The 10 Best Cities to Visit in Croatia!
Most tourists associate Croatia with sun, beach and sea, but the wonderful cities in Croatia are also an absolute highlight of this fascinating destination! Most Croatian cities are located directly by the sea, in the regions of Istria, Dalmatia and Kvarner Bay, and so you can combine sightseeing wonderfully with a beautiful beach vacation on the Adriatic Sea. A special feature in Croatia are the enchanting old towns on the coast, where there are numerous historical attractions to discover, often even directly by the sea. Many of the interesting metropolises fascinate on top as UNESCO World Heritage Sites! But which cities in Croatia are worth visiting, and which attractions should not be missed during a city trip?
In this travel guide, you will find the 10 most worth visiting cities in Croatia. We show you great pictures, tell you plenty of insider tips, and which accommodations are particularly suitable for a city trip.
Good to know!
Most of the cities worth visiting in Croatia are located directly by the sea. Only the capital Zagreb is located inland, about 160 kilometers from the coast.
If you are planning your vacation and want to combine a city trip with relaxing at the beach, here are a few of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia summarized at a glance.
A wonderful travel time for a city trip is spring and fall, when the weather is mild, temperatures are moderate and the cities are less crowded than in summer.
Cheap entrance tickets, guided city tours, exciting cooking classes or unforgettable excursions to the islands, national parks and other cities can also be found at GetyourGuide.
Split
The charming coastal metropolis of Split is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia. Its history dates back some 1,700 years, so you can explore numerous historically significant attractions in the wonderfully pretty old town during a trip. One of them, the famous Diocletian’s Palace, is even on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites! Moreover, numerous cultural events and cool festivals take place, especially in the summer. Another highlight are the great beaches and swimming spots, which are perfect for relaxing days by the sea.
The best places to visit in Split
Probably the most important things to do in Split are a visit to the Diocletian’s Palace from the 4th century, the cathedral Sveti Duje with a magnificent view of the city, the statue of Bishop Gregory of Nin, which is about 8 meters high, the green Marjan Park and the beautiful harbor promenade Riva with its many cafés and restaurants.
Really popular, especially among GoT fans are also city tours to the filming locations of the legendary TV series “Game of Thrones”!
Accommodations for your city trip
- Heritage Hotel: The Villa Split Heritage Hotel is a cute little hotel right in the old town and with a very tasty breakfast.
- Apartment: The Apartment Mila scores with modern furnishings, free parking and a top location, only 10 minutes walk to the old town!
Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and the most interesting cities in the interior of the country. This Croatian city is about 165 kilometers away from the sea, which is probably one of the reasons why a city trip to Zagreb has remained an insider tip until today. It’s a pity because you can expect a lot of sightseeing! In addition, the city inspires with a cool mixture of Habsburg heritage, Balkan culture and modernity. The nightlife is legendary, and the cozy street cafés and the gastro scene with hip bars invite you to enjoy.
The best places to visit in Zagreb
The best things to do in Zagreb include a visit to the Zagreb Cathedral with its 105-meter-high towers, the world’s shortest funicular railroad “Uspinjača”, St. Mark’s Church with its heraldic roof, the Lotrščak Tower with its picturesque viewpoint, the Croatian National Theater and the numerous museums.
The surrounding area is also worth seeing! Guided tours to the Plitvice Lakes, one of the most visited national parks in Croatia, are especially sought after!
Accommodations for your city trip
- 5-Star Hotel: The Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is a beautiful luxury hotel in the city center. Guests love the unique charm and delicious breakfast.
- Pension in the center: the B&B Schlosser is a small pension with modern rooms in a prime location. There is also a cheap parking garage right next door.
Trogir
The city of Trogir is famous for its picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town, which is located on a small island dating back to Roman times, and whose history goes back as far as the 3rd century BC. During a sightseeing tour, one embarks on a kind of time travel, exploring medieval stone alleys and romantic squares, which were also shaped by the Venetians, among others. Breathtaking is also the picturesque location directly on the sea with a spectacular harbor. But also the surrounding beaches are a real highlight for a beach vacation in Croatia!
The best places to visit in Trogir
The most interesting things to do in Trogir are a visit to the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, the harbor promenade where huge yachts drop anchor, the Kamerlengo fortress with the Sveti Marko tower, and the regional market where you can buy local delicacies.
From Trogir you can make great excursions. Very popular and really popular are boat tours to the Blue Lagoon and the Blue Grotto!
Accommodations for your city trip
- Heritage Hotel: The XII Century Heritage Hotel is a lovely boutique hotel on the picturesque waterfront. Perfect for a very special trip.
- Vacation Apartment: The That Place Studio Apartment offers great vacation apartments with top amenities and great furnishings, at a great price.
Rovinj
The town of Rovinj is a true pearl on the Istrian peninsula. For many visitors, the colorful Rovinj is one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia! Especially impressive is the old town, situated on a peninsula, where the colorful old town houses are built close together up a hill. A labyrinth of charming alleys leads to hidden squares, up to the church of St. Euphemia. Romantic cafés also line the waterfront, the ambience at the harbor with the offshore islands invites you to dream, and the beaches in Rovinj are also an absolute vacation paradise.
The best places to visit in Rovinj
Among the most beautiful things to do in Rovinj are a visit to the historic old town, protected as a cultural monument, the church of St. Euphemia with a magnificent view of the sea, the main square Trg Marsala Tita with its impressive clock tower and the picturesque waterfront promenade with its pretty cafés.
Guided tours through the old town or even romantic dolphin watching tours can be found on GetyourGuide.
Accommodations for your city trip
- Hotel by the sea: The modern Hotel Lone is a beautiful 5-star hotel in a great location, with a wellness area and a wonderful pool landscape.
- Boutique hotel: The Melegran is an insider tip in the old town. Beautifully situated in the narrow streets, this boutique hotel enchants with its charm.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is definitely the most famous city in Croatia. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” or the “Athens of Croatia”, the UNESCO World Heritage City enchants with numerous historical highlights and breathtaking location directly on the sea. Absolutely spectacular, however, is the gigantic wall, which leads once around the old town, and inspires with numerous viewpoints. Really cool are also the many beautiful beaches, beach clubs and the lively nightlife, which has also discovered the international high society scene for themselves.
The best places to visit in Dubrovnik
The most beautiful things to do in Dubrovnik are a visit to the UNESCO Old Town with its labyrinth of stone alleys, the city wall on which you can even take walks, the Lovrijenac Fortress with a magnificent view of the Old Town and Mount Srđ, to which a cable car has been leading since 2010.
Very popular with tourists are tours by kayak, where you can admire Dubrovnik from the sea. You can explore the coast, the island of Lokrum and small hidden caves!
Accommodations for your city trip
- Apartment in the Old Town: If you would like to live directly in the old town of Dubrovnik, then we can recommend the Apartment La Petite.
- 5-star Hotel: The Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful hotels in Dubrovnik. Just a short walk from the city gate, you’ll be in the middle of the old town in no time.
Zadar
The city of Zadar is a real jewel on the Croatian coast. It is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia by the sea and delights with numerous romantic squares. The historic old town with its 3,000-year-old history is one of the most important in the country. In addition, Zadar was voted “The Best European Destination” in 2016. And not without reason because there is a lot to experience in this city! The offshore Zadar archipelago, the gorgeous beaches in the surrounding area and the numerous national parks that can be easily explored from Zadar are also real highlights!
The best places to visit in Zadar
The best things to in Zadar include a visit to the largest church in Dalmatia, the “Cathedral of St. Anastasia”, the Roman Forum and the Church of Donatus (Sv. Donat), the picturesque waterfront Riva with the world-famous sea organ and the greeting to the sun, where you can enjoy the most beautiful sunsets.
The offshore islands of Zadar are unique in Croatia. Unforgettable are sailing trips to the Telašćica Nature Park and the gorgeous Kornati Islands.
Accommodations for your city trip
- Hotel in the Old Town: The Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel is a charming boutique hotel, right in the Old Town. Here, the artistic and modern ambience is inspiring.
- Mobile homes near the center: The mobile homes of the Falkensteiner campsite are very popular! Here, a 5-star camping facility with Acquapura SPA as well as an outdoor pool inspires!
Rijeka
Rijeka is a real insider tip among the most beautiful cities in Croatia. Only in 2020, this port city was chosen as the European Capital of Culture. The historic buildings of the old town, the numerous museums and the Trsat Castle make Rijeka really worth seeing. Travelers can expect a unique blend of Habsburg history, industrial chic and a lively lifestyle. There is always something going on in this city, the nightlife is legendary and invites to party all night. In addition, Rijeka is an important transport hub and, moreover, a popular starting point for round trips through Croatia.
The best places to visit in Rijeka
The most beautiful things to do in Rijeka are a visit to the Trsat Castle with a magnificent view of the city, the Korzo shopping street, the authentic Rijeka market square, the imposing yellow city tower, the interesting museums and the 1.7-kilometer-long “Mole Longo” pier.
Rijeka is also a great starting point to visit beautiful Opatija and the island of Krk!
Accommodations for your city trip
- 4-star City Hotel: The Hotel Bonavia Plava Laguna is very centrally located and also scores with a modern ambience and delicious breakfast.
- Apartment in the center: The Casa Veneziana is located in a prime location, just a few steps from the city center, and impresses with modern furnishings.
Pula
The port city of Pula is one of the oldest cities in Croatia, as its history dates back to the Neolithic Age. In 177 B.C. the Romans conquered the former settlement, and so even today in the enchanting old town you can marvel at numerous historical attractions from that era. Among them is the landmark, the amphitheater of Pula from the 1st century! Another must-see are the numerous gorgeous beaches nearby, which are perfect for relaxing vacations. Pula is thus the perfect city if you want to combine sun, beach and sea with sightseeing.
The best places to visit in Pula
The most amazing things to do in Pula are a visit to the well-preserved amphitheater, the large market hall with the fish market, the fortress Kastell with a beautiful view of the sea and many other Roman buildings such as the Triumphal Arch and the Temple of Augustus.
Really cool is a kayak adventure tour to fascinating sea caves, where you can explore an interesting underwater world while snorkeling.
Accommodations for your city trip
- Hotel by the sea: The Park Plaza Arena Pula is located a few kilometers outside the center, in a fantastic beach location, and delights with a pool and excellent breakfast.
- Apartments in the Old Town: If you want to stay in the city center, we recommend the well furnished Polai Panorama Apartments.
Sibenik
The city of Sibenik is absolutely worth seeing and, moreover, not yet as heavily visited as, for example, Split and Dubrovnik. In this charming city by the sea, you will experience a breathtaking ambience away from the big tourist crowds. The picturesque old town was built up a hill, and winding stone alleys lead like a labyrinth through the medieval city center. No less than 3 castles tower over Sibenik and fascinate with a magnificent view of the city. The must-see, however, is the Cathedral of St. Jacob, which is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The best places to visit in Sibenik
Among the most beautiful attractions in Sibenik you can definitely count the UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral of St. Jacob, the Republic Square with the City Loggia and the Fortress of St. Michael and the Fortress Baron with the best view of the city.
From Sibenik you can go on great excursions. Very popular are guided tours to the nearby Krka Waterfalls or boat trips to the offshore Kornati islands.
Accommodations for your city trip
- Heritage Hotel: The Heritage Hotel King Kresimir is the perfect choice for an exceptional vacation in Sibenik. Here you will stay in a beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of the old town.
- Apartment with parking: The Apartment Ledunis offers new modern apartments with free parking, and the Old Town and the city beach are within walking distance.
Porec
Porec is a beautiful city in Croatia and, moreover, in summer, one of the most popular vacation destinations on the peninsula Istria. Beautiful here is the picturesque old town with the ancient city wall, whose history goes back 2,000 years. Tourism also has a long tradition in this coastal town, and so since 1907 vacationers from all over the world come here to spend their vacations by the sea. Charming are also the many squares and historical attractions of the city, foremost the Euphrasius Basilica.
The best places to visit in Porec
The most beautiful attractions in Porec are the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Euphrasius Basilica from the 6th century, the square Trg. Slobode with the Gospe od Andela church, the picturesque waterfront with the marina and the Decumanus street from Roman times.
Accommodations for your city trip
- 3-star Hotel: The Minella Residence is a lovingly run hotel right by the sea and with a great view of the old town.
- Vacation apartment: The NEW RIVA LUXURY ONE is a very nicely furnished vacation apartment with a great terrace and large garden.
More about Croatia:
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Makarska, Croatia: The Complete Travel Guide
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15 Unique Things to do on Hvar Island
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Korcula Island, Croatia: Ultimate Travel Guide
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Rab Island: The Happy Island in Croatia
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Croatia Road Trip Itinerary: The Best of Croatia
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Krk Island, Croatia: The Golden Island Travel Guide
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