Population: ~685,000
Primary Hubs: Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG); Zagreb Main Rail Stn; Zagreb Central Bus Stn
Getting Around: For the city center, stick to walking. Beyond that, Zagreb’s tram (ZET) covers almost every corner of the city. Use the funicular to jump between the Lower and Upper Towns.
Walkability: High
Ideal Stay: 2–3 Days
🗓️ When to Visit: Seasonal Guide
🌤️ Avg Highs: 81°F Summer / 39°F Winter
🔼 Peak Season: June – Sep; Dec
🔽 Low Season: Jan – March
✅ Must See: St. Mark’s Church; Museum of Broken Relationships
✅ Must Do: Visit the Dolac Market for fresh fruit from local farmers, then get coffee at a sidewalk café on Tkalčićeva Street
✅ Must Eat: Štrukli (warm pastry filled with cottage cheese)
✅ Bring Home: A Licitar heart (colorful biscuit used as a decoration); Kravata (cravat necktie), invented in Croatia
🧠 Trivia: The Zagreb Funicular is officially the world’s shortest cable railway, with a track length of only 216 feet.
Our Expert Insights for Visiting Zagreb, Croatia
Explore the best holiday markets across Europe and plan your perfectly festive journey through the Old World.
Compare Croatia’s stunning experiences, season-by-season, to find the perfect timing for your own Croatian escape.
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The best time to visit Zagreb is during the shoulder seasons of May, June, and September for mild weather and outdoor festivals. However, December is an increasingly popular choice as the city’s Advent in Zagreb has been repeatedly voted one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, offering a magical winter atmosphere.
Read our season-by-season guide on choosing the right time to visit Zagreb, Croatia.
For U.S. citizens, a visa is not required for tourist stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, starting in late 2026, most visitors from visa-exempt countries must obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before arrival. This electronic authorization is linked to your passport and is mandatory for entry into Croatia and the rest of the Schengen Area.
The most cost-effective way to reach the center is the official Pleso Prijevoz airport shuttle bus, which runs every 30 minutes and drops passengers at the main bus station. For a more direct route, taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are readily available, taking approximately 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic.
Zagreb’s blue trams are the backbone of its public transit system and connect all major tourist areas. The city is also highly walkable, especially in the Lower Town (Donji Grad) and Upper Town (Gornji Grad). For a quick trip between the two, you can ride the historic funicular, which is one of the shortest and steepest in the world.
A rental car is not necessary if you are staying within the city limits, as public transportation is excellent and parking can be expensive and difficult to find. Renting a car is only recommended if you plan to explore the rolling hills of the Zagorje region or take a self-guided trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
The official currency is the Euro (€). While credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, you should carry some cash for the open-air Dolac Market, small cafes, and for use in the traditional “rakija” bars where card machines may not be available.
Tipping is expected for good service in restaurants, typically ranging from 10% to 15%. It is customary to leave the tip in cash rather than adding it to a credit card receipt. For taxi drivers or at coffee shops, rounding up to the nearest Euro is the standard practice.
The tap water in Zagreb is safe and of excellent quality, sourced from underground wells along the Sava River. You can confidently drink from the tap and refill your reusable water bottle at the various public fountains located throughout the city’s parks and squares.
Pack versatile layers, as the weather in continental Croatia can be more unpredictable than on the coast. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the cobblestone streets of the Upper Town. If you visit in winter, ensure you have a warm coat and boots for the outdoor Christmas markets, and bring modest attire for visiting the Zagreb Cathedral.
The most iconic day trip is to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cascading waterfalls. Other popular options include the baroque town of Varaždin, the fairytale Trakošćan Castle, and cross-border excursions to Ljubljana and Lake Bled in nearby Slovenia.
Zagreb is an exceptionally family-friendly city with numerous parks like Maksimir, which includes a zoo and large forested trails. The city also features unique interactive museums such as the Museum of Illusions and the Backo Mini Express (one of the largest model train layouts in Europe), which are hits with children of all ages.
Yes, Zagreb is a major rail hub in Central Europe, with direct connections to Vienna, Budapest, Munich, and Ljubljana. It is also the most common starting point for land tours that travel south to the Adriatic coast. While landlocked, it serves as the primary gateway for travelers flying in before heading to a Mediterranean cruise in Split or Dubrovnik.
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