Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia, a relaxed Central European city of about 770,000 people where Habsburg-era streets, a medieval hilltop Upper Town, and a lively cafe culture sit side by side. It is known for the Museum of Broken Relationships, the Dolac market, the Tkalčićeva street terraces, Mirogoj cemetery, and one of Europe's best-loved Advent festivals.
Zagreb is a very safe capital with low violent crime and a relaxed street atmosphere. Visitors mainly face pickpocketing on trams and in busy squares, occasional taxi overcharging, winter ice and, rarely, earthquakes. Normal city precautions are sufficient.
Current safety advisory
Low
Last updated: 2026-10-20
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
No travel restrictions
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Zagreb is one of Europe's safest capitals; the main risks are pickpocketing on crowded trams and in markets such as Dolac
Keep valuables in zipped inside pockets, particularly around Ban Jelacic Square, Glavni kolodvor and Tkalciceva street
Use Uber, Bolt, Cammeo or Eko Taxi and confirm the fare or meter before starting a ride
Emergency number is 112 (works from any phone); police 192, ambulance 194, fire 193, road assistance (HAK) 1987
Zagreb sits in a seismic zone and had a damaging earthquake in March 2020; know the exits in any building
Tap water is safe to drink; pharmacies (ljekarna) display a green cross
Sljeme trails are marked but can be icy in winter and have ticks in summer; carry water and a charged phone
Landmines remain only in remote rural areas of Croatia and are not a risk in Zagreb or its day-trip destinations
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi overcharging
Unmarked cars or drivers at the airport or Glavni kolodvor quote inflated flat rates or claim the meter is broken
How to avoid: Use Uber, Bolt, Cammeo or Eko Taxi, or agree a fixed price in advance; take a receipt
Distraction theft on trams
Pickpockets work in pairs on crowded trams and near Ban Jelacic Square, creating a bump or asking for directions
How to avoid: Keep bags zipped and in front, avoid back pockets, and be wary of crowding
Restaurant overbilling
A few tourist restaurants near the Upper Town add unlisted cover charges or round up bills
How to avoid: Check menu prices before ordering, check the bill line by line and ask for a printed receipt
Currency exchange rip-offs
Some exchange kiosks and ATM terminals offer poor rates or dynamic currency conversion
How to avoid: Withdraw cash from a bank ATM, choose to be charged in euros, and decline conversion offers
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Hospitals
- Name
- KBC Zagreb (Rebro)
- City
- Zagreb
- Address
- Kispaticeva 12, 10000 Zagreb
- Phone
- +385 1 2388 888
- Notes
- Largest university hospital with a main emergency department
- Name
- KB Merkur
- City
- Zagreb
- Address
- Zajceva 19, 10000 Zagreb
- Phone
- +385 1 2253 000
- Notes
- Central hospital close to the Lower Town
- Name
- KBC Sestre milosrdnice
- City
- Zagreb
- Address
- Vinogradska cesta 29, 10000 Zagreb
- Phone
- +385 1 3787 111
- Notes
- University hospital with emergency services north of the centre
- Eu Visitors
- EU citizens should carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for public healthcare at local rates
- Non Eu Visitors
- Travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended; emergency treatment is available but may be billed
- Pharmacy
- Pharmacies (ljekarna) are marked with a green cross; a rotating 24-hour pharmacy list is posted on pharmacy doors
- Vaccinations
- No specific vaccinations required; tick-borne encephalitis vaccination is advised for long forest stays
- Water
- Tap water is safe to drink
- Food
- Food hygiene standards are high; markets and restaurants are generally safe
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 192
- Medical
- 194
- Fire
- 193
- General Emergency
- 112 (works without a SIM)
- Roadside Assistance
- HAK 1987
- Mountain Rescue
- HGSS via 112
- Main Hospital
- KBC Zagreb (Rebro), Kispaticeva 12, Zagreb, +385 1 2388 888
- Embassy Us
- US Embassy Zagreb: Ulica Thomasa Jeffersona 2, +385 1 661 2200
- Embassy Uk
- British Embassy Zagreb: Ivana Lucica 4, +385 1 6009 100