You can check my previous trip to Sarajevo Bosnia below.
It takes about 7 hours and 30 minutes to travel from Bosnia to Zagreb by bus. It honestly feels quite long.
I left Sarajevo at 9:30 in the morning and arrived in Zagreb around 5:00 in the evening. It is basically a full day of travel.
The journey is long, but the changing scenery from Bosnia to Croatia is beautiful. The mountain landscapes along the way were especially memorable.
Why I chose Zagreb
Many travelers visiting Croatia usually go to Dubrovnik, which is often said to be the inspiration for famous films and anime.
However, since I planned to spend the New Year in Spain, Dubrovnik would have been a detour. So I decided to visit Zagreb, the capital of Croatia.
Accommodation Funk Lounge Hostel
I stayed at
Funk Lounge Hostel
It cost 62 euros for 4 nights, which is very affordable.
I walked there from the bus terminal.
The hostel was spacious and had a shared kitchen. There were several desks around, which made it a very comfortable place to work.
View on Google Maps
If you are a digital nomad or planning a longer stay, I highly recommend this place.
Zagreb in November
I visited Zagreb in mid November.
To be honest, the city felt very quiet and not very touristy.
- Not many tourists
- Calm atmosphere
- Few events
Also,
- Zagreb Cathedral was under construction and closed
- Dolac Market felt quite empty
Because of this, I did not do much sightseeing and spent a lot of time working at the hostel.
If your main goal is sightseeing, I would not recommend November.
Instead, December is much better because of the Christmas market, which is known as Advent Zagreb.
Main sightseeing spots in Zagreb
Zagreb Cathedral
The most iconic landmark in the city, visible from many places.
- Built in the 11th century
- Destroyed multiple times by earthquakes and wars
- Restored in the 19th century
It is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, although I could not go inside due to construction.
View on Google Maps
St Mark Church
Famous for its colorful roof.
The roof shows two coats of arms:
- The Kingdom of Croatia Dalmatia and Slavonia
- The city of Zagreb
The church is usually not open to visitors, so you can only enjoy it from the outside.
View on Google Maps
Stone Gate
Located in the old town, this is more than just a gate.
Inside, there is a small prayer space.
In 1731, a large fire destroyed much of the city, but a painting of the Virgin Mary inside this gate survived untouched. Because of this, it became a sacred place.
It felt more like a place of local faith than a typical tourist attraction.
View on Google Maps
Lotrščak Tower
A medieval tower built in the 13th century.
A cannon is fired every day at noon.
You can go up the tower and enjoy a great view of the city.
View on Google Maps
Food and cafes
Good Food
A local chain with several locations in Zagreb.
I ordered a burger.
It is simple, affordable, and convenient. Good option if you want to save money.
View on Google Maps
Cogito Coffee Shop
A coffee shop near the old town.
The coffee was very good, but the space was small. Some people were working there, but it did not feel very comfortable for long stays.
Still worth visiting if you enjoy good coffee.
View on Google Maps
Cafes I wanted to visit but did not have time
Cat Caffe Zagreb
A cat cafe near my hostel.
It looked interesting and cozy, but I did not have time to visit. If you like cats, this place seems worth checking out.
View on Google Maps
Program Bar
A stylish cafe bar in the city center.
It is open until late and seems popular among locals. I did not get the chance to go, but I would like to visit next time.
View on Google Maps
Final thoughts
My stay in Zagreb felt less like a sightseeing trip and more like living quietly in the city.
In November, you may notice:
- Limited access to attractions
- Fewer events
- A calm and quiet atmosphere
However, there are also advantages:
- Fewer crowds
- Good environment for working
- Lower travel costs
So the conclusion is:
- If you want sightseeing, visit in December
- If you want a quiet stay or remote work, November is actually a good option
For me, Zagreb became a place to slow down and spend time differently. It was not exciting in a typical travel sense, but it was still a meaningful experience.
Next, I will be traveling to Ljubljana Slovenia.
