Are you searching for the best Zagreb day trips?! If so, perfect! You can’t get better recommendations than from a local! I have been living in Zagreb on and off for the past 25 years. And here are my recommendations on the best places to visit near Zagreb and the best day trips from Zagreb, Croatia!
Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is a popular travel destination among digital nomads and slow travelers for its central European location, cool work-friendly cafes, great co-working spaces, quirky bars, funky eaters, and good restaurants.
Zagreb is known for its greenery. It is a liveable and walkable city with a lot of green parks (Maksimir Park, Ribnjak Park, Zrinjevac Park, Opatovina Park, Cmrok Park, Jelenovac Park, Dubravkin Put Park, etc.), lovely lakes (Jarun Lake and Bundek Lake), a lack of crime, and an efficient public transport (city trams and buses).
The fantastic geographical location of Zagreb makes the city especially attractive to slow travelers who wish to explore the region. Many famous European destinations are within short driving distance from Zagreb.
Here are the driving distances and times from Zagreb to some of them:
Ljubljana, Slovenia: 142 km; 1 h 42 min
Venice, Italy: 378 km, 4 h
Vienna, Austria: 372 km; 4 h
Budapest, Hungary: 345 km; 3 h 30 min
Split, Croatia: 410 km; 3 h 50 min
These destinations are great weekend trips from Zagreb. Having a car is the most convenient way to go around Croatia and explore the region. Therefore, I suggest checking out rental cars in Zagreb! You might get surprised by how affordable they could be!
Zagreb is also a good base for exploring other parts of Croatia. Zagreb is only a 2-hour drive from the beaches on the Adriatic Coast, a little over 2 hours from Plitvice Lakes National Park (a top tourist attraction in Croatia), and about 40 min from Slovenia. Visiting famous Slovenian destinations, such as Ljubljana and Lake Bled, are some of the most popular day trips from Zagreb.
I have been living in Zagreb on and off for the past 25 years. I assume we agree that there are no better recommendations than from locals. So, if you are searching for the top recommendations on the best places to visit near Zagreb and the best day trips from Yagreb, here are mine.
Here is my list of the best day trips from Zagreb, Croatia! Here’s my collection of the best day trips from Zagreb by train, the best day trips from Zagreb by car, the best Zagreb to Slovenia day trips, the best day trips to the beaches near Zagreb Croatia, etc.
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO.
Contents
- Best Day Trips from Zagreb Croatia
- 1. Trakošćan
- 2. Plitvice Lakes
- 4. Rastoke
- 5. Varaždin
- 6. Opatija
- 7. Samobor
- 8. Zadar
- 9. Ljubljana
- 10. Lake Bled
- 11. Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle
- 12. Bohinj Lake
- 13. Medvednica mountain and Sljeme
- 14. Veliki Tabor and Zagorje
- 15. Plešivica wineries
- 16. Crikvenica
- 17. Krk
- 18. Graz
- 19. Pula & Istria
- 20. Piran
- Map of the best day trip destinations from Zagreb
Best Day Trips from Zagreb Croatia
If you are looking for great day trips from Zagreb, here are the best day trips from Zagreb.
One Day Trips from Zagreb
1. Trakošćan
Distance: 80 km
Time: 1 hour
Want to see a fairytale castle near Zagreb? Visit Trakošćan Castle!
Trakošćan castle is the most visited castle in Croatia. It receives about 40.000 visitors a year. Trakošćan Castle is only 80 km from Zagreb. It is a 13th-century castle and a former home to the medieval aristocratic Drašković family. Today Trakošćan Castle is a museum. The castle has its original medieval furnishings. The stunning castle sits on a tiny hill on a small lake in the idyllic 90-ha forested area with scenic trails. To walk the famous Path of the Fairies takes up to two hours. Besides that, there is a nice restaurant on the lake, where you can enjoy lunch.
The fairytale Trakošćan Castle is one of the loveliest places near Zagreb. The castle is open year-round. It is open from 9 am to 6 pm from April to October and from 9 am to 4 pm from November to March. The admission fee is 4 €.
How to get to Trakošćan from Zagreb?
Trakošćan Castle is only an hour’s drive from Zagreb. The easiest way is to visit it by car. Visiting Trakošćan Castle is a top Zagreb day trip by car.
Getting from Zagreb to Trakošćan by public transport is somewhat complicated, as you would need to take a public bus and then a short taxi ride.
Luckily, daily tours run from Zagreb to Trakošćan. You can join a tour and visit Trakošćan on a guided day trip from Zagreb. Check out Zagreb: Fairytale Castle Day Trip with Wine Tasting & Lunch.
2. Plitvice Lakes
Distance: 140 km
Time: 2 hours and 15 min
Visiting Plitvice Lakes NP is the most popular day trip from Zagreb. Plitvica Lakes National Park is the most famous natural attraction in Croatia. It is the most visited national park in Croatia. The park receives over 1 million visitors a year.
Plitvice Lakes NP is famous for its surreal beauty. The waterfalls, lakes, caves, meadows, and forests seem like fictional Narnia. The park has 16 waterfalls and 30 lakes. Walking the magical trails amid breathtaking waterfalls and lakes of Plitvice Lakes NP makes a perfect day trip from Zagreb. Read my detailed guide on How to Visit Plitvice Lakes NP for more info on what to see and what to do in Plitvice Lakes NP.
How to get to Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb?
It is easy to visit Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb! A bus from Zagreb will take you to Plitvice Lakes in about 2 hours and 20 min. If you are driving, be assured that the roads are well-maintained and safe. Besides that, you will witness beautiful natural scenery on your way from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes.
Renting a car in Croatia will give you flexibility for exploring the country. However, if you prefer guided tours, this tour is the most popular tour from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes.
You can visit Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb by bus too. About ten buses run from Zagreb Central Bus Station to Plitvice Lakes a day in summer.
4. Rastoke
Distance: 105 km
Time: 1 hour and 30 min
Rastoke is nicknamed mini Plitvice Lakes. Rastoke is a picturesque village set on the place where the Slunjčica River gets into the Korana River. Rastoke is famous for its idyllic scenery featuring cascading waterfalls, rivers, old traditional houses, beautiful riverside trails, and lovely picnic spots.
Rastoke is near Plitvice Lakes. Rastoke and Plitvice Lakes are only 30 min apart. Thus, you can visit Rastoke and Plitvice Lakes on a same-day trip from Zagreb.
How to get to Rastoke from Zagreb?
The easiest way to visit Rastoke from Zagreb is to join a tour from Zagreb. As I said, visiting Rastoke and Plitvice Lakes NP is often offered on the same tour from Zagreb. On this tour, you will see Plitvice and Rastoke in one day.
If you drive, an hour and a half drive will get you from Zagreb to Rastoke. A bus ride from Zagreb Central Bus Station to Rastoke takes about 2 hours. A one-way bus ticket costs 11 €.
5. Varaždin
Distance: 87 km
Time: 1 h and 10 min
Varaždin is one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia. It is a city famous for its Baroque and Rococo architecture. Varaždin is nicknamed ‘the Little Vienna’.
This historical city was also the capital of Croatia for twenty years, from 1756 until 1776. The 1776 big fire destroyed much of the city, and the administrative seat of Croatia moved over to Zagreb. However, Varaždin got renowned and rebuilt in the 19th century.
Today you can enjoy the beautiful Baroque palaces, churches, Varaždin Castle, and romantic cobblestone streets in Varaždin. Varaždin is also known for having the most beautiful cemetery in Croatia. It is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe. So, don’t miss out on visiting Varaždin cemetery while in the town.
Varaždin is a walkable city. Stroll the city and have a leisurely day in Varaždin on a day trip from Zagreb!
If you love history or have a romantic soul, you will love Varaždin.
How to get from Zagreb to Varaždin?
You can easily visit Varaždin from Zagreb by car or a public bus. It takes only one hour from Zagreb to Varaždin by car. Visiting the Baroque city of Varaždin is among the best day trips from Zagreb by car.
Buses to Varaždin run several times a day from Zagreb Main Bus Station. However, an average bus ride from Zagreb to Varaždin takes two hours. A one-way bus ticket from Zagreb to Varaždin costs from 7 € to 14 €.
But you can also get a Bla Bla Car ride from Zagreb to Varaždin for only 5 €. Many people commute to Zagreb-Varaždin daily. Finding a Bla Bla car ride from Zagreb to Varaždin and vice versa is easy.
Also, check out Varazdin Baroque Town and Trakoscan Castle – Small Group Day Trip from Zagreb tour if you prefer guided tours.
6. Opatija
Distance: 175 km
Time: 2 hours
Opatija is a famous seaside resort town in Croatia. It was a fashionable resort of the Austrian Hungarian Empire. Today you can still see the gorgeous villas from those times. The town is famous for its Habsurg-era villas, a 12-km long lungo mare seafront promenade (that connects towns of Volovsko, Opatija, and Lovran), the 14th century Abbey of St Jacob, the gorgeous St. Jacob’s Park, the church of St Jacob, the 19th century Villa Angiolina (today a museum) and Angiolina park.
Visiting Opatija is among the best day trips from Zagreb for sea lovers. Visiting Opatija makes a great beach trip from Zagreb. Swim in the Adriatic Sea, walk Opatija lungo mare, see the villas, and enjoy seafood for lunch on a day trip from Zagreb.
Opatija is in the Kvarner Gulf on the Adriatic Sea and a 2-hour drive from Zagreb.
How to get from Zagreb to Opatija?
Opatija is within a 2-hour drive from Zagreb. Buses run from Zagreb Main Bus Station to Opatija daily. But, an average bus ride from Zagreb to Opatija takes 3 hours. Do not worry about a long ride! You can still visit Opatija on a day from Zagreb. Get on the bus in Zagreb early in the morning and return to Zagreb in the evening. Remember, the sun gets down around 9 pm in Croatia in June and around 8.30 pm in July. Besides that, you can join Opatija, Rijeka, and Trsat tour from Zagreb, and visit Opatija with two more beautiful places on a day trip from Zagreb.
7. Samobor
Distance: 25 km
Time: 35 min
Samobor is the favorite weekend gateway of Zagrebčana (the locals from Zagreb). Samobor is a cute small town surrounded by Nature Park Žumberak – Samoborsko Gorje Hill Range.
Historical buildings, charming cafes, and crafts shops (like traditional crystal shops, candle shops, and pastry shops) fill the center of the town. Locals from Zagreb often go to the serene Samobor for a day trip to enjoy leisure strolls, food, and drinks in Samobor.
Samobor is famous for its food. Savoring popular Samobor cakes and pastries is a must-do in Samobor. Take the Samobor Town and Castle Walking Tour to learn more about the town and try out samoborske kremšnite (traditional cream custard cakes from Samobor) and samoborske krafne (doughnuts from Samobor)!
Samobor is only 30 30-minute drive from Zagreb Samobor is the shortest day trip from Zagreb.
How to get to Samobor from Zagreb?
Buses run from Zagreb Main Bus Station to Samobor every hour. A one-way ticket is 3 €. Samobor is also a 30 min-drive from Zagreb if you travel to Croatia by car.
You can also join a 4-hour Picturesque Samobor & Samobor Castle Half-day Tour and enjoy a walking tour of Samobor with sampling traditional Samobor cakes.
8. Zadar
Distance: 285 km
Time: 3 hours
Everyone agrees Zadar is one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia. Cities like Dubrovnik and Split are more popular among tourists. But, Zadar is getting higher recognition among visitors each year.
The Old City of Zadar lies on a lovely peninsula on the Adriatic Sea. The pedestrian-friendly city is filled with historical and cultural monuments, while the sea vibe goes throughout Zadar. Alfred Hitchcock claimed that Zadar has the most beautiful sea sunset in the world. Many Zadar visitors tend to agree with him.
The most famous tourist attractions in Zadar are the Cathedral of St Anastasia, the ancient Roman Forum, the 9th century Church of St Donatus, the Peoples Square, the historic Kalelarga main street, the Riva seafront promenade, the Sea Organ (a unique sea instrument that creates music by the sea waves) and the Greeting to the Sun installation (a solar-powered art monument).
How to get to Zadar from Zagreb?
You can reach Zadar from Zagreb by car, bus, and Bla Bla Car rideshare. The best way to reach Zadar from Zagreb is by car. Zadar is within 3 hours of Zagreb by car. So, consider renting a car or taking a rideshare via Bla Bla Bla Car. A bus ride from Zagreb to Zadar takes 3 hours and 30 min.
9. Ljubljana
Distance: 138 km
Time: 2 hours and 10 min
Beautiful Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is one of the prettiest cities in Europe. The emerald-green Ljubljanica river flows through the city, while the medieval Ljubljana castle overlooks the downtown from Castle Hill. Thus, when in Ljubljana, take a funicular to the castle to enjoy the best views of Ljubljana. However, the tiny Ljubljana downtown is explored on foot the best. Wander Ljubljana Old Town, head to the Prešern Square and the Franciscan Church, see the iconic Dragon Bridge, have a coffee break in one of the utterly charming outdoor cafes along the Ljubljanica River, go to the beautiful Tivoli Park, and trust me, you will have one o the best day trips from Zagreb.
Zagreb to Ljubljana day trip is among the top trips from Zagreb for a good reason. Ljubljana is within short distance of Zagreb and it is an utterly charming city!
How to get to Ljubljana from Zagreb?
You can reach Ljubljana from Zagreb by car, bus, train, Bla Bla Car, and a shuttle. A train ride from Zagreb to Ljubljana takes about two hours and 10 min. A one-way train ticket is about 10 €. A bus ride from Zagreb to Ljubljana takes about two hours and 20 min with an average one-way ticket of 15 €. The cheapest way to get to Ljubljana from Zagreb is to catch a Bla Bla Car ride. Rideshare is 8 €. The fastest way to reach Ljubljana from Zagreb is by shuttle. A shuttle ride from Zagreb to Ljubljana takes one hour and 50 min. Also, consider taking Ljubljana and Bled Lake – small group – day tour from Zagreb if you are limited with time, prefer guided tours, or want to visit Ljubljana and Bled Lake on the same trip.
10. Lake Bled
Distance: 200 km
Time: 2 hours and 10 min
Slovenian Lake Bled is among the most famous lakes in Europe for its idyllic setting.
The picture-perfect Lake Bled is a top tourist attraction in Slovenia.
The magical scenery of the blue Bled Lake, with a tiny island in the middle and the monumental Julian Alps in the background, is among the most photographed places in Europe. Lake Bled day trip from Zagreb is among the most popular day trips from Zagreb.
Nature lovers can walk the trails around the lake. The walk takes an hour and a half on average. However, swimming in the lake attracts the most visitors in summer. If you love watersports, take a stand-up paddle board on the lake! Take a traditional pletna boat ride to Bled Island. Ring the wishing bell on the island to make your wish come true. Afterward, head to the Lake Bled Castle for the panoramic views of the lake and dine with the breathtaking views in the Bled Castle restaurant.
How to get from Zagreb to Lake Bled?
The fastest way to get to Lake Bled from Zagreb is by car. A car drive from Zagreb to Lake Bled takes 2 hours on average. However, many organized tours run from Zagreb to Lake Bled. The abovementioned Ljubljana and Bled Lake – small group – day tour from Zagreb is the best-seller day tour from Zagreb to Bled Lake.
11. Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle
Distance: 186 km
Time: 2 hours
Postojna Cave is one of the most amazing places in Slovenia. It is the most visited place in Slovenia and the most visited cave in Europe. Postojna Cave is a karst cave with marvelous stalagmites. The cave represents a 24 km-long network of corridors, halls, and galleries. But the best part is a tourist train that takes visitors through the cave. Predajama Castle, near the Postojna Cave, is the largest cave castle in the world. Underground tunnels connect the castle and the cave. You must take a bus to see Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle.
Postojna Cave is open every day all year round. Visiting this fascinating underground world is a must-do in Slovenia! Please bear in mind that Postojna Cave has a constant temperature of 10 C regardless of the time of the day and the year. Dress warmly and take good walking shoes.
How to get from Zagreb to Postojna Cave?
The fastest way to get from Zagreb to Postojna Cave is by car. A car ride from Zagreb to Postojna Cave takes 2 hours on average. However, if you are not by car, you can join one of the popular day tours from Zagreb to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle. You can visit Postojna Cave, Predjama Castel, and Ljubljana on this day tour from Zagreb.
12. Bohinj Lake
Distance: 223 km
Time: 2 h and 40 min
The picturesque Bled Lake is the most famous Slovenian lake. But Bohinj Lake is the most popular Slovenian lake among Slovenians. It is the largest lake in Slovenia. And it belongs to Triglav National Park.
Lake Bohinj is a nature paradise. Nature lovers can enjoy a wide range of activities on the lake. You can swim in the lake, hike the trails around the lake, cycle around the lake, kayak, or SUP on the lake. But don’t forget to see the Savica waterfall and take the Vogel cable car for the spectacular views of the Julian Alps. However, whatever you decide to do in Bohinj Lake, you must take a photo of the legendary Zlatorog / golden horn statue on the shore of Lake Bohinj! The statue is the most popular attraction of Bohinj Lake! As I said, Bohinj Lake is a haven for nature enthusiasts. If you are one of them, you might decide to stay on the lake for a few days more. In that case, check out the lovely guest houses on Lake Bohinj!
How to get from Zagreb to Bohinj Lake?
The best way to visit Bohinj Lake from Zagreb is by car. A drive from Zagreb to Bohinj Lake takes 2 hours and 40 min on average. On this Zagreb day tour, you can visit Bled Lake, Bohinj Lake, and Waterfall Savica in one day!
13. Medvednica mountain and Sljeme
Medvednica is the mountain that overlooks Zagreb, and Sljeme is the highest peak of Medvednica.
Medvednica is a nature park and a favorite nature gateway of people from Zagreb. Medvednica has many well-marked hiking and biking trails and mountain huts with restaurants serving delicious meals (like bean soup, mlinci dish, or cakes like strudel or germknedle). Medvednica and Sljeme get crowded on weekends. Sljeme, the peak of Medvednica, is at 1035 m above sea level, and hiking up to Sljeme takes 2 hours on average.
If you are up for forest bathing, hike Medvednica and head to Sljeme. You can reach Sljeme by cable car (from the foot of Medvednica at Mihaljevac), by a bus (that also runs from the mountain foot at Mihaljevac), or by hiking!
If you are not into a solo exploration of Sljeme, check out Zagreb – Into the Forest Walking Tour!
How to get from Zagreb to Sljeme?
Take tram No 8 (Zapruđe-Mihaljevac) from Zagreb to Mihaljevac. And then, hike, take a cable car, or take bus No 140 from Mihaljevac to Sljeme.
14. Veliki Tabor and Zagorje
Distance: 70 km
Time: 1 hour and 10 min
Veliki Tabor Castle is a medieval fort castle near Zagreb. The castle is known for its unique architectural outlook. It has a central pentagonal tower and four towers. The noble Hungarian family owned the castle from the 16th to the 18th century. Since then, its owner has been the state. The castle is a museum today. It exhibits historical furniture and weapons.
The fort in the region is called Hrvatsko Zagorje and is only one hour drive from Zagreb. The hilly Hrvatsko Zagorje is one of the most picturesque regions in Croatia. Grešna Gorica, a popular restaurant, is just a few minutes from the castle. Visiting Veliki Tabor with lunch in Grešna Gorica makes one of the best day trips from Zagreb!
How to get to Veliki Tabor from Zagreb?
Veliki Tabor is only one hour and 10 min drive from Zagreb. I suggest visiting this breathtaking area by car.
You can also visit Veliki Tabor Castle on this private day tour from Zagreb.
15. Plešivica wineries
Distance: 40 km
Time: 45 min
Plešivica is a wine-producing region near Zagreb. Hilly slopes covered with vineyards make the landscapes idyllic.
This wine-producing region is best known for its red wines and sparkling wines. The most popular are authentic regional wines like Portuguese, Plavec, Šipel, and Zelenac. However, the wineries also produce famous wines like Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Rhine Riesling. About forty family-run wineries in the region currently offer wine tastings. Some of the most notable Plešivica wineries are Šember Winery (famous for its sparking Qvevri wine), Korak Winery (known for its Chardonnay Sur Lie, and Sauvignon), Tomac Winery (their Amphora Brut Nature was in Decanter magazine!), and Jagunić Winery (their Trainer Red Amber is a must-try).
Touring Plešivica wineries is among the most popular day trips from Zagreb. If you are a wine lover, you will enjoy Wine Road Day Tour from Zagreb. On this tour, you will visit the Samobor and Plešivica wine regions.
How to get to Plešivica from Zagreb?
About 40 Plešivica wineries are along Plešivička Wine Road. The wine road goes from the town of Jastrebarsko to the hills. Jastrebarsko is 23 mi (37 km) from Zagreb. The best way to explore the wineries is by car. Drive from Zagreb to Jasterbarsko and spend a day touring Plešivica wineries. However, if you are not by car, Plesivica Hills and Samobor Tour with Wine Tasting from Zagreb is a perfect choice.
16. Crikvenica
Distance: 170 km
Time: 2 hours
Crikvenica is the favorite beach destination of people from Zagreb. The beaches of Crkivenica get filled with Zagreb locals on summer weekends. Organized trips run daily from Zagreb to Crikvenica in the summer. You can easily book a day trip from Zagreb to Crikvenica. There are many of them! Trips usually start early in the morning and return to Zagreb late in the evening after spending the entire day in Crkvenica.
Crikvenica lies in the Kvarner Bay on the Adriatic Coast, only 2 hours from Zagreb. Crikvenica is known for its charming old town, lovely sea promenade, and beautiful beaches. The most popular Crikvenica beach is Gradsko kupalište beach, a Blue Flag sandy beach with sun beds and umbrellas to rent.
The heart of the town is the Old Town filled with cafes and bars and the picturesque harbor. The palm-lined promenade connects three places on the coast: Dramalj, Crikvenica, and Selce. Cafes, bars, restaurants, shops, and stores are along the promenade. However, beaches are what attract people to Crikvenica. If you like sandy beaches, choose Gradsko Kupalište. But if you enjoy more pebble beaches, head to the nearby Balustrada Beach or Kaštel Beach. If you are traveling with kids, they will love the turquoise shallow waters off Omorika Beach. But, if you seek some quiet time on the beach, go to Thalassotherapia Beach. And I almost forgot to say that Monty’s Beach is a dog-friendly beach in Crikvenica!
How to get to Crikvenica from Zagreb?
The best way to get to Crikvenica from Zagreb is by car, Bla Bla car rideshare, or organized bus trip. They will get you to Crikvenica within 2 hours from Zagreb.
Buses also run from Zagreb Main Bus Station to Crikvenica. However, a bus ride from Zagreb to Crikvenica takes 3 hours on average, with several stops on the way to Crikvenica.
17. Krk
Distance: 180 km
Time: 2 hours and 10 min
Wish to get an island experience from Zagreb? Head to Krk!
The Krk island is the nearest island to Zagreb. A small bridge connects the island and the mainland. Many people from Zagreb have their summer houses on the Krk island. Krk is famous for its beaches but also for hiking and biking trails.
The most popular destinations on the island are the towns of Krk, Punat, Baška, and Malinska. The 2-km-long white pebble Baška beach is probably the most popular beach on the island. But, the most beautiful town on the islands is arguably the historic town of Krk.
The most popular excursions from Zagreb go to the town of Krk on the Krk island. The Old Town of Krk, with its harbor, cathedral, bars, cafes, and restaurants, is picture-prefect. If you are after beaches in the Krk town, check out pebbly Plav Beach, Ježevac Beach ( which features a mix of pebble, sand, and rock), Porporela Beach (with a sandy and pebbly section), and the family-friendly Portapisana Beach (a mixed concrete-sandy beach).
How to get from Zagreb to Krk?
The cheapest way to get to the town of Krk from Zagreb is by bus. A bus ride takes about 3 hours, and a one-way ticket costs 10 €. The faster way to get to Krk from Zagreb is by car. A drive from Zagreb to Krk lasts 2 hours.
18. Graz
Distance: 183 km
Time: 2 h and 10 min
Interested in visiting Austria on a day trip from Zagreb? Go to Graz!
Graz, the capital of Styria, is one of the loveliest cities in Austria. The Historic Center of Graz with Eggenberg Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Graz is a city of history, architecture, art, design, and fabulous local cuisine. Graz was the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2003 and a City of Culinary Delights in 2008.
Graz has a unique mix of Renaissance, Art Deco, Medieval, and modern eccentric architecture. Graz is a walkable city. You can see the majority of the city in one day on foot.
What to see in Graz in one day? The must-see sites in Graz are Schlossberg with the Clock Tower, Rathaus (City Hall), HauptPlatz (the main square), Herrengasse (the main street with historic painted houses, Murinsel ( a quirky outdoor theatre in the shape of a floating island in the middle of the river) and Kunsthaus (nicknamed the Friendly Alien for its quirky architecture), Styrian Armory (the most extensive historic armory in the world with over 32.000 exhibits) and Eggenberg Palace ( a Baroque Palace with 24 rooms and over 500 ceiling painting. The palace is a little bit outside of the city, but reachable by a city tram.)
How to get to Graz from Zagreb?
The fastest way to get from Zagreb to Graz is by car. A drive between Zagreb and Graz lasts about 2 hours. Graz and Zagreb are well-connected by bus and train lines. Several buses and trains are running between the cities a day. A bus ride between Zagreb and Graz lasts 3 hours on average. And a train ride can last up to 4 hours. However, there are night buses and night trains that run between Zagreb and Graz. The night buses and trains make visiting Graz on a day trip from Zagreb more comfortable.
19. Pula & Istria
Distance: 267 km
Time: 3 hours
Visiting Istria from Zagreb is among the most popular day trips from Zagreb among people who wish for this beautiful region but lack time for a more thorough visit.
If you travel by car, you can visit the picturesque villages in Istria, like Hum, Motuvun, and Grožnjan. Tiny Hum is officially the smallest town in the world. Beautiful Motovun and charming Grožnjan are among the best-preserved European medieval hilltop settlements.
But if you are joining a tour from Zagreb to Istria, a classic Istria day trip from Zagreb will take you to the beautiful cities in Istria, like Pula, Poreč, and Rovinj. The seafront cities of Pula, Poreč, and Rovinj are some of the most beautiful cities in Croatia. The most famous landmark of Pula is Pulska Arena, a well-preserved ancient Roman amphitheater. Poreč is best known for its Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with gorgeous frescoes and mosaics. Romantic Rovinj, with its photogenic harbor, is a top tourist destination in Croatia.
An independent road trip from Zagreb to Istria will give you more flexibility to explore the region. But a day tour from Zagreb is a great option for a stressless visit to Istria in a short timeframe.
How to get to Istria from Zagreb?
You can visit Istria on a day trip from Zagreb by car or on a day tour.
A car drive from Zagreb to Istria takes 3 hours on average. A classic day tour from Zagreb to Istria lasts about 10 hours. This private Best of Istria day tour from Zagreb will take you to Pula, Rovinj, Hum, or Poreč.
20. Piran
Distance: 254 km
Time: 2 h and 45 min
The seaside Piran is arguably the most beautiful town in Slovenia. It is a small town, easily explored in one day.
Beautiful Piran lies in a gulf on the Adriatic Coast in the Slovenian part of Istria. Piran is a famous Slovenian resort town and a genuine seaside pearl.
The town is highly picturesque. The Venetian architecture, the terracotta rooftops, the medieval walls, and the colorful main square create the main outlines of Piran. This lovely seaside town is full of excellent seafood restaurants and wine bars. Piran is small, pedestrian-friendly, and a perfect day trip from Zagreb.
How to get from Zagreb to Piran?
The fastest way to reach Piran from Zagreb is by car. A car drive from Zagreb to Piran lasts less than 3 hours. Visiting Piran on the Slovenian Adriatic coast is among the best day trips from Zagreb by car.
Map of the best day trip destinations from Zagreb
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