Originally posted January 11, 2020

After visiting Ljubljana, we took a short (and cheap) bus journey to the 5th destination on our Christmas market trip with Urban Adventures - Zagreb… (2.5 hours and less than 15 Euros to be exact). It was one of the places I was most excited for, and, unfortunately, the city where we had the least amount of time.

Let’s just say MISTAKES WERE MADE.

At this stage in our trip, we were running through Christmas markets at near break-neck speeds to try to fit them all in, finish the job, and still have time to visit our families for the holidays. It all worked out in the end… but I still wish we had spent a bit more time soaking in Zagreb’s insanely festive atmosphere.

36 hours in Croatia’s Christmas Capital

Zagreb was voted Europe’s Best Christmas market in 2016, 2017, and 2018, and, though we only had a short visit here, it was easy to see why. My mental bar was set pretty high, and Zagreb still managed to exceed my expectations. To be honest, it probably could have been awarded best Christmas market in Europe again (if holding the title four years in a row was allowed).

This year, there were over 25 Christmas markets taking place throughout the city, though, if you ask me, just about the whole city feels like a Christmas market during the holidays. Soon after arriving in Zagreb’s city centre, we saw the award winning holiday hotspot in all its festive glory and instantly wished we had more time. The sheer number of festivities happening around the city was a bit daunting, and, with so many options, we weren’t really sure where to start. Exploring with a local Urban Adventures guide was a great way to cover all of our bases, and *full disclosure* was also a necessity since I was there on a writing assignment with them.

Disclaimer: Though I was a guest of Urban Adventures, I’d never promote a product or service I didn’t genuinely believe in. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Zagreb Advent Adventure

With only 36 hours in the city, I was sure we’d barely scratch the surface… but thanks to Max (our Urban Adventures’ guide and saving grace), we covered an insane amount of ground and explored several of the Christmas markets… all while learning about Croatian history, holiday traditions… and stuffing our faces.

Max knew our time was limited, so he turned our Advent Adventure Christmas Market tour into a bit of a Zagreb tour, too. By the end of the tour, we were stuffed with local holiday foods, drinks, and had crossed off most of the must see sights on our list. We were also EXHAUSTED… but in the best way possible! He even hooked us with the most perfect souvenirs - personalized Licitar Cookie magnets!

We had seen these decorated cookies (in edible and nonedible form) all evening, but had zero clue why they all had little square mirrors… until Max filled us in on the meaning and took us to get a couple of our own! The lady at the shop spelled my name incorrectly (which probably comes as a surprise to no-one)… but its still on my fridge as a reminder of the whirlwind of an experience that was Zagreb.

We had so much fun exploring the city’s holiday scene with Max, and I couldn’t recommend him or his Zagreb Advent Adventure Tour more.

In addition to running Urban Adventures in Zagreb, Max also heads the branch in Dubrovnik. He and his team host a variety of fun tours and activities throughout the year, but there’s one in particular that I’m particularly keen on going back for. Wine tasting! It’s high on my list for my next visit to Croatia… preferably in the summer… and with Max as our guide!

The Christmas markets were fun… but it was Max who made our time here truly special. He is passionate about his job, his country, and has a positive energy that was contagious. Max was adamant about making sure we had a great trip, and the most authentic Zagreb experience possible.

Watch Now : Christmas Markets of Zagreb

Zagreb’s Best Christmas Markets

There are a ton of yuletide festivities going on in Zagreb during the Advent period, and, though we didn’t get to all of them, Max definitely made sure to show us the city’s best.

For the full scoop on Zagreb’s festive celebrations, head to the Urban Adventures’ blog to check out my Complete Guide to Zagreb’s Christmas Markets. In the meantime, keep reading for a quick list of Zagreb’s Christmas Market Superlatives.

“Most Insta-Worthy” - Gredec Plateau

If you’re looking for a spot to snap some festive photos, you’re in the right place… because all of Zagreb is good for that. The best photo-ops are up at Gredec Plateau, and *full disclosure* so are the longest cues. Don’t let the lines deter you! The Jingle Mingle up at Gradec Plateau also has the best city views, which makes cueing up for a photo (without crowds or random photobombers) well worth the wait.

“Most Likely to Give You a Food Baby” - Fuliranje

If you’re looking for good food, Fuliranje at Strossmayer Square is a must.

Sadly, I have zero pictures of this spot… We were a bit busy stuffing our faces and the food was gone before it could be captured.

Known for its tasty grub, at this Christmas market, you’ll find top chefs from around the country serving up traditional Croatian favorites, international foods, and even vegetarian friendly options. This was one of the last stops on our tour, so I was already pretty full… But ya best believe that I MADE ROOM… and Max and Andrew may or may not have had to roll me out of here.

Again, the lines can be a bit long… but the food is so worth it. Make sure to pay attention when your name is called to pick up your order… or the guys behind the counter will 100% make fun of you.

“Most One of a Kind” - Tunnel Grič

For a truly unique Christmas market experience, 10/10 would recommend checking out Tunnel Grič… unless you’re claustrophobic (in which case, 0/10 would recommend).

Once a WWII bomb shelter, this underground pedestrian tunnel is now a tourist attraction and the site of several exhibitions during the holidays and throughout the year. It’s one of several tunnels in an underground network running beneath the upper town, but is the only one open to the public.

“Best All Around” - Strossmayer Promenade

Located in Zagreb’s medieval upper-town, this cutesy market on the hill has a great view of the city, and everything you’d expect from a traditional Christmas market… with a fun little twist.

When we entered the promenade, we were greeted by flashing disco lights and a DJ spinning top 40 hits in a treehouse.

This was definitely a Christmas market first for me… but, after seeing glowing sperm and eggs hanging over the streets of Ljubljana in their Christmas light display, nothing really surprised me anymore. We grabbed some Fritule (Croatia’s play on donut holes), washed them down with plum brandy, and did what one does when they’re on a promenade - we strolled.

Eventually, the treehouse tunes faded into smooth jazz as we passed another live band performing at the front of what looked like a living room. There were several of these themed seating areas dotted along the promenade - each complete with funky wallpaper, cozy couches, and vintage decor.

The quirky setup and cozy atmosphere put the advent celebration on Strossmayer Promenade a head above the rest, and made it easily my favorite of all the Christmas markets in Zagreb.

Need a Yuletide Break?

Don’t worry, I’ve been there… and that’s coming from someone who shamelessly quotes holiday movies year round - namely “BUT WHAT WILL I WEAR!?”

Zagreb was number five of seven cities on our Christmas market trip… and, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but, YES, it’s possible that there IS such a thing as too much mulled wine. If you find yourself needing a break from the holiday hubbub in Zagreb, here are 6 other things to do instead:

Go ice-skating in King Tomislav Square at the city’s famous IcePark… a bit Christmas-y, yes, but also just a fun winter activity.
Take a ride on the world’s shortest funicular to the upper-town… where you’ll be greeted by, you guessed it, a Christmas market!
Visit medieval St. Mark’s Church and the Cathedral of Zagreb… the city’s two iconic churches.
Stroll through the Stone Gate… According to legend, a painting of the Virgin Mary was the only thing undamaged in after a fire destroyed the wooden gate in 1731. Today, the gate is a shrine.
Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships… one of Zagreb’s most popular attractions, and probably the LEAST festive thing you could possibly do.
Hunt for street art… the city is covered in colorful murals like the ones below!

Getting Around

Aside from getting to and from the bus station via tram, we did all of our exploring on foot. Zagreb is very pedestrian friendly, but, if you DO need to take the tram, you’re in luck!

When we visited last year, all trams were actually free for the weekend… something I’m fairly certain the city does throughout the peak Christmas market period! Andddd they were also packed… so unless it’s absolutely necessary, I’d recommend walking instead.

Need help finding your way around town?

All of the holiday celebrations and city sights mentioned in this article are pinned in the map below!