Zagreb-3-day-itinerary

Zagreb 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Upper Town

  • Morning: Start your day at Ban Jelačić Square (Trg bana Josipa Jelačića), the heart of Zagreb. Admire the beautiful architecture, visit the Zagreb Tourist Information Centre, and take a stroll through the adjacent Flower Square (Cvjetni trg).
  • Visit:
    • St. Mark’s Church (Crkva Svetog Marka): A stunning example of Gothic architecture with a colorful roof.
    • Croatian Parliament (Hrvatski sabor): Take a guided tour to learn about Croatia’s history and politics.
    • Zagreb Cathedral (Zagrebačka katedrala): A beautiful Catholic cathedral with impressive stained-glass windows.
  • Lunch: Try traditional Croatian cuisine at Konoba Didov San or Mali Bar. Don’t miss the famous Zagreb dish, purica (turkey) with mlinci (flatbread).
  • Afternoon:
    • Walk along the cobblestone streets of the Upper Town and explore its charming atmosphere.
    • Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships (Muzej prekinutih veza): A quirky museum showcasing personal objects left over from former lovers.
  • Evening: Enjoy a drink at one of the many bars or cafes on Tkalčićeva Street, such as Café Bar No. 1 or Kavarna Mali.

Day 2: Discover the Lower Town

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Dolac Market (Dolac trgova): A bustling marketplace offering fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs.
    • Explore the beautiful Zagreb Botanical Garden (Botanički vrt).
  • Visit:
    • The Croatian National Theatre (Hrvatsko narodno kazalište): An impressive building hosting various performances and exhibitions.
    • The Mimara Museum (Muzej Mimara): A museum featuring a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world.
  • Lunch: Head to the trendy Martićeva Street and try some international cuisine at Bistro Apetit or Kitchen & Grill.
  • Afternoon:
    • Take a stroll along the Sava River Promenade (Savska obala) and enjoy the city views.
    • Visit the Technical Museum Nikola Tesla (Tehnički muzej Nikola Tesla): A museum showcasing innovations and inventions, including those of Nikola Tesla.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the Lower Town, such as Vinodol or Restaurant Kurelica.

Day 3: Escape to Nature

  • Morning:
    • Take a short bus ride (about 30 minutes) to Medvednica Mountain and visit the Medvedgrad Fortress (Utvrda Medvedgrad).
    • Hike one of the many trails on Medvednica, offering breathtaking views of Zagreb.
  • Visit:
    • The Zoo Zagreb (Zagrebački zoo): A popular attraction featuring a variety of animals and a beautiful setting.
    • The Jarun Lake (Jezeru Jarun): A peaceful spot for a relaxing walk or picnic.
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Croatian cuisine at the mountain lodge, Pansion Medvedgrad, or head back to the city and grab a bite at Karijola or Submarine Burger.

Where to Stay

  • Budget-friendly options:
    • Hostel Shappy: A cozy hostel in the heart of the Upper Town.
    • Funk Hostel: A modern hostel with a lively atmosphere.
  • Mid-range options:
    • Hotel Jägerhorn: A charming hotel in the Upper Town, offering comfortable rooms and a lovely breakfast buffet.
    • Hotel Dubrovnik: A stylish hotel in the Lower Town, featuring elegant rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.

Transportation

  • Airport transfer: Take a taxi (around 150-200 HRK / €20-25) or use the airport shuttle bus ( around 30-40 HRK / €4-5).
  • Public transportation: Use trams or buses to get around the city. You can buy tickets at kiosks or online.
  • Walking and cycling: Zagreb is a walkable city, and you can also rent bikes to explore its surroundings.

Tips and Essentials

  • Language: Croatian (official), but many locals speak English.
  • Currency: Croatian Kuna (HRK).
  • Weather: Check the forecast in advance, as Zagreb’s weather can be unpredictable.
  • Safety: Zagreb is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Events and festivals: Check the city’s event calendar to catch festivals like the Zagreb Summer Festival or the Dubrovnik Film Festival.

Other Things of Interest

  • Street art: Explore the vibrant street art scene in the Upper Town and Martićeva Street.
  • Flea markets: Visit one of the many flea markets, such as the Britanski trg Flea Market, to find unique souvenirs or vintage items.
  • Day trips: Consider taking a day trip to nearby towns like Samobor, Veliki Tabor, or Trakošćan Castle.