The Ultimate Weekend in Zagreb: 2026 Itinerary & Tips

Your Complete Guide to a Weekend in Zagreb (2026)

Zagreb, Croatia's capital, is a city of captivating contrasts. It blends the stately grandeur of its Austro-Hungarian past with a vibrant, modern energy. Unlike its coastal counterparts, Zagreb offers a rich cultural experience steeped in history, art, and a thriving culinary scene. A weekend is the perfect amount of time to discover its charm.

Is Zagreb Worth Visiting for a Weekend?

Absolutely. Zagreb is an ideal weekend destination for several reasons:

• Compact & Walkable: The historic core, comprising the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and Lower Town (Donji Grad), is easily explored on foot.
• Affordability: Compared to many Western European capitals, Zagreb offers excellent value for money in accommodation, food, and attractions.
• Rich Culture: The city boasts a high density of museums, galleries, and historic landmarks, catering to all interests.
• Vibrant Atmosphere: From the bustling Dolac Market to the countless cafés on Tkalčićeva Street, the city is full of life.

Getting To and Around Zagreb

Navigating Zagreb is straightforward, starting from your arrival.

From Zagreb Airport (ZAG) to the City Center

The Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG) is located approximately 17 km southeast of the city center.

• Airport Bus: The most efficient option. The Pleso Prijevoz shuttle runs every 30 minutes to the main bus terminal (Autobusni Kolodvor). The journey takes 30-40 minutes and costs approximately €8.
• Public Transport (ZET Bus 290): The cheaper, but slower, option. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Kvaternik Square. A 90-minute ticket costs €1.33.
• Taxi/Rideshare: A taxi or services like Uber/Bolt will cost between €25 and €35 for a 25-30 minute ride to the center.

Navigating the City

Zagreb's center is best explored on foot. For longer distances, the ZET public transport network of trams and buses is excellent. The iconic blue trams are a symbol of the city. A 30-minute ticket costs just €0.53, while a 60-minute one is €0.93. You can buy them at Tisak newsstands or via the ZET app.

Your Perfect 2-Day Zagreb Itinerary

This itinerary balances major sights with local experiences.

Day 1: Historic Upper Town & Emotional Insights

Morning (09:00 - 13:00): Market, Cathedral & Views

Start your day at Ban Jelačić Square, the city's central meeting point. From there, walk a few steps north to the Dolac Market. This vibrant farmers' market is the 'Belly of Zagreb,' filled with fresh produce, local cheeses, and honey. Look for the iconic red umbrellas. It's open daily from 07:00 to 14:00 (shorter hours on Sunday).

Next, visit the Zagreb Cathedral. This monumental Gothic structure, with its twin spires dominating the skyline, is a masterpiece. Entry is free, but donations are welcome. Note the Glagolitic script on the walls, a tribute to Croatia's ancient alphabet.

Afternoon (13:00 - 18:00): A Tale of Two Churches & One Museum

After lunch, take a leisurely stroll up to the Upper Town (Gornji Grad). Your destination is St. Mark's Church, famous for its colorful tiled roof depicting the coats of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, Slavonia, and the city of Zagreb. The Croatian Parliament and Government buildings flank the square.

Just around the corner is the world-renowned Museum of Broken Relationships (Rating: 4.6★, Entry: €7). This unique museum showcases personal objects and stories from failed relationships, offering a poignant and universally relatable experience. It's open from 10:00 to 21:00.

Insider Tip: At noon every day (except during winter), listen for the boom of the Grič Cannon from the Lotrščak Tower. It's a tradition dating back to 1877.

Evening (19:00 onwards): Tkalčićeva Street

Descend to Tkalčićeva Street, a charming, winding street lined with colorful buildings. It's the heart of Zagreb's nightlife and dining scene. Choose from dozens of restaurants and bars offering everything from traditional Croatian food to international cuisine. A meal here will cost around €25-€40 per person.

Day 2: Green Horseshoe & Lower Town Culture

Morning (10:00 - 13:00): Parks and Palaces

Explore the Lower Town (Donji Grad), known for its grand 19th-century architecture and the Lenuci Horseshoe (or Green Horseshoe), a U-shaped system of parks and squares. Start at Zrinjevac Park, a beautiful space with fountains, statues, and a music pavilion.

From there, walk to the Croatian National Theatre, an opulent neo-baroque masterpiece. Even if you don't see a show, the building itself is worth admiring. Nearby, you can choose a museum based on your interests. The Mimara Museum or the Ethnographic Museum are excellent choices, with entry fees around €5-€7.

Afternoon (13:00 - 17:00): Art, Botany, and Coffee

After lunch, visit the Botanical Garden (entry ~€2), a tranquil oasis founded in 1889, home to over 10,000 plant species. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing break.

Next, embrace Zagreb's coffee culture. The Saturday morning ritual known as špica sees locals flocking to outdoor cafés, especially along Bogovićeva and Preradovićeva streets. Find a spot, order a kava s mlijekom (coffee with milk), and watch the world go by. This is an essential Zagreb experience.

Evening (18:00 onwards): A Traditional Farewell Dinner

For your final evening, seek out a traditional konoba (tavern) for an authentic Croatian meal. Look for a place serving Štrukli, a delicious pastry dish with cottage cheese that can be boiled or baked, sweet or savory. A great place to try it is La Štruk, which specializes in this dish.

What to Eat in Zagreb: Must-Try Dishes

• Štrukli: As mentioned, this is Zagreb's signature dish. The baked version with cheese (zapečeni sirni štrukli) is a must-try.
• Kulen: A spicy cured sausage from the Slavonia region, often served as an appetizer.
• Pag Cheese (Paški sir): A world-famous hard, salty cheese from the island of Pag, made from sheep's milk.
• Čušpajz: A hearty, stew-like dish made with various vegetables and sometimes meat. Perfect comfort food.
• Kremšnita: A custard slice dessert, particularly famous in the nearby town of Samobor but widely available in Zagreb.

Insider Tips for Your Zagreb Weekend

1. Ride the Funicular: For a unique experience, take the Zagreb Funicular from Tomićeva Street to the Upper Town. At just 66 meters long, it's one of the shortest public transport funiculars in the world. The ride lasts 64 seconds and costs €0.66. 2. Look for Free Walking Tours: Several companies offer free walking tours departing from Ban Jelačić Square. They provide an excellent overview of the city's history and are a great way to orient yourself on your first day. 3. Visit Hrelić Flea Market: If you're in Zagreb on a Sunday morning, take a bus or taxi to the Hrelić Flea Market. It's a massive, sprawling market where you can find everything from antiques to quirky souvenirs. 4. Check for Festivals: Zagreb hosts numerous festivals throughout the year. The most famous is Advent in Zagreb, which has been voted the best Christmas market in Europe multiple times. Summer brings events like Cest is d'Best street festival. Check the local tourist board website before your visit.