9-Day Croatia Road Trip from Zagreb traveling west to Rijeka, Pula, Senj, and Zadar

Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Zagreb. You’ll stay in Zagreb for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

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 19,174 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. 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, mekPer's. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,654 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb is Pri zvoncu. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,325 customers.

Locals recommend Restaurant Zelen Dvor as one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,571 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!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Zagreb has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Zagreb by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Zagreb. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Zagreb, like the extraordinary Zagreb Zoo. This attraction is a zoo and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 23,886 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Zagreb is the spectacular Museum of Broken Relationships. This attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,957 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Stone Gate. This city gate has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,601 visitors.

Bundek is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This lake is a popular destination among visitors in Zagreb. Rated at an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,180 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Zagreb does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Zagreb on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Croatia, be sure to eat at Bota Šare Zagreb restaurant - oyster & sushi bar, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,778 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Zagreb is the popular HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,369 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Zagreb is Roots - juice & cocktail bar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 800 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Swanky Monkey Garden is one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,237 customers.

Dubravkin put is another of the most popular bars in the city of Zagreb. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,365 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Zagreb is Cheese Bar. Cheese Bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,097 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Zagreb!

Day 3 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 Rijeka. You will stay in Rijeka 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 Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,613 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible catholic cathedral, Zagreb Cathedral. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 16,381 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Zagreb is the outstanding Ribnjak Park. This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,263 visitors.

The spectacular Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating park and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,528 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Technical Museum. This attraction is a popular museum that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,180 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 Rijeka, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Konoba Tarsa, one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,076 customers.

Locals also recommend Barbacoa as one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. Barbacoa is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka is Konoba Fiume. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 933 customers.

After dinner, visit Book caffe Dnevni boravak, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,024 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Beertija Klub. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers.

Alternatively, Teatro Lounge Bar is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Rijeka. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 738 customers.

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

Rise and shine on day 4 of your road trip in Croatia. Today, you'll wake up in Rijeka and embark on a scenic drive to Pula, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Rijeka and Rovinj 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 Rijeka. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Baredine Cave. This attraction is a show cave that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,659 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Gedići and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Rovinj has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Church of Saint Euphemia. This attraction is a church that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,222 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Park forest Zlatni Rt. This park and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6,231 reviews.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Rovinj, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Pula. When you arrive in Pula 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 Veritas Food&Wine. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,550 customers.

Locals also recommend Taj Tavern, another of the best restaurants in Pula. Taj Tavern is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,079 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Pizzeria Jupiter. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,601 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Rock Bar Mimoza to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Pula, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 613 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Shipyard Pub. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. The Shipyard Pub has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,622 customers.

Zeppelin - Beach & lounge bar is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,777 customers.

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!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 5 of your epic road trip in Croatia, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Pula. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Senj. You’ll stay in Senj for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Pula’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Pula, start your day with a visit to the amazing Pula Citadel. This much-appreciated best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,536 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria. This museum and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,775 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Temple of Augustus to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Temple of Augustus is an archaeological site that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,904 visitors.

The lovely Forum Square is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 5,726 visitors have left this best-rated sightseeing destination average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Pula Arena. This attraction is a roman amphitheatre rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 58,562 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Pula has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Senj. Senj 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 Restaurant Uskok. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,133 reviews.

The remarkable Tavern Kod Veska is another top restaurant in Senj we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 822 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Restaurant-pizzeria Tropicana is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Senj, the fantastic Pirassa Caffe Gelateria. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 120 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Cafe Bar Julijus. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 109 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Restoran "Krešimir". This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 146 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

Day 6 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 Senj and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Zadar. You will stay in Zadar for 2 nights. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Senj is the amazing Park Nehaj. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 61 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible fortress, Nehaj Fortress. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,527 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

You can make the most of your new day in Senj 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 Zadar, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

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!

Day 7 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Zadar has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Zadar by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Zadar. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Zadar, like the extraordinary Sea organ. This attraction is a tide organ and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 56,635 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Zadar is the spectacular Roman Forum. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,627 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Church of St. Donatus. This church building has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,633 visitors.

Narodni trg is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This top-tier point of interest is a popular destination among visitors in Zadar. Rated at an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,549 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider Market Zadar. Market Zadar is a top-tier point of interest and popular attraction in Zadar. More than 7,601 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Zadar does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Zadar on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Croatia, be sure to eat at Trattoria Mediterraneo, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 762 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Zadar is the popular Pizzeria Šime. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,176 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Zadar is Restoran Bruschetta. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,370 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Beach Bar Bamboo is one of the best bars in the city of Zadar for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,578 customers.

La Famiglia is another of the most popular bars in the city of Zadar. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,083 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Zadar is The Garden Lounge. The Garden Lounge has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,269 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Zadar!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 8 of your epic road trip in Croatia, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Karlovac County. 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 Karlovac County’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Karlovac County, start your day with a visit to the amazing Nikola Tesla Experience Center Karlovac. This much-appreciated top-tier point of interest and attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 219 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Advent Karlovac. This must-see tourist destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 445 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Glazbeni paviljon to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Glazbeni paviljon is a must-see tourist destination that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 387 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Karlovac County 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 McDonald's Vrbani is another top restaurant in Zagreb we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,850 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Mali Medo is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,203 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.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is BarBar XXL. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 924 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

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.

Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Zagreb. This best-rated sightseeing destination and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,945 visitors.

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 Vinodol before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,410 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica for your last chance at a meal in the city of Zagreb. The Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,156 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Esplanade Zagreb Hotel. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,925 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!