Zagreb may not attract the same crowds as Dubrovnik or Split, but visitors come here throughout the year, and it’s easy to see why. In this guide, I’ve put together the best things to do in Zagreb so you can make the most of your visit.
I found this Croatian capital charming, with a beautiful medieval center, grand Austro-Hungarian buildings, lively markets, and plenty of quiet corners to explore.
When planning your Zagreb itinerary, keep in mind that the city is easy to get around without a car. Zagreb has an extensive tram network covering the city center, while buses connect the outer neighborhoods.
You’ll also find the historic funicular, which links different parts of the Upper Town.
Before we dive into the best things to do and see in Zagreb, let me recommend my guide to the best areas to stay in Zagreb. Choosing the right area for your accommodation can make a big difference to your experience and help you make the most of your visit.
Best things to do in Zagreb
1. Admire Zagreb Cathedral
One of the first landmarks you’ll notice while exploring Zagreb is its cathedral, located in the historic Kaptol district. It is a huge cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, Saint Stephen, and Saint Ladislaus of Hungary.
It is hard to miss when walking around the city, particularly because its two enormous towers rise more than 100 meters above the surrounding buildings. Zagreb Cathedral has long been one of the city’s main landmarks and remains a striking Gothic Revival building.
Take your time to admire the façade before heading inside. The ornate architectural details are impressive, and the interior is just as interesting, making this an unmissable stop when exploring central Zagreb.
2. Step Inside the Zagreb History Museum
If you want to understand Zagreb beyond its pretty streets and historic buildings, the city’s history museum is a good place to start.
This more-than-a-century-old museum houses an extensive collection of objects telling the story of Zagreb and Croatia, from prehistoric times right through to the present day.
The exhibitions explore the city’s past from different perspectives, including cultural, economic, political, and artistic history.
What I particularly enjoyed is that the museum doesn’t simply display old objects; its engaging and educational presentation makes Zagreb’s complicated history much easier to understand.
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on Sundays, when it only opens for half a day.
Keep in mind that museums in Zagreb are generally closed on Mondays.
3. Enjoy the Views from Strossmayer Promenade
One of my favorite things to do in Zagreb is simply walk along Strossmayer Promenade. This charming hilltop walkway is popular with couples, families, and visitors looking for somewhere to slow down for a while.
To get there, you can take Zagreb’s famous funicular, which has a journey of less than one minute. It may be a very short ride, but it’s worth taking if you don’t fancy tackling the 66-meter climb on foot.
Once you’re at the top, you’ll find a peaceful tree-lined promenade with views across Zagreb. You can visit at any time of day, but I recommend coming around sunset, when the city takes on a completely different atmosphere.
What makes this spot special is that you can enjoy nature without leaving the city center. Depending on when you visit, you might also come across street performers, live concerts, or festivals taking place along the promenade.
4. Grab a Snack at Dolac Market
If there’s one place where you can get a real taste of everyday Zagreb, it’s Dolac Market. Local markets are always among my favorite places to visit when traveling, and this one gives you a chance to see local producers, vendors, and shoppers going about their daily routines.
Located between Gradec and Kaptol, Dolac Market opens every morning. You’ll find colorful stalls selling fresh local produce, as well as flowers, honey, meat, cheese, bread, and fish. There are also craft stalls where you can pick up an authentic Zagreb souvenir.
It’s also a great place to try Croatian food. The inexpensive local food stalls prepare dishes on the spot, making this an easy and tasty way to eat without spending much. By buying here, you’re also supporting local businesses.
I recommend arriving early, when the market is at its most lively and before the tourist crowds arrive. The fresh produce and lively atmosphere make Dolac one of the most enjoyable places to experience everyday Zagreb.
5. Take a Trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park
Although it’s outside Zagreb, I think a trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park is well worth adding to your itinerary if you have enough time.
If you’re looking to escape the city’s historic streets and discover some of Croatia’s spectacular scenery, this UNESCO-listed national park is an excellent day-trip option.
You can visit Plitvice independently by taking a direct bus from Zagreb’s main bus station, with the journey taking around 2.5 hours. Once you arrive, you can explore the park at your own pace by following its marked walking trails.
Alternatively, you can join an organized day trip from Zagreb if you prefer not to worry about transportation or planning your visit.
If you’re renting a car, the journey from Zagreb takes approximately 2 hours, giving you a little more flexibility with your schedule.
Plitvice Lakes National Park covers more than 30,000 hectares and is home to hundreds of plant and animal species. What makes it truly special, though, is its extraordinary landscape of forests, turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and wooden walkways.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and once you see it for yourself, it’s easy to understand why.
Different microclimates and Mediterranean and Alpine vegetation come together here, creating an incredibly diverse natural environment. You can spend hours walking through the forests, exploring the lakes and waterfalls, or even taking a boat ride across the water.
6. Buy Some Licitars
One of the most recognizable traditional sweets in Zagreb is the Licitar, and you’ll quickly understand why once you see one. These brightly decorated heart-shaped cookies are one of Croatia’s most distinctive culinary symbols.
They come in different sizes and are decorated with colorful sugar. Although they look almost too beautiful to eat, they are completely edible. In Zagreb, Licitars are traditionally used to decorate Christmas trees or given as gifts for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, weddings, First Communions, and christenings.
These distinctive cookies have been popular in Zagreb since the 16th century and are similar to gingerbread.
If you’d like to take some home, you’ll find them in gift shops throughout Zagreb and in many traditional pastry shops in the city center.
I have to admit, when you first see these beautifully decorated heart-shaped cookies, they look much more like ornaments than something you’re supposed to eat. They make a particularly charming little souvenir from Zagreb.
7. Panoramic Views from the Zagreb Eye Observation Deck
If the views from Strossmayer Promenade aren’t enough for you, you have to head up to the Zagreb Eye observation deck. Going all the way to the top is one of the first things to do in Zagreb if you want to enjoy a 360-degree view of the city.
This observation deck is located at an altitude of more than 180 meters, giving you a fantastic bird’s-eye view over Zagreb. Since Zagreb usually has good weather, the view stretches a long way and is truly spectacular.
There is an entrance fee to go up (it gives you access for the entire day), but it is well worth it. In addition, if you go in the afternoon, you may come across a live music concert when you get there.
8. Visit the Mirogoj Cemetery
When planning your itinerary of things to do in Zagreb, if you have some extra time, it is worth stopping by Mirogoj Cemetery. Many famous Croatian figures from different periods of history are buried here, making it a fascinating place to discover Croatia’s history.
But the most surprising thing of all is its size and architecture. Inside, there is a huge 19th-century church with a dome that can be seen from anywhere in the cemetery.
You can also see impressive mausoleums representing different religions, as well as beautifully decorated arcades and peaceful pathways.
9. Wander Through the Medieval Upper Town
The first thing visitors usually do if they stay in central Zagreb is explore the Upper Town. This part of the city is made up of the Gradec and Kaptol districts, which bring together the largest number of historic and cultural attractions in the city.
Both districts retain their medieval atmosphere and form part of Zagreb’s Old Town. Along their cobblestone streets, you can still see elegant historic houses and beautiful religious buildings.
On the streets of the Upper Town, you will find craft shops, family-run businesses that have been passed down through generations, and traditional restaurants where you can stop for something to eat.
The streets of the Upper Town really look as though they have been taken straight from a movie, with their beautifully preserved façades and wonderfully mysterious atmosphere. Don’t forget to visit some of the museums located in this part of the city.
10. Discover the Charm of the Lower Town
As you have already seen, Zagreb’s Upper Town is the medieval part of the city, the Old Town. And is there a Lower Town? Yes. Zagreb’s Lower Town is much more modern than its counterpart.
The Lower Town of Zagreb dates back to the 19th century and was gradually developed to solve the lack of space and overcrowding in the medieval city. Since it was built during the 19th century, it is completely different from the Upper Town.
Its streets are made up of wide, grid-like avenues, elegant European-style buildings, and spacious parks and squares.
You won’t find as many tourists here because it is not as attractive as the medieval center, but it is worth walking through its streets to appreciate the striking contrast between Zagreb’s different historical periods.
Today, the Lower Town is the business district of Zagreb and the area where you will find the largest concentration of major brand stores. Several tram lines run through this area, and there are plenty of lively cafés and restaurants where you can stop and enjoy Croatian or international cuisine.
11. Cross the Gric Tunnel
During the Second World War, many cities, including Zagreb, decided to build refuges to protect the population from aerial bombing.
The Gric Tunnel, a dark and narrow 35-meter tunnel with 6 exits, is one of these air-raid shelters and is still perfectly preserved today because it was never abandoned.
This tunnel, which was originally supposed to be larger but whose construction was limited by the budget, has served as a shelter, museum, storage facility, rave venue, and even a hideout for drug dealers, among other uses.
Its unusual and turbulent history makes it one of the more intriguing places to visit in Zagreb. During the 1990s, it served as a shelter during the Croatian War of Independence. Later, the tunnel was renovated and opened to the public in 2016.
Today, it is a pedestrian tunnel through which you can cross part of the city center. There are usually various exhibitions inside the tunnel, adding another interesting layer to this dark piece of Zagreb’s history, and it is accessible from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
12. Escape to Maksimir Park
If you need a break from Zagreb’s historic streets, Maksimir Park is a lovely place to slow down and enjoy some greenery. I found it peaceful, especially after spending time exploring the busy city center.
This large park is filled with woodland, lakes, meadows, and pleasant walking paths, making it easy to spend a couple of relaxing hours here. It is also a great option if you’re traveling with children, as there is plenty of open space to explore.
13. Walk Through Zagreb’s Stone Gate
In the past, the Gradec district was protected by a wall that surrounded the entire area. Over the years, due to wars and a major fire in 1731, the wall (and part of the original city) disappeared.
However, one of the gates, known as Kamenita Vrata, survived almost completely intact. This remarkable survival is attributed to the presence of a painting of the Virgin Mary, the city’s patron, which was located inside this section of the wall and remained untouched by the fire.
It is very common to see people praying in front of the painting and tourists taking photos in front of this historic stone gateway. For me, it’s one of those small places that is easy to walk past unless you know the story behind it.
14. Take a Trip to Nearby Ljubljana
If your travel schedule allows it, Zagreb’s location is ideal for visiting Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. The distance between the two cities is only 117 kilometers, making it a relatively easy day trip from Zagreb. You can travel independently by bus or train.
By bus, you can leave from Zagreb’s main bus station and arrive at Ljubljana’s main bus station, which is conveniently located close to the city center. By train, you can depart from Zagreb’s main railway station and arrive at Ljubljana’s central railway station.
Once you arrive, Ljubljana is easy to explore on foot. You can wander through its charming historic center, stroll along the Ljubljanica River, cross its picturesque bridges, and visit Ljubljana Castle.
Alternatively, you can book a day trip to Ljubljana from Zagreb if you prefer not to worry about transportation
15. Discover Dozens of Broken Relationships
Traveling to Zagreb to discover broken relationships? It sounds strange, but that is the name of one of the city’s most famous museums: the Museum of Broken Relationships.
Without a doubt, it is one of the most unusual things to do in Zagreb, as the museum displays dozens of personal items connected to broken relationships.
Inside the museum, you will find all kinds of objects that once belonged to failed relationships, including dresses, stuffed animals, gifts, and other personal belongings.
Each one is connected to a story about a relationship that came to an end, making the experience much more personal than a conventional museum visit.
16. Enjoy the Nightlife on Tkalčićeva Street
You probably love trying new flavors every time you travel. Here in Zagreb, Tkalčićeva Street is the most famous place to go out for something to eat. You’ll realize how popular it is as soon as you arrive, thanks to the lively atmosphere and constant stream of people at almost any hour.
It is probably the street in Zagreb where you will find the greatest number of restaurants.
During the day, it is a great place to sit down for a meal or a drink, while at night, the atmosphere on Tkalčićeva Street becomes particularly lively, with plenty of busy bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues staying open until late.
17. Relax in Zagreb’s Green Lung
It’s hard to beat Plitvice Lakes National Park as Croatia’s ultimate green escape. But you don’t have to travel for hours to find nature. Right in the heart of Zagreb, you’ll find a beautiful botanical garden.
The garden has several peaceful ponds, hundreds of plant species, and a wonderful variety of exotic flowers.
I found it to be a lovely place to slow down after a busy day of sightseeing. It’s a quiet green space in the city center, and a great spot to relax for a while.
Admission is free, and you can wander around the grounds at your own pace.
18. Discover the Story Behind the Croatian Tie at Cravaticum
If you’re traveling to Zagreb with children, Cravaticum is a fun and unusual museum worth adding to your itinerary. Dedicated to the Croatian tie, it tells the fascinating story of how this iconic accessory became connected with Croatia.
What I liked the most is that it is much more interactive than a traditional museum. Children can learn how to tie different knots, design their own tie, try fun challenges, and discover some curious facts along the way.
The museum is relatively small, so it doesn’t take long to visit. It is a great family-friendly activity if you want to mix some history and culture with something hands-on and entertaining.
19. Admire the Tiles of St. Mark’s Church
St. Mark’s Church is another landmark you shouldn’t miss in Zagreb. The first thing you’ll notice is its extraordinary roof, with thousands of colorful tiles arranged to form the coats of arms of Zagreb and Croatia.
The church dates back to the 13th century and combines several architectural styles, including Gothic and Romanesque elements. It was also restored in the 19th century, when several original features and materials were lost.
Outside the church, you’ll find St. Mark’s Square, one of Zagreb’s most important historic squares. It is surrounded by major government buildings, including the Croatian Parliament, the Government of Croatia, and the Constitutional Court.
It’s a fascinating area to explore on foot. During spring and summer, you may also come across street performers or small live music concerts.
20. Be Dazzled by the Neo-Baroque Croatian National Theatre
The Croatian National Theatre is worth seeing even if you don’t have time to attend a performance. Its impressive Neo-Baroque façade makes it one of Zagreb’s most recognizable buildings.
The theater stands in Republic of Croatia Square and was commissioned by the Austrian emperor in 1895. Its distinctive yellow façade is particularly striking against the surrounding gardens.
The building is also an important cultural venue, hosting opera and ballet performances. Its excellent acoustics and spacious auditorium make it one of the city’s most important theaters.
21. Admire the Zagreb Art Pavilion
Designed by the same architects behind the Croatian National Theatre, the Zagreb Art Pavilion is another beautiful example of the city’s Neo-Baroque architecture.
You’ll find it directly in front of Zagreb’s railway station. It is easy to spot because its enormous dome dominates the surrounding buildings. The yellow façade also gives it a strong visual connection with the National Theatre.
You can head inside to explore its exhibitions and visit the gift shop. Temporary exhibitions are often held here, so you may be lucky enough to catch an interesting one during your visit.
If there is an important event or exhibition taking place, it’s a good idea to buy your tickets in advance. Popular events can sell out.
22. Take a Walk Through Zrinjevac Park
Since you’re already close to the railway station, Zrinjevac Park is a lovely place to take a break. This elegant park connects the city center with the station and forms part of Zagreb’s famous Green Horseshoe.
It’s a beautiful tree-lined park filled with fountains, statues, flowers, and wide walking paths. I particularly enjoyed it as a place to escape the busier streets for a while.
When the weather is good, you’ll see locals and visitors walking, having picnics, meditating, or simply relaxing. During spring and summer, the park becomes especially pleasant.
As you can see, there are plenty of things to see and do in Zagreb. I’d recommend spending at least 3 days in the city if you want enough time to explore it without rushing.
23. Enjoy the Views from Lotrščak Tower
Another great place for panoramic views of Zagreb is Lotrščak Tower. This historic tower dates back to the 13th century, making it one of the city’s oldest surviving landmarks.
It’s remarkably well preserved, and the entrance fee is inexpensive (3 euros). The money goes toward maintaining this historic tower.
Try to visit around 12 noon, when you can hear the famous cannon being fired from the tower. The tradition dates back to its defensive role and the old warning system used to signal the closing of the city gates.
From the top, you’ll get wonderful views over Zagreb, particularly across the medieval Upper Town and its maze of narrow streets.
24. If You Like Basketball, Visit the Dražen Petrović Museum
Basketball fans shouldn’t miss the museum dedicated to Dražen Petrović, one of Croatia’s most beloved basketball players. Even if you’re not familiar with his career, the story behind the museum is fascinating.
Petrović became an international basketball star but sadly died very young in a car accident. His legacy remains deeply connected to Croatian basketball, and he is still remembered as one of the country’s greatest sporting figures.
The museum is managed by his family and contains trophies, personal belongings, newspaper clippings, and other memorabilia from his career. You can also pick up a souvenir from the gift shop, with the proceeds helping to maintain the museum.
25. Visit the Statue of Famous Croatian Writer Zagorka
One of the most important female figures in Zagreb is the writer and journalist Marija Jurić Zagorka. She was Croatia’s first female journalist and became an important voice in the fight for women’s rights during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Throughout her life, she wrote several fiction novels that are still popular in Croatia. Her work remains an important part of Croatian literary culture, although her books have not been translated into English or Spanish.
You’ll find her statue on the side of Tkalčićeva Street, one of the liveliest streets in Zagreb. It’s an easy stop to add to your walk through the Upper Town and a nice way to discover one of the city’s most influential women.
READ OTHER TRAVEL TIPS