Cheap 5-Day Croatia Road Trip from Rijeka traveling east to Ogulin and Zagreb

Your exciting road trip through Croatia starts when you reach the incredible city of Rijeka, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Rijeka and begin your adventure in Croatia.

Rijeka is a popular cheap holiday destination in Croatia with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Croatia, Rijeka 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.

When you're ready to see some sights, City Clock Tower is a great place to start. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,349 visitors.

A cheap, budget vacation in Rijeka should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Rijeka, try some of our top recommendations.

Discover the heart of Rijeka through its culinary scene, starting with Restaurant Capote y Ole. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings. For a taste of tradition, try Seafood restaurant Feral, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Conca d'oro, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

Visit Charlie Bar, one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots. Wine bar "kod Zajca" serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Rijeka. And if you're looking for a special place to enjoy the evening, our recommendation is Phanas Pub Rijeka est.2001.

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

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

Make Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this museum an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,049 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Church of Mary of God of Trsat. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,505 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this church every year.

Trsat Castle is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This castle has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,592 visitors.

When you’re finished at Trsat Castle, the perfect next stop is Islamic Center of Rijeka. This mosque is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 969 reviews.

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

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

Start your flavor-filled journey at Pizzeria Antica, featuring local favorites at reasonable prices. Looking for a taste of the unexpected? Slastičarnica & FastFood Korzo offers delightful dishes and desserts. If you’re seeking a cozy setting and satisfying meal, Pizzeria Bonino is the perfect spot for you!

Continue your lively evening at Cafe COCKTAIL, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Caffe bar JAZZbina is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood.

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

Day 3 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 touring 1 wonderful destinations — Zagreb. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Zagreb, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Zagreb.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Bundek. This lake is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,257 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Park Maksimir. This park has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 19,379 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Zagreb Zoo. This zoo has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 24,176 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Stone Gate. This city gate is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,640 visitors.

Zagreb 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.

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.

Discover the heart of Zagreb through its culinary scene, starting with Esplanade Zagreb Hotel. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings. For a taste of tradition, try Roots - juice & cocktail bar, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Cheese Bar, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. Booze and Blues is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Krolo, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Valhalla beer bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Zagreb!

On day 4 of your cheap holiday travels in Croatia, you’ll tour 1: Zagreb. You'll stay in Rijeka for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This extraordinary sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,840 visitors.

Next, make your way to Zagreb Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 16,419 reviews.

While in Zagreb, we also recommend a visit to Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. This point of interest has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 9,026 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,593 travelers, this park is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Zagreb.

Make your way to Technical Museum, perhaps the most famous museum in Zagreb. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,294 reviews.

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

Make the most of your budget vacation in Croatia by treating yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Rijeka that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Start your foodie adventure at Restoran Spagho, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Barbacoa, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss Konoba Ribica, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Teatro Lounge Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Book caffe Dnevni boravak provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Pub "Bačva" offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Croatia! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Rijeka!

Your budget road trip vacation in Croatia is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Rijeka.

As your final day in Croatia unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Rijeka’s best shopping location. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Croatia. Keep the spirit of your trip to Croatia alive with these special souvenirs.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Rijeka is the remarkable Petar Kružić Stairway. This point of interest and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 806 visitors.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Rijeka, consider a top-rated restaurant like Na Sušaku, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. Konoba Ive is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Lovorka Restaurant, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of your fun memories in Rijeka.

You’ll then say farewell to Rijeka. 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!