Zagreb Price Guide 2026: A Full Cost Breakdown

Zagreb Price Guide: How Much Does a Trip Cost in 2026?

Zagreb, Croatia's charming and vibrant capital, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and cuisine without the hefty price tag of other major European cities. But how much should you actually budget for a trip? This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expected costs for accommodation, food, transportation, and activities to help you plan your 2026 Zagreb adventure.

Is Zagreb an Expensive City to Visit?

Compared to Western European capitals like Paris or London, or even its coastal Croatian sibling Dubrovnik, Zagreb is significantly more affordable. It offers excellent value for money, allowing travelers to enjoy high-quality experiences at a fraction of the cost. From hearty, inexpensive meals at traditional inns to an efficient and cheap public transport system, your money goes further here.

Daily Budget in Zagreb: A Realistic Breakdown

Your daily expenses will largely depend on your travel style. Here are three common budget scenarios:

Budget Traveler: €40 – €60 per day

• Accommodation: A bed in a well-rated hostel dorm (€25-€40).
• Food: Breakfast from a bakery ('pekarnica'), a cheap 'gablec' lunch, and a self-catered dinner (€15-€20).
• Transport: Walking and using a few single-journey tram tickets (€2-€3).
• Activities: Exploring free sights like the Upper Town and Dolac Market, with one small museum entry.

Mid-Range Traveler: €70 – €120 per day

• Accommodation: A private Airbnb or a budget-friendly hotel room (€50-€90).
• Food: Coffee and pastry at a café, a sit-down lunch, and dinner at a 'konoba' (traditional restaurant) with a glass of local wine (€30-€50).
• Transport: Using a daily public transport pass or a few short Uber/Bolt rides (€5-€10).
• Activities: Visiting one or two major attractions like the Museum of Broken Relationships and Zagreb Cathedral (€10-€15).

Luxury Traveler: €200+ per day

• Accommodation: A room in a 4 or 5-star hotel like the Esplanade Zagreb (€150+).
• Food: A la carte breakfasts, fine dining experiences, and cocktails at rooftop bars (€80+).
• Transport: Taxis, private transfers, and potentially a rental car for day trips (€30+).
• Activities: Private guided tours, premium wine tasting, and shopping on Ilica Street.

Cost of Accommodation in Zagreb

Accommodation will be your biggest expense, but Zagreb offers options for every budget.

Hostels: Prices and Recommendations

Zagreb has a fantastic hostel scene. A bed in a clean, centrally located dorm typically costs €25 - €40 per night. Many, like Swanky Mint Hostel (rated 4.6★), are located in unique buildings and feature bars and common areas, making them great for solo travelers. Private rooms in hostels are also available for around €60 - €80.

Private Apartments (Airbnb/Booking.com): The Sweet Spot

A studio or one-bedroom apartment in the city center or a nearby neighborhood like Trešnjevka is the best value for couples or small groups. Expect to pay €50 - €90 per night for a well-equipped, modern space. This allows you to save money by preparing your own breakfast or light meals.

Mid-Range & Boutique Hotels

For more comfort and services, mid-range hotels offer rooms for €100 - €180 per night. Boutique hotels are increasingly popular, offering unique design and a personalized experience within this price range. Look for hotels just outside the immediate pedestrian zone for better rates.

Food and Drink Prices in Zagreb

Croatian food is hearty, delicious, and affordable. Zagreb is a foodie city where you can eat very well without breaking the bank.

Supermarket Prices

Shopping at a local Konzum or Spar supermarket is a great way to save. A loaf of bread costs around €1.50, a liter of milk is €1, and local cheese (like Paški sir) is a great value.

Street Food and Bakeries ('Pekarnica')

Bakeries are a way of life in Zagreb. You can get a delicious pastry, slice of pizza, or a 'burek' (a savory pastry filled with meat or cheese) for €2 - €4. For a cheap and filling bite, this is your best bet.

Restaurant Meals: Konobas vs. Fine Dining

A 'konoba' is a traditional tavern serving local dishes. A main course, such as 'purica s mlincima' (turkey with a special baked pasta), will cost between €12 and €20. For a more upscale experience, a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant will be around €30 - €50 per person. Zagreb also has several Michelin-recommended restaurants where prices are significantly higher but still a value compared to other European cities.

Cost of Coffee, Beer, and Wine

Zagreb has a thriving café culture. An espresso costs around €1.50, while a cappuccino or 'kava s mlijekom' (coffee with milk) is €1.80 - €2.50. A half-liter of local draft beer ('pivo'), like Ožujsko or Karlovačko, costs €3 - €4 in a bar. A glass of quality Croatian wine is around €4 - €6.

Transportation Costs in Zagreb

Zagreb is a very walkable city, but its public transport is cheap and efficient for covering longer distances.

Getting from Zagreb Airport (ZAG) to the City Center

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

• Airport Shuttle Bus: The most common option. It runs every 30 minutes to the main bus station (Autobusni Kolodvor). The journey takes 30-40 minutes and costs €8.
• Uber/Bolt: A ride to the city center costs between €15 and €25, depending on traffic. It's a great option if you have luggage or are traveling in a group.
• Public Bus: Line 290 is the cheapest option (€1-€2) but is also the slowest, taking nearly an hour.

Public Transport (ZET): Trams and Buses

Zagreb's iconic blue trams are the backbone of the city's transport network (ZET).

• 30-minute ticket: €0.53 (purchased via the mozaik app or at a kiosk)
• 60-minute ticket: €0.93
• Daily Pass (Dnevna karta): €3.98, offering unlimited rides until 04:00 the next day.
• 3-Day Pass: €9.29

Tickets must be validated upon entering the vehicle.

Cost of Attractions and Activities in Zagreb

Many of Zagreb's best experiences are free, but its unique museums are worth the small entrance fees.

Free Things to Do in Zagreb

• Walk the Upper Town (Gornji Grad): Explore St. Mark's Church, the Croatian Parliament, and the Stone Gate.
• Visit Dolac Market: Experience the vibrant 'belly of Zagreb' with its red umbrellas and fresh produce. Open daily from 07:00 to 14:00 (13:00 on Sundays).
• Stroll through Zrinjevac Park: A beautiful park that's part of the 'Green Horseshoe'.
• Window shop along Ilica Street: The main shopping artery of the city.

Museum Ticket Prices

Zagreb has a museum for every interest, and most are very affordable.

• Museum of Broken Relationships: €7
• Zagreb City Museum: €4
• Museum of Contemporary Art: €6.64
• Mimara Museum: €5.30 (Check for reopening after earthquake renovations)
• Technical Museum Nikola Tesla: €4

Insider Tips for Saving Money in Zagreb

1. Eat a 'Gablec': This is a traditional mid-day cooked meal, similar to a 'menu of the day'. From Monday to Friday, many local restaurants offer a gablec for just €6 - €9. It's the most authentic and budget-friendly way to eat a large meal. 2. Drink Tap Water: The tap water in Zagreb is of excellent quality and perfectly safe to drink. Bring a reusable bottle and fill up to save money and reduce plastic waste. 3. Use the ZET Mobile App: For the cheapest and most convenient public transport tickets, download the 'mozaik' app. 4. Visit Dolac Market in the Afternoon: Head to the market around 13:00-14:00, just before it closes. Vendors are often willing to give you a discount on remaining produce. 5. Enjoy the Café Culture: Instead of a big restaurant breakfast, do as the locals do. Grab a coffee at one of the thousands of outdoor cafés and a pastry from a nearby 'pekarnica' for a delicious and cheap start to your day.