Zagreb in Croatia: Things To Do and City Guide

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and a city I keep returning to. I’ve stayed six times and found it a relaxed, walkable place with historic buildings, museums, churches, parks, and plenty to do. It feels calmer than many other capital cities I’ve visited, but there is still enough to keep you busy for a few days.

Zagreb is one of many places to visit in Croatia. We enjoyed the city’s relaxed atmosphere, especially spending time on café terraces and wandering around the centre.

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Best Things to Do in Zagreb

From historic churches and museums to parks, monuments and scenic viewpoints, these are some of the best attractions and places to visit in Zagreb.

Historic Landmarks and Old Town Sights in Zagreb

Gornji Grad – the Upper Town

Gornji Grad is one of my favourite areas to explore for its landmarks and architecture. It sits on a hill, and the paths along the edges offer wonderful views.

You can ascend the hill by funicular or walking up the cobbled streets. Top sights here include St Mark’s Church, the Croatian Parliament and the Lotrščak Tower. The Croatian Parliament in the upper town is a government building, and the entrance is fenced off; thus, you can’t visit. Nearby Tkalčićeva Street is a great place for food and drink.

Kaptol Fortress

Next to the cathedral is the Kaptol Fortress, with several historic towers. The fortifications surrounding the cathedral were built in the early 16th century, when the cathedral’s bishop feared an Ottoman invasion.

Grič Tunnel

Grič Tunnel is a pedestrian tunnel underneath the neighbourhood of Grič. The tunnel complex includes a central hall. Two long passageways run east to west and connect it, with entrances on Mesnička Street and Stjepan Radić Street.

Grič Tunnel was constructed during World War II as a bomb shelter. After the war, the tunnel became redundant and fell into disrepair. In the 1990s, it served as a shelter during the Croatian War of Independence. In 2016, it opened to the public and hosts cultural events. I found the tunnels very handy for a shortcut; they’re open from 9 am to 9 pm each day.

Lotrščak Tower

Lotrščak Tower is near the top of the funicular in the old town area. The tower was part of the city’s fortifications they completed in 1266. Lotrščak Tower defended the southern entrance to the upper town.

Inside, you climb a few staircases between floors. From the viewpoint, you can see the upper and lower towns, including St Mark’s Church, the Octagon and the cathedral. The tower houses the Grič Cannon, which apparently saved the city. Nowadays, at midday, the cannon fires one round to mark the time.

Stone Gate

The Stone Gate, or Kamenita Vrata, is a landmark in the Upper Town. It was built between 1242 and 1266; however, its current appearance dates to the 18th century. It is Zagreb’s only preserved medieval gate. Four gates once opened into the old town area, once known as the free royal city of Grič.

Inside the gate, a shrine and stone slabs praise the Mother of God. The shrine of Our Lady at the Stone Gate houses the painting of the Mother of God. This artefact survived the 17th-century fire, and an artistically forged iron fence now protects it.

Churches and Religious Sights in Zagreb

Zagreb Cathedral

This Roman Catholic cathedral is the second-tallest building in Croatia; its spire is 108 m high. Zagreb Cathedral is Gothic in design, has two spires and was originally built in the mid-13th century.

The cathedral’s history includes Mongol destruction and Ottoman fortifications.

St Mark’s Church

One of the most recognisable buildings is St Mark’s Church. It is also one of the city’s oldest buildings. The church dates back to the 13th century and has Gothic and Romanesque features.

The church’s highlight is its colourful roof tiles, which represent the coats of arms of the city of Zagreb and the Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia.

Katedrala sv. Ćiril i Metod

The Katedrala sv. Ćiril i Metod is one of many nice churches in the upper-town area. In English, its name translates to ‘The Greek Catholic Co-cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius’. The church was built in the neo-Byzantine style in 1886 on the site of a 17th-century Greek Catholic church. Inside, a collection of paintings by Ivan Tišov, a notable Croatian painter, is on display. The cathedral also has three bells in the 50-metre-high belfry, the heaviest weighing 782 kg.

Crkva sv. Katarina

Crkva sv. Katarina is a Baroque church, originally built in the 17th century to replace an older, run-down church. There are some statues on the outside.

Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord

The Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Trg Petra Preradovića looks good, and you can also pop inside for free.

This Serbian Orthodox cathedral was built in 1861 to replace an older church on the site. Inside, it is nicely decorated, and the walls feature the typical Orthodox style.

Museums and Galleries in Zagreb

Zagreb City Museum

The museum covers topics relating to the city’s history. It is in the older upper town area near St Mark’s Church. The exhibits are arranged chronologically throughout the venue. You can find out costs and current opening hours on their website.

Museum of Broken Relationships

One of the best-known museums is the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships near St Mark’s Church. It is housed in a Baroque palace and contains a collection of personal objects from former lovers, along with stories of how their relationships were broken.

Museum of Lost Tales

We went to the Museum of Lost Tales and were really impressed. The museum tells the story of Croatian folktales.

Inside are six rooms, each covering a different theme. I found the mythical creatures and ghosts very fascinating.

Ethnographic Museum

The Ethnographic Museum tells the story of the Croatian people and their cultural heritage. You can peruse various exhibits on the country’s traditional way of life. The secession building the museum calls home was a one-time trades hall built in 1903 and features statues and frescoes.

Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters

The Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters is a fine art museum in Zrinski Square. The gallery exhibits a collection of art that Bishop Strossmayer donated in 1884. It also features works by European painters from the 14th to 19th centuries. The gallery is grouped by geography and has sections for Italian, French and Northern European artists. It also contains artwork by Croatian painters.

Museum of Arts and Crafts

Housed in a yellow Renaissance building near the Croatian National Theatre is the Museum of Arts and Crafts. The museum contains a collection of European arts & crafts from the 1300s through today. This includes lots of paintings and silver pieces. They also have contemporary artists and regular temporary exhibitions.

Museum of Hangovers

The Museum of Hangovers includes stories of drinking and hangovers. It includes props, games & simulators. It also features hangover cures from around the world.

Squares and Markets

King Tomislav Square

King Tomislav Square is a park near the train station and is a pleasant place to hang out. There are cafés nearby; however, many people bring their own refreshments and sit on the lawns or benches.

At the station end of the Square is the impressive King Tomislav statue. Tomislav was the first king of Croatia and reigned from 925 until 928. The Square is also home to the impressive Art Pavilion building. Established in 1898, it is the oldest gallery in Southeast Europe.

Ban Josip Jelačić Square

Ban Josip Jelačić Square is home to the Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. The Square dates back to 1641, when it was used as a marketplace.

The Square is a handy spot for public transport, including trams. During our stay, they had various markets, including one which showcased vegan food.

Market Dolac

Market Dolac is both an indoor and outdoor market and sells most food items. The outside farmer’s market is in a pretty square with views of the surrounding buildings, including the cathedral. You can find places for food and drink at the edges to soak up the vibe.

The indoor section sits beneath the main market square and has a variety of stalls, including local cheese, fresh pasta and cured meats.

Parks and Gardens in Zagreb

Park Ribnjak

Behind the cathedral is Park Ribnjak, a good place for a walk or some relaxation. The park has views of the city wall and the cathedral. They also host art events and summer concerts.

Park Zrinjevac & Meteorološki stup

Park Zrinjevac is a stunning park in the centre with colourful flowerbeds, fountains and statues. The park is surrounded by interesting architecture too. At the top of the park is Meteorološki Stup, or the Meteorological Post, built of Istrian marble in 1884 as a public meteorological station.

Botanical Garden

For a place to chill out in the centre, head to Zagreb Botanical Garden. The site has thousands of plant species, including trees, flowers and pond plants. The gardens also have a pavilion, greenhouses and an orangery.

You can walk through lots of paths, and there are places to sit. The shady areas were lovely places to sit, cool down, and relax. One of my favourite sections was the sunflower section, which was in full bloom.

Park Grič in the Medieval Old Town

Park Grič in the upper town, on Grič Hill, features an archaeological site with remnants of the old city wall. There are also some statues, benches for relaxing, and some interesting buildings nearby.

Statues, Monuments and Public Art in Zagreb

Monument of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Outside the cathedral is the monument of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The monument is mainly white stone with decorative golden features. A golden statue of the Virgin Mary tops a large column. Four gold statues of angels, which represent virtue, also surround the monument’s base.

Statue of Saint George and the Dragon

The Saint George and the Dragon statue is in the pretty gardens between the Croatian National Theatre and the Museum of Arts and Crafts. You can see two statues of St George in Zagreb; one is near the stone gate. St George is an important saint for both Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.

The Well of Life

The Well of Life monument is near the National Theatre and looks fantastic. This bronze monument, dating to 1905, represents the main phases of life.

Architecture and Notable Buildings in Zagreb

Inside Oktogon

The Oktogon passageway has beautiful decor and a glass roof. The building was originally the First Croatian Savings Bank and was completed in 1900.

Croatian National Theatre

The Croatian National Theatre is a stunning building in Republic Square. It is a theatre, opera, and ballet house, making it a great place for arts lovers.

The Croatian National Theatre opened in 1895 and has been renovated a few times since. You can also book a performance on their website.

Esplanade Hotel

The Esplanade Hotel was built in 1925 to provide a place for passengers on the famous Orient Express to stay. During World War II, the Gestapo used it. You can also eat at restaurants inside, enjoy drinks on its terrace, or, if you have the budget, stay the night.

Views and Walks in Zagreb

Ride the Funicular – Uspinjača

The funicular is an easy way to reach the upper town. It is only 66 metres long, making it one of the world’s shortest. The funicular connects the lower town to the upper town. The funicular was built and became operational in 1890.

It was originally powered by a steam engine because of frequent problems. They replaced it with an electric engine in 1934.

Panoramic Viewpoint

For a fantastic view of Zagreb from above, visit the panoramic viewpoint. This is in Sunken Mural Park on Strossmayer Promenade. If you head east from Lotrščak Tower along the promenade, you’ll find it easily. I enjoyed the excellent views from the viewpoint, including towards the cathedral.

Strossmayer Promenade

Alongside a medieval wall in the upper town, you can find Strossmayer Promenade. This is tree-lined and has benches to sit on; it’s a perfect place to cool down on a warm day.

Walking Tours

Walking tours cover a variety of topics, from general tours that quickly introduce the main sights to more specific ones. Some niche walking tours cover haunted locations. You can find tour options on the GetYourGuide website.

Zagreb Travel Guide

After exploring the main sights, these practical Zagreb tips can help you plan the rest of your stay. This includes saving money by using free ATMs and knowing where to do your laundry.

What Makes Zagreb Special?

Zagreb is a fascinating place with plenty of things to do to keep you engaged. First, there are lots of pretty buildings, especially the Habsburg architecture. The city has a good selection of churches and fortress remnants. It is home to many museums, including some with quirky topics. The key sights in the centre are within walking distance.

Where to Eat Out

We found a choice of budget-friendly places to dine out that served tasty, hearty local food. I have created a guide about the bars and restaurants in Zagreb that we enjoyed visiting.

In Zagreb, you can try local Croatian cuisine at various eateries. These range from meaty options to Adriatic Sea fare. Red scorpionfish soup is a delicious delicacy. Other dishes include Zagreb steak, štrukli, and Croatian cheeseboards; a highlight was the Pag cheese.

Local Café Culture

Croatia is famous for its relaxed coffee culture, enjoyed in cafés throughout the country. This has been influenced by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottomans, and Italian café culture, creating its own. The centre has hundreds of cafés, and they are a hive of activity. Many of these are dog-friendly.

These cafés traditionally serve coffee with tap water, which is nice and keeps you hydrated. Sometimes you get a treat with drinks, such as peanuts. ‘Going for a coffee’ apparently means meeting people for a drink and is not limited to coffee. I had Croatian beers while enjoying the excellent cafés.

Nightlife

The Croatian capital is a vibrant place and has a diverse nightlife scene. This includes various trendy bars for beer and cocktails, as well as nightclubs. We enjoyed some fun nights out, including one at a karaoke event.

Getting to Zagreb

The easiest way to reach Zagreb is by train, international coach service, or plane. We arrived from Pécs in Hungary, joining the train from Budapest at Gyékényes. Crossing the border was straightforward.

It is on the main Croatian railway line, so it is easy to reach by train from anywhere between Split and the north of the country. Other international routes into Zagreb run via Ljubljana in Slovenia. The railway station has convenient tram access, so you can easily reach your accommodation.

Public Transport

Zagreb has an extensive public transport system, including trams and buses. Google Maps makes it easy to navigate, and I found it reliable. To use public transport, you need to purchase tickets in advance. You can buy them at convenience stores, such as Tisak, near transport stops. On my visits, I purchased multiple tickets to save time. Once on board, you must validate single/daily tickets using the machine by the doors.

Where to Stay

Places to stay include backpacker hostels, hotels and apartments. We preferred staying in the central areas between the railway station and the old town. Our favourite place to stay in the centre was the Chillout hostel, with its fun vibe and comfortable rooms.

For convenience, we found Hotel Central near the railway station an excellent option, and its breakfasts were delicious. For a longer stay, we really liked Baroque, an apartment in the upper town near many of the main sights.

Is Zagreb in Croatia Worth Visiting?

Zagreb is a fantastic city to visit, and it impressed me with how engaging it was. The cathedral was lovely to see. St Mark’s Church was stunning, especially the roof. The museums were interesting, especially the quirky options for visitors. The café and bar culture certainly adds to visits. It’s a place we keep returning to and exploring more deeply.