So, is Zagreb expensive? Short answer: moderate. Long answer: keep reading.

☕ Coffee Prices: Still a Local Ritual (and Still Affordable)

Coffee is practically a lifestyle in Zagreb. Sitting for hours on a terrace with one espresso is not only accepted — it’s expected.

• Espresso: €1.80 – €2.50
• Cappuccino: €2.50 – €3.50
• Trendy cafés: up to €4

Compared to Western Europe, this is still a bargain. You’re paying for time, atmosphere, and people-watching — not just caffeine.

🍺 Beer & Wine: Social Life Without the Shock

Zagreb is a city where grabbing a drink doesn’t feel like a financial decision.

• Local beer (0.5L): €3 – €5
• Craft beer: €5 – €7
• Glass of wine: €3 – €6
• Bottle in store: from €6

Prices have increased slightly since pre-2020 days, but compared to cities like London or Copenhagen, Zagreb still feels refreshingly reasonable.

🍽️ Eating Out: Cheap Bites vs Proper Dining

This is where Zagreb really shines — flexibility.

💸 Budget options:

• Bakery snack: €1.50 – €3
• Fast food / street food: €6 – €10
• Casual lunch menu: €10 – €15

🍷 Mid-range to nice restaurants:

• Dinner for two: €40 – €70
• Upscale dining: €80 – €120+

You can eat like a king… or like a student. Your choice.

🚕 Taxi Prices: Not Terrible, But Not Cheap Either

Taxis in Zagreb are no longer “cheap cheap,” but they’re still manageable.

• Start fee: ~€2
• Per km: €1 – €1.30
• Airport to city: €20 – €30

That said, here’s a little secret: you might not need taxis at all. Zagreb is surprisingly compact, and if you’re wondering whether you can just walk everywhere, check out this guide on how easy it is to explore Zagreb on foot. Walking is often faster, cheaper, and far more enjoyable.

💧 Tap Water: A Hidden Money Saver

Here’s where you save money without even trying.

Tap water in Zagreb is excellent — clean, safe, and honestly better than in many European cities. Instead of constantly buying bottled water, just refill and go.

If you want the full story, read this breakdown of whether you can safely drink tap water in Zagreb. Your wallet (and the planet) will thank you.

🎟️ Free Things to Do: Yes, They Exist (Plenty!)

Zagreb doesn’t force you to spend money to have a good time. In fact, some of the best experiences are completely free:

• Walking through the Upper Town
• Exploring Dolac Market
• Watching the sunset from Strossmayer Promenade
• Strolling in Maksimir Park

If you want more inspiration, here’s a great list of free things to do in Zagreb that can easily fill your itinerary without touching your budget.

🧾 So… Is Zagreb Expensive?

Here’s the honest breakdown:

• Cheaper than: Western Europe (Paris, Amsterdam, London)
• Similar to: Budapest, Prague (maybe slightly higher now)
• More expensive than before: Definitely

Inflation, tourism growth, and the euro introduction have nudged prices upward. But Zagreb still offers strong value for money if you avoid tourist traps and live a little like a local.

🧠 Final Verdict

Zagreb in 2026 sits comfortably in the “affordable but not dirt cheap” category.

You won’t feel broke buying a coffee.
You won’t panic ordering dinner.
And you definitely won’t need a taxi everywhere.

If anything, Zagreb rewards slow travel — walking, sitting, exploring, and enjoying.

And honestly? That’s where the real value is.

The post Is Zagreb Expensive in 2026? A Realistic Guide to Prices in the Croatian Capital appeared first on Zagreb Info.

First: Which Days Are Actually Public Holidays?

Croatia is a proudly Catholic country, so Easter is serious business. Here’s how the long weekend shakes out:

• Good Friday – Not an official public holiday in Croatia (school and offices are technically open), but the atmosphere is solemn and many locals treat it as a semi-holiday anyway. Expect normal-ish opening hours.
• Easter Sunday – Public holiday. Full stop. The country is at church, at grandma’s table, or hiding eggs in the garden.
• Easter Monday – Also a public holiday. Croatia gives you two full days of religious festivity whether you like it or not.

So in practice, you’re looking at two full public holiday closures: Sunday and Monday. Saturday before Easter is a normal working day — use it wisely.

Grocery Stores: Will You Starve?

Let’s tackle the big fear first. The answer is: probably not, but plan ahead.

On Easter Saturday, major supermarket chains like Lidl, Konzum, Tommy, and Studenac are open with their regular hours. This is your golden window — stock up on snacks, wine, cheese, and emergency chocolate.

On Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, nearly all grocery stores are closed. Konzum, Lidl, Tommy — all shut. The Easter Bunny, apparently, also took the day off. A few smaller neighborhood shops (dućani) may open for limited hours, and some petrol stations sell basic provisions. Restaurants and cafés, however, are often open — Zagreb’s café culture doesn’t stop for anyone.

Pro tip: Don’t be the tourist wandering the streets at 10am on Easter Sunday looking for an open supermarket. You will find only pigeons.

Fashion Stores and Shopping Malls

If retail therapy is on your agenda, here’s the deal: shopping malls in Zagreb are closed on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. This means stores inside Arena Centar, City Center One, and similar complexes will be dark and locked up. The Easter Bunny didn’t come to browse H&M either.

On Saturday, malls operate normally — so if you desperately need new shoes or a last-minute outfit, Saturday is your day.

What About Museums in Zagreb?

Good news for culture lovers: Zagreb is famously known as one of the cities with the most museums per square foot in the world — so there’s plenty to choose from. The catch? Many museums close on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, or operate reduced hours.

That said, some institutions do stay open, so it’s worth checking individual websites before you visit. Perennial favorites like the Museum of Broken Relationships (a genuinely unmissable stop — where else can you see an axe someone used to destroy their ex’s furniture?) and the Museum of Contemporary Art are worth planning around. The Zagreb Cathedral is open on Easter Sunday for masses at regular hours — it’s actually a stunning place to visit, especially on one of Croatia’s most important religious days.

The Lotrščak Tower, note, has been known to close on Easter and Easter Monday, so verify ahead.

Programs and Things to Do When Shops Are Closed

Here’s where Zagreb really shines. When the shops go quiet, the city doesn’t:

• Dolac Market (Saturday): Zagreb’s iconic open-air market on Saturday morning is pure joy — fresh produce, flowers, locals arguing about tomatoes. Pure Croatian life.
• Upper Town (Gornji Grad): Wander the medieval streets, peer into St. Mark’s Church with its famously colorful tiled roof, and soak up the atmosphere. Free, beautiful, and open every day.
• Maksimir Park: Zagreb’s version of Central Park — 18 hectares of forests, lakes, and trails. Perfect for a lazy Easter walk, picnic, or pretending you’re sporty.
• Botanical Garden: Free to enter, tranquil, and lovely in spring. If the weather cooperates.
• Café hopping: The locals call it špica — the Saturday morning coffee ritual on Tkalčićeva Street. Join them. You will not regret it.
• Easter Fair on Ban Jelačić Square: Zagreb often hosts Easter markets with decorated eggs (pisanice), traditional crafts, and enough chocolate to satisfy even the most demanding Easter Bunny.

Speaking of Weather…

Ah yes, the weather. Easter in Zagreb can be anything. Warm and sunny with cherry blossoms? Possible. Cold, grey, and drizzling? Also very possible. Snow? It has happened. Pack layers, bring a light rain jacket, and manage your expectations. Think of it as a meteorological Easter egg hunt — you never know what you’re going to get.

What About Plitvice Lakes?

Great news: Plitvice Lakes National Park is open year-round, including Easter. The park opens daily from 8am (closing time varies by season — later in spring and summer), and Easter is actually a beautiful time to visit, with waterfalls running full and the greenery waking up. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Zagreb and very doable as a day trip.

Just be aware: you won’t be the only one with this idea. Book your tickets online in advance, arrive early, and enjoy one of Europe’s most spectacular natural wonders without turning it into a stress fest.

Worth a Side Trip to Vienna for Easter?

If you’re already in the region, Vienna is a natural extension of your Easter adventure — just a few hours away by train. Austrian Easter markets are charming, the city is gorgeous in spring, and the Viennese take their holiday traditions very seriously (in the best possible way). Curious about opening times in Vienna during Easter? Check out this handy guide: Opening Times in Vienna During Easter — What to Expect

The Bottom Line

Zagreb during Easter is absolutely worth visiting. The city is charming, the atmosphere is festive, and the café culture means you will never go thirsty or hungry for long. Just do your grocery shopping on Saturday, check museum hours in advance, embrace the idea that not everything needs to be open all the time, and let the city surprise you.

And if all else fails — the Easter Bunny had to close his shop too. Even bunnies need a day off.

🐣

The post Opening Times in Zagreb During Easter? What Should You Expect? appeared first on Zagreb Info.

The short answer: Yes. The long answer: Your calves are going to have a very serious conversation with you by Tuesday.

1. The Reality Check: Is Zagreb Walkable?

If we’re talking about the city center, Zagreb is so compact it makes a sardine can look spacious. Most of the “must-see” spots are clustered together like guests at a free buffet. You can absolutely explore Zagreb on foot without ever touching a tram handle or calling an Uber.

Public transport is like that optional side dish you order “just in case”—it’s great to have, but you’ll probably be too busy enjoying the main course (the walking) to need it. The city layout is divided into the Lower Town (Donji Grad), which is flat and grid-like, and the Upper Town (Gornji Grad), which is… well, the name is a bit of a spoiler. It’s up.

2. Walking Distances That Make It Real

To help you plan your “accidental fitness holiday,” let’s break down the walking distances in Zagreb using the universal measurement of time and “shoe regret.”

As you can see, exploring Zagreb on foot is a breeze for the historical bits. But if you decide to walk to the Zoo in slippers, you aren’t a tourist; you’re a legend (or a masochist).

3. Hills, Elevation, and the Slippers Dilemma

Is Zagreb flat like Amsterdam? Bless your heart, no. Zagreb is sneakily hilly.

The Lower Town is a paradise for the slipper-clad. You can wander through the “Green Horseshoe”—a series of beautiful parks—and feel like royalty. But then you hit the Upper Town. To get there, you either take the world’s shortest funicular (lazy but legendary) or you tackle the stairs.

Can you walk everywhere in Zagreb in slippers?

• Lower Town: Brave and cozy.
• Upper Town: Optimistic, but prepare for the “stair-climb glute burn.”
• Tkalčićeva Street: The “one coffee per kilometer” rule applies here. You’ll walk ten meters, see a cute café, and stop. It’s the law.

4. Everyday Walking Scenarios: The “Step Count Explosion”

In Zagreb, your fitness tracker will think you’ve been kidnapped by a very active hiking group.

• Sightseeing & Museums: Most are within a 15-minute radius. It’s a “steps count explosion” waiting to happen.
• Catching a Train: The walk from the square to the station is a straight line through three gorgeous parks. It’s so pretty you might actually miss your train because you were busy Instagramming a fountain.
• Watching a Dinamo Zagreb Match: Walking to Stadion Maksimir is a “healthy walk.” Most locals take the tram, but if you walk, you get to witness the city transition from old-world charm to socialist-era grandeur. Plus, it earns you that post-match beer.

5. The Zoo & Stadium Reality: When a Tram Feels Like Luxury

Let’s be honest: Zagreb city size is deceptive. While the center is tiny, the city stretches out towards the mountains and the river.

Walking to the Zagreb Zoo or Stadion Maksimir is totally doable if you have a couple of hours and a playlist you really like. However, this is the exact moment where the blue Zagreb trams start looking like chariots sent from the gods. If your slippers are starting to lose their structural integrity, just hop on a Number 11 or 12. Your feet will thank you.

🌿 Bonus: Before You Go to Plitvice…

If you think walking in Zagreb is a test, Plitvice Lakes is the final exam.

Before you head out on a day trip, forget the slippers. Seriously. Put them in a safe, lock the safe, and throw away the key. Plitvice involves kilometers of wooden boardwalks, uneven limestone stairs, and the constant threat of a “unintentional swim” if you trip.

• Zagreb walking: A social stroll with coffee breaks.
• Plitvice walking: Nature endurance. Comfortable shoes are not “suggested”—they are mandatory for survival.

The Slipper Verdict

So, back to the big question: Is Zagreb walkable in slippers and a positive attitude?

Yes. You can absolutely conquer the city center, charm the locals with your footwear, and see 90% of the sights without ever opening a ride-share app. You will experience slight regret around the third set of stairs leading to the Upper Town, and you might develop a deep, spiritual bond with the city’s park benches.

Overall success? 100%. Just remember: Zagreb is a city built for wandering. It’s a place where “getting lost” just means you found a better bakery.

The post The Size of Zagreb – Can It Be Explored on Foot in Slippers and a Positive Attitude? appeared first on Zagreb Info.

“Whoa, Leo!” I called out, jogging over. “Is that… a dare? Or are you just feeling particularly brave today?”

Leo wiped his mouth, looking refreshed. “Neither. It’s just water. Haven’t you noticed everyone doing this?”

“I noticed, but I figured they were locals with iron stomachs,” I joked. “I’ve been eyeing the vending machines. I wasn’t sure if tap water in Zagreb is safe for us mere visitors.”

Is Tap Water in Zagreb Safe to Drink?

Leo leaned against the stone rim of the fountain. “Actually, I did a little digging before we landed. Tap water in Zagreb isn’t just safe; it’s actually high quality. It’s not like some cities where you smell chlorine the moment you turn on the faucet.”

“Really? Even for sensitive tourist stomachs?” I asked, still a bit skeptical.

“Absolutely. Zagreb gets its water from massive underground aquifers—essentially giant natural filters of sand and gravel in the Sava River valley. Because it’s groundwater, it stays cool and protected. Plus, as a member of the EU, Croatia has to follow incredibly strict water quality standards. The tap water quality is monitored daily.”

I looked at the clear water bubbling up. “So, I don’t need to worry about bacteria or anything? I’ve had some ‘vacation ruins’ thanks to bad water before.”

“Not here,” Leo reassured me. “According to the Croatian Institute of Public Health, the water is consistently tested and meets all safety parameters. It’s some of the cleanest urban water in Europe. Honestly, the locals take a lot of pride in it.”

Drink Water or Buy Water Bottles: The Budget Battle

“Well, that changes my budget for the afternoon,” I said, looking at my empty plastic bottle. “I was about to drop three euros on a chilled bottle at the kiosk.”

“That’s the best part,” Leo said, pointing toward the upper town. “Zagreb is a dream for budget travelers. There are public ‘Francek’ fountains (those cool, old-fashioned iron pumps) all over the city. If you drink tap water instead of buying it, you save enough over a week to pay for a nice dinner at a bistro.”

“And it fits perfectly with all the other free things to do in Zagreb,” I added. “If the hydration is free, it makes walking to the Stone Gate or wandering through Maksimir Park even easier on the wallet.”

Decoding the Labels: Water With Gas or Without Gas?

“Okay, but what if I do want a bottle for the fizz?” I asked. “I saw a whole aisle of water in the Konzum earlier, and I was totally lost.”

Leo laughed. “Croatians love their sparkling water. If you’re standing in front of the cooler trying to decide whether to drink water or buy water bottles, you need to know two words:

• Gazirana: This is water with gas (sparkling). It’s usually in green or dark blue bottles.
• Negazirana: This is water without gas (still). This is what you want if you just want regular H2O.

But seriously, unless you specifically want the bubbles, buying ‘Negazirana’ is basically paying for plastic you don’t need.”

The Plitvice Temptation: Can You Drink the Park Water?

“Speaking of beautiful water,” I said, “we’re heading to Plitvice Lakes National Park tomorrow. Those waterfalls look so pristine—I bet you can just dip your bottle right into the lake there, right?”

Leo held up a finger. “Actually, hold your horses on that one. Even though Plitvice looks like a literal paradise, the official advice is a bit different. Because it’s a protected ecosystem with a lot of wildlife (and thousands of tourists), you shouldn’t drink directly from the lakes or streams.”

“So, the tap water Zagreb safe rule doesn’t apply to the wild?”

“Exactly. While the water is incredibly pure, it’s untreated. It’s always better to fill your reusable bottle at your hotel in Zagreb before you leave or use the designated taps at the park entrances. Don’t risk the ‘wild’ water, even if it looks like a bottled water commercial.”

The Verdict: Tap Water or Plastic?

We stood there for a moment, watching a group of teenagers fill up their flasks at the Manduševac fountain. It felt so much more civilized than seeing everyone lugging around heavy packs of plastic-wrapped bottles from a supermarket.

“So, the consensus is?” I asked.

“The consensus,” Leo said, handing me my empty bottle, “is that the tap water quality here is top-tier. It’s cold, it’s free, and it doesn’t taste like a swimming pool.”

I stepped up to the fountain, filled my bottle to the brim, and took a sip. It was crisp, flavorless (in the best way possible), and ice-cold.

“You’re right,” I admitted, tucking the bottle into my bag. “Spending money on bottled water here is like paying for air.”

Quick Summary for Zagreb Travelers:

• Is it safe? Yes, the tap water in Zagreb is perfectly safe and highly regulated.
• Where does it come from? Deep natural underground aquifers.
• Should I buy bottled? Only if you want water with gas (Gazirana). Otherwise, save your money!
• Pro Tip: Look for the “Francek” fountains around the city for free, fresh refills.

“Ready to go?” Leo asked. “Now that we’ve saved six euros on water, I think that covers our funicular ride and a coffee.”

“Lead the way,” I said. “Zagreb is definitely growing on me—one free refill at a time.”

The post A Refreshing Debate at Ban Jelačić Square – Can I drink the tap water in Zagreb? appeared first on Zagreb Info.

The earthquake struck in the early morning hours and was felt across the city, causing buildings to collapse, power cuts, and widespread panic. The city’s infrastructure was severely impacted, with major damage reported to roads, bridges, and other key structures.

The response from the local authorities was quick, with rescue teams and medical personnel being deployed to the affected areas. The community also rallied around the affected residents, with volunteers and local organizations providing assistance and support to those in need.

The earthquake was a major event in the history of Zagreb, and its impact was felt for many months after the initial shock. Despite the challenges it faced, the city continued to show its resilience and strength, and it quickly began the process of rebuilding and recovery.

There was another earthquake in 1880 which had a magnitude of 6.3. One person was killed and lots of buildings were destroyed.

The post The 2020 earthquake in Zagreb appeared first on Zagreb Info.

The easiest way to travel between the two cities is by joining an organized tour that will take you directly from your hotel in Zagreb to Ljubljana. Several tours are available in which you also visit the fantastic Bled, and some even add the world-famous dripstone cave in Postojna to the day-trips.

• If you want to look at different options for day-tours to Ljubljana from Zagreb, check this site.

What to see in Ljubljana?

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is a charming city with many important attractions to visit. Here we will shortly summarize some of the most important attractions in Ljubljana.

Ljubljana Castle: A historic castle situated on a hill overlooking the city, offering panoramic views of Ljubljana and its surroundings.

Prešeren Square: The central square of Ljubljana, named after Slovenia’s greatest poet and a cultural hub of the city.

Triple Bridge: A unique bridge spanning the Ljubljanica River, connecting the old town with the modern city.

Tivoli Park: A large park in the center of Ljubljana, offering a peaceful escape from the busy city.

Ljubljana Cathedral: A stunning baroque church located in the heart of the old town, featuring intricate carvings and frescoes.

Ljubljana Central Market: A bustling open-air market offering local food, crafts, and souvenirs.

The National Museum of Slovenia: A museum showcasing Slovenia’s cultural and historical heritage.

These are just some of the wonderful attractions and sites worth exploring in Ljubljana. For more information, take a look at the Ljubljana Guide.

The post Is it possible to visit Ljubljana on a day-trip from Zagreb? appeared first on Zagreb Info.

Earlier life was easy. When you traveled abroad you didn’t bring your TV with you, and it was obvious that you couldn’t watch your local TV stations when raging around in the big world. Today things are different. We have smart devices, smart TV plugins, meaning that you can easily access and watch your favorite streaming services all across the world. But, if you visit another country and open the Netflix application, you will quickly discover that the content you see is different. What has happened? You are watching the Netflix content available in your current nation, and not the Netflix content available in Croatia. What can you do to fix this?

Can I watch Croatian Netflix abroad?

No matter how much I would love to say yes, my current answer to the question is no! I have tested a whole lot of VPN providers, but no matter which one I have tested, the answer is no. There might be that the IPSX platform will be able to help you in the future, but besides that, I do not see any option or easy solution for those who want to watch Croatian Netflix abroad.

If you are an adult, you can still access Netflix and watch content with Croatian subtitles (or English subtitles), but if you want to have the actual content of Croatian Netflix or maybe some Croatian audio, you will most likely suffer as you travel abroad.

So, I guess you should bring a DVD with some local content instead if it is that important. A Croatian IP address might help you get access to and watch live streams of other Croatian TV channels, but it will not help you watch Croatian Netflix.

If you would rather watch content in some other Netflix region, you can visit netflix.fromabroad.org to find out how you can get access to American Netflix and other Netflix nations. But, that might not be exactly what you are looking for.

Do you know of any other solution or way to watch Croatian Netflix?

Can I watch Netflix in Croatia?

Are you coming to Croatia and are you worried about whether or not you will be able to watch Netflix? You will be able to watch Netflix, but just like a Croatian person abroad will get access to the Netflix content of that given country, you will only have access to the content available on Netflix in Croatia. That is for sure a smaller amount of content than you will find on Netflix in the USA (and other larger regions), but it is still packed with snacks, so you shouldn’t be bored.

But, do not forget – you have come to Zagreb and Croatia to do sightseeing, not sit inside in front of your display to watch Netflix!! 🙂

The post Is there a way to watch Croatian Netflix outside Croatia? appeared first on Zagreb Info.

Samobor is located only a short trip from Zagreb, and you can easily get there using a bus or going with car if you have one. The car trip takes about 30 minutes and it is quite easy to find a parking lot in the city. If you come with bus to Samobor you should be prepared for a 15 minute walk from the bus station to the center of Samobor.

Samobor is a small city with a very nice atmosphere. You might compare it to Szentendre (a city frequently visited by people who go to Budapest), but to be honest, Szentendre has much more to offer than Samobor.

Samobor is known for its special cake, a cream cake (made with egg-cream). It is a very tasty cake, and if you visit the city, this is something you should taste. Samobor might not have the most famous attractions, but it is a city that in itself is beautiful and with a great atmosphere. Here you can walk around on the main square, discover small street or enjoy the view as you climb the hills.

Is it a tragedy if I leave Zagreb without visiting Samobor?

Not at all! You then have an excuse to return some other time, and if you miss out on Samobor and never get to visit the place, you haven’t missed out on to much then either. There are much more important places to visit as you go to Croatia, and you should much rather visit the Plitvice lakes, or go to Ljubljana or something like that instead.

Maybe you read this and disagree with us completely? Feel free to write a comment and to share your thoughts. If you have questions related to Samobor, feel free to write them down as well!

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