7 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN VARAZDIN, CROATIA

If you’re visiting inland Croatia and wondering which towns are worth your time, these 7 best things to see in Varazdin will make you want to add this lovely small town to your itinerary right away!

Varazdin isn’t a very popular city, but it’s incredibly charming, which makes it a great place to visit. It’s peaceful and not crowded, so you can experience it in a more local and authentic way.

Since we live in Zagreb, it’s a really nice and easy day trip for us, and it can be a great option for you too if you’re staying in Zagreb and want a break from the busy capital. Keep reading to find out the best things to see in Varazdin!

WHERE IS VARAZDIN

Varazdin is a historic city in northern Croatia, about 80 km north of Zagreb and close to the borders with Slovenia and Hungary. It’s very easy to reach from Zagreb, so it’s a great day trip if you want to experience something completely different from the crowded coastal towns or the capital city.

You can drive (which I recommend for gorgeous views!) or take a bus, and you’ll be in Varazdin in about 1–1.5 hours. You can also visit Varazdin from Ljubljana in Slovenia. The drive takes around 2 hours, and you’ll get to enjoy some really scenic countryside views along the way.

WHERE TO STAY IN VARAZDIN

Varazdin is a small town, so there aren’t too many accommodation options, but there are still some great ones. The best places to stay are around the charming Old Town, where everything is within walking distance. Here are some of my recommendations:

• Park Boutique Hotel
• Hotel Turist
• B&B Arbia Dorka Luxury Palace
• Pansion Maltar

BEST THINGS TO SEE IN VARAZDIN 

VARAZDIN OLD TOWN & VARAZDIN CASTLE

The main landmark in Varazdin, and also the most impressive one, is definitely Varazdin Castle. It’s a beautifully preserved fortress surrounded by greenery and home to a local history museum. It’s currently closed due to maintenance work, but even seeing it from the outside is still incredible. After the castle, you can walk into the old town and wander through its beautiful streets.

KING TOMISLAV SQUARE

While in the old town, stroll through the main square, lined with pastel baroque buildings, lively cafés, and great spots for people-watching. We usually love to sit here for a coffee or a drink, enjoy the sun, and take in the beautiful views of the charming old town.

VARAZDIN CATHEDRAL

If you’re interested, I’d recommend visiting Varazdin Cathedral, which is known for its elegant architecture and richly decorated interior. I have to say I was a bit more impressed with the Church of St. Nicholas just a few steps away, so make sure you check that one out as well!

VARAZDIN CEMETERY

While it might sound a bit morbid, you should definitely visit Varazdin Cemetery. It’s famous for its artistic landscaping and peaceful atmosphere, so walking through it feels more like a park than a cemetery. Of course, be respectful, but it’s truly something you should see!

VARAZDIN LAKE (DRAVA RIVER RESERVOIR)

Varazdin Lake is a peaceful artificial lake just outside Varazdin, created by damming the Drava River. It’s a popular local escape for cycling, jogging, fishing, walking, and relaxing by the water. In summer, people also go swimming at the smaller lake called Aquacity nearby. It’s really beautiful and only about 5 kilometres from the city centre, so if you’re visiting by car, it’s definitely worth the drive!

ROMAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF AQUAE IASAE

Another great stop outside Varazdin are the Roman ruins in Varazdinske Toplice. It’s just 15 km from Varazdin, so if you have a car it’s definitely worth a visit. The impressive Aquae Iasae is one of the most important Roman sites in continental Croatia, and the entrance is completely free.

This ancient settlement was built around natural thermal springs and served as a healing spa during Roman times. You can explore well-preserved ruins including a Roman forum, temples, baths, and ancient pools where people once gathered to relax and recover. You won’t need long to see it, but if you’re interested in Roman history, it’s definitely worth stopping by.

SPANCIRFEST

If you want to catch a lively, fun festival in Varazdin, visit during Spancirfest. It’s the biggest and most famous street festival in Varazdin, and one of the most popular cultural events in Croatia. It takes place every year for about 10 days at the end of August, when the entire historic center turns into a huge open-air stage. You can enjoy food, concerts, workshops, and so much more!

CONCLUSION: THINGS TO SEE IN VARAZDIN

While it might be a small town, Varazdin is definitely worth visiting and has plenty to see. If you like small towns and want a peaceful day trip, Varazdin is a great place to visit in northern Croatia!