Summer in Zagreb: The Adventure Begins
In the summer months, Zagreb comes alive in a truly special way, and June is the perfect introduction to what’s on offer – a wealth of outdoor events and activities. Zagreb is an ideal destination for a quick and exciting weekend getaway, where every street and square hides new surprises and adventures. To start you off, this little guide will help you plan your perfect weekend adventure in Zagreb.
City of events
Summer in Zagreb is an adventure filled with cool events, offering something for everyone, ensuring that both locals and tourists will find something to enjoy.
This June, Zagreb is hosting one of the most popular street festivals, Cest is d’Best. Over the three days of the festival, the streets will be transformed into a colourful stage for street artists, clowns, musicians and performers from all over the world. Cest is d’Best is not just for spectating; it is a place where you can feel the pulse of the city through music and dance, participate in workshops and competitions, and enjoy interactive installations. The festival is a hit among families with children, as well as anyone looking to immerse themselves in Zagreb’s laid-back, creative vibe.
If you prefer discovering the city’s hidden corners, the Festival Dvorišta / Courtyards is the perfect opportunity to peek into secret, otherwise inaccessible oases of the city and explore its rich history. The festival opens the doors of otherwise closed courtyards and gardens and allows you to enjoy the hidden beauty within the city. Each courtyard has its own unique story and atmosphere, often accentuated with musical performances, art installations and gastronomic offerings. The Courtyards Festival provides a rare opportunity to discover the historical and architectural gems of the Upper Town, offering a tranquil escape from the city’s buzz and a chance to intimately connect with Zagreb’s history and culture.
The big return of music festivals
After a hiatus of a few years, the INmusic festival returns in style. Located at the beautiful Jarun Lake, INmusic is the largest open-air festival in Croatia, and it is truly something special, as proven by the fact that the international media calls it “the best small festival in Europe.”
This year, the lineup includes music icons such as The National, Hozier, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Röyksopp, as well as many other performers who will keep you dancing until late into the night. In addition to the main stages, there are also many accompanying events, from DJ sets to art installations, which make this festival special.
But that’s not all. June in Zagreb also brings a series of concerts at Šalata, where the legendary and fierce Bodycount and the inimitable Grace Jones will perform. Whatever you choose, an unforgettable musical summer awaits you in Zagreb.
A cultural oasis
During June and July, don’t miss the Summer at MSU event, which brings concerts, exhibitions, film screenings, dance performances and, of course, the opportunity to visit the permanent exhibition of the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Refreshing moments in the open air
Summer in Zagreb is not complete without a visit to Jarun and Bundek. These two lakes are perfect for escaping the city crowds and heat and ideal for those who want to stay in shape and enjoy nature. Jarun, known as “Zagreb’s sea”,
offers plenty of opportunities for leisure activities – beaches for sunbathing, sports grounds for football, tennis and beach volleyball, and fantastic cycling and running tracks. There are cool cafes and bars along the shore, perfect for relaxing after sports activities or hanging out with the team.
Bundek, on the other hand, offers a chilled atmosphere with many shady picnic spots and paths for walking and jogging.
For fans of hiking and natural landscapes, Medvednica is the perfect choice. The mountain that dominates the horizon above Zagreb offers many hiking and biking trails, and you should not miss exploring the Medvednica Nature Park.
The new, interactive museum in Medvedgrad offers a unique experience where you can learn more about the history of this medieval fortress. And for those looking for a challenge, climbing to the top of Sljeme will be a real adventure. Sljeme offers a spectacular view over the whole of Zagreb, ideal for all nature and photography enthusiasts.
And the cherry on top… the food
We will end our recommendations with an invitation to explore the city’s buzzing restaurant scene. Zagreb is famous for its restaurants and bars. From traditional dishes, such as štrukli (cheese-stuffed strudel) and turkey with mlinci (traditional baked pasta), to modern fusion cuisine, Zagreb offers something for everyone. Enjoy authentic local cuisine at Dolac Market, explore charming wine bars or relax in one of the many cafes with coffee and cake. Every visit to Zagreb offers an opportunity for a new culinary discovery. Zagreb also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant, several restaurants included in the recommendations of the Gault Millau guide, and several establishments that rank among the very top in Croatian gastronomy.
Enough of a reason to visit Zagreb this June? We thought so.
And how should every summer adventure in Zagreb begin? By finding the perfect accommodation. That’s where we come in.
Hotels in Zagreb
A hotel for citizens of the world situated in the capital of Croatia. The Zonar Zagreb was designed as an urban zone of relaxation and rejuvenation for guests visiting for business, sports or a thirst for new experiences. In any case, welcome!
The Hotel International, located in the heart of the business district of the country’s capital, is an excellent choice for business guests, as well as anyone visiting Zagreb as a tourist. With king-size beds and large bathrooms, the modern rooms offer comfort to make you feel at home. The largest Deluxe suites on the 10th floor of the hotel with a terrace overlooking Zagreb will satisfy even the most demanding guests, whether they are on holiday or a business trip.
The modern bed & breakfast Hotel Jadran enjoys an excellent location in the centre of Zagreb, just a short walk from the main Ban Josip Jelačić Square, Zagreb Cathedral, Dolac Market, and all the attractions of the Upper and Lower Towns. With comfortable accommodation in 49 modern en-suite rooms, start the day with a great hotel breakfast. Free Wi-Fi is also available.
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