Croatia to Montenegro: Nightlife & National Parks

Arrival in Zagreb

Land in Zagreb, Croatia's capital, and find your way to the hostel. After dropping your bags, a quick orientation walk points out the essentials. The real meet-up happens later; plan on hitting one of Zagreb's beer halls or trendy bars with the rest of the crew for the first night out.

Waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes

It's an early start for the local bus to Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll spend the bulk of the day exploring the network of terraced lakes and wooden boardwalks that crisscross dozens of waterfalls. The park is a UNESCO site, so expect crowds, but the views of the turquoise water are worth navigating for. The trails are well-marked, leading you through forests and past cascades before you settle in at the hostel just outside the park.

DIY Reality Check: Entry to Plitvice Lakes is governed by a strict timed-entry system with a limited number of tickets sold per hour, which must be booked online in advance. During the high season, morning time slots can sell out several days ahead, making it risky to simply show up and expect to enter. A DIY traveler must perfectly coordinate their bus schedule with their specific one-hour entry window; arriving late for your designated time can result in being denied entry. A guided trip removes this entire logistical chain by securing a ticket for you and coordinating all transport to ensure you arrive at the gate at the correct time.

Dalmatian Coast to Split

Another travel day takes you south by bus to the Dalmatian coast and the city of Split. After checking in, a quick walk around the area will get you oriented with the city's layout. The main event is the night out; the plan usually involves hitting the beach bars at Bačviće Beach for a few drinks—maybe even a night swim—before moving on to one of the nearby clubs.