tourist sites in zagreb

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.

See also: Where to Stay in Zagreb

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.

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.

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Exploring the Dalmatian Coast : The Dalmatian Coast is Croatia's most popular tourist area. Here, you will find the country's most impressive medieval town, Dubrovnik, which also served as the set for some Game of Thrones episodes. For more on exploring this amazing city, check out our article on the top attractions in Dubrovnik . Another top destination on this stretch of coastline is the dynamic city of Split. For more on how to experience this historical city, see our article on the top tourist attractions in Split .

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Home » Travel Guides » Croatia » 15 Best Things to Do in Zagreb (Croatia)

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

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

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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

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

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.

Read next: Zagreb street art guide

Take a street art tour of Zagreb with a local guide .

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…

• Croatia itinerary for 1 week
• How to include Croatia in an epic Balkans itinerary
• The top Zagreb coffee shops
• The perfect Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes day tour
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• Where to eat in Split
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• Guide to Marjan Hill Split
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• A day trip to Pag Island from Zadar, Croatia
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TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR VISITING EUROPE Getting around by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Driving in Europe – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in European countries (and all around the world). For trains, I use RailEurope and Trainline . The search features allow you to compare prices and book in advance. For buses, I use FlixBus . Find journeys between European countries from €1!  Use Omio to compare trains and buses in one search. It’s so handy! For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse tours and activities on GetYourGuide . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

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!

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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.

Car rental: Compare prices and find the best deals on rental cars in Croatia on Discover Cars .

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!

Further reading

I published many articles about Croatia that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 33 Best Places to Visit in Croatia
• The Bay of Abandoned Hotels in Kupari, Croatia – the Urbex Heaven
• 23 Amazing Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
• How to visit Krka National Park in Croatia
• 11 Perfect Day Trips From Split, Croatia
• 17 Fantastic Things to Do in Hvar, Croatia
• Visiting the Abandoned Željava Air Base in Croatia
• 19 Best Things to Do in Rijeka, Croatia
• Visit Opatija, Croatia – the Charming Seaside Town
• and many more!

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in the Balkans and ask your questions there.

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!

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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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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.  

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. 

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.

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. 

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.  

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. 

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 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.

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.  

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.

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.

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).

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.  

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 .

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.  

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.     

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 .

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.  

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. 

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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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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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• The Top 10 Things To...

The Top 10 Things to Do and See in Zagreb, Croatia

While Croatia is best known for its coastline, the landlocked capital is less recognised by visitors. It’s time to put Zagreb in the spotlight. Sights such as Ilica Street, King Tomislav Square or the Museum of Broken Relationships cater for everyone. Discover this inspiring city rich of history, culture and lovely people with this top 10 list.

1. the upper town.

Historical Landmark

Narrow cobblestone streets, captivating buildings, historical surroundings, the Upper Town will charm you away. If you want to feel and see the old part of the city, this is the place to start. You can reach the Upper Town either by stairs or funicular. Either way, the trip up the hill is worth your while. From street to street you can sightsee the best places of the upper town, including St Mark’s Church, whose beauty is seen from afar thanks to its distinctive roof.

2. Maksimir Park and Zagreb Zoo

3. the zagreb eye.

Architectural Landmark

The Zagreb Eye observation deck is a visual paradise for lofty view seekers. It has 360-degree views so you won’t miss a thing. Here, you can see the whole city panorama and its fabulous surroundings from the 16th floor, and there is a lot to see, including old historic structures and modern skyscrapers. Zagreb is a picturesque city and this is the place for its charm to unravel in front of your eyes.

5. Zagreb Cathedral

Building, Cathedral

6. Mali Medo

Bar, Croatian

7. Museum of Broken Relationships

Museum, Shop

8. King Tomislav Square

The largest city square named after the first Croatian king will definitely catch your eye. It’s in front of the Central Train Station, so for those who come to Zagreb by train, it’s the first sight you’ll see. The spectacular statue of King Tomislav and the Art Pavilion are the square’s most striking features. This picturesque square is a great place to relax in and people often come here to sit and enjoy a moment. In winter, it becomes an outdoor skating paradise.

9. Ilica Street

Shopping Mall

Ilica Street runs from Ban Josip Jelačić Square to the Vrapče District, making it one of the longest streets in Zagreb. This lengthy shopping location is a tourist attraction for a reason. You can find everything you need here, from local boutiques to well-known clothing shops for fashion lovers. To enjoy a cup of coffee or a classy meal, you are spoilt for choice with dozens of restaurants, cafes, bakeries and bars.

10. Kava Tava

Cafe, Croatian

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Restaurants

The best restaurants in zagreb, according to local tastemaker domagoj ‘ribafish’ jakopović.

Guides & Tips

Navigating transport in zagreb: getting around in the croatian capital.

See & Do

Zooming through zagreb: a bike tour of the croatian capital.

Food & Drink

The best croatian dishes and where to find them in zagreb.

A History of Zagreb in 10 Objects

A Music Guide to Zagreb, Croatia, With Rising Star Nika Turković

Where to Stay in Zagreb: A Neighbourhood Guide to the Croatian Capital

Places to Stay

The best hotels to book for every traveller in zagreb, croatia.

The Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Zagreb, Croatia

The 8 Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Zagreb, Croatia

The 10 Best Outdoor Adventures in Zagreb, Croatia

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© Zagreb Tourist Board

Zagreb is made for strolling. Wander through the Upper Town's red-roof and cobblestone glory, peppered with church spires. Crane your neck to see the domes and ornate upper-floor frippery of the Lower Town's mash-up of secessionist, neo-baroque and art deco buildings. Search out the grittier pockets of town where ugly-bland concrete walls have been transformed into colourful murals by local street artists. This city rewards those on foot.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Zagreb. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Museum of Broken Relationships

From romances that withered to broken family connections, this wonderfully quirky museum explores the mementos left over after a relationship ends…

A 10-minute ride north of the city centre (or a 30-minute walk through leafy streets) takes you to one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe, sited…

Croatian Museum of Naïve Art

A feast for fans of Croatia’s naive art (a form that was highly fashionable locally and worldwide during the 1960s and ’70s and has declined somewhat…

Dolac Market

Right in the heart of the city, Zagreb’s bustling fruit and vegetable market has been trader-central since the 1930s when the city authorities set up a…

Funicular Railway

This very short, and steep, funicular railway line, constructed in 1888, connects the Lower and Upper Towns of Zagreb.

Croatian Association of Artists

East of the centre, this gallery is housed in one of the few architectural works by Ivan Meštrović and has a busy and diverse rolling program of…

Lotrščak Tower

Lotrščak Tower was built in the middle of the 13th century to protect the south city gate. Normally you can enter and climb up to the top for a sweeping…

Trg Bana Jelačića

Zagreb’s main orientation point and its geographic heart is Trg Bana Jelačića – it's where most people arrange to meet up. If you enjoy people-watching,…

Plan with a local

Experience the real Croatia

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

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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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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The 15 Best Things to do in Zagreb, Croatia

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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.

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. 

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

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. 

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

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.

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  

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.

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

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.

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 

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. 

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

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.

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 

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.

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

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. 

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

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. 

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

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!

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

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.

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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The Ultimate One Day in Zagreb Itinerary

Last Updated on March 4, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

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Planning the perfect one day in Zagreb itinerary can sometimes seem like an afterthought to those heading to Croatia. Many travellers planning to visit Croatia will include the capital city of Zagreb on their Croatia itinerary solely as a jumping-off point, a place that is convenient to fly in and out of but not really worth exploring, especially when places like the Dalmatian coast or Plitvice Lakes await.

However, those who rush to leave the Croatian capital are sorely missing out on one of the country’s most interesting and dynamic cities.

Though small in size, spending just 24 hours in the city is enough to give you a good feel of this vibrant city and a different perspective on Croatia than you would get in the coastal towns.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Zagreb?

While many people tend to skip Zagreb altogether, you also don’t need to allocate a significant portion of your time to this compact city.

Therefore, I would even say that if you are only able to dedicate one full day to exploring Croatia’s capital, you’d still be able to see and do quite a bit!

If you have 2 days in Zagreb or even 3 days, you will be able to see a bit more of the city, visit some more museums, or just explore places a bit further off the beaten tourist path.

Alternatively, you could use it as a base to head off on various day trips from Zagreb — to places like Plitvice Lakes National Park or even to Slovenia’s nearby capital of Ljubljana .

The longer you choose to spend in Zagreb, the more you will be able to dig deep in the city and get to know it, or the more day trips you will be able to go on.

However, if you just want to see some tourist sites, are short on time and want to make sure you dedicate enough to see more of Croatia, then planning to spend one day in Zagreb itself is enough to be able to get to know the city.

Getting To & Around Zagreb

Zagreb is quite well-connected to other major cities in its vicinity and you can easily reach it via public transit.

Getting from Ljubljana, Slovenia to Zagreb, for instance, can be done by bus or train in a little bit over two hours. Zagreb is also well-connected by bus and train in about four hours to Budapest, Hungary and by bus to neighbouring Belgrade , Serbia. You can view the latest schedules here.

The bus station and train station is well-connected to the city centre, as well, and it’s easy enough to reach it via public transport or taxi.

Zagreb is also home to Croatia’s largest international airport and there are numerous connections to various destinations within Europe and further afield daily. It is located about 15 kilometres outside of the centre and can be easily reached by bus or taxi.

Once in the city, you will likely want to know how to get around. While many of Zagreb’s main attractions are within easy walking distance of each other and the city centre is relatively compact, you may find that you’re staying somewhere further afield or your feet are tired and want to use the public transit system.

Fortunately for you, Zagreb is connected by an extensive and easy-to-use tram system. You can purchase tickets to the tram from newsstands that are located close to stops and throughout the city. Tickets must be validated on the machines once entering the tram. You are also able to use these tickets on Zagreb’s buses should you end up taking one.

There is also a funicular that operates between the lower town and the upper town if you’re feeling a bit too exhausted from all of the walking, however, it isn’t too difficult to walk between these areas, either.

If you want to take a taxi while in Zagreb rather than relying on public transit, then I would advise using a ride-hailing app rather than hailing one off the street. This is a failsafe way to avoid being ripped off.

Uber operates in Zagreb or, if you want an alternative, you can also use the Bolt app. Both have extensive drivers and you should be able to find an affordable ride with limited wait times most times of the day.

Best Time to Visit Zagreb

The most popular time to visit Zagreb and all of Croatia, in general, is in the summer months of June-August. This is when the small city will be at its most crowded, accommodation prices will be at their peak, and temperatures will be at their height.

While you can expect long days and plenty of open-air cafes, it is worth noting that Zagreb can get very hot and it doesn’t have the added benefit of a coastline to take the edge off. If you are planning to head to Croatia’s capital city in the summer, prepare for high temperatures of over 30°C (86°F) on many days.

On the other side, winters in Zagreb can get quite cold and snowy and if you plan to visit between the months of November-February, it is best that you bring a warm jacket and proper clothes in order to stay warm.

While the temperatures can be freezing, visiting during the holiday season from mid-November through New Year’s Day is an appealing option for many travellers as Zagreb boasts one of Europe’s best Christmas markets and the entire city goes all out with lights, trees, and overall holiday cheer.

High temperatures during the winter months will hover somewhere around freezing and you can expect a fair amount of snow and rain, as well. Outside of the Christmas and New Year season, however, accommodation prices will likely be at their lowest of the year.

On the flip side, you can also expect some reduced hours for tourist attractions and even some closures due to a lack of people.

If you don’t want to visit Zagreb in the hot summer or cold winter, your best bet (and my personal favourite time of year to visit most anywhere in Europe) is to head to Croatia’s capital in the shoulder seasons of September-October and March-May.

Here is where you will see the mildest of temperatures (nights and mornings may still be chilly, but afternoons will likely be warm and lovely), ample affordable accommodation options, and fewer tourist crowds than in the high season but enough to justify increased hours.

No matter what time of year you choose to visit Zagreb, however, you are sure to enjoy your time in this dynamic capital city.

One-Day Zagreb Itinerary

The Zagreb city centre is divided into two areas: the upper town and the lower town. There are places of interest for tourists in both of these areas and they are easy to reach on foot from each other.

However, in order to get the most out of your 24 hours in Zagreb, I would recommend breaking up your day between the upper and lower towns. This itinerary has you exploring the older upper town in the morning before venturing to the lower town in the afternoon.

If you want to see a lot of the sites on this route and explore with some context, one of the best things to do in Zagreb is to go on a guided walking tour. There are free walking tours, however, you can also opt for a paid tour like this one through the city .

For those who want to get a bit active, then this bike tour can also be a great choice. And if you want to learn more about Croatian cuisine, then this food tour is an excellent option.

Ban Jelacic Trg

The most obvious place to begin any trip to Zagreb is in the city’s central square Ban Jelacic Trg. A hub for many tramlines and a major meeting area, this square is also home to an open-air market where you can purchase local food products and handicrafts directly from the seller.

The square has been in existence since the 17th century and was made car-free in 1975. It is named after Josip Jelacic, who was the Ban of Croatia from 1848 to 1859.

During the time when Zagreb was part of Yugoslavia, the square was renamed to Republic Square before its original name was restored upon Croatia’s independence in the 1990s.

A short walk from the main square into the upper town is the Stone Gate, which is both a major tourist attraction and a sacred sight in Zagreb. The gate was originally built in the 13th century, however, its current form stands from the 18th century.

Home to a painting of the Virgin Mary, it was one of the only things that survived the Great Fire of Zagreb in 1731 when all other paintings and the gate itself were all damaged.

Because of this, the painting has some holy significance to Catholic Croatians and has become a holy oath site to light candles and pray to the Virgin Mary.

St Mark’s Church

A couple hundred metres from the Stone Gate lies one of the most iconic buildings in Zagreb, St Mark’s Church. Though this isn’t the biggest church in the city nor is it the main cathedral, it is one of the most photographed sights in the Croatian capital, largely due to its elaborate and beautiful tiled roof.

Originally built in the 13th century but almost completely reconstructed in the second half of the 14th century, St Marks Church boasts both late Gothic and Romanesque-style architecture.

You can enter the church free of charge, however, many are happy to stay outside and admire the lovely tile roof that depicts the coat of arms of Zagreb and the Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia all on the iconic Croatian red and white checkboard background.

Catherine’s Square

Just a stone’s throw away from St Mark’s Church is Catherine’s Square. Home to yet another church — the Baroque-style St Catherine’s Church — that is actually not the main draw of this upper town square.

In fact, if you walk around the back of the church you will find a wonderful viewpoint that gives you some of the best views of Zagreb — perfect for some great photos!

Museum of Broken Relationships

On the other side of Catherine’s Square lies one of Zagreb’s most unique and popular museums, the Museum of Broken Relationships . Dreamed up in 2003, this museum showcases items left behind from past relationships — both romantic and otherwise.

The concept has since taken off with various exhibitions of the museum touring different cities throughout the world, however, its permanent home is in Zagreb.

Here you can find various artefacts and memories showcased with the story behind them. Some will make you laugh out loud at the utter absurdity of some short-lived romances and some will likely bring you close tears over relationships and lives torn apart by cruel and unexpected circumstances.

Though not a museum of the history of Zagreb, if you go to no others in the Croatian capital, go to the unique Museum of Broken Relationships. You will not be disappointed and it is the perfect addition to a trip to Zagreb.

Entry costs €7 for adults with discounts available for students, seniors, and those with disabilities. Descriptions are listed in Croatian and English and booklets are available with many other languages. You can also book tickets online here .

Zagreb Cathedral

After laughing and crying at the Museum of Broken Relationships, head down the hill to the Zagreb Cathedral, the main church in the Croatian capital. This Roman Catholic church is the tallest building in Zagreb and is also the most monumental religious building in the Gothic style located southeast of the Alps.

Though as of late 2019 the Cathedral is being partially restored, the imposing dual Gothic spires are truly beautiful and majestic and no visit to Croatia’s capital is complete without seeing this beautiful building. Admission to the cathedral is free of charge.

For those who love open-air farmer’s markets, the Dolac Market is located in the square near the cathedral and is the perfect place to visit if you want to check out some great Croatian produce.

Mirogoj Cemetery

From the Zagreb Cathedral, you can catch a bus to the beautiful and haunting Mirogoj Cemetery, a massive graveyard where numerous notable Croatians are buried. Surrounded by imposing architecture and intricate headstones, this is actually one of the top sites in Zagreb.

One of the most notable things about this cemetery is that it is a burial ground for people of all religious faiths and you will see everything from Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and even LDS headstones.

You can reach the cemetery by catching a bus from the Zagreb Cathedral. The journey only takes about 10 minutes and you can either use the same tickets you would for the tram (make sure to validate!) or buy them directly from the driver. Entry into the cemetery is free.

Green Horseshoe

After the cemetery, it’s time to head to the Lower Town where you can spend the rest of your day wandering leisurely through the Green Horseshoe, an aptly named park in the centre of Zagreb, notable for its U-shape.

There are numerous fountains, gardens, benches, and trees to relax by and it is a peaceful place to wander through in order to escape the busyness of the rest of your day.

Designed in 1883 and finished in 1889, the Green Horseshoe has been an important part of Zagreb for some time now as it is a peaceful green heart in an otherwise hectic and busy city.

Throughout the year, you will find that many open-air food festivals take place in the park system and it is also home to Zagreb’s legendary Christmas market, which is often considered to be one of the best in Europe.

Explore the Craft Beer Scene

If you’re trying to see Zagreb in a day it can end up being filled with historic sites and leave little room to explore its hip and artistic culture.

However, if you want to easily experience the modern culture in Zagreb, like craft beer and are keen to sample some local brews in the Croatian capital, then you are in luck. There is a great craft beer scene in Zagreb and many brewpubs are within easy distance of the main tourist sites, making drinking some hoppy brews easily accessible for visitors.

One of the most popular places to drink for both locals and tourists alike is at Mali Medo , which serves delicious beer from brewery Pivovara Medvedgrad. They also have a couple of other brewpubs scattered throughout the city, these include Fakin Craft Bar and Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica.

If you’re keen to sample more, a quick Google search will open up countless brewpubs specialising in craft beer, with taps serving up both brews from local breweries and international ones. Many restaurants also include local microbrews on their menus and it can be a welcome change from the local mass-produced lagers.

Where to Eat in Zagreb

Lari & Penati — This trendy eatery in the lower town is a great place to grab lunch as they have an affordable menu that changes daily with the seasons. They also have a range of delicious Croatian wines available by the glass, including some experimental orange wines that are very much worth trying.

Trattoria Canzona — If you’re hungry and like Italian food, then this is an excellent place to visit. They have a range of dishes including hearty pasta and pizzas along with other Italian favourites. It does get busy for both lunch and dinner, so it might be best to book a table.

Curry Bowl — If you’re craving some spice in a sea of otherwise not-so-spicy food, the Curry Bowl is a fantastic option. A quick and affordable place for both lunch and dinner, they serve a range of Sri Lankan dishes and curries that are suitable for both meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.

Submarine Burger — A great place to grab a quick bite to eat, this trendy burger chain is truly delicious. They have both a range of beef burgers and a delicious veggie burger for those of us who are less carnivorous. For a truly Croatian twist to this international favourite, make sure to order a plate of truffle fries, you won’t be sorry.

Where to Stay in Zagreb

Zagreb has ample accommodation options available no matter what kind of traveller you are and what kind of Croatia travel budget you’re contending with.

Casablanca Boutique B&B — A centrally-located boutique hotel, this is an excellent place to rest your head if you’re on the look for a little romance and your budget allows for more than a hostel. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available and breakfast is included in the nightly rate.

Hostel Mali Mrak — This small backpacker hostel is a great option if you’re travelling solo or on a budget. They have a handful of dorm and private rooms available, clean facilities, friendly owners, and great common areas for meeting other travellers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Zagreb hotels!

Seeing Zagreb in one day is a great way to get to know the Croatian capital even in a short period of time. Because of its compact nature, you can get a lot of out the city even if you only have a short time to explore Zagreb.

Are you planning to visit Zagreb? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

I have been to Zagreb already for many times. Zagreb is one of my favourite cities! I recommend the visit to everyone!

Totally agree, Zagreb is so underrated!

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Things to Do in Zagreb, Croatia - Zagreb Attractions

Things to do in zagreb.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Arena Centar

2. City Center one West

3. Avenue Mall

4. City Center One

6. Importanne Centar

7. Supernova Cvjetni

8. Branimir mingle mall

10. Centar Kaptol

11. Galleria Business Center

12. Supernova Cvjetni

13. Grosbasket

14. Supernova Zagreb - Buzin

15. Supernova Zagreb - Garden Mall

What travelers are saying.

Things to Do in Zagreb: Hidden Gems & Travel Tips

Discover the best things to do in Zagreb with insider tips from a local! The vibrant capital of Croatia is one of the best stops on a journey through the Balkans: rich in history, culture and with a peaceful and pleasantly relaxed atmosphere, this city is a real gem. Nestled in the heart of the country, Zagreb is a compact city, boasting a picturesque medieval old town , wide boulevards and manicured gardens, and a wide choice of places to indulge in delicious local cuisine.

If you are planning to visit Zagreb, then in this guide you will find everything you need. We’ll take a closer look at some of the best things to do in Zagreb, from must-see landmarks to off-the-beaten-path gems that will give you an authentic glimpse into the city’s rich heritage. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an art lover, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes in Zagreb. So pack your bags and get ready to discover all that this city has to offer!

What you will find in this guide to the best things to do in Zagreb:

Zagreb: Discover the Lively Capital of Croatia

Best things to do in zagreb: explore the upper town and the lower town, best things to do and see in zagreb, explore zagreb at its best with a guided tour, best day trips from zagreb, best places to eat in zagreb and local foods to try, how to get to zagreb.

Zagreb , the bustling capital of Croatia , is a pleasant and surprising little town. Despite being the country’s largest city, it has a compact historic center that’s easy to explore on foot in a day or two. Depending on your interests, in art, history or local gastronomy, you may want to spend more time visiting Zagreb, as the city also offers a selection of interesting museums , good restaurants and makes a great starting point for exploring the surrounding region, including some of Croatia’s biggest attractions, such as Plitvice Lakes .

Zagreb boasts an enormous cultural and historical heritage , and is home to a diverse array of architectural styles, from medieval to modern. The majestic avenues and beautiful gardens and parks of the Lower Town reflect the best of the Austro-Hungarian imperial architecture of the 1800s and early 1900s, while the Upper Town , perched on a hill north of the old town, is a medieval jewel.

The main thing to do in Zagreb is to visit its charming Old Town , known as Gornji Grad , which is home to many of the city’s most famous landmarks and attractions. The Old Town is a maze of narrow streets and alleys, filled with historic buildings, churches, and monuments, many of which date back to the medieval period. You can explore the Old Town on foot , or by taking advantage of the trams and buses that connect it with the suburbs around the Lower Town.

Don’t miss the city’s vibrant culture and arts scene, with its many museums and galleries, showcasing the work of local and international artists. Also, you could mix with the locals and experience the local coffee culture . Zagreb is also famous for its interesting food scene , with various tasty specialties that draw inspiration from Balkan, Mediterranean and Eastern European cuisine. And last but not least, you could experience the city’s nightlife , from trendy bars and clubs to traditional taverns and pubs.

Zagreb Upper Town

The two main districts that make up Zagreb’s city center differ mainly in the age of construction, so the architecture and atmosphere of one is quite different from that of the other. The oldest and most picturesque part is the Upper Town of Zagreb, also known as Gornji Grad , considered the heart of the historic district, nestled atop a hill.

This charming area is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and some of the most interesting neighborhoods for visitors, starting with Kaptol and Gradec . Kaptol is the neighborhood that lies north of the large market square, called Dolac Market . Walking along Tkalčićeva Street (also called Ul. Ivana Tkalčića ) you will reach this quiet neighborhood that develops on a couple of parallel streets, around the Cathedral of Assumption .

The cathedral’s twin spiers tower over the surrounding buildings and can be seen from all over the city. The area is also a popular spot for tourists, as it is teeming with good restaurants and cafes. Continuing southwest, in the direction of the funicular , you reach one of the oldest areas of Zagreb: Gradec . Also known as the “Medieval Town” , this is the political and administrative center of the city, as well as the political heart of Croatia. In fact, here is the Parliament and the main government buildings.

This historic area is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and winding cobblestone streets. Visitors can explore the famous St. Mark’s Church , which is adorned with colorful tiled roofs and a beautiful bell tower. The church also houses the city’s coat of arms, which depicts a griffin, the symbol of Zagreb.

Don’t miss a stroll along Tkalčićeva Street . This lively pedestrian street connects the Upper Town with the Lower Town and is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a wide range of bars and restaurants that come alive at night. Here you could also enjoy the street’s many outdoor terraces and sip a coffee or a drink, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of Zagreb.

A real hidden gem that few know about is that Zagreb Upper Town is one of the few places in the world (perhaps the only one) where the cobblestone streets are still lit by the original 19th century gas lamps . Every evening, towards sunset, two lamplighters roam the narrow streets manually lighting the over 150 lamps. And every morning they repeat the rounds to turn them off. Try wandering through the older areas of Zagreb Upper Town, especially around Gradec and Kaptol . With a bit of luck you might come across them and witness this unique and wonderful tradition that has been going on unchanged for over 150 years!

Zagreb Lower Town

South of the Upper Town, going from Dolac Market towards the main square , or descending from Gradec towards the lower station of the Zagreb Funicular , you will find the Lower Town (Donji Grad) , another charming and historic district located in the heart of Croatia’s capital city. With its winding streets, colorful buildings, and rich cultural heritage, the Lower Town is another unmissable stop on your trip.

Meanwhile, it must be said that you will probably see the Lower Town first, and then the Upper Town. This is due to the fact that the first is located in continuity with the more modern districts of Zagreb, and it is here that the railway station , the bus station and the main roads – such as Slavonska Avenija , which connects the city with the highways A2 and A3 – are located. Also, this is where most of the hotels and hostels are located.

One of the main attractions of the Lower Town is its majestic late 19th and early 20th century architecture. The district is home to a diverse mix of architectural styles, with some notable examples of Art Nouveau , especially along the main street of the Lower Town, called Ilica .

The Lower Town is also home to some of Zagreb’s most popular parks and squares. The historic Ban Jelacic Square is a lively gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, and is surrounded by a number of charming cafes and restaurants. The nearby Zrinjevac Park is a serene oasis, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic on a sunny day.

Heading towards the Botanical Garden you will come across some of the most beautiful buildings in the Austro-Hungarian imperial style, such as the Croatian National Theater in Zagreb , a wonderful example of mid-19th century architecture. At the entrance of the theater you will see an intricate fountain, a masterpiece of the Croatian artist and sculptor Ivan Meštrović . Just a few minutes walk and you will see another fabulous building, the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel , one of the most luxurious and elegant hotels in Croatia , a true Art Nouveau masterpiece originally built to accommodate wealthy travelers along the route of the legendary Orient Express .

For those looking to indulge in some shopping, the Lower Town offers a wide variety of shops and markets. The Dolac Market is a bustling open-air market where you can find a wide variety of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional souvenirs. The nearby and bustling streets are also a popular spot for shopping, with an array of boutiques and specialty shops.

The Lower Town is also one of the most popular spots of Zagreb’s vibrant nightlife . The district is home to a number of bars, clubs, and music venues, many of which offer live music and entertainment. There are also some of the best cheap accommodation here, such as Chillout Hostel Zagreb and Swanky Mint Hostel , which have a reputation for being among the best hotels in Croatia.

Dolac Market

The Dolac Market is in fact the center of Zagreb’s Old Town , and for this reason it is always crowded with locals and tourists. This is in fact one of the main farmers’ markets in Zagreb and every day it is teeming with people who come to buy fruit, vegetables and handmade farm products.

Nestled on the border between the Upper and Lower Town and set in a large square, this historic market has been a staple of the city since its establishment in the 1930s. Looking out towards the Dolac Market you will be greeted with a vibrant array of colorful stalls overflowing with fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables, sourced from local farmers and vendors from all over Croatia.

In addition to the main market, there is also a flower market nearby, as well as a large covered market (in the typical Eastern European style) located just beneath the square. This underground market is a true treasure trove, featuring dozens of butchers, fishmongers, and vendors selling traditional local specialties such as sir i vrhnje (cheese and cream). You’ll also find a wide variety of other products, including olive oil, honey, and locally made crafts.

Whether you’re staying in an apartment or hostel and cooking your own meals, or simply looking for a unique shopping and sightseeing experience, the Dolac Market is definitely an unmissable stop on a trip to Zagreb. The market is the perfect place to pick up fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to cook with, and the colorful, bustling atmosphere provides plenty of opportunities for great photos. Even if you’re not in the market for anything specific, the sights, sounds, and smells of the market make it an enjoyable and memorable experience.

St. Mark’s Square and the Croatian Sabor

St. Mark’s Square (Trg sv. Marka) is one of the most important and famous squares in Zagreb, as it houses the administrative and political heart of the country. One of the most prominent buildings in the square is the Croatian Sabor , a grand neoclassical structure that serves as the Croatian Parliament Building .

To the left of the iconic St. Mark’s Church , located in the center of the square, visitors can also find the Banski Dvori , a historic building dating back to the mid-19th century. This is the seat of the Croatian government, and has played an important role in the country’s history. In the past, it was the residence of the Croatian Bans (the viceroy) and during the Yugoslav era, it was the official residence of the Presidency of the Socialist Republic of Croatia .

Adjacent to St. Mark’s Square is the Old City Hall and the Palace of the Constitutional Court . These buildings also have a rich history, and together they form a fascinating cultural and architectural landscape and, even if its style clashes a little with that of the other buildings in the square, the Sabor (Parliament) remains one of the most historically and culturally of Croatia: this is the place where, in 1918, the secession of Croatia from the Austro-Hungarian Empire was proclaimed. This event marked a significant moment in the country’s history and the building remains a symbol of the country’s independence and sovereignty.

If you visit Zagreb between April and October, don’t miss the guard-changing ceremony , which takes place in front of the church every Saturday and Sunday at noon.

St. Mark’s Church

The Church of St. Mark is one of the most famous buildings in Zagreb, mainly due to its colorful decorated roof. This architectural masterpiece is a mixture of Gothic and Romanesque elements, a unique ensemble of its kind in Croatia and the Balkans.

The church dates back to the 13th century and is considered one of the oldest and most iconic buildings in the city. The church’s exterior is adorned with intricate details and ornamentation, making it stand out among the other buildings in the area. The Gothic portal , in particular, is a masterpiece of art and craftsmanship. The portal is finely decorated with 15 effigies placed in 11 shallow niches and is considered to be the work of sculptors of the Parler family from Prague, dating back to the end of the 14th century.

One of the most distinctive features of the church is its colorful tiled roof , which features two large medieval coats of arms. The coat of arms on the left represents the Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia, and Dalmatia, while the coat of arms on the right represents the city of Zagreb. This roof adds a unique and lively touch to the church’s overall aesthetic.

Inside the church, you can admire the simplicity of its interior, adorned with medieval frescoes , as well as some sculptures by the Croatian master Ivan Meštrović . The church’s interior is a perfect example of how simplicity can be elegant and beautiful. You can visit the church interior during mass hours, but be discreet and don’t disturb worshippers.

One of the most underrated and evocative landmarks of Zagreb is the Stone Gate . Not only is it a beautiful architectural structure dating back to the 13th century , but it also holds a significant cultural and spiritual importance to the locals. As the eastern gate to the medieval Gradec Town , it was one of the most important gateways to the city and is the only one that has been preserved to this day.

What sets the Stone Gate apart, is its role as Zagreb’s most important shrine. According to ancient popular legends, a great fire in 1731 destroyed the gate but – miraculously – the painting of the Virgin and Child , dating back to the 17th century, remained unscathed. This painting is now protected by an artistically forged iron fence, and locals believe that it possesses miraculous powers. As a result, they regularly come to the Stone Gate to pray, leave flowers, light candles, and leave thanks and prayers on the stone slabs within the gate passage.

You can take a look at the Stone Gate and learn more about its spiritual significance for locals by taking a walk to the Upper Town and passing through the gate. The door is quite a busy crossing point, but despite this locals can be seen praying in the flickering candlelight. The most evocative time to visit the Stone Gate is on Tuesday evenings after 8 pm, when locals gather to pray the rosary, sing, and share their prayers.

Trg Bana Jelačića

Another important place to see in Zagreb is Trg Bana Jelačića (Ban Jelačić Square) , its large main square , lined with late 19th-early 1900s buildings that house offices and a variety of cafes and restaurants, making it the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the sights and sounds of the city.

As the main square of Zagreb, Trg Bana Jelačića serves as a central meeting point for locals and tourists alike. Its prime location, roughly halfway between the train station and the Upper Town , makes it easily accessible from all parts of the city.

At the center of the square stands the famous equestrian statue of Ban Jelačić , a 19th-century Ban (a sort of governor or viceroy) and hero of Croatian nationalism. The statue has a long history, having been erected in 1866 and remaining in place until 1947, when it was ordered to be removed by Tito as it was deemed too tied to a nationalist ideology. Despite this, the statue was not forgotten by the locals, who removed it and stored it in a cellar, preserving it for future generations. After the collapse of Yugoslavia in 1990, the statue was finally returned to its rightful place in Trg Bana Jelačića .

Today, the statue serves as a symbol of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can take a stroll around the square, admire the statue, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the cafes and restaurants . Also, this will be one of the main orientation points when you visit Zagreb, as most of the main avenues and hotels are located in its vicinity.

Croatian Museum of Naïve Art

Naïve Art , also known as primitive art , was one of the main currents of contemporary art of the 20th century, and one of its most important epicenters was Yugoslavia or, better, Croatia.

If you are an art lover, visiting the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Zagreb. In fact, an excellent collection of artworks by the best Croatian naive artists is kept here, such as Ragan Gaži, Ivan Generalić, Ivan Rabuzin, Mijo Kovačić, Franjo Mraz, Ivan Večenaj and Mirko Virius.

This small museum is located a stone’s throw from the Stone Gate, can be visited in half an hour, and is one of the few (and best) museums in the world dedicated to Naïve Art . Although it is focused on Croatian artists, among the works there are also some notable paintings by foreign authors.

Museum of Broken Relationships

The Museum of Broken Relationships is probably one of the most popular museums in Zagreb, and is a unique and fascinating destination for anyone who is interested in the complexities of human relationships. Located in the heart of the city’s Upper Town , just a stone’s throw from the Funicular, the museum is dedicated to preserving the memories and artifacts of failed love relationships.

Upon entering the museum, visitors will be greeted with a diverse collection of objects left behind by individuals from all over the world . Each item has its own story, some of which are heart-wrenching while others are downright weird and funny. The museum also displays documents, videos and other materials that provide a deeper insight into the stories behind the objects.

The Museum of Broken Relationships was originally created as a traveling exhibition, but after gaining international recognition and popularity, it was returned to Zagreb as a permanent exhibition. One of the most interesting features of the museum is the Confessional , a special section of the museum where visitors can leave their items or messages, or record their confessions in a restricted and intimate space. This allows visitors to share their own personal stories and experiences, making the museum an incredibly personal and emotional experience for many.

If you have some extra time while wandering around Zagreb, you should think about taking a look at this museum, as it is a unique and thought-provoking experience , on a theme that sooner or later involves everyone: the complexities of human relationships and the memories they leave behind.

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum in Zagreb is one of the most important archaeological museums in Europe, and boasts a collection of over 450,000 objects and artifacts ranging from prehistoric to medieval times.

Spread over three floors , this museum exhibits artifacts from all over Croatia, including statues, amphorae, lamps and decorative objects from the Roman era, Greek vases, Egyptian funerary masks and one of the most important numismatic collections in Europe. One of the museum’s highlights is the Liber Linteus , a 3rd century BCE mummy and bandages with the longest Etruscan inscription in existence.

Update: The Museum is currently not open to visitors due to the damage suffered in the recent Zagreb’s earthquake in 2020.

Art Pavilion

Walking through the Lower Town , you cannot fail to notice the Art Pavilion , a wonderful yellow building in Art Nouveau style, with a beautiful central dome in glass and iron.

Established in 1898 , it is the oldest gallery in the Southeast Europe, and hosts important temporary exhibitions dedicated to the best of international art. In the past there have been exhibitions by Rodin, Andy Warhol, Mimmo Rotella, Joan Miró, Alberto Giacometti and many others here. It is worth seeing it from the outside, strolling along the beautiful front garden, in King Tomislav Square .

Botanical Garden

The beautiful Zagreb Botanical Garden , located in the Lower Town, is the ideal place for a calm stroll away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can visit it for free , and it is pleasant to stroll through its paths lined with over 10,000 species of plants and adorned with ponds and pavilions where rare exotic plants are kept.

The Zagreb Botanical Garden , established at the end of the 19th century, is part of the University of Zagreb and is mainly a scientific institution that aims to cultivate and protect Croatian indigenous plants. Among the species are some interesting cacti and carnivorous plants, while the 14 greenhouses are home to tropical and subtropical plants.

The centerpiece of the Zagreb Botanical Garden is a small yellow-flowered plant called Degenia Velebitica . It is the rarest Croatian plant, and is considered to be at risk of extinction. It is the symbol of the region and is also featured on the old 50 lipa coin.

Zagreb Cathedral

Zagreb Cathedral , also known as Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary , is one of the most iconic things to see in Zagreb, with its twin spiers appearing to be permanently under repair. Indeed, the beautiful Zagreb Cathedral – which dates back to the early 1200s – has been damaged and rebuilt several times. The current version dates back to the end of the 19th century, after the previous cathedral was badly damaged by the 1880 Zagreb earthquake.

Built in neo-Gothic style , it features two beautiful twin spiers, 104 meters high. One of the two spiers was damaged in the recent earthquake of 2020, which is requiring extra efforts to repair. Until the early 19th century, the cathedral was surrounded by mighty fortifications to defend it from Ottoman attacks. Today they are no longer present, but the cathedral still has a treasury that boasts a collection of precious liturgical objects, ancient books and baroque reliquaries from the medieval era.

Zagreb City Museum

The Zagreb City Museum is a good place to learn more about the city’s past and gain a deeper understanding of its cultural heritage. Dedicated to the history of Zagreb, since its origins, this small but mighty museum is housed in an ancient building, which was once the Convent of the Poor Clares , dating back to the 17th century.

History buffs and visitors eager for deeper cultural insight will find a wealth of information and artifacts that paint a picture of the city’s development and evolution over time. The museum’s collection of archaeological finds is the highlight of the exhibition, with ancient artifacts from the Cathedral, such as pottery, jewelry, and tools, giving them a glimpse into the daily lives of Zagreb’s inhabitants in days gone by.

Alongside the archaeological finds, the museum also houses a collection of old maps of the city , which provide insight into the city’s development over time. The museum also has a vast collection of costumes and other artifacts from the socialist era. One of the highlights of the museum is the beautiful tower of the Zagreb Astronomical Observatory , established in the early 1900s. The observatory offers visitors a glimpse into the scientific advances of the time and the important role that astronomy played in the city’s history.

Mestrović Pavillion and the Croatian Association of Artists

As you explore the area northeast of the train station you will come across an iconic circular building, the Mestrović Pavillion , the masterpiece of Croatian architect and sculptor Ivan Meštrović , also called the Home of Croatian Artists .

Built in 1938 to be a place for artists, with a museum and an art gallery, it was transformed by the Croatian fascist government into a mosque. In the Yugoslav era it became a Museum of the Revolution and only in 1990 was it returned to the Croatian Association of Artists .

After a long restoration work it was reopened in 2006. Today it is the headquarters of the Croatian Association of Artists, which organizes interesting events and temporary exhibitions dedicated to all types of visual expression. Despite this, locals still call it The Mosque .

Croatian State Archives

The magnificent art deco style building located opposite the Botanical Garden houses the Croatian State Archives . Built in 1913 to house the land registry and the royal library, today it is one of the most elegant buildings in the city.

Here are delivered the most important documents, treaties and laws concerning the Croatian state from the Middle Ages to today. There are guided tours twice a day, which allow you to take a look at the majestic rooms, including the Great Reading Room , finely decorated with huge chandeliers, stained-glass ceiling and a large painting by Vlaho Bukovac .

Ethnographic Museum

A good thing to do in Zagreb on a rainy day might be to take a look at the interesting Ethnographic Museum , which offers a broad overview of the Croatia’s ethnographic heritage . Located in an elegant historic building dating back to the early 1900s, this museum features a rich collection of over 70,000 objects . More than 2,800 are on display in the museum’s rooms and allow you to learn many interesting things about Croatia’s three cultural zones : the Pannonian , Dinaric and Adriatic .

The museum also features an interesting permanent exhibitions relating to life in Kosovo during the Ottoman era , and allows visitors to see rooms furnished just as they would have been during Ottoman times. The collection also consists of costumes, weapons, musical instruments, jewelery and exotic items from America, China, Japan and Africa, a gift from Croatian explorers Mirko and Stevo Seljan . It is worth going there even just to discover their adventurous history.

ZAGREB Funicular Railway

A ride on the Zagreb Funicular is definitely one of the unmissable things to do in Zagreb! Indeed, this old funicular is one of the shortest and steepest in the world , with a track length of only 66 meters and an inclination of 52%!

Inaugurated in 1890 , the Zagreb Funicular is the oldest form of public transport in the city, and has undergone several updates throughout its history. Initially, the funicular was powered by a steam engine, however, in the mid-1930s, it was replaced by an electric motor, which allowed for a more reliable and efficient operation.

The Zagreb Funicular connects the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) to the Lower Town (Donji Grad) of Zagreb, and precisely goes from a side street of Ilica to the Strossmayer Promenade . The journey takes exactly 64 seconds, and rides are scheduled every 10 minutes every day from 6:30 am to 22:00 pm. The cost of a one-way ticket is €0.70 (5 HRK), making it an affordable and convenient option for visitors to the city.

If you prefer to explore on foot, next to the funicular there is a steep staircase , which can also be used to connect the upper and lower towns. Taking the stairs is free, of course. This offers an alternative for those who prefer to take in the sights and sounds of the city at their own pace.

Grič Tunnel

The Grič Tunnel is one of the most mysterious places in Zagreb. Built in 1943 for the purpose of being an air-raid shelter during WWII, this 350-meter-long tunnel goes from side to side under the historic neighborhood of Grič .

There is essentially nothing to see in the tunnel, but it is worth exploring by entering from Mesnička Street and exiting one of the side passageways which leads into a courtyard in the Lower Town. Or you can go all the way up to Stjepan Radić Street , in the heart of the Art Park .

The tunnel has remained unused since WWII, and was a den for junkies and the homeless. In part it was used by the locals as an air raid shelter during the Croatian War of Independence and in 1993 it was the site of a legendary rave party, but only recently the area has been renovated, and since 2016 it is open to the public.

Galerija Klovićevi Dvori

A few steps from the upper station of the Funicular, housed in the beautiful building of a former 18th century Jesuit monastery, the Galerija Klovićevi Dvori is one of the most visited and prestigious art spaces in Zagreb.

This is the place where the most important art exhibitions in the city are held, and in the summer in the gallery’s atrium they host concerts and lectures. If you are an art lover, drop by and take a look at what’s on display.

Jesuit Church of St. Catherine

The beautiful Baroque church next to the Galerija Klovićevi Dvori and a stone’s throw from the Museum of Broken Relationships is the Jesuit Church of St. Catherine , built in the early 1600s. Although it has been damaged several times by fires and earthquakes, it is still one of the most beautiful churches in the city, and retains a beautiful eighteenth-century altar and frescoed vaults. It is possible to visit it only during masses.

Now go through the gate on the right of the church to reach one of the best viewpoints in the city. From this square, called Katarinin Trg , the view over Zagreb’s red-tile roofs and the Cathedral is simply breathtaking. From the square you can also see the famous 3D street art The Whale , by French artist Etien .

Lotrščak Tower and the Zagreb Cannon

The beautiful and impressive tower that you can see right in front of the upper station of the Funicular and the Museum of Broken Relationship is the Lotrščak Tower . The tower dates back to the 13th century, and was built to guard the southern gate of the Gradec town wall. This ancient watchtower was also the place where the signal to close the city gates was given.

Going up the tower (tickets 20 HRK) you can have a nice view over the city. But the real attraction is the Grički Top , the famous Greek Cannon that fires a blank shot every day at midday. The cannon shot is used by churches to synchronize their clocks, so that they can all ring the bells at the same time.

You can see (and hear) the cannon being fired from the forecourt, or from the lower station of the funicular. The hit is heard quite clearly throughout the city. For the last 100 years the cannon was fired every day , until March 2020, when Zagreb was hit by a strong earthquake and the cannon stopped firing. After 10 days the cannon started firing again, but with the second earthquake (that of December 2020) it was decided to suspend firing until further notice.

Mirogoj Cemetery

Yes, I’m not kidding: one of the best things to see in Zagreb is a Cemetery. Mirogoj Cemetery in Zagreb is considered to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe, and was built in 1876 just outside the Upper Town.

Designed by the Austrian architect Hermann Bollé , author of several buildings in Zagreb and who is buried here, it features picturesque arches topped by domes and an imposing church, dedicated to Christ the King . Mirogoj Cemetery is surrounded by a lush park and is criss-crossed by paths and gardens with sculptures and elegant, finely decorated tombs.

One of the curiosities of this cemetery is that you can see graves of any religion : Catholic, Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Protestant and so on. Visiting the cemetery you will be able to meet the graves of some of the most illustrious Croatian personalities, artists and poets. Mirogoj Cemetery can be reached by a 30-minute walk from Zagreb Cathedral, or by Bus no. 106 which stops near the Cathedral.

Museum Mimara

The Mimara Museum in Zagreb is one of the most impressive, large, prestigious and controversial museums in the city, and if you are an art lover, it is a place you cannot miss. Housed in a majestic Neo-Renaissance building in the heart of the Lower Town, it houses a truly impressive collection ranging from the prehistoric period up to the 20th century.

The Mimara Museum boasts treasures ranging from classical art to that of ancient Chinese and Japanese dynasties, to conclude with hundreds of precious paintings , including works by Caravaggio, Veronese, Rembrandt, Canaletto, Velázquez, Goya, Renoir, Manet and Degas.

Quite interesting is also the story linked to the donor of this majestic collection, Ante Topić Mimara , a controversial collector and philanthropist from Zagreb, who was a consultant to the Yugoslav military mission in Berlin and Munich , where he worked on returning plundered works of art to Yugoslavia. Art historians have been wondering for many years about the provenance of the works of art in Mimara’s collection, which still remains largely unknown.

Museum of Art & Crafts

Established at the end of the 19th century in one of the most majestic buildings of the Lower Town, the Museum of Art & Crafts is one of the largest museums dedicated to local crafts in Central and Southern Europe, and houses more than 160,000 objects spanning from 4th to 20th century.

It boasts a large collection of objects ranging from the Gothic to Art Deco style, featuring the best of traditional craftsmanship , particularly in the fields of sculpture, textiles, furnishings, metals, and ceramics and glass. On the second floor it is worth seeing the interesting photo exhibition showcasing Croatia up until the 1950s.

Museums of Illusions Zagreb

The Museum of Illusions is one of the most quirky and famous museums in Zagreb, and is definitely one of the top things to do in Zagreb with kids. This museum boasts over 70 intriguing exhibits , with optical illusions, holograms, clone tables, infinity rooms, rotated rooms and much more. Bring your camera, because here you will get some spectacular selfies!

The Museum of Illusions also features a number of games, dilemmas and smart rooms where visitors of all ages can play and learn that not everything you see is as it seems.

Technical Museum Nikola Tesla

Spending a few hours at the interesting Nikola Tesla Technical Museum is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Zagreb when traveling with kids. The museum features a large and fun collection of tools, inventions and machines that introduce visitors to the wonderful world of science and technology.

You will be able to see an authentic and perfectly preserved steam engine from the mid 19th century, several fire trucks from the 1800s to the 1930s. You will have fun with the famous tesla machines , which reproduce interesting experiments on magnetism and electricity, you will be able to see how a mine works and spend time admiring the stars, planets and constellations in the planetarium .

Coming from the station you will pass through the beautiful gardens of Trg Nikole Šubića Zrinskog , which locals simply call Zrinjevac , and which is one of the seven squares with gardens in the Lower Town of Zagreb, also called Lenuci Horseshoe .

This beautiful, long square is lined with cafes and is a favorite of locals to stroll and hang out on sunny summer days. In the center you can see the beautiful music pavilion from the end of the 19th century, where concerts are often held on summer evenings.

If you are a horror fan, then you might want to check out the Zagreb Torture Museum . Similar to other European torture museums, here you will be able to see a hundred replicas of medieval torture instruments.

From the guillotine to the iron maiden, this museum allows you to learn a lot about torture, from ancient times to the most recent. The museum also features multisensory rooms , where you can have fun with wacky inventions, touch and try (safely) these infernal tools.

Zagreb 80’s Museum

Much more cheerful than the previous one, this is the place for the nostalgic of the roaring 80s! The Zagreb 80’s Museum is a small but super fun museum located a stone’s throw from the Stone Gate, where you can take a trip back in time, wear super colorful jerseys and jackets and ride one of the iconic mopeds of the 80s.

In the Zagreb 80’s Museum , adults can experience a bit of nostalgia seeing the reconstructions of the interiors of a typical apartment of the time, playing the iconic games with an old Atari, or with the glorious Commodore 64 . The cool thing about this museum is that you can interact with the objects , so both adults and kids can have great fun here, taking vintage selfies, browsing the closets and drawers of a typical Yugoslav house and dressing up in 80’s fashion.

Zagreb 360° Observation Deck

Admiring the panorama of the old town from the Zagreb 360° Observation Deck is one of the most popular things to do in Zagreb, although honestly you shouldn’t expect much. The view over the old town is decent, but not comparable to what one imagines from an observation deck, like in other cities around the world. You can skip it, but if you have time and desire, why not enjoy a good drink with one of the best views of Zagreb?

The deck is situated on the 16th floor of a 1950s-era skyscraper, located right on Trg Bana Jelačića , one of the most popular squares in the city. Visitors can take a lift to the top and be greeted with a cafe bar and an observation deck that offers a stunning view of the city.

From the deck, you can see the historic old town, the modern city center, and the surrounding hills. On a clear day, you can even see as far as the Medvednica Mountain . The deck is a great place to visit during the day or in the evening, as the view changes with the lighting. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a coffee or a drink while taking in the sights of the city.

Zagreb is a relatively compact city and easy to explore on foot , but to best capture its charm and get the most out of your visit you should get in touch with the local culture , discover the many hidden gems, interesting, curious and captivating stories and legends that hover over many places in the city.

A great way to fully explore Zagreb and learn more about its fascinating past and huge cultural and gastronomic heritage is to join one of the many guided tours offered by local guides.

One of the most popular tours (imho, unmissable!) is the Free Walking Tour of Zagreb . This 2.5-hour tour will take you through the city’s most iconic sights, such as the stunning St. Mark’s Church, the charming Old Town, and the beautiful Zrinjevac Park. Your knowledgeable guide will provide you with all the information you need to understand the history and culture of Zagreb, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Croatian Homeland War , we recommend the 2.5-Hour Croatian Homeland War Tour . This tour will take you to some of the most significant sites from the war, so you’ll learn about the events that shaped modern Croatia and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s history and culture.

For a more personalized experience, consider booking a City Highlights and Hidden Gems Private Tour . This tour is tailored to your interests and will take you to the best-kept secrets of Zagreb , such as local art galleries, hidden courtyards, and charming cafes. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit most of the city’s most famous landmarks.

If you prefer to explore the city at your own pace, the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is the perfect option for you. You’ll have the freedom to hop on and off the bus as you please, and you’ll be able to discover the city’s best sights and landmarks, such as the Upper Town , the Lower Town , and the Mirogoj Cemetery .

Finally, if you’re a food lover, you won’t want to miss the Zagreb Food Tour . This tour will take you to some of the city’s best restaurants, where you’ll sample traditional Croatian dishes and struk them. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit local markets and learn about the ingredients used in Croatian cuisine.

And for those who love to explore the city on two wheels, a Bike Tour is the perfect option. You’ll see the city from a different perspective, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the city’s most beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Botanical Garden , Maksimir Park , and the Lake Jarun .

No matter which tour you choose, you’re sure to have a great time exploring Zagreb and learning more about this fascinating city. So pack your walking shoes, and let’s get started!

Zagreb is also an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding region . Croatia is in fact famous for its beaches and coastal towns, while the hinterland is generally underrated and little known, but hides many remarkable gems and retains a more authentic atmosphere, away from mass tourism.

The best way to explore the surroundings is by car. You might want to rent a car in Zagreb as the prices are generally very affordable. You can check out the best car rentals and deals on sites like Rentalcars.com or Discovercars.com . Otherwise, from Zagreb there are also great guided tours that allow you to visit some of the most popular attractions in a day, such as Plitvice Lakes or Lake Bled , without the hassle, as they include transport, tickets, reservations, English speaking guides and etc.

Plitvice Lakes National Park and Rastoke

Located just a couple of hours from Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must-see for any nature lover. The park is home to a series of interconnected waterfalls and lakes, creating a breathtaking landscape, especially popular with photography enthusiasts. Plitvice Lakes are indescribably beautiful and are the perfect opportunity for a long walk in nature, immersed in a pristine and awe-inspiring landscape. The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers numerous hiking trails for visitors to explore.

On your way to Plitvice Lakes National Park you will also visit the small picturesque village of Rastoke . This charming village is built around a series of small waterfalls, and the historic houses and mills that line the water’s edge create a unique and peaceful atmosphere. Rastoke is a perfect place for a leisurely stroll and a great place to relax after a day of hiking.

Ljubljana and Lake Bled

Ljubljana – the charming capital of Slovenia – is only a couple of hours drive from Zagreb. So, if you haven’t been there yet, why not take the chance to visit it? This small city is full of history, culture, and great food. Visitors can explore the historic old town , which is full of colorful buildings, charming squares, and a beautiful castle . Ljubljana is also a great place for shopping, with many unique boutiques and artisanal shops.

From Ljubljana you could continue to the true gem of Slovenia, Lake Bled . This is probably one of the most beautiful and iconic destinations in Slovenia. This picturesque lake is surrounded by the Julian Alps and is home to an iconic small island with a medieval church . Visitors can take a traditional wooden boat, known as a pletna , out to the island to explore the church and enjoy the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Trakošcan Castle

Located just a short drive from Zagreb, Trakošćan Castle is a must-see for history and enthusiast architectures. This 13th-century castle sits on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Inside, visitors can explore the castle’s many rooms and admire the collection of historical artifacts and artwork. The castle also has beautiful gardens, which are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Located just a short drive from Zagreb, the charming town of Samobor is a great place for a day trip. The town is known for its historic centre, which is full of colorful buildings and charming squares. You could spend a few hours in this quiet and relaxed town, and enjoy the many shops, cafes, and restaurants that line the streets. The surrounding countryside and bucolic landscape are also worth exploring.

Located just a short drive from Zagreb, Varazdin is a beautiful Baroque town that is known for its well-preserved architecture. Strolling through the streets of the centre, you will be able to explore the town’s many historic buildings, including the impressive Varazdin Castle . The town also has a number of charming squares, parks and also a large monumental cemetery . This town is also quite compact, easy to explore on foot in a couple of hours and perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Medvednica Nature Park

Lovers of nature walks, hiking and skiing could opt for a few days out at the Medvednica Nature Park , the mountains located just north of Zagreb, easily reachable in an hour’s drive. Medvednica Nature Park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is home to many hiking and biking trails that lead through the beautiful forest and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also explore the park’s many caves, including the Veternica Cave , and many traditional mountain lodges serving good local cuisine. The park is also home to a number of protected species, making it a great place for wildlife viewing.

Trying local food is indisputably one of the best things to do in Zagreb! Croatian cuisine reflects its r ich and varied cultural heritage , drawing inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine , but also from Central European (Austro-Hungarian) and, of course, Balkan cuisine , with hints and traditions that have spread throughout the peninsula since the Ottoman era.

Zagreb boasts a wide variety of local and international cuisine, making it a great destination for foodies. Among the local specialties you should try , in addition to the very popular (and ubiquitous in the Balkans) cevapi , the traditional grilled sausage made from beef or lamb, there are other tasty specialties such as sarma , which is a dish made of stuffed cabbage leaves or štrukli , a type of dumpling filled with cottage cheese and served with sour cream. You also shouldn’t miss the chance to taste some great Croatian wine , as well as some decent local beers.

When it comes to the best places to eat in Zagreb , there are many options to choose from. When it comes to traditional restaurants , one of my favorites is Konoba Didov San , which serves generous and tasty specialties of Dalmatian cuisine , including some rarities such as frogs and snails. It also serves good local wines and spirits. To taste the best štrukli in Zagreb, drop by La Štruk , which serves only homemade štrukli , in different ways, freshly made.

Other good addresses are Stari Fijaker and Lanterna na Dolcu which serves traditional Croatian food in a rustic and cozy atmosphere, as well as Pri Zvoncu , which although located outside the city centre, serves excellent local specialties and is popular with locals. In the city center Gostionica Purger is also worth trying and a couple of slightly more sophisticated restaurants, such as Bistro Agava and Vinodol Restaurant , are a local institution.

Fine regional cuisine at Pod Zidom Bistro and Trilogija Vino & Kuhinja , which also boast a good wine list with interesting local options. The Dubravkin Put , which is known for its modern take on traditional Croatian dishes, is also quite popular.

For those looking for a more high-end dining experience , Zagreb has several top-rated restaurants that offer gourmet cuisine. One of the best is the Zinfandel’s , the fine cuisine restaurant of the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel . In addition to an elegant and refined atmosphere and impeccable service, this restaurant – also recommended by the Michelin Guide – is known for its quality cuisine, a mix of regional specialties revisited in a contemporary way.

Another great option is Noel , awarded with 1 Michelin Star . This refined restaurant serves excellent and sophisticated contemporary specialties made with the best local ingredients. A quality wine list and excellent service complete the experience. The tasting menu showcases various specialties of Eastern European inspiration, starting from €175 per person.

Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, getting to Zagreb is relatively easy and is full of options from both major Croatian cities and neighboring countries.

Getting to Zagreb by Plane

The main airport serving Zagreb is Franjo Tuđman Airport , also known as Zagreb Airport . The airport is located approximately 17 km (10.5 miles) southeast of the city centre.

How to Get from Zagreb Airport to City Center

There are several ways to get from the airport to the city centre, including:

• ZET (Zagreb Electric Tram) is the most convenient way. ZET 290 is a public bus that goes from Zagreb Airport to the City Center in 1 hour and 15 minutes. Departures are every 35 minutes. The ticket costs just €0.80.
• The Airport Shuttle Bus (Pleso Prijevoz) is another convenient and affordable way to get from the Zagreb Airport to the city centre. The bus runs every 30 minutes and takes about 30 minutes to reach the Main Bus Station (Autobusni Kolodvor) in the city centre. The fare is €6 one-way.
• Taxis are readily available at the airport and can take you to the city center in about 20-30 minutes. The fare is around €30-40 one-way. A valid alternative is to book a private transfer in advance , which includes a professional English-speaking driver , pick-up at arrivals , luggage transport and maximum comfort , especially if you arrive at inconvenient times or if you are traveling with your family. The prices of the best private transfers start from €45.
• If you prefer to have your own transportation, you can rent a car at the airport . Renting a car in Zagreb can be cheap and convenient if you book in advance. There are several car rental companies located at the airport, including Avis , Budget , Europcar , and Hertz . You can find the best prices and deals on Rentalcars.com or Discovercars.com .

Getting to Zagreb by Train

The main train station in Zagreb, also called Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor , is located in the heart of the city and is well connected to other cities in Croatia and neighboring countries. Some popular connections include Split (approx. 6 hours), Ljubljana (approx. 2 hours), Vienna (approx. 7-9 hours). Connections to Ljubljana are frequent and convenient, others can be slow and not so reliable.

Getting to Zagreb by Bus

The main bus station in Zagreb is called Autobusni Kolodvor , or Zagreb Bus Station . The station is located near the train station and is well-connected to other cities in Croatia and neighboring countries. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, FlixBus offers several connections from Zagreb to other cities in Croatia and Europe. Some popular connections include: Rijeka (several buses per day, 3 hours), Ljubljana (several buses per day, 2 hours), Dubrovnik (several buses per day, approx. 8 hours, very popular in summer so it is advisable to book tickets well advance), Belgrade (several buses per day, approx. 4 hours).

Getting There by Car

If you’re planning to drive to Zagreb, there are several major highways that will take you there. Some popular routes include Rijeka (A6 highway, approx. 2.5 hours), Split (A1 highway, approx. 5 hours), Ljubljana (A2 highway, approx. 2 hours), Trieste (A3 highway, approx. 2.5 hours ).

When driving in Croatia, it’s important to note that tolls are required on certain highways and roads. Croatia has entered the Schengen Area since 2023, therefore entering from Slovenia has become very easy, the same is not true for those coming from other Balkan countries. Border controls can take time, and you need to have your documents in order.

BALKANS ON THE ROAD

Discover the Balkans like a Local

Hello! I'm Mirko, a journalist and independent researcher who has lived and traveled extensively throughout the Balkans, from the bustling main cities to the most remote and authentically charming corners. I created this blog for travelers eager to discover the wonders of this region and delve deeply into its diverse countries and cultures. Here, you will find genuine advice from locals, inspiration, and comprehensive travel guides crafted in collaboration with residents. The goal is to help you travel like a local, uncovering the best of the Balkans in a conscious and ethical manner.