How to Plan a Trip to Zagreb
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to Croatia needs.
Your 4-step Zagreb plan
Step 1 — Book flights to ZAG
Franjo Tuđman Airport Airport (ZAG) is the main gateway to Zagreb. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to ZAGStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in Upper Town (Gornji Grad) + St Mark's Church for the best first-time visit — Medieval upper town with the tile-roofed (Croatia + Zagreb coat-of-arms) St Mark's Church.
Where to stay in ZagrebStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with Upper Town (Gornji Grad) + St Mark's Church, then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Zagreb.
Things to do in ZagrebStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
Croatia Airlines shuttle bus is EUR 8 and takes 30 min. Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
ZAG arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
Schengen since Jan 2023 — visa-free for US, UK, Canada, AU, JP, KR + 60 nationalities (90/180). Single Schengen visa covers all 27 countries.