Affordable 4-Day Relaxed Croatia Road Trip Vacation in Zagreb

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Croatia begins when you reach Zagreb, where you’ll stay for a total of 3 nights.

Zagreb is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. Around 18,435 visitors have rated this fascinating park and travel destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

This 5-star hotel is one of the most luxurious places to stay in the area and is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 2,121 guests.

The best 4-star hotel we recommend in Zagreb is Houzzz21. This hotel offers many conveniences and is the perfect base for your relaxed road trip activities. Houzzz21 has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 471 guests.

Budget travelers in Zagreb can stay cozy at the 3-star Rooms Lara.

These excellent hotels ensure guests a safe and relaxing stay in Zagreb.

Exploring the food culture in Zagreb offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip.

An excellent example is HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,369 customers.

If you’re curious about what Zagreb looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Vintage Industrial Bar, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,500 reviews.

Hub Cooltura Pub offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Zagreb. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,249 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Mr. Fogg. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,233 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Croatia! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Croatia!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Croatia, you’ll explore the area around Zagreb, where you’ll be staying for another 2 nights.

Around 16,260 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

This local attraction is an amazing lake that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,007 visitors.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Croatia by joining a traveler-approved tour in Zagreb. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Zagreb and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Zagreb that will make your self-drive tour in Croatia more memorable.

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Zagreb for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Croatia by eating at one of the best restaurants in Zagreb.

With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,365 customers, the dining experience Dubravkin put offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in Croatia.

Cheese Bar is another pleasant place to eat in Zagreb. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,097 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out Roots - juice & cocktail bar and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 800 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At Swanky Monkey Garden, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Zagreb is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,237 customers.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Croatia is all about!

Today is also another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in Croatia.

From your accommodation, or your home for another 1 night, you’ll leisurely drive to your first stop of the day, the remarkable Trakošćan Castle. The famous Trakošćan Castle has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,191 visitors.

Another popular attraction worthy of a visit while you’re leisurely touring Varaždin County, is the stunning Old Town, Varaždin. As one of the most well-known attractions in the area, Old Town, Varaždin has earned an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,343 travelers' reviews.

Take your time exploring Varaždin County and visit another attraction that we highly recommend, the amazing Lječilišni park. The amazing Lječilišni park has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 579 visitors.

There’s still a lot of things to see and experience in Croatia.

Your relaxed road trip across Croatia continues as you discover more popular sites and explore to your heart’s content.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Croatia more special is by joining unique tours and activities in Croatia. Zagreb offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you can drive back to your accommodation in the city of Zagreb to rest and refresh yourself after your long adventure.

After relaxing at your hotel, you might want to grab a bite at one of the best restaurants in the city, like the Restoran Vegehop. This restaurant is a favorite among locals and is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 760 customers.

We also recommend that you try the different dishes served at Vinodol. This restaurant has many positive reviews which earned it an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,410 food lovers worldwide.

Another top-rated restaurant in the city of Zagreb is Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica. Praised by local and foreign customers for its delicious food, this restaurant is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 4,156 customer reviews.

After your meal, it’s time to loosen up and experience the nightlife in Zagreb. Unwind at the amazing Valhalla beer bar and get a few glasses of their bestselling liquor. Valhalla beer bar is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,010 customers.

Hop on to another top-rated bar in the city and have an amazing night. Visit the Roots - juice & cocktail bar bar and try its wide selection of beverages and liquor. This bar is a favorite among locals and has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 800 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in Croatia with this fun but relaxed road trip escapade!

Day 4 of your relaxed road trip in Croatia is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Zagreb.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. To end your relaxing road trip in Croatia on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Unwind and look back at the past 4 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Zagreb or just grab something light to keep you going.

Check out the menu at Boban. Dining at Boban is one of the best food experiences you can have in Zagreb. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,445 customers.

Another top recommendation in Zagreb is Submarine Burger Frankopanska. If you go to Submarine Burger Frankopanska, you can expect delicious food, a nice ambiance, and great service. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,795 customers.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Zagreb and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 4-day relaxed road trip in Croatia is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.