Zagreb is a must-stop for travellers visiting Croatia to witness its blossoming culture, science and economy. From beautiful architecture to quixotic art displays, craft beer and Dalmatian cuisine, Zagreb offers unique and delightful experiences to anyone with a little time to explore.
Top things to do in Zagreb
Zagreb is home to fascinating Baroque and Gothic architecture, ancient city remnants and colourful, narrow cobbled streets that beg to be explored. Here’s where to begin a Zagreb itinerary.
Explore Gornji Grad (‘Upper Town’ or Zagreb’s Old Town)
The colourful old town of Zagreb is home to a concentration of religious and historical buildings, positioned high on a hill above the rest of the city. The atmosphere is calm and exciting at once, with cobbled streets, small houses and winding lanes ensuring the town is never overcrowded.
The Upper Town dates back to 1094, with buildings that blend Austro-Hungarian and Socialist styles.
Dolac Market, Zagreb, Croatia by Dennis Bunnik
Parks surround the town, there are numerous cafes and restaurants to dine in and a vibrant shopping centre. There are statues and sculptures throughout Zagreb. One to look for is on Tkalciceva Street near St Mark’s church, a bronze statue of Marija Juric Zagorka, one of the first female journalists in Croatia.
Wander the streets, browse the Dolac Market, and before leaving, head to the Strossmayer Promenade near the funicular to look over the rooftops of the Lower Town.
View Zagreb from above
Lotrscak Tower was once part of the medieval Upper city walls, built in the 13th century. Exhibits inside the tower tell of the Old Town’s history, and from the top views extend across Zagreb’s Lower and Upper Towns.
In the Lower Town, a modern skyscraper at the edge of Ban Jelacic Square also provides a 360-degree view of the city from the 16th-floor viewing deck.
Witness Croatia’s Naive Art displays
In the 1960s and 70s, ‘naive art’ became popular as a celebration of the works of peasants and ordinary working-class people, who didn’t have formal art training. This art movement can be traced back to the early 20th century and the village of Hlebine in Croatia, where the genre lives on today.
The Croatian Museum of Naive Art features works from this once-popular subgenre and introduces many naive artists who later became professional artists. Paintings and art pieces picture farms, people, animals and nature as well as cities, displaying a high level of imagination in the use of material and form. Perspective deviates from the traditional depictions in European art and themes of sadness and tragedy appear alongside idyllic imagery.
St Mark’s Church rooftop
St Mark’s Church, Zagreb, Croatia by Rachel McMahon
St Mark’s Church, first built in the 13th century, is a sight that must be seen in person — the photos don’t do it justice. This is one of the most emblematic buildings of Zagreb, featuring a colourful tiled rooftop constructed in the 1880s.
In the 14th century, the church underwent significant reconstruction to adopt a late Gothic style with three naves. Narrowly escaping demolition plans in the 18th and 19th centuries, in 1860 the decision to restore the church included the intricate, colourful mosaic seen in iconic photographs.
The roof is covered in thousands of tiles of red, white and blue, forming the two coats of arms for the City of Zagreb and the Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Slovenia and Dalmatia.
Dining on Dalmatian and Istrian cuisine
From sweet cakes to breaded, stuffed steak, there’s a range of delicious Croatian food to try in Zagreb.
‘Zagorski strukli’ is a traditional dish made from dough filled with countless sweet or savoury fillings, then boiled or baked. It’s served as an appetiser or for dessert. The main course might consist of ‘Zagrebacki odrezak’ (Zagreb steak), a veal, chicken or pork steak that is filled with cheese and deep fried with a breadcrumb coating.
An alternative main course to try is ‘purica i mlinci’, a classic northern Croatian cuisine of marinated and oven-baked native Zagorje turkey served with a thin-dried flatbread called ‘mlinci’ that looks a little like noodles.
In winter, as Christmas approaches, ‘orehnjaca’ is a sweet walnut cake made during the festive season, rolled into a log shape. If it’s not Christmas time, ‘makovnjaca’ is a poppy seed roll to enjoy as dessert or a snack.
Local cuisine, Zagreb, Croatia by Rachel McMahon
Enjoy craft beer at Garden Brewery
When wine is nice but a beer is excellent, the Garden Brewery delivers. These fresh craft beers are shipped all over Europe, with varieties to suit every palate. The venue lives up to its name — inside two living trees reach to the ceiling, the interior is decorated with plants, and the garden outside is strung with fairy lights.
Five unique experiences in Zagreb
Zagreb is brimming with unique experiences — there’s something delightful to appeal to everyone. Here are just a few to consider for a Zagreb itinerary.
Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships
Museum of Broken Relationships, Zagreb, Croatia by Karin Jones
The unusual Museum of Broken Relationships contains donations from the public that represent unsuccessful romance, friendship or even attachment to pizza. This global archive of failed romance is quirky and curious. Exhibits that range from mundane to heartbreaking to hilarious, growing from a temporary project in 2006 to its permanent home, with a collection of over 4,000 items.
A unique lens into history, sentiment and passion, the museum provides opportunities to cry, laugh and wonder at the variety of human connections.
Ride the world’s shortest funicular
Connecting the Upper Town to the Lower Town, a 66m funicular provides a cute way to avoid the stairs. Built in the 1890s, it was the first public transport in Zagreb and it’s never had an accident. It travels every 10 minutes and the ride takes under a minute.
See the colour of Art Park
Not far from the world’s shortest funicular is Art Park. This project initiated by a group of street artists brings bright colour and style to the city centre, the perfect destination on a sunny day. It’ll be a little different on each visit, look to see what’s new or simply enjoy a wine or cocktail while people-watching in an adjacent bar.
Funicular, Zagreb, Croatia by Karin Jones
Be dazzled in the Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions provides interactive experiences, from optical illusions to holograms, brain teasers and more. Clear explanations in English reveal the object of each display so visitors can explore the tricks, treasures and mysteries.
Step inside to find a fascinating world apart from reality — it’s the perfect rainy day activity or one to explore during a free afternoon.
Bake and decorate a heart-shaped gingerbread
Gingerbread making, Zagreb, Croatia by Martina Orehek
Nothing says Christmas time better than the warm, spiced smell of gingerbread baking or the colourful displays of gingerbread crafts. Gingerbread is one of the most recognisable symbols of Croatian identity, and Zagreb is the perfect place to take a class with a local craftsperson and learn how these decorative treats play a central role in celebrations like weddings, local festivities, events and gatherings.
Gingerbread-making traditions began in certain European monasteries during the Middle Ages, travelling to Croatia, where it became a craft. Northern Croatia’s tradition of making gingerbread is inscribed on the 2010 Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The craft of gingerbread making has been passed down over centuries, originally between men but now includes both men and women. Each craftsperson operates in a particular area and decorates gingerbread in a unique way using pictures, small mirrors, verses and messages specific to the occasion.
How to get to Zagreb
International flights land in Zagreb, which is the transport centre of Central Europe. Within Europe and Croatia, trains and buses connect towns, cities and villages. Travellers can also join a small group tour to relinquish the hassle of public transport and enjoy the spacious comfort of a part-filled tour bus.
How to get around Zagreb
Walking is one of the best ways to explore Zagreb. A guided walking tour can easily include the main architectural attractions like St Mark’s Church, St Catherine’s Church, Parliament, Government Palace and the gothic spires of Zagreb cathedral.
Spend a day or two exploring Zagreb’s dozens of delightful things to do
These recommendations are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring all that Zagreb has to offer. In between the attractions is the opportunity to see nature’s beauty, spot an unusual gate or doorway or speak with a local market trader.
Discover Zagreb in person and create lasting and unique memories — travel has never been simpler or more enjoyable than with a small group of like-minded people who just might become lifelong friends.
Questions about Zagreb
Is Zagreb, Croatia worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely. Zagreb is an incredibly beautiful city. It’s very walkable and has quirky museums, delicious food and a rich culture steeped in tradition for visitors to experience. Architecture includes stunning and iconic churches and political buildings.
What is Zagreb best known for?
Zagreb is the most important hub for transport in Croatia, and as a consequence, it’s also Croatia’s economic capital and political capital. Located in Central Europe, road, rail and air networks meet here to supply the diverse economy. Zagreb hosts sporting events, and entertainment and supports a high quality of living.
How many days should I spend in Zagreb?
Depending on how much you want to see, one day or two full days provides time to explore the baroque churches, gothic cathedrals, the Parliament and Government house and climb the Lotrscak Tower for panoramic views of the city. With, of course, breaks for delicious Dalmatian cuisine and gingerbread.