If you’re visiting Zagreb, one of the must-see locations in the city is Maksimir Park. Zagreb is full of parks, and some of them are absolutely stunning, but none compare to Maksimir Park.
Many capitals have their signature parks, and for Zagreb, Maksimir Park is exactly that. If you’re a nature lover and you’re in search of gorgeous locations wherever you visit, Maksimir Park will surely take your breath away once you arrive in Zagreb.
Even though I live in Zagreb, Maksimir Park still amazes me each time I visit. Keep reading to find out how to reach Maksimir Park and what to do there!
WHERE IS MAKSIMIR PARK
Maksimir Park is located in the eastern part of Zagreb and it is one of the oldest public parks in Europe. It’s the most popular and most loved park in Zagreb, by both tourists and locals. Once you visit, you’ll know why so many people choose this park as one of their favorite locations in Croatia’s capital.
The park was founded in 1794, and it covers an area of around 316 hectares (780 acres). The park has several lakes, meadows, forests, and numerous walking trails. It’s a dream for every nature enthusiast, especially in autumn!
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HOW TO REACH MAKSIMIR PARK
There are several convenient options to reach Maksimir Park, especially if you’re coming from the city center! Here are a few good ways for you to get to Maksimir Park:
BY TRAM
The easiest and the cheapest way to reach Maksimir Park is by tram. Trams run very frequently in Zagreb, and tickets for the tram are less than 1 euro. There are two tram lines you can take from the city center – 11 (Črnomerec – Dubec) and 12 (Ljubljanica – Dubec).
The tram stop is called Maksimir Park. Once you get off, you’ll be right next to the main entrance of the park. Trams 11 and 12 run often, and the ride from central Zagreb takes around 15 minutes.
BY BUS
There are several bus routes which pass near Maksimir Park, such as line 226 (Svetice – Kaptol) and line 201 (Kaptol – Kvaternikov trg – Borongaj). The buses use the same tickets as trams, so it’s equally cheap, but I would still recommend the trams more. Depending on your location, choose the option which is less complicated for you.
There’s an app called ZET info which gives you all the information on Zagreb’s public transportation in real time. You can find out when each tram or bus is coming or where you need to get off. I would highly recommend downloading it if you plan on actively using public transportation in Zagreb.
Additionally, if you’re going to use the buses and trams a lot, but your tickets in bulk for cheaper at the TISAK kiosk. If you buy the tickets there, they are around 50 cents, whereas in the tram or bus they’re 80 cents.
BY CAR OR TAXI
Maksimir Park is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) east of Zagreb’s city center. If you have a car, you can drive yourself to the park. There are parking lots near two of the park entrances. I would still recommend to get an Uber or Bolt if you want to go by car. You’ll save yourself from the stress of driving and finding parking in Zagreb.
Ubers and Bolts are quite cheap and there are many of them, so you won’t have to wait for long and it’s going to be less complicated than driving yourself.
BY WALKING
Zagreb is very pedestrian-friendly, so if you like a good walk, going to Maksimir Park on foot can also be an option. The walk is around 50 minutes if you’re coming from the city center, and less if you’re in the eastern part of the city. Only consider walking if you’re an avid walker, as there will be plenty of walking to do once you’re at the park as well. Make sure you wear your most comfortable shoes!
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WHY VISIT MAKSIMIR PARK
Maksimir Park is a fantastic destination in Zagreb for several reasons, and here are only a few of them.
Firstly, Maksimir Park holds huge historic and cultural significance, so it would be a shame to miss out on something so important to Zagreb. Maksimir Park is one of the oldest public parks in Europe. It was designed in the style of English gardens and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen in Europe.
Secondly, the nature in the park is absolutely stunning, especially in summer and autumn. The park covers over 780 acres, and it’s full of rolling meadows, dense woodlands, and calming lakes. It’s an ideal destination for anyone looking to relax and connect with nature.
If you’re visiting in autumn, Maksimir is just a must, otherwise you’re missing the most beautiful part of the city.
Finally, as Zagreb gets quite crowded, Maksimir is the perfect peaceful escape from the city. Maksimir Park is huge, so you’ll definitely find a place all to yourself to enjoy some peace and quiet. There are many meadows just waiting for you to come with a packed lunch or snacks so you can enjoy a picnic, or just choose one of the many walking routes if you want to be more active!
WHAT TO DO IN MAKSIMIR PARK:
VISIT THE ZOO
Zagreb’s ZOO is one of the biggest and oldest ZOOs in Croatia. The ZOO is worth the visit, especially if you’re coming with children. It’s located in Maksimir, close to the main entrance to the park, near the First Lake. The ZOO houses over 270 different animal species, and the tickets are quite inexpensive – 3 euros for children, and 4 for adults. You can check their working hours online, they change depending on the season.
GO FOR A BOAT RIDE
If the weather is nice, you can enjoy a boat ride on the First Lake, right next to the ZOO. There are 4 boats you can rent right next to the lake, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The price is 15 euros per boat for 30 minutes. The First lake is stunning, so you’ll have gorgeous views of the lake and the surrounding nature. Afterward, you can stay for a drink at the café near by.
GRAB A COFFEE WITH A VIEW
You can walk for ages in Maksimir Park, so there are a few spots where you can get refreshments.
There are two coffee shops, both with stunning views, so choose the one on the location you prefer. The first one is Vidikovac Café, situated at the crossroads of all walkways in Maksimir. This café possibly has the best view of Maksimir’s main walkway stretching from the main entrance to the lookout point. The café is self-servicing, which means you collect your drink at the bar and sit down wherever you choose.
The second café is Mirna Koliba, situated on the First Lake next to the ZOO and boats for rent. This café is much smaller and more relaxing, located right by the water. This café is also self-servicing, so you can just come for a coffee or a quick bite and enjoy the views of the lake.
There are also several ice cream stops all over the park if you want to treat yourself to something sweet!
VISIT ALL 5 LAKES
Maksimir Park is massive and it has five lakes, each of them charming it their own way. Here’s a short overview of why you should visit each of the lakes while you’re in Maksimir.
The First Lake (Prvo jezero) is the largest lake in Maksimir Park, and it is home to the Zagreb ZOO and the lovely boats for rent. There’s a cafe right there on the lake, and you can enjoy the views of the lake, swans, and the ZOO. The Second Lake (Drugo jezero) is a charming, smaller lake located close to the First Lake. It’s very relaxing and rarely visited. If you want solace not far from the main entrance, this lake is for you.
The Third Lake (Treće jezero) is close to the lookout point and the Vidikovac Café. It’s beautiful and rich biodiversity. People, especially birdwatchers, love to come here to watch the animals, so if that’s your thing, definitely stop by.
The Fourth Lake (Četvrto jezero) and the Fifth Lake (Peto jezero) are the smallest and most secluded lakes so there’s almost no people nearby. You’ll need to walk a few minutes to reach them, but they are really peaceful and worth the visit if you’re running from the crowds.
All in all, you should visit all five lakes, but if you don’t have the time, choose those which fit the best into your daily itinerary. Make sure you at least visit the First Lake!
TAKE A WALK THROUGH THE PARK’S MANY WALKWAYS
Due to its size, it makes sense that Maksimir has several different pathways which lead you all throughout the park and around its most important attractions. I would highly recommend you follow the pathways and explore all five lakes (3-4km), but if you need shorter options, you can do the following:
Zoo and Park Circle – around 2 kilometers of light walking from the main entrance through the park and around the Zagreb ZOO.
Maksimir Park entrance to the Vidikovac (Lookout point) – around 2 kilometers (there and back) of light walking from the park’s entrance to the park’s key attraction, the gorgeous lookout point with a café called Vidikovac. There’s a bit of an incline at the end to reach the lookout point but it’s not too hard and it’s definitely worth it.
These are all the reasons why visit Maksimir and what you can do there. As a local, you haven’t seen Zagreb if you haven’t visited Maksimir Park, so make sure you include it in your itinerary, at least for an afternoon.
