Zagreb is an under-rated city known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Zagreb that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Zagreb?
You should plan to spend around $97 (€89) per day on your vacation in Zagreb. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $31 (€29) on meals
- $9.93 (€9.11) on local transportation
- $105 (€97) on hotels
A one week trip to Zagreb for two people costs, on average, $1,358 (€1,246). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$679
€623
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,358
€1,246
-
One Month
Per person
$2,910
€2,670
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,358
€1,246
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,716
€2,492
-
One Month
For a couple
$5,819
€5,340
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Zagreb cost?
A one week trip to Zagreb usually costs around $679 (€623) for one person and $1,358 (€1,246) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Zagreb on average costs around $1,358 (€1,246) for one person and $2,716 (€2,492) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Zagreb will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Zagreb on average costs around $2,910 (€2,670) for one person and $5,819 (€5,340) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Zagreb expensive to visit?
Zagreb is a smaller city that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Zagreb can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $41 (€38) per day, mid-range travelers spend $97 (€89) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $209 (€192) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Zagreb.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Zagreb is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Novi Sad, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Avignon.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Zagreb Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Zagreb?
The average Zagreb trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Zagreb travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Zagreb cost?
Zagreb on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$23
(€21)
|
$53
(€48)
|
$108
(€99)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$4
(€3.87)
|
$10
(€9.11)
|
$21
(€19)
|
|
Food 2
|
$13
(€12)
|
$31
(€29)
|
$69
(€64)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$5
(€4.62)
|
$13
(€12)
|
$33
(€31)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-6
(€2-5)
|
$5-15
(€4-13)
|
$12-35
(€11-32)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Zagreb on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $41 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Zagreb is home to plenty of hostels, including Chillout Hostel Zagreb, Swanky Mint, and Hostel Mali Mrak Zagreb. In these hostels, you can find economical dorm accommodations and a fun social atmosphere, but amenities are typically limited. The city also includes a reliable public transportation system that helps budget travelers avoid overspending on taxis or rideshare services. For visitors to Zagreb, food is often a highlight, but budget travelers frequently choose street food or cook in their hostels, which may limit their experience of the local culinary delights.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most people who travel to Zagreb will want to experience its major attractions, museums, and historical landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $97 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Zagreb. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Hotel Jarun is a great choice for kids, and Casablanca Boutique Bed&Breakfast is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Zagreb hotel costs guide.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $209 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the city, prepare for a pricier experience. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Experience Zagreb with a local - Private walking tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Zagreb
The prices for hotels in Zagreb can really vary, especially during peak travel season. Off-season, the average hotel room costs $62, while during peak summer season, that average price jumps to around $116. With budget accommodations starting at $45 and luxury hotels peaking at $174, there are options for every traveler. Dorm-style hostels are often the cheapest. Traveling during the low season or booking early can help you save.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Zagreb for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $105 (€97). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $53 (€48) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Zagreb? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Zagreb include:
- Hotel Antunovic Zagreb starting at $90
- Canopy By Hilton Zagreb City Centre starting at $87
- Livris Hotel starting at $46
- Hotel Antunovic Zagreb Zagreb starting at $99
- B&B Fotic starting at $84
Thanks to Zagreb's great public transportation, you can stay outside the city for cheaper accommodations, but be aware of the potential for increased transportation costs and commute time.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of summer) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.
Exploring Zagreb on foot is a popular choice, so it's wise to find a place in the center of it all. Just be prepared for potentially higher prices.
The city's old town is a favorite spot for visitors. Hotels here may be expensive, but they usually have a lot of character and offer convenient access to local attractions.
Transportation Budget in Zagreb
Zagreb has a fantastic public transit system. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular. For a quick and affordable way to get around, public transit is your best bet. Taxis and rideshare services are also available throughout the city.
Those who relish exploring on foot will find plenty to enjoy during their visit. It's a city that lives outdoors. It's very walkable with many outdoor cafes and parks where you can take a stroll.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $9.93 (€9.11) per person, per day, on local transportation in Zagreb. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Zagreb is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$9.93
€9.11
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Zagreb Airport One Way Private transfer To or From Airport for $26 details
- Private Transfer from Zagreb to Split with Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour Included for $131 details
- Private Transfer from Zagreb to Split with a Local Experienced Driver for $101 details
How much does it cost to go to Zagreb? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Zagreb will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Zagreb
The cuisine in Zagreb is amazing, and you definitely want to take the time to sample all the local flavors. The food is heartier than you might expect with many recipes that involve stew or dumplings. Cheese and meat are common ingredients as well, with far less seafood than you'll find in the coastal cities. Popular dishes include Zagrebački odrezak (a rolled up ham, cheese, and veal sandwich), Štrukli (dough filled with cheese), and Ajngemahtec (vegetarian stew).
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Zagreb can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Zagreb is $31 (€29) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$31
€29
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Zagreb is around $31 (€29) per person, with previous travelers spending from $13 to $69. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Zagreb are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $9
- Lunch: $5 to $12
- Dinner: $9 to $22
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
There are plenty of great restaurants around Zagreb, but if you're on a tight budget your best options may be take away sandwich joints or pizza restaurants, of which there are plenty. There are also plenty of fast food options. Most of the budget options are found in the city center near the main square and the nearby blocks. Popular discount food chains in the area include Daily Fresh, Mlinar, Pan Pek, Dubravica, and of course, McDonald's. Other options include kebab places and pancake-to-go shops.
If you're looking for a more authentic dining experience you can expect to pay a little more, but you will get a much higher quality of food, so it is generally worth the splurge. Some of the better mid range restaurants also have a live band performing so it can make for a fun way to spend the evening.
Coffee shops and pastry shops are common throughout the city. Sipping a cup of coffee and soaking up the atmosphere is a pleasant way to pass the time and get a real sense of the city.
Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Zagreb. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Croatian cuisine cooking class with Dolac market tour for $140 details
- Private Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb for $144 details
- Bite Back in Time: Zagreb's Food Tour Spiced with History for $97 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Zagreb
Tourists can't resist Zagreb, especially for its well-known museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and historical sights.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Zagreb typically cost an average of $13 (€12) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$13
€12
Most of the city's sights are concentrated in Gornji grad (the Upper Town) and Donji grad (the Lower Town). These are the cultural, religious, and historical centers of the city. They are also where you'll find the majority of the city's restaurants, bars and attractions. The city's medival core is the Upper Town. It can be divided into Kaptol and Gradec, which were two towns that merged in the 1770s.
Popular sights in Zagreb include the Old Town Gate, Maksimir Park and Zagreb Zoo, Zrinjevac Park, King Tomislav Square, the Botanical Gardens and Mazuranic Square. There are also two popular lakes in Zagreb, Jarun Lake and Bundek. Popular museums include Mimara Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art among many others.
The Snow Queen Trophy is a popular event in Zagreb. This ski world cup is in January and it is the most expensive race on the women's world cup tour. It brings in a crowd of more than 25,000 people.
Popular activities while you're in town include going to the movies, taking a bike tour, or taking a walking tour. Movies are usually in English with subtitles.
Museums and Attractions:
Museums and historic landmarks are a big part of what makes Zagreb so popular. There are many historical sights around town, particularly in the historic Upper Town. Make sure you visit the Zagreb Cathedral, the Museum of Broken Relationships, Lotrscak Tower, and the historic Stone Gate.
Historical Sights:
Many people come to experience the charm of the historic old town. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.
Shopping:
Shopping here is an enjoyable experience. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Zagreb. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private eclectic experience of Rastoke and Plitvice Lakes National Park for $161 details
- Personalized Eclectic Small-Group Walking Tour for $21 details
- The best of Zagreb in half-day - Private 4-h tour for $148 details
Nightlife Budget in Zagreb
The nightlife experience in Zagreb is both fun and vibrant, with visitors enjoying nights out at local bars, clubs, and parties. There are a huge number of live music venues, clubs, and bars around town where locals hang out late into the evening. The city's nightlife has a more local vibe than other Croatian cities, so you can party with the students and residents and get a true feel for the Croatian culture.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $9.72 (€8.92) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Zagreb per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$9.72
€8.92
Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.
Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially if you're drinking at night. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so stick with trusted friends and avoid wandering alone.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Zagreb. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Private Wine Tour from Two Local Wineries & Samobor for $257 details
- Private Zagreb Walking Tour and Wine Tasting From Zagreb for $101 details
- Taste Zagreb Heritage Wine Tasting with Traditional Lunch for $193 details
Traveling in Zagreb
Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb, in central Croatia, is the country's capital. It has a wonderful old town that has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a great atmosphere. Many people travel to Croatia specifically for its beaches and coastal towns, but if you overlook this lovely capital city, you'll miss a large part of the culture and personality that is Croatia.
The city has a population of around 800,000 people and there are over 1 million in the greater metropolitan area. The climate is technically oceanic, with some similarities to a humid continental climate. There are four seasons in a year and the summers are generally warm and the winters are cold. It is not uncommon for it to snow in the winter months between December and March and the fall months are prone to fog.
Neighborhoods & Around
Zagreb is divided into two main areas of interest to tourists, the Upper and Lower Towns. In the Upper Town (Gornji grad), you'll find the medieval core of the city, but you will also find much history in the Lower Town (Donji Grad). If time allows you should do a walking tour of each as both areas have their own unique personalities and atmospheres. Jelacic Square is the town center of Zagreb. It is marked by a statue of a past governor and is the center of much of the history and government of the area.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.