 10000, Zagreb
• Zagreb 80’s Museum: Take a nostalgic trip back to the 1980s.
  • Address: Radićeva ul. 34, 10000, Zagreb
• Botanical Garden: Find tranquility in this peaceful oasis.
  • Address: Trg Marka Marulića 9A, 10000, Zagreb
• Art Park: Enjoy outdoor art installations and events.
  • Address: Tomislavov trg, 10000, Zagreb
• Opatovina Street: Discover the charm of this street with historic buildings.
  • Address: Opatovina ul., 10000, Zagreb

Local Festivals and Events in Zagreb

• Advent in Zagreb (December): Experience the award-winning Christmas market.
• Animafest Zagreb (June): Enjoy the International Animated Film Festival.
• Zagreb Film Festival (November): Discover independent and art-house films.
• Cest is d’Best (June): Experience the vibrant street art festival.
• International Folklore Festival (July): Celebrate traditional Croatian music and dance.

Day Trips from Zagreb: Exploring Croatia

• Samobor (30 minutes): Visit this charming town known for its cream cake (kremšnita).
• Trakošćan Castle (1 hour 30 minutes): Explore this well-preserved medieval castle.
• Plitvice Lakes National Park (2 hours): Discover the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Varaždin (1 hour): Explore this Baroque city with a rich history.
• Kumrovec (45 minutes): Visit the birthplace of Josip Broz Tito, now an ethno village.

Zagreb Photography: Insta-Worthy Spots

• St. Mark’s Church roof: Capture the colorful coat of arms.
• Zagreb Cathedral spires: Get stunning perspectives.
• Tkalčićeva Street: Photograph the vibrant cafes.
• Upper Town at sunset: Capture panoramic city views.
• Botanical Garden: Enjoy picturesque pathways.

Zagreb Accommodation and Transportation

Recommended Length of Stay in Zagreb

A 3-4 day stay allows you to explore Zagreb’s highlights and soak in its atmosphere.

Top Places to Stay in Zagreb

Budget-Friendly Hotels in Zagreb

• Swanky Mint Hostel: Stylish hostel with a central location. Book Now
  • Address: Ilica 50, 10000, Zagreb
• Chillout Hostel Zagreb: A social hostel with a lively atmosphere. Book Now
  • Address: Tomićeva ul. 5, 10000, Zagreb
• Funk Lounge Hostel: Modern and comfortable hostel near the main train station. Book Now
  • Address: Petrinjska ul. 77, 10000, Zagreb
• Main Square Hostel: Centrally located hostel offering private and dorm rooms. Book Now
  • Address: Trg bana Josipa Jelačića 9, 10000, Zagreb
• Hotel Jägerhorn: One of the oldest hotels in Zagreb, offering basic accommodations. Book Now
  • Address: Ilica 14, 10000, Zagreb

Mid-Range Hotels in Zagreb

• Hotel Jadran Zagreb: Centrally located hotel with comfortable rooms. Book Now
  • Address: Vlaška ul. 50, 10000, Zagreb
• Hotel Dubrovnik: Historic hotel in the heart of Zagreb. Book Now
  • Address: Ljudevita Gaja 1, 10000, Zagreb
• Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Centre: Modern hotel with stylish rooms. Book Now
  • Address: Ul. kneza Branimira 29, 10000, Zagreb
• Esplanade Zagreb Hotel: A historic art deco hotel (deals may be available). Book Now
  • Address: Mihanovićeva ul. 1, 10000, Zagreb
• Hotel Academia: Located near the Dolac Market. Book Now
  • Address: Ul. Ivana Tkalčića 88, 10000, Zagreb

Luxury Hotels in Zagreb

• Esplanade Zagreb Hotel: Historic art deco hotel with luxurious amenities. Book Now
  • Address: Mihanovićeva ul. 1, 10000, Zagreb
• Hotel Le Premier: Boutique hotel in a renovated historic building. Book Now
  • Address: Trg kralja Tomislava 9, 10000, Zagreb
• The Westin Zagreb: Upscale hotel with a spa and wellness center. Book Now
  • Address: Izidora Kršnjavoga 1, 10000, Zagreb
• Hotel Capital: Stylish boutique hotel near the city center. Book Now
  • Address: Jurišićeva ul. 22, 10000, Zagreb
• Sheraton Zagreb Hotel: Modern hotel with comfortable rooms and amenities. Book Now
  • Address: Ul. kneza Borne 2, 10000, Zagreb

Getting Around Zagreb: Transportation Options

Zagreb offers an efficient public transportation system with trams and buses operated by ZET (Zagreb Electric Tram). Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt and Uber are also readily available. The city center is easily walkable. Consider renting a bike for exploring further afield.

Zagreb Travel Checklist: Preparing for Your Trip

What to Pack for Zagreb

• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Layers of clothing for fluctuating temperatures.
• Rain gear (especially during spring and autumn).
• Sunscreen and hat (especially during summer).
• Reusable water bottle.
• Adapter for European outlets.

Useful Apps for Your Zagreb Trip

• ZET (Zagreb Electric Tram): For public transport navigation.
• Moovit: For public transport planning.
• Bolt/Uber: For ride-sharing services.
• Google Translate: For language translation.
• TripAdvisor: For restaurant and attraction reviews.

Zagreb Safety Tips and Cultural Etiquette

• Learn a few basic Croatian phrases (hello, thank you).
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid poorly lit areas at night.
• Keep an eye on your belongings.
• Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
• Tipping is customary in restaurants and cafes (around 10%).
• Respect local customs and traditions.

Zagreb Food, Fun & Finds: A Traveler’s Guide

Top Restaurants in Zagreb

• Stari Fijaker: Enjoy traditional Croatian cuisine.
  • Description: Authentic Croatian dishes like štrukli and purica s mlincima.
  • Address: Mesnička ul. 6, 10000, Zagreb
• La Štruk: Specializes in štrukli (a traditional pastry).
  • Description: Offers various sweet and savory štrukli.
  • Address: Skalinska ul. 5, 10000, Zagreb
• Vinodol: Croatian restaurant with fresh ingredients.
  • Description: Modern twists on traditional Croatian dishes.
  • Address: Teslina ul. 10, 10000, Zagreb
• Otto & Frank: Bistro-style restaurant with a creative menu.
  • Description: Innovative dishes and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Address: Ul. Ivana Tkalčića 20, 10000, Zagreb
• Takenoko: Upscale Japanese restaurant.
  • Description: Fine dining experience with authentic Japanese cuisine.
  • Address: Ul. Ivana Tkalčića 70, 10000, Zagreb

Must-Try Dishes in Zagreb

• Štrukli: Traditional cheese-filled pastry.
• Purica s mlincima: Turkey with mlinci (flatbread).
• Ćevapi: Grilled minced meat dish.
• Fritule: Small fried doughnuts.
• Kremšnita: Cream cake (especially from Samobor).

Zagreb Nightlife and Entertainment

• Rox Music Club: Live music venue.
  • Description: Features live rock and blues performances.
  • Address: Ul. Florijana Andrašeca 14, 10000, Zagreb
• Swanky Mint Garden: Popular bar with a lively atmosphere.
  • Description: Wide selection of drinks and a great vibe.
  • Address: Ilica 50, 10000, Zagreb
• Vintage Industrial Bar: Trendy bar with live music and DJ sets.
  • Description: Features various music genres.
  • Address: Savska cesta 160, 10000, Zagreb
• Tvornica Kulture: Large concert venue.
  • Description: Hosts local and international artists.
  • Address: Šubićeva ul. 2, 10000, Zagreb
• Kavana Procaffe: A cosy spot perfect for enjoying a coffee or drinks.
  • Description: Perfect ambiance for relaxation
  • Address: Bogovićeva ul. 5, 10000, Zagreb

Shopping in Zagreb: Souvenirs and Markets

• Dolac Market: Find local produce, souvenirs, and crafts.
  • Description: Bustling market with a wide variety of products.
  • Address: Dolac 9, 10000, Zagreb
• Kredenca: Shop for Croatian products.
  • Description: Features local crafts, food products, and souvenirs.
  • Address: Radićeva ul. 18, 10000, Zagreb
• Croatian Design Superstore: Discover unique design items.
  • Description: Showcases Croatian designers and artists.
  • Address: Martićeva ul. 4, 10000, Zagreb
• Britanski Trg Antique Market (Sundays): Find antiques and vintage items.
  • Description: Weekly market with antiques and collectibles.
  • Address: Britanski trg, 10000, Zagreb
• Licitar Hearts: Purchase traditional gingerbread hearts.
  • Description: Classic Croatian souvenir.