In this Zagreb Guide, we will show you why you should visit the city, when, and what are its most prominent attractions.
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Basic Info about Zagreb
Zagreb is Croatia’s capital and largest city. Located in the northwest part of the country, it has approximately 800,000 people. Furthermore, the city is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and welcoming atmosphere. We wanted to introduce you to this magnificent city in our Zagreb Guide.
Why visit Zagreb
Zagreb, often overlooked by tourists who choose more popular seaside destinations and need help figuring out what to do, is well worth a visit, and the number of great Zagreb tourist attractions might be surprising.
The capital of Croatia has beautiful and impressive architecture, excellent museums, and many more Zagreb must-see places, including alternative spots. It is also one of the best places to learn about Croatia and its history.
How to Get There
Zagreb is well-connected to major European cities by air. The Zagreb International Airport is about 10 kilometers from the city center and offers flights to and from various destinations. If you prefer traveling by train, regular connections to neighboring countries make it easily accessible from other parts of Europe.
If you want to see valuable plane tickets to Zagreb, try using Skyscanner.
But if you are traveling by bus or train, try using Omio.
How to Get Around
Zagreb has an efficient public transportation system consisting of buses, trams, and taxis. The city center is compact and easily walkable, making it an ideal option for exploring. Trams are a popular and convenient mode of transportation, with an extensive network servicing most areas of the city.
Zagreb Card
Zagreb Card provides free public transport and entry to the Museum of Broken Relationships, Chocolate Museum Zagreb, Zagreb City Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Nikola Tesla Technical Museum, and the Zagreb Zoo.
One significant attraction we in Zagreb Gudie want to show you is Trg svetog Marka, abbreviated Trg sv. Marka, also known as Markov trg) with St. mark Church, is one of the most prominent Croatian symbols.
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Zagreb Guide: What to See and Do
And now, let’s talk about what to see in Zagreb! You will be surprised how many attractions in Zagreb you can find! Firstly, you can start your journey by walking around the Lower and Upper towns. The Lower Town is the heart of Zagreb and the most beautiful area of the city that you can’t miss. The Upper Town is where you will find most attractions in Zagreb. It 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 smaller houses, cobbled streets, and winding lanes here.
Here are the finest attractions in Zagreb, in no particular order.
Zagreb Cathedral
The cathedral dates back to 1050. It stands out especially for its Gothic style and architectural details. It also stands out in the Zagreb skyline as the tallest building in the city.
Ban Josip Jelačić Square
Ban Josip Jelačić Square is one of the must-see sights of Zagreb. Josip Jelačić was the governor of Croatia between 1848 and 1859. In the center of the square is a statue in his honor.
Shop at Dolac market
In the center of Zagreb, a few steps from the cathedral, you will find the local farmers’ market – Dolac. It is the best place to buy fresh food from local producers, and even if the prices might be a bit higher, it is still worth paying extra for the quality of the products.
St. Mark’s Square
St. Mark’s Square is a must-visit attraction in Zagreb, situated in the old district of Gradec. On one side of the square stands a Gothic-style church adorned with the coat of arms of Zagreb and the Kingdom of Triune of Croatia on its unique roof. This church, dating back to the 13th century, is simply unmissable. The other side of the square is home to some notable government buildings, including the Banski dvori Palace, serving as the seat of the Croatian Government, and the Sabor Palace, housing the Parliament and Constitutional Court. And the Old Town Hall. You must attend these historical landmarks during your visit to Zagreb.
A shattered sculpture that embodies broken relationships.
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Tkalčićeva Street
When visiting Zagreb, don’t forget to explore Tkalčićeva Street, named after a renowned historian and priest. This famous street has several shops and bars. Interestingly, it was once known as the street of brothels during the twentieth century. You can easily reach it from Ban Josip Jelačić Square in the city’s upper part. Tkalčićeva Street is well-known for its nightlife, and you can enjoy a variety of beers at any of its bars. Pivnica Mali Medo is a great spot to hang out with friends or meet new people. You can also try some typical dishes of the local cuisine, buy souvenirs, or admire the buildings. Don’t miss the statue of Marija Jurić Zagorka, a well-known Croatian journalist, writer, and feminist located on this street.
Maksimir Park
The largest park in Zagreb, Maksimir, is also its oldest, first opened to the public back in 1794. The garden is delightful to visit, with five artificial lakes, lovely little creeks, and meadows; nature lovers, in particular, will enjoy its majestic natural surroundings and a forest 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 trendy place amongst Zagreb residents, Maksimir Park, is worth stopping by when visiting the city.
Zagreb Museums
Zagreb has many museums that have become a top attraction for tourists. With over 3.6 million exhibits, these museums are all around the city. Learning about Croatian art has historically been challenging, but some Zagreb museums have recently become cultural hotspots. Their innovative approach makes them genuinely appealing, and their exciting event programs make museum hopping in Zagreb as chic as clubbing. However, choosing which museums to visit can take time and effort. But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered here in the Zagreb Guide. Here’s our top list of Zagreb museums, complete with special tips on how to get the most out of your visit.
- Museum of Broken Relationships: It was established in Croatia in 2010 by former romantic partners who needed a space to keep their mutual possessions. Since its inception as a mobile exhibition and collaborative initiative, the museum has become a worldwide sensation. People who have undergone heartbreak are welcome to participate by contributing objects and memories from their failed relationships.
- Museum of Illusions: From holograms to mirror mazes to “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” moments, this museum plays with perception, challenging your idea of what’s up and down, what’s real, and what’s an illusion. Be sure to bring your camera, as these 70 interactive installations were made for Instagram.
- Archeological Museum Zagreb: The Archaeological Museum houses more than 450,000 artifacts from Croatia and abroad. Its most famous artifacts are the Zagreb Mummy and the Linen Book of Zagreb. Brought to Zagreb from Alexandria, Egypt, by Croatian explorer Mihael Barić in 1848, the Zagreb Mummy was, for a while, just that.
- Zagreb 80’s Museum: Step back to the “golden ’80s” with a nostalgic museum featuring a recreated Yugoslavian apartment from that era. The museum offers six rooms where visitors can interact with any objects in the donated collection. You can try on ’80s clothing, play a record, or even test your skills with the popular video game of the time, Commodore 64. Come and experience the sights and sounds of the past!
- Nikola Tesla Technical Museum: Paying tribute to the famous engineer and futurist, the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum chronicles the evolution of science and technology over the 19th and 20th centuries with a collection of 10,000 objects related to energy, transportation, firefighting, agriculture, astronautics, and geology.
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Travel Tips
When visiting Zagreb, consider getting a Zagreb City Card, which provides free or discounted entry to attractions and accessible public transportation. Also, check out the numerous festivals and events throughout the year showcasing arts, music, and cultural heritage.
How many days do you visit 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 Zagreb deserves more of your time as it gets better and better with each hour spent there. That’s why the optimal time for visiting Zagreb is two days, and then add more days if you want to go for day trips from Zagreb.
When to Go
The best time to visit Zagreb is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds. However, the city also has a magical charm during the winter holiday, with its charming Christmas markets and festive decorations.
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Where to Stay
Zagreb has various accommodation options for different budgets and preferences. The city center, particularly the areas around Ban Jelačić Square and Ilica Street, is an excellent choice for easy access to major attractions, shopping, and dining.
Best Neighborhoods
Besides the city center, other neighborhoods worth exploring include the trendy district of Tkalciceva Street, known for its lively atmosphere and numerous cafes and bars. Jarun, located near a beautiful lake, is famous for outdoor activities and nightlife.
Lower Town is the best area to stay in Zagreb for first-timers due to its central location and well-connected public transportation, making exploring the rest of the city easy. It is also the best place in Zagreb for one night and just 30 30-minute drive to the airport.
If you are looking for nightlife, Upper Town is the best choice. It offers a good selection of restaurants and lively nightlife in the bar street Tkalciceva.
Note: If you want to find some great rooms, click here.
Mlinci is a type of pasta that is soaked in duck juices. It is comparable to Yorkshire pudding and makes a great accompaniment to duck.
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What to Eat
When visiting Zagreb, you can taste the influence of Austro-Hungarian heritage in every dish. Grenadier Marša, a pasta dish with onions and cheese, and Kajzeršmarn, a dessert consisting of caramelized pancakes, pasta with cabbage, and turkey with pasta slivers, are some must-try dishes. Don’t forget to indulge in the delightful cheese puff pastries, fresh cream and cheese, doughnuts, and honey and pepper biscuits.
As you can see, Croatian cuisine offers a diverse range of delicious dishes. Be sure to try the traditional Ćevapi, grilled minced meat, Peka, slow-cooked meat and vegetables, Štrukli, a pastry filled with cheese, and various seafood delicacies. Lastly, don’t miss sampling the local wines and rakija, a fruit brandy.
Zagreb Guide – Safety Tips
Zagreb is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, taking basic precautions is always recommended, such as being aware of your surroundings and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
Party Life in Zagreb
Zagreb has a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues. Tkalciceva Street, Marticeva Street, and the area around Ban Jelačić Square are known for their lively atmosphere and comprehensive entertainment options.
Our Zagreb Guide recommends visiting Plitvice Lakes, one of the Croatian symbols.
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Best Day Trips:
Plitvice Lakes: If you want to explore beyond Zagreb, consider day trips to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its cascading lakes and waterfalls.
Trakoščan: Discover the 13th-century Trakoscan Castle and learn about its historical heritage on a day trip from Zagreb. Enjoy a wine-tasting experience at a countryside winery and have lunch in a local restaurant.
Ljubljana (Slovenia): Ljubljana (Slovenia’s capital) is only 120 km from Zagreb. So, it is easy to reach it and discover its old city center with Ljubljanica River’s Triple Bridge. You can also visit Lake Bled, whose magical island is not far away. Try booking a tour here.
Olimje is one of Europe’s most beautiful villages, but its spa is even more fascinating. We recommend taking this short trip and enjoying a relaxing day at one of its spas.
Rovinj, Istria: Take a day trip to Rovinj in Istria when visiting Croatia. The Town’s Venetian-influenced architecture and picturesque views, including the Church of St. Euphemia, are must-sees. Take a stroll along the harbor to fully appreciate its beauty. Book the Istria Tour from Zagreb if you want to see Rovinj.
Varaždin is one of the hidden gems. Its many Baroque palaces and churches surround a calm, pedestrianized center.
Conclusion of this Zagreb Guide
Although underrated, Zagreb is a fantastic destination, with plenty to do and see. We strongly recommend visiting it if you are already in Croatia. Ultimately, we’d like you to share your opinion about Zagreb and Croatia in the comments below.
Note: If you want to see what to do in Zagreb as LGBT, we recommend checking out our Gay Zagreb Guide.
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Feature photo credits: kayak.com