How to Perfectly Spend 3 Days in Zagreb Croatia in 2024
Zagreb is the vibrant capital of Croatia and has an abundance of green spaces, mesmerizing architecture, and museums to explore! If you’re planning a trip to this captivating city for the first time and looking to make the most of your limited time, here is my ultimate guide for how to perfectly spend 3 days in Zagreb!
What is Zagreb Known For?
With almost 800,000 residents, Zagreb is known for being the most populous city in Croatia and is home to around 1/4 of the country’s population.
Those who visit the city may notice that there are museums seemingly on every street. This is because a fun fact about Zagreb is that it is home to 30+ unique and diverse museums, making it the city with the greatest number of museums per capita.
In addition to its impressive museum offerings, Zagreb also boasts an array of traditional Croatian dishes. Cheese-filled dishes like Zagorski štrukli and Bučnica are popular amongst locals, as are meat dishes like šestinska pečenica and zagrebački odrezak. But more on food later…
Overall, Zagreb is a vibrant and colorful city filled with all kinds of interesting attractions, historic landmarks, and excellent cuisine. And to anyone hesitant about visiting Zagreb or venturing into Eastern Europe in general, I promise both are so incredibly worth visiting!
How to Get Around Zagreb
By Foot
The main way of getting around Zagreb is simply by foot! In my opinion, it’s a very walkable city, much like Ljubljana or Carcassonne.
Of course, though, there are a couple of tram lines that run through the city. You’ll likely see them at Trg Bana Josipa Jelačića since that’s the main stop.
That said, you won’t need to use them for my 3 days in Zagreb itinerary as I planned everything within walking distance in mind. Plus, the Upper Town area doesn’t offer any public transit.
The only scenario I would recommend utilizing Zagreb’s public transit is if you need to travel to the outskirts of the city. For example, I rode the tram to the bus station when leaving Zagreb. It took me 23 minutes to get there instead of an hour of walking!
By Walking Tour
And if you don’t want to worry about navigating the city or simply want to learn about the city from a local, I recommend taking a walking tour.
My friend and I took one, and it was fantastic. There was only one other person in our little group, and we were able to ask our guide lots of questions. Plus, our guide incorporated so many stories, was super friendly, and just really made us feel welcome!
✅ 🇭🇷 Check rates & availability for the 2.5-hour walking tour of Zagreb I loved taking… Or, for fellow foodies, this is a pretty cool food tour that lets you try lots of traditional Croatian cuisine.
By Bike
Alternatively, if you don’t want to just walk from place to place, I recommend doing a nice bike tour.
This is an easy way to see both central Zagreb as well as explore what lies on the outskirts of the city. And if you aren’t super athletic, don’t worry — the bike tour makes tons of stops and gives you plenty of photo opportunities!
✅ 🚴♀️ Check rates & availability for this awesome and highly rated 2.5-hour bike tour of Zagreb
3 Days in Zagreb, Croatia Itinerary (2024)
Alright, now that you have a bit of background information on the Croatian capital, let’s talk about what’s in store for your 3 days in Zagreb!
This itinerary includes all the essential highlights that I think every visitor to the city should make an effort to visit if they had only one day in Zagreb as well as some hidden gems that I loved and discovered during my 5 days in the city 🤠
🇭🇷 NOTE: I have grouped places and attractions nearby together. This will hopefully help save you both time and energy by not having to unnecessarily cross the city!
Day 1: 3 Days in Zagreb, Croatia Itinerary
For the first day, I recommend spending your time soaking in the city’s history and culture at its core. You can do this best by exploring Zagreb’s Upper Town, which has the highest concentration of the city’s oldest buildings!
1. Trg Bana Josipa Jelačića
First, make your way to Trg Bana Josipa Jelačića (trg means square)! This is the city’s main square and the most popular meeting point amongst locals!
Here, you’ll find a massive statue of Ban Josipa Jelačića on top of a horse. He is famous for his military and political efforts, which ultimately granted Croatia independence from the Austrian empire.
And, behind the statue, you see 3 different architectural styles featured on the facades of the buildings! This is not common, so it’s worth taking a moment to walk around the pedestrian square and people-watch as you make your way to the next stop!
2. Dolac Market
Just a few meters north of Trg Bana Josipa Jelačića is Zagreb’s famous Dolac Market. You can easily find this bustling market by looking for the numerous bright red umbrellas atop each of the stalls!
Dolac Market is a massive open-air market where you can find anything — flowers, fruits, veggies, fresh cheeses, honey, and various handmade goods. There’s even an “underground” area filled with all kinds of meats for sale and fishmongers offering deliciously fresh products right from the coast!
Exploring the Dolac Market is an excellent way to get a taste of what life in Zagreb really is like. You can shop for local foods, chat with the vendors, taste samples, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere that takes place here every morning from 6:30 AM – 2 PM!
Plus, this is a wonderful place to pick up some souvenirs for loved ones back home. For example, I bought some chocolate and honey since I love gifts that offer a taste of where I’ve been!
3. Cathedral of Zagreb
When you are ready to leave the Zagreb Market, make your way over to the Cathedral of Zagreb.
At 344 ft (105m) tall, the Cathedral is the tallest building in Zagreb and the second tallest building in all of Croatia!
This stunning Roman Catholic cathedral church was built during the 13th century and is steeped with history—from its Gothic style architecture to its two grand spires that stand 104 m (341 ft) high.
You’ll likely notice that the right spire is having construction work done on it. This is a result of the damage that was caused during the giant earthquake that struck Zagreb in March 2020.
And unfortunately, due to the reconstruction efforts, visitors are not allowed inside the cathedral.
However, it’s still worth spending a few moments walking around the exterior!
🇭🇷 NOTE: You can find a 3-D map of the city not too far from the Cathedral if you want to see how the city is laid out! I thought it was super cool to look at, but you might appreciate it more after you’ve seen more of the city!
4. Tunel Grič
From the Zagreb Cathedral, head over to the entrance of Tunel Grič, which can be found across from Kravi Most.
Tunel Grič is a series of pedestrian passageways that pass underneath Upper Town. The central hall in the tunnel is 1,150 ft (350m) long and about 10 feet wide.
It was originally built during World War II and functioned primarily as a bomb shelter. Of course, once the war was over, the tunnel was no longer needed and closed off.
Over the years, it has been restored and opened to the public. Since then, the tunnel has become a bit of a tourist attraction, and sometimes raves, parties, and other special cultural events have been hosted within!
One last thing to note is that you’ll find a bathroom inside… given the unique acoustics of the tunnel… I would strongly suggest avoiding using the bathroom inside at all costs. But that’s just my preference. 😅
5. Museum of Broken Relationships
When you emerge from Tunel Grič, you’ll be within walking distance of one of my favorite places in all of Zagreb…the Museum of Broken Relationships!
It sounds quite grim and when I first heard about it, I was a bit skeptical about visiting. However, when it was pouring rain while I was in Zagreb, this museum was the perfect place to retreat!
And let me tell you, I am so glad I went inside. The museum is filled with about 100 different items that have been donated by people across the globe. Each item serves as a token from a past failed or broken relationship.
Along with each item is a small card that tells the story or significance of the item. Some are very deep and sentimental, while others are more humorous and light-hearted.
Above is a picture of the story that touched me most and practically brought me to tears in the museum.
If you read it, you’ll be able to tell that broken relationships don’t just mean breaking things off with a person in a romantic sense. It can mean losing a friend, family member, or even a beloved inanimate object.
I cannot recommend going inside this museum enough. It took me only an hour and a half to read the story of every single item, and the entrance fee was only a few dollars.
✅ Purchase your ticket to the Museum of Broken Relationships here
6. Museum of Naive Art
On the same block as the Museum of Broken Relationships is the Croatian Museum of Naive Art!
As you can likely tell from the name, the museum contains artwork from naïve artists from the 20th century.
And if you aren’t sure what naïve art is, like I was, it is essentially artwork produced by artists who received no formal art education.
Inside, you’ll come across beautiful paintings, sculptures, and drawings that are made entirely by self-taught or untrained artists.
I will admit the museum is on the smaller side so if art isn’t your thing, it may not be worth going inside. However, if you’re an art enthusiast or just looking to escape unfavorable weather, this is a fun museum to walk through.
It took me about an hour to see everything, and again, cost only a couple of dollars.
🇭🇷 NOTE: The museum is unfortunately closed on Saturday and Sunday, so you may want to circle back to check it out!
7. St. Mark’s Church
Just up the street from the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art is the most iconic and recognizable building in all of Zagreb — St. Mark’s Church.
The church dates back to the 13th century, which like the Cathedral of Zagreb, makes it one of the oldest monuments in the city.
And of course, the most stunning feature is its roof – a colorful glazed tile roofing masterpiece designed by the acclaimed architect Herman Bollé.
The right side of the church’s roof features Zagreb’s three-towered city emblem, which you might recognize from Croatia’s flag.
Meanwhile, the left side is made up of three separate coats of arms. You can spot Croatia’s red and white coat of arms at the top left, Dalmatia’s blue coat of arms directly to the right, and Slavonia’s medieval coat of arms at the bottom!
And on the south side of the church, you’ll find an intricately carved Gothic portal.
Unfortunately, St. Marks Square is fenced off, so you won’t be able to step foot inside. But even so, St. Mark’s Church is worth coming to just to admire the one-of-a-kind rooftop and architecture afar!
8. Stone Gate
About 100m south of St. Mark’s Church is Zagreb’s famous Stone Gate.
Originally, before stone was a commonly utilized building material, most everything was made out of wood. As such, the city frequently had to rebuild whenever a fire occurred. However, this one section of Upper Town was built out of stone and was able to survive several fires.
But in 1731, a major fire swept through the city and destroyed almost everything in its wake, including most of Stone Gate. The one thing that remained perfectly untouched and undamaged is a painting of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus.
Onsite, you’ll find an ornate, baroque-style fence that protects and displays this painting. And around the painting, you’ll notice there are lots of metal plaques with the names of people.
These are believed to be testimonies from people who have come to pray at Stone Gate for a miracle and then had their prayer answered. So don’t be surprised if you see some locals praying and be sure to remain respectful of the religious site!
🇭🇷 NOTE: Look at the roofs of buildings in Upper Town! You may see something out of the ordinary and can learn about them and the hidden side of Zagreb here.
9. Art Park Zagreb
For the last stop of day 1 on my 3 days in Zagreb itinerary, make your way to Zagreb’s Art Park!
It’s located right behind the Cathedral of Zagreb and is the perfect place to relax and rest your feet after walking around all day long. You’ll find plenty of grassy areas and benches to take a break under the shade.
The art park isn’t particularly spectacular, but it does have a few statues and some graffiti murals on the walls that can be fun to look at. Plus, if you’re traveling with little ones, there are also kids-playgrounds scattered around the park!
For those looking for some music in their life, Art Park Zagreb is known to occasionally host live concerts during summertime!
🇭🇷 NOTE: Recommendations for places to eat are discussed later on in the post, but you can also click here to go directly to it!
Day 2: 3 Days in Zagreb, Croatia Itinerary
For day 2 of my ultimate 3 days in Zagreb tour, I recommend exploring Zagreb’s Lower Town!
10. Museum of Chocolate
For the first stop of day 2, we are headed to my second favorite museum…the Museum of Chocolate!
This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but as someone who can’t resist good dark chocolate, this place is heaven!
The museum covers the entire chocolate production process, its long history, and its evolving significance to society. Plus, the best part is that when you purchase your ticket on-site, you’ll receive a box of delicious chocolates as your physical ticket!
Then, as you make your way through each of the 8 rooms, you’ll be instructed to eat different types of chocolates in your box! There are also interactive games and even an all-you-can-eat liquid chocolate station (no containers are allowed for obvious reasons…)
In total, the museum takes about 1.5 – 2 hours to walk through if you read everything and engage with all the games. However, you could easily get through in under an hour if you’re short on time.
Oh! And I recommend not eating a massive breakfast because the Museum of Chocolate is a place that you’ll want to take FULL advantage of!
🇭🇷 NOTE: The Museum of Chocolate opens at 10 AM and is closed on Mondays
11. Green Horseshoe
As you make your way to the next stop, I highly recommend walking along the Lenuci’s Green Horseshoe!
In short, Lenuci’s Green Horseshoe consists of seven lush parks spread across the city and the famous Zagreb Botanical Gardens. If you were to look at the geography of the parks on a map or from above, you would notice that they make a horseshoe-shaped network.
Together, the green spaces are referred to as just the “green horseshoe”, and often referred to as the “lungs,” of Zagreb!
Each green space is different and offers something special… For example, I absolutely loved walking around the Zagreb Botanical Gardens. There is a very small entrance fee (~$1 USD I believe), but it’s absolutely gorgeous! I even made a few turtle friends!
Ultimately, strolling along the Green Horseshoe is a lovely way to spend the afternoon and take in the city!
🇭🇷 NOTE: Don’t forget to look closely at the mesmerizing architecture! For instance, I noticed several small famous faces carved into a building’s trim and thought was pretty impressive!
12. Nikola Tesla Museum
For the third stop for day 2 on this 3 days in Zagreb tour, I suggest checking out the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum.
It’s about a 7-minute walk from the Zagreb Botanical Gardens, so you’ll want to head there before walking the entire Green Horseshoe!
Although this museum is named after Nikola Tesla, one of the founding fathers of modern electricity, the museum is less about learning about his life’s history and more about the impact of his contributions.
What I mean by this is you can expect everything from ancient motorcars, typewriters, radios, televisions, planes, and trains to the evolution of engines, motors, and computers! Technically speaking, there is a small section that goes over Tesla’s personal life, but it’s definitely not the main purpose of the museum.
In addition, the museum also has different mini excursions and demonstrations you can see. For example, they have an excursion to the coal mines at 3 pm (15:00) and Tesla experiments at 3:30 PM.
Thus, if you have any interest in engineering, physics, or STEM-related stuff, this museum is pretty cool to visit for both adults and kids! And for anyone wondering, you’ll need about 3 hours to explore the entire museum, demonstrations included.
✔️Grab your admission ticket to the Nikola Tesla Museum
🇭🇷 NOTE: The museum is open from 9 AM – 5 PM Tuesday – Friday, 9 AM – 1 PM Saturday, and closed Mondays
13. Zagreb Funicular
When you’re done with the Nikola Tesla Museum, I recommend completing walking the rest of the Green horseshoe as you make your way over to the Zagreb Funicular.
Zagreb’s funicular was built in 1893 and is the shortest form of public transportation in the world! It transports passengers a whooping 217 feet or 66m between Zagreb’s Upper and Lower towns and costs only 5 kuna to ride, which is about 70 cents USD.
And for those who don’t know what a funicular is…(no shame because I didn’t know until I came to Europe) It’s a motorized rail car. Think of it like an elevator, but you move on a slant and it’s not housed inside a building!
Now you may be thinking why on earth would I take a rail car when I can just walk myself up the staircase on the right… Well, it gives your feet a solid 90-second reprieve and is a fun way to participate in the local culture!
Plus, you can then say you traveled in the shortest funicular in the world, which I doubt many of your non-Croatian friends could say :’)
14. Lotrščak Tower
Regardless if you choose to ride the funicular to UpperTown or take the stairs, the last stop of the day is Lotrščak Tower.
It is located right next to the funicular and can be easy to miss. However, if you go inside the tower, you can pay a couple of dollars to climb the winding staircase to the top!
See, another reason to ride the funicular — to preserve energy to climb to the top of Lotrščak Tower!
But seriously, even though Lotrščak Tower is right smack in Upper Town, I think so many people don’t realize what they’re passing by.
Sure you have to climb several flights of stairs, but I promise the view at the top is worth it!
And by checking out this amazing panoramic view towards the end of the day, I hope you’ll be able to witness a stunning sunset with it!
Plus, there’s no time limit or anything. Once you’re at the top, you’re free to stay there for as long as you’d like…but fair warning, it might get a little crowded during peak tourist season!
Day 3: 3 Days in Zagreb, Croatia Itinerary
For the final day of this 3 days in Zagreb itinerary, I recommend opting for a quick change in scenery… especially because you’re likely all museum’d out.
15. Day Trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is the oldest and most popular national park in Croatia!
And while it’s not technically in Zagreb, a day trip to the ridiculously beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park is something you won’t want to miss while staying in the Croatian capital!
And by far the easiest way to get there is by going on a tour!
✅ Check rates & availability for the Rastoke & Plitvice Lakes National Park Tour from Zagreb
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 675+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours
The Rastoke & Plitvice Lakes National Park Tour from Zagreb includes:
- Exploring the beautiful rural watermill village of Rastoke
- Guided tour through the park
- Electric boat ride across Lake Kozjak
- Quick lunch break
- Admission ticket into Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Comfortable round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- 8 guests max
This is one of the highest-rated and most popular Plitvice Lakes Tours from Zagreb. It’s the best in that you get private transportation, can explore more than just the Plitvice Lakes National Parks, and have a guide to ensure you make the absolute most of your day trip!
Plus, the English-speaking guides are very friendly and are willing to answer any of your questions, which is something I always find to be super important.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure and ready to see the most picturesque views nature has to offer, I cannot recommend this tour to Plitvice Lakes National Park enough. It’s absolutely stunning out there and well worth the money!
What an amazing trip it was – I would highly highly recommend this trip. I booked the trip the day before and I received an email giving me the exact location to meet and the time to meet. The whole day was planned brilliantly and with good timing. Blaz provided some excellent history of the trip and highlights for the trip. Throughout the trip Blaz made sure we were comfortable and went at a pace we were all comfortable at walking with… It was a great tour!
– Tour Guest (SEE more reviews)
✅ Check rates & availability for the Rastoke & Plitvice Lakes National Park Tour from Zagreb
Or… Day trip to Lake Bled in Slovenia
An alternative day trip you can do is to Lake Bled in Slovenia! It’s drop-dead gorgeous there as well, so it’s honestly a win-win situation no matter which day trip you select!
How to Get to Zagreb
To get to Zagreb, there are three main ways if you don’t have access to a car: by plane, by train, or by bus.
By Plane
If you are traveling from overseas or simply don’t want to travel by road, you can fly directly into Zagreb’s Franjo Tuđman International Airport Zagreb (ZAG or LDZA). And for finding the cheapest flights, I suggest using both Skyscanner and StudentUniverse.
From the airport, you can ride the electric tram into the city. Just beware, you will have to switch lines and it takes at least 45 minutes.
Alternatively, you can opt to hire a private car service in the city. This is a highly rated (4.9 out of 5 stars) private airport transport that I would recommend utilizing.
It costs a little less than $60 USD for 3 people, eliminates the stress of finding a taxi and navigating public transit, and drops you off right at your housing accommodations.
✅ ✈️ Check rates & availability for private transit to and from the Zagreb International Airport
By Train
The second way to get to Zagreb is to take the train to the Glavni Kolod train station. This is located in the heart of the city, and you’ll literally walk by it along the Green horseshoe.
I am someone who loves to travel by train when traveling through Europe since it’s easy and efficient. So, if arriving in the city by train seems like something you’re interested in, you can find the cheapest train tickets here on Omio.
Simply click the link, create an account, input your dates and where you’re coming from, and it will show you all the possible train routes.
✅ 🚂 Check train routes to Zagreb’s Glavni Kolod station here!
🌟 Using Omio for the first time? Grab $11 off your first booking here
By Bus
The last main way to get to Zagreb is by taking a bus. If I’m traveling to/from a city or place with no train station nearby, I usually travel via bus.
They tend to go to more remote locations and are often cheaper than trains (but take much longer). If traveling by bus seems like the best option for you, you can check bus prices and routes.
Again, click here (you’ll receive $11 off your first booking with them ), input where you’re traveling from and the dates, click enter, and toggle to the bus results. It’ll look something like the picture below.
✅ 🚌 Check bus routes and prices to Zagreb here.
Never heard of Omio? Read about my experiences with the company here to learn about it — the good, the bad, and how to save money.
Where to Stay in Zagreb
Unless you plan on sleeping outside, you’ll probably need housing for your 3 days in Zagreb. Here are the four places that I recommend checking out based on your budget!
Budget Stay
📍Swanky Mint Hostel | ⭐️ RATING: 8.9 / 10
- 3 blocks from Zagreb Funicular
- Female and mixed dorms
- Private Rooms available
- Studio apartments available
- Beds have privacy curtains (major +!)
- Private locker in the room (another +)
- Seasonal rooftop pool
- In-house restaurant – Soi Fusion
- Cocktail bar – Swanky Monkey Garden
- Communal Kitchen
✅ Check rates & availability for the Swanky Mint Hostel
Low-Cost Stay
📍Indigo Centar | ⭐️ RATING: 9.0 / 10
- Located 4 minutes walking from Zagreb Botanical Gardens rooms
- A 14-minute walk from the Museum of Broken Relationships
- Rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, an electric teapot, and a desk.
- Some rooms have a full kitchen available
- Garden & terrace on-site
- Costs ~$77 / night — If you’re traveling with a partner or friend, this is a fantastic low-cost option!
✅ Check rates & availability at Indigo Centar in Zagreb
Mid-Range Hotel
📍Sheraton Zagreb Hotel | ⭐️ RATING: 8.7 / 10
- 5-star hotel near Zagreb’s main train station
- Spacious air-conditioned rooms with mini-bars, cable, and satellite TV
- Breakfast in the room
- Heated indoor swimming pool available year-round
- Taste Croatian and international cuisine at the on-site restaurant
- Enjoy snacks and beverages at Café Imperial or the Piano Bar
- A wide array of spa services is available
- Costs ~$115 / night — if you’re been wanting a luxury stay for comparatively cheap, this is the best opportunity to do so!!!
✅ Check rates and availability at Sheraton Zagreb Hotel
Luxury Hotel
📍Hotel Esplanade | ⭐️ RATING: 9.1 / 10
- A 5-star hotel that opened originally in 1925 and is well-known for hosting the most famous visitors to the city, such as Josephine Baker, Woody Allen, HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Catherine Deneuve…
- Marble bathrooms include a bathtub and shower
- Outdoor furniture, sun deck, and terrace
- On-site spa center & massage service
- Fitness center + sauna
- 2 restaurants: Zinfandel Restaurant & Le Bistro
- Costs about ~$175 / night — To stay in the most prestigious and historically famous hotel in Zagreb for this price is an absolute steal… just saying.
✅ Check rates & availability at Hotel Esplanade
Where to Eat in Zagreb
During my time in Zagreb, I got to eat at all kinds of different places around the city! And while I would love to give you a list of all 11 places, instead of overwhelming you… here are my 4 favorites/the ones I most highly recommend eating at!
And if you’re a big foodie who loves to discover a culture by way of your tastebuds, I’d recommend taking a food tour of the city! This highly-rated small group tour visits a couple of the places I recommend below!
✅ 🇭🇷 Check rates & availability for this beloved food tour through Zagreb!
Restaurants in Zagreb
- Otto & Frank: This was one of my favorite breakfast spots located a couple of blocks from the Dolac market! They offer outdoor seating and their breakfasts were so good that I actually came here twice haha! Here’s the restaurant’s location.
- La Štruk: This restaurant solely serves štrukli, which is a traditional Croatian dish that you won’t want to miss out on trying before leaving. More specifically, štrukli is made with a dough that’s filled with cottage cheese, butter, eggs, and sour cream. You then can add different toppings to make it savory or sweet! The location of the restaurant is in the alley next to the Dolac Market!
- Batak Grill: For dinner, I recommend Batak Grill. Everything about Batak Grill is impressive. From the service to the ambiance, presentation, and of course, the mouthwateringly good food — it’s a great place to dine. And there are actually several locations in the city, so feel free to pick whichever is closer to you!
- Restoran Uspinjača: If you’re craving traditional Croatian food, I recommend this place! The food was quite good and the atmosphere was very homey. I was recommended this place by a local and it did not disappoint. It’s located on the same street as the Zagreb Funicular!
What to Bring to Zagreb
To ensure you have a smooth 3 days in Zagreb, here are a few essential items that you’ll want to make sure you pack!
- ☔️ Umbrella: Zagreb is known to receive a fair amount of rain throughout the entire year. On two of the days I was there, it was absolutely pouring rain, and only because of my umbrella was I willing to keep exploring the city.
This is the sturdy travel-sized umbrella that I love and used almost every other day during my 7-week Europe trip. It comes with a velvet bag and automatically opens up!
- 🔋 Portable Battery: For days when you spend most of your time walking around, I always recommend traveling with a portable battery or two. You will especially want one if you do the day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park!!
Trust me, there is nothing worse than thinking you’re going to run out of battery while in a foreign country. Been there…had a meltdown…would prefer to never experience it again!! Here is the portable battery I like to travel with. It’s waterproof, has both USB-A and USB-C ports, and is practically indestructible! :’)
- 🔌 Adaptor: Lastly, this is a bit obvious, but if it’s your first time in Europe, don’t forget to bring a European adaptor. Amid the chaos, it’s easy to overlook bringing out. This is the universal travel adaptor I absolutely love to use because it has 4 USB ports, a USB-C port, and a regular plug! It’s amazing and been to 20+ countries with me.
3 Days in Zagreb: FAQ
Yes, Zagreb is extremely safe and the level of crime is very low! The city’s rich cultural history and tourist attractions draw in more than two million visitors a year and Zagreb takes pride in creating a safe environment for its citizens and guests.
This is obviously subjective, but compared to Western Europe, Zagreb is extremely cheap! If you recall, entrance fees to their museums range from $1- $6 USD, which is unheard of in cities like Paris, Nice, or Montreal.
The best time to visit Zagreb is between May and September! During this time, you can expect average high temperatures between 70° and 80°F (21° – 27°C) and average low temperatures between 55° – 65°F (13 – 18°C).
And if you want to avoid crowds, I recommend going anytime in May or in the latter portion of September!
Personally, I stayed 5 days in Zagreb when I visited. Based on my experience, 3 days is plenty of time to see a good portion of Zagreb. You can see the main highlights and some lesser-known spots and will likely even have time to discover your own hidden gems.
Depending on your interests and everything that you want to see, I recommend spending at least 2 days seeing all the must-visit spots.
Obviously, if you only have one day in the city, then you can work with what you’ve got. But, if there’s any wiggle room, I would say the ideal amount of time is 4 days. This will allow you to fully explore the city, do a day trip or two, and roam the city without feeling rushed for time!
Wrap-Up: Perfect 3 Days in Zagreb, Croatia Itinerary (2024)
When most people think of Croatia, they often first think about visiting beautiful coastal cities, like the coastal city of Dubrovnik or Pula. However, with all the fun museums, incredible green spaces, and breathtaking views, it’s worth spending at least a few days in Zagreb!
Plus, Zagreb makes the ideal home base for day trips to places such as Plitvice Lakes National Park or even Lake Bled in Slovenia!
Ultimately, I hope this 3-day in Zagreb itinerary has given you some valuable insight into what the city has to offer and you can experience the magic of Zagreb!
Recap
- Trg Bana Josipa Jelačića: The main square in Zagreb that everyone meets at.
- Dolac Market: A massive outdoor and indoor farmer’s market that is easily recognized by its many red umbrellas!
- Cathedral of Zagreb: Roman Catholic cathedral with Gothic-style architecture
- Tunel Grič: underground pedestrian passageways
- Museum of Broken Relationships: Museum filled with tokens representative of failed or broken relationships
- Museum of Naive Art: Museum with artwork from self-taught artists
- St. Mark’s Church: 13th-century church with mesmerizing tiled roof
- Stone Gate: Site that serves as a religious prayer site
- Art Park Zagreb: Popular park in Zagreb with a couple of art pieces
- Museum of Chocolate: Museum dedicated to…chocolate
- Green Horseshoe: 7 parks in Zagreb + Zagreb Botanical Gardens
- Nikola Tesla Museum: Museum that demonstrates the evolution of technology + talks about Nikola Tesla’s life.
- Zagreb Funicular: shortest funicular in the world
- Lotrščak Tower: Tower located in the Upper town that offers amazing panoramic views
- Day Trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park: the oldest and most popular national park in Croatia
