9-Day Croatia Road Trip from Zagreb traveling east to Zadar, Split, Karlovac, and Osijek

Zagreb has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Park Maksimir. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 18,435 visitors.

Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb, HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,369 customers.

Zagreb also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Zagreb is Vintage Industrial Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,500 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Zagreb is Hub Cooltura Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,249 customers.

Locals also enjoy Mr. Fogg. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,233 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 9-day vacation in Croatia!

You still have 2 nights left in Zagreb.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Stone Gate. This incredible attraction is a city gate and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,469 visitors.

Technical Museum is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,713 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Bundek. This amazing attraction is a lake and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,007 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Croatia to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Zagreb.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb, like Dubravkin put. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,365 customers.

Cheese Bar is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,097 customers.

Locals enjoy Roots - juice & cocktail bar, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Zagreb. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 800 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb, Swanky Monkey Garden. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,237 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!

Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit is the amazing Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,038 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Ribnjak Park. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,091 visitors.

Zagreb Cathedral is another popular attraction you can explore. This well-known attraction, a spectacular catholic cathedral, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 16,260 reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. This attraction is an amazing park and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,419 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Zagreb is another excellent way to spend your new day in Croatia. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Croatia’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Croatia’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Croatia’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Maslenica Bridge for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a deck arch bridge and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,469 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Zadar.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restoran 4 Kantuna, one of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,300 customers.

Locals also recommend Konoba Rafaelo as one of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar. Konoba Rafaelo is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,104 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar is Pet Bunara Dine & Wine. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,856 customers.

After dinner, visit Deja Brew Pub Zadar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Zadar. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like BackStage Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 508 customers.

Alternatively, Harbor CookHouse & Club is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Zadar. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,272 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia!

You’ll stay in Split for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Zagreb today is Market Zadar. This excellent attraction is a top-tier point of interest that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,413 visitors.

We also recommend you visit the amazing Sea organ, an outstanding tide organ, in the city of Zagreb. Around 55,793 travelers rated this attraction with 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Zagreb is Church of St. Donatus. This amazing attraction is a church building and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,543 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Narodni trg. This must-see tourist destination and place of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,370 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see more of Croatia, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the city, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Croatia. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Krka National Park for some unforgettable sightseeing experience. This popular attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 57,687 visitors.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Split.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Split, Perivoj restoran i kavana. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,279 customers.

Locals recommend Villa Spiza as one of the best restaurants in the city of Split. Villa Spiza is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,322 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Split is Šug Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,279 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Split, The Daltonist Craft Bar. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,191 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Tennis Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,185 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia with a toast!

Day 5 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Zagreb and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Karlovac County. You will stay in Karlovac County for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Zagreb is the amazing Diocletian's Cellars. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 877 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible museum, Diocletian's Palace. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 74,369 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Zagreb is the outstanding Golden Gate. This popular memorial gates and arches and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,623 visitors.

The spectacular Marjan is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating mountain and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,259 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Zagreb by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Croatia. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Karlovac County, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restoran Mandić, one of the best restaurants in the city of Karlovac County. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,119 customers.

Locals also recommend Bistro Kastel as one of the best restaurants in the city of Karlovac County. Bistro Kastel is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 836 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Karlovac County is Pizzeria Tiffany Karlovac. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,786 customers.

After dinner, visit Hollywood cafe, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Karlovac County. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 699 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Papa's Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.

Alternatively, GP is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Karlovac County. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,112 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia!

Rise and shine on day 6 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you'll wake up in Karlovac and embark on a scenic drive to Osijek, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Karlovac and Zagreb County before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Karlovac. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Aquatika. This attraction is an aquarium that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,081 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Advent Karlovac. This attraction, a beloved best-rated sightseeing destination, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 441 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Karlovac is the stunning Glazbeni paviljon. This must-see tourist destination and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 380 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Ecopark Krašograd. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,530 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Zagreb County, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Osijek. When you arrive in Osijek you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like SportHouse Osijek. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 742 customers.

Locals also recommend Grill & Beer Bar Fabrique, another of the best restaurants in Osijek. Grill & Beer Bar Fabrique is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 732 customers.

After dinner, visit Pivnica Runda to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Osijek, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 612 customers.

This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Croatia, and look forward to more great days to come!

On day 7 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Osijek, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Osijek.

Today you'll explore the city of Zagreb. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Ovcara Memorial Center. This incredible attraction is a museum and has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 1,855 visitors.

Vukovar water tower is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Zagreb. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 6,041 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Zagreb is Vukovar Municipal Museum / Castle Eltz. This amazing attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,418 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Memorijalni centar Domovinskog rata. This museum and place of interest is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,592 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Croatia to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Osijek.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Osijek, like McDonald's & McDrive. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,583 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Osijek, Amsterdam Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 566 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like pub Merlon. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,135 customers.

Restoran Karaka Osijek is another of the best bars in the city of Osijek. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,966 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Zagreb. You’ll stay in Zagreb for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Zagreb’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Zagreb, start your day with a visit to the amazing Youth pedestrian bridge. This much-appreciated top-tier point of interest and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,001 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Sakuntala park. This must-see tourist destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,044 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Đakovo Cathedral to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Đakovo Cathedral is a catholic cathedral that has been rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,256 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Zagreb has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Zagreb. Zagreb offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Restoran Vegehop. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 760 reviews.

The remarkable Vinodol is another top restaurant in Zagreb we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,410 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,156 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Zagreb, the fantastic Valhalla beer bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,010 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Roots - juice & cocktail bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 800 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

Day 9 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Zagreb before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Zagreb and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Croatia.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Zagreb at Boban before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,445 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Submarine Burger Frankopanska for your last chance at a meal in the city of Zagreb. The Submarine Burger Frankopanska restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,795 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Zagreb. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Croatia!