Zagreb city breaks
Zagreb often feels more like a large town than a major city, so visitors are advised to lean into the locals’ way of life. Those that do can discover colourful markets, eclectic architecture, intriguing museums and a thriving cafe culture. Moreover, with most visitors to the country gravitating to destinations on the Adriatic Coast, Zagreb has fewer crowds, so you can explore its many charms in a leisurely fashion.
Our cheapest holidays to Zagreb
Croatia’s attraction-packed capital
Start off at the imposing Ban Josip Jelacic Square, which is fringed by some impressive buildings. Then climb the steps to reach Dolac Market, a series of three indoor and outdoor markets offering a wide range of regional produce. Nearby, Zagreb’s 19th Century neo-Gothic cathedral is worth a look, its twin spires reaching a height of 354 feet and visible for miles.
Wander around the elegant Upper City with its medieval atmosphere, winding cobblestone streets and gas lights lit by hand every evening to the Croatian Parliament building and the striking St Mark’s Church, with its mishmash of Romanesque and Gothic styles and elaborately decorated roof.
Hop on one of the world’s shortest funiculars down to the Lower Town, which is packed with museums and offers excellent shopping opportunities. Take a stroll along the Green Horseshoe, the U-shaped network of parks and squares in the Lower Town lined with grand mansions and museums. Amble along Park Zrinjevac to enjoy fountains, landscaped lawns, a 19th Century music pavilion and picnic areas. Book your flights to Zagreb today and start exploring.
Carefully selected Zagreb hotels
Best hotels in Zagreb for all types of traveller
We have a great selection of quality hotels in Zagreb to discover. The Westin Zagreb has an enviable central location next to the Mimara Musuem, the National and Theatre and Opera House, and scores of restaurants, shops and cafes. Have an indulgent massage in the hotel’s spa. A host of international dignitaries have stayed here, while the hotel often plays host to high-profile events. Esplanade Zagreb Hotel opened in 1925 to accommodate guests taking the Orient Express and retains its glamour today. The hotel offers sumptuous rooms and lavish marble bathrooms with heated floors. Enjoy a drink on the terrace bar and indulge in a treatment in the spa. Artotel Zagreb is the perfect chic place to enjoy a stylish city break just a short tram ride away from the city's best boutiques, bars and galleries. Enjoy premium dining, relax in the spa or by the pool and unwind on the rooftop terrace.
Zagreb holiday FAQs
- In the city that’s said to have the most museums per capita in the world, it can be hard to stand out. That’s not an issue for one of Zagreb’s quirkier cultural attractions – the Museum of Broken Relationships. The museum showcases personal items and stories of the broken hearted. It was first established in 2006 when its founders Olinka Vistica and Drazen Grubisic decoupled and sought a home for a toy which symbolised their former union. Anyone can submit items to be exhibited, making this a global collection that’s equally amusing and surprising as it is poignant and reflective.
- Head underground and discover the Gric Tunnel, part of a wider network of tunnels in the Upper Town, it’s the only one that’s open to the public. Built in 1943 offering locals a safe shelter during wartime, in more recent times it’s become a popular events venue hosting everything from art exhibitions and rave parties to advent celebrations.
- Another intriguing museum is the Zagreb 80’s Museum which faithfully recreates a typical family apartment during the socialist era in the 1980s. Step back into world of vinyl records, VHS tapes and typewriters. This nostalgia fest actively encourages interaction, meaning you can lay your hands on everything in this small museum. Sit behind the wheel of a dinky Zastava 750 car, play retro video games, dress up in snazzy ‘80s outfits and rest up on a retro sofa while you watch the black and white TV or play vintage tunes on the record player.
- Tkalciceva Street is the pedestrianised main strip for cafes, boutiques, restaurants and bars. The former red-light district has been revitalised in recent years with various food and drink outlets creating a buzzy atmosphere which still pays tribute to its heritage of craftsmen and traders. Look out for the sundial and the statue of Mary Juric Zagorka, a renowned Zagreb journalist.
- Get some fresh air and exercise with a visit to the Medvednica Nature Park, just north of the city. This biodiverse green oasis spans 228 square kilometres with pristine forests, clear streams and rolling hills as its centrepiece. There are numerous hiking and biking trails to enjoy. Trek to its highest peak Sljeme and discover karst caves and sinkholes in a stunning natural environment.
- Two hours outside the city lies the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Croatia’s oldest and largest national park offers 16 terraced lakes and over 90 tumbling cascades and waterfalls. A series of wooden paths and bridges snake around the park which can be explored with gentle hikes. An electric boat and a bus service provide alternative ways to explore the park. For the best views, head to the edge of the canyon overlooking the Lower Lakes.
- Visitors with a sweet tooth can drop into the Zagreb Chocolate Museum which tells the story of the sweet treat internationally, charting its history back to the native South American and Mesoamerican civilisations. Get hands on and grind cocoa beans by hand as the Aztecs did or make a frothy chocolate drink like the Mayans. You can taste nine different types of chocolate here, too.
- Come winter the Zagreb Christmas Market opens with a range of wooden huts taking over the main square. Here you can get into the festive spirit and shop for handmade gifts, sample some traditional delicacies, go ice skating at the Zagreb Ice Park near King Tomislav Square and enjoy a carousel ride on Strossmayer Square and even meet Santa himself.
- Zagreb locals (or ‘Purgers’ as they call themselves) take their coffee seriously, so there’s a great range of cafes to try. Sip on an extra-strong cup of coffee or ‘kava’ at Eli’s Caffe where the beans are selected and roasted by Nik Orosi, the country’s first specialty coffee roaster. It’s common for Croats to drink their coffee slowly, so there’s absolutely no need to rush.
- The Upper Town (Gornji Grad) is the oldest part of the city. It was first settled in the 11th Century, though most of the buildings here date to the 17th and 18th centuries. It has an intimate vibe thank to its maze of narrow, winding cobblestone streets and red-tiled roofs. Many of the city’s main attractions are here including the Dolac Market, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the City Museum and the 13th Century Lotrscak Tower, which fires a cannon every day at midday. Historic buildings here include the Croatian Parliament, the presidential palace and the Museum of Naive Art.
- The Lower Town (Donji Grad) is the more modern district with mostly architecture from the 19th Century. It may not be quite as photogenic as the Upper Town but here you’ll find the true heart of the city packed with shops, restaurants, cafes, theatres, museums, galleries and parks. The area is notable for Lenuci’s Horseshoe – a scenic and green array of parks enclosing eight town square – and its many wide boulevards.
- British Square is a key location for anyone who enjoys authentic farmers’ markets. Go early in the morning to take in a slice of local life when chefs scoop up their fresh produce. It’s also home to numerous cafes and coffee shops and a fun flea market on Sundays. On Thursday evenings it hosts Old School Night where a collection of classic and vintage cars and other vehicles take over the streets.
- Novi Zagreb is ideal for travellers looking for a budget stay away from the tourist hotspots. The district is dominated by socialist-era high-rises but nowadays it’s a popular residential area, peppered with modern shopping malls, hotels, shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. The Museum of Contemporary Art is based here, while the streets around the Dugave district are filled with murals. Families can relax at the Park of the Newlyweds, with its children’s playground.
- Jarun is an up-and-coming area, just a 15-minute tram ride from the city centre. In the 1980s the area got a welcome boost when preparations for 1987 Universiade, a student version of the Olympic Games, saw the development of Jarun Lake, a large man-made lake with five artificial islands. These days it’s an extensive park catering to all types of activities. Meanwhile party-goers can live it up at the Aquarius night club.
- Maksimir is another green and pleasant area. Maksimir Park opened in 1794 making it one of the world’s oldest public parks. Across 780 acres you’ll find 100-year-old oaks, five lakes, streams, meadows and trails, making it a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle. It’s also home to the University Hospital of Zagreb’s campus and the national football stadium, where Dinamo Zagreb play.
- Keen to explore Zagreb’s Christmas markets? Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Centre could be just the ticket. Enjoy the included sumptuous artisanal breakfast and make the most of rooms with bespoke designed beds after having a drink in the Canopy Central Bistro and Bar. You can explore the city using the hotel’s complimentary bike hire.
- If you’re heading to Zagreb for a city break, check out the Sheraton Zagreb. Splash around in the hotel’s pool, savour an exquisite Italian meal in the Tomassino Restaurant followed by a refreshing cocktail in the &More by Sheraton Bar.
- If you’re searching for a coastal resort to combine with Zagreb, check out the Valamar Meteor Hotel near Split. With a setting on the Makarska Riviera, overlooking the sea, islands and mountains beyond, the hotel is just a short stroll from the beach and esplanade. Enjoy summertime fitness schedules, weekly cinema evenings and live entertainment.
Why choose British Airways Vacations?
The British Airways experience is more than a flight.
We offer carefully chosen hotels, resorts and villas in the most amazing places, and car rental with no hidden extras. Our access to the extensive British Airways global network and oneworld® alliance puts us in a unique position to create packages with convenient flights across the globe. From start to finish consider your vacation taken care of.
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Secure your vacation with a small deposit and spread the cost with flexible installments.
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All of our vacation packages include a generous checked baggage allowance.
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- Standard British Airways terms and conditions apply.
1. Vacation Sale offers can be booked online at ba.com or through the British Airways call centre from January 6, 2026 and January 22, 2026 at 23:59 EST.
2. Vacation sale offers are valid on travel between January 6, 2026 and September 30, 2026. All travel must be completed by September 30, 2026. For travel from all British Airways operating airports in the US.
3. To qualify for the up to $400 discount per booking offer certain booking requirements must be met.
4. The savings are $50, $100, $200 or $400 and apply to new Vacation Package bookings only where a minimum spend is met:
a. Vacation Package bookings with a total cost of $8,000 per booking can save $400 per booking.
b. Vacation Package bookings with a total cost of $5,000 per booking can save $200 per booking.
c. Vacation Package bookings with a total cost of $3,000 per booking can save $100 per booking.
d. Vacation Package bookings with a total cost of $1,500 per booking can save $50 per booking.
5. The savings are per booking.
6. A Vacation Package booking means any booking including round trip flights and either a hotel, car or combination of both for the duration of the travel period. Hotels/cars added to flights only after a flight has been selected or booked will not be eligible. To be eligible for savings, we invite you to choose ‘Flight + hotel’ or ‘Flight + car’ when commencing a search. Quotes in our ‘Create your trip’ booking tool will not include this offer and are discounted in a different way.
7. Flight + car Vacation Package savings are applied before any Extras (insurance waiver, car seats etc.) are added to the booking.
8. Prices advertised on ba.com include the additional discount where applicable.
9. Vacation sale lead-in prices include all airline-related taxes, fees, and carrier charges.
10. Economy flight and hotel package lead-in prices are based on 2 adults traveling on the same itinerary, round trip in Economy Class, pricing per adult person, based on 5 nights for double occupancy accommodation.
11. Economy flight and car rental package lead-in prices are based on 2 adults traveling on the same itinerary, round trip in Economy Class, pricing per adult person, based on 7 days Avis or Budget car rental in a ‘Group A Economy Manual’ car. Prices are based on drivers aged 30-70 years. (Automatic car rental available at higher prices).
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14. Offers are valid for new bookings only, made during the promotional period. Valid only when combined with British operated flights or BA code share flights departing from a US gateway.
15. Prices are based on travel during dates and board basis stated.
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17. Deposits can only be paid for bookings created as flight + hotel or flight + car packages. All flight only, hotel, car and experience only bookings, and any hotel, car or experiences added to a flight only booking are excluded from this offer. The following deposit levels apply based on the total spend per booking:
I. Flight + hotel and flight + car vacations between $1000-$1999 - pay from $198 deposit per booking
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III. Flight + hotel and flight + car vacations between $2500-$2999 - pay from $300 deposit per booking
18. The deposit balance will be due 28 days prior to your departure date. The actual payment date will be displayed on the payment details page. You can pay the balance in as many instalments as you want. This allows you to spread the cost of the vacation over a longer period. You will have full flexibility of when you make the payments and how much they are, the only requirement is that you must have paid the full balance by the balance due date.
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