15 Best Cities in Croatia to Visit

Croatia, a southeastern European country, is every sea-lover's dream. With over 1000 islands, there are plenty of swampy places to admire and explore. Croatia is Europe’s most shining jewel. It is becoming one of the hottest destinations in Europe to visit. There are many cities in Croatia to pick for an unforgettable vacation.

Croatia has everything you ever need for a holiday. From historic ruins & medieval cities to scenic natural attractions & picturesque landscapes to enchanting hikes & beautiful national parks to spectacular coastlines & breathtaking islands, you name it, and Croatia will show you.

If you are puzzling over where to go and what cities to visit in Croatia, you are at the right place. We have a list ready for you to skim through when you visit Croatia.

Top 15 Cities to Visit in Croatia

Here is the list of all the cities that you can visit in Croatia for a charming coastal vacation:

1. Zagreb- A Fascinating Capital

Zagreb is one of the vibrant cities in Croatia that captivates the hearts of everyone who visits. It is an elegant city with a cultural scene, artistic streets, impressive museums, lively nightlife, and incredible architecture.

The cobblestone streets are bustling with lovely shops and pretty cafes. Zagreb may be a lesser-known gem, but it has unique and stunning attractions worth exploring. Not just this, the lush greenery and picturesque lakes are some highlights that make a holidaymaker’s day riveting. If you are wondering which city to start your Croatian holiday, go to Zagreb.

2. Sibenik- A Sparkling Coastal City

Sibenik is one of the most celebrated marvels in Croatia. Among the top cities to visit in Croatia, Sibenik boasts a blend of city life and coastal vibes. With stunning seaside panoramas, postcard-perfect landscapes, fascinating history, and youthful vibes, this city has so much in its bag.

It is one of the best places to witness sparkling beaches, beachside bars, and sunny holidays. From admiring the architecture at the Town Hall to uncovering the history at St. Michael’s Fortress, Sibenik never fails to disappoint visitors. Everything here is outstandingly amazing. You will not get tired of such magnificence.

3. Dubrovnik- Home of GOT Locations

Dubrovnik is one of the most-visited cities in Croatia and is filled with plenty of attractions to explore and things to do. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many historical sites. The amazing fact about Dubrovnik is that it is home to countless locations shown in the globally popular series Game of Thrones (GOT).

This city is on every GOT lover’s bucket list of places to visit. Dubrovnik makes a traveler's time wonderful with majestic forts, lovely cathedrals, medieval city walls, beautiful houses, and breathtaking museums. Besides, you can explore pleasing shops, bustling bars, pretty cafes, and buzzing nightlife.

4. Zadar- A City Filled with History

Zadar is a beautiful city with historical sites, incredible architecture, rich culture, ancient churches, and Roman life. It is one of the most stunning cities in Croatia to visit for soaking up in history, lively bars, vibrant cafes, and buzzing nightlife.

From the Roman Forum to St. Donatus, Sea Organ, Kolovare Beach, Paklenica National Park, and much more, Zadar is full of places to see and things to do. This majestic Croatian city is on everyone’s must-visit places list.

5. Osijek- A Scenic Delight

Osijek is one of the largest cities in Croatia, located in the eastern part of the country. Brimming with cultural attractions, green parks, open spaces, cafes & restaurants, and Baroque-style buildings, Osijek is a treasure trove of Croatia. Being an underrated city, Osijek remains crowd-free, making you enjoy the vacation more peacefully.

Osijek has plenty of things to see and adventures to experience to make your time here more enjoyable. One of the best ways to relish a scenic experience by the Drava River is to stroll across the promenade complex and explore cafes & bars.

6. Split- A Roman Marvel

Split, also fondly known as Mediterranean Flower, is the second-largest city on the peninsula off Croatia's Dalmatian Coast. The landscapes of Split are filled with ancient Roman architecture and orange-roofed houses that create a breathtaking contrast with the turquoise sea and striking coastal mountains. For this and many other reasons, Split is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Croatia.

You can take casual strolls around the city and enjoy plenty of things to see and do, like shopping in Green Market, hiking & cycling on the Marjan Hill, watching football at the Poljud Stadium, and swimming at Bacvice Beach.

7. Hvar- A Quaint Island

Hvar is one of the most-loved cities in Croatia among honeymooners and couples. It is a luxury location for vacationers looking for a high-end holiday. Whether you are a partygoer, adventurer, art enthusiast, or peace lover, Hvar is for all. Hvar offers a myriad of activities, like walking around St. Stephen’s Cathedral, experiencing boating in the Pakleni Islands, and visiting Sveta Nedjelja.

Hvar is a year-round destination that offers many breathtaking views, charming villages, Neolithic history, and much more for globetrotters to experience.

8. Kumrovec- A Charming Riverside Town

Kumrovec is one of the most lovely riverside villages in Croatia. Situated along the Croatia-Slovenia border, Kumrovec is among the top cities in Croatia to visit. It is the birthplace of Josip Broz Tito. Every landscape of this place offers a scenic view that you will not stop capturing on your devices.

Kumrovec is the best place to learn more about the past, local culture, agriculture, history, and the quiet & fulfilling life. There is a wealth of historic museums that exhibit the bygone era of this village.

9. Plitvice National Park- A Breathtaking Escape to Paradise

Plitvice is one of the most enchanting natural wonders in Croatia and the whole of Europe. It has numerous breathtaking lakes, striking waterfalls, and pleasing forests that captivate the attention of all nature lovers. If you are a nature enthusiast, Plitvice National Park is no less than paradise for you. The astonishing thing to witness here is the color of the lakes that changes throughout the day, creating landscapes straight from the fairytale.

10. Salona- An Ancient Gem of Dalmatia

Salona is a beautiful place, nestled at the foot of the mountains northeast of Split. Among the best cities in Croatia to visit, Salona is a thriving Roman province of Dalmatia. It is an archeological gem that has various ancient ruins. You can explore Salona’s first-century aqueduct, ruins of shops & thermal baths, and impressive amphitheater.  Salona is the best place to head if you love to be part of ancient history.

11. Ston- A Gorgeous Oyster City

Ston is another marvel in Croatia, nestled in southern Dalmatia. It is mainly known for its city walls, the salt mines, and the oysters. Ston falls on the list of the best cities in Croatia to visit. It is a beautiful place, between Dubrovnik and Split, which captivates the heart of globetrotters. Some things that you must see in Ston are the town walls, saltworks, and Mali Ston.

Ston also hosts a famous event. It is the Festival of Oysters, which takes place on 19th March every year. If you are visiting Ston during this time, you can attend this festival and try oysters & local wines.

12. Cavtat- A Delightful Coastal Retreat

Cavtat is a must-visit place on a Croatian holiday. This coastal pearl by the Adriatic Sea is one of the enchanting cities to visit in Croatia. Cavtat is full of historic palaces, churches, museums, a romantic harbor, a waterfront promenade, and sparkling beaches. Cavtat’s lush greenery, horseshoe-shaped harbor, coastal towns, and picturesque backdrops are what make this city more scenic.

There are several pretty cafes and cozy bars around the city that you can explore during the walk in this beautiful city. The absolute thing to do here is to stroll around the waterfront, where you can relish the landscapes, filled with a turquoise sea and sailing boats.

13. Varazdin- A Cultural City of Croatia

Varazdin is one of the cultural cities in Croatia to visit next. Settled on the Drava River in northern Croatia, Varazdin is a must-visit for all the history buffs. The whole city is adorned with baroque buildings and exceptional architecture. From churches to castles, there are things worth exploring in Varazdin. Every inch of this city offers something for everyone. If you plan to go on a Croatian vacation, Varazdin is the perfect place to visit.

14. Trogir- A UNESCO-listed Location

Trogir is one of the most scenic cities in Croatia that captivates every vacationer’s heart. Trogir is also listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This historic town was founded by ancient Greek settlers. Trogir has a famous wine-tasting excursion or the Adriatic Trogir excursion for travelers. This gorgeous town on the Dalmatia Coast of Croatia is one of the most beautiful places you will ever see.

15. Rijeka- A Place of Natural Wonders

Rijeka, the port city located on Kvamer Bay, is one of the most breathtaking cities in Croatia. This beautiful red coastal city gives plenty of reasons to visit, such as the Hapsburg heritage, calls of the Korzo, Trsat views, carnivals, gateway to Croatia’s coast, and more. You will see a lot of incredible artistic architecture worth exploring. There are plenty of adventurous activities to engage in around the Rijeka, such as skiing, hiking, biking, etc.

Pack Your Bags and Fly to Croatia with Dook!

Croatia is a marvelous destination for a relaxing and cozy holiday. Its cities are perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating your soul from within. With this comprehensive list of top cities to visit in Croatia, you can witness the best of it. If you are planning a vacation in Croatia, go to Dook International’s website. We have a range of Croatia tour packages available at a pocket-friendly price.

Our Croatia travel packages can be personalized as per your travel needs. We ensure you have the best time on your vacation with seamless travel. So, do not forget to buy our Croatia package and enjoy a hassle-free holiday.

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