Croatia is an up-and-coming European getaway, growing in popularity for its crystalline seawater, breathtaking natural wonders from caves to mountains to waterfalls, and historical, coastal cities. And not to mention its less intimidating price tag than conventional Mediterranean destinations like Italy or Greece.
But while the Adriatic coastline and the small Croatian towns like Split or Dubrovnik are a must-visit, you can stretch your dollar even further by travelling inwards, toward the heart of this country’s culture and roots: Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city. Discover this hidden gem part of Croatia while saving money with these top cheap and free things to do in Zagreb.
10 Cheap & Free Things to Do in Zagreb, Croatia
Visit the Zagreb Cathedral
The heart of any European city is typically its church, and this holds true also for Zagreb. The Zagreb Cathedral, or the Cathedral of the Assumption of Blessed Mary, is the tallest building in Croatia and the centrepiece of the historic lower part of the city.
The cathedral is completely free to visit for you to marvel at the neo-gothic architecture and the famed organ, which is one of the top ten in Europe.
Throughout history, the cathedral has been destroyed and rebuilt but its first existence dates back to the early 1200s. One of its spires was damaged in the 2020 earthquake that hit Zagreb, so you will see it under construction.
But this is not the first occasion that the cathedral was damaged due to an earthquake, as it happened way back in 1880. One of the interesting things about this church is that there is a clock near the exit that stopped at the time of the 1880 earthquake strike.
Cost: Free
Take the funicular to the Upper Town
Zagreb is uniquely positioned among hills, and this has created a separation between the historic Upper Town and the more modern, bustling Lower Town. If you don’t want to walk up to the Upper Town, which is rewarding but tiring, you can choose to take the fun way: the funicular!
The funicular is the oldest public transportation in Zagreb and is actually considered a cultural monument because it is still in its original appearance since the 1890s.
Another fun fact that only Zagreb can boast: the funicular is the shortest funicular ride in the world!
Cost: A ride is just $0.71.
Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships
Once you are in the Upper Town, you will note how the cobblestone roads, quiet, narrow streets and quaint buildings make up the historic area of Zagreb. There is not much to do in the Upper Town, as it is mostly residential, but you will find something out of the unordinary for a historic city centre…
The Museum of Broken Relationships. Completely unique of its kind, the Museum of Broken Relationships is a collection of items, correspondence, and anything you could think of that goes along with a story of a failed relationship. These pieces are collected by contributors who want to put their stories on display.
Cost: The price of visiting this museum is only around $7.50, which is about as expensive as this list of things to do in Zagreb will get.
Admire the architecture of Mirogoj Cemetery
Did you know Zagreb was famous in Europe for so many things? Add cemeteries to the list!
The Mirogoj Cemetry is a completely free thing to do in Zagreb, located just a 15-minute bus ride from the city centre.
Why is it famous though? It’s known as one of the most beautiful graveyards in Europe, designed by architect Hermann Bollé, who also took part in the Zagreb Cathedral’s restoration. It feels more like a regal park than a cemetery due to the romantic architecture, from the arches to the tombstones of famous poets, writers and politicians to the various pavilions.
The cemetery is full of history and art, and was designed in a way that there is no one path. It really allows you to explore without limits and connect to the stories each monument tells.
Cost: Free
Visit the St. Mark’s Church
The highlight of Zagreb’s Upper Town is St. Mark’s Church. This church sits in the middle of the Upper Town’s main square. It is one of the oldest buildings in Zagreb and is most characterised by its eye-catching roof. Made of up-coloured tiles, the roof depicts the coat of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia and the emblem of the city of Zagreb.
The other stand-out feature of this church is the Gothic portal, which is a collection of statues that surround the church’s entrance, sculpted in the 14th century. The church has had its fair share of restorations throughout history, as it dates to the 1200s, so there is an interesting mix of architectural styles all in one building.
Cost: The church is free to visit but it is only open to visit by attending a mass. Mass occurs daily on weekdays at 6 pm, while on Saturday it is scheduled at 7:30 am and on Sunday there are two services, at 10:30 am and 6 pm.
Another free activity? If you are visiting Zagreb from April to October, you can come to St. Mark’s Church on the weekends at noon to witness the changing of the guard ceremony.
Shop in Ban Jelačić Square
You can’t visit Zagreb without spending time in Ban Jelačić Square, the heart of the urban Lower Town. The square is a pedestrian-only zone, just a few minutes walk from the Dolac Market square and the Zagreb Cathedral.
Here you will find lots of people hanging out or catching the tram, street performances, and upscale shops and restaurants.
It is not the place for a budget traveller to be spending money but it is definitely the area in which you get to experience Croatian city life to the fullest.
Visit Dolac Market
Right below the area of the Zagreb Cathedral is a square that is empty by night but busy and bustling during the day! Here, every morning, you will find the city’s famous farmer’s market, the Dolac Market.
This is where all the local restaurant’s shop for fresh goods and where you can again experience the local food traditions of the city.
Related: Top Free & Cheap things to do in Split
Escape the City Bustle in the Botanical Gardens
One of the best free things to do in Zagreb visits the botanical gardens. The gardens date back to the late 1800s and were originally created to, and do still to this day, cultivate and protect indigenous Croatian plants.
They are located near the train station and are a luscious green oasis in the middle of a bustling city. Explore the greenhouses, picnic at one of the gazebos or simply take a break from traffic and buildings to breathe the fresh air and aromas of the native Croatian plants.
Cost: Free
Eat local food
Zagreb is worth visiting just for the food! You can’t get here without eating at a local restaurant and experiencing the city’s traditional eats. The average cost of meals per day in Zagreb is about $14, so the prices of food are an absolute steal and still make it onto the list of the best cheap things to do in Zagreb.
Some of the top options are Punjeba, which are stuffed peppers, or Cevapi, which is a dish of grilled minced meat that may also be served as a type of pita sandwich.
Relax in the three central parks
The botanical gardens are not the only green area in downtown Zagreb. While the city has a very urban feel, there is one particular area of its city centre that feels almost like the green of a college campus since it is always full of people, hosts mini-events or concerts and has striking pavilions that stand out from the rest of the city’s architecture.
This area is three consecutive parks that basically run from the main square to the train station called Zrinjevac, Strossmayer Square and Tomislava.
Each park has something a little different, even though they are side by side. Zrinjevac is full of trees and is very lively because of its central music pavilion. Strossmayer Square is smaller and the quietest of the three parks. The King Tomislav Square is open with fewer trees and hosts the Zagreb Art Gallery and a statue of King Tomislav, who was the figure that united Croatia.
These three parks are part of Lenuci’s Green Horseshoe, which is a network of parks in Zagreb, all of which you can walk and visit for free.
Cost: Free
Saving money while travelling in Zagreb & Croatia
- The Zagreb airport has tons of low-cost airline flight options from around Europe. Save money and plan your Croatia trip itinerary around Zagreb as you arrive and depart the airport.
- Get an apartment stay and cook for yourself. Grocery shopping in Croatia is extremely cheap and an Airbnb will allow you a kitchen and the possibility to cook for yourself and save money.
- Zagreb is a very walkable city, but you can also take advantage of the trams or buses to get around. Tickets are as little as $0.58 for 30-minute validity! Check out all the Zagreb public transport options and prices to better plan your itinerary.
Where to stay on a budget in Zagreb
There are several hostels in the centre of Zagreb which offer bunk bedrooms or private rooms and communal kitchens. Here is a selection you may like:
- Hotel Bureau – €20 per night for one Bed in an 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
- Swanky Mint Hostel – €26 per night for one Bed in an 11-Bed Dormitory Room
- Main Square Hostel – €20 per night for one Bed in an 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
- The Dots Hostels – €45 per night for 2 people in a Standard Double Room with Shared Bathroom
If staying in hostels is not your thing, you can find nice apartments in the city centre which are quite affordable, moreover, if you are travelling as a group. Here is a selection:
- Apartman Goldy – entire apartment for €40 per night for 2 adults
- Apartments Downtown – entire apartment for €45 per night for 2 adults
- Main Square Modern Apartments – entire apartment for €50 per night for 2 adults
- Old Town Tale – entire apartment for €50 per night for 2 adults
Finally, if you want to splurge a little and book yourself into a nice hotel with great amenities, here are those we would recommend:
- Hotel 9 – €110 per night for a double bedroom
- Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Centre – €120 per night for a Standard King room
- Hotel PARK 45 – €140 per night for a double bedroom, breakfast included
- Esplanade Zagreb Hotel – €140 per night for a superior queen room
MaP – free & Cheap Activities in Zagreb
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michela – Guest Writer
Michela is a travel blogger and photographer based in Bergamo, Italy.
On her blog, She Goes The Distance, she helps women make their travel goals a reality, whether that’s living abroad, taking that scary solo trip, or perfectly capturing those priceless vacay memories on camera.
She also loves writing about her second home, Italy, and sharing hidden gem places to encourage travellers to get off the beaten path.