7-Day Solo Budget-Friendly Adventure in Croatia

Day 1: Explore Zagreb

Zagreb, Croatia on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Otto & Frank

Start your day at this cozy café offering affordable and delicious pastries and coffee, perfect for a solo traveler seeking a quiet spot.
EUR5, 0h45m

9:00am

Ban Jelačić Square and Upper Town Walking Tour

Discover Zagreb’s historic heart by strolling through main square and the charming Upper Town, including St. Mark’s Church, to soak in culture and architecture.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Stari Fijaker

Enjoy traditional Croatian dishes like štrukli in a welcoming yet budget-friendly environment to taste local flavors.
EUR10, 1h

1:30pm

Museum of Broken Relationships

Visit this unique museum featuring artifacts and stories of love and loss, open from 9am to 8pm and ideal for meaningful solo exploration.
EUR7, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Maksimir Park

Spend late afternoon unwinding in Zagreb’s largest park, enjoying nature away from the city bustle. Entrance is free.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pivnica Medvedgrad

Taste local craft beers paired with Croatian pub fare in this lively, budget-friendly setting popular among locals.
EUR12, 1h30m

8:30pm

Overnight Stay at Chillout Hostel Zagreb

A well-reviewed, affordable hostel offering female-only dorms for comfort and safety, priced around EUR15 per night.
EUR15, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Nature at Plitvice

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia on May 14, 2025

7:00am

Departure to Plitvice Lakes by Bus

Catch an early bus from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes (approx 2h30m) to maximize sightseeing time in the national park.
EUR15, 2h30m

10:00am

Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park

Hike the park’s scenic trails and witness the stunning waterfalls and turquoise lakes; park open 7am-8pm during May.
EUR15, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Licka Kuca

Enjoy traditional Lika region specialties such as grilled meats at this affordable local restaurant near the park entrance.
EUR10, 1h

4:00pm

Bus to Zadar

Travel to Zadar by bus (approx 2h), appreciating the transition from mountainous to coastal scenery.
EUR12, 2h

6:30pm

Check-in at Boutique Hostel Forum

A comfortable and budget-friendly hostel near Zadar's old town, offering secure female dorms around EUR20 per night.
EUR20, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Pet Bunara

Dine on Croatian fusion dishes made from fresh local ingredients near the waterfront in a friendly, casual atmosphere.
EUR13, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Historic Zadar

Zadar, Croatia on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Book Caffe

Enjoy a relaxing morning with coffee and pastries in a cozy environment that encourages solo reading or socializing.
EUR5, 45m

9:00am

Visit Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun

Experience Zadar’s unique architectural art installments by the sea, open and accessible all day for free.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Explore Old Town Zadar

Wander the Roman and medieval streets, visit the 9th-century St. Donatus Church (entry EUR2), and enjoy city history.
EUR2, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Fosa

Try affordable Dalmatian seafood dishes in a cozy setting near the harbor.
EUR12, 1h

2:00pm

Bus to Split

Travel south by bus to Split (approx 2h), the gateway to Dalmatian coast and ancient Roman ruins.
EUR15, 2h

4:30pm

Check-in at Hostel Split Backpackers

Affordable hostel with good security and female dorms around EUR18 per night, located near city center.
EUR18, Overnight

6:00pm

Evening stroll and dinner on Riva Promenade

Enjoy a stroll along Split’s lively waterfront promenade and dine at one of the budget-friendly restaurants offering fresh local dishes like pasticada.
EUR13, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Split & Surroundings

Split, Croatia on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kavana Procaffe

Casual café offering excellent coffee and light Croatian breakfast options at budget prices.
EUR5, 45m

9:00am

Tour Diocletian’s Palace

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage palace and its underground cellars, a fascinating insight into Roman history; open 9am-7pm, cost EUR10.
EUR10, 2h

11:30am

Visit Marjan Hill Park

Hike or rent a bike to enjoy panoramic views of Split from this popular green hill overlooking the city and sea.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Kantun Paulina

Try authentic and inexpensive Croatian street food, especially the famous pašticada or fritule snacks.
EUR8, 1h

3:00pm

Relax or swim at Bacvice Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon at this sandy beach known for its shallow water and friendly atmosphere.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Konoba Varoš

Dine on local Dalmatian dishes in this charming, affordable tavern located near the old town.
EUR12, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Travel to Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Bus to Dubrovnik

Early morning bus to Dubrovnik, approximately 4h30m, so you can arrive with time to explore this stunning walled city.
EUR20, 4h30m

11:30am

Check-in at Hostel Angelina Old Town

Comfortable and affordable female dorms in the heart of Dubrovnik’s old town for around EUR20 per night with great social atmosphere.
EUR20, Overnight

12:30pm

Lunch at Barba

Sample fresh Adriatic seafood at this popular street-food spot near the old town walls at budget-friendly prices.
EUR10, 1h

2:00pm

Walk Dubrovnik City Walls

Explore the iconic city walls open 8am-7pm for breathtaking views of red rooftops and the Adriatic Sea, entrance fee EUR35.
EUR35, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Old Town

Wander the marble streets of Dubrovnik Old Town, visit landmarks like Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace for free or small fees.
EUR10, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Taj Mahal

Delicious and affordable Bosnian cuisine in a relaxing atmosphere inside Dubrovnik’s old town.
EUR15, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Island Day Trip

Dubrovnik, Croatia on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dubravka 1836

Enjoy a coffee and light breakfast near the city walls with beautiful views of the sea.
EUR7, 45m

9:00am

Day Trip to Lokrum Island

Take a 15-minute ferry to Lokrum island from the old town harbor. Enjoy gardens, peacocks, and swimming spots; ferries run 9am-5pm, cost EUR20 round trip.
EUR20, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch Picnic on Lokrum

Pack a picnic or buy snacks from the island café and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature and the sea.
EUR8, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Dubrovnik

Relax on the ferry back and return in time for evening activities.
Included, 0h15m

6:00pm

Attend a Sunset Visit at Fort Lovrijenac

Visit this impressive cliffside fortress with panoramic views during sunset (open until dusk, entry EUR10).
EUR10, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Nishta

Enjoy a thoughtful vegetarian meal at this cozy, budget-friendly spot near the old town.
EUR12, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Depart Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kavana Arsenal

Savor a relaxing breakfast with sea views on your last morning in Dubrovnik, affordable and friendly service.
EUR8, 45m

9:00am

Last-minute shopping at Gundulićeva Street

Pick up souvenirs and local crafts in this pedestrian street filled with markets and artisan shops.
Variable, 1h

10:30am

Head to Dubrovnik Airport

Take a shuttle or taxi to the airport for your departure; shuttle costs about EUR5-7, taxi around EUR25, plan 30-40 min travel time.
EUR5-25, 0h40m
View Hotel Availability