Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and offers visitors plenty of picturesque streets to wander, historic landmarks to discover, museums to explore, and delicious local cuisine to try.
Trip to Zagreb, Croatia
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old Town
Welcome to Zagreb, one of the top destinations in Croatia. As you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi or Uber to your hotel. Check in at your hotel and then head out to explore the Old Town. Some of the places you can visit include the historic Cathedral of Zagreb, the 13th-century Stone Gate, and the magnificent St. Mark’s Church, renowned for its painted roof. Take a walk to the picturesque streets of Tkalciceva, relishing the street performers and quaint cafes. For dinner, head to Old Town for local delicacies.
Day 2: Discovering Nature and Culture
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Upper Town, Zagreb’s idyllic hilltop district. Here, you can visit Zagreb’s Botanical Garden, trek Mount Medvednica, or explore legends of Croatia’s capital with local guides. Enjoy the terrace of the Museum of Contemporary Art and soak up the picturesque beauty of the Sava River. Head over to the Croatian National Theater for a glimpse into the culture of Zagreb. Alternatively, you can escape the city and visit the serene Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 3: Relaxing in the City Parks
Spend a day exploring Zagreb’s sprawling parkland. Start your day with Maksimir, the city’s biggest park, and enjoy the natural splendor and the views of nature’s beauty. Take a walk and visit some of the park’s highlights, including the Maksimir Stadium, beautiful ponds, and century-old oak forests. Next, head to Jarun Lake, famous for its surroundings that house numerous taverns and open-air clubs, with activities such as swimming, jet skis, and speedboats high up the list. For lunch, you can visit the cafes at the park’s lakeside.
Day 4: Exploring the Surrounding Neighborhoods
Zagreb’s suburbs offer a vibrant mix of culture and history. Start your day in the Bohemian neighborhood of Gradec, famous for unique architecture and classic galleries. Move on to nearby Pavish Martic, endures as a global icon of art and culture. Attend any theater or music performance in the Croatian Music Institute, located in the heart of the neighborhood and showcasing the work of Croatia’s most talented musicians and performers. Take lunch as you explore the geometrically designed gardens that line some of the peacefully tucked away courtyards.
Day 5: Day Trip to Samobor
A day trip to the green hills of Samobor, a small picturesque town 20 km west of Zagreb. You can explore the architecture of the town’s Old Quarter, with its red-tiled roofs, Venetian architecture, and narrow streets. Walk on to observe the hilltop ruins of Samobor Castle for a glimpse of the area’s rural history. Take lunch from any of the numerous coffee shops on the main square and browse the region’s unique handmade pastries and cakes. Finally, relax at any of the open-air cafes with a refreshing sweet red wine or homemade brandy.
Day 6: Shopping and Nightlife
Zagreb is known for its vibrant shopping and nightlife scenes. Start your day with a visit to “Ilica”, the city’s main shopping street. Enjoy browsing the many boutiques, markets, and galleries that line the street. Continue to Dolac, the city’s central market, and indulge in some locally produced food, like Mediterranean fruits, artisan cheeses, and meat pies. For dinner, head to Tkalčićeva as the myriad of cafes, bars, and eccentric restaurants lines this street in the heart of Zagreb’s Old Town. Spend the night unwinding in the unique atmosphere buzzing with life.
Day 7: Departure
The last day of your vacation will be a free day to go for any last minute shopping and to soak up the city’s charm. You can take a walk down Ilica and roam through the stone streets of the Old Town, passing by colorful houses, and admiring the city’s beautiful architecture before heading back to your hotel to gather your belongings and depart for the airport.