Cheap 11-Day Croatia Road Trip from Zagreb traveling east to Đakovo, Osijek, Slavonski Brod, and Grad Varaždin

Your exciting road trip through Croatia starts when you reach the incredible city of Zagreb, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Zagreb and begin your adventure in Croatia.

Zagreb is a popular cheap holiday destination in Croatia with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Croatia, Zagreb is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Zagreb, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

You could check out HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,369 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Dubravkin put is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,365 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Cheese Bar. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Cheese Bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,097 customer reviews.

Enjoy a drink or two at Mr. Fogg. Around 2,233 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Locals also enjoy the cocktails at Swanky Monkey Garden, where you can relax and have some fun. Swanky Monkey Garden is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,237 customers.

Another top-rated bar option is Valhalla beer bar, averaging 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,010 reviews. This bar is known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Croatia!

Day 2 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Zagreb, proving that cheap holidays in Croatia can be extraordinary.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Croatia. To have the best affordable travel experience in Croatia, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Croatia unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Croatia.

Savor the culinary delights of Zagreb, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Roots - juice & cocktail bar. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 800 customers.

Restoran Vegehop is another popular restaurant you can eat at to ensure an affordable and pleasant vacation. This restaurant serves good food at low prices and has an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 760 customers.

Mali Medo has a menu of appetizing and reasonably priced meals, so you might want to check it out too. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 5,203 reviews.

Booze and Blues is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 848 customers.

A’e Craft Bar is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. A’e Craft Bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 705 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Zagreb.

You might also want to cap the night off at Program Bar, a fascinating bar that 637 customers have rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Croatia. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Croatia!

On day 3 of your budget-friendly road trip adventures in Croatia, you’ll go deep into Zagreb, making the most of your 1 night in the city. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Zagreb, and meet locals along the way!

Take the opportunity to embark on a unique experience in Zagreb. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of easy to challenging tour options you can choose from and add to this cheap vacation package.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Zagreb offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Croatia.

You could check out Vinodol, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,410 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Pri zvoncu is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,325 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 4,156 customer reviews.

Krolo offers many snacks and liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 520 customers.

If you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Zagreb, check out Vintage Industrial Bar. This bar is an excellent place to hang out and relax after a busy day, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,500 customers.

To ensure a good time in this cheap holiday destination, visit Esplanade Zagreb Hotel. Esplanade Zagreb Hotel offers affordable drinks and snacks and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,925 reviews.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Croatia with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Croatia!

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in Croatia will take you to the town of Đakovo, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Đakovo, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Croatia, including Zagreb and Đakovo.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Lotrščak Tower. This fortified tower is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Zagreb, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,513 visitors.

Museum of Broken Relationships is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 7,032 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Stone Gate. Visitors have rated this city gate an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 5,640 reviews.

St. Mark's Church is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a church building rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,070 reviews.

After soaking in Zagreb’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Đakovo. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 30 min. When you arrive in Đakovo, it's time to take a break from the road.

While exploring Croatia is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Đakovo has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Đakovo on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the town.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Đakovo, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the town's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Pizzeria Lipizzano. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,191 customers.

Restoran Bonus is another local-favorite restaurant in Đakovo. Restoran Bonus serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 948 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Bistro Loora is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Zagreb. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 of 5 stars from around 700 customers.

Black And White MS™ is one of the best bars in Đakovo and the perfect place for a celebratory drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 517 customers.

You may also want to check out The Eagle Pub, offering great drinks and a fantastic atmosphere. The Eagle Pub is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 470 customers.

A third bar where you could have a great time tonight is Cafe Godot. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 226 customers.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Croatia. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Croatia!

On day 5 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Croatia, you’ll experience 4 charming destinations — Vukovar, Ovčara, Vukovar, and Osijek. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Osijek.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Đakovo and set your GPS to Vukovar. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour. Upon reaching Vukovar, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Osijek. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Osijek, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

When it's time to eat or savor a refreshing drink, treat yourself to a delightful dining and drinking experience without paying more than necessary. Osijek has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

We recommend a local favorite like SportHouse Osijek. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 742 customers.

Grill & Beer Bar Fabrique is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Osijek. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 732 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Osijek you might want to check out is McDonald's & McDrive. McDonald's & McDrive is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,583 reviews.

We recommend Pivnica Runda for many reasons. But most importantly, this bar serves a variety of food and beverages and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 612 reviews.

You can also visit a popular bar like Caffe Bar Kafka to have refreshing drinks and interact with locals and other travelers. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 612 bar-goers.

When you would rather go somewhere else, try Amsterdam Pub. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 566 customers, this bar is one of Osijek’s best places to relax after a long day.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Croatia!

Day 6 of your exciting road trip across Croatia is proof that there's more to this country than meets the eye. Today's agenda is to explore Osijek and its neighboring areas. Expect amazing attractions, a great dining experience, and a wonderful time discovering the daily lives of locals.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Osijek and set your GPS to Đakovo. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 36 min. Upon reaching Đakovo, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Đakovo Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 2,404 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Đakovo, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Tvrđavica. Your travel time is around 38 min.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Youth pedestrian bridge. This extraordinary sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 3,182 visitors.

Next, make your way to Zoo Osijek. This zoo is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,697 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Kopačevo. This car ride takes around 15 min.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Kopački Rit Nature Park. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,328 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Osijek and your accommodation.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Croatia, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Osijek that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Pizzeria Novi Saloon. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,011 customers.

Pub Merlon is another popular restaurant you can eat at to ensure an affordable and pleasant vacation. This restaurant serves good food at low prices and has an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,135 customers.

Restoran Karaka Osijek has a menu of appetizing and reasonably priced meals, so you might want to check it out too. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,966 reviews.

Enjoy a drink or two at Lotus City Caffe. Around 576 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Locals also enjoy the cocktails at Rubicon Pub, where you can relax and have some fun. Rubicon Pub is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 337 customers.

Another top-rated bar option is Caffe bar Cigla, averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars in 474 reviews. This bar is known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

A road trip vacation in Đakovo can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Croatia!

Day 7 of your road trip across Croatia offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Slavonski Brod and Slavonski Brod. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Slavonski Brod.

Slavonski Brod offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Croatia. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Slavonski Brod, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Slavonski Brod is Restoran Gurman. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 564 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Slavonski Brod, Restoran i pizzeria Uno is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,758 diners.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Navigator, claiming it’s one of the best. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 695 customers.

If you feel like going somewhere else, another popular option in the city is Prohibition bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 579 customers.

Pipabar is yet another top-rated place where you can easily spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 137 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Croatia!

Day 8 of your road trip across Croatia is another proof that cheap holidays in Croatia can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 4 wonderful destinations — Grad Krapina, Mihaljekov Jarek, Radoboj, and Grad Varaždin.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Mihaljekov Jarek, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Slavonski Brod to Mihaljekov Jarek may take around 2 hours 24 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Muzej Oldtimera. This museum is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 175 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Mihaljekov Jarek and set your GPS to Grad Krapina. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 4 min. Upon reaching Grad Krapina, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

After soaking in Grad Krapina’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Radoboj. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 10 min. When you arrive in Radoboj, it's time to take a break from the road.

While exploring Croatia is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Grad Varaždin has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Grad Varaždin on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the town.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Croatia shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Grad Varaždin is also home to a variety of excellent dining and drinking spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the town's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Bedem. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,064 customers.

Medonja is another popular restaurant you can eat at to ensure an affordable and pleasant vacation. This restaurant serves good food at low prices and has an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 999 customers.

Restoran Angelus has a menu of appetizing and reasonably priced meals, so you might want to check it out too. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,837 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in Grad Varaždin, Medina Škrinja Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,374 customers.

Travelers and locals alike also recommend My Way bar. This bar has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,010 customers.

Macuba Bar is another popular place for a drink, considered one of the best in the town. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 781 customers.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Croatia!

Day 9 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Croatia. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Grad Varaždin!

Croatia is a wonderful destination with so much to show and so many stories to tell. To have the most extraordinary time on your low-cost holiday in Croatia, consider adding tours to your affordable tour package to Croatia. Choose from many thrilling to laid back and budget-friendly excursions in Croatia that will add color and uniqueness to your adventure.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Grad Varaždin, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the town's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Verglec, one of the top-rated restaurants in the town. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,500 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Park Boutique Hotel, so you'll want to drop by this place. Park Boutique Hotel serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 921 customers.

Another must-try in the town of Grad Varaždin is Restoran Palatin. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 828 customers.

Visit Barfly caffe&club, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 825 customers.

Mai Tai Bar Varaždin serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Grad Varaždin. Customers have rated Mai Tai Bar Varaždin an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 656 reviews.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the town of Grad Varaždin!

Day 10 of your self-drive vacation in Croatia will take you to the city of Zagreb, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Zagreb, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Croatia, including Podgarić, Sisak, and Zagreb.

Set your GPS to Podgarić and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 43 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Podgarić beckons with new experiences!

Start your day with a visit to Garic town. This extraordinary sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 355 visitors.

Next, make your way to Monument to the Revolution of the People of Moslavina. This top attraction is a sightseeing destination with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 441 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Podgarić, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Sisak. Your travel time is around 46 min.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Sisak, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Zagreb may take around 1 hour. Upon your arrival in Zagreb, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Zagreb. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Zagreb, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Zagreb offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Croatia.

One musty-try restaurant is Boban. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,445 customers.

Submarine Burger Frankopanska is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,795 reviews. Submarine Burger Frankopanska is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Harat's Pub. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,602 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a day, pop into Hub Cooltura Pub. This bar is considered one of the best in Zagreb and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,249 customers.

Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your evening endeavors.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Croatia with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Croatia!

Your budget road trip vacation in Croatia is about to end. Day 11 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Zagreb.

As you approach the end of your journey in Croatia, take a moment for some retail therapy in Zagreb’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family, or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Croatia, a variety of items are waiting for you.

Before you conclude your road trip in Croatia, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Zagreb.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Zagreb, consider a top-rated restaurant like Bota Šare Zagreb restaurant - oyster & sushi bar. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,778 customers.

Stari Fijaker is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,114 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Zagreb. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Croatia!