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15 Best Things to Do in Zagreb (Croatia)

Zagreb is Croatia’s capital and largest city, marking the intersection between Eastern and Central Europe for more than a thousand years.

For a modern capital Zagreb has a kind of small-town charm, with an expansive old hilltop district of cobblestone streets and squares lit to this day by gas lamps.

Down the slope you’ll see Zagreb’s Viennese influence in the Lower Town, an area with 19th-century pavilions and manicured gardens that resemble the best of Prague or Budapest.

By day you can amble the pedestrian streets and park yourself at one of the many cafes, and by night you can paint the town red and see why those in the know make such a fuss of Zagreb’s nightlife.

Let’s explore the best things to do in in Zagreb :

One of Zagreb’s many curiosities is the way the old town developed as two separate hilltop settlements side-by-side. And their relationship wasn’t always friendly either! Kaptol and Gradec did not integrate for many hundreds of years.

Kaptol is where the clergy was based, the diocese of Zagreb being founded here back in 1094. The main landmark in Kaptol is Zagreb Cathedral, which dates to the city’s earliest year but was razed by the Mongols in the 1200s and then was damaged in a 19th-century earthquake.

Take a look at what remains of the cathedral’s fortifications, which were built when the building was used as an observation tower during the Ottoman wars.

This was the secular part of Zagreb’s medieval core, populated by artisans and tradesmen. Today it’s a quaint old district, ideal for walks as the cobblestone streets have been pedestrianised in recent years.

Culturally and politically the headline is St. Mark’s Square, where the Croatian Parliament and Constitutional Court are found. St. Mark’s Church gave the square its name and retains plenty of its original romanesque architecture, blended with later gothic additions in the 1300s.

At the top of Radićeva Street is Gradec’s last remaining town gate, which became a shrine to the Virgin Mary after an 18th-century fire destroyed the entire structure save for a painting of the Virgin (or so they say!).

3. Lower Town

Zagreb’s refined Lower Town was laid out in the 1800s and unlike the twisting alleys of the medieval core it’s all wide avenues and grand neo-classical buildings.

Lower Town is where the city’s more prestigious hotels are located, as well as much of its green space and several high-profile museums that we’ll come to in due course.

You could come for lunch at a cafe or for a spot of upmarket shopping and then take an easy walk through this leafy part of town.

4. Jelačić Square

Road traffic is also prohibited on this square, which is a gathering point for the modern city and is served by no fewer than seven of the city’s tram lines.

Here you’ll get the sense of Zagreb as a bustling place of business, full of office workers and shoppers, and you can people-watch from the table of a sidewalk cafe.

The square is named after 19th-century ruler, Count Josip Jelačić who was considered an expert military strategist.

His statue was erected in the square in the 1800s, but because Jelačić came to symbolise Croatian nationalism it was removed during communist times before being reinstated in 1990.

5. Go out in Tkalčićeva Street

Whether you’re in need of some live music at a bar or a good sit-down meal, Tkalčićeva should be your first port of call. It’s where Zagrebians go to enjoy themselves.

By day Tkalčićeva is a charming street of low-rise painted houses with balconies and awnings that you can appreciate on a romantic amble.

When the sun goes down you’ll have your pick of Zagreb’s best cafes, restaurants and nightspots.

If you want to pick up something to go, or have an elegant meal with a loved one, you’ll find what you’re looking for Tkalca.

6. Dolac Market

If you’re going self-catered then a visit to Zagreb’s daily farmers market is essential.

Open in the mornings, Dolac Market draws on regional farms, and is great place to buy meat, dairy products, vegetables and Croatian artisanal items, but it also brings in a fine array of fresh seafood from the coast.

Some locals describe Dolac as the “Belly of Zagreb”, and as much as anything it’s a great way to see how Zagrebians go about their day.

The stairway that leads off the marketplace will carry you to Optovina, which is the city’s main flower market.

7. Statue of Marija Jurić Zagorka

One of Croatia’s most celebrated modern cultural icons, Zagorka was the country’s first female journalist and a beloved author, born in 1873.

Her statue can be found on Tkalčićeva and she’s dressed in modest Edwardian garb, which clashes a little with the relaxed and trendy bars and cafes on this street.

Zagorka’s nineteen novels are still widely read to this day and many are set in Old Zagreb, for which she had an affinity.

At the height of her career she also founded Women’s Papers, a pioneering women’s magazine that was distributed throughout Austria-Hungary.

8. Mimara Museum

This Lower Town museum is named after the 20th-century art collector Ante Topić Mimara, who can best be described as a colourful character.

The permanent exhibits at the museum were donated by Miramar who was linked with art theft during the Second World War and also forgery after that.

Some critics claim that there are a number of fakes in the museum’s collection but it is still a good way to spend a couple of hours.

Works by Canaletto, Rubens, Holbein, Velazquez, Goya, Monet, Renoir and Degas are all on display here.

9. Archaeological Museum

Zagreb’s location at the historical meeting point between west and east has brought a host of civilisations to its door. So you can guess that a visit to the city’s archaeological museum is an intriguing trip through all kinds of eras and cultures.

One of the best pieces here is the Vučedol Dove, a ritual vessel that dates back to at least 2500 BC. There’s also Liber Linteus, an Etruscan mummy from the 3rd century BC, which was wrapped with bandages that contain the longest Etruscan text in the world.

Most of the text hasn’t even been translated as so little is known about the language.

10. Pick up a Licitar

Out and about in Zagreb you may notice that the city is fond of its red hearts. They’ll appear on leaflets, shop signs and almost anywhere else you care to look.

These refer to Licitars, a traditional symbol of Zagreb. They are a kind of honey dough cookie that take several weeks to prepare.

After the heart-shaped cookies are finally baked and cooled they are painted with a glossy and edible red enamel, and intricately decorated with piped patterns and messages.

So deeply rooted is the craft that Licitars are recognised by UNESCO as being representative of northern Croatian culture. So that’s your souvenir sorted!

11. Lenuci Horseshoe

If you needed a reminder that you’re in the former Austro-Hungarian empire, this handsome series of squares, fountains and grand buildings will make it clear enough.

The Horseshoe wouldn’t look out of place in Vienna or Budapest, and more than merits a saunter at any time of year.

The project takes its name from its 19th-century designer Milan Lenuci and forms a u-shape in Zagreb’s Lower Town.

Two attractions in the Horseshoe include the Botanical Garden, collecting 10,000 plant species from around the world, and the elaborate Croatian National Theatre, Zagreb’s premier venue for ballet, opera and drama.

12. Jarun Lake

Zagreb is quite a long way inland, so when things get hot in summer Jarun Lake picks up the slack.

It welcomes a huge range of leisure activities, from competitive rowing and kayaking to skateboarding and cycling, but is also fine if you just want to take it easy and cool off at the lake’s pebble beaches.

Zagreb also comes to Jarun for some nightlife, and there are a number of bars and nightclubs on the lakeshore. If you plan ahead and are in town in late-June then the INmusic festival takes place here.

13. Museum of Broken Relationships

This museum is devoted to break-ups. If that doesn’t seem like everyone’s idea of a good time you can rest assured that this attraction is as amusing as it is poignant.

There’s a kind of therapeutic purpose to the exhibits, which have been donated to the museum by lovelorn people from around the world.

So what you’ll find is a large collection of seemingly random items, each accompanied by a panel explaining their significance to a relationship that didn’t work out or ended in a tragic way.

The effect is often humorous but you may come away a bit weepy and certain that you won’t have seen anything like it before.

14. Samobor

Between Zagreb and the Slovenian border is a delightful medieval town that has been a tourist destination for almost 200 years.

A lot of the architecture in Samobor is from the baroque era, and if you visit the town’s museum you’ll enter a building where the composer Franz Liszt spent a night in 1846.

Samobor is ringed by wooded hills and in no more than ten minutes you can make your way up Tepec Hill to see the ruins of Samobor Castle.

Much of this fortress remains in place and you can easily trace its moat, outer walls and gatehouse.

15. Karlovac

Around 45 minutes southwest of Zagreb is a splendid little town that was built from nothing in the 16th century to stand as an Austrian outpost against the Ottoman advance.

Karlovac represented state-of-the-art military planning, as you’ll be able to see in the Old Town. The citadel, where much of the town’s heritage remains, still bears the outline of its innovative six-pointed star defensive system, even though the original walls are long gone.

In Croatia Karlovac is known as the “City of Parks”, and this is partly because the trenches and moats that once surrounded the city walls have never been developed, so you can stretch your legs in the pasture, forest and gardens left behind.

15 Best Things to Do in Zagreb (Croatia):

Jelačić Square
Go out in Tkalčićeva Street
Dolac Market
Statue of Marija Jurić Zagorka
Mimara Museum
Archaeological Museum
Pick up a Licitar
Lenuci Horseshoe
Museum of Broken Relationships

16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Zagreb

Written by Meagan Drillinger Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Meagan Drillinger visited Zagreb in May 2023 as part of a month-long journey around Croatia.

While the coastline and sparkling white, pebbly beaches are often dancing in Croatia's spotlight, its capital city Zagreb is, undeniably, the country's capital of culture. Caught somewhere between the old world and the new, Zagreb is the beating heart of Croatia's cultural scene. It's a must for any first-time trip to Croatia and continues to stay entertaining and relevant for even the most veteran of Balkans travelers.

This juxtaposition of old-world charm and 21st-century energy is palpable. I found myself stepping back in time as I looked out from the historic walls of medieval Gornji Grad ( Upper Town ) over the landscape of red-tiled roofs and cathedral steeples. Without any context, this view could have been at any point in time over the last several centuries.

But upon further inspection, I found evidence of modern-day Zagreb down below in Donji Grad ( Lower Town )— quirky museums, haute Croatian cuisine, and even the occasional ramen shop, the Croatian National Theatre all now make up the Zagreb scene.

A good place to start your Zagreb adventure is in Trg Bana Jelacica, the city's main square where the Upper and Lower Towns meet. Here, you will also find the colorful Tkalciceva Street, which is filled with sidewalk cafes and restaurants, as well as boutique shops. And if you like museums, you'll love Zagreb, which hosts some truly unique ones.

Find the best places to visit in the city with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Zagreb, Croatia.

1. Take a Stroll through Zagreb's Upper Town (Gornji Grad)

2. see the treasures at zagreb cathedral, 3. visit the museum of broken relationships, 4. climb lotrscak tower, 5. see the historic stone gate, 6. feel artsy at the museum of contemporary art, 7. the museum of mimara, 8. visit the art pavilion and the mestrovic gallery, 9. get curious at the croatian museum of naïve art, 10. see a performance at the croatian national theatre, 11. explore maksimir park, 12. the archeological and ethnographic museums, 13. the city museum, 14. st. catherine's church, 15. zagreb botanical garden, 16. the gallery of modern art, where to stay in zagreb for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to zagreb, map of attractions & things to do in zagreb, zagreb, croatia - climate chart.

Nothing sets the scene in Zagreb quite like Gornji Grad, with its cobblestone streets and red-tiled roofs. Wandering the narrow stone-walled passageways is a true time hop, though the delightful chants of neighborhood kids playing soccer in the street brings you screaming back to the present.

Gornji Grad has the highest concentration of historic sites in the city, from its historic churches to fascinating (and off-beat) museums. Make sure you stroll along its most famous street, the colorful Tkalciceva Street , which is filled with sidewalk cafes and restaurants, as well as boutiques. Other highlights include Kaptol Square , notable for its many early 17th-century buildings, and the Dolac fruit and vegetable market .

Perhaps the most striking feature, however, is St. Mark's Church , easily recognizable by the brightly colored tile roof bearing the coats of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, Slavonia, and Zagreb City. Be sure to also pop inside for a look at the stunning interior with its statues by famous Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic, along with frescoes painted by Jozo Kljakovic.

Address: Trg Sv Marka 5, Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb Cathedral was erected on the site of a previous structure destroyed by the Tartars in the early 1200s. Famous for its two ornately decorated spires, the present cathedral was built in the later half of the 13th century, although many alterations and renovations have been made since that have changed the structure dramatically.

Most recently, the earthquake of 1880 destroyed large sections, including the dome and bell tower, although reconstruction maintained the original medieval design. Be sure to also visit the cathedral treasury with its many fine works of religious art, garments, and sacred objects.

From the cathedral it is a quick walk to Trg Bana Jelacica, where you will find a great selection of restaurants for lunch. One that I particularly enjoyed was RougeMarin , whose downtown outpost is a smaller version of its extremely popular larger restaurant. The menu here swings Croatian and Mediterranean with an international twist, from the Japanese-style fried chicken to the "steak tacos" served in fluffy pita boats and filled with mozzarella cheese. Sit al fresco for some excellent people-watching.

Just next door is Torikaya Ramen Bar , a restaurant that serves piping hot bowls of silky ramen noodles in a selection of decadent broths. One thing is certain — you will not go hungry when you're visiting Zagreb.

Address: 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

Of all the many museums in Zagreb, this one was perhaps my favorite because, frankly, I've never seen anything else quite like it. It is exactly like it sounds — a museum dedicated to mementos that tell the stories of broken hearts and love gone wrong.

The Museum of Broken Relationships (Muzej prekinutih veza) is a small museum in the heart of Gornji Grad and can be explored in less than an hour. It has four separate all-white rooms, each of which is dedicated to a version of heartbreak. Museum items have all been donated by old lovers and partners from around the world. Alongside each item is the brief story of the relationship's end and what makes the item significant.

Be sure to stop through the gift shop on the way out and pick up an "I Heart Breakups" t-shirt. The museum also has an outdoor cafe with sidewalk seating.

Admission to the museum is 7 Euros.

Address: Sv Cirila i Metoda 3, Gornji grad, Zagreb, Croatia

Built to guard the southern gate of the Gradec town wall, the Lotrscak Tower (Kula Lotrscak) dates to the 13th century and has long been one of Zagreb's most recognizable landmarks. Legend has it that this large, square Romanesque tower once held a bell that rang out each night prior to the closing of the gates to warn residents outside the walls to return (anyone left outside would have to remain there for the night).

In the 19th century, a fourth floor and windows were added to the tower and a cannon placed on its roof, which has since been fired every day at noon. Visitors can climb the tower for stunning views over the city and visit its exhibition gallery and gift shops.

Note: At the time I visited in May 2023, much of Gornji Grad was under construction in preparation for the summer season so many of the attractions were only accessible from the outside.

Address: Tomićeva ul. 9, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

Another important medieval structure is the famous Stone Gate (Kamenita Vrata), the last of five original city gates, and also found in Upper Town. Built in the 13th century, the building famously survived a fire in 1731, as did its painting of Mary and Jesus.

To commemorate the important relic, a chapel was built to house the painting, which has been the subject of pilgrimages ever since and can still be seen behind a metal grille.

Address: Strossmayerovo setaliste 9, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

One of the newest museum's in Zagreb — and, in fact, the largest and most modern museum in Croatia — the Museum of Contemporary Art (Muzej suvremene umjetnosti) is a must-visit for anyone with even an inkling of interest in art. Commonly referred to as MSU, it was opened in 2009 after its collections outgrew its original galleries that had been established in the 1950s.

This strikingly designed building today houses an impressive collection of more than 12,000 artworks, including some 600 or so on permanent display. While the focus is very much on Croatian artwork, those interested in the work of international artists won't be disappointed, either, with sculpted pieces and paintings from around the globe available for viewing.

English-language guided tours are available for groups of four or more visitors. A shop and a cinema are located on-site, and the museum also offers a diverse program of lectures and workshops.

Address: Avenija Dubrovnik 17, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

The Museum of Mimara (Muzej Mimara) was created to house a collection donated by a private collector, Ante Topic Mimara, in 1972. Housed in an 1895 Neo-Renaissance building designed especially for it, this extensive collection covers a wide range of items from a variety of locations and time periods.

There's also a fine archaeological collection containing pieces from Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, the Middle East, the Far East, India, as well as Inca and Pre-Inca South America. Also of note is a large glass collection from Europe and other Mediterranean countries, along with furniture from the Middle Ages and sculptures from ancient Greece.

Paintings include works by Dutch artists Rembrandt and Ruisdael, Italian artists Raphael and Veronese, Flemish painters Rubens and Van Dyck, and Spanish painters Velázquez and Goya. French and English artists are represented by the works of Renoir, Degas, Boucher, and Delacroix, while notable sculptures include works by Auguste Rodin and Jean-Antoine Houdon.

Address: Trg Franklina Roosevelta 5, Croatia

Zagreb's Art Pavilion (Umjetnicki Paviljon), built for the international exhibition in Budapest in 1896, was given its permanent home here after the original iron framework was transported and reconstructed on its current site. Notable for its colorful yellow Art Nouveau exterior, the Art Pavilion is now used for changing exhibitions of contemporary art and contains important works by revered Croatian artist Ivan Mestrovic .

The oldest exhibition hall of its kind in Croatia, this impressive facility faces Trg Kralja Tomislava, a large public square notable for its statue commemorating the first King of Croatia. Also of interest to art lovers is the Mestrovic Gallery (Atelje Mestrovic), housed in a 17th-century home where Ivan Mestrovic once lived and sculpted. On display are some 300 sculptures in wood, stone, and bronze, as well as drawings, furniture, and lithographs representing a variety of themes, including religion and portraiture.

The most recognized Croatian artist and a world-renowned 20th-century sculptor, Mestrovic later moved to Paris where he became friends with Auguste Rodin (one of his most famous works, Pieta Romana, is on display in the Vatican).

Address: Trg kralja Tomislava 22, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

Another one of Zagreb's quirky museums, the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art (Hrvatski Muzej Naivne Umjetnosti) is also very popular. It features many displays of works by such well-known "naïve" artists as Ivan Generalic, Mraz, Mirko Virius, and Smaljic. Also on display are similar style works — sometimes referred to as "primitive" art — by international artists.

Despite the name, naive art was actually a style that was popular in what is now Croatia, as well as the world, in the 1960s and 1970s. It is less popular today but refers to a genre of art that has a dreamlike quality with lots of color.

This museum is one of many located in Gornji Grad, so it's easy to hit a few museums in one afternoon.

Address: Cirilometodska 3, Zagreb, Croatia

Built in 1895 by Viennese architects Hermann Helmer and Ferdinand Fellner, the Croatian National Theatre (Hrvatsko Narodno Kazaliste) sits at the northwest corner of Zagreb's "Green Horseshoe" in Donji Grad. Officially opened in 1894 by Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I, this imposing yellow structure in Trg Marsala is a landmark feature in the Lower Town .

Built in Neo-Baroque and Rococo styles, with two small domes at the front and a larger dome towards the back, the building also boasts a superb interior containing artworks by Vlaho Bukovac and The Well of Life by Ivan Mestrovic. If possible, try to attend one of the venue's regular opera, ballet, or drama performances.

Address: Trg marsala Tita 15, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

Designed in the style of an old English garden, Maksimir Park (Maksimirska) is a beautiful green space encompassing almost 45 acres. The largest park in Zagreb, it contains two pavilions: Bellevue Pavilion, built in 1843, and Echo Pavilion, added after a Swiss design.

The park also boasts many excellent paths and trails, as well as manmade lakes, wooded areas, and flower gardens, making it a great place to relax or have a picnic. For those traveling with youngsters, there's also a small zoo.

Referred to by locals as Zagreb's "living monument," Maksimir Park is named after Bishop Maksimilijan Vrhovac, who was responsible for its construction in 1794. Across from Maksimir park is the Dinamo Football Stadium where Croatia hosts international matches.

Address: Maksimirski perivoj, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

With its focus on Croatia's rich history, Zagreb's Archeological Museum (Arheoloski Muzej) boasts five main collections containing some 400,000 pieces, many of which are from the local area. Of particular interest is the museum's display of Egyptian mummies (the cloth from the Mummy of Zagreb shows script that has yet to be deciphered), Greek vases, and a medieval section focusing on the Great Migrations of the Peoples.

One of the most important pieces is the Head of Plautilla from the ancient town of Salona, as well as an extensive coin collection, including Greek, Celtic, Roman, Byzantine, and modern pieces.

Also of interest is the Ethnographic Museum (Etnografski Muzej) with its extensive collection showing the cultural history of Croatia through exhibits of ceramics, jewelry, gold, musical instruments, textiles, tools, weapons, and elaborate costumes.

The traditional folk costumes alone are worth the visit, with various colors and styles illustrating the country's regional diversity.

Address: 19 Nikola Subic Zrinski Square, Box 13, Zagreb, Croatia

The City Museum (Muzej Grada Zagreba), in Zagreb's Upper Town, consists of the Convent of St. Clair, a tower from the 1100s, and a 17th-century granary. Built along the eastern town wall, the museum has been in operation since 1907 and houses 12 collections, including almost 75,000 pieces.

Together the collections describe the history of Zagreb through documents, maps, art, archeological finds, and other historical pieces, including a superb scale model of the old town of Gradec. The City Museum also has interactive exhibits to interest children, including hands-on workshops and a playroom.

Address: Opaticka ulica 20, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

The Jesuit Church of St. Catherine was built in the first half of the 17th century and is considered one of the finest churches in Zagreb. Highlights include its beautiful interior with many fine examples of Baroque art, along with stucco reliefs by Italian artist Antonio Quadrio dating from the 1720s. Also of note is the ceiling of the nave with its many medallions with scenes depicting the life of St. Catherine by Giulio Quaglia.

Interior detail of St Catherine's Church

Other features of interest are the Altar of St. Ignatius by Francesco Robba and, behind the main altar, the fresco St. Catherine Among Alexandrine Philosophers and Writer s by Kristof Andrej Jelovsek, dating from 1762.

Address: Katarinin trg bb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

The Botanical Garden (Botanicki Vrt) was originally built as a research area for Zagreb University's Faculty of Botany. Encompassing some 50,000 square meters, it's part of a series of parks, which form the city's "Green Horseshoe" in Donji Grad .

On the grounds are an arboretum, two ponds with numerous aquatic plants, an ornamental bridge, and some 10,000 different plant species, making for a pleasant escape from the city and a great place to relax or take a walk.

Afterwards, if you have energy left for another museum, take in the nearby Natural History Museum (Hrvatski Prirodoslovni Muzej). Housed in the Amadeo Palace built in the early 1700s, the museum boasts some 2.5 million pieces, including minerals from around the world, an extensive zoological collection documenting a variety of plants and animals from Croatia, and finds from local archaeological digs.

Address: Marulicev trg 9A, Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb's Gallery of Modern Art (Moderna Galerija) is in Donji Grad in the splendid Vraniczany Palace, built in 1882. Home to numerous fine works by 19th- and 20th-century Croatian artists, the Gallery of Modern Art opened in 1973, although the institution dates from the early 1900s when it began acquiring important pieces by such artists as Ivan Mestrovic, Mirko Racki, and F Bilak.

The collection has grown through the years and now displays works by Ljubo Babic, Miljenko Stancic, V. Karas, M. Masic, Emanuel Vidovic, and a host of other well-known Croatian artists, along with frequent temporary exhibitions.

Address: Andrije Hebranga 1, Zagreb, Croatia

The best area to stay for sightseeing is around the historic city center , which puts you within walking distance of major attractions like Upper Town, where St. Mark's Church and Zagreb Cathedral are located. Other good areas include the lively, pedestrian-friendly Tkalciceva Street, which is filled with sidewalk cafés that are fabulous for people watching; and Lower Town, where the main square is located, as well as more shops, restaurants, and museums. We recommend these convenient city-center hotels in Zagreb:

Luxury Hotels:

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is the top pick for historic luxury. It features a glamorous Art Deco lounge and old-world charm throughout. Rooms are comfortable and come with amenities like L'Occitane toiletries. There is also an excellent on-site restaurant.
The elegant Sheraton Zagreb Hotel in Zagreb's city center is another luxe choice located within walking distance of major sightseeing attractions like the Main Square. It has spacious and contemporary rooms and suites.
Also check out Hotel Le Premier , which offers a high-end boutique experience inside a circa 1923 palace.

Mid-Range Hotels:

Hotel Jagerhorn is Zagreb's oldest hotel and an excellent mid-range choice in the city center. This boutique property has lots of character and just 18 rooms that are individually decorated.
Hotel 9 is another option in the center of Zagreb. It is also a boutique property and has contemporary rooms with modern minimal decor.
Finally, Hotel Jarun is a good-value choice, which is popular with families. It offers spacious and modern rooms and features an on-site restaurant.

Budget Hotels:

Hotel Rebro is a top budget pick, which is really good value. Rooms are comfy and hip and there is a free breakfast buffet.
Also try Hotel Slisko for a budget choice. It's within walking distance of the main bus station and comes with spacious, clean, and comfortable rooms; complimentary breakfast; and an on-site restaurant, cafe, lounge, and spa.

There are a number of great day trips on offer from Zagreb that are handy if you want to base yourself in the city for a few extra days and explore the area around it. These tours include an expert guide, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Plitvice Lakes National Park Day Trip: One of Croatia's top natural attractions, this stunning national park has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Book a full-day Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke tour from Zagreb to explore this scenic landscape. This 11-hour tour has you walking through the park and cruising across Kozkaj Lake, among other activities.
Ljubljana and Bled Day Trip: Another excellent day trip option is the Ljubljana and Bled Day Trip small group tour from Zagreb , which takes you to nearby Slovenia and two of its most popular tourist destinations.

Located in the north of Croatia, Zagreb's seasons are relatively on par with the rest of continental Europe — warm and sunny summers, and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit Zagreb is between the months of May, June, July, and August , when the weather becomes much warmer on a near-daily basis. That said, summers can also be quite rainy in the capital city, particularly in June with the average rainfall is 104 mm.

May in Zagreb is when the true travel season starts, with temperatures averaging 15 degrees Celsius during the day. I visited in May and was treated to t-shirt weather during the day and a light jacket in the evenings.

In June, Zagreb starts to warm up to a delicious 18 degrees Celsius. Summer is really kicked into high gear in July and August, with an average daily temperature of 21 degrees. This is the time, however, when streets are usually jam-packed with other tourists and hotel prices are at their highest.

September in Zagreb is also a really lovely time to visit as the crowds have thinned out but temperatures remain warm at 16 degrees. Rainfall tapers off in September, as well, with an average of only 66 mm.

32 Things To Do in Zagreb (And What Not To Do) + In 2024

Table of Contents

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I recently spent a wonderful week in Zagreb, eating, exploring, spotting street art and drinking coffee (the things I do best!). To help you have the perfect trip, I’ve prepared this list of things to do in Zagreb, Croatia including the main tourist attractions and some hidden gems. Enjoy!

ZAGREB ESSENTIALS Accommdation: Booking.com / Hostelworld Getting there: flight ( Skyscanner ) / car / bus ( Flixbus ) / train ( Trainline ) Getting around: foot / bus / tram / taxi Activities: GetYourGuide Food activities: EatWith

Read next: my tried & tested Croatia itinerary

How long to spend in Zagreb?

Around 2-3 days in my opinion. There’s lots to do in Zagreb and, while you could do a walking tour of the main sights in a day, you wouldn’t have time to linger. As the ‘city of museums’, you may want to spend longer to tick off a few. Add an extra day to visit Plitvice Lakes. Mini Zagreb itinerary: Day 1: Free walking tour and Zagreb sightseeing. Day 2: Plitvice Lakes day trip. Day 3: More Zagreb sightseeing. Visit extra museums, parks, street art… Whatever takes your fancy. All the options are coming up.

Getting to Zagreb

By air: As Croatia’s capital, Zagreb is well connected with the world, particularly other European cities. I flew from London for €8! I use Skyscanner to get the best deals on flights. By car: Many tourists cross the Croatian border by car. To hire one in Zagreb and explore further afield, use Rentalcars.com . By bus: The Flixbus is the cheapest way to travel between cities in Europe. My ticket from Zagreb to Split was €15. Bargain! Book on the Flixbus website . By train: Although there aren’t many trains in Croatia, you can arrive in Zagreb from other European cities. Use Trainline to find tickets .

To get around Europe, use Omio to compare journey prices & times .

What is Zagreb like?

Zagreb isn’t my all-time favourite city in Europe but it’s still pleasant. With just 700,000 residents, it has the feeling of a ‘big village’. During my free walking tour, the guide bumped into four people he knew and each time reminded us that everyone knows each other in Zagreb. With a mountain backdrop, it’s a relaxed place to be. Although there are many derelict buildings and Soviet-style architecture, there are also grand buildings that will remind you of Germany , Budapest , Prague , Vienna and Bratislava . Zagreb is made up of Upper Town and Lower Town . Upper Town can be reached by foot or the funicular and has older buildings, while Lower Town has wider streets and large baroque buildings from Austria-Hungarian Empire days. Many of the notable things to see in Zagreb are located on Lower Town’s green horseshoe of parks.

Quick history of Zagreb

Zagreb was originally two cities, Gradec and Kaptol. The latter was the bishop’s turf while the locals, ruled by the king, resided in Gradec. Tensions divided the two settlements and the river connecting them was often red with blood. Ancient city walls surrounded Zagreb to protect against Turkey invading. Sections of the walls and one of the gates remain to this day. Following the breakdown of the Austrian-Hungarian empire after WWII, Croatia became part of former Yugoslavia. The Croatian War of Independence (or the Homeland War) in the early 1990s saw Croatia fight for its independence which it was granted after the dissipation of Yugoslavia.

Things to do in Zagreb

Let’s start with the main tourist sights before moving onto a few quirky Zagreb attractions, day trips and of course, what NOT to do in Zagreb.

1. Museum of Broken Relationships

Museum of broken relationships things tp do zagreb

Croatia’s most popular museum is the world-famous Museum of Broken Relationships , showcasing donated items from around the world that tell the story of love lost. As the museum explains, society has funerals and marriages but there’s no way to lament – or indeed celebrate – the ending of relationships. I wondered if the museum but seem depressing. Far from it! The items and stories are a mix of funny, rude, jaw-dropping and thought-provoking. Many come back to the relationship with oneself and how healing and growth occur with the passing of relationships and time. If I had to recommend just one thing to do in Zagreb, it’s this! Don’t miss it. Entry price: 40kn (€5). Address: Ćirilometodska 2, 10000, Zagreb. Opening times: 10am-9pm.

Tip – stick around for a coffee or cocktail at the stylish cafe, Brokenships Bistro . With signs saying ‘we have drinks colder than your ex’s heart’, it could only be the Museum of Broken Relationships!

2. Visit art museums in Zagreb

Zagreb is an arty city encompassing all types of creation from fine art to contemporary and even street art (more about that later). Here are a few of the best art museums for your Zagreb sightseeing plans:

Croatian Society of Fine Arts (KOPAC) – built by Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović and converted to a mosque during WWII, this space displays work by famous Croatian artists. Entry costs 55 kuna, closed Mon & Tues. Head to nearby Monocycle cafe after.
Museum of Arts and Crafts (temporarily closed in 2024) – this sunny yellow museum opened in 1880 to preserve national Croatian crafts. Browse over 100,000 items from fine art to ceramics and textiles. Entry costs 30 kuna.
Art Pavilion (temporarily closed in 2024) – on the Lenuci Horseshoe, this is an iconic yellow mansion hosting art exhibitions from all periods. Tickets from 40 kuna.
Mimara Museum – hosting over 3,000 items from around the globe belonging to private art collector, Ante Topic Mimara, the collection is almost as impressive as the neoclassic mansion housing it. Entry costs 40 kuna.
Museum of Contemporary Art – in the south of Zagreb, the country’s biggest museum is worth a visit for modern art fans. Entry is 30 kuna or free on Wednesday mornings. Take a walk in Bundek Park after.
The Croatian Museum of Naïve Art – near St Mark’s Church, this museum displays Naïve Art (a style with childlike simplicity popular in the 20th century). Entry costs 25 kuna.
Lauba – catch number 11 tram to east Zagreb to visit this modern Croatian art gallery in an old warehouse with a bar. Entry costs 25 kuna.

3. More museums

Zagreb isn’t dubbed the city of museums for no reason! If you love history and culture, these are some of the best places to visit in Zagreb:

The 80’s Museum – tour a recreated former Yugoslavian home, learning about the era in an interactive way. It sounds similar to one I did in Sofia , Bulgaria which was fantastic. Entry is 40 kuna.
Zagreb City Museum – for a full introduction to Zagreb (and info about the witch trials of Europe), visit this museum for 30 kuna.
Museum of Illusions – made with Instagram in mind, this is the place to take cool photos with trickery and props. Entry costs 50 kuna.
The Mushroom Museum – now here’s a quirky thing to do in Zagreb! This collection of fungi is managed by an enthusiastic man (don’t make me say fun-guy) who will spoil you with facts. It’s a small place (not mush-room) but worth a quick visit. Entry costs 20 kuna.
Nikola Tesla Technical Museum – named after the Serbian-American inventor, this museum showcases scientific inventions from Croatia’s history including aircraft and cars. Entry costs 20 kuna.

4. Take a free walking tour

I do these everywhere I go! They’re a fantastic introduction to new cities, usually led by funny and informative local guides. My Zagreb tour was no exception! I tend to give €5-10 depending how much I enjoy the tour.

5. Visit St Mark’s Church

St Mark’s Church is one of the oldest buildings in Zagreb, dating back to the 13th century and reconstructed in the 19th century. The tiled roof we see today shows the emblem of Zagreb as well as the flags of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia. Inside, you can see sculptures by Croatia’s most famous sculptor, Ivan Meštrović.

6. Walk through the Stone Gate

The last remaining of Zagreb’s original five gates is the Stone Gate . It survived many fires and when you consider the city was basically made of wood, it probably didn’t deserve to! In a particularly intense fire in 1731, a statue of the Virgin Mary survived unscathed: a miracle or made-up story depending who you listen to 😉 To this day, locals still come to light candles in gratitude and pray to the Virgin Mary. Walk through the Stone Gate to see them at worship and spot ‘hvla’ tiles: messages of thanks etched onto the walls.

The small blue-green star on top of the Stone Gate? An ancient device used to knock witches off their brooms, evidence of the horrific Witch Hunts of Europe that continued to the 18th century.

7. See Vegas chandeliers inside Zagreb Cathedral!

Perhaps you’re keen to visit Zagreb Cathedral for its own merit. Personally, I’ve seen one too many religious buildings in Europe and found the story about Vegas chandeliers more interesting! The story goes that a Croatian was working in the Gold Coast casino in Vegas and asked the owner (at his mum’s request) if they could donate some decadent chandeliers to Zagreb Cathedral which badly needed new lights. The clergy accepted them once they were blessed with holy water! As you can see from the photo, one Cathedral turret is under construction after being damaged in the 2020 earthquake.

8. Ban Josip Jelačić Square

This typical European square in Lower Town with a statue of a man on a horse is one you’ll naturally pass through as several streets connect to it. Ban Josip Jelačić was a key player in the Revolution of 1848, however his statue was removed when Croatia was part of Yugoslavia. After the country gained independence in 1995, the statue was returned to its rightful place much to the delight of the newly-liberated Croatians.

9. Shop at Tržnica Dolac Market

Known as the ‘belly of the city’, Tržnica Dolac Market has been feeding the people of Zagreb since the 1930s. As a tourist, it’s unlikely you’ll need fresh produce (unless you plan to cook in your Airbnb) but it’s still a notable place to visit in Zagreb. Goods on offer include fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat, baked goods… the list goes on! Small stands around the outskirts sell wine and typical souvenirs.

Top tip – it’s cash-only. Brush up on your Croatian please (‘molim’) and thank yous (‘hvla’ pronounced fala) because the older locals manning the stands are less likely to speak English than young people working in cafes.

Foodies, keep reading: I have lots of gastronomic things to do in Zagreb coming up.

More markets

In the heart of the city, Tržnica Dolac is both a local haven and a Zagreb tourist attraction. For a totally local alternative, visit Tržnica Trešnjevka before 2pm. From flowers to cheese, honey, jam and veggies, it’s an atmospheric experience whether or not you buy (although there’s a bakery stand, Dubravica , where I think you WILL want to buy!). Although it’s a trek from the centre, one of my favourite coffee shops, Karibu Kaaawa is just around the corner. If you’re at a loose end, take a 25-minute stroll from town.

10. People-watch on Tkalčićeva Street

Ranked as the #1 thing to do in Zagreb on Trip Advisor, Tkalčićeva is a pedestrianised street prime for people-watching. There are outdoor cafes and restaurants benefitting from live music. In the evenings a bunch of lively bars get going.

11. Buy souvenirs (cravats and truffles) on Radićeva

Did you know neckties originate from Croatia ? Croatians started wearing neckties for good luck during the war but the French adopted them as a fashion item during the Napoleonic wars, calling them ‘cravats’ after the word ‘Croat’ (the name for Croatian people). If you want to buy your own cravat to take home, alongside other souvenirs, wander the length of Radićeva .

Once you’re tired from shopping and Zagreb sightseeing, stop for a drink at Mio Corazon , a quirky bar on Radićeva. In the winter, they serve mulled wine and hot chocolate.

12. Ride the tiny funicular to Upper Town

Places usually show off about being the biggest, tallest or grandest. Zagreb? They have a unique claim to fame: the world’s shortest funicular railway ! The ride takes less than two minutes along a 66-metre track. Since trams depart every 10 minutes, most travellers will find it quicker to walk up the flight of stairs beside it. But for those with mobility issues, it’s a handy option with tickets for just 5 kuna. It connects the Lower Town with Strossmayer Promenade and the Upper Town where you’ll find Lotrščak Tower, St Mark’s Church and the Museum of Broken Relationships.

13. Grič Tunnel

This eerie – and arty – tunnel runs underneath Zagreb, connecting several areas of the city. The Grič Tunnel was built as a World War II evacuation tunnel, repurposed as a storage unit, then abandoned for years. In the 1990s, it became a popular venue for underground raves. Finally, in 2016, it was reopened as a cultural centre. Spot modern art exhibits as you walk through. With a few relatively clean public toilets, it’s also a useful addition to Zagreb city centre. Several entrances have colourful designs adorned with street art including one in the park next to Roots cocktail bar .

14. Soak up views from Strossmayer Promenade

At the top of the funicular tracks lies Zagreb’s best viewpoint. Running along the old city walls once used for defence, Strossmayer Promenade is an atmospheric part of Upper Town to wander at sunset. Park yourself on a bench or get a bird’s eye view from…

15. The Lotrščak Tower – climb for sunset views

For panoramic views, one of the best things to do in Zagreb is climb the Lotrščak Tower . Admire the city to one side and the mountains to the other. Visit just before sunset to see the city bathed in golden light. The tower is home to the Grič cannon , a notable Zagreb landmark fired daily since 1877 to mark midday. After the 2020 earthquake, it’s temporarily out of action. Entrance is just 20 kuna and opening times are 11am-7pm, closed Mondays. It’s a steep climb to the top but I believe in you!

16. Catch a show at the National Theatre

If you’re looking for things to do in Zagreb at night (and fancy something more unusual than hitting the bars) you might be interested in the Croatian National Theatre . This neo-baroque palace is part of Lenuci’s Horseshoe (a U-shaped set of parks with notable buildings including the Botanical Gardens). Theatre, opera and ballet all take place at the National Theatre with tickets from 50 to 170 kuna. Get dressed up and enjoy your night!

Top tip – it’s best to watch the opera or ballet as the language barrier won’t be such a problem. Watching a theatre production in Croatian may be a little confusing.

17. Zagreb 360° Observation Deck – temporarily closed in 2024

I was hoping to get a panoramic view from Zagreb 360° Observation Deck but it’s currently closed, whether due to the impact of the 2020 earthquake I don’t know. I’ll update this when it reopens.

18. Admire the Oktagon

Petar Preradović Square is connected with Ilica street via the Oktogon , a gorgeous passageway designed by architect, Josip Vancaš, in the late 1800s. It’s worth wandering through to snap some photos and admire the symmetrical glass-domed ceiling. Walk through from 8am to 8pm (or until 3pm on Saturdays. Closed Sunday).

Nearby on the street outside, you’ll notice a huge gold orb. This is part of the Zagreb Solar System , an art initiative featuring small planets dotted around the city.

19. Learn about the 1990s war

Croatia has been through a lot in the past few decades including one of Europe’s most recent wars. The Homeland War saw Croatia struggle for independence after its time in Communist Yugoslavia. Since the War Photography Museum has closed, your best option to learn about this era is a walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide. Walk through underground tunnels and visit the Memorial Centre of the Rocket Attacks on Zagreb .

20. Relax in Park Maksimir

If you’ve exhausted the other things to do in Zagreb, spend half a day relaxing in Park Maksimir , the oldest and largest green space in the city. Bring a picnic and sit by the lake or visit the open-air cafe pavilion in the centre. On a sunny day, this is a lovely place to grab a coffee and overlook the long promenade running through the centre. Considering it’s not a speciality coffee shop, I thought the coffee was decent! Maksmir is a bit of a trek from the city centre so I would recommend catching the tram . Numbers 4, 11 and 12 stop near the entrance.

Foodie things to do in Zagreb

Sure, the cultural and historical attractions in Zagreb are nice but what’s more important than food? Nothing. There’s plenty of great food in Zagreb and, better yet, it’s affordable. Although there are tourist restaurants, there are always local eateries in a city this size. Croatian wine is great and there’s also a notable Zagreb craft beer scene . Here are some of the top Zagreb activities revolving around food & drink…

21. Try štrukli (cheese heaven)

As I discovered on my mission to find the best restaurants in Ljubljana, Slovenia , one of the top dishes from the Balkan region comprises of cheese and dough. Bliss! There are two ways to serve štrukli : baked and wrapped in dough, or in a dish (pictured above): kind of like white lasagne. La Štruk restaurant serve both types for 35 kuna with toppings including truffles, walnut & honey, pumpkin pesto, and even sweet ones like blueberry. For a super-indulgent option, I can vouch for the truffle cheese!

22. The coffee scene

One of the best things to do in Zagreb is relax and enjoy the coffee scene. I take coffee so seriously that I put together a whole Zagreb coffee guide based on my findings during a week in town. A few great options are:

Cogito – this is one of Zagreb’s most famous cafes with excellent third wave coffee and baked goods.
In the Yard – also serving Cognito coffee, this is a hidden gem with outdoor seating and cool murals. I get the feeling it’s local students who hang out here rather than tourists (but you’ll still feel welcome). I had a great matcha latte while befriending some local cats.
Korica Bakery – I don’t think you’ll find better baked goods in Zagreb. The cruffins (croissant muffins) were delicious with various fillings like pistachio cream and chocolate. I paid 30 kuna for a cruffin and cappucino.
Quahwa – this speciality roastery is spacious with a warehouse feel, giant roasting machines and booths for co-workers upstairs. Although I kept it simple, there are lots of unusual options like espresso tonic and matcha lattes.

Read next: a complete guide to speciality coffee in Zagreb

23. Try truffles

Harvested in abundance in Istria, it’s not surprising that many restaurants in Zagreb serve truffles . Many delicatessens stock truffle-infused alcohol, cheese, meat, and even honey. Buy them in jars to take home and serve over pasta or eggs. Next door to Mio Corazon bar is a luxury deli where you can sample products before buying.

24. Take a food tour

One of my favourite things to do while travelling (especially solo) is take food tours! With just a few days in a city, it’s hard to get an understanding of the cuisine independently. Take a Zagreb food tour for €60 including 6 dishes, a market visit and wine or beer. Having a local guide will bring you up to speed on what and where to eat in Croatia’s capital!

25. Sample Croatian tapas at Heritage

Easily some of the best food I had in Zagreb was at Heritage Croatian Food , a tiny restaurant using fresh ingredients sourced sustainably in Croatia. Try one of the meat or fish flatbreads (24 kuna) with a fig, cheese and walnut salad (55 kuna and serves about four… I ate it solo, obvs!). Wash it down with Croatian wine or craft beer. DON’T do what I did and order a mint juice. Weird. Don’t know what I was thinking! In peak season, make sure to book ahead. It’s the #1 rated restaurant in Zagreb and there are only a few tables.

26. Meat coma at Pri Zvoncu

Schntizel at Pri Zvoncu zagreb food activities

When a tour guide mentioned a local restaurant off the tourist track with huge portions of food, I knew I had to go! Pri Zvoncu is a cosy, authentic spot serving Croatian dishes as well as general European dishes with a focus on meat and fish. With a friend from the Plitvice Lakes tour, I tried an enormous Weiner schnitzel, a pork fillet stuffed with cheese and ham, the fried cheese starter, and tiramisu. We were stuffed and paid €25 each.

27. Try Bosnian/Serbian food

Börek (pastry filled with meat or spinach) is found from cafes to supermarkets for 5 kuna apiece, while cevapi (ground meat sausages in bread) is a typical dish in modest restaurants. Plac Kitchen & Grill i s a popular option for cevapi but, if you don’t mind the walk, MERAK is ridiculously cheap. A serving of cevapi bigger than your head costs 17 kuna (€2!). Don’t miss the baklava . It closes at 9pm.

Bonus item – I just visited Zagreb again and discovered the city’s best burgers at Submarine . My Beyond Meat burger with truffle cheese fries was to die for!

Unusual things to do in Zagreb

Maybe you’re spending more than a few days in Zagreb or perhaps you’re bored of seeing churches and medieval fortifications around Europe. Here are some unusual Zagreb sightseeing activities…

28. Find street art

With plenty of old Soviet-style buildings, Zagreb is the perfect canvas for urban art. As a big fan of street art , I was excited to check it out. I found lots of colourful murals including a few dedicated street art parks.

29. Kaptol Boutique Cinema & Bar

North of the city centre inside Centar Kaptol is an offbeat Zagreb attraction: a boutique cinema with quirky aesthetics and a bar and lounge. Luckily, Croatia generally add subtitles rather than dub movies which means you’ll be able to understand. The only thing dubbed is generally the cartoons, which actually was a shame since I wanted to watch Encanto and couldn’t! Check movie times on the Kapitol Cinema website. Google the days of the week in Croatian to work out what’s on.

30. Mirogoj Cemetery

This is certainly an unusual place in Zagreb and not somewhere you’ll visit during a flying trip. However, if you have spare time, Mirogoj Cemetery is not as morbid as it sounds. This tranquil park and cemetery is full of elaborate graves that resemble tombs or mini churches. With lavish domed gates surrounding the plot, it looks more Ottoman than Roman Catholic (the national religion of Croatia). Several Croatian celebrities like Dražen Petrović (basketball legend) and Petar Preradović (poet) are buried here.

It goes without saying that you should be respectful as there will be locals remembering their loved ones. I only got my camera out when no one was around. I’ve heard that All Souls’ Day (November 2) is a particularly atmospheric time to visit when candles are light and flowers laid. Catch bus number 226 or take Uber/Bolt there (€5) from Zagreb centre.

Take day trips from Zagreb

Most of these activities in Zagreb will fit into two days (unless you want to visit ALL the museums then you need to stay a month!) so spend a third day exploring Northern Croatia.

31. Plitvice Lakes

Read next: How to visit Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb

Although it’s 2 hours away, one of the most popular things to do near Zagreb is visit the majestic Plitvice Lakes National Park . The natural wonderland of flora and fauna is world-famous for its cascading waterfalls and sixteen lakes with brilliant blue water.

I visited in February and had the rare and magical experience of seeing Plitvice almost empty! In the summer months, it’s undeniably more green and bountiful but receives up to 18,000 tourists visit PER DAY, turning into a packed Disneyland. To get there , you can drive, take a public bus or an organised day trip. There are two types: mass coach trips from April-October that take a shorter hike around the park, and small group tours (max 8 people) all year which take you deeper into the park, climate dependant. I would obviously recommend the latter! Small group tours cost around €30 more so it depends on your budget, of course. Plitvice entrance fees (included in the price of tours) vary from €10-35 depending on the season.

32. Truffle hunting in Istria

Although it’s an expensive excursion, it’s high on my bucket list next time I visit Zagreb. You may have tried truffles before but do you know they’re harvested in Istria in Northern Croatia? Several companies including Truffle Hunting Zagreb will take you from Zagreb to Istria to hunt your own truffles and eat them during the tour. I’m drooling at the thought.

I was recently interviewed about my travels by the Nomadic Foodie podcast and I noticed he also has an episode on truffle hunting from Zagreb . Check it out!

What NOT to do in Zagreb

I think this section needs to become standard in all my blogs. Every city has overrated attractions ( Porto , I’m talking about your ‘Harry Potter’ library!) and sometimes as a tourist, you just don’t know. Here’s what I did in Zagreb and didn’t love…

The Museum of Hangovers

After visiting the Museum of Broken Relationships, I heard about the Museum of Hangovers which sounded equally quirky. I headed to check it out but didn’t find it worth the 40 kuna. Although it doesn’t say so, it was certainly inspired by the Broken Relationships concept. I can’t criticise because it IS a good concept; however the museum is very small and the content wasn’t super engaging. The personal stories were the sort of things teenage boys show off about, and the other information (facts about alcohol, the history of US probation etc) felt a bit disjointed. I bought a beer and regretted it since I didn’t stay longer than 20 minutes in the two rooms that comprise the museum. Since they offer the chance to win a ticket by wearing ‘beer goggles’ and throwing darts, I would suggest only entering if you can get it for free! Nurse a beer elsewhere.

Ride the tram in the wrong direction

One evening when I was trying to avoid a 30-minute walk to dinner, I accidentally caught the tram in the wrong direction not once but twice! It took me over an hour to get to dinner. Fail! Make sure to check you’re getting the right number in the right direction. It’s surprisingly easy to go wrong since trams sometimes travel in the direction of traffic and sometimes in the opposite direction.

Go for a coffee at Booksa

I heard this place mentioned as a nice cafe to go for a coffee or get some work done. However, I walked there for 30 minutes lugging my laptop only to be told it’s members-only and I couldn’t stay for a coffee without paying a monthly fee. Annoying!

Where to stay in Zagreb

Lower Town, Upper Town and Kaptol are all great places to stay in Zagreb. A few accommodation options include… Hostel – right in the Old Town, Swanky Mint has dorms, privates and studios with a young clientele of travellers from around the world. There’s even a seasonal pool and a cool Asian restaurant, Soi Fusion, attached serving amazing food. Book from €11 a night . Apartment: Close to the Cathedral, Apartments Downtown are clean and cool with thoughtful details, TV, Wi-Fi and toiletries. Check availability from €40 . Affordable hotel: the oldest hotel in Zagreb, Hotel Jägerhorn, is one of the best with period rooms and spacious courtyards to eat the complimentary breakfasts. Check availability from €80 . Splash out hotel: the Esplanade Hotel is known as one of the best hotels in Zagreb with five-star rooms, art-nouveau rooms and bathrooms with marble floors and elegant bathtubs. If you need a treat, this is it! Check availability from €150 .

How to get around Zagreb

It’s easy to get around Zagreb on foot. If you stick to the city, you won’t need any transport. If you leave the city centre, your best options are… Trams: These are a quick and efficient way to travel around. Buy tickets for 4 kuna at any newspaper stand (look for the red Tisak stands) then validate them on board. Generally, only the machines at the front and back carriage have the validation machines. Bus: I didn’t take any myself but I hear you can pay onboard with cash (6 kuna). Uber/Bolt: These taxis work as they do elsewhere. Travelling from one end of the city to the other generally costs 35 kuna. My airport taxi was 90 kuna. Cycling: Rent a Next Bike for 5 Kunas per 30 minutes. Download the app, register then unlock bikes using your phone. Tour bus: finally, for a tourist-friendly way to see the city, take the open-top bus tour .

Is Zagreb solo travel friendly?

Yes! As you can tell from the lack of photos of me in this blog, I was in Zagreb solo and felt totally safe. Croatia has the 17th best safety index in the world with little violent crime. Zagreb is a safe place to walk even at night. It’s worth noting there are earthquakes but these are usually relatively mild. It’s also a good place to meet people while travelling solo because there are lots of hostels. If that’s not your vibe, try walking tours or group tours for example to Plitvice Lakes. Use all my solo travel tips if you need them. Enjoy!

Read next: the ultimate guide to solo travel in Croatia

Thanks for reading!

More Croatia blogs…

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Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

8 thoughts on “ 32 Things To Do in Zagreb (And What Not To Do) + In 2024 ”

Great guide to the city! Very helpful. Cheers!

Glad you like it. Thanks, Anthony!

Thanks for sharing your information.

No problem, have a great trip!

This has been really helpful! We just arrived for business and have the day off. Thanks for taking the time to publish this!

You’re welcome, hope you enjoy Zagreb!

Hello, not sure where specifically to place this comment since it’s relevant to all of the Balkans. Was wondering if it’s best to buy bus tickets (from Sofia to Skopje, Skopje to Ohrid, Dubrovnik to Split, Split to Zagreb, etc) online or at the bus station I get off at? Thank you for your content! I’ve found them most helpful!

Hey I like to book Flixbus where possible but for the others I would just buy them from the bus station!

25 Wonderful Things to Do in Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb (Croatia), together with Ljubljana (Slovenia) , was the first city I’ve ever visited in the Balkans , some twenty years ago.

Back then I didn’t know much about things to do in Zagreb and I remember how pleasantly surprised I was – the grand architecture from the Habsburg times and the city’s vibe made me fell for the place right away. I felt this must be one of the best hidden gems in Europe back then.

Since then I was lucky to visit Zagreb many more times. It was either a short stop during my travels (like my flight to New Zealand was from there) or a city break destination itself when I could enjoy Zagreb attractions.

The city became much more popular too, Zagreb tourism is booming, bringing to the Croatian capital many tourists who wanted to see more than just the popular places to visit in Croatia .

But no matter how many times I’ve been to Zagreb, I always like returning there to enjoy the city. I have my favorite streets, cafes, bookstores, or museums that I always visit and Zagreb simply feels right to me. It’s one of those places where I just like being in.

It’s about time I share with you my favorite things to do in Zagreb and show you what an interesting and beautiful city this is. I really hope this Zagreb guide will inspire you to visit the city and push you to plan your own Zagreb trip.

Planning a trip to Zagreb?

Here are the highly-rated hotels, tours, and services recommended for your trip:

Accomodation:

MANDA Heritage Hotel (9.2/10)
Casablanca Boutique Bed&Breakfast (9.1/10)
Bed & Breakfast Sky (9.5/10)

Tours and activities:

2.5-Hour Walking Tour with Funicular Ride
Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke Day Trip
Taste Zagreb Food Tour

Internet: Stay connected with Airalo eSim card – click here to get yours!

Insurance: Get insured for your trip to Croatia with SafetyWing

Airport Transfer: Use Welcome Pickups for a smooth ride from the airport to your accommodation in Zagreb. Click here to book the airport transfer.

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Table of Contents

Why visit Zagreb

Zagreb, the largest city and the capital of Croatia, is often overlooked by tourists who choose more popular seaside destinations in the country and don’t really know what to do in Zagreb. But the city is well worth a visit and the number of great Zagreb tourist attractions might be really surprising.

The capital of Croatia can enchant with beautiful and impressive architecture, great museums, and many more Zagreb must see places, including alternative spots. This is one of the best places to learn about Croatia and its history.

And if you have more time in your Croatia itinerary , you can base yourself in Zagreb and go for some great day trips from there!

You can read more about reasons to visit Zagreb here.

How many days for visiting Zagreb?

You can spend one day in Zagreb, get a taste of the city and focus on Zagreb sightseeing in the Lower and Upper Town.

But I believe Zagreb deserves more of your time as it gets better and better with each hour spent there. During my last trip to Zagreb, I spent five days there and I still left with a heavy heart, missing some of my favorite places.

I think the optimal time for visiting Zagreb is two days and then add more days if you want to go for day trips from Zagreb.

How to get to Zagreb

Zagreb is very well connected with many European countries (not to mention domestic destinations) so getting there shouldn’t be a problem.

The local airport is located some 20 km from the center, the bus journey takes around 30-40 minutes to the central bus station, the ticket costs 6€. Buses run every half an hour between 06:00 and 20:00, the bus stop is on the right when leaving the airport. You might also pre-book transfer directly to your accommodation – click here for details .

The main train station is located at the edge of the Lower Town, some 10 minutes walking to the main square – Trg bana Josipa Jelačića. You can get to Zagreb by train from Slovenia , Austria, Germany, Hungary , Switzerland or Serbia , there are also connections within Croatia.

The central bus station is some 15 minutes walking east from the train station. If you come from another destination in Croatia you will most likely arrive in Zagreb by bus. To get to the center you need to take the tram from the bus station.

Zagreb Main Train Station

How to get around Zagreb

Most of Zagreb attractions are located in the central part of the city and can be easily visited on foot.

If you need to get to more distant places, like Mirogoj cemetery or Museum of Contemporary Art, you will need to use public transport. This, fortunately, works really well in Zagreb. You can use trams or buses, the ticket can be bought at the kiosk – there are plenty of them around Zagreb.

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Things to do in Zagreb

And now, let’s talk about what to see in Zagreb! You will really be surprised how many attractions in Zagreb you can find!

Here are the best things to do in Zagreb, in no particular order.

Admire the beautiful architecture of the Lower Town

The Lower Town is the heart of Zagreb and the most beautiful area of the city that you simply can’t miss. It was created at the end of the 19th century below the more famous Upper Town.

I personally prefer the Lower Town with its rows of wide streets that are lined with the grand townhouses from the time when Zagreb was part of the Habsburg Empire. You can easily feel like you are in other important cities of Austria-Hungary as these buildings and style is the same as in Lviv , Przemysl , Brno , Cluj Napoca , Novi Sad , Timisoara and many more places in Central Europe .

Lower Town is such a perfect area to wander and admire all the beauty around – some of the houses are so rich in art-nouveau details it’s hard to take your eyes out of them.

The most beautiful part of the Lower Town is between the main train station and Trg bana Josipa Jelačića, where you can find some lovely green spaces too (they were part of the smart urban planning back in the times). When you are there be sure to visit the Art Pavilion too as the interior is really stunning, a perfect example of how the buildings of the public use were designed at the turn of the 19th and 20th century.

The Lower Town is the business, shopping, and cultural center of Zagreb and you will find plenty of shops, cafes, or museums there however the biggest highlight of this area is the architecture. This is one of the places to visit in Zagreb you simply can’t miss.

Wander around the Upper Town

The Upper Town is where you will find the majority of attractions in Zagreb. This is the oldest part of the city, dating back to the 11th century and is so much different than the Lower Town. Instead of grand townhouses, you will find here smaller houses, cobbled streets, and winding lanes.

Wandering aimlessly around here is a pure pleasure – it’s so easy to fall in love with this area and you might randomly find here so many charming corners. You can easily forget here that you are in a busy capital – the traffic is limited, the place is rarely overcrowded (although it is popular among tourists) and life seems to go by slowly.

Before you start a proper Zagreb sightseeing here, be sure to spend some time just feeling the vibe of the place.

Ride one of the shortest funiculars in the world

The funicular, one of Zagreb highlights, connects the Upper and Lower Town and is among the shortest ones in the world – it covers a distance of only 66 meters and the ride takes exactly 64 seconds. This is actually the oldest mode of public transport in Zagreb as the funicular was opened in 1890, a year before the horse-drawn tram.

The funicular is open every day between 6:30 am and 10 pm and runs every 10 minutes. The ticket is less than 1€ but other public transport tickets can be used too.

If you don’t want to ride the funicular there are stairs next to it so you can still see its original construction.

Visit the Cathedral

The cathedral is probably the most popular of Zagreb landmarks and one of the must things to see in Zagreb as its twin towers can be seen from numerous locations all over the city (after all this is the tallest building in Croatia).

Originally the cathedral dates back to the early 13th century but the 1880 earthquake damaged the structure so badly it had to be rebuilt in the current, neo-Gothic style.

The entrance to the cathedral is free and you should definitely step inside to see its beautiful Gothic interior and the treasury.

Stop at the Stone Gate

When walking between the Upper and Lower Town via Kamienita ul. you will pass the Stone Gate – part of the city walls from medieval times. Stop there for a second since it’s one of the most important sacral places for locals. In fact, you might find there some people praying in silence or lighting a candle, that’s because you can find there the painting of the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus.

The legend says that during the 1731 fire the Stone Gate and the surroundings were badly damaged. Only one thing remained untouched – the painting. You can see it behind the beautifully decorated Baroque iron gate made by the local craftsman in 1778.

The interior of the gate is covered in votive plates, you should also think a wish yourself when you are at the Gate. Even if you are only passing by, walk through the gate in silence to respect those praying there.

Shop at Dolac market

Right in the center of Zagreb, a few steps away from the cathedral and the main square – Trg bana Josipa Jelačića, you will find the local farmers’ market – Dolac. This is the best place to buy fresh food from the local producers and even if the prices might be a bit higher it is still worth paying extra for the quality of the products.

The Dolac market has been part of the city’s scenery since 1930 and over the year it has become the major trading point in Zagreb where farmers from the surrounding villages came to sell their products.

In the upper, open-air part you can find fruits, vegetables or flowers and in the lower one, there’s meat, fish, or dairy products.

Even if you are not planning to do any shopping it’s worth to walking through the market to feel its vibrant atmosphere and enjoy all the colors and smells.

Visit Mirogoj cemetery

Mirogoj cemetery is one of the most beautiful necropoleis you will find in Europe and the most important cemetery in the country, the resting place for many famous Croatians. The cemetery was established at the end of the 19th century and designed by one of the most popular architects in Austria-Hungary – Hermann Bollé (he is buried there too).

Unlike many other cemeteries, this one was owned by the city, not the church and therefore could be used to burry people despite their religion. When you wander around you will find the graves of members of all religious groups: Catholic, Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Protestant, and more.

The most impressive part is right at the entrance – along the wall you will see long, beautiful and picturesque arcades where the most notable people were buried – some of the graves are very rich in details. You will definitely spend here a bit, wandering around, admiring beautiful ornaments on the graves, and reminiscing about Zagreb’s past.

The Mirogoj Cemetery is located a bit away from the center but it’s easily accessible by bus no 106 from near the cathedral.

Look at Zagreb from above

One of my favorite things to do in every city is finding viewpoints and looking at the place from a different perspective. Luckily, in Zagreb there are a few places where you can see the city from above and each of them is great.

At the edge of the Upper Town, you can find nice views from the Strossmayer Promenade, on both sides of the funicular. You can see the rooftops of the Lower Town and the cathedral towers from there, the promenade itself is a nice place for a stroll anyway so don’t miss it.

While you are there you can also go to the top of the Lotrščak Tower to see even better views of both, the upper and lower town and beyond. The tower itself is interesting too – it’s one of the few remnants of the medieval city walls, originally it was built in the mid-13th century. Before reaching the viewing platform on top you can see the exhibitions inside the tower.

Another viewing point worth visiting is the Zagreb 360° observation deck, located on the 16th floor of the skyscraper at the edge of Ban Jelačić Square. From there you can see the beautiful panorama of the whole city and its main landmarks.

If you want to relax a bit there is a popular bar there too so you can have a drink when enjoying the views of Zagreb.

The good news is when you purchase the ticket it is valid for more entries over a certain period so you can return to the observation deck to see the city during a different time of the day.

Visit museums

Zagreb has some really great and interesting museums. In fact, the Croatian capital is known for having the biggest number of museums per capita in the world. During my last trip there I spent a big part of my time visiting some of them and not a single one has disappointed me!

The most popular one is of course the world-famous Museum of Broken Relationships – such an interesting and unique place to visit. The museum is located in the Upper Town, next to the Lotrščak Tower so you can easily put it in your Zagreb itinerary.

As the name indicates, the museum focuses on the broken relationships – people from all over the world have donated their personal items that tell the story of their past relationships. Some of them are heartbreaking, some of them are funny. Some of them are typical love relationships between partners, others show the bond between family members or even a dedication to pizza.

This is such a quirky place, one of the weirdest museums you will ever see but you don’t want to miss it! You want to get a skip-the-line ticket in advance though, I had to return the other day since the place was too busy and they didn’t let new visitors in. Click here to get the ticket.

Another museum I really liked was the Museum of Contemporary Art, however, this one is located away from the center and you need to take the tram to get there.

If you like contemporary art it’s definitely worth it – the place is really big and shows the variety of works mainly by Croatian artists (but there were some international ones when I visited too). I spent half of the day there and still could have stayed there longer, there was so much to see!

There are only two of many museums in Zagreb but the choice is really big and diverse and you will easily find museums that will interest you. I wrote a separate article about Zagreb museums – you can read it here.

Learn more about the 1990s war

In the 1990s the cruel Yugoslav war rolled by the Balkans and even if Zagreb wasn’t very affected by the tragic events in the region, the city still got its share of the war reality.

You can learn more about the Zagreb rocket attacks in 1991 and 1995 in the dedicated memorial center that focuses solely on these events and commemorates victims and injured ones. The memorial center is located near the main square, at Frano Petrić Street 4/I (it’s on the first floor, you need to ring the bell) and is free of charge.

Another, more touching place, is the War Photography Museum.

You will see here some disturbing yet amazing photos showing the reality of the 1990s Yugoslav war in Croatia (destroyed Vukovar , besieged Dubrovnik , rocket attacks in Zagreb, and more). Photos were taken by well-known professional artists as well as amateurs who died capturing the tragedy of the war.

This is a must-visit place for everyone who is interested in the recent history of Croatia and the Balkans.

There is also a highly rated tour focusing on the Croatian Homeland War – if you are interested in the recent history of Croatia you should definitely join it. Click here for details and availability.

Check out the local cafes

With the Habsburg cafe culture legacy you can be sure to find some great cafes in Zagreb. Many of them are hip and cool, serving great coffee so spending time there and chilling over a cup of delicious black drink is a pure pleasure.

I’ve checked plenty of cafes in Zagreb but my favorite ones were Booksa (a literary club, perfect place to read a book over a cup of coffee), Program Bar (located next door fro Booksa, with a really cool interior), Botaničar (located near the National Theater, a stylish yet hip place) and Cogito Coffee (serving probably the best coffee in Zagreb).

But there are many more great cafes in Zagreb and I’m sure you will easily find your favorite ones there!

Find street art

The local street art scene in Zagreb is pretty amazing and you will find so many great works there. Besides the random graffiti or tags, you can find in all the cities, there are some really fine murals too.

They are often painted in the dedicated areas, like the long wall along Kneza Branimira street between the train and bus stations where you will find one great work after another.

Other places you should check include the area near the University Students Center, Medika Cultural Center or Dugave and Siget areas in Novi Zagreb. But the thing with street art is that you never know where you might find it so keep your eyes open when exploring Zagreb.

Track down Zagreb Solar System

Did you know that Zagreb has its own Solar System? In 1971 the local artist Ivan Kozaric created a sculpture of Sun and a few years later, in 2004 a designer Davor Preis made an installation – Nine Views – with models of nine planets.

You can find them all over the city – the location of them isn’t random, they are a scaled model of the Solar System (1:680 000 000) and the distance between the sun and the planets is accurate (for example Earth is 225 meters away from the Sun).

This is one of the quirkest yet not well-known Zagreb attractions but finding the planets can be so much fun (although I must admit I didn’t manage to find them all).

You can find sun in Bogovićeva Street – you will not miss it since it sits in the middle of the street and is around 2 meters in diameter. Here are the locations of the planets:

Mercury – 3 Margaretska Street
Venus – 3 Ban Josip Jelačić Square
Earth – 9 Varšavska Street
Mars – 21 Tkalčićeva Street
Jupiter – 71 Voćarska Street
Saturn – 1 Račićeva Street
Uranus – 9 Siget
Neptune – Kozari 17
Pluto – Bologna Alley (underpass)

Marvel at the Oktogon

Even if located right in the very center of Zagreb, Oktogon is one of the hidden gems of the city. This stunning passage connects Ilica street and Cvjetni Trg and goes through the building of the former First Croatian Savings Bank (originally built in 1990, Oktogon was already part of it then).

There are actually two passages with a beautiful octagonal stained-glass rooftop (hence the name of the passage) above the place where they connect. Be sure to walk through the passage and stop for a second in the middle to admire the beauty of this place.

Shop at the flea market

If you like shopping at flea markets don’t miss the Sunday antique market on Britansky trg. You will find some true gems and most unusual stuff there – from old furniture and clothes to crystals and unopened letters. Even if you don’t plan to do any shopping you can still stop by for the vibrant atmosphere of the place and a peculiar selection of old stuff.

There is one more flea market in Zagreb, at the Hrelić on Sajmišna Cesta on Wednesdays and Sundays, but the one on Britansky trg is easier to visit and seems to be more vintage. During the rest of the week, you will find a regular farmers’ market here.

Walk through the Grič Tunnel

Even if Grič Tunnel is located right in the center of Zagreb, not many visitors seem to know about it.

It was built during World War 2 and was supposed to serve as a bomb shelter but right after the war it fell into disrepair and was used only briefly in 1990s to host one of the first raves in Croatia and to be a shelter during 1990s war. Only recently the tunnel was finally renovated and open to public, it often hosts cultural events.

The total length of the tunnel is 350 meters, it connects Mesnička Street and Stjepan Radić Street and has six exits, at both ends and four branches to backyards on Ilica Street and Tomić Street.

Enjoy the culinary scene

As you can expect from the capital, Zagreb is a great destination for all food lovers. I recommend trying here some of the delicious Croatian dishes but there are also plenty of international restaurants if you feel like eating well-known food. If you opt for the local cuisine the best restaurants serving Croatian dishes are Stari Fijaker, Vinodol, La Štruk or Pod Zidom Bistro.

You might also want to join the highly rated culinary tour to learn more about Croatian cuisine and try some of the best local dishes. Click here to see the details and book the spot!

Buy local souvenirs

In the center, especially on Radiceva street, you will find a few regular souvenir shops where you can find usual things to bring home.

If you are looking for more unique yet typical Zagreb souvenirs you can buy things like cravat (a necktie), Licitar hearts (the symbol of Zagreb, a UNESCO protected Intangible Cultural Heritages), or Šestine Umbrella (you can see its bigger version at Dolac market stands).

There are also local designers shops that can be perfect stops for unusual shopping.

I always end up buying too many books by local authors translated into English or those about the history of Croatia and the Balkans, my favorite bookstores in Zagreb are Planetopija at Ilica 68 and Arkadija at Trg Bana Josipa Jelačića 14, I always manage to find some good books there.

Discover the alternative side of Zagreb

While the center of Zagreb is neat with its charming corners of the Upper Town or grand architecture of the Lower Town, there are also a few spots that you can call alternative.

The most popular one is Medika – the first legalized squat in Zagreb, located in the former medical factory. This is the heart of alternative Zagreb , where the best parties in the city take place, along with some good art exhibitions, movies screening, workshops or flea markets. Even when there is nothing going on Medika is a cool place to stop at to see all the great street art around.

Another cool spot, not far from Medika, is Student Center of the University of Zagreb. Besides the typical administrative offices for students you will find there an art gallery, a theater and again plenty of good street art.

These are only two cool places in Zagreb but there are more of them so if you like the alternative vibe and modern culture you might really enjoy Zagreb.

Find brutalist architecture

Brutalist architecture is gaining more and more popularity in recent years and the concrete buildings you can see in the Balkans are really impressive, just look at Belgrade or Skopje .

Fortunately, also in Zagreb you can find some really fine examples of brutalism, even though they are not located in the center and require a bit of a detour.

The most iconic brutalism in Zagreb is the Zagreb Rockets – the three residential buildings in the shape of concrete rocket, built in 1963 (you can find them at ul. Lavoslava Ružičke). Other buildings worth seeing are The Mammoth (Mamutica) at ul. Božidara Magovca, apartment block at Vukovarska 52, Kockica at Prisavlje 14, Super Andrija at Siget or Zagrepčanka at Savska cesta 41.

You can join the 2.5-Hour Cycle Back to Socialism Tour to learn more about socialist/communist history of Zagreb and see some interesting sights from that period. Click here for details and to book the tour.

Stroll through the botanical garden

Zagreb botanical garden is one of the prettiest garden of this kind you will find in Europe. It was founded in 1889 and opened to public two years later.

You can find there over 10.000 plant species from all over the world, including almost 2.000 exotic ones. To make the place even more picturesque there is also a small pond in the middle, adding charm to the overall look of the place.

The best time to visit is obviously in the spring when all the flowers and plant bloom but the botanical garden is beautiful all year long. You will find it in the Lower Town, not far from the train station.

Witness the cannon fire

Don’t be surprised or afraid when you hear the cannon fire around noon – nothing wrong is happening, it’s just the local tradition.

Each day exactly at 12:00 you can see the cannon blast from the Lotrščak Tower – the tradition has been present for over a hundred years now and it commemorates Zagreb’s victory over the Turks. Try to be near the Lotrščak Tower around noon to see it yourself, this is one of the biggest Zagreb attractions.

And once the cannon was shot you can continue with visiting the Upper Town or take the funicular down to the Lower Town.

Relax in the pleasant parks

The central part of Zagreb offers some very pleasant green spaces, perfect for relaxing after sightseeing.

The most popular parks are King Tomislav Park, Josip Jurji Strossmayer Park, and Zrinjevac Park, located next to each other between the train station and Ban Josip Jelačić Square – all of them are really lovely and worth stopping by. Another lovely green area is Park Ribnjak located behind the cathedral.

If you would like to go hiking you can also do it right outside of Zagreb – there are some really nice green areas not far from the city.

Visit the National Theater

The Croatian National Theater, located at Trg Republike Hrvatske, is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, constructed at the end of the 19th century in the neo-Baroque style. It is spectacular not only from the outside but also inside, with rich decorations and an interior that can surely take your breath away.

You can come here for the theater or opera play as well as the ballet show – not only you will attend a great event but also will be able to see the real beauty of this place. The tickets have affordable prices and can be bought online or at the theater.

Visiting the theater without attending a show is possible only for groups of 25 and more people.

Go for day trips

When planning your trip be sure to allocate more time in your Croatia itinerary to also go for some day trips from Zagreb. There are some really great places you can visit as side trips from the capital and you can reach them by car, public transport or with a tour!

The closest one is Samobor, located just a short ride from the city. The town is known for its beautiful location, numerous monuments and delicious cream-cake.

You can also easily go from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes and visit this spectacular place, one of the highlights of Croatia. The numerous lakes and waterfalls are really impressive and worth seeing!

You might even hop across the border and visit Slovenia , it’s not too far away!

I wrote the whole article dedicated to the ideas of day trips from Zagreb – click here to read it!

If you would like to an organized tour, here are some recommended ones:

Rastoke & Plitvice Lakes National Park Tour from Zagreb
Istria Day Tour From Zagreb
Enchanting Slovenia, Ljubljana and Postojna Caves Small-Group Tour from Zagreb
From Zagreb: Ljubljana and Lake Bled Tour
From Zagreb: Varazdin Baroque Town & Trakoscan Castle

Plitvice Lakes

Final thoughts on visiting Zagreb

As you can see, Zagreb really has a lot to offer and is such an interesting city to visit. This can be a perfect starting or ending point of your Balkan trip , a great place to learn more about Croatia and the region.

While the seaside destinations in Croatia are amazing, give Zagreb a chance too, you will not be disappointed! I’m already looking forward to my next trip to Zagreb!

Travel Resources

Below you can find the brands I trust and use when planning trips:

You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Zagreb
I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Viator or Get Your Guide .
To always stay connected I use Airalo eSim cards – click here to get yours!
For transportation and booking tickets online , I usually use 12Go or Omio
Looking for the airport pickup ? Check Welcome Pickups!
Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Croatia here.
If you plan to rent a car during your trip to Croatia check Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals
Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Zagreb too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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17 Comments

Wonderful and impressive presentation of Zagreb and Croatia. The pictures are really high quality.

A lovely article with many useful tidbits.

But I have to stress that situating Zagreb (and Ljubljana) on the Balkan peninsula is just factually wrong. Croatia and Slovenia aren’t Balkan countries, neither culturally, historically nor even geographically as majority of the those countries are outside the Balkans

Excellent article, just what I was looking for. Thanks!

I’m glad to hear that! Cheers!

Excellent article, very helpful, easy to go through. Thanks

Amaaaaazing article! What a great job you have done Kami👌🏻 I am looking forward to explore the city according your recommendations

Thank you, I’m glad you found it useful. Have a great time in Zagreb!

Flink Gerhard

Klasse Reisebericht

hasan biber

thanka a lot Kami, soon ı will be visiting Zagreb and following your tips

Great, thanks! Have a wonderful time in Zagreb!

Kevin Sciberras

Thanks a lot for sharing this information with us! Very informative and detailed. Looking forward to visit Zagreb at the end of March 2024.

I’m glad you found it useful. Have a great trip to Zagreb, it’s such a wonderful city! All the best!

Let’s become friends!

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Kami and the rest of the world

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The 71 best things to do in Zagreb

Discover the best of the city with our essential checklist of things to do in Zagreb, from galleries and museums to restaurants and bars

Compact and easy to navigate, Zagreb contains plenty of historic sights and fascinating galleries, complemented by destination restaurants , clusters of busy bars and numerous live-music venues . The main square divides the hilly Upper Town – museums, institutions of national importance, panoramic views – from the flat, grid-patterned streets of the Lower Town, with its gastronomic landmarks, designer boutiques and art galleries . Spread out east and west are areas of bucolic greenery while south over the Sava river stretches the post-war residential blocks of Novi Zagreb.

Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere.

You can also find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world , or take a look at our list of the 50 best things to do in the world right now .

The best things to do in Zagreb

1. Take a tour of Mirogoj

Attractions

What is it? The final resting place for 300,000 souls of many religious backgrounds, Mirogoj is Zagreb’s equivalent of London's Highgate cemetery and encapsulates the city’s rich patchwork of history.

Why go? A 15-minute journey from the centre (take the bus from Kaptol, at the end of Tkalčićeva), Mirogoj is also an architectural gem. Behind a series of green, onion-shaped cupolas, which cap ivy-covered brick walls, are tiled arcades, monuments to Croatia’s most prominent citizens.

Don't miss: The best time to visit is on All Souls’ Day, November 1, when everything is shrouded in a halo of candlelight.

2. Inspire yourself at the city's largest daily market

Markets and fairs

What is it? The city centre's daily market, Dolac , is just one set of stairs up from Zagreb's main square. It has been trading since 1926.

Why go? Farmers from surrounding villages come to sell their home-made foodstuffs and some of the freshest fruit and vegetables you’ll ever smell or taste. Need to find fresh coriander, rosemary, mint or thyme? This is the place.

Don't miss: In the covered market downstairs are butchers, fishmongers and old ladies selling the local specialty sir i vrhnje (cheese and cream). Flowers and lace are also widely available. Alongside, the renovated fish market, ribarnica, sells fresh produce every day but Monday.

3. Admire great art at the MSU

Art and design
Novi Zagreb

What is it? The MCA – MSU in Croatian – is the most significant museum to open in Zagreb for more than a century. Its collection includes pieces from the 1920s and gathered since 1954 when Zagreb's original MCA (in the Upper Town) was founded.

Why go? Croatia's outstanding 1950s generation of abstract-geometric artists (Ivan Picelj, Aleksandar Srnec, Vjenceslav Richter, Vlado Kristl) play a starring role in the collection, alongside photographs and films documenting the more outlandish antics of legendary performance artists like Tom Gotovac and Vlasta Delimar. The new-media and computer-art works produced by the Zagreb-based New Tendencies movement in the late '60s and early 70s reveals just how ahead-of-its-time much of Croatian art really was.

Don't miss: Of particular note are Carsten Höller's slides, similar to the 'Test Site' installation he built for Tate Modern's Turbine Hall but custom-made and site-specific for Zagreb – pieces of art patrons can ride to the parking lot.

4. Marvel at the Cathedral

Religious buildings and sites

What is it? If Zagreb has an iconic architectural feature, it’s the twin towers of its Cathedral , created by Hermann Bollé after an earthquake struck the city in 1880.

Why go? The Cathedral is Zagreb’s most visible tourist attraction. Though much of the exterior has long been veiled behind construction sheathing, not least since the 2020 earthquake, the neo-Gothic twin towers can be seen across the city and are as close as Zagreb gets to a visual identity worthy of calling-card status. They were added by architect Hermann Bollé in the post-1880 earthquake rebuild, while the interior received neo-gothic altars, 19th-century stained glass, and a relief by Ivan Meštrović.

Don't miss: The statue of Christ by the Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović.

5. Browse Britanski trg

What is it? On Sundays, the fruit and veg stalls that fill the city centre's Britanski trg during the week are cleared away, and an attractive bric-a-brac and antique market is laid out.

Why go? In total, some 100 stallholders trade goods from first thing in the morning. Paintings, jewellery, old currency, badges, glass bottles, posters, crockery, silver, old farming tools and religious icons are all on display on wooden trestle tables. The morning is also a social occasion, locals gathering at nearby cafés such as Kava Tava to gossip and show off their purchases.

Don't miss: Look out for Yugoslavian film posters and original screenprints by Croatian graphic artists like Boris Bućan.

6. Go green at the Botanical Gardens

Parks and gardens

What is it? The Botanical Gardens form the east-west anchor of the ‘Green Horseshoe’, a U-shaped band of greenery laid out by Milan Lenuci in the 19th century. About 10,000 plant species come mainly from Croatia, some from as far as Asia.

Why go? Near but removed from the bustle of the train station, it offers a wonderfully relaxing way to escape with your travelling companion amid the plots, plants, footbridges, lakes and ponds.

Don't miss: The English-style arboretum, and containing rock gardens, lily-pad-covered ponds, symmetrical French-inspired flowerbeds and ten glasshouses.

7. Go underground at Grič

What is it? Opened as a tourist attraction in 2016, the 350-metre-long Grič tunnel has previously served the city in extremely different ways. Created as an air-raid shelter during World War II, it lay empty for decades until the earliest days of techno when it hosted the seminal Under City raves. Also in the 1990s, it again saw use as an air-raid shelter.

Why go? Accessed from Mesnička or Radićeva, the Grič tunnel has already put on fashion shows and exhibitions. For the time being, it provides an atmospheric but well lit five-minute walk far below the most historic part of Zagreb.

Don't miss: The tunnel forms a part of the city's Advent festival, when it's illuminated with swirls of sparkling Christmas lights.

8. Trace Zagreb's history

What is it? Zagreb City Museum is the former 17th-century Convent of the Clares. Situated in the Upper Town, it has a permanent collection of 4,500 objects illustrating Zagreb’s history from prehistoric times, laid out in themed sections.

Why go? Perhaps the biggest attractions at the Zagreb City Museum are the old packaging, automatic music machines and propaganda posters from the last century, offering a real feel for what life might have been like here in 1955.

Don't miss: Order tapas and Croatian wine at the courtyard bar. The sundial in the courtyard is the city’s oldest and is still showing the right time.

9. Ramble and slalom at Sljeme

What is it? The highest peak of Medvednica Nature Park near Zagreb, Sljeme is also the name used to define a series of accessible slopes that welcome hikers and ramblers all year round.

Why go? They’re best known for their climbing and skiing – the hills are dotted with mountain lodges and Sljeme has been developed as a major international skiing centre, a noted fixture on the sport’s international winter calendar. It provides training slopes for amateurs, night skiing, sledging and snowboarding for enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.

Don't miss: Wooden taverns at the peak of the summit provide nourishing Central European fare such as veal, bean stew and sarma .

10. Visit a break-up museum

What is it? Housed in one of the Upper Town's finest Baroque mansions, the thematic display here takes visitors through a series of different emotions associated with a relationship break-up, illustrated by objects donated by members of the public

Why go? By collecting mementos that sum up the experience of a break-up, the museum has assembled a poignant, sometimes funny and always unique insight into the mysteries of the human heart.

Don't miss: The gallery café has an excellent range of ice-creams and cakes, providing temporary salvation to the broken-hearted. The adjoining restaurant, Brokenships, offers adventurous takes on traditional Croatian cuisine.

11. Sample štrukli

What is it? This distant relation of Austrian strudel and Turkish borek is made from rolled dough, delicious when filled with cheese, fruit and more. Whether boiled or baked, sweet or salty, or with added poppy, pumpkin or spinach, all versions usually deserve attention.

Why go? Many venues pride themselves on their štrukli , although the kitchen at the Palace Hotel (the city's oldest) serves one of the best - if not the best - in town. Its recipe has not changed much in the 100 years they've been preparing it.

Don’t miss: The more contemporary La Štruk also specialises in this local pastry, providing more unusual choices such as cheese-and-nettle and cheese-and-paprika varieties.

12. Admire St Mark's Church

What is it? Two coats of arms grace the red-white-and-blue chequered roof of this emblematic Upper Town church: Zagreb's and Croatia's.

Why go? Since the 1200s, when the Romanesque original was built, the church has gone through many architectural styles – note the Gothic south portal and Baroque, copper-covered belltower. The square outside, housing the Ban's Palace and the Croatian Parliament, has been the hub of political activity since the 1500s.

Don't miss: Inside are hand-painted walls and a crucifix made respectively by famous artists Jozo Kljaković and Ivan Meštrović.

13. Get involved in špica

What is it? The local custom of špica is the Saturday-morning habit of having coffee in Zagreb’s city centre. It takes place where Gajeva meets Bogovićeva and Preradovićeva, by the flower market on Cvjetni trg between 11am and 2pm.

Why go? Though nominally about drinking kava and enjoying a morning off from work, this ritual is more about looking sharp, of seeing and being seen. It’s an impromptu stage for fashionistas, wannabe glamourites, local paparazzi and hush-toned trend mongers.

Don't miss: To mingle, grab a seat at the Charlie café or a stand-up table at Crêpes de Paris.

14. See a century of Naive Art

What is it? Formerly housed on the second floor of the 18th-century Raffay Palace, Zagreb's collection is a solid introduction to Croatian Naive Art, mostly the work of self-taught peasant painters from villages north-east of the capital.

Why go? This is the oldest collection of Naive Art is the world. F antastically bizarre rural scenes that verge on the psychedelic, the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art's collection is unlike anything else. It offers a true reflection of the lives, festivities, imaginations and landscapes of the people.

Don't miss: The collection is frequently rotated but there are usually plenty of representations of rural life executed by the big names of the genre: Ivan Generalić, Mirko Virius and Ivan Rabuzin. Also included are international contributors such as Polish-Ukrainian artist Nikifor.

15. Relax at Maksimir Park

What is it? Maksimir Park comprises an attractive 18 hectares (45 acres) of welcome greenery, opened to an appreciative public in 1794. Its woods, meadows and lakes were landscaped in what was then considered the English style.

Why go? Today, rolling hills cradle footpaths and cafés, providing ample room for jogging, romancing and relaxation. At one end you’ll find the city's zoo, with daily feeding times posted up for the seals, sea lions and otters so that you can time a family visit. On the other side of the road stands Croatia’s national football stadium, also called Maksimir, base of home-town club Dinamo Zagreb .

Don't miss: A cluster of great restaurants have settled around Maksimir, including Pizzeria Duksa and AbOvo Bistro.

16. Try the Zagreb torta

4 out of 5 stars
Pâtisseries
price 2 of 4
Recommended

What is it? One of the oldest café-patisseries in the city (and renovated to convey an almost lounge-bar feel), Slastičarnica Zagreb has always been held in high regard by locals who value a good ice cream or an elegant slice of fine cake.

Why go? Pretty much everything in the enticing counter display is worth a try.

Don't miss: Reserve space in your stomach for the Zagreb Torta, a chocolate sponge cake layered with hazelnut cream and apricot jam that was dreamt up in 1987 in culinary celebration of the Zagreb World Student Games. A whole Zagreb Torta in a presentation box is not a bad option if you’re thinking of gift ideas.

17. Drink your way down Tkalčićeva

What is it? The fairytale street of Tkalčićeva , which snakes up from the city's central, main square - Jelačić trg - was once the flowing stream of Medveščak. The little side streets leading off it, Splavnica (from splav , raft) and Krvavi most (Bloody bridge), link to both its watery origins and colourful past as the flashpoint of historic local disputes.

Why go? For two decades, this atmospheric thoroughfare has provided Zagreb with its prime bar crawl, a constant current of revellers moving from spot to spot.

Don’t miss: Venues move in and out of fashion, but you're pretty much guaranteed a good time at the Funk Club , a regular café by day, a lively DJ basement by night. The gargantuan Medvedgrad , one of Zagreb's oldest breweries, spreads across several venues, offering independently produced beer and pub grub. Rakhia Bar specialises in rakija grappas.

18. Hang out at the Art Park

What is it? Boundary-breaking art collective Pimp my Pump team up with street art studio Lapo Lapo each summer to turn a city centre park into a vibrant open-air gallery, event and hang-out space. A diverse menu of activities, workshops and open-air exhibitions take place here.

Why go? You can peruse the make-shift sculptures, watch artists at work, or even get involved yourself. Entrance to this creative oasis and all events, talks and workshops are totally free.

Don't miss: Keep an eye on their Facebook page for special one-off events.

19. Admire Meštrović's work and mansions

What is it? Croatia's most internationally renowned sculptor, Ivan Meštrović, lived and worked in this restored trio of adjoining 17th-century mansions in Gornji Grad between the years 1923 and 1942.

Why go? The collection here is spectacular, representing major works from the artist's prolific first four decades. As well as marble, there are stone, wood and bronze sculptures. There are also reliefs, drawings and graphics gracing the two floors of the house, the front atrium and his atelier, just off the ivy-covered courtyard.

Don't miss: The Woman by the Sea sculpture in Carrara marble greets you as you enter the actual atelier.

20. Splash out on seafood at Dubravkin put

5 out of 5 stars
Mediterranean
price 4 of 4

What is it? Dubravkin put is one of Zagreb's top addresses for seafood. Located in a wooded dell between the Upper Town and the Tuškanac woods, it features a cool, minimalist interior full of dark-brown furniture tones and low-key lighting.

Why go? Seafood remains the kitchen's strong point, and both the premium baked fish (420kn/kg) and 12-course tasting menu (465kn per person) are well worth splashing out on. Otherwise, choose between exquisitely prepared and presented mains such as monkfish in olive paste, rack of lamb or oxtail, all in the 130kn range.

Don't miss: It's also a stylish venue for an intimate drink, with hundreds of wines to choose from and a tempting menu of nibble-snacks chalked up on a board beside the bar.

21. Play mind games at the Museum of Illusions

What is it? A museum with mirror mazes, gravity-defying rooms, bottomless pits, holograms and mirages.

Why go? It's an incredibly fun way to spend an afternoon. The interactive exhibits provide explanations in English so you can understand the science behind the mind-trickery.

Don't miss: The museum gift shop is full of puzzles, baffling accessories and science books.

22. Slurp spaghetti at Carpaccio

price 3 of 4

What is it? Carpaccio delivers stylish Italian-themed dining in a wonderfully convenient bang-in-the centre location. Chic black furnishings, reproduction Art Nouveau posters, and a soundtrack of Italian pop provide the backdrop.

Why go? For starters, there's a generous list of carpaccios, with marinated Adriatic fish or salmon among the most-succulent choices. There is a lengthy list of quality Croatian and Italian wines, a reasonable number of which are available by the glass.

Don't miss: Leave room for dessert: the house semifreddo and tiramisu are difficult to choose between.

23. See a vintage film at Kino Kinoteka

Things to do
Film events

What is it? Kino Kinoteka is a charming independent cinema, located near Franjo Tuđman park, just to the west of Zagreb city centre. The building it inhabits was constructed in 1941 and has been a cinema ever since.

Why go? The cinema itself has a long tradition of holding a very diverse programme and supports independent filmmakers, world cinema and takes part in city-wide cultural programmes and film festivals.

Don't miss: The building also holds a great and incredibly popular bar area which has a great terrace utilised in warmer months.

24. Dance above a tennis court at Masters

Late-night bars
Out of the Centre

What is it? The intimate Masters club is located next to the clay courts of the Maksimir Tennis Centre, in a loft bedecked with wooden floors and a tree-house-style bar.

Why go? The DJ presides over a relaxed vibe and offers largely underground music from deep house, dub and disco to techno and reggae. International names make appearances in this relatively secret dance enclave.

Don't miss: The sets of the club's promoter and resident DJ Pepi Jogarde are often epic affairs.

25. See world-class ballet and music at Lisinski

Music venues

What is it? Opened in 1973, this 2,000-seater theatre is the main classical music venue in town and also hosts visiting international ballet companies.

Why go? World-class opera, ballet, classical music, pop, folk and theatre are staged here, and the Lisinski, named after the 19th-century Croatian composer, also serves as a convention centre. There's a smaller, 300-capacity hall here too.

Don't miss: Unlike some major concert halls in European cities, events are reasonably priced - meaning you can see world-class ballet without applying for a bank loan. Be warned - Croatians take the tradition of dressing up for classical events seriously.

26. Party at INmusic festival

What is it? Zagreb’s seminal international music festival INmusic promises three days of big indie, rock and hip hop fun in fields around Lake Jarun.

Why go? One of the most popular rock festivals in the region, INmusic has definitely put Zagreb on the international music map: each year organisers coax the best modern rock bands, cult heroes and world musicians to the beautiful host site on the west of the city centre.

Don't miss: There are plenty of afterparties and activities happening in and around the city.

27. Celebrate celluloid at Zagreb Film Festival

What is it? The biggest event on the Croatian film calendar is autumn's Zagreb Film Festival, which attracts some 35,000 visitors to watch features, shorts and documentaries, many screened in English (or with English subtitles).

Why go? The programming is interesting enough without being too obscure.

Don't miss: The Checkers national competition - it champions domestic productions.

28. See the midday cannon fire from Lotrščak

Historic buildings and sites

What is it? Lotrščak is a look-out tower built in the 13th century, reached by climbing a winding wooden staircase (the entrance to this route is on Radićeva) or by walking up from Mesnička.

Why go? Every day since 1877, a couple of loud cannon blasts sound out at midday.

Don't miss: Leafy Strossmayer runs by the tower and gives a lovely view of the city and its centre's rooftops.

29. Devour ćevapi and grilled meats at Sofra

What is it? The best Bosnian grill restaurant in town is hugely popular despite its hidden location in a residential quarter - take a taxi.

Why go? Grilled meats are the order of the day here, pljeskavica and ćevapi (both comprised of seasoned, minced beef), served with traditional bread and sides like kajmak (a thick cream). A sharing plate, usually for a minimum of two, is usually the best way to sample a range of the menu in the region's grill houses.

Don't miss: Order the ćevapi .

30. Go second-hand shopping at Hrelić

What is it? A mammoth Sunday flea market on the outskirts of Zagreb's city centre.

Why go? Many of the goods here are cheap – clothes, CDs, sports shoes, home furnishings, electrical goods – but you’ll also find piles of oddities and rarities from all over the Balkans.

Don't miss: A Balkan-brass band are often seen rambling around the market. Carnivores will also be delighted by the range of grilled meats on offer at the shacks surrounding the morning bustle. Arrive early - like Zagreb's main outdoor markets, most of the best action is over by midday.

31. Drink beer in a historic bar

Bars and pubs

What is it? Known by all as 'Krolo', after the writer Miroslav Krleža who lived here, this beautiful, old, wooden bar near the main square gives its many patrons a flavour of pre-1991 Zagreb.

Why go? The bar staff are easy-going, the older clientele religiously scan the day's newspapers and the younger regulars gather round the semicircular bar. No DJs, no hipster-attracting tricks, but still crowded and raucous at weekends. Timeless is the word you're looking for.

Don't miss: Upstairs, the cigarette-yellowed artwork on the walls features striking examples of Yugoslavian graphic design.

32. See fresh modern art at Greta

Contemporary art

What is it? A gallery in a former clothes shop that opens a new exhibition every Monday night.

Why go? Greta doesn’t follow too strict a curatorial framework, ensuring the widest possible variety of artistic approaches. It regularly receives more visitors than many of the more established galleries, with opening-night celebrants spilling out onto the pavement outside.

Don't miss: Keep an eye on their Facebook page for fresh exhibition openings.

33. Drink rakija at Alcatraz

What is it? This cult bar is a real locals' hang-out. The interior of Alcatraz is crowded with American number plates, beer flags, and mannequins – one of which wears a Mick Jagger mask and seems to be a part of the party.

Why go? The weekends see it packed with locals, who stop by for bottles of Belgian speciality brews and craft ale, plus the DJs jamming rock and dance tunes. On most nights, it's usually the latest bar still working.

Don't miss: The large menu of home-made rakija (grappa), which includes mild liquors like honey, cherry or blackcurrant plus the to-be-feared šljivovica , which you'd do well to guess comes from plums.

34. Watch a show at a puppet theatre

What is it? Croatia's oldest professional puppet theatre.

Why go? The puppet theatre has been in operation for over sixty-five years and benefits from having a 200-seater arena. It has the technical facilities to stage live actors and chamber orchestras, along with award-winning puppetry.

Don't miss: The International Puppet Festival brings its diminutive magic here every September.

35. Sip the finest coffee in Croatia

What is it? The flagship city-centre cafe bar of the Cogito bean-roasting outfit, this place is a clinic for unrepentant caffeine-a-holics.

Why go? Minimally decorated, save for some salvaged furniture and a few pictures, it serves a hard-to-beat brew, plus leaf teas, and some freshly-squeezed juices.

Don't miss: A bag of Cogito's special blend is worth buying and taking home.

36. Discover local modern art

What is it? The Moderna Galerija holds one of the most precious collections of modern Croatian art, the heart of which are the paintings of the generation of cosmopolitan young artists active around 1900. It kicks off in spectacular fashion with huge canvases by late-19th-century painters Vlaho Bukovac and Celestin Medović which dominate the sublimely proportioned hexagonal entrance hall. From here, the collection works its way chronologically through the history of modern Croatian painting, taking in Ljubo Babić's entrancing 1920s landscapes and Edo Murtić's jazzy exercises in 1950's abstract art.

Why go? The gallery is unique in attempting to bridge the artistic eras of the modern and the contemporary, including conceptual and video works appearing beside the painted classics.

Don't miss: The Moderna Galerija's most innovative feature is the tactile gallery, a room containing versions of famous paintings in relief form (together with Braille captions) for unsighted visitors to explore.

37. Marvel at the mosque

What is it? Known locally as Džamija (mosque), visit for the building alone, a circular pavilion standing in the middle of an island in Victims of Fascism Square (it's less than ten minute's walk south-east of the main square). The handsome gardens surrounding have been updated with lawns and a water fountain.

Why go? The building was designed by sculptor Ivan Meštrović just before World War II as an exhibition space in honour of the then Yugoslav King Peter I.

Don't miss: Inside, the circular walls contain three galleries that span two floors. They provide an outstanding venue for a dynamic program of contemporary art exhibitions and events organized by the Croatian Association of Artists (HDLU). The central hall features natural light which filters through the cupola.

38. Get into the spirit of Christmas at Advent

What is it? Zagreb's annual celebration of all things yuletide won the award for best Christmas market in Europe several years running. It gets better each year. The whole thing kicks off in the last week of November and carries on right into the early New Year.

Why go? The music programme features a month of outdoor gigs and DJ high-jinks. Stalls on the pedestrianised streets around Cvijetni trg sell everything from craft toys to traditional sweets, fruit preserves, speciality biscuits and gingerbread hearts. The city-wide lighting display is stunning.

Don't miss: The walk from Zagreb's main train station, through three parks, to the main square is always special but, at Christmas, is an unforgettable experience.

39. Sip fruit brandy at Rakhia Bar

3 out of 5 stars

What is it? This first-floor flat in a charming old Tkalčićeva building has been transformed into a warren of quirkily decorated sitting rooms, with mix-and-match furnishings, paintings on the walls, and agreeably low-key lighting.

Why go? Rakija is the star of the show: if there’s a fruit or vegetable from which you can make brandy then, rest assured, it will be on the menu here.

Don't miss: Try the honey-based medica , orahovica from walnuts and biska from mistletoe leaves (not its poisonous berries).

40. Eat a local lunch

What is it? Cheap and satisfying, gableci are cut-price lunches that are sold at outlets around town. They're often half the price of an à la carte midday meal. Usually advertised on boards during the working week, it's normal for there to be three or four gableci options for that day. You'll find vendors of gableci around the Dolac market, serving bean stew ( grah ), turkey with Zagorje pasta ( purica s mlincima ), and squared pasta with roasted cabbage ( krautflekerli ).

Why go? One good place to try them, Gostionica Purger (Petrinjska 37), is titled after the local name for someone from Zagreb. The food is sturdy and the dishes traditional.

Don't miss: In this eatery's no-frills, three-room interior, you can expect classics such as sarma (sauerkraut stuffed with minced meat), lamb, veal and seafood.

41. Discover Lake Jarun

What is it? Jarun is Zagreb’s great green getaway for recreation, a man-made lake centrepieced by a string of verdant islands, ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities and also the setting for June’s INmusic festival.

Why go? Jarun is a popular public park, a place for picnics and pedal boats, roller-blading and jogging.

Don't miss: INmusic, June’s high-profile, three-day music festival is the best of both worlds, an event that’s urban – 15 minutes by tram from the centre of the capital – yet with a rural feel.

42. Sample craft beer at The Garden Brewery

What is it? A craft brewery run by the team behind the legendary Garden Festival and its various offshoots.

Why go? Housed in a red brick factory in Zagreb's industrial east, it's a characterful venue for after-work drinks and high-octane club nights.

Don't miss: The fruity Citrus IPA, and seasonal specials - the porter is award-winning.

43. Order gelato at Vincek

Ice-cream parlours

What is it? A Zagreb institution. Vincek has been producing sweet treats for many years and claims a loyal following among the locals.

Why go? Arguably the best ice-cream in the city centre, the display counter seduces passers-by with its bounty of glazed treats and homemade cakes.

Don't miss: The gelato is some of the best you'll find outside Italy.

44. Admire the views from 360°

What is it? Get to grips with the layout of central Zagreb by visiting the panoramic terrace bar on top of the 16-storey Neboder (Skyscraper), an icon of Communist-era modernism that has dominated the main square since 1959.

Why go? The Zagreb Eye offers a spectacular view of downtown Zagreb and is one of the most beautiful ways to see the city 360°.

Don't miss: It's also a great place for a relaxing drink, day or night.

45. Marvel at Mimara

What is it? Set in a neo-Renaissance former school on Rooseveltov trg , the Mimara Museum contains the most impressive art collection in town.

Why go? When it comes to historical art collections, the Mimara is certainly Zagreb's biggest in terms of quantity. Donated to the city by wealthy patron Ante Topić Mimara, the collection includes 1700 paintings, statues and archaeological finds, organised chronologically and thematically (although with little by way of explanation in English).

Don't miss: Highlights on the ground floor include oriental carpets, south-east Asian sculptures and Chinese porcelain. The picture galleries upstairs display works from every era since the Gothic period, with artists like Velázquez, Rubens, Rembrandt and Manet each putting in an appearance. It's also an important venue for temporary art or archaeological exhibitions.

46. Have a night at the opera

Public and national theatres

What is it? This neo-Baroque landmark, opened by Habsburg Emperor Franz Josef in 1895, played a vital role in the establishment of Croatian national identity.

Why go? What you find today is a sumptuous interior – a suitably ornate backdrop for local-language theatre, international ballet and opera.

Don't miss: Tchaikovsky's 'Nutcracker' has become something of an institution. The sell-out production takes place throughout November and December.

47. Dine classically at Okrugljak

What is it? The grande dame of Zagreb restaurants attracts old money and the new jet set. They munch and mingle in two high-ceilinged, wooden-clad halls situated in a suburb below Sljeme. Reservations at weekends are a must.

Why go? Top-rated international cuisine and traditional dishes from Croatia's continent and coast are prepared with special care – from juicy barbecue meats and uplifting blood sausages to super-fresh tuna fillets and delectable swordfish carpaccios.

Don't miss: Expect to see fresh lamb roasting away on spits in the yard on spring weekends. The pasta is made on the premises.

48. Attend a free lecture at Booksa

What is it? Zagreb’s prime literary club also doubles as a café.

Why go? There is a symbolic membership fee of 10kn/year, but members can then enjoy carefully chosen music, a laid-back atmosphere and regular events that include readings by the big beasts of the local literary scene – with occasional ones by visiting English speakers.

Don't miss: Good coffee and several varieties of leaf tea help to make Booksa well worth the quick tram ride or ten-minute walk from the centre.

49. Pick up Croatia-inspired gifts at Take Me Home

What is it? An exemplary little souvenir shop near the lower station of Zagreb’s funicular.

Why go? Their aim is to stock quality products made by Croatian designers which also work well as souvenirs – in the sense that they’re small enough to fit in your luggage and might also actually be useful once you get them home.

Don't miss: Lidia Bosevski’s ceramics convey arty elegance; while Filip Gordon Frank’s Mini Me desk lamp is already something of a Croatian design icon.

50. Get a pair of Croatian kicks at Borovo

What is it? Subject of a major cult in the former Yugoslavia, Borovo stock the Croatian-made Startas shoes, a brand of slinky canvas tennis shoes reinvented with a funky range of patterns and classics.

Why go? The wacky pattern work-shoes have been touted by international fashion media, including Vogue USA.

Don't miss: Special edition releases, including collabs with local artists.

51. Try the best of Zagreb's bistro scene

What is it? A newish addition to Zagreb's ever-evolving bistro scene, everything about Beštija screams fresh.

Why go? The menu is reassuringly small and changes daily, but you can expect a cast of Adriatic classics (grilled fish, Pag lamb) prepared with flavourful, fruity embellishments

Don't miss: The pannacotta, if available, is heavenly.

52. Have coffee and a cake at Amelie

What is it? This delightfully twee, French-flavoured place is the ideal spot to sip tea and munch your way through some of the Croatian capital's best lemon meringue pies, cheesecakes and quiches.

Why go? There's invariably a strong showing of different cakes in the glass display cabinet, rendering the selection process tantalizingly difficult.

Don't miss: The rainbow-coloured spread of macaroons are devastatingly good.

53. Tour Zagreb's street art scene

What is it? B right and beautiful murals that add flourishes of colour to the city.

Why go? Local street artists like Slaven Lunar Kosanović, OKO and Lonac have developed distinctive styles, and the popularity of their work has justly exploded onto the international stage.

Don't miss: Although it's in crumbling disrepair, the wall that runs along Branimirova is a good place to start. Etien's whale in the Upper Town is a symbolic piece, as are works by OKO and Lonac.

54. See live demonstrations of Tesla inventions

What is it? The Nikola Tesla Technical Museum holds a collection featuring aircraft, vintage cars, an 80-year-old snowmobile, a World War II mini-submarine, 19th-century fire engines, a Dubrovnik tram from 1912 and a small planetarium.

Why go? This impressive collection of historic vehicles and interactive exhibits provides an excellent and unstuffy excuse to visit the just-out-of-town museum.

Don't miss: The section dedicated to Nikola Tesla illustrates just how advanced this turn-of-the-century pioneer of electricity generation and radio transmission actually was. Daily demonstrations in the laboratory involve a short lecture during which some of his inventions are put through their paces.

55. Listen to live jazz at Bacchus

What is it? Bacchus Jazz Bar is an ideal place to meet friends, listen to jazz and either have a civilised party evening or get revved up for what's to come.

Why go? The bar exudes a homely Dalmatian feel: the owner is from Split, and there's a fig tree next to the terrace, which is tucked into a passage off the street. Inside you'll find a hodgepodge of kinda tatty wooden furniture: a 1960s-era television and telephone, and wooden-plank floors under a brick ceiling.

Don't miss : Live poetry or spoken-word on Wednesday nights, live jazz or soul on Friday and Saturday.

56. Order swanky cocktails

Cocktail bars

What is it? Swanky Monkey Garden is an expansive outdoor bar with a buzzing vibe, thanks to its mix of backpackers and locals. And, if you like cocktails, it's a good place to drink them casually without breaking the bank.

Why go? The team behind this place are big music enthusiasts and are attached to several major events in the city's calendar. There are DJ-led parties here on some evenings, especially towards the weekend. Don't miss: You might be staying at the adjoining hostel with friends, but don't limit your experience to hanging only with people you already know. This is a brilliant place to meet locals and fellow travellers.

57. Visit the Zagreb mummy

What is it? Established in 1846, Zagreb Archaeological Museum's extensive and well-labelled collection covers three floors, beginning with the Early Stone Age.

Why go? The section on ancient Egypt includes sarcophagi, statues and jewellery: the 4th-century-BC Zagreb Mummy, wrapped in a shroud bearing rare Etruscan texts, is the museum's coup de grâce and shouldn't be missed.

Don't miss: Other highlights include the Vučedol Dove, a 4,000-year-old ceramic vessel found near Vukovar and a symbol of peace in recent times; Greek and Roman artefacts; and coins from through the ages.

58. Hang out or get down at Pločnik

Craft beer pubs

What is it? Pločnik is as much a bar as it is an essential hub for alternative culture. There's a large collection of vinyl records (and some great clothing) for sale on the first floor.

Why go? The music programme is dizzyingly diverse and there's usually something clubby happening in the bar's basement at night. It's also one of the few places in the city where you can hear afrobeat, dancehall or grime music.

Don't miss: Craft beer by Nova Runda and The Garden on tap.

59. Sample modern Croatian gastronomy

What is it? Noel is an achingly cool restaurant dedicated to the flux of contemporary trends in cooking.

Why go? The menu mixes the best of Croatian cuisine with European experimentation, such as the pork belly with shrimp, parsley and passion fruit. Portions are small but well presented and garnished.

Don't miss: Extravagant diners can opt for the taster menu - options include four, six or nine courses costing between 220kn and 450kn. The wine list is superb.

60. Try beer from Zagreb's first independent brewery

What is it? Croatia's rapidly growing boutique-brewery scene is not entirely new - Zagreb’s Medvedgrad has been brewing its own lagers, wheat beers and porters for over 20 years.

Why go? The Mali Medo branch on Tkalčićeva spreads across several buildings with an extensive outdoor terrace - it's one of the most buzzing bars in the city.

Don't miss: You can sample a miniature selection of different beers to get a taste for what you like. The Fakin' IPA on draught is a reliable (although strong) choice.

61. See the old masters at work

What is it? The neo-Renaissance palace which houses Strossmayer's Gallery of Old Masters was built in 1884 to accommodate Bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer's private collection of European paintings. It holds Zagreb's foremost collection of old masters and also serves as the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Zagreb.

Why go? Pieces are hung in nine intimate rooms on the second floor. Italians fill the first six, with Fra Beato Angelico's 'Martyrdom of St Peter' in room 1, Bellini's newly restored 'Saints Augustine and Benedict' in room 3, and Carpaccio's 'Martyrdom of St Sebastian' right next to it. The collection continues with Flemish (Brueghel), Dutch and German painters, with a final room devoted to the French – 'Portrait of Madame Récamier' by Jean Antoine Gros is the stand-out picture here.

62. Catch a gig at Tvornica

Nightlife venues

What is it? Tvornica kulture (The Culture Factory) has established itself as Zagreb‘s leading medium-sized venue for live rock and pop.

Why go? Concerts take place several times a week, with club nights featuring DJs and visuals at weekends.

Don't miss: The price of a drink is unusually low for a concert hall: a draught beer will cost you 15kn ( €2).

63. Discover Zagreb's socialist-era architecture

What is it? Zagreb boasts fantastic examples of Communist-era architecture, mostly clustered around Novi Zagreb, south of the river Sava.

Why go? Brutalist structures pierce the skyline, it feels like a different city compared to central Zagreb. Functional, proletarian and to some viewers, aesthetically admirable.

Don't miss: The Rakete , three rocket-shaped towers that were modified after the 1963 Skopje earthquake to withstand further tremors. The nickname comes from the angled appendages on the sides of the buildings, which points them up towards the sky like rockets.

64. Rave in a drugs factory

price 1 of 4

What is it? Medika is a shrine to all things alternative. It grew out of Zagreb ’s anarchist movement and is still run as a non-profit-making collective. A courtyard decorated by some of Zagreb ’s best street artists has a café-bar and, at night, two concert venue-cum-club spaces.

Why go? Events range from anarcho-punk gigs and extreme metal to dub reggae DJs, live hip hop and cutting-edge dance music, with all kinds of other styles thrown in for good measure. Popular with a broad spectrum of Zagreb ’s club-hungry youth and alternative students, Medika is much more than just a gathering point for the grungey underground.

Don't miss: Follow the Facebook page for special events and exhibitions. Visual arts association Otomptom throw impromptu film evenings which screen animation and shorts.

65. Sample Croatian wine at Pod Zidom

What is it? Pod Zidom offers an affordable-to-expensive mixture of great Croatian wines and a range of Mediterranean-style dishes.

Why go? The wine list allows you to sample great Croatian wines by the glass. The wonderful outdoor terrace overlooks a street that’s very central but also slightly hidden from the hubbub of the main square.

Don't miss: Syrah by Krauthaker is a fantastic dry red, produced by a winery in Kutjevo, eastern Croatia.

66. Catch a game at Maksimir

Sport and fitness

What is it? The home stadium of Dinamo Zagreb football club is set across from the leafy surroundings of Maksimir Park.

Why go? To bask in Croatia's second-place World Cup glory. Over the last year, the stadium has recorded an uptick in attendance and experienced its best atmosphere of the last decade. The team also had an unprecedented run in European competition. Stadium concerts are also held here.

Don't miss: Dinamo's international games or an appearance by the Croatian National Football Team.

67. Browse medieval torture instruments

Science and technology

What is it? Tortoreum is a small museum themed around historical violence and torture and has a raft of brutal instruments.

Why go? If that kind of thing appeals to you, it's a fun and relatively cheap way to spend a few hours - browsing a highly unusual artillery of torture instruments and exhibits.

Don't miss: The real-life 'Iron Maiden' (a reproduction of the fabled medieval execution device, not the operatic British metal pioneers in embarrassingly tight Spandex trousers).

68. Keep on dancing at Aquarius

What is it? The one club on the Jarun lakeside that works 12 months a year, this 2,000-capacity, two-floor venue, which opened in 1992, is still ahead in the field.

Why go? It's regular agenda has live music and DJ sets by international big names. The two floors – Aquarius 1 and 2 – pump out different sounds but do, on occasion, come together.

Don't miss: Saturdays usually see an eclectic mixture of cutting-edge house and electro. Fans of cool, contemporary house music should look out for the Tanzen nights.

69. Sip coffee in a secluded courtyard

What is it? U Dvorištu is a mellow café hidden in an off-street courtyard.

Why go? They take their (free-trade, Ethiopian) coffee very seriously, and serious caffeine addicts will trek halfway across the city to get their regular fix.

Don't miss: With poetry readings, jazz in the evenings and art on the walls, it's something of a cult cultural hub into the bargain.

70. Take the shortest train journey in the world

What is it? A fun way to access Gradec, the Upper Town, is by the funicular from Ilica (the main commercial street running west from the main Ban Jelačić square).

Why go? The short ride takes you to the Lotrščak Tower a look-out tower built in the 13th century.

Don't miss: The view over downtown's rooftops as you ascend very quickly to Gradec.

71. Have a cracking breakfast

Contemporary Global

What is it? Eggspress is a brunch spot devoted entirely to eggs.

Why go? For its world-spanning selection of egg dishes - and groan-inducing egg puns. Their English breakfast is listed on the menu as 'Breggxit'.

Don't miss: Fresh orange juice Mimosas provide speedy replenishment for your hangover.

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Top things to do in Zagreb

Croatian capital city, and the largest business, political, and student center in Croatia, Zagreb offers so many things to do for locals and tourists alike. Unlike its coastal counterparts, Zagreb lives all year round .

When Vera and I lived in Zagreb, we loved strolling the Upper town, cycling Jarun Lake, or hiking to the Sljeme Mount.

We also enjoyed having a coffee downtown, picnicking in Maksimir Park, going for a day to Samobor, or for a lunch to the villages dotting the hills of Zagorje.

There are seriously so many things to do in Zagreb, that you’ll quickly want to extend your stay here.

Things To Do In Zagreb, Croatia: Best Attractions, Activities and Day Trips, Illustration

Zagreb is vibrant. It is flat and thus a perfect place for long strolls or for cycling. Zagreb is relatively small compared to other European capitals. And, it has lots of parks and even forests within the city limits.

Table of Contents

Our top recommendations for what to do in Zagreb

If you have no time to read the entire blog, or if you are in Zagreb just for a day, put on your list these 5 things to do.

Explore Upper Town
Visit Downtown
Take one of Secret Zagreb Walks
Have a coffee in one of Zagreb’s charming cafes

22 awesome things to do in Zagreb

Zagreb is a lovely city, with laid back atmosphere, strong coffee culture, pedestrian-only town center, great bistro-style restaurants, green markets, an interesting craft beer scene, good downtown shopping, and stripes of bars and cafes at every corner.

We hope that you will enjoy your time in Zagreb!

Explore Upper town

The upper town is my favorite part of Zagreb. Here you will find some of Zagreb’s top sights. This part of town is exactly what its name suggests: it’s a part of the town perched on the slopes of the Medvednica Mountain. Along with Kaptol, this is the oldest part of the town. Remains of town walls and towers that surrounded the Upper Town in medieval times are still preserved.

Zagreb’s upper town is a truly romantic part of Zagreb . It’s never overcrowded, and the traffic here is limited. It’s full of historical landmarks, secret passages, small museums, art galleries, and fun bars. You’ll also find here a Croatian Parliament building.

Vranyczanyeva poljana in Zagreb's Upper Town

Zagreb’s Upper town features some of Zagreb’s top attractions: the Lotrscak tower, Stone gate (Kamenita Vrata), St. Marc Church, Museum of Broken relationship, Stross promenade, the Mestrovic Atelier, the Klovicevi Dvori gallery.

But besides all those obvious sights and landmarks, Zagreb’s Upper town is famed for its secret sights, many courtyards tucked away from the main streets behind unassuming facades. Two events particularly celebrate this side of the upper town: Secrets of Grič, and Dvorišta.

Another event that highlights the hidden side of Zagreb’s upper town is simply called Dvorišta , meaning Courtyards in Croatian. It takes place in mid-July, for nine days. With the motto “each courtyard has its story”, this event offers visitors a chance to experience part of the town that is usually shut behind facades, and doors. Participating courtyards are properly decorated and lighted, and each one feature live music, drinks, and snacks.

Walking tours

Iva Silla of Secret Zagreb Walks offers also interesting tours of the upper town that reveal another side of Zagreb. Their most interesting tours are the Private Zagreb Walking Tour , and Zagreb Ghosts & Dragons Tour .

Recommended tours:

Walking Tour of Zagreb with Funicular Ride
Old Town Zagreb Bike Tour

Don’t miss downtown Zagreb

Jurisiceva Street and Jelacic Square at night with blue tram

Downtown Zagreb is perhaps the town’s area where you will spend most of your time in Zagreb. However, don’t limit your visit to the main square and a few streets around it. While a visit to those Zagreb Croatia points of interest is a must-do, we recommend that you seek out Zagreb tourist attractions beyond the few obvious ones.

So, here are our suggestions for what to see in Zagreb downtown.

Jelacic Square, Zagreb’s main square, is the starting point for exploring the downtown. The square is huge, with lovely buildings surrounding it on all four sides. The majority of buildings date back to the 19 th century and feature different architectural styles: from post-modernism, Art Nouveau, and Biedermeier.

Many trams pass through the main square, connecting different Zagreb neighborhoods. Climb up the skyscraper in Ilica 1 for awesome 360° views of Zagreb, go to the chocolate & candy store Kras for some sweet souvenirs to bring back home, make a wish at Mandusevac fountain, or dance a night away in Johann Franck Club.

Tkalciceva Street

Once a creek that separated two towns: Kaptol, and Gradec, Tkalciceva Street , or Tkalca as locals call it, is a lovely pedestrian street lined with cafes, restaurants, and small shops on both sides of the street.

Many of these businesses are housed in small historical houses of different colors. And it just adds to the charm of Tklaciceva Street. The street starts just behind the main Jelacic Square and goes all the way to Kaptol Center.

Sidestreet terraces in Tkalciceva Street

Stroll up and down Tkalciceva, take photos, climb up to Dolac Market, and have breakfast or a leisurely lunch at Otto and Frank (Tkalciceva 20). Taste a local beer at Mali Medo (Tkalciceva 36), jazz it up in Melin (Kozarska 16; just above Tkalciceva), take a flight of local brandies at Rakhia Bar (Tkalciceva 45), or enjoy some blues and rock at Booze and Blues Bar (Tkalciceva 84).

Bogoviceva Street and Flowers’ Square

Bogoviceva Street is another downtown street full of cafes. It’s the ultimate see-and-be-seen Zagreb spot, particularly so on Saturday between 10 am and 1 pm.

Cvjetni Trg (Flower’s Square) is called so due to the few flower stalls you can find there. The square is also filled with cafes, bars, casual eateries, and a shopping mall. Zagreb Orthodox Cathedral, constructed in 1865, and Oktogon, a covered passageway that connects Flower’s Square with Ilica, can be found here too.

East downtown consists of a few interesting streets and neighborhoods, particularly Mestrovic Pavillon (Dzamija), Vlaska Street, and Marticeva Street.

Vlaska Street

A long street starting right behind the main square, and going east all the way to Kvaternik Square, Vlaska Street consists of two parts: Old Vlaska (the part from the main square to Draskoviceva Street), and new Vlaska (further east from Draskoviceva).

This street is a bit rough around the edges but it’s full of interesting courtyards, hidden restaurants, and lovely bars. Don’t miss having a coffee at Finjak , the most instagrammable café in Zagreb, tasting one of the best pizzas in town at the pizzeria Karijola , or having a yummy lunch at Mali Bar , one of our favorite restaurants.

Marticeva Street

Marticeva Street runs parallelly with Vlaska, from Croatian National Bank all the way to Kvaternik Square.

Not so long ago, Marticeva was nothing but a somber street full of car dealerships, and car parts shops, but today the street is very popular among designers, hipsters, artists, and writers.

Hang out at Booksa , a cool bar for books aficionados, and check out Zagreb’s awesome modernist buildings – Wooden Skyscraper in Marticeva , and the colorful Vitic skyscraper in nearby Laginjina Street, have a coffee at trendy Program Bar, or in a creative Mr. Frog Bar , or have a bite in nearby Noel Restaurant (Popa Dukljanina Street).

If you happen to be in Zagreb in mid-June, don’t miss the Design District Festival that takes place in and around Marticeva Street. The festival celebrates local creative communities and businesses from the neighborhood. The program includes jazz, yoga, and meditation on the rooftop, a furniture exhibition, various workshops, architecture-focused guided tours, etc…

Ilica Street

Ilica is one of the oldest and longest Zagreb streets. It’s almost 6 km long, and it stretches from the main square all the way to Crnomerec to the northwest.

This busy street is full of shops; many high streets fashion stores, like Zara, Mango, and many shoe stores like Echo, or Geox are located closer to the main square, but as you continue along Ilica further from the downtown, all kinds of shops emerge.

Have an ice cream at Vincek (Ilica 18), buy original Croatian souvenirs at the Take Me Home Design Shop (Tomiceva 4, just off Ilica Street), and have a funicular ride to the Upper Town (Tomiceva, just off Ilica Street). Taste the best coffee in town at the Eliscaffe (Ilica 63), enjoy awesome food at the Soi Fusion Bar (Ilica 50), or visit the Museum of Illusions (Ilica 72).

Also, don’t forget to visit Nama, the only department store In Zagreb you have to visit even if you don’t plan to buy anything. The store is a bit old-fashioned but it still features many Art Nouveau details like stained glass, and wrought-iron railings, dating back to the times when it was built, in the early 20th century.

Visit the museum of Broken relationships

Items on display in the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb

A Museum of Broken Relationships has gained lots of attention ever since it was created, first as a traveling exhibition back in 2006, and since 2011 as a museum with a permanent location in Zagreb’s Upper Town.

This museum is exactly what its names suggests; all items featured here are relics of broken relationships. Each item is accompanied by a story: some funny, others sad.

It is quirky and fun, and it takes less than an hour to wander through everything. They even have a little bar to have a drink, charge your phone or check your mail (yes, they’ve got complimentary WiFi internet).

And don’t go there empty-handed.

Contacts: Cirilometodska 2, Zagreb | tel: +385 1 485 1021 | e: [email protected] | Website

Admision: Adults: €7 ($7.7, £6) | Students & Seniors: €5.5 ($6, £4.8)

Working hours: Jun-Sept: 9 am-10 pm daily | Oct-May: 9 am-9 pm daily | Closed on Christmas, New Year’s Day, Easter, and All Saints’ Day

Shop at Zagreb’s farmers’ market(s)

Zagreb got its first farmers’ market back in 1890, and ever since the markets remain “the belly of the neighborhoods”. I’ve read somewhere that there are 28 green markets in Zagreb. They are an integral part of the Zagreb lifestyle. Vibrant, noisy, and lively, they are the best places to feel a local vibe.

The most popular farmers’ market is Dolac . Centrally located, just behind the main square, Dolac spreads over two floors. The upper level features an open-air green market, souvenirs, and clothes stand, an enclosed fish market, bars, and restaurants mostly serving fast food or marenda . The ground level is enclosed and it features butcheries, bakeries, specialty food stores, and my favorite part – a dairy section.

Our tip : In the down section, from the main entrance, head straight to the diary section, all the way to the right. Here old women sell their homemade cheese, cream, and awesome cornbread.

Another popular farmers’ market in Zagreb is Britanac. It’s only two tram stations from the main square direction East (tram no. 1, 6, or 11). Britanac feels much more intimate than Dolac. Maybe it’s due to the fact that the market is actually in the middle of a town’s square (Britanski Trg), or the wear-and-tear look of the buildings surrounding it, but Britanac is the kind of place where people feel good. Every Sunday the antique market takes place on Britanac.

Our tip: Have a specialty coffee at the Eliscaffe.

Other popular markets are Kvatric and Tresnjevka.

Strolling green markets should be high on your list of things to do in Zagreb!

Explore Zagreb parks and forests

Zagreb has lots of green areas, parks, and forests within the city limits. And walking in the park is always a good idea when thinking of what to do in Zagreb.

In downtown, make sure to follow the Lenuci’s horseshoe . This unique urban complex consists of seven landscaped town squares and a botanical garden. Lenuci was a lead architect on the project, and he gave a horseshoe shape to this urban complex. Thus, the name is Lenuci’s Horseshoe.

The most popular landscaped squares are Zrinjevac (if you are in Zagreb during a Christmastime don’t miss a great entertainment program on Zrinjevac and Strossmayer Square), and Trg Kralja Tomislava (right across the central train station).

Check the Google map below with all the parks and forests in Zagreb!

Located east of downtown, Maksimir is Zagreb’s oldest (opened in 1794) and largest public park. It’s also home to the town’s ZOO. The first part of Maksimir is a classical, landscaped park with a wide central promenade, five artificial lakes, creeks, and meadows. The second part of the park consists of original, natural forests. Maksimir is very popular among locals, especially in spring .

One of my favorite parts of Zagreb is the natural forests starting already downtown and girdling the northern neighborhoods. I recommend you take a walk in some of them. Some, like Tuskanac, or Dubravkin put , you can reach within a 10-minute walk from the main square.

Tomislavac, a popular town square and park in Zagreb, just across from the central train station

Other popular forest parks in Zagreb are Zelengaj, Cmrok, Jelenovac, Prekrizje, and Pantovcak.

Other parks in Zagreb are Bundek , Lake Jarun , and Medvednica .

Sip a coffee … for hours

Nowhere, but really nowhere, is the coffee culture so strong, so obvious, and so important as it is in Zagreb. You’ll notice this social phenomenon as soon as you start exploring the town.

Beautiful outdoor terraces are fitted with sun umbrellas during the summer, and heaters during the winter, and they are always full regardless of the time of day you pass by. If you get to know any local, (s)he will certainly invite you for a cup of coffee. You can order anything else, it’s just that the word coffee here somehow got the meaning of the word drink .

The main spots in Zagreb to have a coffee are Tkalciceva Street, Bogoviceva Street, and Cvjetni Trg. And while you should definitely visit them, our favorite cafes aren’t located on these streets.

If you prefer to join locals in your quest to discover perfect Zagreb cafes, you can check out this guided Zagreb tour .

Go for brunch

Brunch is one of the things that Zagreb does right! Whether you are a late riser in search of a late morning booster, an early riser who simply can’t wait for lunch hour, a hangover cure searcher, or just someone who wants it all on the menu: granola and smoothie bowls, croissants, and warm pies, but also crave Cesar salad, eggs, and well, why not, barbeque toast, and quiche Lorraine, Zagreb’s there to deliver!

Brunch is very popular in Zagreb, especially on weekends. And Zagreb has plenty of great brunch spots to choose from. Here is the full Zagreb brunch list!

Hit the clubs

We’ll be honest … not the right people to talk about Zagreb nightlife, but nevertheless, we’ll share a few things we know.

I wouldn’t consider Zagreb as truly a party town, that you’ll find more east, like in Belgrade, or Prague. But, the nightlife in Zagreb is still decent. No matter what kind of music you like, or what kind of party you enjoy, you’ll find your place at Zagreb’s night scene.

Generally, people start a bar crawl in bars located downtown, particularly on Tkalciceva Street.

Later they usually hit clubs either downtown or at Lake Jarun. Popular nightclubs are Sax, Vintage Industrial Bar, Gallery, and Aquarius.

One of the ways to feel Zagreb’s bar scene is to book an organized bar crawl tour.

And if you love beer, head to our post about the best places to have a beer in Zagreb .

Cycle at Lake Jarun

Lake Jarun is an artificial lake located in the western part of the town. People of Zagreb love this lake, and it’s one of the most popular recreational areas in the town. The lake is also a popular clubbing place after dark.

You can jog, walk or cycle around the lake; you can swim in the lake during the summer, or have a picnic. If you are staying in Zagreb for more than a day, it’s always a good idea to explore the town beyond its center.

Lake is easily reachable from the city center. Just hop on tram no. 17 or no. 5 and they will get you to the lake in no time.

Recommended tour: Zagreb Big Tour

Eat your way through Zagreb

I. Love. Restaurants. In. Zagreb. Being the capital of Croatia, Zagreb really has an excellent restaurant scene.

The big trend lately is small, bistro-style restaurants serving fresh food based on seasonal ingredients. Burgers also seem to be in fashion in the last few years. Although not fast food burgers, fancy and juicy mini burgers are served by trendy restaurants. Asian fusion, sushi, and ramen are also popular menu items in Zagreb’s restaurants.

Lunch is still the no. 1 meal in Croatia. For example, when we stay at my in-laws, we always have a big lunch, while for dinner we’ll just eat leftovers or a sandwich. Zagreb isn’t different! And since many people are at work during lunchtime, many restaurants offer a cheap (around €6-€8 / $6.6-$8.8 / £5.2-£7), simple but delicious, and homemade lunch menu (called gablec in Zagreb). We’ve put together a list of the best restaurants to have lunch in Zagreb . You can also check our post on must-try restaurants in Zagreb .

Taste Zagreb Food Tour
Zagreb Private Food Tour

Visit museums

Whether you are an art & history buff or bluff, when planning what to do in Zagreb, consider visiting some of Zagreb’s museums and art galleries.

Museum of Broken Relationships

The Museum of Broken Relationships is quirky. Besides, it’s small and it has a nice café with WiFi, a good selection of coffees and teas, and homemade cookies. So you really have no excuse to skip visiting at least this one when in Zagreb (see above for more details).

Croatian Museum of Naive Art

Right across the street from the Museum of Broken Relationships, you’ll find the Croatian Museum of Naive Art. This is apparently the world’s first museum of naive art.

It displays paintings of Croatian naive artists, including works of Ivan Generalic, Franjo Mraz, and Mirko Virius, founders of Croatian naive art. It would take you max. half an hour to visit. The staff is very informative and eager to answer all your questions.

Admission fee: €5.5 ($6, £5.20) for adults | Students: €3 ($3.30, £2.60) | Children below 15: free

Working hours: Mo – Fri: 10 am – 5 pm

Mestrovic’s Atelier

This museum remains closed for renovation since March 2022 until further notice.

Tucked away in a former Mestrovic family house, in Zagreb’s Upper Town, you’ll find Mestrovic’s Atelier. Ivan Mestrovic was one of the top sculptors of the 20th century. Even Rodin called him a genius. The atelier features his works but also shows family history through documentation, photos, and furniture. His works are displayed in each room, but also in the lovely garden. Local tip : There is a lack of detailed information on the artist and his work, especially in English. It’s worth bringing with you your own guidebook.

Klovicevi Dvori Gallery

The Klovicevi Dvori Gallery is probably the most popular art gallery in Zagreb. It’s home to many traveling world exhibits once they arrive in Zagreb. Besides that, another interesting gallery, although a bit worn out, is Mestrovic Pavillon, located downtown, only two tram stations from the main square (tram no. 1, 17).

Technical Museum

Technical Museum, maybe bears a boring name but has interesting items on display, especially for children, and technical geeks. The main floor is dedicated to transport with a display of old cars, trains, planes, and trams, as well as models of different ships and boats. Smaller rooms and balcony feature firefighting equipment, mock-ups of satellites and spacecraft, and even mining equipment including a mine shaft. The highlight of the visit is a scheduled demonstration of Tesla’s electrical feats and discoveries. This is one of the great things to do in Zagreb with children.

Lauba House For People and Art

A contemporary art gallery, located in a former textile mill, Lauba is a privately-owned gallery, opened in 2011 with Tomislav Klicko’s private art collection. Since then, it has become a creative place and exhibition space for many Croatian and international contemporary artists. Although it’s located off the main tourist sites, Lauba is an interesting place to visit: the interior is lovely, temporary exhibitions change regularly, and there is a nice bistro with very decent food.

Museum of Chocolate

Located in Varsavska Street, in the heart of Zagreb’s Lower Town, the Chocolate Museum in Zagreb makes you experience the taste of different types of chocolate, learn how to make a chocolate beverage, explore the world of chocolate, and discover the history of chocolate from the Aztecs to the chocolate factories of England and Belgium. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in the delightful flavors of chocolate.

Museum of illusions

The Museum of Illusions is located on Ilica Street. Get lost in the maze of mirrors, watch people around you shrink or grow, and have fun with many other optical illusions and brain teasers. It’s rather small but in our opinion a great place to visit with kids.

Zagreb City Museum

Opened in 1907, Zagreb City Museum shows different aspects of life and development of Zagreb through history: from prehistoric to modern times. The museum is small and never crowded, but well laid out and with well-described items. A great place to start exploring Zagreb because it will make you understand it better.

Hike Medvednica Mountain

Hiking Medvjednica is one of the most popular things to do in Zagreb on weekends, at least for locals.

Medvednica Mountain is located north of Zagreb, and its slopes are an integral part of the town. There are many hiking trails on the Medvednica, but probably the most popular hike that locals take is up to the Puntijarka mountain house, located at an elevation of 957 m, just below Sljeme , the highest peak of Medvednica.

The hike literally starts in the town, from the last tram station all the way up (no.14 from the main square; and then a no.15). On weekends the trails get busy with locals. However, if you aren’t into hiking, you can also reach the summit by car or a city bus.

In Puntijarka you can have a simple traditional meal, like beans, roasted potatoes, or a delicious apple pie. And the prices are very affordable.

Another popular hiking trail (because it’s the least demanding, and close to the town) is the Miroslavec trail that starts in Sestine and takes you to the Kraljicin Zdenac along and across the creek.

Kraljicin Zdenac is a small pond. Next to it there ate plenty of wooden tables and benches for a picnic and a rest. A bit higher there is a mountain house Lugareva Kucica offering simple but delicious meals.

Other popular landmarks include remains of Medvedgrad , a medieval fortified town; caves and springs, like Veternica and Zdencec; chapels and churches; and a hotel Tomislavac.

If you like to feel local, hiking should definitely be on your list of things to do in Zagreb.

Recommended tour:

Medvednica Falconry Tour from Zagreb

Visit Zagreb Cathedral

It is nice, it is close to the main square. It has lots of Gothic architectural elements. The embalmed body of Cardinal Stepinac lies in a sarcophagus near the main altar. The interior is full of statues, paintings, and inscriptions in Slavic script. Check how Matt from Landlopers got genuinely surprised by it. In March 2020 after a strong earthquake, the Cathedral’s spire was damaged and taken down.

Visit Zagreb cemetery

This is actually a weird one. I would never visit cemeteries no matter how nice they are. The last cemeteries I visited were Paris and Varazdin. But I didn’t find it entertaining. Neither could I enjoy “the beauty”.

However, Zagreb cemetery is listed on Tripadvisor as the 10th of 204 attractions in Zagreb. Must be a reason. And there must be people different than me. The description on Tripadvisor says “This cemetery contains world-class artwork and atmosphere.” Atmosphere? Whatever. Well, here you have one of the quirkier things to do in Zagreb.

The cemetery is beautiful and well laid out with a monumental entrance, and a central part full of sculptures. You can visit the graves of many famous Croatians like Drazen Petrovic and Kresimir Cosic, famous Croatian basketball players, Ivo Tijardovic, Croatian composer, painter Edo Murtic, many other sportsmen, politicians, actors, and alike.

Bus no. 106 brings you up to Mirogoj from Kaptol (a bus stop near the Cathedral).

Visit Mirogoj on This Walking Tour!

360º Views of Zagreb

Climb to the 16th floor of the only high-rise on Zagreb’s Main Square and enjoy 360-degree views of the city. Open every day from 10 am to 11.45 pm. Besides the observation deck , there is a nice bar where you can have a drink while enjoying the views.

Skydiving in Zagreb

Dreaming of diving through the skies? Maybe Zagreb is the place to experience this adrenaline-pumping activity. Located at the Lucko sports airfield, Skydiving Zagreb offers tandem jumps from their Cessna planes. The jump is at around 3.000 m, with a free fall of about 30 to 50 seconds. It’ll set you back €199 ($220, £172).

Escape Games

There are a few companies in Zagreb offering this live game, with the Fox in a Box being the most popular. The game is intended for 2 to 5 people. Basically, you get clues, hints, and 60 minutes’ time to escape a zombie lab or a bunker and get yourself out using logic and teamwork. It costs €12 to €30 per person ($13.20-$33, £10.40-£26) depending on the number of players.

A day trip to Plitvice Lakes

A one-day trip from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes is simply one of the best things to do in Zagreb. One of the most visited places in Croatia, the park consists of 16 lakes interconnected by many waterfalls and cascades. There is a total of 8 trails you can follow in the park. The hike can take anywhere from 2 up to 8 hours.

There are a few ways to visit Plitvice from Zagreb.

You can take a combo tour that includes a transfer from Zagreb to Split, as well as a visit to the Lakes. As such, it’s actually a pretty good deal. There is plenty of time to visit the lakes, and also to have lunch before proceeding to Split. For €130 ($143, £112) you get a door-to-door transfer from Zagreb to Split, as well as admission tickets for the Plitvice Lakes included in the price.

Save on your transfer and a trip to Plitvice Lakes by booking in advance!

You can also visit Plitvice Lakes on your own , by car, or by bus that connects Zagreb with Plitvice Lakes. A one-way bus ticket costs anywhere between €10 and €15 ($11-$16.5, £8.70-£13). The ride takes 2h to 2.30h (depending on the line, and the number of stops in-between). You can check bus schedules here .

Another viable option is to book a group tour from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes. It takes a minimum of 2 persons to run the tour. The tour costs €79 ($88, £68) including transport and a guide but excluding entrance tickets that you need to buy in advance online. Click here for more info on a group tour to Plitvice Lakes.

Interested to know more? Read our Ultimate Plitvice Lakes Travel Guide .

Visit Ljubljana, Lake Bled and Postojna Cave

Slovenia is easily reachable from Zagreb. And if you don’t plan to visit it on its own, you can consider a day trip to Slovenia as one of the things to do in Zagreb.

The most popular sites in Slovenia include Ljubljana , the Slovenian capital city, then Lake Bled , a wonderful lake in the Julian Alps, and Postojna Cave , one of the largest karst cave systems in the region.

Ljubljana is only 140 km from Zagreb, and both, Lake Bled and Postojna Cave are 50 km away from Ljubljana. While theoretically, you can visit all three in a day, we suggest you stick to two; either Ljubljana and Lake Bled, or Ljubljana and Postojna Cave.

You can visit Slovenian highlights from Zagreb either on your own by car, or it might be just more convenient to visit them on a group tour. Prices of these coach tours differ, as some include certain admission fees, and others don’t. Double-check what is included in the price before booking.

From Zabreb: Ljubljana and Lake Bled Tour
Ljubljana & Postojna Cave Tour from Zagreb

Experience Trakoscan Castle and Varazdin

Trakoscan Castle dates back to the 13th century, and it lies on the shores of Trakoscan lake (the lake has been drained for cleaning and repairs, but the works should be finished in 2023). A visit to the castle makes a nice day trip from Zagreb. You get to see the castle, have a nice walk around the lake, and enjoy stunning views from some of the windows in the castle.

Today, the Trakoscan Castle houses a museum with a collection of photos, books, weaponry, furniture, paintings, and prints. The admission fee is €5 ($5.5, £4.4) per adult and €2.5 ($2.8, £2.20) for kids aged 7 to 18. The museum is open every day from 9 am to 4 pm (10 am to 6 pm from April to November).

Varazdin, on the other hand, is a small baroque town with beautiful architecture, lovely palaces from the 19th and 20th centuries, and one of the oldest city halls in Europe. Varazdin is also known for its park-like town cemetery.

What to do in Zagreb, Illustration for pinterest

Explore Plesivica by bike

Plesivica is a hilly wine-growing region halfway between Jastrebarsko and Samobor, about a 30-minute drive from Zagreb.

The region is perfect for hiking, cycling, and wine tasting. Some of the popular winemakers from the area are Tomac and Sember, both known for their sparkling wines and Korak wines . This region makes Croatia’s best sparkling wines.

We visited this region back in August 2022 for Vera’s birthday and we had a blast at the Korak Winery & Restaurant. Bernard Korak, the chef and one of the owners, creates amazing dishes, some of the best we tasted anywhere. We stayed at the Guesthouse Rezekov Podrum , a family-owned B&B we highly recommend. The owners are super friendly, the accommodation is clean, renovated, and comfortable, and the breakfast is excellent. Not to mention great and affordable rates. If you are staying in Zagreb and looking for an extraordinary food and wine experience, the Plesivica region is the must-visit. Also, you can consider stopping here for a night if you are transiting through the area.

The best way to see the region is by group tour or hiring a private driver. This way, you can sample as many wines as you want without worrying about driving.

Visit Samobor

Samobor is a gorgeous little town less than 30 km away from Zagreb. Famed for Krempita cake (cream puff pastry cake), its carnival, lovely architecture, and nice walks, Samobor is one of the most popular day trip destinations among people from Zagreb.

If you have a chance, plan a visit to Samobor. You can either do it by means of local buses or even on a bicycle. A one-way bus ticket costs around €4.5 ($5, £3.90). Buses leave from Zagreb central bus station, but also from other stops along the way, such as Ljubljanica bus and tram stop, or Crnomerac.

You can also book a guided tour of Samobor to learn more about the town’s history and discover hidden gems.

Quick Zagreb Travel Guide

We’ve written an in-depth Zagreb travel guide , full of useful information for anybody planning a visit to the Croatian capital. However, if you just want a quick overview to plan your stay in Zagreb, below we give you a few suggestions about places to stay, recommended restaurants, best bars, public transport, and transfers.

Zagreb Accommodation

Here are our few suggestions for places to stay in Zagreb, from Zagreb hotels to apartment rentals and hostels.

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel

If you don’t mind paying a little bit extra, this is the place to stay in Zagreb. Constructed in 1925 for passengers on the famed Orient Express, the hotel Esplanade still features many details of that Epoque, and it’s a true landmark of Zagreb. Click here for more info and availability.

Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria

This lovely hotel, located in downtown Zagreb, a short walk from the main square, features 98 rooms and 2 suites. Rooms bear classic design, with carpeted floors and a bit dated decor, however, they are comfy, clean, and well-appointed. The staff is friendly, and the overall atmosphere is convivial and laid-back. Rich breakfast, top location, and private parking make this hotel a favorite among visitors to Zagreb. More info and the latest prices …

Modern, design hotel, located next to the main bus station, hotel 9 offers spacious rooms with comfy king beds. The staff is super-friendly. Click here for the latest prices .

Jagerhorn hotel

Located in a courtyard, just off the Ilica Street, hotel Jägerhorn first opened back in 1827. It is Zagreb’s oldest operating hotel. It’s a 3-star property with clean and comfy rooms and friendly staff. Parking is off-site. More info …

B&B Fotic

This lovely bed & breakfast located in downtown Zagreb offers only three rooms, each of them with an en-suite bathroom. B&B Fotic also features a lovely onsite bistro. Click here for the latest prices and availability.

THE City Lodge – Boutique Apartments

THE City Lodge – Boutique Apartments offers various studio apartments in the heart of the city, just a few minutes away from the main square. All studios are modern, and well-equipped, including the fully-equipped kitchen in each of them. A great alternative to hotels, if you long for more space, cheaper stay, and flexible eating hours in the heart of the city. Click here for more info and prices of THE City Lodge Apartments.

Tesla Boutique Apartments

Located in the heart of Zagreb, in Teslina Street, Tesla Boutique Apartments consists of three apartments that can accommodate two to four persons. Apartments are brand new, fully-equipped, with all modern cons, including WiFi. Find more info about Tesla Apartments here!

Design Studios Svi-Mi

Located in downtown Zagreb, in Marticeva Street, Design Studios Svi-Mi consists of five fully-equipped studio apartments. Apartments are modern, clean, and comfortable. Parking is provided in a garage nearby, and it costs approx. 12€ for 24h. Design Studios Svi-Mi’s info and prices

Swanky Mint Hostel

This is our go-to hostel. Very well designed, Swanky Mint hostel offers dorm rooms, as well as private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. If you travel solo or look for cheaper accommodation, we highly recommend staying at this hostel. Swanky Mint’s availabilty and rates!

Main Square Hostel

This is another cool hostel, located just behind the main square (thus the name!). We love their industrial feel, with high ceiling and exposed pipes. Rooms are bright, with boxed beds for maximum privacy. Check prices and availability forthe Main Square Hostel

Eating out in Zagreb

Zagreb restaurant scene is constantly changing, and for the most part, improving all the time. However, it’s not always easy to recommend restaurants in Zagreb, as some of them shine for a year or two, just to completely disappear the following year.

We’ve seen it happen with Prasac , a former restaurant in Upper Town, or a 5/4 restaurant downtown. However, below we list a few of our fave eateries in Zagreb, which we hope will be around for quite a long time making superb food.

Restaurants in Zagreb we like

Best bars in zagreb, … for bear, … for wine, … for coffee, events in zagreb, transport in zagreb.

Best explored on foot, Zagreb also offers a good tram network, intercity buses that connect surrounding neighborhoods, towns, and villages, cheap taxis, and bicycle rentals.

A tram ticket for a single ride costs €1.33 ($1.45, £1.15) for 90 min, €0.93 for 60 min, and €0.53 for 30 min validity; but you can also purchase a daily ticket for €4 ($4.40, £3.50) or a three-day ticket for €9,29 ($10.10, £8).

Taxis in Zagreb today are relatively cheap and operated by different companies: Radio Taxi Zagreb, Cammeo Taxi, UberX, and Eco Taxi. Expect to pay around €1 to €2 ($1.10-$2.20, £0.85-£1.70) for the start, every consecutive km costs €0.65 to €1 ($0.72-$1.10, £0.55-£0.85), and for every minute of waiting time you will pay around €0.2 ($0.22, £0.17). The minimum spent is €2.65 ($2.90, £2.30). Radio Taxi Zagreb is the most expensive taxi company in Zagreb, but it is also the most reliable, especially in periods of high demand, and when you need a short ride.

NextBike is a company, or a network, of city bikes available at 17 locations downtown. You need to register with the company (via their application) and you choose one of three models: pay as you go (€0.66 / $0.75 / £0.55 per 30 min), and yearly subscription, where for €26.54 ($29, £22.80) you get an unlimited number of 30-minute rides. A prepaid model give you the option to use bikes as much as you want; the first half an hour is always free of charge, while for each consecutive 30-minute, you pay €0.66 ($0.75, £0.55) per 30-minute period.

Car rental in Zagreb

Many visitors to Croatia arrive first in Zagreb because Zagreb Airport is the main international airport in Croatia, and it receives flights all year round.

At Zagreb airport, you will find over 20 car rental companies. Their counters are at the passenger terminal, just outside the baggage claim zone.

However, we highly recommend that you book your car rental in Zagreb in advance (the sooner the better). By doing so, you will secure a better price for your car hire in Zagreb, but also you’ll make sure to actually have a car. As demand in summer goes up, the cars rent fast.

We always recommend using Rentalcars.com when booking your car rental in Zagreb and in Croatia.

We’ve written a full post on car rental in Zagreb if you would like to read more.

Zagreb Airport transfers

For those of you who arrive in Zagreb by plane, information on transfers from the airport to the town can be valuable.

The cheapest way to reach downtown from the airport is by Zagreb public buses that run between Kvaternik Square and Velika Gorica with a scheduled stop at the Airport Zagreb. Travel time is around 40 minutes, and the bus runs from 4.30 am to midnight, every 25-35 minutes. A one-way ticket costs €1.33 ($1.50, £1.15) if bought at the kiosk, but €1.99 ($2.20, £1.70) if bought on the bus.

A shuttle bus runs between Zagreb airport and Zagreb’s central bus station. The shuttle always follows the flight timetable. They run from 4 am to 10.30 pm, the majority of the time (but not always) every half an hour. The one-way ticket costs €6 ($6.60, £5.20).

You can take a taxi from the airport to the town. However, only certain taxis are allowed to station at the airport, and they normally charge more for the ride than if you book a transfer ahead, and have your driver wait for you.

Expect to pay for a taxi ride from the airport to Zagreb central bus station with an official taxi around €20 ($22, £17.20).

Never take a taxi that is parked outside the airport building. Rather call and order Radio Taxi Zagreb, Cammeo Taxi, UberX, or Eco Taxi – you will wait for 15 minutes but you will pay less. Radio Taxi charges €1.9 ($2.10, £1.65) a start, and an additional €0.9 ($1, £0.80) per kilometer, while Cammeo, for example, charges €1.33 ($1.50, £1.15) for a start, and €0.66 ($0.75, £0.55) per kilometer.

Recommended travel guides

Fodor’s Croatia Travel Guide (we are co-authors!)
Lonely Planet Croatia Travel Guide
Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia

Zagreb travel blog

Zagreb Travel Guide
Where to stay in Zagreb
Car Rental in Zagreb
Must-try Zagreb restaurants
Best restaurants for lunch in Zagreb
Five best places for beer in Zagreb
Zagreb itineraries for travelers, not tourists
Advent in Zagreb
A quick guide to Zagreb for couples
Souvenirs to buy in Zagreb
Today’s spotlight: Dolac Market
Bistroteka Zagreb
Mali Bar, a cozy bistro with yummy food
Restaurant Mano

If you are planning to travel to Croatia , you can also check our post on top things to do in Croatia .

What other things to do in Zagreb would you suggest adding to our list? As always, if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please leave them below.

Frankaboutcroatia.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post might also contain affiliate links to other sites, like accommodation or activities. And if you purchase anything using these links, we earn a little commission with no extra costs for you. Thank you for supporting our blog! Read full disclaimer here.

Home / Destinations In Croatia / Zagreb, Croatia / Top things to do in Zagreb

49 thoughts on “Top things to do in Zagreb”

Frank – love this site – thanks for all the great tips! Quick question – my 24 year old daughter and I are visiting Croatia in June. We have a 6 hour layover in Zagreb on the way home. Is it worth heading into the city for a few hours? It looks like the downtown is only about 30 minutes from the airport. What do you recommend? Thanks!!

hey Frank thank you for the tips, im goin to visit Croatia in mid sept, with a friend. let me know if something more should i know!

Thanks for the comment, Kristijan! I’ll update it, but basically the experience is the same.

I was wondering, why do you have only 1 Escape room listed? There are total of 9 places with 22 different games.

Hi Mabela, surprisingly, there aren’t so many places to rent a bike in Zagreb. You can check http://www.bike.com.hr/rent_a_bike.html and http://www.zagrebbybike.com/rent-a-bike . Have fun!

Thanks Frank, it’s very useful. We plan to use bike to travel around Zagreb. However, is there any fee that is not paid for a yearly basis? Yearly fee doesn’t seem to be applicable to tourists.

Thank you so much Judith, that’s so interesting:)

Thanks for your article Frank; we’re going to Zagreb in a few days and will use your recommendations! We want to spend some time on the beach too – can you recommend the best place to go for relaxing on the beach?

Hey Frank, Nice article, I really like the way you’re presenting Zagreb. Well written! :) Your blog looks pretty interesting. For some more info on Zagreb’s startup scene, check out this article: http://magazine.startus.cc/zagreb-startup-city-guide/ It’s full of useful info if you’re into entrepreneurship :) Have a nice day! Judith

Hi Mark, I will arrive to Zagreb to pursue some business activities at about lunch time. What would you recommend for my family (wife + 2 twin daughters aged 14) to do in Zagreb before we continue for Dubrovnik in the afternoon of the following day ? Thanks, Marian

Been reading your blog for a while, reminded me of Croatia.while I lived abroad and now that I am back I am still reading it, force of habit I guess XD Anyway I think that it would be useful for your readers to add the fact that since June 2015 Croatia i.e. Zagreb will be connected with Toronto via airplane (again) so I think it needs to be included somewhere in your blog :) Keep up with the good work will continue to read. Lijepi pozdrav, Marko

Hello! I am planning a trip to Zagreb in April and I was wondering if there’s a train from Zagreb to Budapest directly? Thank you!

Hello! I am planning a trip to Zagreb in April and I was wondering if there’s a train that I can take from Zagreb to Budapest directly ? Thank you!

Hi Ignatius, you should definitely visit Istria, especially the northwest Istria where you’ll find popular wineries: Kabola, Cuj, Kozlovic, Coronica, etc.

Hi Frank, I’m planning to visit Croatia in May. Where should I visit to experience Croatian wines? My visit will include Zagreb and Opatija. Appreciate your suggestions. Kind regards, Ignatius

Mandie, just finished reading your post, and loved it.

Hi Mandie, awesome! I am checking your post today. So glad that you’ve enjoyed it. And outlet tip is great to know .. never paid attention to that. Thanks, girl! Let us know if you come to Istria. We are heading to Dalmatia very soon. Have fun!

I loved it so much I wrote a whole post about it – you can read it tomorrow! Lol ;)

Ha, I just got here this morning and I’ve already done numbers 1, 2, 7 & 8! Actually I’m sitting here drinking coffee & working in the Museum of Broken Relationships right now – I think it’s going to be my next post because I loved it so much! (Also they have free WiFi & an electrical outlet lol)

Frank, Thanks for this great overview of Zagreb. I was only in Zagreb one night, but I loved the feel of the city. I want to go back and take a walk by that park, it looks lovely! Katie http://www.worldwidevegetarian.com

Thanks Frank! Appreciate it a lot. A bit busy for another week, but then I’ll happily follow the rules and answer all questions. Are you guys coming to Croatia in September?

Hi Frank & Vera, Guess what? I nominated you for the Liebster award. Sorry ;). Hope you haven’t had to do this before. If not, look forward to your responses! Frank (bbqboy)

I did about half of these in the day that I was in Zagreb. I really wish I had gone inside the Museum of Broken Relationships. We walked past it and peeked into the windows, but thought it was too strange and probably wouldn’t have been too interesting. Now I’m just left wondering what it would have been like…

I see everyone was intrigued by the same thing I was – the museum of Broken Relationships. How odd, but interesting…I’d visit! Frank (bbqboy)

When you talk about traffic and parking being a nightmare, that reminds me of Toronto! But you’re right, when you are visiting a city, you don’t care about that type of thing – usually you walk or take transit everywhere! I’d love to visit this city someday, especially the market, the museums, and exploring the downtown area!

Thanks for the great suggestions, Frank! It’s been quite a while since I have actually been to Zagreb and I don’t remember it as a place where I wanted to live either. But I do remember that the upper town area was a great place to explore and wander around. Now that I am reading all your suggestions, I am actually realizing that I need to go back and see more of the great things the city has to offer… :)

The museum of broken relationships, Maksimir Park and the Zagreb Cathedral stand out for me. The cemetery thing on the other hand is creepy.

Hi Frank. I’m not a city person either. Like you I like to only visit cities. For the markets and shops…never now when a fabulous pair of shoes may jump in my bag. Unlike you I like cemeteries. Because of the angel head stones. The one with the most beautiful angels and rusted wrought iron railings and views I ever saw was in Horta, on the island of Faial in the Azores. The photographs I took were stunning. Maybe also because my daughter died and I have a morbid fascination with cemeteries too. I love to read inscriptions and in Europe in June or July all the cemeteries are a riot of yellow flowers. It’s a sight to behold. Some kind of festival. I forgot which one.

The Museum of Broken Relationships. So cool. I think I’m going to write a story with that title.

I love Zagreb. Its been too long since I have been back to Zagreb. I really enjoyed my visit there while visiting one of my Friends.

I didn’t make it to Zagreb when I was in Croatia – only spent a gray, rainy day in Dubrovnik. I’m dying to go back to that country though! I can completely understand a love hate relationship with a place. Sometimes it’s nice to the leave the drudgery of daily living to the residents, and experience a place as a temporary visitor who doesn’t have to care about how much the price of parking went up! :)

I never heard of Zagreb but it looks like an interesting town. Especially, the Museum of Broken Relationships. I’m curious now to see it.

I keep hearing about this museum of broken relationships, it’s becoming quite iconic! I’d love to visit (not live, just like you!!)

When I had a look at this article, I was thinking ‘The Museum of Broken Relationships has got to be in there!’. I loved that place. I didn’t know you could leave an item, sounds like a great idea to keep the project going. I loved the green markets too, and I have to go back to climb Sljeme mountain! When we visited the weather was terrible!

I wonder if anyone has ever broken up with their partner at the Museum of Broken Relationships. I have not been to Zagreb for a while, but I’m pretty sure that I had a few beers on Tkalciceva Street. It was the summer and I think 75% of Zagreb was on the coast. Not bad for a quiet drink on a cooler August night.

Well, I did my whole post on a phone today…took much longer, so ya to me :-)

Love your post on Zagreb! It looks like another beautiful Croatian town. I really must come visit! But I’ll be sure to avoid the museum!

Thanks Frank! The Blue Train looks way cool…..appreciate the share :)

This looks like a great list of suggestions and I’ve bookmarked it! Between you and Chasing the Donkey, Croatia is slowly becoming n°1 on my bucket list!

Angie from reasons to dress , fashion, real mom street style & life as a North American mom in Italy.

I would love to visit Zagreb, I’ve heard so many good things about the city!

Interesting, the Museum of Broken Relationships. I guess depending on your mood and relationship status this could be quirky or perhaps depressing? Maybe the bar is for those in the latter group:) Sounds fun!

Frank, We are going to have to do Zagreb as a weekend break…and your list looks like exactly what I’d do. Bookmarking…

This was great. I’m with Nina – I’ve never heard of a museum of broken relationships. While it seems kind of sad, it’s also very intriguing! I chuckled that there is a place there to have a drink, too. One might need one after reading about all the ‘break-ups!’

I write this each week, but I am so looking forward to going to Croatia. I read your blog so often I feel like I will have such a great itinerary! – Heather, Life of a Traveling Navy Wife

atmosphere in a cemetery… LOL!

My family is from the village of Domagovic, do you have any articles or information on this area. Thanks! Bryan Fabyanic (Fabijanic)

Hi Phil, thanks for stopping by. I haven’t visited that area much. Been in Varazdin 2 times. It’s lovely town. That area, along with Istria, is considered the most developed (and people the most open-minded) in the whole Croatia (not sure if it’s true). It still gets pretty cold over there during the winter. This is why I prefer seaside towns. But I don’t think it would be a madness for a Brit to go to live there. Town seems pleasant, nature around is nice, Zagreb is not far, … You should be ok. Why Varazdin out of all? ‘Cause it’s close to where you live right now?

Hi Frank, You mention Varazdin. I am thinking of buying a house in that area, which is not far from where I currently live in Hungary. Have you seen much of that region and do you think it would be total madness for a Brit like myself to want to go and live there?

Thanks! I will check Sime out next time I’m in Zagreb.

Hi again Frank! I see you’ve visited Vincek’s. I prefer cakes from slastičarnica kod Šime in Petrinjska street. They excellent, although Vincek’s are also very good. Greetings to you from Lago di Bundek :).

It’s totally cool, believe me. And not too big. Some items may surprise you :)

First time I’ve ever heard of a museum of broken relationships, such a great idea! Love the fact that there’s a story behind the items.

A First Timer’s Travel Guide to Visiting Zagreb, Croatia

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Visiting Zagreb for the first time and wondering how to visit Zagreb? our mini travel guide to Zagreb Croatia is all you need. This Zagreb Travel Guide includes everything you need to know about the capital of Croatia to plan a perfect Zagreb vacation.

Before You Plan a Trip to Zagreb

Know if you need a visa for Zagreb. The holders of uniform visa (C) for two or multiple entries, valid for all Schengen Area Member States don’t need to apply for a separate visa for Croatia. Read our complete guide to Schengen Visa.
Make sure to have a guidebook before you set foot in Zagreb. That makes getting around the city easy.
As Zagreb is designed for strolling, you need comfortable and super light walking shoes. I wear Skechers while hubby loves Adidas and mini-me has got Adidas too. Read our guides to the best shoes for women and the best shoes for kids for your European family vacation .

Visiting Zagreb Travel Guide

Zagreb, one of our favorite European capital cities in the world remains a hidden gem in Europe because travelers are enchanted by the Croatian cities and towns with breathtaking Adriatic coastlines like Dubrovnik and Split so much so that they completely overlook the inland capital city of Zagreb. But, they don’t know what they are missing. With a unique charm, rich culture and history, one-of-a-kind architecture, and lively vibes – it’s easy to fall in love with Zagreb, Croatia.

We spent a memorable day in Zagreb and enjoyed every second of our time there. How we wished we’d have earmarked some more time for Zagreb.

Read Next: Best Places to Visit in Europe with Kids

Where is Zagreb in Croatia?

Zagreb, the capital and the largest city of Croatia, is located in the northwest section of Croatia in the south of Medvednica Mountain (Zagrebačka Gora) along the River Sava.

Zagreb lies at the junction where Central Europe , the Mediterranean, and Southeastern Europe meet which makes it the heart of road, rail, and air transport in Croatia. Vienna, Austria is about 370 km; Budapest, Hungary is around 345 km; and Ljubljana, Slovenia is just 140 km away from Zagreb.

In medieval times, Zagreb existed as two settlements, Kaptol which was inhabited by priests, and Grič (now Gradec) which was inhabited by civilians like merchants and farmers. Ban Josip Jelačić united the two medieval settlements in 1851. The unification of Kaptol and Gradec is now the Zagreb Old Town. Kaptol is the flat part while Gradec is the hilly area.

Read Next: Uber-Cool Things to do in Zadar, Croatia

Why Visit Zagreb

Not that you need a reason to visit Zagreb city, but here are a few 🙂 ♥ Zagreb is gorgeous. ♥ It is full of surprises. ♥ It’s out-of-the-ordinary. ♥ It’s one of the cheapest cities in Europe. ♥ To dive into its intriguing culture and history. ♥ To experience the unique Croatian Coffee Culture ♥ To experience Croatian Beer and Wine ♥ It’s wonderfully compact and easy to explore. ♥ For Mirogoj Cemetery, one of the world’s most beautiful cemeteries ♥ Because it has Plitvice Lakes , one of the best national parks in the world ♥ Its people are welcoming and warm

Read More: The Best National Parks in Europe for Families

Best Time to Visit Zagreb

The best time to visit Zagreb is from April until October . I’d recommend skipping the summer months of June, July, and August as the temperatures and crowds are too much to handle.

If you ask me, I’d say visit Zagreb during the months of May and September as you’ll have the place almost to yourself plus the weather and accommodation prices both are cool 🙂

April and October can also be good months to travel to Zagreb. Zagreb has some of the best Christmas Markets in Europe , so plan around December to celebrate Christmas in Zagreb.

Must-Read: Best Winter Destinations in Europe for Families

Weather in Zagreb

Zagreb has a coastal climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are snowy and cold. The average summer temperature is around 20° Celsius (68° Fahrenheit) and in winter it’s around 1° Celsius ( 34° Fahrenheit).

Rain is experienced relatively all around the year with September, October, November, and December as the wettest months and January, and February as the driest months.

How many Days in Zagreb?

Two days (48 hours) are more than enough to explore Zagreb.

Getting to Zagreb

As the capital city of Croatia, Zagreb is well-connected to the rest of the world by air and the European countries by road.

All the major airlines link Franjo Tuđman Airport Zagreb to the world capitals year-round. Croatia Airlines is the best bet if you are traveling to and from other European capitals.

We use and recommend Skyscanner to get the best deals on flights.

By Bus and Train

There are a plethora of international bus and train lines to Zagreb from other European cities and domestic bus and train lines to Zagreb from other Croatian cities.

You can check the bus schedules at the official website of the Zagreb Bus Terminal and train schedules at the Croatia Railways website and the Die Bahn website.

We use and recommend Trainline , Eurail , RailEurope , Omio , and FlixBus to book trains and buses in Europe.

We rented a car for our European adventure and drove to Zagreb from Ljubljana which took us a little over 2 hours.

Croatia is best explored by car. Croatian roads and motorways are a delight to drive on. Obviously, driving in cities isn’t fun with loads of traffic and parking problems. Read our detailed guide to renting a car in Europe.

We love Discover Cars when it comes to renting a car anywhere in the world.

Rent a Car in Zagreb

Parking in Zagreb

We had faced parking issues in Ljubljana and thus, left our car at our Airbnb parking to save the hassle.

Like in other European cities, Zagreb has options for street parking and public garage parking. Short-time street parking is organized in 4 zones as per the distance from the city center. You can find a free parking spot outside the city center.

Public Garages are safe and have no time limit but are expensive. Petrinjska Street and Langov Trg are the closest to the center of the city. The parking cost ranges from 1 Kuna to 5 Kuna per hour.

Car Rental in Zagreb

We completely rely on and recommend Discover Cars to rent a car wherever you go.

You Might Like: Best Road Trips in Europe

How to Get From Zagreb Airport to Zagreb City Center

Zagreb Airport (Franjo Tudman Airport) is about 12 km from the center of Zagreb.

The easiest, most comfortable, hassle-free, and of course quickest way to get from the airport to the city center is by private transfer where a knowledgeable local driver chauffeurs you to your hotel.

You can also hire a taxi from the airport to your hotel. The taxi stand is located at the Passenger Terminal where you’ll find many taxi service providers. The price per km starts from around HRK 13.

If budget is a concern, you can choose to travel by Airport Shuttle, Pleso prijevoz . It runs between Zagreb Airport and the Zagreb Central Bus Terminal as per the airport timetable. One-way tickets cost HRK 45.

Another option is ZET (Zagreb Electric Tram) which covers a distance of 19 km while making about 20 stops along the way. It runs every 35 minutes.

Getting Around Zagreb

Zagreb can be easily explored on foot, especially in the Old Town. If walking is something you despise then Zagreb has a convenient and affordable public transport system consisting of trams and buses. Taxi and Uber are also an option while you travel outside the city center.

Zagreb Card

Zagreb Card is a tourist card that along with free entrance to various museums and attractions gives free access to public transport. Plus the card offers additional discounts and benefits to the cardholders.

You can buy a 24-hour (98 HRK) or 72-hour (135 HRK) card from the Tourist Information Center at Ban Jelačić Square.

Zagreb Tram

There are several trams running on as many as 20 lines connecting the various parts of the city. The tickets can be purchased from Tisak kiosks or from the tram driver.

A standard ticket costs 10 Kuna (during the day) and 15 Kuna (at night) and is valid for 90 minutes in one direction.

There’s an option to buy a daily ticket that costs 30 Kuna and allows you to ride the trams as many as you want and as much as you like in any direction. Likewise, 3-day, 7-day, 15-day, and 30-day tickets are available.

Bus service in Zagreb consists of about 134 lines connecting the different parts of Zagreb and the suburbs with the city center. The ticket system is the same as for the Zagreb trams.

The prime taxi providers in Zagreb are Taxi Cammeo, Zebra Taxi, Eko Taxi, and Radio Taxi Zagreb. The start prices usually vary between 6 Kuna and 10 Kuna and most of them cost about 6 Kuna per kilometer.

Uber in Zagreb surprisingly offers great service at modest rates. The start charges are 6 Kuna and then about 3 Kuna per kilometer. The cost per minute is 0.60 Kuna and 13 Kuna is the minimum price.

It’s not as cheap as public transport for solo travelers but a great alternative for family or group travelers.

We used it extensively and found the Uber drivers in Croatia to be pleasant, honest, and helpful. I’m saying this based on two instances we had in Zagreb and Dubrovnik.

Hubby forgot his iPhone somewhere in Zagreb and realized it soon after boarding the Uber. He wasn’t sure where. Maybe at a restaurant where we had dinner or at one of the two shops, we stopped by for souvenirs or…he had no idea.

The driver went out of his way to help us in tracing the mobile phone with a genuine smile. These kinds of gestures every now and then retain our faith in kindness and humanity.

I can’t emphasize enough that biking is the best way to explore European capitals. There are many public bike rentals in Zagreb that have locations scattered across the city where you can rent and return the bikes.

We’d strongly recommend Bike.com.hr , and Pedaloo to rent a bike in Zagreb.

Alternatively, you can choose one of many biking tours in Zagreb.

The center of the city can be easily explored on foot. You can either take a self-guided walk or join one of the numerous free or paid walking tours in Zagreb.

What to do in Zagreb

There are so many beautiful places to visit in Zagreb. We have a dedicated post about the best things to do in Zagreb, Croatia for you. Walking the Zagreb Old Town is the best thing ever! Out of all the Zagreb attractions, we loved Mirogoj Cemetery ( it’s super-gorgeous), the Museum of Broken Relationships (it’s different), St. Mark’s Church (wowzers), and Zagreb Cathedral (Zagreb must-see). How can you not visit Dolac Market, the belly of Zagreb? Are you a coffee lover like me? Head to Špica to experience the coffee culture of Croatia. Spend some time at Maksimir Park, Zagreb’s largest and oldest public park.

mirogoj cemetery visiting zagreb croatia

Read More: Vis Island in Croatia – A Gem of a Croatian Island

Where to Stay in Zagreb

Zagreb has a vast, easy, and affordable public transportation system so no matter which neighborhood you stay in Zagreb, you wouldn’t have to struggle to get around in Zagreb.

We found the accommodation options in Zagreb a great value for money as compared to other capital cities in Europe.

We’ve rounded up some of the best Zagreb accommodation options from Hostels to apartments, boutique hotels, luxury hotels, and Airbnb to help you decide where to stay based on your budget or travel style.

Hostels in Zagreb

The Dots Hostel

Boutique Hostel Shappy

Main Square Hostel

Love Croatia Hostel

Budget Hotels in Zagreb

Hotel Academia

Hotel Croatia

Luxury Hotels in Zagreb

Hotel Esplanade

Hotel Capital

Hotel Dubrovnik

Hotel Jägerhorn

Sheraton Zagreb Hotel

Apartments in Zagreb

4gZg Apartment

Apartments Simple Teslina

Ria Studioapartman

Feels Like Home Apartments

Apartment Old Zagreb

Airbnb in Zagreb

We stayed on Bianca & Marko’s property and loved every bit of our stay. It’s fairly close to the center of the city yet away from all the hustle and bustle of it.

Where to Eat in Zagreb

Zagreb has plenty of traditional restaurants serving Croatian cuisine and chic cafes that vouch for its vibrant cafe culture.

Being a vegetarian, I was apprehensive as Croatia was marked as the sixth-worst country in Europe for vegetarians as per the study by The Eco Experts but I had a great vegetarian food experience in Zagreb. Though, I found the Croatian Islands attesting to this study.

Here are the few restaurants and cafes we tried during our time in Zagreb:

Restaurants in Zagreb

Zinfandel’s Restaurant

Restaurant TAČ

Konoba Didov San

Dubravkin put

Vegetarian Restaurants Zagreb

Green Point

Zrno Bio Bistro

Cafes in Zagreb

Experience the lively Croatian Cafe Culture with a cup of coffee accompanied by a Croatian cake.

Kim’s Coffee

Cogito Coffee Shop

Eli’s Caffe

Najgora Kava U Gradu

Hendrick’s garden (A Most Unusual Garden)

Otto&Frank

It’s not your regular cafe. This is a great place to read a book or two, write your heart out, work on your laptop, and relax for hours with a cup of coffee or tea.

Bars in Zagreb

Obviously, you would want to feel the craft beer culture in Croatia and Zagreb has plenty of breweries, pubs, and bars to taste and enjoy nice brews.

Tolkien’s House

The Old Pharmacy

The Garden Brewery

What to Eat in Zagreb

You’d love Croatian food if you are a non-vegetarian as most of their traditional dishes include meat. Hubby and mini-me enjoyed some of them. For me, I was happy with the side dishes (potatoes, cabbage, and root veggies) and of course, desserts.

Some of the must-try Croatian dishes are:

Sir i vrhnje (cottage cheese and sour cream)
Crni rizot (black risotto)
Zagorsk Štrukli (dough filled with cottage cheese and sour cream)
Sopamik (savory pie filled with Swiss chard)
Cuspajz (vegetable stew served with polenta, parsley, carrots, celery, and sour cream)
Paprenjac (traditional Croatian cookies)
Rozata (custard pudding)
Krostule (traditional pastry)
Knedli (sweet potato dumplings)
Fritule (Croatian fried dough pastry)

You Must Read: Blue Cave in Croatia: A Croatian Natural Wonder

Shopping in Zagreb

From local stores to huge shopping malls, Zagreb has plenty of options for a shopper in you. It’s always good to shop directly from the manufacturers in local markets rather than in shopping malls.

Museum gift shops are also a good option to shop for local Zagreb souvenirs.

Ilica Street has some unique stores where you can shop for handcrafted local products.

Some of our recommendations are:

Bashota at Ilica for Croatian jewelry
Croata at Oktogon for Croatian cravats
Hippy Garden (Croatian fashion brand) at Masarykova for clothes
Natura Croatica at Preradoviceva for gastronomic souvenirs
Arkadija Bookstore at Trg bana Josipa Jelačića for bookish souvenirs
Bloody Bridge Souvenirs for all kinds of souvenirs for all budgets

Souvenirs to Bring From Zagreb

Licitars (red heart honey dough cookies)
Licitar-shaped fridge magnets
Šestine motif umbrella or clothes
Lavender products like soaps, cosmetics, or dried lavenders
Wooden toys for kids
Croatian candies and chocolates for kids: 505 s crtom, Kiki, Bajadera, Griotte, Cedevita, Peppermint, Arancini, and Bronhi are some of the iconic Croatian candies.
Cravats (ties)
Traditional Croatian lace
Croatian jewelry
Croatian cheese

Day Trips from Zagreb

Located close to some of the region’s best attractions, Zagreb offers amazing day trips. You can rent a car, ride public transport, or join one of many guided tours to one of the day trip destinations.

Plitvice Lakes National Park , Rastoke, Samobor, Krapina, and Varazdin in Croatia, and Ljubljana and Lake Bled in Slovenia are recommended destinations for day-tripping from Zagreb.

Have you ever been to Zagreb Croatia? How did you like it? We are all ears.

If you want to visit Zagreb sometime soon, make use of our Zagreb guide. We sincerely hope our travel guide to Zagreb helps you plan a perfect trip to Zagreb. If you have any queries, let us know in the comments section below. We’ll be happy to help.

Also, we’d be obliged if you could take five minutes of your time to share this post with the world if it helped you in any way.

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Anjali Chawla

2 thoughts on “A First Timer’s Travel Guide to Visiting Zagreb, Croatia”

Hi, I read your information on Zagreb with interest as we are visiting there in December. It appears to be compact enough to do it on foot. Unless I missed it somewhere you don’t mention how to get from the airport to the city centre by public transport which is probably the first thing people want to know. Arriving in a new city is always daunting but if someone with the knowledge can describe exactly what to do to achieve a hassle free transfer makes such a difference to your visit. Regards.

Thank you so much for stopping by. You are right. Navigating a new city isn’t easy. It’s always good to know how to get to the center from the airport and how to get around the city beforehand. I usually try to mention all the required details in my posts. I don’t know how I missed adding such an important piece of information. I’ve just added the airport transfer section. Thanks for your comment 🙂 Happy Travels!

Top 15 Zagreb Attractions

Explore zagreb’s top 15 attractions. as a matter of fact, most of zagreb’s most popular attractions and sights are within walking distance.

Zagreb has so much more to offer than the three top Zagreb attractions; Zagreb Cathedral , Mirogoj Cemetery , and Saint Marks Church . Such as the Museum of Broken Relationships or Dolac Farmers Market .

Although, the Upper Town narrow streets accommodate most attractions. But be sure not to miss a secluded park, hidden courtyard, or a world-class museum.

Walking is the best way to explore Zagreb!

With a history that dates back to 1094, the city is full of historic landmarks, interesting sights, museums, hotels and restaurants which are among the best in the country.

Discover staggering architectural and natural beauty, many of which can be enjoyed for free. Zagreb is filled with museums and captivating architecture. You get to enjoy everyday cafe culture, lush greenery and a host of street festivals.

Find out Zagreb’s Top Attractions and what makes Zagreb stand out.

Zagreb Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Zagreb Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Zagreb landmark. As a matter of fact, it is the most monumental sacral building in Neo-Gothic style southeast of the Alps.

Saint Mark’s Church [Zagreb Icon]

Saint Mark’s Church uniquely colourful tiled roof makes it a Zagreb icon! Also, it is one of the oldest buildings in the city dating from the 13th century.

Tkalčićeva Street [Zagreb hub of Life and Tastes]

Tkalčićeva Street is the most beautiful vibrant street in Zagreb. In fact, it is filled with small boutiques, traditional shops, restaurants and cafes.

Stone gate, Porta di Pietra [Zagreb Shrine]

Stone Gate is the eastern gate to medieval town and Zagreb's most important shrine. The only remaining entrance of Zagreb's fortifications.

The Lotrščak Tower and Grič cannon [watch the Noon Shot]

Lotrščak tower is one of the oldest standing buildings in Zagreb. The remains of old town walls and fortifications.

Zrinjevac Park [Romance & Relaxation]

Zrinjevac Park is one of the most romantic places in Zagreb. The park provides a chilled and relaxing spot away from the city’s regular rhythm.

Croatian State Archives [Unexpected Treasure]

Croatian State Archives is one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau buildings in this part of Europe. The fascinating and beautiful fixtures and furnishings are breath-taking.

Museum of Broken Relationships [and Emotions]

The Museum of Broken Relationships is the most popular museum in Zagreb. It is an emotional rollercoaster of experiences!

Zagreb City Museum [Zagreb’s 900-year history]

Zagreb City Museum shows Zagreb’s, from prehistory until today. Find out about the medieval twin city, the ecclesiastical Kaptol and free and royal Gradec.

Dolac Market [Full of Life and Colour]

Dolac market is Zagreb’s main open-air farmers’ market. The place locals buy their food. Full of life and colour. A must see and experience if you are visiting Zagreb!

Zagreb Upper Town [Oldest part of Zagreb]

Zagreb Upper Town is a network of cobblestone streets that stretch between two hills, Kaptol and Gradec. Explore some of Zagreb's most interesting attractions, restaurants, bars and cafes.

Mirogoj cemetery [an Open Art Gallery]

Mirogoj cemetery is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe. Not only is it a burial place but also a beautiful park and an open art gallery.

Touropia Travel Experts

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15 Best Things to Do in Zagreb, Croatia

An increasingly popular place to visit, Zagreb is a lovely city with a plethora of great things for visitors to see and do. The Croatian capital has a number of beautiful Austro-Hungarian buildings scattered about here and there while it’s delightful medieval old town is a great place to wander around.

Cafe culture is strong here too; grab a coffee and sit out on a terrace watching the world go by. Whether it is art and culture that you are interested in or history and nature, Zagreb is sure to delight visitors with all that it has to offer.

15. Lotrscak Tower

Located in Zagreb’s Upper Town, Lotrscak Tower dates all the way back to the 13th century and is one of the main landmarks in the city. Distinctive to behold, the tower was constructed to help protect the southern gate to the town and it offers up commanding views over the city.

Looming over the funicular railway next to it, Lotrscak actually means ‘thieves bell.’ For the last hundred years, a cannon shot has rung out at midday to help mark the passing of the hour and allow churches around the city to synchronize their bells. When in Zagreb, it is almost inevitable that you will pass Lotrscak Tower while making your way around the city.

14. Gric Tunnel

Located under the medieval part of the city, Gric Tunnel was built during the Second World War to be an air-raid shelter. Since then, it hosted Croatia’s first raves in the 90’s and is now used to host cultural events, exhibitions, and fashion shows.

Spanning three hundred and fifty meters, the tunnel also serves as a tourist attraction; you can now wander along it before popping up in a completely different part of the city.

13. Archaeological Museum

Due to its strategic location, over the millennia, a host of different civilizations and cultures have ruled or set up home in Croatia. Consequently, the ancient artifacts left behind are captivating to learn about.

The Archaeological Museum is home to some delightful items that really do span the centuries; you can be ogling at a 2500 BC ritual vessel one minute and staring at shields and swords the next. With over 450,000 items housed in the museum, it is a fascinating collection to explore, with some lovely Greek, Roman and Egyptian artifacts.

12. Jarun Lake

Located in the western part of Zagreb, this huge artificial lake is the perfect place to hang out and relax and is very popular with tourists and locals alike. With loads of activities on offer, you can be kayaking and swimming in the lake one minute and cycling and running around it the next.

Its pebbled beaches are the perfect place to catch some sun. While Jarun Lake has lots of outdoor activities for you to enjoy, it also has some fantastic nightlife; there are a number of great bars and clubs for you to check out along the lakeside.

In summer, the lake hosts the INmusic festival, which is great fun and yet another reason to visit Zagreb during the summer months.

11. Croatian Museum of Naive Art

Dedicated to works of art by naive artists, the Croatian Museum of Naive Art houses nearly two thousand paintings, sculptures, and drawings, although only around a hundred of them are on display at any one time. As such, it doesn’t take that long to go around, although it is well worth the effort, as there are some fantastic works on show by Ivan Generalic and Mirko Virius, amongst others.

While the majority of the works exhibited are by Croatian artists, there are a number of pieces by international artists that are showcased – all of them are from the 20th century. With such a unique collection, it is an interesting place to stop by. This was actually the first museum in the world specifically dedicated to naive art.

10. Jelacic Square

Located in the heart of the city, Jelacic Square is a bustling place, full of life and energy. As such, it is definitely worth passing by when you’re in Zagreb. With the downtown part of the city all around it, shops, businesses and offices line Jelacic Square.

The constant flow of people passing through the area makes it a great place for people watching. Named after Count Josip Jelacic, his statue stands proudly in the center of the square amidst all the lovely facades that display such a diverse range of architectural styles.

9. Funicular Railway

Running every ten minutes, the funicular railway in Zagreb connects Ilica Street to Strossmayer Promenade and the Lower Town to the Upper Town. While it only rises 66 meters up the side of Gric hill and is the shortest funicular ride in the world, you find yourself in a completely different part of the city as you enter the medieval part of Zagreb.

Despite the short journey, it is a very steep trip up the side of the hill and many locals have relied on it during the 120 years that it has been running.

8. Dolac Market

Bustling with life, Dolac Market is where locals come to buy their fruit and veg as well as any hams, cheeses and artisanal products that they fancy. Great fun to peruse, this daily farmer’s market is only open in the mornings; consequently, you’ll have to wake up early to really experience the local side of the city.

Mostly featuring fresh produce from farms surrounding the city, it is often called the ‘Belly of Zagreb’ by locals, as so many of them rely on the market for their food. A delightful spot to visit, Dolac Market offers up an authentic side of Zagreb that many visitors don’t get to see.

7. Maksimir Park

The largest park in Zagreb, Maksimir is also its oldest; it was first opened to the public all the way back in 1794. With five artificial lakes, as well as lovely little creeks and meadows, the park is delightful to visit; nature lovers, in particular, will enjoy being in its majestic natural surroundings and there is also a forest for you to explore.

As well as the wild animals and birds that reside in its meadows, forests, and lakes, the city’s zoo is also located in the park and is a great day out for all the family. A very popular place amongst Zagreb residents; Maksimir Park is definitely worth stopping by when visiting the city.

6. Museum of Broken Relationships

If you hadn’t already guessed by the name, the Museum of Broken Relationships is devoted to break-ups and is a fun and quirky place to visit. Located in Zagreb’s Upper Town, the museum’s collection seems like a hodgepodge of random items.

In a way, it is, as they have all been donated by lovelorn people following a painful break-up. With display panels explaining the importance of the item and how it symbolized or defined the failed relationship, the exhibits range from the tragic and sad to the humorous and poignant. A slightly bizarre place, the Museum of Broken Relationships is definitely unlike anything you’ve ever seen before!

5. Zrinjevac

Commonly referred to as Zrinjevac, the Nikola Subic Zrinski Square is located in the center of Zagreb and is a wonderful place to wander around. It attracts both tourists and locals with its beautiful monuments, tree-lined walkways, and impressive buildings.

Acting as both a park and a square, the sculpted landscape is perfect if you want to kick back and relax in nature; there are some lovely fountains and busts of famous people for you to inspect.

Numerous important buildings line Zrinjevac; among them are the city’s fantastic archaeological museum and the country’s Supreme Court. Indeed, art meets architecture, history, and nature in this leafy, peaceful park.

4. Mirogoj Cemetery

As the most important cemetery in the country, it is here that many of Croatia’s most famous former citizens are buried. With politicians and artists, musicians and writers lying side by side with people of all religious denominations, there are lots of impressive gravestones, monuments, and statues scattered about the place.

It is a beautiful cemetery to amble around peacefully. The architect Hermann Bolle designed the main entrance to Mirogoj Cemetery; its impressive architecture that encompasses a dome, arches and arcades certainly lets you know that you are visiting a grand and dignified place.

3. Tkalciceva Street

Bustling with life, Tkalciceva Street is the place where both locals and tourists go to have a good time – it is a must-see when in Zagreb. Named after a Croatian historian, it is a long winding street lined with charming little houses and balconies, which makes it the perfect place for a romantic stroll.

With bars, cafes, restaurants, and clubs lining the streets, there is lots to see and do. You can enjoy some of the best local cuisines here before heading on to one of the nearby bars. Numerous venues offer live music and, with the best nightlife in Zagreb, Tkalciceva Street has something for everyone to enjoy.

2. Zagreb Cathedral

Consecrated in 1217, it is fair to say that Zagreb Cathedral has undergone numerous changes and setbacks over its long and tumultuous history.

Razed by the Mongols shortly after being completed, and severely damaged in an earthquake, the cathedral that stands before us today is a stunning building and the architecture is simply awe-inspiring. Neo-Gothic in style, the facade of the cathedral glistens in the sun and its twin spires dominate Zagreb’s skyline.

Used as an observation tower when the country was invaded by the Ottomans, fortified walls still surround the cathedral at certain points. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, the interior of the cathedral is just as magnificent, with statues and paintings adorning its walls.

With the sarcophagus of the Blessed Aloysius Stepinac lying near the main altar, it is a very holy site and is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. Situated near the main square, you’ll definitely come across the cathedral at some point on your trip to Zagreb.

1. St. Mark’s Church

Dominating the square that bears the same name as it, St. Mark’s Church lies at the heart of Upper Town and is one of the most popular attractions in Zagreb. Despite numerous important governmental buildings lining St. Mark’s Square, it is the church that attracts everyone’s attention, thanks to the distinctive roof that makes it so beautiful to behold.

Proudly displaying Zagreb and Croatia’s coats of arms, the checkered tiles delightfully stand out against the sparkling white building below it and the blue skies above it.

Dating all the way back to the 13th century, the church is a charming place to visit and the architecture draws from Romanesque and Gothic influences. Indeed, the southern portal of the church is Gothic in design and has some splendid little effigies above it, which display some fantastic craftsmanship.

In addition to its exquisite exterior – which is the undoubted highlight of the church – the interior is also lovely to gaze upon as there are some brilliant frescoes coating the walls. Well worth stopping by, no visit to Zagreb is complete without a visit to St. Mark’s Church.

Best Time to Visit Zagreb

With average temperatures hitting 24 to 26°C (75 to 79°F), June to August is the peak season for visiting Zagreb. As such, prices are at their highest and its hotels, restaurants and cafes are full of visitors.

Numerous events like the INmusic Festival take place though with many hiking about Mount Sljeme or cooling off in Jarun Lake. Thanks to the warm weather, Zagreb has a lovely feel to it with many cafes and restaurants offering al fresco dining.

The shoulder seasons of April and May and September and October are also terrific times to visit. While there are still quite a few tourists around, the city is much cheaper and its main sights have fewer crowds. Temperatures remain at a comfortable 16 to 22°C (61 to 71°F); ideal for exploring the center and enjoying some outdoor activities.

Although it rains quite consistently across the year – between 12 and 15 days each month – November to March is the rainiest period. Most tourists stay away and a relaxed atmosphere takes over the city.

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Zagreb Cathedral - Things to do in Zagreb

Ultimate Zagreb Itinerary – Things to Do in Zagreb in 2 Days

Planning a trip to Zagreb? Well, you need to look no further! Here, we have the perfect 2 days Zagreb itinerary for you which covers the best things to do in Zagreb and the most useful travel tips. Two days in Zagreb is the perfect time to see the city’s main sights without hurrying. However, if you’re travelling on a tight schedule, one day in Zagreb is enough given that most of Zagreb must see sights are out of bounds for close-up visits whilst renovations take place following the 2020 earthquake.

Museum of Arts and Crafts Zagreb- Things to do in Zagreb

Zagreb is the capital and biggest city of Croatia with a population of about 800,000, located in the country’s northwestern region near River Sava and Medvednica mountain.

The city is often overlooked in favour of the country’s coastal towns and islands.

After many trips to Croatia, we finally got to visit Zagreb this summer. I have to say Zagreb was a pleasant surprise. We liked Zagreb for its charming architecture, manageable size which made it easy to explore on foot, friendly locals, small weirdly amusing museums and chilled vibe.

Visiting Zagreb was a lovely break from other places in Croatia that can get very busy during the summer.

Ban Jelacic Square Zagreb - Things to do in Zagreb

We can attest, Zagreb is a fantastic tourist destination which makes for a perfect city break. It’s worth visiting for its varied and fascinating history and cultural heritage visible in the city’s architecture, museums, food and drink culture.

The city grew from a Roman settlement and over the centuries had many cultures presiding over it. Gothic, Neo-Renaissance, Grand Austro-Hungarian-inspired buildings, large open squares and parks dominate the centre while its outer parts, south of the Sava River, feature architecture representative of the Socialist era.

Art Pavilion Zagreb - Things to do in Zagreb

Zagreb’s strong coffee, beer and food culture echoes Eastern, Western and Mediterranean tones. Luckily, Zagreb is not an expensive city to eat out and has some really cool places to explore its culinary scene.

On top of that, Zagreb is famous for hosting some of the best festivals in Croatia. There is no doubt that the city’s month-long Zagreb Advent festival takes the lead, however, you’re sure to run into an exciting festival no matter what time of the year you visit Zagreb.

Festival of Lights Zagreb - Things to do in Zagreb

There is no better way than to plan your trip to Zagreb around one of the countless festivals hosted in the city throughout the year. They’re the perfect places to absorb the city’s vibrant culture.

Without any further delay, here is our suggested Zagreb 2 day itinerary .

Tip: Don’t take this Zagreb two-day itinerary as an absolute. This guide is there to give you a general idea of what to do in Zagreb in two days. By all means, amend the itinerary as you wish, focus on moving at your own pace and keeping things fun.

What to Do in Zagreb in 2 Days

Day 1 – upper town.

NB – Most of Zagreb tourist attractions are located within two of the city’s 17 districts namely the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and Lower Town (Donji Grad). The most practical way to explore Zagreb is to break up the two sections and divide your time to each area accordingly.

1. Take a Zagreb Walking Tour

Kick things off by taking a Zagreb Walking Tour . It’s the best introduction to Zagreb as it will give you a quick overview of the city’s unique history and culture from a local perspective. Zagreb local guides are witty, informative and excited to share the best spots to try be it local hangouts, food or drink.

Upper Town Street - Zagreb - Things to do in Zagreb

Tours in Zagreb usually start from Ban Jelačić Square , Zagreb’s central square. They bring you along the Upper Town where the city’s famous landmarks such as Zagreb Cathedral , the red-tiled St Mark’s Church , the city’s vibrant Tkalčićeva Street and what is left of the old medieval fortifications are located.

Skalinska Street - Things to do in Zagreb

Walking tours of varying themes, some free, are available in Zagreb covering areas such as the history of the city, the Croatian Homeland War, local street art, food and drink scene.

Zagreb Tours Worth Checking Out.

Free Spirit – Free Walking Tour of Old Town
Communism and Croatian Homeland War Tour – (Ideal if you wish to delve into Croatia’s time in Yugoslavia, the 90s Homeland War and World War 2 including the famous Grič Tunnel, a one-time civilian shelter.

Small Group Zagreb Walking Tour with Funicular Ride
Zagreb Street Art Private Walking Tour
Food Tour Zagreb (ideal if you’re keen to explore Zagreb’s diverse food scene.
Meet the Monuments and Sculptures of Zagreb Tour ( Explore Zagreb through the endless statues of great Croats found in its streets.

2. Explore Josip Jelačić Square

Josip Jelačić Square is the main square in Zagreb city centre, located just below the Upper Town. It’s a popular meeting place for locals, tourists and the city’s public transport system. The square is an ideal spot to use to orient yourself as many roads and trams pass across Jelačić Square.

Ban Josip Jelacic Square - Things to do in Zagreb

Ban Jelačić Square dates back to the 17th century when it was first used as a marketplace. It got its name during the 19th century in honour of Ban Josip Jelačić , a military marshal who’s credited for making positive changes in the region. An equestrian statue dedicated to Jelačić is undoubtedly the square’s star attraction.

Ban Jelačić Statue - Things to do in Zagreb

Over the years, the square has largely evolved into a public gathering place where social and cultural events take place. Among other things, the square is a top venue for the city’s famous Zagreb Advent, sporting celebrations and music concerts.

We were lucky to be in Zagreb during the Croatia and the Netherlands UEFA 2023 Nations League Finals as we got to watch the match on a big screen hosted at the square and enjoyed the party atmosphere though unfortunately, Croatia didn’t win.

Manduševac Fountain Ban Jelacic Square - Things to follow in Zagreb

Plan to spend some time at Jelačić Square as there is always some sort of entertaining event happening or else just take a wonder admiring the colourful elegant buildings, fountains and warm crowds that give the square its vibrant atmosphere.

3. Stop by Zagreb Cathedral

The twin Gothic towers of Zagreb Cathedral , also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, have dominated the Croatian capital skyline for the last century. At 108 metres, the Cathedral is the second tallest structure in the country.

This Roman Cathedral church has seen its fair share of history. It was initially built during the early 13th century, however, has had numerous renovations due to mediaeval wars, fire and earthquake damage.

Zagreb Cathedral - Three Statues - things to do in Zagreb

The Cathedral obtained its current Neo-Gothic style from restorative works led by German-born architect Herman Bolle following the Great Zagreb earthquake of 1880.

Unfortunately, Zagreb is vulnerable to earthquakes. The city was hit by another earthquake in 2020 causing damage to many of the historical buildings in the city including the Cathedral.

Damaged Earthquake Restoration- Zagreb Cathedral - Things to do in Zagreb

Currently, the Cathedral’s interior and immediate surroundings are off-limits to the public. We still suggest that you visit as we thought the Cathedral and its scaffolding, interestingly, continue to impress.

Additionally, Zagreb Cathedral is located at Kapitol which together with the adjacent Gradec , forms the city’s well-preserved old town known as the Upper Town (Gornji Grad).

Fountain - Kaptol Zagreb Things to do in Zagreb

This is a place not to miss whilst sightseeing in Zagreb as many architecturally charming buildings and cobblestone streets with mediaeval roots and baroque features can be found around the area.

4. Shop at Dolac Market

Dolac Market has existed since 1930 giving locals and visitors to the city a chance to shop for local fresh produce, meats, fish, flowers and various other products from the region.

Lavender - Dolac Market - Things to do in Zagreb

The market is ideally located on an open square, just above the steps from Jelačić Square and a short walk from the Cathedral. It’s hard to miss as the stalls in the outer sections of Dolac Market are covered by unique vivid red umbrellas.

It really is one of the best places to visit in Zagreb to sample authentic Croatian products from the region and soak up the local atmosphere. We were delighted with the fresh and juicy cherries, peaches and strawberries we got at the market.

Dolac Market Fruits - Things to do in Zagreb

They were the perfect treats to quench thirst in Zagreb’s sweltering heat.

Don’t miss the meat, fish and cheese section, located indoors on a lower level, if they are your kind of thing.

Opens every day from 6.30 am to 2 pm .

5. Walk through the Stone Gate

The Stone Gate , known locally as Kamenita Vrata , is one of the few remaining traces of Zagreb’s fortification system from the 13th century still in use though it has had many restorative works.

Stone Gate - Zagreb - Things to do in Zagreb

Historically, Gradec existed as a separate settlement from Kaptol and was fortified with gates, walls and towers. However, as it grew and the threats of attacks declined, the defensive structures were pulled down leaving out the Stone Gate and the nearby Lostrak Tower.

Stone Gate Passage - Things to do in Zagreb

The Stone Gate is considered a sacred place in Zagreb as well as being an important historical structure. It’s believed that a fire in 1731 pretty much destroyed the gate and buildings that were nearby except for an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Christ the Child.

Our Lady of Kamenita Vrata - Things to do in Zagreb

This image is highly revered as a baroque gated altar devoted to the Virgin Mary and a small prayer space has been built in the gate’s passage. It’s an unusual place as quite a lot of people stop by to pray, light candles and make offerings.

6. Stop by St Mark’s Church

St. Mark’s Church is really gorgeous and lives up to the hype. Its colourful tiled roof is easily the most recognisable symbol of Zagreb.

St Mark's Church Zagreb - Things to do in Zagreb

The church is one of the oldest historical buildings in Zagreb with roots dating back to the early 13th century. Similar to other buildings from that era, St. Marks has had numerous reconstructions though it has retained some of its original Romanesque and Gothic features.

The church’s current form is credited to Herman Bolle’s last renovation works in 1880. Hermann Bollé adopted the Historicist style to create a tiled roof pattern depicting the coat of arms of Zagreb, Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia.

South Portal - St Mark's - Things to do in Zagreb

St Mark’s Church’s Gothic south portal features detailed intricate carvings of biblical themes. It’s said to be one of the most valuable portals in Central Europe. Unfortunately, St. Mark’s is still undergoing renovations following the 2020 earthquake, so up-close visits are on hold.

However, the highlight of this church has always been its facade, so do stop by and check it out.

Tip: St Mark’s Church is located on St Mark’s Square in the Upper Town. It’s in the midst of some charming buildings in the city worth a quick look like Croatia’s Parliament and Government buildings and the Old City Hall.

7. Explore the Museum of Broken Relationships

Price: adults €7 , students €5.50.

The Museum of Broken Relationships is one of the absolute Zagreb sights to see. It’s up there for us on our list of the best experiences we had in Zagreb.

Museum of Broken Relationships - Things to do in Zagreb

This unusual museum came about after two Zagreb artists who after their own relationship ended decided to create a space to exhibit personal items left behind when relationships fail.

Museum of Broken Relationships- Heart Break Story - Things to do in Zagreb

It is a one-of-a-kind museum as its collection consists of objects contributed by people from around the world. Every object comes with a heart-touching story about the failed relationship.

The collection at the Museum of Broken Relationships evokes many emotions as it includes many different types of relationships. You’re guaranteed to laugh, feel sad and reminisce on your own past experiences.

It’s a small museum, but really packs a punch!

8. Take in the City Views from Lotrščak Tower

Price: adults €3 , children €2.

Take the challenge to go up Lotrščak Tower’s spiral staircase to enjoy a beautiful 360-degree view of Zagreb City.

Lotrščak Tower initially existed as a defensive tower built during the 13th century as part of the overall Gradec fortifications.

Like many other fortifications of that time, the tower has been repurposed and now functions as a museum with its deck providing an open viewing platform of the city’s skyline.

St Mark's Church - Things to do in Zagreb

Some historic remnants have been preserved, in particular, the 19th-century Grič Cannon which to this day fires daily at 12 noon to mark midday.

9. Ride the Zagreb Funicular

Price: one way €0,66.

The Zagreb Funicular is one of the best things to see in Zagreb. Among other things, the quaint Funicular is the oldest mode of transport in Zagreb and the shortest cable ride in the world spanning just 66 metres.

A single ride takes just 64 seconds from Tomićeva Street station in Lower Town to Strossmayer Promenade.

Zagreb Funicular - Things to do in Zagreb

It’s also an accessible means to move between the Upper and Lower towns as the two places are located at different elevations.

10. Stroll Strossmayer Promenade

Strossmayer Promenade for most Zagreb locals the most picturesque walkway in the city center. The promenade gets its name from a 19th-century Croatian Bishop and cultural proponent Josip Juraj Strossmayer.

It’s a short uphill promenade that stretches from Tomićeva Street in the Lower Town to the area around the Lotrščak Tower in the Upper Town offering an alternative travel route between the two districts.

Zagreb City Skyline - Things to do in Zagreb

The promenade’s upper part offers beautiful views of Zagreb city’s red roofs and Zagreb Cathedral twin towers. Wild chestnut trees, various forms of street art and sculptures, food stalls, cafes and restaurants add a special touch to the promenade’s ambience.

Zagreb Red Roofs - Things to do in Zagreb

Strossmayer Promenade regularly hosts events and festivals all seasons, so check it out, especially if you’re lucky enough to be in town for Zagreb Advent.

11. Check the Museum of Selfie and Memories

Prices: adults €8 , students €6 , family card €20.

The Museum of Selfie and Memories should take a top place on your list if you love posing and taking awesome pictures, especially for your Instagram.

It really is one of the coolest things to do in Zagreb for young adults, so if there are some among you don’t miss it.

Selfie and Memories Museum Zagreb Things to do in Zagreb

I visited the museum with my son and his friend and we all had a blast posing and taking pictures behind varied props and backdrops of Croatian history and great Croatian inventors’ themes as well as modern culture.

Museum of Selfie and Memories - Things to do in Zagreb

It’s a small museum which offers a fun break from sightseeing.

Location : Pavla Radića St, just around the corner from Ban Jelačić Square.

Good to know

Zagreb’s Upper town is also home to two highly reviewed museums worth checking out namely Zagreb City Museum (suited if keen to learn how Zagreb has evolved over the centuries) and the Croatian Museum of Naive Art (suited if curious about Croatian naive art from the 20th century).

12. Stroll Tkalčićeva Street

Tkalčićeva Street is Zabreb’s most famous and vibrant pedestrian street in the Upper Town, a short walk from Jelačić Square and around the corner from Dolac Market.

Tkalčićeva Street - Things to do in Zagreb

In years past, Tkalčićeva St didn’t always exist as it is. During medieval times, the street was covered by a stream that divided Kapitol and Gradec. The stream sustained the city’s watermilling industry but came with bloody feuds.

Tkalčićeva St. emerged in the 19th century when the stream was covered and houses and businesses were built along it.

In its early years, the homes on Tkalčićeva St were mostly brothels that were publicly advertised though discreetly, by placing red lanterns outside. It’s believed that Tkalčićeva St. is the first Red Light District in Europe .

Writer Zagorka Statue - Tkalčićeva St - Things to do in Zagreb

Nowadays, Tkalčićeva St. is an attractive street, full to the brim with colourful buildings (some of which give off some Alpine vibes) housing outdoor cafes perfect for people-watching, bars and pubs that are a hub for Zagreb nightlife as well as restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines.

It’s quite a popular spot in Zagreb with both locals and tourists who come to enjoy its diverse offerings and lively atmosphere.

Zagreb is one of the few cities that have retained the tradition of lighting its gas lanterns in the Upper Town manually. Keep out for the lamplighters as you explore Tkalčićeva St. in the evenings, you might be lucky enough to witness one of the city’s treasured ancient radiations.

What to do in Zagreb Day 2 – Lower Town

1. stroll through zrinjevac park.

Zrinjevac Park (Nikola Šubić Zrinski Square) is one of Zagbreb’s series of connected parks and squares locally known as the “Green Horseshoe” due to their layout which takes the shape of the letter “u”.

Many of the city’s cultural institutions are located around the parks and squares, making combining sightseeing with spending time in relaxed beautifully decorated green spaces that bit easier.

Zrinjevac Park, located a short walking distance from Jelačić Square in the Lower Town, is in my view the most attractive of them all. The park is the first of the Green Horseshoe created during the 19th century by Croatian urban planner Milan Lenuci.

Zrinjevac Park Zagreb - Things to do in Zagreb

It’s best known for its gorgeous flower beds, green and lush lawns and tree-lined avenues. There is a charming 19th-century music pavilion that regularly hosts music performances, decorative sculptures and historic time and weather instruments.

Zrinjevac Park is a regular venue for festivals and various events of all seasons. If you’re lucky enough to be in Zagreb at Christmas, be sure to stop by as it becomes magical with all the festive decorations.

There are endless festivals in Zagreb. We were fortunate to be in Zagreb during the city’s first-ever Asian Street Food Festival held in Strossmayer Park, located directly across from Zrinjevac Park.

Asian Street Food Festival Zagreb Things to do in Zagreb

We got to indulge in some really good food whilst surrounded by beautiful parks, people and architecture.

Be sure to check out the parks in Zagreb as they are some of the best places to socialise in the city.

2. Check the Archeological Museum Zagreb

If you’re a lover of history, the Archaeological Museum Zagreb , located next to Zrinjevac Park, is worth a stop. Its highly regarded permanent collection covers prehistoric, Egyptian, Greek and Roman as well as mediaeval times.

Bear in mind the museum suffered damage in the last earthquake as a result many of its collection is currently not exhibited due to some ongoing restorations.

Archaeological Museum Zagreb - Things to do in Zagreb

This museum is housed in a 19th-century palace which is really pretty and worth seeing, so do give it a quick look while in the area.

3. Visit the Mimara Museum

For art lovers or anyone who loves to explore, the Mimara Museum is not to be missed. It’s housed in a colossal neo-Renaissance-styled building located on Roosevelt Square in the Lower Town. The museum exhibits over 3,700 artworks from pre-historic times up to the 20th century donated by the Croatian art collector Ante Topić Mimara.

If you wish to visit, check the museum’s website beforehand as it’s closed for renovations due to the earthquake but is promised to be opened soon.

4. Visit the Croatian National Theatre

A trip to Zagreb without a visit to the iconic Croatian National Theatre , known locally as HNK Zagreb, is no visit at all. The theatre is probably the best landmark in the city representative of the city’s rich Austo-Hungarian-inspired heritage.

Croatian National Theatre - Things to do in Zagreb

It’s located in the Lower Town on Republic of Croatia Square , one of the city’s largest and beautiful squares which form part of the city’s Green Horseshoe.

The colossal yellow-tinted neoclassical-style theatre was built by famous Viennese-based theatre architects Fellner and Helmer. It was officially opened in 1895 by Emperor Franz Josef of Austria during his first visit to the country.

The theatre has remained an important cultural institution in the country where you can enjoy top-quality opera, ballet, drama, musicals and more.

Balconies - Croatian National Theatre - Things to do in Zagreb

Take the theatre’s guided tour , among other things to see the 765-seat auditorium which is decorated with a splendid ceiling with hanging chandelier and golden walls.

If you appreciate sculpture art, don’t miss the “Well of Life” sculpture (1905) by the celebrated Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović, situated right in front of the theatre.

Well of Life Sculpture - Things to do in Zagreb

Looking for things to do in Zagreb at night? See a show ! The theatre offers more than 220 performances every year.

5. Explore the Botanical Garden of Zagreb

Price: adults €2 , students €1.

Make a quick stop at the Botanical Garden of Zagreb if you have a fondness for nature and gardens. It’s one of the parks that make up the city’s Green Horseshoe, conveniently located near to Zagreb train station.

Botanical Garden Zagreb - Things to do in Zagreb

The Zagreb Botanical Garden was established in 1889 as an educational space for the Faculty of Science at the University of Zagreb and later opened to the public in 1891.

You have 5 hectares inhabited by over 10, 000 plant species from across the globe including some indigenous varieties to explore.

Botanical Garden of Zagreb - Things to do in Zagreb

The plants are organised in themed gardens, with walkaways, bridges and lakes which makes for a relaxed stroll whilst taking in some inspiration for your own gardening activities back home.

6. Visit the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum

Price: adults €4 , students €3.

Add a trip to the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum if you’re looking for things to do in Zagreb for young adults or just love to discover.

Nikola Tesla Technical Museum - Things to do in Zagreb

The museum is located in the Lower Town, close to many of Zagreb’s attractions such as the Croatian National Theatre and Botanical Gardens. It’s housed in a 1949 timber exhibition hall which was originally built to host the Zagreb Fair.

Nikola Tesla is one of Croatia’s great inventors who made advances in the development of modern alternating electrical power systems.

The museum is dedicated to highlighting Tesla’s innovations and ideas as well as many other science and technological advances related to energy, transport and communication.

Exhibits to see at this museum include a Nikola Tesla Demonstration Cabinet where various scientific demonstrations are presented, a lifesize 20th-century mineral and oil model mine, historic vehicles including a 1924 tram, fire fighting and military transport.

Nikola Tesla Technical Museum - Exhibition Room - Things to do in Zagreb

Join the museum’s guided tour if you fancy an in-depth look at exciting science and technological innovations over the years.

7. Visit the Chocolate Museum Zagreb

Price: adults €9 , children €6.50.

The Chocolate Museum Zagreb is the perfect stop for a sweet adventure in Zagreb.

Chocolate Museum Exhibition Room - Things to do in Zagreb

A 5-minute stroll from Ban Jelacic Square brings you to this little museum where you can delve into the history of chocolate over the different time periods from the ancient Mesoamericans all the way up to the present day.

Six chic periodic-themed rooms come with chocolate-related artefacts, informative displays, tasting spots with variations of chocolate to try, smell and touch and finish off with a chocolate praline-making demonstration.

Chocolate - Chocolate Museum Zagreb - Things to do in Zagreb

A highlight of the museum is its ticket which comes with chocolate samples to devour as you stroll through the exhibition rooms.

8. Check out the Museum of Illusions

Price: adults €9 , discounts for students & families.

The Museum of Illusions Zagreb is a brainchild of two Zagreb locals that has spread to several cities both in Croatia and worldwide. It’s a small museum, located in the Lower Town along Zagbreb’s Illica’s street, the city’s long main street.

Museum of Illusions Zagreb - Things to do in Zagreb

A visit to the Museum of Illusions Zagreb is one experience in Zagreb that is guaranteed to send excitement levels to the maximum. It’s one of the most fun and unique things to do in Zagreb which makes for an unforgettable experience, especially for families, groups or couples.

The museum’s collection of 70 interactive exhibits is designed to take your senses on a spin by creating fascinating optical illusions.

“The Anti-Gravity Room” exhibit at the museum creates an illusion that your body is defying gravity and moving at odd angles while the “Head on a Tray” creates an illusion that your body has separated from your head and is served on a tray.

Head on Tray Illusion - Things to do in Zagreb

Another highlight here is the “Mirror Room” which creates an illusion of an infinite number of yourself.

All the exhibits at the Museum of Illusions make for a perfect photo opportunity, so don’t miss it if this is your kind of fun.

Things to Do in Zagreb with More Time

There are plenty of other things to do in Zagreb if you’re in the city with more time. The following are very popular Zagreb attractions but a little bit further out of the city.

1. Explore Mirogoj Cemetery

Price: free.

Mirogoj Cemetery is often seen on many lists of Europe’s most beautiful cemeteries. It’s the city’s central cemetery located in the Upper Town, about 3km from the city centre.

Mirogoj Cemetery Entrance - Things to do in Zagreb

The cemetery was designed by Herman Bole , the German architect behind the restoration of Zagreb Cathedral and St. Mark’s Church after the 1880 earthquake. It officially opened in 1879 as a city cemetery welcoming multi-denominational burials.

The cemetery is known for its neoclassical-styled long arcades, an impressive arched entrance surrounded by thick walls topped by green domes.

Mirogoj Cemetery Arcades - Things to do in Zagreb

A stroll through the cemetery’s tree-lined avenues and arcades reveals endless tombs and mausoleums, some of which are quite remarkable and are final resting places for great Croatian citizens including the architect Herman Bole.

There are many monuments in honour of war victims throughout the country’s history, sculptures (some designed by Ivan Mestrovic) and various sepulchral pieces of art.

Monument for Bleiburg Victims - Things to do in Zagreb

Choose to visit Mirogoj Cemetery with a guide to explore its fascinating history and its artistic treasures. If visiting alone, check out this guide by Zagreb’s Tourist Board for easy navigation.

Getting to Mirogoj Cemetery

Zagreb Bus line 106 leaves from Zagreb Cathedral to Mirogoj and the journey takes about 15 mins.

Opens : Daily 6 am to 8 pm (April to Oct), 7.30 to 6 pm (Nov – March)

2. Explore Maksimir Park

Marksimir Park is the oldest and largest park in Zagreb covering 316 hectares. The park was one of the first public parks when it opened in 1794 in all of south-eastern Europe. It’s located on the outskirts of Zagreb, but easy enough to reach by public transport.

This park is one of the top free things to do in Zagreb if you’re longing for some outdoor fun or just want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Maksimir Park - Pavilion - Things to do in Zagreb

It boasts large spaces of landscaped gardens ideal for relaxing with a picnic or a book, natural forested areas home to some wildlife, walking, running or cycling trails, five artificial lakes, a children’s playground and historic monuments and charming buildings.

It’s also home to the city’s zoo, Zagreb Zoo , which is located in the southern part of the park.

Zagreb Zoo Maksimir Park - Things to do in Zagreb

If you’re an animal lover or travelling with kids consider combining a stroll through Maksimir Park with a visit to Zagreb Zoo and explore its inhabitants which consist of over 7 000 animals of varying species from all over the world.

Plan your visit to Maksimir Park here .

3. Spend a day at Lake Jarun

We discovered Lake Jarun through our friendly tax driver who spoke so highly of it and couldn’t recommend it enough for us to add to our top list of things to do in Zagreb.

The lake, located 6 km from the city centre in the southwestern area of Zagreb, is a big hit with locals and tourists in the know. It’s a man-made lake connected to the Sava River which was initially developed to host the World Student Games in 1987.

Over the years, Jarun Lake has become a centre for outdoor activities and entertainment in Zagreb especially during the summer months.

Cycling Trails - Jarun Lake - Things to do in Zagreb

The lake’s high-quality water is perfect for many water sports such as swimming, kayaking and rowing. Sporting fields, skate parks and walking trails are just as popular for sports enthusiasts.

And if you’re peckish, the lakesides are awash with food stalls, cafes, restaurants and bars. You can also, choose to pack for a barbeque or picnic if you’d rather focus on relaxing by the lake.

Lake Jarun Zagreb - Things to do in Zagreb

Jarun Lake is a venue for many festivals and its bars and nightclubs are some of the most popular in town, so if you’re in search of Zagreb nightlife, do check them out.

Getting to Jarun Lake

It’s easier to get to Jarun Lake by car (paid parking is available), Uber or taxi. Alternatively, get tram lines 5 and 7 from the city centre.

4. Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park

If you’ve got one day to spare in Zagreb, be sure to take a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park .

Plitvice Lakes National Park - Things to do in Zagreb

This spectacular natural wonder is located about 2 hours drive from Zagreb by car. It’s a bit of a trek but, it so definitely the day trip from Zagreb.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO Heritage Site since 1979, is truly amazing and has to be seen to be believed.

Gradinsko Lake - Plitvice Lakes National Park - Things to do in Zagreb

The park is spread across 30,000 hectares and features 16 interconnected cascading lakes and waterfalls of remarkably blue and green water surrounded by a stunning karst landscape and a dense lush forest.

A network of wooden trails of varying lengths and electric boats in the park offers an opportunity to navigate the park and admire its magical landscape.

Plitvice Lakes National Park - Cascading Lakes

Getting to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Hire a car in Zagreb and drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park if you can as it gives you the freedom to decide the length of your visit and options to make stops at other places of interest as you wish.

Check Discover Cars to compare your car hire options in Zagreb.

You can also opt to join a small group Plitvice Lakes Tour from Zagreb.

5. Take a Day trip to Lake Bled

Taking a day trip to Lake Bled in Slovenia from Zagreb was one of the highlights of our trip to Zagreb. We just can’t recommend it enough. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovenia and rightfully so.

Bled Castle Slovenia - Things to do in Zagreb

This glacial lake is located in the Julian Alps northwest of Slovenia next to Bled Town, about 50km from the country’s capital Ljubljana. It sits in a pretty location surrounded by mountains, stunning lush forest and on the foothills of the medieval Bled Castle.

The tear-shaped Bled Island with its charming Gothic Church of the Mother of God on the Lake and Tower in the middle of the magnificent turquoise lake make for a jaw-dropping vista.

Lake Bled Island - Things to do in Zagreb

There is so much fun to be had in Lake Bled from taking rides on a traditional pletna (rowing wooden boat) across the lake to Bled Island to taking scenic walks around the lake (the 6km long lap takes about 1.5 hrs) and hiking up to Bled Castle for even better views of the lake and the Alps in the distance.

Lake Bled Slovenia - Things to do in Zagreb

If you prefer more time in the water the calm waters of Lake Bled are perfect for wild swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Just remember to bring along a swimsuit so you don’t miss out on fun.

If you do feel peckish, the Park Cafe at Hotel Bled on the banks of Lake Bled, is the perfect spot for a casual bite to eat and to try Lake Bled’s famous original Bled cream cake (kremšnita) whilst taking in spectacular views.

Lake Bled Cream Cake - Things to do in Zagreb

Tip: Start your day tour of Lake Bled early and squeeze in a visit to Vintgar Gorge . It’s a stunning 1.6 km gorge surrounded by picturesque rocky cliffs in Gorge, a municipality located about 4.5km from Bled Town.

Vintgar Gorge - Vintgar - Things to do in Zagreb

We made the trip to Lake Bled with a rental car from Zagreb and the journey took about 2 hours each way.

Consider visiting Lake Bled with the many available small group tours from Zagreb if you’re travelling by public transport. Ljubljana and Lake Bled Tour from Zagreb

Zagreb Food and Drink Spots to Try (Upper Town)

Otto and Frank (Tkalčićeva Street) – visit for a really good breakfast and brunch.

Otto and Frank Zagreb - Things to do in Zagreb

Pod Zidom Bistro & Wine Bar (Pod Zidom St) – Visit this chic restaurant to enjoy delicious Croatian dishes made with fresh and high-quality produce paired with some really good local wines.
La Štruk (Skalinska St) – Single dish restaurant serving Štrukli (a Croatian dish popular in Zagreb consisting of a dough filled with cream cheese with either savoury or sweet additions and baked or boiled. They do it well and they have a really pretty patio, so don’t bother going elsewhere.

La Struk, Zagreb - Things to do in Zagreb

Oaza Joyful Kitchen (Pavla Radića St) – Visit to enjoy cheap vegan street food.
Valhalla Metal Bar (Radića Street) – Visit to explore Zabreb’s craft beer scene. They have an impressive craft beer selection as well as regular beers.

Food and Drink Spots to Try (Lower Town)

Heritage – Croatian Street Food & Shop (Petrinjska St) – A small restaurant to visit to enjoy a variety of affordable quality Croatian dishes. They stock Croatian specialities perfect to buy to bring home.

Heritage - Croatian Street Food & Shop - Things to do in Zagreb

Vinodol (10 Nikole Tesle St)- A family-friendly restaurant ideal for enjoying traditional Croatian dishes given a modern twist.
In the Yard – Cogito Coffee – Delicious coffee, for us, is one of the best hidden gems in Zagreb.
Quahwa (Nikole Tesle St) – The coffee here is really good, and they do pastries as well.

Korica Zagreb (Preradovićeva St) – A small cute bakery with delicious pastries and coffee, perfect for breakfast.

Zagreb Travel Tips

Getting to zagreb .

Flying – Zagreb Airport (Franjo Tuđman Airport), located 15 km from the city centre is the best airport to fly into Zagreb. The airport has the most connections with other European cities with some direct international flights.

You’ve got a choice of a Shuttle bus ( €8 35 -40 mins ) to Zagreb Train Station or a local Public bus , line 290 ( 90c – 35mins ). We took an Uber and paid €20 for the 30-minute ride.

Train – Zagreb is serviced by a train station which links it to many cities in Europe. See Zagreb train tips here .

Car Hire in Zagreb

If you’re looking to hire a car for your day trips, consider collecting the car in the city centre as you probably won’t need it to get around Zagreb.

DiscoverCars is handy for quickly comparing car hire prices.

Getting Around Zagreb

Whilst Zagreb is Croatia’s capital, its main centre where the historic parts of the city are located is relatively tiny. Most of Zagreb’s attractions are close to each other and easily reached on foot, so you shouldn’t need to drive.

Zagreb Funicular – provides a quick ride to move between the Upper and Lower areas of the city centre (1-minute ride – 0.66€).
Public Transport – Offered through an extensive tram and bus (ZET – Zagreb Electric Tram) system, connecting the city centre and residential neighbourhoods. It’s the most affordable means to get around in Zagreb.
Taxis – are widely available, metred and relatively cheap.

Where to stay in Zagreb

Booking.com and Airbnb are my favourite resources for booking hotels in Croatia. Here are some options worth checking out:

Esplanade Hotel – a 5-star historic hotel initially built for Orient Express passengers. It’s famous for hosting high-profile clients. It’s situated directly across from the central train station.
Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria – A mid-range Hotel located close to the Zagreb Train Station and about a 10-minute walk to Ban Jelačić Square. The hotel is housed in a 1932 building but its interior is modern and tastefully decorated.
Swanky Mint Hostel – Budget-friendly hostel with a bar and pool. It’s located just an 8-minute walk from the main square.

Enjoy Zagreb! Do get in touch if you need help. I will be glad to help!

Tip: Read on for the Best Places to Visit in Croatia on a Road Trip including the most useful travel tips.

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20 Must-Visit Attractions in Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb is not only about stately institutions of Habsburg grandeur, although for the first-time visitor wandering around the façades and gardens of the Lower Town it might feel that way. Across the Sava, there’s a striking Museum of Contemporary Art and Croatia’s capital has a thriving gallery scene, part of an ever-broadening cultural agenda.

1. st mark’s.

St Mark’s stands out as an iconic attraction because of its chequered-tile roof displaying the coats of arms of Zagreb and Croatia, brightening the focal square named after it. Other external features reflect its lengthy construction, such as its Romanesque windows, Gothic portals and particularly the 15 effigies over the south portal.

St Mark’s Church, Trg Svetog Marka 5, Zagreb, Croatia , +385 1 4851 611

2. National Theatre

National Theatre | © Jorge Franganillo/Flickr

The National Theatre is a cultural landmark and a work of art in its own right. Habsburg Emperor Franz Josef attended the unveiling of this architectural masterpiece, created by the Viennese design team of Ferdinand Fellner and Herman Helmer. Ivan Meštrović later sculpted the fountain outside, The Source of Life.

National Theatre, Trg maršala Tita 15, Zagreb, Croatia , +385 1 4888 488

3. Museum of Broken Relationships

Museum, Shop

Display at the Museum of Broken Relationships

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5. Mimara Museum

Museum, School

Zagreb’s finest art collection was bequeathed to the nation by controversial war-time cultural consultant Ante Topić Mimara. How Mimara came by his outstanding collection of Goyas, Canalettos and Van Dycks isn’t clear but for the tourist, such treasure housed in a beautiful former school from the 19th century is worth a day’s visit.

Mimara Museum, Rooseveltov trg 5, Zagreb, Croatia , +385 1 4828 100

Building, Cemetery

Created by Cathedral architect Hermann Bollé, Mirogoj is the main cemetery for both Zagreb and the nation. Croatia’s great writers, artists and politicians lie here in what was a summerhouse and vineyard. Bollé’s grandiose main entrance lends the right tone to any visit.

Mirogoj, Aleja Hermanna Bollea 27, Zagreb, Croatia , +385 1 4696 700

7. Zagreb Cathedral

Building, Cathedral

8. Archaeological Museum

Created for the World Student Games of 1987, Jarun is Zagreb’s main area for recreation. Cycle paths and a skateboard park surround a man-made lake where sailboats glide, dotted with the islands that stage June’s major INmusic festival. Nightclubs, including the seminal Aquarius, fringe the shoreline.

Jarun, Croatia

10. Nikola Tesla Technical Museum

11. Meštrovićev paviljon

Mosque, Museum

Meštrovićev paviljon | © Fred Romero/Flickr

An unusual work created by renowned sculptor Ivan Meštrović, the Meštrovićev paviljon houses the Croatian Associations of Artists . Opened as a circular arts hall before World War II, it was later converted into mosque, then a museum. Today the building hosts events and exhibitions of national cultural importance.

Meštrovićev paviljon, Trg žrtava fašizma 16, Zagreb, Croatia , +385 1 4611 818

12. Maksimir

Park, Stadium, Zoo

Zagreb’s largest park was created in the 1790s by Bishop Maksimiljan Vrhovac. Its rolling hills and sprawling oak trees represent the English style, rustic and less constrained than its French counterpart, with lakes and footpaths. Today you’ll also find Zagreb Zoo and nearby the national football stadium, also called Maksimir.

Maksimir, Zagreb

13. Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum, Cinema

14. St Catherine’s Church

Church, Monastery

St Catherines | © Prabhu Balakrishnan/Flickr

A Baroque creation of the 1600s, St Catherine’s lends its name to the pretty square in the Upper Town that also houses the Klovićevi Dvori Gallery in the adjoining monastery. The church displays the coat of arms of the noble families who contributed to its reconstruction later in the 17th century.

St Catherine’s Church, Katarinin trg, Zagreb, Croatia , +385 1 4851 950

15. Grič Tunnel

The recently opened Grič tunnel beneath the Upper Town fortifications was created as an air-raid shelter during World War II. Unused then abandoned, it was taken over by DJs and ravers in the 1990s. Now renovated, it stages fashion shows and exhibitions and is slated to host a Museum of the Senses.

Grič Tunnel, Mesnička ulica 19, Zagreb, Croatia

16. Modern Gallery

Housed in the Habsburg-era Vranyczany Palace, the Modern Gallery holds some 10,000 domestic works from the 1800s to the present day. At any given time, some 750 are on display, from Impressionist paintings by Vlaho Bukovac to cutting-edge video art, along with sculptures and installations.

Modern Gallery, Andrije Hebranga 1, Zagreb, Croatia , +385 1 6041 040

View this post on Instagram Always make time to go to gallery everywhere we go… A post shared by WH (@wanda_hamidah) on Aug 17, 2016 at 5:10am PDT

17. Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters

Donated to the nation in 1868 by the eminent bishop of the same name, the Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters contains the 256 paintings of his private collection. Concentrating mainly on the Italian Renaissance, these works also include pieces by El Greco, Jean-Antoine Gros and Jan Wallensz de Cock.

Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters, Trg Nikole Šubića Zrinskog 11, Zagreb, Croatia , +385 1 4895 117

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXv9mBNhJjY/?taken-at=1207382769325549

18. Zagreb City Museum

19. Botanical Gardens

Botanical Garden, University

Opened in the 1890s, the Botanical Garden s operate from April 1 to November 1. Along with the many glasshouses containing some 10,000 species of plants, you’ll find large garden ponds, winding paths and many benches, allowing for quiet contemplation away from the busy city.

Botanical Garden, Trg Marka Marulića 9A, Zagreb, Croatia , +385 1 4844 002

20. Atelijer Meštrović

Workplace of Croatia’s most renowned sculptor, the Atelijer Meštrović occupies the 17th-century properties that he himself restored over 20 years until his arrest in 1941 and subsequent exile. Works in marble, stone, wood and bronze, and drawings and graphics cover two floors, an atrium and the atelier off the ivy-clad courtyard.

Atelijer Meštrović, Mletačka 8, Zagreb, Croatia , +385 1 4851 123

View this post on Instagram #zagreb #art #atelijermestrovic A post shared by Natalija (@foxyhills) on Mar 2, 2016 at 7:54am PST

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Zagreb Itinerary: How to Spend 4 Days in Zagreb, Croatia

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Looking for the best things to do in Zagreb, Croatia? Look no further than this 4 days in Zagreb itinerary!

I visited Zagreb last spring and immediately felt at home in this young and vibrant city, still recovering from its turbulent past, but with its eyes on the future.

The capital of the young republic of Croatia – the country declared independence from ex-Yugoslavia in 1991 – is a place where Western, Central and Southeast Europe meet, and that will surprise you with its splendor, energy, and joie de vivre.

If you’re headed to Zagreb any time soon – and I certainly recommend you do! – make sure to make the best of your time.

Based on my recent trip, this Zagreb travel itinerary offers you the highlights of Zagreb in four days, and it’s a great starting point for exploring the beauty of Croatia.

Top 12 Gorgeous Yoga Retreats in Croatia

Table of Contents

4 days in Zagreb itinerary:

Wander through the streets of zagreb.

I personally like to familiarize myself with a new place by wandering around with all my senses fully awake. Usually, these first impressions are the ones that stuck with me the longest.

So I’d recommend you start exploring the capital of Croatia by losing yourself in the colorful and picturesque streets of the old town.

Zagreb is a walkable medium-sized city, with fascinating and diverse architecture, and ever-present old trams seemingly just arrived from the communist era.

Another great way to explore Zagreb is by taking a walking tour with a local guide .

People watch at Ban Jelacic Square

Wherever you go in Zagreb, you’ll inevitably end up in the bustling Ban Jelacic Square, the center of modern Zagreb, commercial heart and favorite meeting point.

Observe the variety of architectural styles of the buildings around the square, from Biedermeier to Art Nouveau and Post-modernism, or sit in one of the many cafes for people-watching.

Visit Zagreb’s Cathedral

From the main square, head up to the Kaptol neighborhood to visit one of Zagreb’s symbols: the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – a beautiful Neo-Gothic cathedral from the late 19 th century.

Around the cathedral, you’ll find the interesting Renaissance defensive walls, built between 1512 and 1521 to protect the church from the Ottoman Turks. Next to the cathedral, you can also visit St Stephen’s Chapel, or admire the fountain of the Virgin Mary with Angels.

Taste local specialties at the Dolac Market

With big red umbrellas and small stands of juicy fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish, the Dolac Market is another icon of Croatia’s capital. Held every day of the week, close to the Ban Jelacic Square and the Cathedral, this busy farmers’ market is known as “the belly of Zagreb”.

Find your way through the many stalls and enjoy the sights of the colorful and perfectly aligned fresh fruits and the smell of the newly picked vegetables.

Or join a food tour and taste the local specialties .

Explore the nightlife at Tkalciceva Street

Like any other Mediterranean capital, Zagreb has a vibrant nightlife and an interesting art and music scene, frequented by both locals and visitors.

For your first night in town, explore the popular Tkalciceva Street. Bursting with restaurants, cafes, and bars, Tkalciceva is perfect for an after-dinner coffee or drink al fresco or even a bar crawl.

Enter the Upper Town through the Stone Gate

Dedicate your second day in Zagreb to the Upper Town. To enter the Upper Town you have to go through the Stone Gate, the only old town gate still intact.

The Virgin Mary chapel located under the arch of the Stone Gate has been a place of pilgrimage since 1731 when a painting of the Virgin miraculously survived a devastating fire.

Discover St Mark’s Square

Passing through the Stone Gate, you’ll find yourself on St Mark’s Square, home of one of Zagreb’s best-known buildings – St Mark’s Church, famous for its roof tiles decorated with the coats of arms of the Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia and the city of Zagreb.

Located right in the center of St Mark’s Square, the 13th-century Romanesque Church of St Mark is surrounded by the Croatian Sabor or Parliament, and the Banski Dvori, the seat of the Croatian Government.

Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships

The Museum of Broken Relationships was one of my favorite experiences in Zagreb. This unusual museum, located in the Upper Town, displays love letters, photographs, personal diaries, and all sorts of quirky objects that remained as a memory of broken relationships.

All the pieces in the exhibition were donated to the museum by people from around the world, as a way to celebrate and immortalize a love story from their past.

Call me a weirdo, but I find the idea and concept behind this museum incredibly romantic.

Climb the Lotrscak Tower

Before finishing your Upper Town tour, make sure to climb the Lotrscak Tower for a magnificent 360º view of the city.

This medieval tower from the 13 th century is most famous for its canon, which is fired every day at noon. According to the legend, this centenary tradition started in the mid-15 th century, when the canon was fired one day at noon, to protect Zagreb from the Turks, who then got afraid and decided not to attack the city.

Nowadays, the locals set their watches on the sound of the shot heard every day at noon.

Take the Funicular back to the Lower Town

You can either walk or take the funicular back to the Lower Town. When I left the Lotrscak Tower, it suddenly started pouring rain so I opted for the short funicular trip, while enjoying the views over the wet city.

As I learned afterward, this Funicular Railway has actually a very interesting history. Built in 1888 and opened in 1890, the funicular was the first public transportation ever used in Zagreb.

With a total extension of 66 meters, and taking only 55 seconds to connect the Upper and Lower Towns, it’s also the shortest passenger cable railway in the world.

Explore the nightlife between Petra Preradovica Square and Bogoviceva Street

For your second night, explore the area between Petra Preradovica Square and Bogoviceva Street, with its many bars, sidewalk cafes, street performers, and occasional bands.

This is the favorite meeting spot in the Lower Town for festive spring and summer nights.

Take a day trip to the Plitvice Lakes National Park

Trust me when I say you absolutely have to visit this place if you ever find yourself in Croatia!

You can easily take a bus to the Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb’s main bus station as we did. The journey takes around 2,5 hours each way and costs about 100 Croatian Kuna (13.5 Euros) for a one-way ticket, but it’s totally worth the time and the money.

Or you can rent a car and get there on your own.

If you’d rather join an organized tour from Zagreb, here are some options:

Not even the rain stopped me from enjoying this incredible natural site of lush green forest, rousing waterfalls, and turquoise lakes.

Read more about my day trip to the Plitvice Lakes

Shop at Ilica Street

You can’t possibly leave Zagreb without a shopping trip to Ilica’s high street stores.

Zagreb’s main street and commercial artery hides great deals, especially when compared with prices in Western European capitals. So take advantage of that and don’t go home with empty hands, or an empty suitcase.

Take a coffee with a view at Zagreb 360º

Take a pause and say goodbye to Zagreb enjoying its most spectacular view from the top of the Zagreb Skyscraper, at Ilica 1a.

Zagreb 360º is an observation deck, bar, event venue, and the most visited tourist attraction in the capital of Croatia. And once you get up there, you immediately understand why.

The admission costs 30 Croatian Kuna (4 euros) for an adult, but the stunning view is priceless.

For me, this was truly a perfect end to a great time in lovely Zagreb.

Where to stay in Zagreb

Hotel international.

I stayed at the Hotel International , located in the business district, and a 10-minute tram ride from the city center.

I really recommend staying here, if you’re looking for good value for your money, meaning spacious, modern and comfortable rooms, good breakfast and restaurant service, and friendly and helpful staff.

Recommended restaurants in Zagreb

Stari fijaker.

I had dinner at this traditional Croatian restaurant on my first evening in Zagreb, after a recommendation from my hotel concierge, and was extremely pleased with the great food, welcoming staff, and relaxed atmosphere.

If you’d like to have a taste of authentic Croatian cuisine this is definitely the place to go. They even have a veggie menu, if you’re a vegetarian like me.

I loved everything about this place: the simple yet beautiful decoration, the cool vibe, and, most importantly, the mouthwatering vegan food. My Tempehritos were simply to die for, and my omnivore boyfriend loved his Bar-Bea Burger.

Even if you’re not a vegan or vegetarian, you should definitely give this place a try. I promise you won’t regret it!

Please don’t leave Zagreb without visiting this restaurant!

I accidentally stumbled upon Agava on my last evening in Zagreb, and couldn’t have asked for a better culinary experience.

I’m not even exaggerating when I say this was one of the best meals I ever had: superlative food, exquisite atmosphere, and a great price – what else can a girl ask for?

Of course, there are many other things to see and do in Zagreb, from markets and restaurants to museums, churches, and other attractions.

But if you’re planning a short stay in the city, before heading to the coast, exploring the Croatian islands, or simply returning back home, this Zagreb itinerary will give you an overview of all the major attractions, and hopefully make you schedule your trip right away.

More travel tips

Travel insurance.

SafetyWing – Travel insurance is very important and you should never leave home without it! I use and recommend SafetyWing travel medical insurance for travelers, remote workers, and nomads.

They cover overseas medical assistance in case of accident or illness, travel delay or interruption, lost checked luggage, emergency medical or political evacuation, natural disasters, and personal liability, at very competitive prices.

You can subscribe online here for a minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 364 days, or opt for a monthly subscription instead.

Cheap flights

Looking for the best airfare deals? Skyscanner is my favorite travel search engine for finding cheap flights around the world. They also offer price tracking and alerts to help you secure the best deals.

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation, Booking.com is the best site out there. From hotels to apartments, resorts, villas, B&B, and guest houses, it offers the best prices for accommodation all over the world. I book the majority of my stays through them.

Yoga Retreats

Looking for a yoga retreat near home or in an exotic destination? BookYogaRetreats offers the best yoga retreats, holidays, and courses around the world for all budgets and levels of experience.

GetYourGuide is my favorite platform for local tours, unique experiences, and skip-the-line tickets to attractions all around the world.

Klook is another great resource for tours and activities, especially if you’re looking for things to do in Asia.

Car Rentals

Rentalcars.com is a car rental search engine that compares the biggest brands in car hire and allows you to find the cheapest deals all around the world.

Have you been to or are you planning to visit Zagreb? What would you add to this 4 days in Zagreb itinerary? Share in the comments section below!

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The best things to do in Zagreb, Croatia in 4 days, including Zagreb's Old Town and Cathedral, the Dolac Market, St Mark's Church, the Museum of Broken Relationships, nightlife at Tkalciceva, shopping at Ilica Street, and much more. #Zagreb #Croatia #Europe #Travel

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I'm a Portuguese journalist and certified yoga teacher born in the Azores but Lisboner at heart. After 10 years as an expat in Switzerland, I now travel the world full-time as a digital nomad, with 27 countries and 5 continents under my belt and counting. I share wellness and yoga-friendly travel advice based on my own experience and knowledge.

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Lindsey says

December 17, 2017 at 7:20 pm

All of this looks so fun! I am hoping to get to Croatia next year!

Lynne Nieman says

December 17, 2017 at 5:58 pm

Great post with some wonderful tips. The photos are beautiful. I have continued to hear such good things about Zagreb that I will definitely be sure to spend some time here when I finally get to Croatia.

December 17, 2017 at 2:00 pm

This makes me want to go even more, thanks for sharing this awesome blog about Zagreb!

December 16, 2017 at 3:38 pm

Hi from Croatia! I love reading what other people write about my country. 🙂 Enjoyed the read.

Travel Fidget says

December 16, 2017 at 11:54 am

Zagreb seems to be a hidden gem! I like your pictures, specially the old buildings and the Plitvice waterfalls!

March 14, 2017 at 12:33 pm

I´ve been to Croatia many times but never to Zagreb :O And I love the Plitvice Lakes? Did you know that there was one of the Winnetou movie series shot? The Treasure on a Silver Lake. Whenever I watch this movie, I recall my memories of holidays in Croatia 🙂

March 14, 2017 at 5:14 pm

No, I didn’t know that. I definitely have to watch it 🙂

Ashley says

March 10, 2017 at 1:21 pm

Lovely photos and great advice! Have also been to Croatia a couple of times but not Zagreb. Looks pretty!

March 10, 2017 at 3:14 pm

Thank you Ashley! Zagreb is great 🙂

March 6, 2017 at 4:32 pm

We’ve been to Croatia twice but never to Zagreb. We’ll definitely have to go back after reading your fun post!

March 8, 2017 at 4:18 pm

You definitely should! I loved Zagreb. I think it’s an underrated city, but it has lots of interesting things to do and see. Plus it’s beautiful!

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The 15 Best Things to do in Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb is one of Europe’s most understated destinations. But trust us when we say it’s not going to stay like that for long!

The Croatian capital is a long way from the popular beaches and resorts of the Adriatic Sea, but nowhere else in the country competes in terms of cultural curiosities. This is a city built on museums, and you can spend days visiting the top sights only to find more fascinating Zagreb attractions awaiting you around the next corner.

There’s the Museum of Broken Relationships, the Mushroom Museum, the Croatian Museum of Naive Art, and so many more cultural institutions. Then you have the history and heritage of the city itself to explore, with Zagreb divided into the medieval Upper Town and the newer (18th- to 19th-century) Lower Town.

With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. That’s why we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Zagreb for you. Stick to these fun and unique Zagreb bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an incredible time exploring the wonderful Croatian capital!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

The 15 Best Things to do in Zagreb

1. take a walking tour of zagreb.

Best Things to do in Zagreb, Croatia: Walking Tour

A walking tour is one of the best things to do in Zagreb. The Croatian capital is incredibly walkable, and you’ll love exploring the history and culture as you’re guided through the streets of Zagreb by a local.

You’ll soon discover how the city is split into two distinct zones: the Upper Town and the Lower Town. While the flat streets of the Lower Town (which were purpose-built by Zagreb’s mercantile elite from the 18th century onwards) make for easy strolling, you’ll need to put in a little more effort to get uphill to the Upper Town.

Unique Things to do in Zagreb, Croatia: Walking Tour

It’s well worth it, though, as the Upper Town is where you’ll find the most historic sites in Zagreb. This is the heritage-filled heart of the capital, and you’ll love walking along bustling Ilica Street and exploring the narrow alleyways and wide-open squares of this popular tourist zone.

There are several unique walking tours you might consider joining during your stay in Zagreb. We always love a “free walking tour,” which offers local expertise and excellent value (you only pay what you feel the tour was worth at the end).

Many tours cover both the Upper Town and Lower Town within two to three hours, but you might consider joining individual tours focused on each section of the city; that way, you’ll leave with a more nuanced look at the different histories of each.

2. Get Personal at the Museum of Broken Relationships

Must do things in Zagreb, Croatia: Museum of Broken Relationships

A visit to the Museum of Broken Relationships might not sound like the sort of fun activity that should be at the top of your Zagreb bucket list, but this unique museum is one of the most fascinating places to visit in the capital.

The unusually themed museum presents a very personal selection of exhibits that delves into the broken hearts of couples from around the world. Rather heroically, the museum tells the story of real-life relationships, showing how they once flourished but then fell by the wayside of life.

Zagreb, Croatia Bucket List: Museum of Broken Relationships

Exhibits often focus on just a single item from a past relationship that an individual has donated to the museum, such as a postcard, a book, or even an axe. These inanimate objects are full of life, lost loves, and romance, but they’ve been given away to the museum as the owner’s often can’t bear to hold on to them any longer.

As you browse through the galleries and read the stories of love and loss, you may find yourself remembering your own past loves and partners. It’s a poignant reminder that nothing lasts forever, and it’s a surprisingly healthy way for us to discuss breakups and broken relationships.

3. Marvel at Zagreb Cathedral on the Kaptol

What to do in Zagreb, Croatia: Zagreb Cathedral

Zagreb Cathedral is one of the most iconic Zagreb sightseeing attractions. This tall, elegant place of worship is an enduring symbol of Croatian history, culture, and independence, so we highly recommend visiting to find out more.

The cathedral’s twin spires reach 108 meters in height, and given the prominent location on the Kaptol, in the upper part of Zagreb, you can see the spires from almost anywhere in the city. Their height means that Zagreb Cathedral is the second-tallest building in Croatia and easily the most famous.

Best Things to do in Zagreb, Croatia: Zagreb Cathedral

Zagreb Cathedral has a long history that echoes through its very foundations. If you’ve got a keen eye for architecture, then you’ll notice that the cathedral blends centuries of different styles together, from renaissance artistry to gothic stonework.

The first cathedral to be built here was raised in the 11th century AD when Zagreb was founded, but this was destroyed in the 12th century AD during a Mongol invasion. It was rebuilt and destroyed on countless occasions, with the latest edition predominantly dating to the 18th and 19th centuries.

While you’re visiting Zagreb Cathedral, take the time to explore the Kaptol, too. This distinct area of the Upper Town is really the historic core of Zagreb, and you’ll find there’s much in the way of heritage just waiting to be explored.

4. Meet a Friend at Ban Jelacic Square

Best Things to do in Zagreb, Croatia: Ban Jelacic Square

At some point during your Zagreb getaway, you’re going to need to visit Ban Jelacic Square. This is Zagreb’s most famous meeting point, and it’s the most popular starting point for walking tours in the city.

If you have Croatian friends in the city, they’ll ask you to meet them here. It’s good to be prepared, but it’s also not hard to find Ban Jelacic Square. This historic meeting point is at the center of Zagreb’s pedestrianized downtown area, and it’s usually held to be the point where the Upper Town ends and the Lower Town begins.

Unique Things to do in Zagreb, Croatia: Ban Jelacic Square

The square is quite historic, and it’s thought to date back to around the 16th century when Zagreb began expanding outside of the medieval confines of the Upper Town. It became synonymous with Croatian independence, and it’s today named for Ban Jelacic, a general who supported Croatian nationalism in the 19th century. His statue was removed during the Yugoslavian era, but when Croatia became independent in the 1990s, a new one was built and the square was named after him.

Today, the statue is surrounded by historic hotels, shops, and cafes, and it’s a great place to relax before or after a walking tour of the city. For all of these reasons, Ban Jelacic Square is always a lively place to visit, and you’re always likely to stumble across an exhibition, protest, or cultural event taking place here.

5. Ride the Funicular to Lotrscak Tower

Must do things in Zagreb, Croatia: Lotrscak Tower

In the Upper Town, Lotrscak Tower is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. This 13th-century tower was built to protect medieval Zagreb from Mongol and then Ottoman invasions, with the great bells being rung to signal danger.

You might want to ride the short funicular to the base of the tower rather than taking the steep pedestrian path! The funicular is one of the top things to do in Zagreb, and once you’re at the tower’s entrance, you can then take the steps further up to the viewing platform.

Zagreb, Croatia Bucket List: Lotrscak Tower

From Lotrscak Tower, you’ll have superb views over the rooftops of the Upper Town and south toward the Lower Town. It’s a beautiful location and an even better piece of history, so schedule a visit high up on your Upper Town itinerary.

6. Admire Fine Art at the Croatian Museum of Naive Art

Art lovers will want to visit the Croatian Museum of Naive Art , which protects, preserves, and displays 1,900 unique works of fine art.

The art gallery is dedicated to a unique form of fine art known as “Naive Art.” This type of work explores humble themes such as farming and agriculture, and it was first popularized in the 20th century by Croatian countryside peasants.

The style and genre took on a life of their own, and many of the early naive painters grew to prominence during the communist years that followed, so much so that their work is now considered fine art.

The art gallery itself dates back to 1952 when it first opened as the Peasant Art Gallery (which tells a lot about the humble roots of the art form). Inside, you’ll find a wonderful collection of 20th-century works from predominantly local artists proudly on display.

Although the museum stores almost 2,000 artworks, there’s only ever room for around 80 pieces to be displayed at any one time. Luckily, the Croatian Museum of Naive Art has an ever-changing carousel of special exhibitions, events, and shows (check their website for the latest news) that aims to highlight this popular socialist era niche in all its diverse glory.

7. Shop, Eat, and Drink at the Dolac Market

Zagreb, Croatia Things to do: Dolac Market

If you’re starting to feel a few hunger pangs after all that Zagreb sightseeing, then it’s time to visit the city’s iconic Dolac Market.

This open-air farmer’s market is well known for its colorful market stalls, which are aesthetically arranged by their stallholders and protected by bright parasols. Dolac Market is located just a few steps away from Ban Jelacic Square, where it spills out onto the historic streets of the Upper Town.

What to do in Zagreb, Croatia: Dolac Market

Dolac Market has been open for at least eight decades (officially), and for all those years, the farmers, chefs, bakers, brewers, and stallholders have been supplying and feeding Zagreb’s citizens with the finest local produce.

Take a stroll through the stalls, and you’ll find everything from bureks (a hearty Balkan pastry filled with meat and cheese) and bread to homemade wine and honey for sale. You’ll love how much fresh produce and artisanal products are available, so bring a large shopping bag so you’ll have plenty of space to take your purchases back to the hotel.

8. Step Back in Time at the Zagreb ‘80s Museum

The Zagreb ‘80s Museum is one of the coolest things to do in Zagreb. This is one of the capital’s many quirky museums (it’s certainly one of the quirkiest), and it’s a wonderful place to immerse yourself in the nostalgia of 1980s Zagreb.

This fascinating museum offers an insight into daily life during the Yugoslavian era. This was a decade when Croatia was yet to become independent, and while change was looming on the horizon, the ‘80s were still a decade of solid Yugoslav socialist ideals.

The museum features simple objects that might be classed as mundane, such as early computers, gaming consoles, and mobile phones. But behind every object on display (all have been donated by people who lived in Zagreb in the 1980s) is a unique story of life under the communist regime of Yugoslavia.

Rather unusually for a museum, the Zagreb 80s Museum encourages visitors to pick up, touch, and play around with the many items on display. There are no glass cabinets or dividers, and you’re free to delve into ‘80s history as you like.

9. Delve into the Wonderful World of Fungi

One of the most intriguing Zagreb attractions is the Mushroom Museum. In fact, as far as we know, this is the only museum in the world that’s dedicated solely to the wonderful world of mushrooms.

You’ll find the Mushroom Museum on the second floor of a nondescript office block in a Zagreb suburb, but don’t let that put you off visiting. Fungi fans will love the depth of detail found in this one-of-a-kind museum. Although the museum is small, the cabinets are packed with 1,250 different species of mushrooms collected from across the world.

You’ll learn about the different properties and uses of different species and look out for the deadly “death cap mushroom,” which could kill in an instant. While the exhibits are fascinating, it’s even better if you time your visit to coincide with a guided tour. Tours are led by Professor Romano Bozac, the museum’s founder, curator, and lover of all things mushroom.

10. Be Mesmerized by the Museum of Illusions

Best Things to do in Zagreb, Croatia: Museum of Illusions

Illusions, holograms, and 3D trickery are all the rage in European cities. Zagreb is no exception, and the city is home to one of the largest museums in Europe dedicated to illusions.

The Museum of Illusions is guaranteed to mesmerize, which is why we’ve included it as one of our favorite things to do in Zagreb. The museum wants you to experience the “impossible,” and there are over 70 optical illusions designed to disorientate and set your mind racing.

Unique Things to do in Zagreb, Croatia: Museum of Illusions

There are kaleidoscopes, illusion chairs, clone tables, and anti-gravity rooms where you can enjoy hours of delight as your world is switched upside down and rotated around. It’s a fantastic place for families with children, while groups of friends will also love taking photographs of each other in rotating rooms or while taking part in perspective illusions.

We absolutely love the fun of the Museum of Illusions (it makes for a unique break from all that history and culture), and we know you will too!

11. Escape the City with a Trip to Bundek City Park

Best Things to do in Zagreb, Croatia: Bundek City Park

If you’d love to escape the city for a few hours without having to travel too far, then why not visit Bundek City Park? This large public area is located on the southern bank of the River Sava, and it’s super easy to catch a tram or ride a bicycle here from the Lower Town.

Unique Things to do in Zagreb, Croatia: Bundek City Park

Bundek City Park is vast, given it’s a part of Zagreb’s southern suburbs. You’ll find a freshwater lake surrounded by greenery and trees and encircled by a running track. As you’d imagine, it’s a seriously popular place for joggers.

You can join the runners around the lake or work out on the outdoor gym sets. Or you can bring along a picnic and enjoy some downtime outdoors. In summer, it’s possible to swim in the lake, and there’s an artificial beach that fills up with locals and tourists alike when the sun is shining.

12. Explore One of Europe’s Oldest Public Parks

Fun Things to do in Zagreb, Croatia: Maksimir Park

Zagreb has a long history of natural preservation, and the city is home to one of Europe’s oldest public parks.

First conceived as an idea in 1787, Maksimir Park opened to the public in 1794 as the largest project of its kind. The park was designed as an extensive public area under the guidance of Zagreb’s bishops, who wanted to provide local citizens with a green space in the face of an ever-expanding city. Their foresight was fortuitous, and although Maksimir Park was initially located outside the city, it’s now surrounded entirely by Zagreb’s northeastern suburbs.

Zagreb, Croatia Bucket List: Maksimir Park

Although the park looks natural enough, the bulk of it was specially landscaped and rewilded. Lakes were dug and filled, and vast tracts of forest were planted, which still stand to this day.

There are miles of walking trails that can lead you around ornamental lakes, along hand-carved rivers, and past neoclassical monuments built in the lavish Austro-Hungarian style. It’s a wonderful and welcoming juxtaposition of nature within the city, and it’s easily one of the must-do things in Zagreb!

13. Venture into Zagreb’s Mysterious Subterranean World

What to do in Zagreb, Croatia: Tunnel Gric

Beneath Zagreb, there’s a network of tunnels. Some are known, and some are lost to local knowledge. One is open to the public.

For centuries tunnel vaults, passageways, and chambers have been carved from the rock below the Upper Town. Legends abound as to their purpose, and some are linked to dramatic tales of missing church gold and other unusual urban legends.

Best Things to do in Zagreb, Croatia: Tunnel Gric

The one tunnel you can visit is Tunnel Gric, which has a more mundane origin story. This long tunnel was built in 1943 at the height of World War II and was used as an air raid shelter that also connected to other existing subterranean passages. There are several entranceways above ground to Tunnel Gric, and it’s a useful shortcut across the Upper Town.

Interestingly, Tunnel Gric is also an events space. Venture underground, and you’ll find the tunnel is often lined with artwork and photographs displayed as part of ever-changing exhibitions. The tunnel then opens out into Art Park, a repurposed urban park that’s a firm favorite with creatives.

14. Enjoy Local Brews at the Zagreb Beer Fest

Best Things to do in Zagreb, Croatia: Zagreb Beer Fest

Croatia’s biggest beer festival takes place every May in Zagreb. For a city with an exciting craft beer scene that’s developing year after year, Zagreb Beer Fest is a fantastic highlight on the beer calendar.

The festival has been running for over a decade, and the last event saw 30,000 beer drinkers drinking hundreds of thousands of pints of beer over four packed days of events. You’ll have the opportunity to taste and compare Croatia’s best beers, from well-known local brands to niche microbreweries and popups. There are usually hundreds of different beers and brands (180 at the last event, to be precise), so be prepared for a heavy day of beer tastings!

Cool Things to do in Zagreb, Croatia: Zagreb Beer Fest

But it’s not all about the beer. Throughout the day and into the night, local bands and tribute acts take to the stage to entertain the beer-loving crowds. And the best thing about Zagreb Beer Fest? It’s held in central Franjo Tudman Park, and the entrance is free (you just pay for your beer!).

15. Embrace the Festivities at Zagreb Christmas Market

Zagreb, Croatia Bucket List: Zagreb Christmas Market

From the last week of November until the end of the first week of January, Zagreb’s streets and squares are filled with Christmas cheer.

The Zagreb Christmas Market has one of the longest run times of any in Europe (German markets are usually over by Christmas Day, for example!), meaning you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy mulled wine and Croatian Christmas classics like fritule , a deliciously sweet apple and cinnamon donut.

Unique Things to do in Zagreb, Croatia: Zagreb Christmas Market

The main markets, light shows, and festivities take place in Zagreb’s main square and along the pedestrianized downtown streets (including the iconic Ban Jelacic Square, which by now, we’re sure you’ll be acquainted with). There are organized and impromptu music events and carol singers, you’ll find Christmas treats and delicacies for sale on every street corner while Tomislav Square is turned into one enormous ice skating rink.

To top it all off, temperatures drop rapidly come December, and it’s very possible that you’ll arrive in a city that’s coated with a wintery wonderland-like layer of snow!

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Zagreb. What’s your favorite thing to do in Zagreb?

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About the Author:

Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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Zagreb - the City with a Heart

The impressions of many foreigners who live in Zagreb, business people and tourists can be summed up in a single sentence: a large city which managed to stay romantic and safe . There are unlimited possibilities for visiting music and theatre events, art exhibitions, museums, sporting events and enjoying pleasant walks, interesting architecture, plentiful parks in the centre of the city, pedestrian zones and the atmosphere.

Additional Reason for Visit:

Spacious pedestrian zones with many open cafes with garden and street terraces scattered all over the city add to the charm of Zagreb hospitality . The largest number of cultural and other institutions is located in the centre of the city, on a relatively small area where everything is within walking distance.

Zagreb is the city of international fairs, conventions, business meetings (Zagreb Fair and congresses), as well as sporting events. There are more than 6,000 beds in hotels, some of them belonging to world-famous hotel chains. The number of small and family-owned hotels and hostels is increasing. They all share the same level of professionalism and hospitality.

Green Zagreb

Zagreb has around 30 attractive parks , spreading over the area larger than 400,000 square meters. Among the most representative ones is the so-called Lenuzzi Horseshoe or the Green Horseshoe - a complex of seven squares which frame the downtown area with their parks and green areas in the shape of the letter U. It is also important to mention Maksimir Park and forest with the Zoo, green areas like Jarun recreational centre, Bundek Lake and Sljeme, the highest peak of Medvednica Mountain.

The rich cultural life is reflected in numerous theatre performances, operas and operettas, concerts of modern, classical and jazz music and many festivals. Events in recent years have been very interesting and attract the attention of the performing arts scene thanks to live acts by world-famous artists (U2, Jon Bon Jovi, Shakira, Beyonce, Placido Domingo, etc.)

Apart from a high-quality performance program of the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra , the Zagreb Symphony Orchestra and the Zagreb Soloists, there are many guest performances by world-known orchestras, groups, conductors and soloists. Throughout the year there is a large number of performances in the streets, which adds to Zagreb’s liveliness.

Zagreb Night Life

Today, Zagreb has many discotheques, clubs, pubs, beer halls and lounge bars, night clubs and cocktail bars, several jazz clubs, plenty of cafes and restaurants which, among other things, also offer good entertainment. Those who prefer trying their luck can have fun in the city’s casinos .

The centre of the city is the liveliest area, but the atmosphere is also good at “Zagreb’s sea” - Jarun Lake - where nightlife that can be compared to much more vaunted destinations, thanks to its many clubs and bars.

Large shopping malls in the very heart of the city, pleasant shops with local goods and international designer brands - many of them on a small area of the centre of Zagreb and mostly in pedestrian zones - are the reason why Zagreb is also a favourite shopping destination.

From distinctively Croatian products, along with books, guidebooks and art paintings - we recommend wine, confectionery products and natural cosmetics, artefacts, handmade textile, glass and wooden products. There is also quality clothing, shoes and jewellery made by local designers - products based on international trends, as well as those for which the inspiration is drawn from the rich national heritage of the city with its surroundings and other Croatian regions.

Gastronomy

There are many restaurants, inns and cafes in Zagreb. Zagreb restaurants are renowned for their high quality cuisine, largely consisting of Mediterranean and continental dishes, but also international specialties (there is a large number of European and non-European national restaurants). Excellent wines from Zagreb surrounding and other Croatian regions will make a delicious meal complete.

Best hotels

Esplanade Hotel ★★★★★

Near the Main Train Station

Wellness centre, staff, location

Hotel Dubrovnik ★★★★

Set on Zagreb’s Main Square

Perfect location, parking, pets allowed

Sheraton Hotel ★★★★★

500 m from the Main Train Station

Wellness centre, parking, staff

Hotel Jagerhorn ★★★

Situated in the main pedestrian street

Perfect location, great staff

Hotel 9 ★★★★

1.7 km from the city centre

Great staff, modern furniture, clean

The Westin ★★★★★

Situated in the heart of Zagreb

Wellness centre, city view, location

image gallery

Zagreb European Best Destinations - Copyright xbrchx

Top things to do

Cathedral and archbishop's palace complex.

Built in the 11th century, this magnificent cathedral, partially demolished after an earthquake in 1880, has a new face since the Austrian architect Hermann Bolle added two big towers / arrows that make this cathedral a symbol of Zagreb. Herman Bolle has also worked on two other symbols of the city of Zagreb : the cemetery of Mirogoj and St. Mark's Church.

Top things to do Zagreb - Zagreb Cathedral Copyright TTstudio

The Arcades of Mirogoj cemetery

The Mirogoj Cemetery is one of the places that you have to visit during your stay in Zagreb. Mirogoj, the main cemetery of the city, is located outside the city center but you can easily get to it by car, taxi or bus (Bus 106). The architect Herman Bolle that renovated this cemetery with monumental arches, is the one that renovated the Cathedral of Zagreb and created the magnificent roof of St. Mark church.

Top things to do Zagreb - Mirogoj cemetery copyright SJ Travel Photo and Video

It is the best place in Zagreb for fresh products, most often sold by local producers. The Dolac Market is a market with natural, fresh and cheap fruit and vegetables.

What makes it unique? The Dolac is a daily outdoor market covered with beach umbrellas which give a unique touch to the market for fruit and vegetables, but also flowers, wooden toys...

This market is nicknamed "The belly of Zagreb".

Top things to do Zagreb Dolac Market - Copyright paul prescott

St. Mark's Church

The colourful Church of St. Mark is one of the oldest buildings in Zagreb and of its symbols. It is first mentioned in the list of parish churches in the Kaptol Statute of 1334. It was built in the 13th century; from that first, Romanesque period, only a window in the south wall and the bell-tower foundation are preserved.

Top things to do Zagreb St Mark Copyright Phant

Park Maksimir with the Viewpoint

Park Maksimir, which was originally formed on the outskirts of Zagreb at the end of 18 th and the first half of 19 th century, today is completely surrounded with town settlements. In this new surrounding Park Maksimir still represents a shelter for many plant and animal species, despite its small area of only 316 ha. Its value for the protection of endangered species connected to old hollows is significant because of preserved hundred-year-old oak forests.

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29 Cool Things to Do in Zagreb, Croatia

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

There are so many cool things to do in Zagreb, Croatia. The capital of Croatia is a medium-sized city with a big personality — yet it often ends up in the shadow of the islands, beaches, and waterfalls that define how many travelers see Croatia.

But Zagreb is one of the best places to visit in the country. Here you have a wonderful walking city — parts with candy-colored buildings and traditional cobblestone alleyways, parts that are gleaming and modern, and a fabulous collection of parks. The cafe scene here is fabulous, and here you’ll find the best restaurants in the country.

Zagreb is also home to my favorite museum in the world (yes, the WORLD) — the Museum of Broken Relationships, which will move you again and again with its bite-sized stories of love lost.

Some come to Zagreb for the beginning of your Croatia road trip. Come to Zagreb for a city getaway weekend when the weather is warm. Come to Zagreb for the best Christmas markets you’ve never heard of.

Zagreb is here and waiting for you.

This post was published in April 2023.

Table of Contents

A skyline view of Zagreb, sun dappled on brightly colored buildings and church steeples.

Things to Do in Zagreb Croatia

Some of the best things to do in Zagreb include strolling through Dolac Market , exploring Upper Town , and visiting the superb Museum of Broken Relationships .

I recommend spending one or two days in the city of Zagreb to get the most out of the city before heading on to further destinations in Croatia.

One of the best things to do with kids in Zagreb is visiting the parks — and don’t miss the Botanical Garden !

Like most European capitals, you can visit Zagreb year-round, thanks to there being lots of outdoor and indoor things to do in Zagreb. Spring and fall have the nicest weather, but summer brings festival season and December is all about Christmas markets!

Zagreb has a lot of cool things to do for all kinds of travelers. At the very least, I recommend taking a Zagreb walking tour . This guided tour will introduce you properly to the city, including lots of tourist attractions, and teach you lots of interesting tidbits you never would have known otherwise.

All right, let’s get started. Here are some of the best things to do in Zagreb, Croatia!

A church in Zagreb topped with orange , blue, and white tiles in a pattern underneath a bright blue sky with clouds.

The oldest part of Zagreb is the Upper Town, also known as Gornji Grad, and was first settled in the 11th century. The only way into Upper Town is through a medieval stone gate and at the center you’ll find St. Mark’s Square, home to St. Mark’s Church, a 13th-century church with a tiled and colorful roof.

Zagreb’s Upper Town is located high on a hill above the city and has narrow cobbled streets and beautiful buildings. It’s much quieter than the Lower Town and a historic place great for photos.

To get to Upper Town, you can either walk up the stairs or take the shortest funicular ride in the world. It costs 0.66 EUR (less than $1) to ride the funicular railway to Upper Town, making it a fun part of the experience.

A woman crossing a busy street with tram tracks in Zagreb.

Lower Town is where you’ll find Zagreb’s city center. It’s the busiest area in the city and home to high-end shops, street vendors, restaurants, bars, and parks. This is the stop for concerts, festivals, cultural events, and more.

Lower Town, also called Donji Grad, is known for its variety of museums and its amazing architecture, where modern architecture meets crenellated pastel buildings.

You can spend time here just strolling the different streets in the center of Zagreb, popping into cafes that look inviting.

People walking down a cobblestoned street with colorful buildings and street cafes.

Tkalčićeva Street

Located in Lower Town, Tkalčićeva Street (locals call it Tkalča) extends from Ban Jelačić Square, the central square of Zagreb. The street was once a river that separated the two early districts of Zagreb — Gradec and Kaptol — until the end of the 19th century. After contamination and pollution from all the shops, the river was filled and turned into a street.

Once a well-known brothel street (spicy!), today it’s famous for its bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops. The buildings are very colorful, making it one of the most photographed places in the city.

It’s of the most popular places to visit in Zagreb and the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, or people-watch, and enjoy Zagreb. I recommend stopping for a morning coffee and an evening beer.

A fresh produce market outside in Zagreb with lots of red umbrellas, a church tower in the background.

Dolac Market

Dolac Market is an open-air farmer’s market in Zagreb that has been operating daily since 1930. It’s located very close to Ban Jelačić Square and has both an open area and a covered market.

Farmers from surrounding region sell their fresh produce and homemade goods. You’ll find bakery items, flowers, souvenirs, butcheries, fresh pasta vendors, and a fish market. You can truly find it all at Dolac Market! (Even a Dolac Market food tour — more on that below.)

Definitely pop in here, even if you don’t plan on cooking during your Zagreb visit. Pick up some outstandingly fresh fruit to snack on.

Museum of Broken Relationships

The Museum of Broken Relationships is my favorite museum in the world. Seriously. I love it more than any museum I’ve visited in New York, Paris, Rome, you name it. This museum is a collection of artifacts that people submit from their past relationships, along with a story.

This museum! There is so much vulnerability that people share, and with just a few paragraphs you hear the whole story. The cork from a bottle of a champagne a woman popped to celebrate her leaving the man who cheated on her. A video game from an ex who didn’t pay attention to her. An Oktoberfest gingerbread cookie from a long-distance relationship that couldn’t make it.

You will want to read every single story in this museum. They’re so funny, and sad, and uplifting. Sometimes they even make you reevaluate your life.

The museum is located in the Kulmer Palace in the Upper Town. Admission is is 7 EUR ($8) per adult. And if you’re traveling the world, you’ll often see pop-up exhibitions of the museum. I once went to one in New York!

Looking for more quirky museums in Zagreb? Don’t miss the Croatian Museum of Naive Art (no, that’s not a typo), the Zagreb Ethnographic Museum , the Museum of Illusions , the Mimara Museum , and the Museum of Contemporary Art .

A man pouring hot water from a silver teapot into a Chemex glass coffee vial.

Visit Cool Cafes

I love seeking out cool cafes on my travels, and always need a caffeinated afternoon pick-me-up! (Here’s a tip — search for “flat white” on Google Maps and you’ll find the good coffee spots.) Zagreb is home to a fantastic coffee scene with numerous third wave coffee shops, including some that roast their beans in-house.

Elliscaffe is an absolute MUST for hardcore coffee snobs. Here you can have coffee prepared in a variety of scientific ways with outrageously good beans from all over the world.

Botaničar is located near the Zagreb Botanical Gardens and it’s both a cafe and bar. The establishment is full of greenery with a retro vibe, inspired by the nearby gardens. The menu has a variety of drinks including coffee, tea, craft beer, and wine. It also doubles as an art gallery.

Finjak has one of the most ostentatious interiors in Zagreb, with heavy gold picture frames and chandeliers hovering above the tables. It’s quite a classy coffee shop with its luxury and timeless decor. You’ll find French teas, coffee, juice, and beer.

Quahwa earns rave reviews from coffee-loving Zagreb residents, featuring gourmet roasted beans and a sleek-yet-cozy interior.

If you’re a cat lover, visiting the Cat Caffe is a must! Cats roam freely through the cafe so you can pet and cuddle them all you want. You can enjoy a cup of coffee in a relaxing and loving environment. Especially nice if you’re missing your fur babies at home.

Zagreb Botanical Garden

Located in Lower Town Zagreb, Zagreb Botanical Garden was founded in 1889 as part of the University of Zagreb. Today, there are over 10,000 species of plants in the garden, including 1,800 exotic plants.

With extensive grounds covering 12 acres of land, it’s a great place to explore, relax, and enjoy the greenery and blooming flowers. There are also ponds for the water plants.

The Botanical Garden is open at 9:00 AM daily and closes at 2:30 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays and at 7:00 PM the rest of the week. Adult tickets are 2 EUR ($2 USD). The gardens are closed during the winter months.

If you’re looking to visit more parks in Zagreb, don’t miss Maksimir Park, the largest park in Zagreb, as well as Zrinjevac Park.

A building lined with green columns covered with ivy.

Mirogoj Cemetery

The Mirogoj Cemetery was built in 1876 and designed by the same architect who worked on the Zagreb Cathedral and St. Mark’s Church. You might be surprised to see how gorgeous the architecture is here, with ivy-covered porticoes stretching along the length of the monument.

There are over 300,000 people buried at Mirogoj Cemetery, including many wealthy and famous Croats you may recognize. Even if you don’t know anyone, the graves are often works of art. It’s one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe.

It’s free to visit the cemetery and one of the best things to do in Zagreb when you need fresh air and nature. It’s open from dawn to dusk.

A cyclist in Zagreb riding past a busy coffee shop.

Explore Zagreb on a Bike Tour

Do you like to enjoy new cities by bicycle? It’s not my thing, but if you enjoy that, GOOD FOR YOU! Seriously! You can get some exercise in and easily see a lot of landmarks in a much shorter amount of time than on foot.

On this 2.5-hour guided bike tour , you’ll start in the city center, explore Lower Town, take a quick coffee break, and head to Upper Town, before ending back up in the main square. The bike rental, coffee, and water are included.

Keep in mind that Zagreb has some hills. If that makes you excited, go ahead!

Scallops shells filled with a mix of seafood, rice, and vegetables.

Go on a Zagreb Food Tour

Going on a food tour is one of my favorite things to do when I arrive in a new city or especially a new country, and Zagreb is no exception. Right away you’ll learn what the local foods are, some of the best spots for getting them, and you’ll be enjoying them the rest of your trip!

When it comes to guided food tours, you have a few options. If you’re interested in food and history, try this three-hour food tour , which includes food at three different Zagreb restaurants.

You can also take a 3.5 hour foodie tour of Dolac Market to enjoy the best of Zagreb’s local produce, from burek to štrukli pastry to prosciutto and cheese.

A glass of white wine in front of a plate of two different cheeses.

Wine Tasting

Croatia is an underrated wine destination. Because the producers tend to be small, Croatian wine is tough to find in the US (I remember nearly rejoicing when Croatian wine was on the menu at The Purple Pig in Chicago!), so take advantage while you’re in Zagreb. Why not head out on a wine tour in the city?

On this 1.5-hour Zagreb wine tasting tour , you’ll learn about Croatia’s various wine regions and taste four different Croatian wines. In addition to the wines, you’ll be able to snack on Croatian treats like prosciutto, cheese, and more. Plus you’ll get a lesson on the wine secrets of Croatia. This tour lasts 1.5 hours and can be booked here.

For those looking for a more in-depth wine tasting, this two-hour Zagreb wine tasting tour includes seven wines from all over the country. this tour. It lasts 2 hours and also features a platter of Croatian snacks like prosciutto, cheese, bread, olives, and pumpkin seed oil.

People cooking in a kitchen over bubbling pots.

Croatian Cooking Class

Learning to cook a new dish for loved ones at home is the ultimate souvenir, which is why it’s awesome to take a cooking class while traveling! Croatian food doesn’t get as much attention as some of its neighboring cuisines, but there is so much to enjoy.

This Zagreb cooking class first takes you on a stroll through Dolac Market with your guide showing you how to choose the perfect local ingredients.

You’ll learn to make three dishes including an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert, all of which you get to enjoy with a glass of Croatian wine.

A person using a flame to shape a glass test tube into a sculpture.

Learn Flameworking and Make Glass Art

For a truly unique experience in Zagreb, you can try glass sculpting! This is a great way to learn a new craft and take home a unique souvenir.

You’ll visit a glassmaking studio in the heart of Zagreb, where you’ll be working with small handheld torches rather than blowing glass into the giant glory holes you see on Blown Away .

You’ll use your torch to sculpt a glass-blown vase or pendant of your own. After one week, your item will be available for pickup or shipment. You can book this tour here.

A woman with a French braid holding a fierce hawk on her gloved arm.

Learn Falconry Outside the City

Looking for one of the most unusual things to do in Zagreb? Consider a falconry tour ! You’ll visit Medvedgrad Castle on Mt. Medvednica, which has amazing views of the city, and you’ll get to see a falconry demonstration firsthand.

This tour includes round-trip transportation from Zagreb. First, you’ll spend two hours at the castle where you can explore it and learn about its history. You’ll then go for the falconry demonstration and watch highly trained birds of prey and their connection with a person.

A couple with their arms around each other, peering into a telescope overlooking Zagreb.

Book a Professional Photo Shoot in Zagreb

I love booking photo shoots in different cities I visit through Airbnb Experiences. This way, you’ll end up with high quality photos of yourself in a beautiful location — oh, and you won’t have to ask strangers to take your photo or stick to selfies.

This photographer focuses on portraits , the kinds that look expensive, and takes you around the most beautiful neighborhoods in Zagreb.

This photographer will give you a 50-shot package with shots taken throughout the city. You’ll also receive a guide to their favorite places in Zagreb, including restaurants and coffee shops.

A tiny church on an island in a lake surrounded by mountains.

Visit Slovenia

I know, I completely understand — Croatia is great, but it’s hard NOT to visit another country when you’re SO CLOSE! Zagreb is located very close to the Slovenian border. If you have the time, consider taking a trip to the nearby country.

I recommend visiting the enchanting small city of Ljubljana, which is an hour and 45 minutes from Zagreb by bus (90 minutes by car). If you’re willing to go further, the spectacular lakeside town of Bled is a two-hour drive from Zagreb, which I only recommend doing by car.

Want to join a group tour? This day trip from Zagreb includes both Ljubljana and Bled! You’ll visit Ljubljana’s old city center, the Ljubljana River’s Triple Bridge, Bled Castle, and Lake Bled, where you’ll go on a wooden boat ride.

This full day tour lasts approximately 13 hours, so just know that this one is a long one.

Read More: Scenes from a Slovenia Road Trip

An overhead view of a pathway leading between green lakes in front of several waterfalls in the Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Visit the Plitvice Lakes

So many people I know who visited Croatia did so because they saw a picture of Plitvice Lakes National Park. This area is filled with cascading waterfalls and looks straight out of Fern Gully. It’s also one of Croatia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This is one of my favorite places to enjoy nature in Croatia, but keep in mind it gets very busy during the summer months, especially around the popular Lower Lakes.

If you’re road-tripping through Croatia, I recommend visiting the Plitvice Lakes on the way to the Dalmatian Coast, spending two nights in the area so you have one full day at the national park before continuing your trip.

But if you’re only visiting Zagreb and not road-tripping, you might prefer doing an organized day trip from Zagreb, which is about a two-hour drive each way.

This Plitvice Lakes tour departs from Zagreb, visits the lakes and surrounding area, and returns 10 hours later.. It includes round trip transportation, admission fees to the National Park, and a tour guide during your trip.

An aerial shot of a pretty-looking small town with orange roofs and a white and orange castle.

Day Trip to Varaždin and Trakošćan Castle

Varazdin is a beautiful Baroque town about an hour’s drive from Zagreb, and it makes a worthwhile day trip from Zagreb. You can add on to your day by visiting Trakošćan Castle, which is perched on a hill on a river and looks straight out of a fairy tale.

You can visit both Varaždin and Trakošćan Castle on this organized day trip from Zagreb , which lets you sit back and enjoy the scenery with the expertise of a tour guide.

You can also easily visit these spots on your own if you have a rental car.

An advent wreath with candles lit in front of Christmas market stalls in Zagreb.

Celebrate Advent in Zagreb

Croatia may not be what first comes to mind for Christmas markets in Europe — but I promise you, they are ESPECIALLY good here. Christmas here is a festival called Advent in Zagreb, which takes place from the last week in November into early January.

Advent is a merry time of year in Zagreb, and the city is full of Christmas lights, themed streets, and an outdoor skating rink. It also continues to grow larger every holiday season.

If you’re visiting Zagreb during Christmas time, expect festive huts selling souvenirs and food, Christmas lights in gorgeous displays everywhere, and smiling locals enjoying the holiday spirit.

A row of crenellated buildings in Zagreb and a building celebrating the World Cup in front of it.

Where to Stay in Zagreb

I recommend staying in or close to the Old Town of Zagreb to maximize your time in Croatia’s capital. You’ll be able to explore the city on foot — always a huge plus — and have everything at your fingertips.

Here are the top-rated hotels in Zagreb:

Top-Rated Luxury Hotel in Zagreb: Hotel Le Premier is gorgeous, classy, and conveniently in the heart of the Lower Town.
Top-Rated Mid-Range Hotel in Zagreb: Manda Heritage Hotel offers rooms with a modern flair and the staff earns raves.
Top-Rated Budget Hotel in Zagreb: National Plus is in a decent location with simple, clean rooms.

Find deals on Zagreb hotels here.

A gate reading "Strossmartre" in front of a narrow street lined with trees and cafes.

How Much Time to Spend in Zagreb

I think a day or two is enough time to sink your teeth into Zagreb and get to know the city — though if you have more than two days, you can always explore more deeply, or take a day trip or two!

At minimum, I recommend you have one full day in Zagreb. Spend it exploring both the Lower and Upper Towns, and don’t forget the Museum of Broken Relationships.

A bright blue tram heading down the street in Zagreb.

How to Get To Zagreb

If you’re arriving in Croatia by air, you’ll probably fly into Zagreb Airport. You can find connections throughout Europe, both on Croatian airlines and various other airlines. If you’re coming from the US, you might fly via Frankfurt or London or Milan. Check flight pricing on Skyscanner here.

Zagreb is also connected by train, with direct journeys to Ljubljana, Vienna, Belgrade, Split, and more. Keep in mind that trains don’t run to Dubrovnik. There is also a strong bus network in Croatia and I recommend comparing bus and train times and prices, because in this country the bus is often better than the train.

And I absolutely love exploring Croatia by car, and highly recommend it. Roads are in great condition, drivers are decent, so many destinations are easily accessed by road, and it’s a very easy to travel by road trip.

As for getting around Zagreb, you can walk around quite a bit of the city, while supplementing your journeys with trams and buses. Uber exists in Zagreb, too.

A man on a horse statue in Zagreb, surrounded with bright pink blossoms in springtime.

Best Time to Visit Zagreb

If you’re looking for a pleasant climate without too many tourists, the best time to visit Zagreb is during the spring and fall. Think April through June, and late September through October.

Croatia is very busy during the summer months, with many people coming for the islands and beaches, but deciding to visit the Croatian capital as well. This can be a crowded and expensive time of year, but Zagreb’s crowds are never on the level of, say, Dubrovnik’s.

In terms of festivals, like most European cities, Zagreb puts on a number of fun festivals in the summer months. Advent in Zagreb makes the city particularly festive and joyous between late November and early January.

That said, Zagreb is a city full of museums, cafes, and restaurants, and that means you can have a great time here year-round. Yes, even in the winter. I wouldn’t be opposed to visiting Zagreb in the winter. Just make sure you bring a nice winter jacket and some gloves!

Travel Insurance for Zagreb

A lot of people don’t think it’s necessary to get travel insurance for Croatia — after all, it’s a safe country with decent healthcare. But you need it, even in Zagreb. If you get sick or injured on your trip, if you get robbed, or even if you have to be flown home, travel insurance will protect you from financial ruin. I have used World Nomads for trips to Croatia.

I have thankfully never needed to call my travel insurance for help while in Croatia — but I do have a friend who had to visit the hospital after being stung by a wasp in Split, one who sprained her ankle after falling down the steps in Dubrovnik, and one who got her wallet stolen and needed to go to the police station.

While Croatia’s hospital prices aren’t anywhere near what the US would charge you, you could end up paying a lot of money for a serious medical issue. But travel insurance protects you and refunds you for your costs. It’s the kind of thing you don’t know you need until you need it. See if World Nomads is right for you here.

A couple walking past a dilapidated looking brick house now housing a cafe.

Is Zagreb Worth it?

Yes, visiting Zagreb is definitely worth visiting, even if you’re planning on visiting islands and beaches for the rest of your Croatia trip! Visiting Zagreb will give you a much greater insight into what Croatia is today — and that’s before you include the shops, coffeeshops and museums.

Enjoy your time in Zagreb — then I hope you head on to one of my many favorite destinations in Croatia!

Planning a Trip to Croatia:

Two Weeks in Croatia Itinerary
What NOT to Do in Croatia
Best Time to Visit Croatia
Solo Female Travel in Croatia: Is it Safe?
30 Stunning Mediterranean Islands To Visit In Your Lifetime

Croatian Islands and the Dalmatian Coast:

30 Fabulous Things to Do in Split, Croatia
29 Sunny Things to Do in Hvar, Croatia
How to Spend Three Days in Dubrovnik
Why Korčula, Croatia, is the Coolest Island of All
Vis, Croatia, is a Quietly Stunning Island
Dubrovnik Survival Guide
The Waterfalls of Krka National Park
A Place Like Zadar

Istria and the North:

Guide to Rovinj, Croatia’s Prettiest City
Places to Visit in Istria, Croatia’s Italian-Flavored Peninsula

Have you been to Zagreb? What’s your favorite thing to do? Share away!

2 thoughts on “29 Cool Things to Do in Zagreb, Croatia”

Thanks for this great post – I thought Zagreb was a cool, quirky city and so many people who visit Croatia don’t spend time there. I loved the Museum of Broken Relationships, too! I especially liked how they weren’t all romantic relationships that broke. One exhibit that always stays in my mind was the bra that belonged to a woman who had a mastectomy.

Kate, thanks for another great post. I agree that the Museum of Broken Relationships is great. I can’t say it’s my favorite museum, though, that honor goes to Musee d’Orsay in Paris. Hubby and I went to the Love Stories Museum in Dubrovnik, hoping to enjoy it as much as the Museum of Broken Relationships, but it was disappointing.

Where to Stay in Zagreb: 8 Best Areas

Plush hotels, elegant restaurants, trendy bars, and a booming café culture. What’s not to like, when you’re debating where to stay in Zagreb ? The city isn’t just the country’s capital, but the scientific, cultural, economic, and political centre of Croatia, as well as home to the Croatian Government, Parliament, and President.

Zagreb’s turbulent history, both old and modern, can be seen in the different architectural styles around the city, in its museums, and in its varied cultural activities.

Its young, energetic population contributes to an atmospheric buzzing street scene, that is enticing increasing numbers of city-break enthusiasts to come visit.

To look a little deeper into what drives this enchanting old city, stay with us, as we shortlist the best areas to stay in Zagreb.

Table of Contents

Where to stay in Zagreb: 8 Best Areas

1. Upper Town, where to stay in Zagreb for first time visitors

Nestling between the hill of Kaptol and slopes of Gradec, Upper Town is the oldest area with a history dating back to the 11th century.

Immigrants arriving from the Mediterranean and countries across southern Europe, have provided the city a rich, multicultural heritage that is evident in the architecture and lifestyles in Upper Town, and other areas of the metropolis.

The Upper Town area is one of pretty 17th and 18th century pastel coloured homes and businesses, that line the twisting narrow streets , enticing you through to the main square.

From the main square (Trg Jelacica), a gentle uphill stroll toward Kaptol will bring you to the daily food market at Dolac . The market is open from 7am to 1pm every day.

Attracting locals from across the area, the market provides an interesting insight into day to day Croatian life, as you enjoy a coffee on the terrace of a local café.

Approaching the market, you will be able to pick out the twin spires of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary , dating back to the 13th century. Much of the cathedral was later damaged in an earthquake, and rebuilt in the early 20th century.

If you fancy a little bohemian living Croatian style, wandering east will get you to Tkalciceva. A narrow, colourful street full of small independent cafes, coffee-shops, restaurants, and bars.

With tables spread out along the walkway, it is one of Upper Town’s main social hubs, and a big part of the local street scene both day and night.

If you feel the need to spend a little time underground, head toward Radiceva and Mesnica streets . Here you will find the Gric tunnel , a one-time air raid and bomb shelter, and later storage area, it is now Zagreb’s latest tourist attraction, and can be walked through from 9am to 9pm.

Upper Town also boasts a few excellent museums including the City Museum , charting the city’s history using arts and crafts and, an interesting one, The Museum of Broken Relationships . A must visit, even if it’s just to find out how they got broken in the first place.

Ivan Mestrovic is one of Croatia’s most famous sculptors, and the Mestrovic Studio exhibiting a selection of his work can be found in Upper Town.

One of Zagreb’s most photographed attractions is the 13th century St Marks Church, with much of its interior dating from the 14th century.

Its colourful roof was designed in the late 1800s, and displays the ancient coat of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia on one side, and the Zagreb coat of arms on the other.

Close by you will also find the Croatian Parliament, the presidential palace, and the Gallery of Naïve Art.

There is an active and varied night scene in Upper Town, with local and international restaurants, bars to suit all tastes, and clubs such as Confusion, E11 Club, and City Rhythm, where you can party through the night.

Upper Town is a popular area to stay in Zagreb, but hotel accommodation is at a premium , with private lets making up the balance.

2. Kaptol, a pretty area to stay for exploring Zagreb

Considered by many a part of Upper Town, and by others a separate area, Kaptol skirts the top of the Upper Town border , with areas of the two districts often overlapping.

The history of Kaptol was first documented in 1094, when it became an ecclesiastical settlement, and the Zagreb diocese was located at Kaptol, along with a bishop’s residence and Zagreb Cathedral.

In the early days of Zagreb; Gradec and Kaptol were two separate towns, split by the River Medveščak, before eventually merging in the 19th century to become a part of the expanding city.

From the Dolac market , which borders the two areas, Kaptol’s main claim to fame is its majestic Gothic Cathedral , and 25 diocese manors built between the Middle Ages and 19th century.

Although a mainly residential area, Kaptol has increasing numbers of souvenir shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants to cater for growing visitor numbers.

It also has a large modern shopping mall in the Nova Ves district, and three large parks for those relaxing picnic times.

Pleasant evenings can be spent in the café/bars and restaurants around Kaptol. If you want a little more, a short stroll downhill will get you to the Upper Town area and Tkalciceva Street, where you are never far from the nightclubs.

Although there are limited hotels in Kaptol, hostels and private lets from studios to villas are available to take up the slack.

3. Lower Town, the place to stay in Zagreb for the arts and history buffs

Known locally as Donji Grad, Lower Town is one of Zagreb’s 17 local districts, and also the city centre. It stretches from Trg Jelacica Square on the edge of Upper Town, to the city’s main rail station.

In contrast to Upper Town with its winding narrow streets, Lower Town boasts almost boulevard style wide streets , flanked by impressive architecture from the Austria-Hungarian era , and frontages from the secession style of the early 20th century.

This whole area, stretching from the train station to Trg Marsala Tita and the National Theatre, is called the Green Horseshoe, and includes immaculately kept gardens and tree lined streets.

Lower Town is also heaven for the museum lovers, with no less than seven to be found around the area. Mimara museum (art museum) is located in Roosevelt Square, and one of the city’s most popular with over 3,750 exhibits.

The Ethnographic Museum is the place to learn all about Croatian culture, lifestyle and costumes. The Archaeological Museum has artifacts from prehistoric times through to the medieval period, and includes the largest coin collection in Europe.

The Museum of Arts and Crafts covers everything you can think of. Over 100,000 items from furniture to glass and metal, ceramics and sculpture to graphic arts, paintings, design, and photography, through to fabrics, fashion, and musical instruments. Whatever your crafting interests, this museum covers it.

The Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters is housed in a beautiful 19th century building in Trg (Square) Nikole Zrinskog 11, and covers art works from the 14th to 19th centuries.

Overlooking Zrinjevac Park, in Andrije Hebranga 1 street, The National Museum of Modern Art highlights the work of Croatian artists and sculptors from the 19th to the 21st centuries.

Finally, The Art Pavilion of Zagreb can be found just south of Nikola Subić Zrinski Square, and has regularly changing exhibitions of modern art from the 20th century.

The Lower Town area also has some excellent parks to enjoy including the seven squares of the Green Horseshoe, and Maksimir Park, one of the oldest in Europe, and home to Zagreb’s zoo with over 275 different wildlife species.

For a city of less than a million people, the nightlife in Zagreb is remarkably varied, with the most popular late bars and nightclubs focussed around Lower Town, Upper Town, and Lake Jarun.

There are excellent café/bars and restaurants in Lower Town to suit most tastes and palates.

Hotel accommodation is also good, with a varied selection of 4-star and 5-star hotels , as well as hostels and self-catering apartments.

Read also: Best places to stay in Dubrovnik , best places to stay in Split , best places to stay in Hvar

4. British Square, a must visit for open-air market lovers and the curious

Not an area, but a large square on Ilica Street , west of Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb’s Lower Town.

What makes this square deserving of its own slice of the article, is its popularity with both locals and visitors, who travel from far and wide to enjoy the sociability, and purchase fresh produce from one of the few remaining genuine farmers markets in Croatia.

If you’re an early bird, the daily market starts around 6am, and you will see chefs from hotels and restaurants all over the city bartering for the best cheeses, cream, vegetables, and fruits.

All of which will end up on hungry diners plates the same evening. As the morning progresses, local housewives arrive, to buy their own share of the fresh produce, before the market closes around 1pm.

But British Square is far more than just a farmers market. Both bus and tram routes from across the area start and end at the square’s terminus. And its surrounding cafes and coffee shops are a focal point for refreshment with locals, travellers, and those exploring the city.

On a Sunday, the square hosts a popular collectibles, antiques, and flea market , and is a great place to seek out those genuine mementos of your time in Zagreb. Who knows, you may even pick up a genuine Croatian antique.

On a Thursday evening, (although that can change) look out for the square’s ‘Old School Night’. Organised by the local ‘Tom Tom’ club, it is a gathering of old classic and vintage cars, vans, cycles, and motorbikes, and includes videos of the history of traffic growth in Zagreb.

To make things easier, there are plenty of good hotels and apartments just a couple of minutes walk from the square.

5. Novi Zagreb, where to stay in Zagreb on a budget

If you’re backpacking, touring on a budget , or just prefer to stay away from the tourist hot-spots, Novi Zagreb could be the place to do it.

At the end of WWII, Croatia was a part of socialist Yugoslavia, and the city fathers decided to expand Zagreb across the River Sava, with grand plans to provide housing for the masses.

Large apartment tower blocks were built, many of which still stand today, and locals and newcomers from other areas of Yugoslavia, began to populate the area.

Now, Novi Zagreb has matured into a popular residential area, with modern shopping malls, hotels, shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants.

So too has much of the architecture. From bland concrete high-rises to modern construction, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) . The first significant museum built in Zagreb for over 100 years.

The MCA is over 14,500 square-metres, housing modern art dating from the 1920s, and works from many of Croatia’s abstract-geometric artists from the 1950s.

If murals are your thing, take a stroll through the Dugave neighbourhood, and take a look at Zagreb’s version of street art, and the Street Art Museum.

If you’re looking to rest those weary legs, enjoy a couple of relaxing hours at Bundek Park with its pretty lake, or The Park of the Newlyweds , with its children’s playground.

For a little window shopping or retail therapy, head for the Arena shopping centre , or Avenue Mall . While on a Sunday, pay a visit to the Hrelić flea market , for some serious souvenir hunting.

Like most city suburbs, Novi Zagreb has a varied selection of restaurants and bars for night time entertainment . Quiet and laid-back for older couples and families, or busy and lively aimed at the 18 to 30s, the choice is yours.

A good selection of hotels and apartment s are available, and generally cheaper than the city centre , like for like.

6. Jarun, a middle-class area great for families

If you’re considering where to stay in Zagreb with the children , Jarun may fit the bill. A couple of days wandering around museums, churches, shops, and markets might seem like bliss to mum and dad.

But boredom all too often sets in with the kids, and begins to spoil what is otherwise a pleasant few days exploring. A stay in Jarun may just solve that problem.

In the 1970s, still part of the socialist Eastern-Bloc, Jarun was a small village on the southern edge of the city. As part of Zagreb’s expansion in 1972, a number of high-rise apartment blocks were constructed in the village.

However, in the early 1980s things were about to change, and would propel Jarun into being one of the most popular areas of the city. Zagreb was picked to host the 1987 Universiade, a student version of the Olympic Games.

As part of the preparation for the games, a large man-made lake over two-kilometres in length and with five artificial islands, was constructed, to hold the rowing and water sports events. It was the birth of Lake Jarun.

Today, nearly 35 years later, Lake Jarun is a large public park where all can enjoy the numerous activities. With a man-made shingle beach, sunbeds, parasols, shops, and cafes, you could be enjoying a day at the seaside.

There are water-sports of all kinds including swimming, windsurfing, yachting, rowing, pedalos, and kayaking. Around the lake are over six-kilometres of horse riding, cycling, jogging, and hiking trails.

Lake Jarun’s activities don’t end when the sun goes down. On the north-east corner of the lake are numerous bars and nightclubs, including the famous Aquarius, where you can party the night away. It is also the venue for the annual three day music festival INmusic.

There is a good selection of shops, bars, hotels, apartments, and eateries around the Jarun neighbourhood.

Being just a 15-minute tram ride from the centre, you can do a little sightseeing in the morning, and the kids can burn off that pent-up energy in the afternoon.

7. Maksimir, a pleasant district for all visitors

Maksimir is located centrally within the city boundaries. Primarily a residential and business area, it stretches from Kvaternik Square in the south-west, to the main road junctions for Maksimirska Street, Bukovacka Street, and Svetice Street.

It is also home to the campus of the University Hospital of Zagreb, the national football stadium, (home to NK Dinamo) , and Maksimir Park.

The park is a big draw locally. Opened to the public in 1794, it is one of the oldest public parks in the world.

With its 780 acres of 100-years old oaks, five lakes, streams, meadows, and trails, it makes for a tranquil environment away from the city hustle and bustle. Somewhere the kids can burn off some of that extra energy, and you can enjoy a little down time.

In the park you will also find the Bellevue Pavilion , circa 1843, The Lantern Temple , known as Echo Pavilion, a Swiss style cottage, St Juraj Chapel, and numerous sculptures.

Zagreb Zoo is also at the southern end of the park, and houses over 275 species of aquatics and animals.

Being just a short tram ride from the city centre, the area has a good selection of accommodation, bars, restaurants, cafes and shops, to keep you busy both day and night.

If you prefer your stay in Zagreb to be a little off the beaten track, take a closer look at Maksimir.

8. Zagreb Airport, the gateway to your long weekend

While searching through your hotel preferences for where to stay in Zagreb, it would be a mistake to just flick past airport hotels. In many instances, airport hotels are cheaper than city centre hotels , to keep themselves competitive.

Not only can you save money, but Zagreb’s airport has a number of hotels just minutes away, meaning you can be dropping your bags in your room 20 minutes after landing, grabbing a cab, and enjoying that first drink in less than an hour.

Choosing to stay in a hotel close to the airport also means no more worrying about that last drink on your last night, because you have to be up earlier to get to the airport.

20 minutes after getting up, you can be leaving your hotel, checking in at departures, and enjoying breakfast before boarding your flight.

Transfer time from the airport to Zagreb is around 20 minutes , with a choice of shuttles, cabs, buses or trams.

tourist in zagreb

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15 Best Things to Do in Zagreb (Croatia)

3. Lower Town

4. Jelačić Square

5. Go out in Tkalčićeva Street

6. Dolac Market

7. Statue of Marija Jurić Zagorka

8. Mimara Museum

9. Archaeological Museum

10. Pick up a Licitar

11. Lenuci Horseshoe

12. Jarun Lake

13. Museum of Broken Relationships

14. Samobor

15. Karlovac

15 Best Things to Do in Zagreb (Croatia):

16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Zagreb

1. Take a Stroll through Zagreb's Upper Town (Gornji Grad)

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How long to spend in Zagreb?

Getting to Zagreb

What is Zagreb like?

Quick history of Zagreb

Things to do in Zagreb

1. Museum of Broken Relationships

2. Visit art museums in Zagreb

3. More museums

4. Take a free walking tour

5. Visit St Mark’s Church

6. Walk through the Stone Gate

7. See Vegas chandeliers inside Zagreb Cathedral!

8. Ban Josip Jelačić Square

9. Shop at Tržnica Dolac Market

More markets

10. People-watch on Tkalčićeva Street

11. Buy souvenirs (cravats and truffles) on Radićeva

12. Ride the tiny funicular to Upper Town

13. Grič Tunnel

14. Soak up views from Strossmayer Promenade

15. The Lotrščak Tower – climb for sunset views

16. Catch a show at the National Theatre

17. Zagreb 360° Observation Deck – temporarily closed in 2024

18. Admire the Oktagon

19. Learn about the 1990s war

20. Relax in Park Maksimir

Foodie things to do in Zagreb

21. Try štrukli (cheese heaven)

22. The coffee scene

23. Try truffles

24. Take a food tour

25. Sample Croatian tapas at Heritage

26. Meat coma at Pri Zvoncu

27. Try Bosnian/Serbian food

Unusual things to do in Zagreb

28. Find street art

29. Kaptol Boutique Cinema & Bar

30. Mirogoj Cemetery

Take day trips from Zagreb

31. Plitvice Lakes

32. Truffle hunting in Istria

What NOT to do in Zagreb

The Museum of Hangovers

Ride the tram in the wrong direction

Go for a coffee at Booksa

Where to stay in Zagreb

How to get around Zagreb

Is Zagreb solo travel friendly?

Thanks for reading!

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25 Wonderful Things to Do in Zagreb, Croatia

Why visit Zagreb

How many days for visiting Zagreb?

How to get to Zagreb

How to get around Zagreb

Things to do in Zagreb

Admire the beautiful architecture of the Lower Town

Wander around the Upper Town

Ride one of the shortest funiculars in the world