Eating and Drinking

Dining out can be very expensive in Zagreb (and in Croatia in general). Pizzerias are generally the best bet for dinner on a budget. Beware that adding what most North Americans would regard as a “dinner salad” can nearly double the cost of your meal.  For lunch, the Trznica area offers many budget friend options and is popular with the locals. Trznica is a collection of small cafes with outdoor seating. It is located above Jelacic Platz (also known as Trg Josipa Jelacica or the main square).  

Especially in the more temperate months, outdoor cafes (and cafes with outdoor seating) abound in Croatia’s capital. With some knowledge of general pricing, you can enjoy the café culture without spending a fortune. Sodas are expensive in cafes and usually very small (and more often than not, lukewarm). Coffee, especially espresso, is a more budget friendly option. Espressos usually come with a glass of tap water (tap water is safe to drink in Croatia). Many cafes serve ice cream but it is considerably more expensive to order and eat ice cream with table service than it is to get it in a cone. Consider enjoying your coffee at a table and then getting ice cream on your way out. 

Alcoholic beverages at cafes and bars can be expensive. Beer, particularly Croatian beers, are usually the least expensive option. Domestic wine can also be reasonable. Local spirits such as slivovitz (plum brandy) or travarica (herbed brandy) are far more budget friendly than imported liquors such as tequila, vodka or gin. Cocktails are expensive.

Discount Card

If you are staying in Zagreb for at least 72 hours, you should consider buying a Zagreb Card. This card offers unlimited travel on local Zagreb public transport, discounts at the city’s museums and reduced prices at some restaurants and shops.  The Zagreb Card costs approximately 90 kuna and is available at Tourist offices and at many hotel reception desks. Some museums offer discounts for students with international student identification cards.

Transportation

For local trips outside the city center, buses are less expensive and more convenient than trains. The tram system is excellent for transportation within the city center.   Maksimir Park and Jarun Lake are both easily accessible by tram. The Maksimir Park is the largest park in Zagreb; its grounds include the city’s zoo. The Jarun Lake is very busy on weekends when the weather is nice. Many of the city’s nightclubs and bars are in this area. From the Trg Josip Jelacic (main square) take tram 11 or 12 to get to Maksimir Park and tram 5 or 17 to get to Lake Jarun.