Zagreb Advent Market is an annual event that brings the holiday spirit to life in the heart of Croatia's capital. It offers a variety of food and drink stalls, shopping opportunities, and entertainment for all ages.

The Zagreb Advent Market is a must-visit during the holiday season. The city center transforms into a magical winter wonderland, with beautifully decorated stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to traditional Croatian delicacies. /n The market also features a variety of entertainment, including live music, theater performances, and children's workshops. The atmosphere is truly festive, with twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine in the air, and the sound of Christmas carols echoing through the streets. It's a wonderful place to soak up the holiday spirit and experience the warmth and hospitality of Zagreb's locals.

Zagreb Advent Market is a festive event that transforms the city into a winter wonderland.

A unique museum that houses a collection of personal items from failed relationships, accompanied by brief descriptions.

The Museum of Broken Relationships is a unique museum in Zagreb that showcases personal items from failed relationships. Each item on display is accompanied by a story, providing a poignant exploration of love and loss. /n The museum was founded by two artists who had ended their relationship and decided to create a place where the material and emotional legacy of broken relationships could be preserved. The result is a museum that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, offering a unique perspective on human relationships and emotions.

The Museum of Broken Relationships showcases personal items from failed relationships.

A beautiful park in the city center, known for its fountains, busts of notable people, and events during the Christmas season.

Zrinjevac Park, officially known as Nikola Šubić Zrinski Square, is one of the most beautiful parks in Zagreb. It's a perfect place to relax, enjoy a picnic, or simply take a leisurely stroll. /n The park is home to several beautiful fountains, statues, and a music pavilion where various concerts and events are held throughout the year. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Zrinjevac Park is a beautiful green oasis in the heart of Zagreb.

This museum presents the history of Zagreb from prehistoric times to the present day.

The Zagreb City Museum, located in the heart of the city, is a treasure trove of information about the history and culture of Zagreb. It houses a vast collection of artifacts, from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum's exhibits are arranged chronologically, making it easy for visitors to follow the city's development through the ages. /n The museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs, making it a vibrant center of cultural activity. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about the city, the Zagreb City Museum is a must-visit.

A museum dedicated to the history and culture of Zagreb.

The Zagreb Cathedral on Kaptol is a Roman Catholic institution and the tallest building in Croatia. It's also one of the most valuable monuments of the Zagreb cultural heritage.

Zagreb Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is not only the tallest building in Croatia but also one of the most important landmarks in Zagreb. /n The cathedral's two towering spires can be seen from various parts of the city, and its interior is equally impressive, with stunning stained glass windows, beautiful frescoes, and a rich collection of religious art. The cathedral is also home to several important cultural events throughout the year.

Zagreb Cathedral is the tallest building in Croatia and a symbol of Zagreb.

Ice Park on King Tomislav Square is a winter attraction in Zagreb where locals and tourists alike can enjoy ice skating amidst beautiful surroundings.

Ice Park on King Tomislav Square is one of the highlights of winter in Zagreb. The park is transformed into a large ice rink, complete with twinkling lights and festive decorations. /n Whether you're an experienced skater or a beginner, the Ice Park offers a fun and enjoyable experience for all ages. The park is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, providing a stunning backdrop as you glide across the ice. After skating, you can warm up with a hot drink at one of the nearby cafes or restaurants.

Ice Park on King Tomislav Square is a popular winter attraction offering ice skating.

The Mirogoj Cemetery is a cemetery park that is considered to be among the more noteworthy landmarks in the City of Zagreb. The cemetery inters members of all religious groups: Catholic, Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Protestant, Latter Day Saints; irreligious graves can all be found.

Mirogoj Cemetery is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe. Located in Zagreb, it's not just a burial place, but also a beautiful park and an open art gallery. /n The cemetery is known for its stunning architecture, featuring a series of domed arcades and lush greenery. It's also home to the graves of many notable Croatians, making it a significant cultural site. The serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make Mirogoj Cemetery a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.

Mirogoj Cemetery is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.

Located within Maksimir Park, the zoo is home to more than 275 animal species from around the world.

Zagreb Zoo is a popular family attraction located in Maksimir Park. Covering over 7 hectares, it's home to a variety of animal species from around the world. /n The zoo is divided into several sections, each representing a different geographical region. Visitors can see animals from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas. The zoo also has a children's zoo, a reptile house, and a sea lion pool. It's a great place for families to spend a day, offering fun and educational experiences for visitors of all ages.

Zagreb Zoo is a popular family attraction located in Maksimir Park.

Discover the charm of Zagreb, the vibrant capital of Croatia. This city is a blend of rich history and modern living, offering a unique European experience. Explore the medieval Upper Town with its iconic St. Mark's Church, or stroll through the bustling streets of the Lower Town, filled with museums, galleries, and cafes. Visit the stunning Zagreb Cathedral, the tallest building in Croatia. Enjoy the local cuisine at Dolac Market, the city's most visited farmers market. Don't miss the Museum of Broken Relationships, a quirky testament to love stories that ended. Zagreb's parks and outdoor spaces, like the beautiful Lake Jarun, provide a breath of fresh air. With its blend of art, history, and lively street culture, Zagreb is a captivating destination.

Zagreb Advent Market

Museum of Broken Relationships

Zrinjevac Park

Start your day at the Zagreb Advent Market, known as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, taste traditional Croatian Christmas delicacies, and shop for unique handmade gifts.

Have lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Croatian cuisine. Try some of the local specialties like 'sarma' (cabbage rolls) or 'bakalar' (cod stew), which are traditional Christmas dishes in Croatia.

Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships, a unique museum that exhibits personal objects left over from failed relationships, each with its own intriguing story.

Enjoy dinner at a family-friendly restaurant offering a variety of dishes to suit all tastes. Don't miss trying 'strukli', a traditional Zagreb dish.

End your day with a stroll through Zrinjevac Park, beautifully lit and decorated for the Christmas season. Enjoy the live music performances and the magical atmosphere.

Exploring the Christmas Market and Upper Town

Zagreb City Museum

Zagreb Cathedral

Ice Park on King Tomislav Square

Start your day with a visit to the Zagreb City Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of the city through various exhibits.

Have lunch at a local restaurant. Try 'pasticada', a slow-cooked beef dish served with homemade gnocchi, a popular dish in Croatia.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Zagreb Cathedral, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Don't miss the chance to climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city.

Dine at a local restaurant offering a variety of international and Croatian dishes. Try 'cevapi', a popular Balkan dish of grilled minced meat.

Visit the Ice Park on King Tomislav Square, a popular winter attraction in Zagreb. Enjoy ice skating with your family under the twinkling Christmas lights.

Historical Journey and Ice Skating Fun

Mirogoj Cemetery

Zagreb Zoo

Start your day with a visit to the Mirogoj Cemetery, known for its beautiful arcades and rich history. Despite being a cemetery, it's a peaceful place to walk and admire the architecture.

Have lunch at a local restaurant. Try 'manestra', a traditional Croatian soup made with vegetables and smoked meat.

Spend the afternoon at the Zagreb Zoo, located within Maksimir Park. The zoo is home to a variety of animals and is a great place for families.

Enjoy your last dinner in Zagreb at a restaurant serving traditional Croatian dishes. Try 'peka', a traditional dish where meat and vegetables are slow-cooked under a bell-like dome.

End your trip with a visit to the Christmas Fairytale at Salata, a magical Christmas event with a live nativity scene, Christmas concerts, and a variety of festive activities.

Peaceful Morning and Festive Evening

Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October

UTC+1

Zagreb's tram network is extensive, operating 24 hours a day. It's a convenient way to get around the city, with frequent services during the day. Night trams operate from midnight to 4am.

Buses are also a popular mode of transport in Zagreb, especially for reaching areas not covered by the tram network. The bus station is centrally located and services run frequently.

Taxis are readily available throughout Zagreb. They can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or through a taxi app. They offer a convenient, though more expensive, mode of transport.

Ridesharing services, such as Uber, are available in Zagreb. This can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around, especially if you're traveling in a group. You'll need to download the app and have internet access to use this service.

Zagreb is a bike-friendly city with numerous cycle paths. There are several places where you can rent a bike for the day, and it's a great way to see the city at your own pace.

Many of Zagreb's main attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in the city center. Walking is a great way to explore and get a feel for the city.

Renting a car is an option if you're comfortable driving in a foreign country. It provides the most flexibility, but keep in mind that parking can be difficult in the city center.

The Zagreb Funicular is one of the city's most iconic forms of transport. It connects the Lower Town to the Upper Town and offers great views of the city. It's also the shortest funicular ride in the world!

The main train station, Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor, is centrally located and connects Zagreb to other Croatian cities and international destinations. It's a good option if you're planning to travel outside of the city.

A traditional dish from the Zagreb region, Strukli is a pastry filled with cottage cheese, sour cream, and eggs, often served as a starter or a main course.

Strukli

Kulen is a type of flavored sausage made of minced pork that is traditionally produced in Croatia. It's a popular appetizer in Zagreb.

Kulen

Čobanac is a traditional Croatian stew made from several types of meat and lots of hot paprika. It's a hearty dish popular in Zagreb.

Čobanac

Sarma is a traditional Croatian dish made of minced meat and rice wrapped in pickled cabbage leaves. It's a staple dish in Zagreb, especially during winter.

Sarma

Peka is a traditional Croatian way of preparing food. The ingredients are placed into a large pot which is then put into a fireplace. It's a popular cooking method in Zagreb.

Peka

Rakija is a popular Croatian brandy that comes in many flavors. It's a traditional drink in Zagreb, often served as an aperitif.

Rakija

Gemist is a refreshing Croatian drink made by mixing white wine and sparkling water. It's a popular choice in Zagreb during hot summer days.

Gemist

Krafne are Croatian doughnuts filled with jam, chocolate, or cream. They are a popular sweet treat in Zagreb.

Krafne

Medovaca is a Croatian honey liqueur. It's a traditional drink in Zagreb, often enjoyed as a digestif after meals.

Medovaca

Palacinke are Croatian pancakes, often filled with jam, chocolate, or nuts. They are a popular dessert in Zagreb.

Palacinke

Purica s mlincima is a traditional Zagreb dish consisting of roasted turkey with a special type of baked flatbread called 'mlinci'.

Purica s mlincima

Varivo is a type of Croatian vegetable stew, often made with beans, potatoes, and carrots. It's a popular comfort food in Zagreb.

Varivo

New Year's Day

Epiphany

Easter Sunday

Easter Monday

Labor Day / May Day

Statehood Day

Corpus Christi

Day of Antifascist Struggle

Victory Day

Assumption of Mary

All Saints' Day

Remembrance Day

Christmas Day

St Stephen's Day

A UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its cascading lakes linked by waterfalls.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Known as 'Little Vienna', famous for its baroque buildings, music, art, and the annual Špancirfest festival.

Varaždin

A beautiful castle dating back to the 13th century, surrounded by a park and a lake.

Trakošćan Castle

A vibrant port city known for its annual carnival, historical sites, and rich cultural scene.

Rijeka

The capital of Slovenia, known for its university population and green spaces, including expansive Tivoli Park.

Ljubljana

Known for the Roman and Venetian ruins of its peninsular Old Town, as well as the modern Sea Organ.

Zadar

Known for its protected harbor, beach-lined coast and Roman ruins like the Pula Arena, one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters.

Pula

Famous for its canals, gondolas, art and architecture.

Venice

Known for its Imperial palaces, including Schönbrunn, the Habsburgs’ summer residence.

Vienna

Hungary’s capital, known for its dramatic cityscape cut by the Danube River and beautiful architecture.

Budapest

Dubrovnik

Hvar

Rovinj

Split

Trogir

A vendor selling hand made Christmas decorations with traditional Licitar heart symbol of Zagreb

Stall with decorations for winter holidays at traditional annual Christmas market

Zrinjevac Fountain decorated by Christmas lights as part of Advent in Zagreb. Fountain is known as The Mushroom.

Advent in Zagreb sign on pavilion in Zrinjevac park

Mandusevac fountain on Ban Jelacic square decorated with advent wreath as part of Advent

Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of Croatia.

The official language is Croatian, but English is widely spoken especially among the younger generation and in tourist areas.

The official currency is the Croatian Kuna (HRK). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand.

Zagreb has a moderate continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures range from 70°F to 90°F (20°C to 32°C), while winter temperatures can drop to 32°F to 45°F (0°C to 7°C).

Tipping is customary in Croatia. It's common to leave around 10% of the bill in restaurants and cafes.

Zagreb is generally safe for tourists, but like in any major city, it's important to stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings.

Public transportation in Zagreb is reliable and efficient. It includes trams, buses, and a funicular. Tickets must be validated upon entering the vehicle.

Taxis and Uber are also available in Zagreb. Always ensure the meter is running to avoid being overcharged.

Smoking is banned in public places in Croatia, including bars and restaurants.

Croatia is part of the European Union, but it's not part of the Schengen Area. This means you may need a visa to visit, depending on your nationality.

Zagreb is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is GMT +1.

The city has a rich history and culture, with many museums, galleries, and theaters.

Traditional Croatian cuisine is diverse and hearty, with influences from neighboring countries. Be sure to try local dishes like 'strukli' and 'cevapi'.

Zagreb has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues.

The city is known for its outdoor markets, the most famous of which is Dolac Market.

Zagreb is a walkable city, but it's also quite hilly. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Croatians are generally friendly and hospitable. Don't hesitate to ask for directions or recommendations.

The city has a mix of architecture from different periods, from medieval to modern.

Zagreb has a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Zagreb Film Festival and Advent in Zagreb.

January is the coldest month in Zagreb, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Pack warm clothing and be prepared for possible snowfall.

February is still quite cold, with a slight increase in temperature. Snow is less likely, but still possible.

March sees the beginning of spring, with temperatures starting to rise. However, it can still be quite chilly, especially in the evenings.

April is a pleasant month to visit Zagreb, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. However, there can be occasional rain showers.

May is a beautiful month to visit Zagreb, with warm temperatures and long, sunny days. It's a great time for outdoor activities.

June is the start of the summer season in Zagreb, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It's a great time to explore the city and its surroundings.

July is the hottest month in Zagreb, with temperatures often exceeding 25 degrees. It's a great time for swimming and sunbathing.

August is another hot month in Zagreb, with high temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It's a great time for outdoor activities and exploring the city.

September is a pleasant month in Zagreb, with mild temperatures and less crowds. It's a great time to visit if you prefer a quieter holiday.

October sees the start of autumn in Zagreb, with cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. It's a great time for hiking and exploring the countryside.

November is a cool month in Zagreb, with temperatures dropping and more rainfall. It's a good time to visit museums and indoor attractions.

December is a cold month in Zagreb, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy Christmas markets and festive decorations.

When visiting Zagreb, Croatia, it's important to be aware of the city's continental climate, which means it experiences hot summers and cold winters. 

During the summer months, from June to August, temperatures can reach up to 86°F (30°C), so it's advisable to pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect against the sun. However, do remember that summer evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket or sweater might come in handy.

In contrast, winter months, from December to February, can be quite cold with temperatures often dropping to 32°F (0°C) or below. Snowfall is common during this time, so if you're planning a winter visit, be sure to pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. Waterproof shoes are also a good idea as the streets can become slushy.

Spring and autumn are generally mild, but the weather can be unpredictable. It's best to pack layers to accommodate fluctuating temperatures. Rain is more frequent during these seasons, so don't forget to pack an umbrella or a raincoat.

Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before your trip to ensure you're adequately prepared. Enjoy your visit to this beautiful city!

Cookie consent

3-Day Family Christmas Holiday Itinerary in Zagreb, Croatia

About Zagreb, Croatia