7 Free And Cheap Date Ideas In Zagreb Croatia

The Croatian capital of Zagreb is affordable but its recent gentrification means that a meal in a decent restaurant here can cost a pretty penny. Here we offer suggestions for a free or cheap way to spend an afternoon with someone you might just want to meet again.

1. Maksimir Park

Park, Zoo

The city’s main park, the Maksimir dates back to the late 1700s. With this English style of park rather than the tight, geometric patterns of the French approach, locals were granted a sprawling area of recreation, lined with footpaths, dotted with lakes and covered in trees. The result is just as pleasingly random today, with the City Zoo as an added attraction.

2. Lake Jarun

Natural Feature

Created for the World Student Games of 1987, Jarun is a man-made lake dotted with little islands. Zagreb’s main summer festival, INmusic, takes place on one. On and off the water, recreational pursuits include sailing and cycling, or the pair of you can just hire out a pedalo. You can even make a night of it and hit one of the clubs that bring Jarun to life between autumn and spring.