Cheap flights to Zagreb from £468

City overview

Zagreb is one of the youngest capital cities in Europe (it was named Croatia’s capital in 1991) but the city’s history is centuries old.  Travellers arriving on flights to Zagreb sometimes only remain long enough to catch a connecting flight to other destinations on the coast of Croatia, but those who stay to explore the city quickly discover its charm.

Zagreb has only recently become a popular destination for travellers, so this is not a city overwhelmed with tourists. Weekdays are aflutter with commuters heading to and from work, lunching on park benches and sipping coffee from pavement cafes. The evening comes to life with jazz clubs and candlelit restaurants lining the cobblestone streets.  

Zagreb climate

Zagreb has a continental climate with four seasons. Summers are hot and dry and temperatures can reach the upper 20s Celsius in July and August. Autumn temperatures drop to the low-teens, and it is often foggy and rainy. Winters are cold, with January and February temperatures ranging from about -3 to 3 degrees. Snow is typical from December to March. By the end of May the temperatures are warming up.

Getting around Zagreb

Once in the city, you won’t have trouble getting around between the trams and buses that run throughout the city. Buy your tickets ahead of time at a Duhan or Tisak kiosk for a cheaper rate. Don’t worry if you forget though, you can still get regular-priced tickets once you’re on board.

Getting from the Airport to the City

From Zagreb Airport (ZAG) situated 19 miles (30 km) south of the city, you can hop on a bus to the city centre. Buses leave every half hour and the trip lasts around 25 minutes.

What is good to know if travelling to Zagreb?

• Croatia is the birthplace of the neck tie. In the 1600s, Parisians adopted the neck gear of dashing Croatian mercenaries fighting for Louis XIV of France. The word “cravat” derives from “cravate”, a corrupt French pronunciation of “Croat”. Genuine Croat ties can be picked up in select shops around Zagreb.
• Zagreb’s most exclusive shopping street is Ilica, but for a different experience go to Hrelic, the flea market by the Sava River, on a Sunday morning, or to Dolac, the farmers’ market. North of Jelacic Square, the market opened in 1930 and sells vegetables, fruit, meat and fish.
• Most European cities have an Old Town, Zagreb has two: Gradec, the fortified city, and Kaptol, the ecclesiastical centre, seat of the Roman Catholic archbishop. The Gothic cathedral, with twin spires visible from many points around the city, is consecrated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Stephen and Ladislaus.
• Take the funicular to the medieval Upper Town in time for the midday gun. Each day, since 1877, a gun has sounded from the Lotrscak Tower.
• The Mirogoj Cemetery is a beautiful graveyard. Started in 1876, Herman Bolle, the Viennese architect, designed the main building, and work continued until 1929. The cemetery is pan-denominational. Catholic, Protestant, Muslim and Jewish graves are there.
• Museum lovers will have plenty to occupy them in Zagreb. There are several including: Mimara Museum, with almost 4,000 artefacts spanning three millennia; the Hunting Museum, taxidermists’ heaven; Croatian Naive Art Museum; Typhlology Museum, which houses items associated with the education, rehabilitation and everyday life of the blind and partially sighted; Croatian School Museum; and Croatian Sports Museum.
• Sljeme Medvednica is a short tram ride north of the city.Most of the mountain is a nature park, but there is skiing – day and night – too. Go midweek to avoid the crowds.