Zagreb city is the capital city of Croatia but is often overlooked by tourists to the country for Croatia’s more scenic and holiday-like destinations along the Adriatic Coast. We’re all for clear waters, beautiful beaches and great seafood but Zagreb has a lot to offer and should be considered for your next trip. Spending 3 days in Zagreb, Croatia allows visitors the perfect opportunity to explore the city and get a feel for everything it has to offer. Countless cafes and restaurants, parks spread throughout the city and historical landmarks are just some of the reasons why you should be planning on visiting Zagreb. The locals are friendly, the food is excellent and inexpensive, and the architecture is rich with history and stories. Café culture here can be seen all over the city, with locals on every corner stopping for a coffee.
Zagreb city centre has the Lower Town and Upper Town which form the main areas for any travellers visiting the city. While both areas have lots to see and are both full of historical buildings, they are both quite different and deserve exploring. You could easily spend longer in this city but 3 days is the perfect amount of time to experience the culture and atmosphere, see the main sights of Zagreb and taste some of the local food. So if you’re looking for a guide on how to spend 3 days in Zagreb, this itinerary will answer all your questions. We have put together this itinerary based on our experience of the city and we think that 3 days in Zagreb, Croatia is the perfect amount of time to get the most out of the city.
Zagreb Travel Itinerary – Day One
Arriving Into Zagreb
So, you’ve arrived in Zagreb city. If you’ve arrived by flight then you’ll be best off to grab a quick and inexpensive Uber from the airport to your accommodation. If you’ve arrived by train then you’re already quite central in the city so, if you’re close enough, take a stroll to your booked accommodation or jump on the tram that runs right outside the central station. Our Zagreb travel guide features a run down on all the best ways of getting from Zagreb airport into the city centre.
Explore Zagreb Cathedral
First up, head to Ban Josipa Jelačića Square, the main square in the city centre, and stroll on up to the Upper Town area of the city. There is plenty to see up here so start with taking in the sights of Zagreb Cathedral. Entrance into the Cathedral is free and well worth a look inside. Once you’ve marvelled at the excellence of its architecture, stop for a coffee in one of the many cafes around the Kaptol, as the locals do. Broom 44, is a good spot for coffee and is popular with locals.
Stop For Lunch In Upper Town
It’s afternoon already so take a stroll through some of the small, quaint streets of the Upper Town (see our Upper Town walking tour video here) before stopping for lunch at one of the many restaurants on Ul. Ivana Tkalčića. Located on this street, we recommend trying bistro Otto & Frank, which serves up a range of locally inspired food alongside burgers, and a selection of craft beer and ale.
Explore Zagreb Upper Town
Once you’re suitably fed and watered, continue the walk around the Upper Town, making sure not to miss St Mark’s Church, The Old Stone Gate walkthrough and Saint Catherine of Alexandria Church. The Museum of Broken Relationships is located in the Upper Town also and is a museum dedicated to highlighting the personal objects from failed relationships. It sounds a little odd but is the most popular museum in Zagreb with tickets costing 40kn ($6.30) per person. Lastly, finish off your tour of the Upper Town at the Panoramic Viewpoint. From here you can gaze over the Upper and Lower Town areas of Zagreb and get a feel for the city scale, its surrounding landscape and the great architecture there is to see.
Croatian Cuisine For Dinner In Zagreb
After a freshening up, and maybe even a little nap, it’s time to hit the town for the evening. If you’re looking for a drink, to begin with (or end with!) then Petar Preradović Square, also known as Flower Square, has plenty of bars. On any evening of the week, you’ll be sure to find a whole host of locals and tourists sitting down for a drink in this square, which gives it a great buzz.
For dinner, you can’t go wrong with the restaurant Vinodol, located on ul. Nikole Tesle. This restaurant serves up traditional Croatian dishes with an elegant touch, in a beautiful interior. They also have a terrace area if the weather permits.
Zagreb Travel Itinerary – Day Two
Head To A Bakery For Breakfast
Up and ready for another exciting day in Zagreb. No breakfast included? No problem. There are amazing bakeries all over the city, and all over Croatia, which offers a fantastic selection of pastries, bread and breakfast items. There is generally one 5 minutes away, no matter where you are in the city. For a great selection and deliciously fresh pastries, try Pekara Dubravica, just off Ban Josipa Jelačića Square. Why not grab a coffee in a café too? The café culture in Zagreb is epic, and all day long you will find locals in cafes, sipping on coffee.
Explore Zagreb Lower Town
Now that you’re ready for some sightseeing, start at the top of Zrinjevac Park and wander through the well-laid out and maintained gardens. There are a few grand, impressive buildings that lead you through the park, around fountains, and eventually down to the square in front of the main train station. From the park, take a walk towards the Croatian National Theatre, a landmark of the city. On the way take in the architecture of the Ethnographic Museum and Museum of Arts and Crafts. (see our Lower Town walking tour video here to walk the town with us!)
Take A Break For A Croatian Lunch
Time for some lunch. Located in the Lower Town, Heritage Croatian Street Food & Shop is a great place to try a range of Croatian cuisine in an informal and local setting. As you are nearby, pop over to the Croatian Society of Fine Artists after lunch. This stark and impressive circular building sits in the middle of a roundabout and has to be seen. If you’re interested, check out what exhibitions are on and head inside.
Visit Zagreb Botanical Gardens
To finish off the Lower Town, we recommend a visit to the Botanical Gardens. The gardens, at just over 5 hectares in area, take around an hour or so to walk around, while tickets cost 10kn ($1.60) (see our walking tour video of the gardens here). If you are still feeling restless after all this, walk the streets of the Lower Town to find small local and boutique shops, great for unique souvenirs.
Dinner And Evening Drinks in Zagreb City
After a long, busy day, what better way to relax than with some great food? With lots of dinner options in the city, it can be hard to pick where to eat. Restaurant Uspinjaca offers great local dishes in an unfussy manner but in a refined setting. Dishes include fish and meat specialities alongside traditional starters and sharing plates.
If you would like a drink to finish the night, head to Swanky Monkey Garden. They do a good range of drinks and have a nice garden to relax in. It’s a popular spot so will likely be busy, but this all adds to the great atmosphere.
Zagreb Travel itinerary – Day Three
Check Out Dolac Market
Your 3 days in Zagreb, Croatia are almost up! It’s your last day, so what better way to start the day than by going to Dolac Market. This market is located just off Ban Josipa Jelačića Square, up the steps. As you walk to the market you will see several flower and plant stalls before coming to the large outdoor farmers market. Grab some breakfast in one of the cafes that sit on the perimeter of the farmer’s market.
Once you have explored the wonderful local produce of the farmer’s market, head inside at street level to the fish market and then downstairs to the large indoor market. Here you will find local stalls selling meats, deli meats, an array of cheeses and dairy products, bread and homemade pasta. This is a great place to pick up some local products to take home or to gift to family and friends.
Lunch In Zagreb’s Old Streets
After whetting your appetite at the market, it’s time for some lunch. Close to the market, we recommend either Nokturno or La Štruk. Nokturno is a local favourite, with a large menu. They have a range of dishes but we can thoroughly recommend the pizza! La Štruk is also a firm favourite in the Zagreb food scene and serves up the local dish, Štrukli. That is all they serve but they do it incredibly well and this serves as a great opportunity to try it.
Take A stroll At Maksimir Park
Once you’re full, it’s time to walk off all that food at Maksimir Park. To get there, you can take a 10 min tram ride from Ban Josipa Jelačića Square or a 45 min walk. The park is free to enter and has 5 lakes, statues and pavilions, and 316 hectares of green space to enjoy. It’s the perfect place to wind down from the city and enjoy the Croatian sunshine and natural beauty.
Feast On Croatian Dishes At Carpaccio Restaurant
It’s the last night of your 3 days in Zagreb, Croatia, so let’s make it a good one and one to remember. For a great meal out, we recommend going to Carpaccio. They specialise in Croatian cuisine with an Italian influence and serve up a good range of seafood and fish dishes, as well as a few meat dishes. The interior is also beautiful, and they have outdoor seating too.
After your meal, take a slow walk through the streets and head to the Upper Town for an after-dinner drink. Ul. Ivana Tkalčića is full of bars so you will have no problem finding a place to perch and order a drink. This is a great place to see the great atmosphere of the city at night.
Thanks for reading, let us know in the comments if you have used this itinerary for your 3 days in Zagreb, Croatia. Check out our one day in Zagreb itinerary if you’re planning a shorter visit to the city. If you would like even more information about Zagreb, including detailed information on how to get in, out and around the city, where to stay, what to do, when to go and how much things cost, then check out our Zagreb travel guide. Let us know in the comments below if you have been to Zagreb and have followed our itinerary.
Where To Stay In Zagreb
Budget/Hostel – Main Square Hostel
Main Square Hostel is located, as one might expect, just off the main Ban Josipa Jelačića Square. This modern, well designed hostel offers both dormitory and private en-suite rooms, all with air-conditioning and a seating area. There is free Wi-Fi access throughout, a shared lounge and laundry facilities available. Towels are also provided free of charge and breakfast is included. Given it’s fantastic location, reasonable price and facilities offered, we think this is a great option for solo travellers or those on a tight budget.
Apartment – Studio Apartment Baltazaar
If you prefer to have your own space and want to experience what living in Zagreb is like, then we recommend staying at Studio Apartment Baltazaar. The apartment is located just a stones throw from Ban Josipa Jelačića Square, with plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes nearby. Having been finished in a modern style, the apartment has everything you need with a fully equipped kitchen, modern bathroom with shower, a living room with large tv and plenty of channels and a comfortable bed.
Mid Range Hotel – Hotel Dubrovnik
Hotel Dubrovnik is as long and well established hotel situated in the heart of Zagreb city, just a minutes walk from the main square, Ban Josipa Jelačića Square. With a fantastic location and a buffet breakfast included, the hotel makes a great base for those looking for convenience and the amenities of a larger hotel. The rooms are comfortable and there are a range of room options available to suit travellers needs. We think this is the ideal place to stay for 3 days in Zagreb, Croatia, due to it’s convenient location and better amenities.
Luxury Hotel – Esplanade Zagreb
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is the height of luxury accommodation in Zagreb. The hotel was originally built in 1925 as a glamourous stopover for journeys on the orient express, and the hotel retains that same level of opulence today. The rooms are spacious and well decorated with a modern touch, and the service is outstanding. Amenities include a fitness centre, sauna and a fine dining restaurant. If you’re looking to splash out then this is where to stay.
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