Simple Travel Plans

Croatia’s capital

Zagreb

Zagreb gives you a walkable capital, tram connections and a different side of Croatia from the coast.

Why go

Why visit Zagreb?

Zagreb works well at the start or end of a Croatia trip. Its centre is walkable, while trams help with longer distances and buses connect the capital with the coast and inland sights such as Plitvice.

It suits travellers who want cafés, markets, parks and museums alongside historic streets. The Upper and Lower Towns also give the city a very different feel from the Adriatic coast.

Guided tours

Popular tours in Zagreb

Two walks make a good start: a relaxed guided walk through the Upper and Lower Town, or a walk with a local that adds the WWII tunnels, the funicular and street-food tastings at Dolac Market.

Zagreb walking tour

Zagreb highlights with a local

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First visit

Highlights

  • Ban Jelačić Square sits at the centre of the main city streets.
  • St. Mark's Church and the Upper Town sit above some steep streets, with the funicular helping on the climb.
  • Dolac Market is worth seeing when open.
  • The Green Horseshoe links parks and squares through the Lower Town.
  • Café streets, museums and a tram ride beyond the centre add variety to a short stay.

When to go

Best time to visit

Zagreb works year-round, with the centre, museums, cafés and public transport all running. Late November to early January is especially lively during Advent.

Zagreb in winter

Advent in Zagreb runs from 28 November 2026 to 7 January 2027. Pack for cold, wet weather and shorter days, and check event details close to your visit.

Check Zagreb tourism

Bus, ferry and on foot

Getting there

Zagreb has long-distance buses to many cities and tourist areas, rail connections and an international airport.

From the airport, the Pleso prijevoz shuttle goes to the main bus station (Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb). ZET city bus 290 goes to Kvaternikov trg, where you can change to a tram; for bus 290, buy a two-zone ticket before boarding because the driver sells only one-zone tickets.

Inside Zagreb, trams and buses cover most areas a visitor needs, and buses continue to Plitvice and the coast.

Official information: Airport shuttle timetable · Zagreb Airport: by bus · ZET fares (in Croatian) · Arriva Croatia

Guided tours

Book a tour

Tours that work well on a first visit. You book and pay on Viator.

Kaptol square in Zagreb with the Virgin Mary column and an old defence tower

Zagreb walking tour

A relaxed 2–3 hour walk through the Upper and Lower Town with a local guide.

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The blue funicular on its way up to Zagreb's Upper Town

Zagreb highlights with a local

About two hours on foot through the Old Town and the WWII tunnels, with a ride on the funicular and street-food tastings at Dolac Market.

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Veliki Slap waterfall and the Lower Lakes in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes & Rastoke day trip from Zagreb

A guided day with transport and your park ticket included. About 10 hours.

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Trakošćan Castle on its wooded hill

Varaždin & Trakošćan Castle day trip

A small-group day to a baroque town and a fairy-tale castle north of Zagreb.

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The church on Bled Island in Lake Bled, Slovenia

Ljubljana & Lake Bled day trip

A day in Slovenia in a small group, with transport included.

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Tours are booked on Viator. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. How this works.

Good to know

Short tips

  • Lower Town is a practical first base near squares, parks, cafés and transport.
  • Near the main train station is convenient; around the main bus station suits early departures but has less atmosphere.
  • Day ideas include Plitvice, Samobor, Varaždin and Zagorje castles, with guided trips helping where transport is less straightforward.