Croatia
Zagreb
Croatia
Zagreb
Updated Sun, Jan 18, 2026
Overview
Croatia's capital surprises visitors with its dual personality. The Upper Town showcases medieval charm while Lower Town pulses with contemporary energy. Locals escape to Jarun Lake for weekend picnics, browse Dolac Market for fresh produce, and sip coffee in cozy courtyards tucked behind busy streets. Street art covers abandoned buildings.
Best time to visit. Visit May through September for warm weather and outdoor festivals. December brings magical Christmas markets. Avoid July-August crowds by choosing shoulder seasons when locals return from coast.
City stats
Population
767,131
Land area
251 sq. mi.
Currency
Euro
Year founded
1094 CE
Official language
Croatian
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
City of Zagreb
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
Quick links
How to get there
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Cities within 8 hours
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Breakfast and brunch
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Where to stay for work trips
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Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
Map
City details
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Nearby
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Things to do
Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 39°F - 27°F | 34°F - 22°F | Cloudy | 7:39 am | 4:25 pm | 8 days 1.9 in | 6 days 5.3 in | 7 mph |
| February | 45°F - 30°F | 41°F - 25°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:16 am | 5:12 pm | 7 days 1.7 in | 4 days 3.2 in | 9 mph |
| March | 55°F - 37°F | 52°F - 33°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:35 am | 6:07 pm | 9 days 2.3 in | 2 days 1.2 in | 9 mph |
| April | 64°F - 45°F | 62°F - 42°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:49 am | 7:02 pm | 10 days 2.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| May | 73°F - 54°F | 72°F - 52°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:16 am | 7:50 pm | 11 days 3.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| June | 79°F - 61°F | 79°F - 60°F | Sunny | 4:59 am | 8:15 pm | 10 days 3.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| July | 84°F - 64°F | 86°F - 64°F | Sunny | 5:09 am | 8:07 pm | 8 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| August | 84°F - 64°F | 86°F - 64°F | Sunny | 5:38 am | 7:35 pm | 8 days 3.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| September | 75°F - 55°F | 75°F - 54°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:15 am | 6:43 pm | 8 days 2.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| October | 64°F - 46°F | 62°F - 43°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:54 am | 5:48 pm | 8 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| November | 52°F - 39°F | 48°F - 35°F | Cloudy | 7:35 am | 4:58 pm | 9 days 2.9 in | 1 days 0.5 in | 7 mph |
| December | 41°F - 30°F | 37°F - 25°F | Cloudy | 7:56 am | 4:16 pm | 8 days 2.2 in | 4 days 3.8 in | 7 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebrates the start of the new year with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| Epiphany | January 6 | Christian holiday commemorating the visit of the Magi to baby Jesus. Some businesses close. | Travel possible, some closures expected. | ||
| Easter Sunday | Varies (March/April) | Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' resurrection. Families gather for traditional meals. | Limited services, family-focused day. | ||
| Easter Monday | Day after Easter Sunday | Public holiday following Easter. Many businesses and attractions remain closed. | Expect closures, plan activities carefully. | ||
| Labour Day | May 1 | Celebrates workers' rights. Public holiday with parades and demonstrations in cities. | Expect closures, but some events to attend. | ||
| Statehood Day | May 30 | Commemorates the first democratic elections in Croatia. National holiday with celebrations. | Some closures, but festive atmosphere. | ||
| Anti-Fascist Struggle Day | June 22 | Commemorates the start of anti-fascist resistance in WWII. Official commemorations held. | Minor disruptions, most places open. | ||
| Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day | August 5 | Celebrates Croatia's victory in the War of Independence. Parades and events nationwide. | Patriotic events, some businesses closed. | ||
| Assumption of Mary | August 15 | Catholic holiday honoring Virgin Mary. Religious services and some business closures. | Religious observances, some closures. | ||
| Independence Day | October 8 | Marks Croatia's independence from Yugoslavia. Official ceremonies and celebrations held. | Festive atmosphere, some closures. | ||
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Christian holiday honoring saints. Families visit cemeteries to remember loved ones. | Solemn day, expect some closures. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' birth. Families gather for festive meals and gifts. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| St. Stephen's Day | December 26 | Public holiday following Christmas. Extended Christmas celebrations, many places closed. | Holiday atmosphere, limited services. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zagreb Winter Festival | January - February | Multi-week winter celebration with outdoor activities, ice skating, and seasonal entertainment in the city center. | Great time to visit with festive atmosphere and winter activities. | ||
| Animafest Zagreb | typically early June | International festival of animated film showcasing global animation works and industry professionals. | Minimal impact on general tourism, cultural event for film enthusiasts. | ||
| InMusic Festival | late June | Major outdoor music festival on Jarun Lake featuring international rock, pop, and electronic artists. | Crowded accommodation, high prices, vibrant music scene experience. | ||
| Zagreb Summer Evenings | July - August | Outdoor cultural program with concerts, theater, and performances in parks and historic venues. | Excellent time to visit with enhanced cultural programming. | ||
| World Theatre Festival | September - October | International theater festival presenting contemporary drama and experimental performances from global companies. | Good time for culture lovers, minimal disruption to tourism. | ||
| Zagreb Film Festival | October - November | International film festival showcasing independent cinema, documentaries, and emerging filmmakers. | Cultural highlight with film screenings, little tourism impact. | ||
| Advent in Zagreb | late November - early January | Award-winning Christmas market celebration with traditional crafts, food, and holiday entertainment. | Popular but crowded, magical Christmas atmosphere worth experiencing. |
1 | Learn basic Croatian phrases like 'Hvala' (thank you) and 'Dobar dan' (good day). Locals appreciate tourists who make an effort to speak their language, even if it's just a few words. |
2 | Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing. Some places may provide shawls to cover up, but it's best to come prepared. |
3 | Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, round up the bill or leave 10-15% for good service. Taxi drivers and hotel staff also appreciate small tips for their service. |
4 | Respect quiet hours, especially in residential areas. Avoid loud noises between 10 PM and 7 AM. Croatians value peace and quiet, particularly in the evenings and early mornings. |
5 | Be mindful of the rocky beaches. Many Croatian beaches are pebbly or rocky, not sandy. Bring water shoes to protect your feet and make walking on the beach more comfortable. |
6 | Try local specialties like seafood, truffles, and olive oil. Avoid asking for ketchup or other non-traditional condiments, as it may be seen as disrespectful to the local cuisine. |
7 | Always carry some cash. While many places accept cards, smaller towns, markets, and some restaurants may only take cash. ATMs are widely available in urban areas. |
8 | Remove your shoes when entering someone's home unless told otherwise. It's a common practice in Croatia to keep homes clean. If unsure, ask your host what they prefer. |
Brainstorm ideas, plan your way, then navigate on the ground with personalized recommendations that adapt in real time.
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