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

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. When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Zagreb and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Park Maksimir will make your cheap holiday in Croatia truly special. This attraction is a fascinating park that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 18,435 visitors.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Zagreb. An excellent example is the popular HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,369 customers.

Vintage Industrial Bar is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 4,500 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Zagreb we recommend is Hub Cooltura Pub, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,249 customers.

Mr. Fogg is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 2,233 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

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

Today's agenda is to explore Zagreb and discover what this fabulous and cheap holiday destination offers. Expect amazing attractions, a great dining experience, and a wonderful time discovering the daily lives of locals with 2 nights left in Zagreb.

You’ll begin this day’s adventure with a visit to the top-rated Stone Gate. This incredible attraction is a city gate that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 5,469 visitors.

Another highlight of this cheap holiday package is a trip to the fascinating Technical Museum. This spectacular museum and tourist destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,713 reviews.

It’s hard to pass up the chance to see the famous Bundek during a vacation in Zagreb. Ranking high up on many travelers’ bucket lists, the amazing Bundek has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,007 reviews.

Keen to do something new and one-of-a-kind today? There are many experiences you can add to your cheap vacation package to make your road trip in Croatia more special. Check out all the budget-friendly activities and tours below and bag a cheap holiday deal.

After taking in the best of Zagreb, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Zagreb for a well-deserved rest. When you’re ready to eat, indulge yourself to a nice meal at one of the top-rated restaurants in the city.

Dubravkin put is an excellent example. Here you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,365 customers.

Cheese Bar is another great restaurant option for budget travelers in Zagreb. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,097 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Roots - juice & cocktail bar, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 800 reviews.

After a lovely dinner at one of the best places to eat in Zagreb, visit one of the most popular drinking spots in the city. Relax, grab a drink or two, chat with friendly locals, and enjoy the rest of your evening in Zagreb.

Swanky Monkey Garden is a fantastic bar many locals in Zagreb recognize. This popular bar is an excellent place to unwind after a busy day and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,237 customers.

Raise your glass and savor every moment of your cheap holiday experience in Croatia!

Day 3 of your road trip across Croatia offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Zagreb and the enchanting Zadar County, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Zagreb and end the day in Zadar County, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 3 of your affordable vacation in Croatia will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Zagreb is the magnificent Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. Around 19,038 visitors have rated this excellent must-see tourist destination and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Ribnjak Park on this leg of your self-drive tour in Croatia. This attraction is a well-known park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 4,091 travelers.

The remarkable Zagreb Cathedral is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in Croatia. This attraction, an amazing catholic cathedral, is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,260 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. This park and well-loved attraction in Zagreb is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,419 visitors.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Maslenica Bridge. This popular site is a valued deck arch bridge in Zadar County and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,469 visitors.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across Croatia. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in Croatia. Make your cheap holiday experience in Croatia more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Zadar offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Croatia. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Zadar offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Croatia.

Restoran 4 Kantuna is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,300 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Zadar is Konoba Rafaelo, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,104 customers.

Pet Bunara Dine & Wine offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Zadar. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,856 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Zadar’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Deja Brew Pub Zadar is an excellent example of a great bar in Zadar offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at BackStage Bar, another of locals’ go-to bars in Zadar. BackStage Bar is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 508 customers having rated it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Harbor CookHouse & Club is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Zadar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 3,272 bar-goers.

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 gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Split for 1 night. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in Croatia.

While you’re in Zagreb, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Market Zadar. The fantastic Market Zadar is a popular must-see tourist destination and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,413 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Sea organ, a well-known tide organ in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.7 out of a 5 star-rating from 55,793 travelers.

The top-rated Church of St. Donatus is another local feature you can check out today. This spectacular church building and destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 8,543 travelers.

Continue your adventure-filled road trip vacation at the remarkable Narodni trg. This attraction is an outstanding top-tier point of interest that is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,370 visitors.

Make Krka National Park your first stop. This popular park among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 57,687 visitors.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Croatia. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in Croatia and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

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

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Perivoj restoran i kavana, one of the best restaurants in Split. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,279 customers.

Villa Spiza is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Villa Spiza is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,322 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Šug Restaurant, another well-loved restaurant in Split. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,279 guests, this restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Croatia.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Split, The Daltonist Craft Bar. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals. In addition, this bar has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,191 bar goers.

Tennis Bar is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Split, with its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,185 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 two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Zagreb and end your day in the city of Karlovac County, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

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

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Diocletian's Palace. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 74,369 travelers, a visit to this well-known museum and sightseeing spot in Zagreb is likely to make your vacation in Croatia even more memorable.

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

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Croatia, drop by the popular Marjan. This attraction, an amazing mountain, has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,259 travelers.

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.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Karlovac County. Karlovac County is another cheap travel destination in Croatia where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Croatia can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Karlovac County that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Karlovac County is Restoran Mandić. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,119 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Karlovac County, Bistro Kastel is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 836 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Pizzeria Tiffany Karlovac. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Karlovac County enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,786 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Karlovac County’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Croatia. For example, you can visit Hollywood cafe. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 699 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Papa's Bar. This popular bar in Karlovac County has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,487 bar-goers.

You can also go to GP as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular GP is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 1,112 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 6 of your road trip across Croatia offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Zagreb and the enchanting Zagreb County, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Zagreb and end the day in Zagreb County, where you'll stay for 2 nights.

Buckle up because day 6 of your affordable vacation in Croatia will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Zagreb is the magnificent Aquatika. Around 5,081 visitors have rated this excellent aquarium and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Advent Karlovac on this leg of your self-drive tour in Croatia. This attraction is a well-known best-rated sightseeing destination that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 441 travelers.

The remarkable Glazbeni paviljon is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in Croatia. This attraction, an amazing must-see tourist destination, is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 380 travelers.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Ecopark Krašograd. This popular site is a valued top-tier point of interest in Zagreb County and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,530 visitors.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across Croatia. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in Croatia. Make your cheap holiday experience in Croatia more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Osijek offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Croatia. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Osijek offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Croatia.

SportHouse Osijek is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 742 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Osijek is Grill & Beer Bar Fabrique, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 732 customers.

Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Osijek’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Pivnica Runda is an excellent example of a great bar in Osijek offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 612 customers.

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

Day 7 of your exciting, laid-back road trip across Croatia is proof that there's more to the city of Zagreb than meets the eye. Today's agenda is to explore Zagreb and discover what this fabulous and cheap holiday destination offers. Expect amazing attractions, a great dining experience, and a wonderful time discovering the daily lives of locals with 1 night left in Osijek.

You’ll begin this day’s adventure with a visit to the top-rated Ovcara Memorial Center. This incredible attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from around 1,855 visitors.

Another highlight of this cheap holiday package is a trip to the fascinating Vukovar water tower. This spectacular water tower and tourist destination has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 6,041 reviews.

It’s hard to pass up the chance to see the famous Vukovar Municipal Museum / Castle Eltz during a vacation in Zagreb. Ranking high up on many travelers’ bucket lists, the amazing Vukovar Municipal Museum / Castle Eltz has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,418 reviews.

This day of your road trip in Croatia is also the perfect opportunity to see the outstanding Memorijalni centar Domovinskog rata. This popular place of interest in Zagreb is a valued museum that has a rating of 4.8 out of a 5-star rating from 2,592 visitors.

Keen to do something new and one-of-a-kind today? There are many experiences you can add to your cheap vacation package to make your road trip in Croatia more special. Check out all the budget-friendly activities and tours below and bag a cheap holiday deal.

After taking in the best of Zagreb, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Osijek for a well-deserved rest. When you’re ready to eat, indulge yourself to a nice meal at one of the top-rated restaurants in the city.

McDonald's & McDrive is an excellent example. Here you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,583 customers.

After a lovely dinner at one of the best places to eat in Osijek, visit one of the most popular drinking spots in the city. Relax, grab a drink or two, chat with friendly locals, and enjoy the rest of your evening in Osijek.

Amsterdam Pub is a fantastic bar many locals in Osijek recognize. This popular bar is an excellent place to unwind after a busy day and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 566 customers.

You can also enjoy a few drinks and some snacks at pub Merlon, another popular bar in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,135 customers.

Restoran Karaka Osijek is a local favorite and a great place to hang out and socialize with other travelers in Osijek. Customers have rated the exciting Restoran Karaka Osijek an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,966 reviews.

Raise your glass and savor every moment of your cheap holiday experience in Croatia!

On day 8 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Croatia, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Zagreb and end your day in the city of Zagreb, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Zagreb is the amazing Youth pedestrian bridge. This travel destination is a top-tier point of interest that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,001 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Sakuntala park. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,044 travelers, a visit to this well-known must-see tourist destination and sightseeing spot in Zagreb is likely to make your vacation in Croatia even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Zagreb is the outstanding Đakovo Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 2,256 visitors.

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.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Zagreb. Zagreb is another cheap travel destination in Croatia where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Croatia can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Zagreb that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Zagreb is Restoran Vegehop. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 760 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Zagreb, Vinodol 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 4,410 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Zagreb enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,156 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Zagreb’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Croatia. For example, you can visit Valhalla beer bar. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,010 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Roots - juice & cocktail bar. This popular bar in Zagreb has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 800 bar-goers.

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

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Croatia as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 9 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Zagreb.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in Croatia.

If you'd rather pass time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Zagreb, consider a top-rated restaurant like Boban. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,445 customers.

Submarine Burger Frankopanska 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 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,795 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Zagreb and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Croatia!