Zagreb Wheelchair Accessibility Guide 2026

Is Zagreb Wheelchair-Friendly? An Honest Overview

Zagreb, Croatia's vibrant capital, offers a captivating blend of Austro-Hungarian architecture and lively Mediterranean energy. For travelers using wheelchairs, the city presents a tale of two halves. The sprawling Lower Town (Donji Grad), built largely in the 19th and 20th centuries, is predominantly flat with wide sidewalks, modern infrastructure, and an increasingly accessible public transport system. Here, you can navigate between museums, parks, and cafes with relative ease.

In contrast, the historic Upper Town (Gornji Grad), the city's medieval core, poses significant challenges. Its charming, winding streets are paved with centuries-old cobblestones and feature steep inclines. While not impossible to visit, it requires careful route planning, a powerful mobility device, or assistance. Despite these hurdles, with the right information and preparation, a fulfilling and accessible trip to Zagreb is entirely achievable.

Navigating Zagreb: Accessible Public Transport

Zagreb's public transport network, operated by ZET, is the most efficient way to get around. Significant investments have been made to improve accessibility, particularly on the tram network.

Trams

The tram is the backbone of Zagreb's transit system. A growing percentage of the fleet consists of low-floor trams, designed for easy roll-on, roll-off access.

• Key Information: Look for the universal wheelchair symbol (♿) on tram schedules and on the front of the vehicle. All low-floor trams have a designated space for wheelchairs, typically near the second set of doors.
• Accessible Lines: Lines such as 6 (Črnomerec - Sopot), 11 (Črnomerec - Dubec), and 12 (Ljubljanica - Dubrava) frequently use low-floor vehicles.
• Fares: A 30-minute ticket costs €0.53 when purchased at a kiosk (`tisak`), while a 60-minute ticket costs €0.93. A daily ticket offering unlimited rides costs €3.98.

Buses

Most of Zagreb's city buses are modern, low-floor models equipped with a manual or automatic ramp that the driver operates. They serve areas not covered by the tram network, including the route to the airport. The bus connecting the main bus terminal (Autobusni Kolodvor) to the airport is typically an accessible coach.

Zagreb Funicular

The Zagreb Funicular is one of the shortest in the world, with a track length of just 66 meters. It provides a crucial link between the Lower Town (Tomićeva Street) and the Upper Town (Strossmayer Promenade).

• Accessibility: The funicular cabin itself is accessible with step-free entry. It offers a convenient way to ascend the steep hill without manual effort. However, upon arrival at the top, you are immediately met with the cobblestoned terrain of the Upper Town.
• Price: A one-way ticket costs €0.66.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Standard taxis are not typically wheelchair-accessible. For accessible transport, it's best to book in advance. Services like Eko Taxi have larger vehicles in their fleet and can often accommodate a folded wheelchair. For vehicles with ramps or lifts, you must contact a specialized transfer service well ahead of your trip.

Top 5 Wheelchair-Accessible Attractions in Zagreb

Zagreb is rich in culture and history, and many of its premier attractions are accessible to all visitors.

1. Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU)

Located in Novi Zagreb (New Zagreb), a short tram ride from the city center, MSU is a model of modern, accessible architecture. Its wide-open spaces, large elevators, and fully accessible restrooms make for a stress-free visit. The collection showcases Croatian and international contemporary art across multiple floors.

• Insider Tip: While the famous interior slides are not accessible, the building's rooftop offers great views and is accessible via elevator.

2. Museum of Broken Relationships

This world-famous, quirky museum is located in the Upper Town, housed in the beautiful Kulmer palace. The main exhibition space is on one level and is accessible via a ramp at the entrance. The pathways are generally wide enough, though some corners can be a bit tight. The staff is known for being very helpful.

• Accessibility Note: Reaching the museum involves navigating the cobblestones of the Upper Town. The easiest route is to take the funicular up and then proceed a short, relatively flat 200 meters to the entrance.

3. Zagreb Cathedral

An iconic symbol of the city, the Zagreb Cathedral is a must-see. Despite ongoing restoration work following recent earthquakes, the interior remains accessible. A permanent ramp allows wheelchair users to bypass the main stairs and enter the vast, awe-inspiring nave. The interior is spacious and flat, allowing for easy exploration of the chapels and treasury.

4. Maksimir Park and Zoo

Maksimir Park, located a 15-minute tram ride east of the center, is a sprawling oasis of forests, lakes, and meadows. The park features an extensive network of paved, flat pathways perfect for a relaxing roll. Within the park is the Zagreb Zoo, which is also largely accessible with paved routes and accessible facilities.

• Distance: The main loop around the park's lakes is approximately 3 kilometers.

5. Dolac Market

Experience local life at Zagreb's main open-air market. The upper, outdoor level, famous for its red umbrellas, is completely flat and paved, making it easy to navigate between stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, and local products. The lower, indoor section (for meat and dairy) is also accessible via ramps.

Accessible Accommodation in Zagreb

Finding a suitable hotel is key to a comfortable stay. Many of Zagreb's larger, modern, and internationally branded hotels offer fully accessible rooms.

Recommended Hotels with Accessible Rooms

• Esplanade Zagreb Hotel (€250+/night): A historic luxury hotel that has been updated with excellent accessible facilities, including rooms with roll-in showers. Centrally located near the main train station.
• Hotel Dubrovnik (€180+/night): Located directly on the main Ban Jelačić Square, this hotel offers unparalleled location and has accessible rooms. Specify your needs upon booking.
• Hilton Garden Inn Zagreb (€150+/night): A modern hotel with guaranteed accessible rooms that meet high standards, including grab bars and roll-in showers. Located within a 1.5 km radius of the city center.

Booking Tip: Always call or email the hotel directly after booking online to confirm the specific features of your accessible room. Ask for photos if possible to ensure it meets your needs.

Dining and Shopping: Accessible Restaurants and Malls

Restaurants with Step-Free Access

Many restaurants in the Lower Town, particularly along streets like Bogovićeva and Preradovićeva, offer ground-level entry or have spacious outdoor terraces that are perfect in warmer months. Tkalčićeva Street is famous for its cafes, but the cobblestones can be bumpy. Look for establishments in newer buildings for the best chance of finding accessible restrooms.

Shopping Centers

For a fully accessible shopping and dining experience, Zagreb's modern malls are an excellent choice.

• Arena Centar: Located next to the Zagreb Arena, this is one of the city's largest malls with over 200 stores, a food court, and a cinema, all fully accessible with ample parking and facilities.
• City Center One (West & East): Both locations offer a wide range of shops and restaurants in a modern, barrier-free environment.

Local Insider Tips for a Barrier-Free Zagreb Trip

1. Follow the Blue Pavement: In many parts of the Lower Town, a smooth, blue-tinted strip has been integrated into the sidewalks. This was designed for visually impaired individuals but provides a much smoother surface for wheelchair users compared to the surrounding pavers.

2. Plan a Downhill Upper Town Route: Use the funicular to get to the Upper Town. From the top station, plan your exploration in a predominantly downhill direction, ending near St. Mark's Church. This minimizes the strenuous effort of pushing uphill on difficult cobblestone terrain.

3. Use Google Maps Street View: Before heading out, use Street View to scout your route. This allows you to check for curb cuts, cobblestone density, and potential obstacles like construction, saving you time and energy.

4. Accessible Restrooms: Public accessible restrooms can be found at the main train station (Glavni Kolodvor), the main bus station (Autobusni Kolodvor), in all major shopping centers, and in a dedicated facility beneath Ban Jelačić Square.