Last Updated on: 16th March 2024, 09:14 am
I recently spent four nights in Zagreb, Croatia’s lovely capital and what a lovely city it was. Yes, you could easily see all the main sights in a day, but Zagreb is worth more than just a flying visit. Allow yourself time to sample the local cuisine, explore the city at leisure and take a day trip to nearby Plitvice Lakes National Park or the mountains.
So whether you’re stopping by for a short stay or a longer visit, here are some of the best things to do in Zagreb!
Take A Walking Tour
Those who know me know how I love to start every visit to a new city with a free walking tour, and Zagreb was no exception. For me, it’s an excellent way to learn about where I am and pick up some great tips.
I took this free walking tour with Guru Walks with Robert, which was terrific, especially as there were only three of us – that’s one great advantage of travelling in low season!
Stroll Through Ban Jelačić Square
Ban Jelačić Square is the main square in Zagreb and is named after Zagreb’s 19th-century military hero, Josip Jelačić.
This square is always bustling with activity, from street performers to locals gathering beneath the prominent clock and tourists awaiting walking tours.
The Tourist Office is located on the square, which is handy if you, like me, love exploring the city with a paper map.
Dolac Market
It is always fun to wander around the local markets, and the Dolac Market is Zagreb’s central farmers’ market.
The Dolac Market is open every day from 7 am and winds up around lunchtime. It’s best to get there before 1 pm for the most colour and variety.
Tkalčićeva Street
Tkalčićeva Street in Zagreb, also known as Tkalča (Tkalcha), is a beautiful street lined with restaurants and cafes.
At one point in its history, this street was a stream that divided the two oldest Zagreb settlements of Gradec and Kaptol.
Then, from 1899 to 1941, almost every house in Tkalčićeva street was a brothel. All windows had to have opaque glass and red lanterns, so Zagreb became the first city in Europe with a proper red-light district.
But now it’s just bars and restaurants. It’s pretty to wander, but to me, it does feel a little touristy. I much preferred the restaurant area around Nikole Teslina Street.
The Stone Gate
As you make your way to the Upper Town, you’ll likely pass through the Stone Gate, a chapel that doubles as a thoroughfare. This was originally part of the gates that encircled the old town of Gradec.
In 1731, a devastating fire swept through Zagreb, destroying everything in its path except for a portrait of the Virgin Mary that was housed in a room above the gate.
Following this event, the portrait was placed on a baroque altar within the gate. The iron fences were added later.
Since then, the Stone Gate has held immense symbolic significance and has been transformed into a chapel dedicated to St. Virgin Mary, who became the official guardian of Zagreb. Consequently, 31st May, the feast day of St. Virgin Mary, also serves as the official day of celebration for Zagreb.
Admire St Mark’s Church’s Roof
When you google what to see in Zagreb, the first thing that usually pops up is St Mark’s Church in the Upper Town. But it’s not so much the church; it’s the brightly tiled roof that’s the attraction.
The tiles, in vivid red and blue hues, contrast sharply with the white of the building. It’s very striking and unlike any other church roof I’ve seen.
The tiles proudly display the medieval coats of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia (not Slovenia) alongside Zagreb’s emblem.
Unfortunately, the area in front of it has been fenced off and turned into a car park for the parliament staff.
Museum of Broken Relationships
There are a lot of quirky museums in Zagreb, from the museum of hangovers to the museum of mushrooms.
But if you only have time to visit one museum, head to the Museum of Broken Relationships in Upper Town. It does get busy, but it was pretty quiet on a winter afternoon in February.
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of this museum – everyday items in this rotating exhibition are crowdsourced from people from all around the world, all united by the demise of a relationship.
From amusing to heartbreaking, each accompanying story is fascinating.
There’s a lovely coffee shop attached to the museum, too.
Catch The Noon Day Cannon Fire From The Lotrščak Tower
Just around the corner of the Museum of Broken Relationships is the 13th-century Lotrščak Tower.
At midday every day, the famous Grič cannon is fired from one of the upstairs windows. It is LOUD—afterwards, the man who fires the cannon waves from the tower window.
For a few euros, it’s possible to climb up the narrow wooden staircase to the top of the Lotrscak Tower for a great view of the city. However, the view from the bottom isn’t too shabby either.
Ride The World’s Shortest Funicular
At only 66 metres long, Zagreb’s funicular in Zagreb is the shortest in the world. It was built in the 1890s and was the first public transport in the city linking Lower Town (Donji grad) and Upper Town (Gornji grad).
The Zagreb Funicular proudly declares that it has never experienced an accident throughout its centuries-long history! The ride lasts approximately one minute and operates every 10 minutes from 6:30 am to 10 pm.
Walk Through The Grič Tunnel
The Grič Tunnel was built during World War II as a way to navigate beneath the hill of Gornji Grad safely. Its primary purpose was to shelter civilians from frequent bombings during WWII and the Croatian War of Independence.
However, it fell into disrepair shortly after its construction and was largely neglected for many years. In the 1990s, it found a new purpose as a venue for raves.
In 2016, the tunnel was fully restored and reopened to the public as a pedestrian passage, also serving as a space for exhibitions and events. Photo shoots, music concerts, and fashion shows occasionally take place within the Grič Tunnel, with plans underway to establish a museum inside it in the future.
Sunday Flea Markets
I love strolling around flea markets on a Sunday. There’s a huge one in Zagreb, apparently just outside town near the River Sava- the Hrelić Flea Market; it’s the biggest second-hand market in the city. There, you can browse through antiquities, vintage records, old postcards, second-hand clothes, books, and more.
But just a very short walk from Ban Jelačić Square, the city’s main square is the Britanski Trg Flea Market, which has over 100 stalls – that’s big enough for me.
Lenuci’s Horseshoe Walk
Take a walk around Lenuci’s Horseshoe, a U-shaped area with seven town squares and a botanical garden. It was designed by an urban planner named Lenuci in the late 19th century.
You’ll find some lovely parks, plants, flowers, and statues along the way. You can walk through parks, sit on benches, and enjoy the scenery. If you want to visit the Botanical Gardens, you will be charged a nominal fee of two euros to enter. All the other parks are free.
You’ll also pass by many impressive-looking buildings like the Croatian National Theatre and the Academy of Dramatic Arts. Some buildings are still being restored following damage from the earthquake in 2020.
Don’t Forget To Try Štrukli at La Štruk
Part of the fun of travelling is trying out all the local foods. One of the Croatian specialities to try in Zagreb is the štrukli.
It looks a bit like a lasagne but is made with a sweet or savoury dough with cottage cheese filling. I chose one with fresh truffles and it was so delicious and warming.
The best place to try this dish is at La Štruk, which is on Skalinska Street, just off Tkalčićeva Street near the Dolac market. The restaurant is quite small, but there’s also a lovely courtyard terrace.
Easy Day Trips From Zagreb
Plitvice Lakes National Park
A trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great day out from Zagreb. I took this tour, which was excellent, but it’s perfectly easy to do independently, either by renting a car or taking local transport. Although there are fewer buses out of season, do consider that, as I wouldn’t want you getting stranded.
Visit Nearby Medvednica Mountain
Visiting nearby Medvednica Mountain is a very easy side trip to do from Zagreb. I just went for the morning as I didn’t have the right shoes for proper hiking – next time I’ll be more organised.
Getting to the cable car station from Ban Jelacic Square takes about half an hour. Take tram 8 or 14 to Mihaljevac, then change to tram 15 to Grac Dolje. This takes you all the way to the cable car station.
The Zagreb ( Sljeme ) Cable Car takes around 20 minutes each way, and the scenery is stunning. There are plenty of hiking trails and a few cafes and restaurants.
You can go up the Sljeme OIV tower while you’re there. There’s a nice café with windows all the way around where you can enjoy a drink and take in the stunning views.
Worried About Not Speaking The Local Language, Don’t Be
Everyone I came in contact with spoke excellent English, but it’s always nice to know at least a few words. I got by on just these three words and a smile.
Hello – Zdravo
Thank you – Hvala
Goodbye- Doviđenja
How To Get From Zagreb Airport To City Centre
By Airport Bus
An airport bus runs between the airport and the main bus terminal in Zagreb. The fare is €8 and you pay on the bus. Both cash and cards are accepted.
Although the Zagreb airport bus website says ‘Service hours: 04:30 am to 11:30 pm’, the owner of my guesthouse advised me there is an airport bus that meets every flight, which was handy as my flight landed at 11:30 pm.
My bus left just before midnight, and with no traffic at that time of night, it was a swift journey into the city; it took around 15 minutes. Apparently no one else thought the bus was running as although my flight was completely full, I was the only one on board!
I was also advised not to take any of the taxis waiting outside the bus station as they would rip you off, and they told me walking was perfectly safe. It was. If you don’t feel comfortable walking or have a lot of luggage, Uber and Bolt are available.
By Local Bus
It takes a little longer than the airport bus, but local bus 290 takes you all the way into the city.
By Taxi
Airport taxis are available, as are Bolt and Uber.
How To Get Around Zagreb
Zagreb is a very walkable city, but it also has an excellent, clean, and frequent tram network called ZET. Tram tickets are incredibly cheap, starting at just 0.53 euros: check the ZET website for prices. Buying the one-day card is probably unnecessary unless you plan on jumping on and off trams all day.
You can buy tram tickets from ZET’s ticket offices or any newsagent kiosks around town. Tram drivers will also sell one-journey paper tickets on board, but they are a little more expensive.
Where To Stay In Zagreb
I stayed at the Casablanca Guesthouse. It was a fifteen-minute walk into the Centre or an easy tram ride away. I liked it as it was in a quiet, local neighbourhood, and I would happily stay here again, but for others, it may be too far from town.
If you fancy a bit of luxury while staying in Zagreb, check out the Esplanade Hotel.
I really enjoyed my long weekend break in Zagreb and look forward to exploring more of Croatia in the future.
For More Posts On Other Destinations That Were Once Part Of Former Yugoslavia, Check These Out
Day Trip From Zagreb To Plitvice Lakes
Skopje, the kitsch capital of North Macedonia
Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission that helps towards the cost of running this blog, but don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you.
Enjoyed This Post? Why Not Pin It For Later?
I love the ideas of the Museum of Broken Relationships! You would probably find me at the local markets though.
They are both quite close to each other 🙂
An easy to follow post through the city. Well done!!!
Thank you 🙂