Here are the 20 best things to do in Zagreb for anyone who is coming to the Croatian Capital soon!
Welcome to Zagreb, Croatia’s lively capital! Situated between mountains and rivers, this city is bursting with history and culture, and offers plenty of things to do. This guide will help you discover the top things to do, from exploring medieval streets to tasting delicious local food. Let’s dive into it!
Read more >>> Ultimate 2-day Zagreb itinerary
WHERE IS ZAGREB?
Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia. It is located in the northwest part of the country, along the Sava River. It has got the biggest airport in Croatia and has connections to various parts of Europe, so you’ll reach it easily.
Zagreb has just over 800,000 inhabitants and it’s the economic center of Croatia, with a diverse economy that includes industries such as finance, manufacturing, trade, and tourism. On top of that, Zagreb is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, theaters, and music venues.
WHERE TO STAY IN ZAGREB?
Zagreb offers tons of different accommodations, so you have plenty to choose from. There are several great hotels close or in the city center, but Zagreb also has a wide range of gorgeous AirBnBs to pick from if that’s more up your alley.
Some of the most popular hotels in Zagreb are: Hilton, Westin, Esplanade, Met, Art’otel Zagreb.
If you’re not a hotel person, you can check out the best AirBnBs in Zagreb and choose the perfect apartment for you.
WHEN TO VISIT ZAGREB?
Zagreb is great any time of the year, but there are 2 particular times of the year I would recommend. First is summer time. In the summer, there are many different events and festivals which will give you additional things to do. Along with that, in the summer Zagreb is not a really popular destination in Croatia as everyone runs to the coast. Therefore, Zagreb ends up being pretty empty so you can enjoy it far more.
The other time is of course, winter. Christmas market time to be exact. Zagreb has one of the nicest Christmas markets in Europe and it’s totally worth coming here in winter. The crowds are huge, so see if that’s something you like.
Read more >>> Zagreb Christmas Market Guide
BEST THINGS TO DO IN ZAGREB
SHOP AT ILICA STREET
Ilica Street is one of the most famous and longest streets in Zagreb. It stretches from Ban Jelačić Square in the city center to the western part of the city. Along the street you find various shops, cafes, restaurants, and historical buildings. It’s the best shopping street in Zagreb, so if you’re up for some shopping, Ilica is the place for you.
HAVE A DRINK AND BUY FLOWERS AT CVJETNI TRG
Cvjetni Trg, also known as Flower Square, is a lively and popular public space located in the heart of Zagreb. You’ll find it near Ban Jelačić Square and it serves as a bustling hub for both locals and tourists.
The square is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, cafes, shops, and events. It’s an integral part of Zagreb’s social scene where many tourists and locals come to relax and socialize.
To feel like a true local, sit down for a nice cup of coffee or get some lunch among the many restaurants and cafes. Once you’re done, grab yourself a lovely flower bouquet, after all, you’re at the Flower Square!
GO FOR BRUNCH AT SQUARE ONE
Zagreb has a wide brunch scene so if you’re a brunch lover, you’ll have a great time in Zagreb. The brunch is usually served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and you can find cafes and restaurants serving brunches all over the city.
My recommendation is Square One, a gorgeous restaurant with delicious food and lively atmosphere. The best part of their brunch menu is that they offer unlimited Mimosas for 7 euros. Who wouldn’t want to get tipsy for 7 euros?
Other brunch spots in Zagreb are: Broom44, SOL, Roots, Fetiš
HAVE A PICNIC AT ZRINJEVAC PARK
Zrinjevac Park is one of the most beautiful and iconic parks in Zagreb. It is situated in the city center, only a few minutes from Ban Jelačić Square, and it’s very loved by both tourists and locals because it’s an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The park is surrounded by lush greenery, lovely pathways, colorful flowers, and impressive architecture. It’s got many trees, benches, and lovely fountains making it a popular spot for relaxation and socializing.
I would recommend getting some take out and having a picnic in the park. There are many gorgeous spots you can pick from, and it will surely be a memorable lunch for you. Get some Greek food at El Greco or a pizza at Nokturno, and enjoy!
VISIT THE BOTANICAL GARDEN
The Botanical Garden of Zagreb is a serene oasis located in the heart of Zagreb. It was founded in 1889 by the University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Science and is one of the city’s most cherished green spaces.
The Botanical Garden of Zagreb offers a wonderful opportunity to explore and appreciate the diverse world of plants while enjoying a peaceful and relaxing environment away from the crowds. It’s a must-visit destination if you’re a nature lover or you want to escape the urban life for a moment.
The ticket for this lovely garden is only 2 euros, and it goes towards upkeeping the garden, so it’s really cheap and for a good cause.
RELAX AT KING TOMISLAV SQUARE
King Tomislav Square is one of the most prominent and historically significant squares in Zagreb, and it’s a place you must visit. It is located in the city center, next to the main railway station, which means that there’s always people there.
At the center of the square stands a large bronze statue of King Tomislav. The statue is surrounded by trees, flowerbeds, and manicured lawns, creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere for visitors.
King Tomislav Square is another great place for relaxing. In the summer months, many locals and tourists sit around on the grass, socialize, and have picnics. During summer there are various events there, and during winter, there’s a huge ice-skating rink at the square.
WALK THE STROSS
The Strossmayer Promenade, commonly referred to as Stross Promenade is a charming pedestrian walkway located in Zagreb’s Upper Town. It’s special because it offers gorgeous panoramic views of the Lower Town including its historic buildings, landmarks, and parks. The prettiest views are during sunset, so add that to your bucket list!
There are several historic landmarks and attractions on the promenade, including St. Catherine’s Church, Lotrščak Tower, and the iconic Zagreb funicular, which connects the Upper and Lower Towns. Stoss Promenade is a leasurely stroll absolutely worthy of taking!
EXPLORE THE HISTORICAL UPPER TOWN
The Upper Town of Zagreb is the historic core of the city and one of its most charming districts. It is situated on a hill overlooking the Lower Town and is characterized by its narrow streets, medieval architecture, and rich cultural heritage.
The Upper Town is home to several historic landmarks and attractions, including St. Mark’s Church with its iconic tiled roof, the Lotrščak Tower, and the Stone Gate – a historic gateway and shrine that is considered one of Zagreb’s most sacred sites.
HAVE A DRINK AT A’E
A’e is one of the most special bars in the Upper Town. It has a gorgeous terrace overlooking Tkalča Street and the Zagreb Cathedral. If you want to experience Croatia’s coffee culture with arguably the best view in Zagreb, don’t skip this bar!
RIDE THE ZAGREB FUNICULAR
The Zagreb Funicular is one of the city’s most iconic and beloved landmarks. It is a historic funicular railway that connects the Upper Town with the Lower Town. The Zagreb Funicular is one of the oldest funiculars in the world that is still in operation. It was originally built in 1890 to transport passengers between the Lower and Upper Towns.
To this day it provides convenient access between the Upper and Lower Towns, saving you the effort of climbing the steep hills or navigating the winding streets on foot. It is especially popular among tourists who want to explore both parts of the city easily. The ticket is less than 1 euro, so don’t skip this interesting experience!
WALK DOWN TKALČIĆEVA STREET
Tkalčićeva Street, also lovingly named Tkalča, is one of the most vibrant streets in Zagreb. It is located in the heart of the city’s historic Upper Town and it’s known for its charming atmosphere, lively cafes, colorful facades, and bustling nightlife.
When in Zagreb, definitely enjoy a leisurely meal or a cup of coffee at one of the street-side cafes at Tkalčićeva street. Along the street you will also find a variety of shops selling locally made crafts, souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and more. It’s a great place to browse for unique gifts and mementos to take home.
TRY STRUKLI AT LA ŠTRUK
Štrukli are a traditional Croatian meal – a cheese filled pastry baked in the oven. La Štruk is a local restaurant specialized and only making štrukli in various forms for you to try. The meal is delicious and it’s pretty affordable, so I would highly recommend checking this restaurant out. You can also eat great štrukli at Hotel Esplanade if that’s closer to your accommodation or better fits into your itinerary!
EXPLORE DOLAC MARKET
Dolac Market is the largest and most famous open-air market in the Croatian capital. Connected to Ban Jelačić Square and the historic Upper Town, Dolac Market is a vibrant location full of activity, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, local delicacies, flowers, and handmade crafts.
You can sample and purchase many local products, as well as get some gorgeous flower arrangements. Dolac Market also offers a selection of handmade crafts, souvenirs, and traditional Croatian products, so it’s a great place to buy yourself a memento from Zagreb. Dolac Market is open from 6:30 to 2 p.m. so keep that in mind when planning your visit!
MARVEL AT THE ZAGREB CATHEDRAL
The Zagreb Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Croatian capital. It is located in the Upper Town and it’s a magnificent example of Gothic architecture.
The cathedral has two imposing bell towers, which rise to a height of 108 meters (354 feet) and dominate the city skyline. Currently, the Zagreb Cathedral is under reconstruction because it was affected by the earthquake which happened in 2020, but you can still marvel at the interior of the Church!
VISIT THE MUSEUM OF CHOCOLATE
One of the most fun museums in Zagreb is the amazing Museum of Chocolate. It’s located near Cvjetni Trg and it’s a great way to learn more about chocolate and cocoa in general.
The reason why this museum is special is because along the way, as you’re exploring, you have several points where you get to try chocolate as it has been years ago up to some of the most well-known Croatian chocolates now. The entrance adult ticket is 9 euros, and you can buy them once your there!
VISIT THE CROATIAN NATIONAL THEATRE
The Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb is one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in Croatia. It is located in the heart of Zagreb, near Cvjetni Trg, and it’s an absolutely gorgeous building you must see. If you love art, you can attend a world-class opera or a ballet performance, and If you don’t, simply admire the theatre’s magnificent architecture!
GO FOR A WALK AT MAKSIMIR PARK
Maksimir Park is one of the most beautiful and expansive green spaces in Zagreb, and my favorite green space in the whole city. It is located in the northeastern part of the city and it is one of the largest parks in Zagreb and Croatia as a whole. You can easily reach the park by a short Uber ride or a tram no. 11 from the city center.
The park has many walking trails that wind through the Maksimir woods and open spaces, so prepare comfy shoes. You can enjoy leisurely strolls, jogging, or picnicking while enjoying the natural beauty of the park. If you want something more to do, Maksimir Park is home to the Zagreb Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in Europe. You’ll see a wide variety of animal species and it will be fun to people of all ages.
VISIT SAMOBOR
Samobor is a picturesque town located in Croatia, situated about 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of Zagreb. It is known for its charming medieval architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural surroundings. It’s quite close to Zagreb so it would be a shame to miss it. You can reach it by car in less than 30 minutes, or you can grab a bus from the main bus station for under 5 euros!
Read more >>> Top 5 charming day trips from Zagreb
In Samobor, you’ll get to explore and enjoy narrow cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and well-preserved medieval buildings. You can explore the 13th-century Samobor Castle ruins, which offer panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside.
Once you’re in the city center, make your way to the central square known as King Tomislav Square. The square is a bustling hub of activity lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. There you can try a few traditional Croatian dishes and specialty foods such as Samoborska kremsnita (a delicious cream cake), štrukli (cheese-filled pastry), and bermet (a sweet dessert wine).
EAT AMAZING BURGERS AT SUBMARINE
One of the best places for foodies in Zagreb is Submarine Burger. This excellent local burger restaurant will blow you away. In my opinion, the best thing on their menu are truffle fries which are mouthwatering!! They have several incredible burgers, including various vegan options, so you definitely won’t be hungry!
They have several locations all over the city, with 3 in the city center – One on Cvjetni Trg, one on Frankopanska Street, and one on Tkalčićeva Street.
HAVE A COFFEE NEAR LAKE JARUN
Jarun Lake is a popular recreational area located in the southwestern part of Zagreb. It is one of the city’s largest artificial lakes and serves as a hub for outdoor activities, sports, and leisure.
Jarun Lake is surrounded by lush greenery, wooded areas, and walking paths, creating a picturesque natural setting within the city. It is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities such as swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and sailing.
From the city center, you can easily reach it by taking the tram no. 17. If you like spending time in nature and hiking or just having a coffee outdoors, Jarun is exactly what you’re looking for.
