Major city · Croatia
Varaždin
Spend a half‑day in Varaždin to see the Old Town and museums; add a night if you want a relaxed dinner and easy access to nearby thermal spa.
Varaždin is a compact Baroque town in northern Croatia, 79 km north of Zagreb. Its historic centre, castle, museums and nearby thermal spa fit into a half‑day, while an overnight stay lets you enjoy evening dining and a relaxed visit to Varaždinske Toplice.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–June, September–October
- avoid January–February (cold), July–August (heat)
- Airport
- ZAG
- Nights
- 0–1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…Mine-suspected land still exists in Bosnia and Herzegovin…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Balkans ↗Mine-suspected land still exists in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in pockets of Croatia's former front line: outside towns keep to tarmac and waymarked paths, and treat red triangle signs and taped-off fields as absolute.
- Balkans ↗Serbia refuses onward entry to travellers who reached Kosovo from a third country and then try to cross straight into Serbia; route Kosovo–Serbia legs through North Macedonia or Montenegro, or start the loop in Serbia.
- Balkans ↗Hire cars need written permission from the rental company and valid insurance for every country on the line; Kosovo sells its own border insurance and some contracts exclude Albania, Kosovo or Bosnia outright.
- Croatia ↗Croatia is in the EU and the Schengen area; the EU Entry/Exit System applies to non-EU visitors. Check the official EU and Croatian sources for your passport.
- Croatia ↗Book car ferries and popular catamarans ahead in summer; foot passengers still need to be early for the busiest routes.
- Croatia ↗Split and Dubrovnik fine visitors for walking shirtless or in swimwear away from beaches; carry a cover-up.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Varaždin112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Varaždin, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR) since 2023.Croatia-wide
- SIM or eSIMHrvatski Telekom, A1 and Telemach sell prepaid SIMs at kiosks (Tisak) and shops; ID required.Croatia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe and good everywhere, including islands (some small islands rely on piped or tanked water — ask).Croatia-wide
- TippingRestaurant: About 10% for good service, in cash.Croatia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Croatia-wide
- SafetyVaraždin is generally safe; keep an eye on belongings in crowded buses and follow usual tourist precautions.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in cafés for customers; public toilets in old towns cost €0.50–1 (≈ US$1–2).Croatia-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police · 193 fire · 194 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany island restaurants, hotels and museums close November–March.Croatia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportZAG Franjo Tuđman Airport (≈80 km (50 mi) south of Varaždin, about 1 h by bus or train).ZAG Franjo Tuđman Airport (≈50 mi (80 km) south of Varaždin, about 1 h by bus or train).
- Getting aroundThe town centre is walkable; buses connect the bus station (west) and railway station (east) to surrounding towns.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€1.50–2.00 (≈ US$2–3)
- Street or quick mealPizza slice€3.00–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- BeerBeer (draft)€2.00–3.00 (≈ US$3–4)
- Metro or bus rideBus ticket (local)€2–3 (≈ US$3–4) (check)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (castle)€5 (≈ US$6) adult€3 (≈ US$4) senior
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€20 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedHotel room (double), a night, per room€80 (≈ US$95)
- High-end bedHotel room (double), a night, per room€120 (≈ US$140)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €30 (≈ US$35) · Mid €55 (≈ US$65) · High €80 (≈ US$95)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ZAG Franjo Tuđman Airport (≈80 km (50 mi) south of Varaždin, about 1 h by bus or train)ZAG Franjo Tuđman Airport (≈50 mi (80 km) south of Varaždin, about 1 h by bus or train)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Feb
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
not flagged
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Feb, Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C) low), wettest Nov (10 rain days), driest Jun (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Varaždin: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
8 rd
Feb
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
7 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
7 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
6 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5 rd
Aug
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Dec
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town centre is walkable; buses connect the bus station (west) and railway station (east) to surrounding towns. Taxis are available at the bus stop.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Varaždinske Toplice
goDoor to door: ≈45 min
Bus from Varaždin bus station, about 30 min
Thermal spa with indoor/outdoor pools; check ticket availability in summer.
Trakošćan Castle
goDoor to door: ≈1 h 30 min
Bus to Čakovec then local bus, ≈1 h total
12th‑century castle, neo‑Gothic restoration.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Hotel Turist
3‑star, central, 46 single/twin rooms, good for one night.
Hotel La'Gus
3‑star, a short walk from centre, suites available.
Pension Maltar
Small pension, 10 rooms, book early.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €30–45 (≈ US$35–55) excl. bed
- Mid
- €45–70 (≈ US$55–85) excl. bed
- High
- €70 (≈ US$85)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel room (double)1 × 1 night × €80 | €80 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €55 | €110 |
| Return train Zagreb–Varaždin2 × €16 · check | €33 |
| Bus to Varaždinske Toplice (round trip)2 × €8 · check | €16 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €24 |
| Trip total≈ €132 per person per day, bed included | €263≈ US$350 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights, intercity transport excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €1.50–2.00 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Beer (draft) | €2.00–3.00 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Pizza slice | €3.00–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Museum entry (castle) | €5 (≈ US$6) adult / €3 (≈ US$4) senior |
| Bus ticket (local) | €2–3 (≈ US$3–4) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Last local train to Varaždin departs around 20:30; plan return accordingly.Last local train to Varaždin departs around 8:30 PM; plan return accordingly.
- Check museum opening hours in summer (often 09:00‑17:00, closed Mondays).Check museum opening hours in summer (often 9:00 AM‑5:00 PM, closed Mondays).
- Thermal spa tickets may require advance booking in peak season.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 112
- Fire
- 193
- Ambulance
- 194
Pocket card
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VaraždinVaraždin
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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Na ovu adresu, molimTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police112
- Fire193
- Ambulance194
Embassy
US consulate in Zagreb; other embassies in Zagreb or Rijeka.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Zagreb → Varaždin train (return): ≈ €16.30, 2 h 20 min each way (check)
- Bus to Varaždinske Toplice: ≈ €8 round trip (check)
Say or show
- Oprostite — Excuse me / Sorry (o-pro-STEE-te)
- Hvala — Thank you (HVA-la)
- Koliko košta? — How much is it? (KO-lee-ko KOSH-ta)
- Gdje je autobusna stanica? — Where is the bus stop? (Gdje ye a-oo-TOO-sna STA-nee-tsa)
- Mogu li platiti karticom? — Can I pay by card? (MO-goo lee PLA-tee-tee KAR-ti-tsoom)
- Toalet? — Restroom? (toh-ah-LET)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Varaždin. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–June, September–October · avoid January–February (cold), July–August (heat) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a night in Varaždin for relaxed dinner and spa visit.
- Link to Varaždinske Toplice spa page for ticket info.
Sources
Ask about Varaždin
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