Croatia
City guide · Croatia
Zagreb
About Zagreb
Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, lies in the north of the country between the slopes of Medvednica mountain and the Sava river. It is a relaxed, green city with Austro-Hungarian architecture, open-air cafés and a historic hilltop Upper Town above the busier Lower Town.
In the Upper Town, St Mark's Church with its patterned tiled roof, the Stone Gate and the Lotrščak Tower are the main sights, reached by one of the world's shortest funiculars. Zagreb Cathedral, the Dolac open-air market, Ban Jelačić Square and the parks of the Lower Town are close by, and the Museum of Broken Relationships is a popular, unusual stop.
One to two nights fits most itineraries. Plitvice Lakes National Park is about two hours away by road and makes a classic stop on the way to the coast, and Ljubljana in Slovenia is about two hours away by road.
The Advent season in December brings well-known Christmas markets and light displays across the city centre.
Practical Information
Useful to know before your group arrives in Zagreb.
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Zagreb has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters.
- Spring (March–May): Mild and changeable, with highs from around 12°C to 22°C.
- Summer (June–August): Warm to hot, with highs around 26–28°C and some thunderstorms.
- Autumn (September–November): Pleasant in September, becoming cool, foggy and wetter.
- Winter (December–February): Cold, with highs around 3–6°C, frosty nights and occasional snow.
May to June and September are the most comfortable months, and December suits Advent visits. Pack layers and comfortable shoes, plus a warm coat in winter.
- Arriving: Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport is about 17 km south-east of the centre; the airport shuttle bus or a taxi takes around 25–40 minutes.
- Getting around: ZET's blue trams cover the city centre, supported by buses. Paper tickets must be validated when you board, and the Upper Town funicular links the Lower and Upper Towns.
- Onward travel: The main railway station and bus station connect Zagreb with the coast and neighbouring countries, though coaches and private transfers are usually quicker to the Adriatic.
- Groups: The Upper Town and the central squares are largely pedestrian, so coaches drop groups at the edge of the centre.
Mobile data: For Indian travellers, an eSIM or European data plan bought before travel usually costs much less than Indian international roaming packs. Local prepaid SIMs are sold at the airport, kiosks and phone shops; a passport is needed at purchase. A Croatian or other EU SIM or eSIM works across other EU/EEA countries under EU roaming rules.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafés.
Power: 230 V with Type C/F sockets. Indian Type D plugs do not fit, so bring a universal adapter.
Zagreb has a small number of Indian restaurants, more than elsewhere in Croatia but far fewer than in larger European capitals, and Indian groceries can be hard to find. Vegetarian dishes are available in most restaurants, and Jain meals should be requested well in advance through the DMC or the restaurant. Halal food is limited, though some Middle Eastern and Bosnian-style eateries offer it.
Local foods that suit vegetarians include štrukli (baked or boiled dough filled with fresh cheese), cheese burek (flaky pastry, ask for sir) and ajvar, a red pepper relish served with bread. Konzum, Spar, Lidl and Kaufland supermarkets are good for snacks, fruit, milk and bread, and the Dolac market sells fresh fruit and vegetables.
