Best Cities in Croatia to Visit

🇭🇷 Best Cities in Croatia to Visit: Cities, Sights & The Perfect Time to Go

Croatia is a true gem of southern Europe — a country where ancient cities, pristine beaches, and epic natural beauty all come together. Whether you’re a beach lover, history buff, foodie, or party-goer, you’ll find something unforgettable here. If you’re wondering about the best cities in Croatia to visit, the most stunning landmarks, or simply the best time to visit Croatia, you’re in the right place. We’ve created a full guide that covers the top places to visit in Croatia, when to go, and what to do once you’re there.

🌇 The Best Cities in Croatia to Visit

Croatia has a mix of coastal gems and inland cities, each with its own unique character. Here are the best cities in Croatia to visit, whether it’s your first trip or your fifth.

1. Dubrovnik – The Pearl of the Adriatic

Few places are as instantly iconic as Dubrovnik. Surrounded by massive stone walls and overlooking the sea, this UNESCO-listed city is a blend of history, beauty and drama (quite literally — it was a major Game of Thrones filming location). Walk the city walls, explore the Old Town, and take a cable car for insane panoramic views.

Why visit:

• Stunning Old Town

• Game of Thrones locations

• Cliffside bars & seaside restaurants

• Easy island-hopping nearby

2. Split – Roman History Meets Modern Party

The second-largest city in Croatia, Split is a vibrant, lively place with one foot in ancient history and the other in full-on beach mode. It’s built around the Roman Diocletian’s Palace, and today, that palace is packed with shops, cafés and bars. It’s one of the best places to visit in Croatia for nightlife, boat tours and seaside relaxation.

Why visit:

• Diocletian’s Palace

• Epic nightlife

• Gateway to islands like Hvar and Brač

• Excellent food and wine

3. Zagreb – The Capital with Culture

The capital city of Croatia, Zagreb often gets overlooked in favour of the coast, but it’s absolutely worth a visit. With its mix of Austro-Hungarian charm, café culture, art galleries and music festivals, Zagreb has a creative, quirky vibe you won’t find anywhere else in the country.

Why visit:

• Lower prices than coastal cities

• Tons of museums and art

• Local nightlife & music scene

• Unique attractions like the Museum of Broken Relationships

4. Zadar – Sunsets and Sea Organs

If you like your cities with a side of weird, Zadar is for you. This coastal town is famous for its sea organ — an experimental musical instrument that plays with the movement of the waves. It’s less crowded than Dubrovnik or Split but equally beautiful, and it’s a fantastic base for island-hopping or exploring national parks.

Why visit:

• Unique seaside installations

• Gorgeous sunsets

• Less touristy, more authentic

• Access to Kornati Islands and Plitvice Lakes

5. Rovinj – Romance on the Istrian Coast

A picture-perfect town on the Istrian peninsula, Rovinj looks like it belongs in an Italian postcard. With colourful houses, cobblestone streets, and seafood to die for, it’s ideal for couples or solo travellers looking to relax in style.

Why visit:

• Romantic atmosphere

• Beautiful harbour views

• Local wines and truffles

• Art galleries and boutique shops

🗺️ More Places to Visit in Croatia (That Aren’t Cities)

Not every must-see spot in Croatia is a city. Here are some of the best places to visit in Croatia outside the urban areas:

🔹 Plitvice Lakes National Park: Without a doubt, one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Europe. Plitvice features 16 cascading lakes connected by waterfalls and wooden walkways.

🔹 Krka National Park: Similar to Plitvice, but with one big bonus — you can swim under some of the waterfalls.

🔹 Hvar Island: Sun-soaked, glamorous and full of beach clubs. So, Ideal for summer parties and stylish relaxation.

🔹 Korčula Island: Quiet, charming, and full of tradition. Then, Rumoured to be the birthplace of Marco Polo.

🔹 Pula Amphitheatre: One of the best-preserved Roman arenas in the world. Finally, Still used for concerts and events.

📅 When is the Best Time to Visit Croatia?

The best time to visit Croatia depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.

☀️ Summer (June to August)

The most popular time to visit. Expect sunny days, buzzing nightlife, and ideal conditions for swimming and sailing. But — it’s also the most crowded and expensive period.

Perfect for:

• Beach holidays

• Festivals (like Ultra Europe in Split)

• Island-hopping

🌸 Spring (April to May)

Beautiful weather without the big crowds. Great for hiking, cycling, and sightseeing.

Perfect for:

• National parks

• Budget travel

• City breaks

🍂 Autumn (September to October)

The sea is still warm, but prices drop and crowds thin out. It’s a local favourite.

Perfect for:

• Wine tasting in Istria

• Romantic getaways

• Cultural festivals

❄️ Winter (November to March)

While coastal towns quiet down, Zagreb shines with Christmas markets and winter activities.

Perfect for:

• Zagreb city break

• Cheaper accommodation

• Peace and quiet

🚗 Travel Tips for Exploring Croatia

• Rent a car if you plan to explore several cities or natural parks

• Ferries connect many of the islands from Split, Zadar and Dubrovnik

• English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas

• Local currency is the euro (since 2023)

• Food and drink are generally affordable

• Tip: try the local wines and seafood — Croatia is underrated in both!

✈️ How to Get There

• Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar and Pula all have international airports

• Low-cost flights from most major UK and EU cities

• Ferries also connect Croatia with Italy (Ancona, Bari, Venice)