Zagreb, the capital and largest city in Croatia, is a destination that has become more popular among tourists in recent decades. For a while, tourists only wanted to see the coastal towns of Dubrovnik and Split. However, it’s no wonder why more and more people want to visit Zagreb; it’s a city that’s brimming with ambiance and is filled with magnificent aesthetics. The cobblestone streets have a classic European feel and the grand architecture from the Habsburg era is absolutely awe-inspiring. The streets are filled with wonderful cafes, bars, and restaurants that offer a taste of Croatian gastronomy. And there are endless historical and cultural experiences to be had around Zagreb.
The history of Zagreb dates all the way back to Roman times when a settlement was found around the first century AD. The name Zagreb was first used in records that detailed the arrival of the Hungarian King Ladislaus, who founded a diocese there. The city became the capital of Croatia in 1557. Up until World War I, the city continued to expand and would eventually become a pivotal city during World War II. Later, Zagreb would be a major site of fighting during the Croatian War of Independence. As you can probably tell, the city of Zagreb is extremely rich in history. Thus, there are endless historical sites to see around the city as well as a wealth of more fun and light activities to engage in. So, if you really want to see all that Zagreb has to offer, the best way to do so is to hire a motorcycle and explore on your own time.
Here is everything you need to know about motorcycle hire in Zagreb. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a motor scooter as well. This guide includes:
- The best places to find motorcycle rental in Zagreb
- The normal cost of motorbike rental in Zagreb
- Whether it’s safe to hire a motorcycle in Zagreb
- Whether you need an international driving permit to hire a motorbike in Zagreb
- The best things to do in Zagreb by motorcycle
Where Are the Best Places to Find Motorcycle Hire in Zagreb?
If you plan on flying into Zagreb Franjo Tudman Airport, the international airport serving Zagreb and also the largest and busiest airport in Croatia, you should be able to hire a motorcycle, regardless of what time your flight arrives. So, you can hire your motorcycle as soon as you touch it down and drive directly to your accommodation. However, if you’d rather take a taxi to your accommodation before renting your motorcycle, there are many rental services within the center of the city as well.
No matter where you’re staying in Zagreb, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a place to rent a motorbike. Of course, the highest concentration of rental shops is in the center of the city, particularly in the neighborhoods of Kaptol and Lower Town. You can also find quite a few motorcycle rental shops in the western areas of the city such as Rudes and Vrapce.
What Is the Average Price of Motorcycle Hire in Zagreb?
As with pretty much anything else in Europe, motorcycle hire in Croatia is not exactly cheap. And, with the rise in popularity of Zagreb as a tourist destination, the prices have only gone up in recent years. If you want to recent a decent motorbike, such as a Honda XL 700 Transalp, you’re looking at paying around €80 per day. You can probably find a more affordable option, you’ll probably get a vehicle of lesser quality. Alternatively, you can find a more powerful motorcycle, like a BMW R1200GS ADV, for around €150 per day.
Regardless of what kind of motorcycle you choose to hire, you should always make sure that insurance coverage is included in the stated rental price. Croatian law requires all drives to be covered by an insurance policy and driving without one is illegal. You should also ask your rental company about discounted rates for weekly and monthly rentals if you plan on staying in Zagreb for a long time.
How Are the Driving Conditions in Zagreb?
In general, the road conditions in and around Zagreb are very good and have gotten better in recent years with the addition of large motorways connecting Zagreb to other major cities. However, if you’re driving in the more rural areas of the country, the road conditions can be a good deal rougher. You should look out for potholes, winding turns, and animals crossing the road, particularly at night when roads are often not very well lit.
Croatian drivers can be impatient; however, this problem is more prevalent in the southern coastal cities than it is in Zagreb. Regardless, you should always drive defensively and be very aware of your surroundings at all times while driving anywhere in Croatia. If you stay wary, you should have a great time driving around Zagreb with no problems.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Rent a Motorbike in Croatia?
If you have a driver’s license from a country that’s part of the European Union, you do not need an international driving permit to legally drive in Croatia. All you need is your national driver’s license and your passport. However, if you’re from a non-EU country, Croatian law requires you to carry an IDP at all times while operating a motor vehicle within the country. Failure to present law enforcement with a valid IDP could result in a hefty fine or even deportation.
If you want to get your international driving permit, you can do so online here. There is an application fee of $20 and the permit usually takes about two weeks to come in the mail, so you should make sure to apply for your permit at least two weeks before departing your home country. Once you have your IDP, it will be valid for one full year.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Zagreb With a Motorcycle?
Congratulations! You now know everything you need to successfully hire a motorcycle in the beautiful city of Zagreb! Here are some of the best things to do around the city to get you started on your adventure:
Lower Town
If you get tired of walking through history and want to take a step into the modern era, take a drive on your motorbike over to Lower Town. Unlike Gradec and Kaptol, Lower Town was laid out in the 1800s and has wide streets that are safe and easy to navigate. This is the location of many of the city’s most prestigious hotels. So, if you’re looking for a fine dining experience, Lower Town is the first place you should look.
While you’re in Lower Town, take a stop by the Mimara Museum. This museum boasts an amazing collection of archaeological findings, paintings, sculptures, and so much more. All of the pieces in the collection were donated by Ante Topic Mimara (hence the name), a man whose life is shrouded in mystery. The museum is open every day of the week except for Monday.
Kaptol
One of the most interesting things about the history of Zagreb is that it developed as two hilltop settlements directly across from each other. Kaptol and Gradec had a long and intertwined history, and the two of them have had numerous conflicts throughout the ages. Kaptol was the region where Hungarian King Ladislaus founded his diocese and the area has largely been clergy-based. Thus, the main landmark in the neighborhood is now Kaptol Cathedral, a massive church that has had a tumultuous history of its own.
Kaptol Cathedral was built when the diocese was first formed in 1094; however, it was largely destroyed by Mongol invaders in the 1200s. The church then took even more of a beating during an earthquake in the 19th century. Today, you can still visit Kaptol Cathedral and see the restorations and the remains of the surrounding fortifications.
Gradec
While Kaptol was the religious center of modern-day Zagreb, Gradec was the secular section, largely populated by artisans and tradesmen. The best thing to do in this part of Zagreb is to simply walk around and admire the cobblestoned streets, which have been filled with commerce since the inception of the city. If you direct your eyes upward, you’ll see outstanding examples of Romanesque architecture that got some Gothic restorations during the 1300s.
If you’re in Gradec, you need to make sure that you find your way to St. Mark’s Square, the heart and soul of the neighborhood. This square is also the home of the Croatian Parliament and Constitutional Court building. You can also take a walk through St. Mark’s Church, which is an impressive religious monument that’s definitely worth seeing.
Zip Around Zagreb on a Rental Motorcycle
The historic city of Zagreb has many different neighborhoods, all with unique and diverse offerings in terms of sightseeing. So, if you want to see the many faces of Zagreb, the best way to do that is by renting a motorcycle and exploring everywhere that you can!
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