Zagreb in Croatia – 20 attractions and things to do

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | Zagreb is a cozy and relaxed capital that we love to return to. We have visited Zagreb in Croatia several times, both summer and winter, and here we recommend 20 things to do and experience,

Zagreb in Croatia

Zagreb is a capital city that is easy to like. Even though we have been here several times, it still feels like there are new alleys, restaurants and little details to discover – while we like to return to our old favorites.

Sights and things to do in Zagreb in Croatia

Here are our 20 best tips for attractions and things to do in Zagreb – from places we have visited ourselves during our trips to the city.

1. Discover Gornji Grad – Zagreb’s historic upper town

Gornji Grad is Zagreb's historic upper town and the part of Zagreb that we enjoy most just walking around in. Here you can find cobblestone streets, old palaces, churches, small squares and great views of the lower town district of Donji Grad.

This is also where you really get a feel for Zagreb's history. Gornji Grad grew out of the old town of Gradec and several of the city's most famous sights are located within a fairly small area. We'll come back to St. Mark's Church, the Stone Gate and the Lotršča Tower later in the guide.

One detail we were fascinated by is the old gas lanterns that still remain in the historic district. They are lit by hand by Zagreb's lantern lighters – a tradition that is especially good when dusk falls and the old streets take on a completely different light.

You don't really need a special plan here. Head up to Gornji Grad and wander around at random. It's in the small streets and details between the big sights that much of the charm lies.

2. See the colorful St. Mark's Basilica

In the middle of St. Mark's Square in Gornji Grad lies one of Zagreb's most photographed buildings – St. Mark's Church, Crkva svetog Marka. The church dates back to the 13th century, but it is above all its colorful roof that makes it stand out among the city's historic buildings.

On the roof, two large coats of arms are visible, created in red, white and blue tiles. One depicts the city coat of arms of Zagreb and the other the historical coat of arms of Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia. The result is, to say the least, special and makes the church easy to recognize in photos of Zagreb.

Surrounding the square are several of Croatia's most important political buildings, including the parliament, the Sabor. In other words, it's a small square with a lot of Croatian history gathered in one place.

3. Experience Ban Jelačić Square – Zagreb’s main meeting place

Ban Jelačić Square is Zagreb's main meeting place and a natural starting point for exploring the city. Trams roll by, people meet under the large equestrian statue, and stately buildings from different eras rise around the square.

In the middle of the square stands Josip Jelačić, the Croatian leader who gave the place its name. The statue was erected in the 19th century, removed during the Yugoslav communist era and returned in 1990. Today, it is once again an obvious part of Zagreb's most central square.

When we were here, we quickly realized that things are really happening on Ban Jelačić Square. There was a big cycling event going on, while a concert with heavy bass speakers was being prepared and folk dancing was being performed on the square. All at the same time. It felt very Zagreb.

4. Stroll along Tkalčićeva – Zagreb’s most beautiful bar street

What we loved most about Zagreb was the cozy pedestrian street Tkalčićeva. Here, restaurants, cafes, bars and outdoor seating are located close together in colorful old houses, and the street is just as nice for a coffee in the middle of the day as it is for dinner and a glass of wine in the evening.

As soon as we enter Tkalčićeva, the holiday feeling sets in. Even though we are in the middle of a European capital, it feels small-scale and relaxed, and it is easy to settle down somewhere and stay much longer than you had intended.

For us, Tkalčićeva has become one of the places that is synonymous with Zagreb. We don't really need to do anything special here – it's quite enough to stroll around, watch the people and think about which outdoor café to choose.

5. Visit Dolac – Zagreb’s colorful food market

Just a few minutes’ walk from Ban Jelačić Square is Dolac, Zagreb’s main food market. Here, Zagreb residents shop for fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, cheese and other local products, and the market feels like a delightful mix of colours, smells and everyday life. The characteristic red parasols also make Dolac easy to recognise.

The fun is in all the details. Among other things, we found domestic croquettes, small pieces of deep-fried pork fat that were once a simple poor man's food but can now cost a lot. Here you can also find the traditional heart-shaped and beautifully decorated licitar, which Croatians like to give away on holidays and special occasions.

But what perhaps fascinated us the most was the milk vending machine. Zagreb residents come here with their bottles and fill them with fresh milk from local farms. It’s the little things like that that we like to discover when we travel – not just the big sights, but also how everyday life actually works in the place we’re visiting.

6. Visit the museum of broken relationships

A museum about broken hearts might sound a bit strange – and that's exactly why the Museum of Broken Relationships has become one of Zagreb's most talked-about attractions.

The museum is based on objects that people from different parts of the world have donated after ending relationships. They can be anything from everyday small items to very personal memories, and along with each object is the story of the relationship behind it.

7. Walk through Kamenita Vrata – the historic Stone Gate

Kamenita vrata, the Stone Gate, is the only preserved city gate from the old Gradec and one of the places in Zagreb that surprised us. You simply walk through an old gate – but in the middle of the passage there is a small shrine where people stop, light candles and pray.

The background is a dramatic story. In 1731, Gradec was hit by a major fire and the Stone Gate was also destroyed. In the remains of the fire, a painting of the Virgin Mary with the baby Jesus was found unharmed, even though the wooden frame around it had burned down. The event was considered a miracle and the painting is still in the sanctuary.

When we visited the Stone Gate, it was precisely the contrast that caught our attention. Outside, life in Zagreb continues as usual, while inside under the archway it is darker and quieter with flickering lights and people stopping for a moment. It feels more like a living part of Zagreb than a regular historical attraction.

8. Ride Zagreb's short funicular

Zagreb's blue funicular, Zagrebačka uspinjača, connects the lower town with the Upper Town and is often described as one of the shortest funiculars in the world. The route is only 66 meters long, so the journey is almost over before it begins.

Sure, you can walk up the stairs instead – it’s neither far nor particularly difficult. But we still think the funicular is worth a ride. It has been operating in Zagreb since the late 19th century and has become a small attraction in its own right.

When you get off up there, you'll also end up right by the Lotrščaktornet and Strossmayer Promenade, with nice views of the lower part of Zagreb.

9. See Zagreb from the Lotršča Tower – and hear the cannon shot

Just above the funicular rises the Lotrščaktornet, an old defensive tower from the 13th century that was once part of the fortifications around Gradec. If you climb the tower, you will be rewarded with fine views over Zagreb's rooftops and the lower town.

But the Lotrščak Tower is perhaps best known for its cannon. Every day at 12 o'clock, a cannon shot is fired from the tower, a Zagreb tradition that dates back to the 19th century. So if you're nearby, you won't have to wonder for too long whether it's the 12th.

Try to time your visit so that you are here at lunchtime. But be prepared – it's going to be really loud!

10. Stroll along the Strossmayer Promenade

Once the cannon has finished firing and your heart rate has returned to normal, you can continue along Strossmayer Promenade, right next to the Lotrščaktornet. This is one of the most pleasant walks in Gornji Grad, with views over Zagreb's rooftops and the lower part of the city.

The promenade is lined with large chestnut trees and there are benches where you can sit for a while. During parts of the year the area becomes even livelier with small stalls, music, art and outdoor cafes.

Here also stands the statue of the Croatian writer Antun Gustav Matos, casually leaning back on a bench and looking out over Zagreb. Sit down next to him if there's room. He's quiet, doesn't finish your beer and has never complained about our company so far.

11. Visit Zagreb Cathedral

Zagreb Cathedral, with its tall twin towers, has long been one of the city's major landmarks. The church's history dates back to the Middle Ages, but the building has undergone several changes over the centuries – not least after the great earthquake of 1880.

And earthquakes would unfortunately play a major role again. On March 22, 2020, Zagreb was hit by a powerful earthquake, causing extensive damage to the cathedral. Part of the southern tower collapsed and a huge restoration project began. The work is still ongoing, but from Christmas 2025, services will once again be held inside the cathedral.

When we visited Zagreb previously, we were periodically confronted with scaffolding around this mighty building. Of course, this is not exactly what you dream of when the camera pans forward – but the cathedral's dramatic present has also become part of Zagreb's history.

Good to know: Restoration work will continue into 2026, so expect parts of the cathedral or the surrounding area to be affected by the work when you arrive.

12. Walk through the Grič Tunnel under Zagreb

Right in the center of Zagreb there is a slightly different shortcut – straight through the mountain below Gornji Grad. The Grič Tunnel was built during World War II as a bomb shelter and consists of a long main passage with several smaller passages out towards the city.

Today, you can instead walk through the tunnel and emerge onto a completely different street. It costs nothing and only takes a few minutes, but the feeling is quite special when the city noise disappears behind you and you continue into the long, cool tunnel.

Over the years, the Grič Tunnel has also been used for exhibitions and various events. But you don't really need an event to go down here. Just think: ”We're taking this route.” And then disappear under Zagreb while everyone else continues on top.

Our tips: The Grič Tunnel is especially nice on a really hot summer day. Zagreb has simply arranged air conditioning in its own little way.

13. Stroll through Lenuci's Green Horseshoe

Lower Zagreb, Donji Grad, is considerably greener than you might first imagine. Through the city center runs Lenuci's green horseshoe, a series of parks and squares that together form an almost U-shaped green promenade between some of Zagreb's most impressive buildings.

Here you pass Zrinjevac with its large plane trees, flower gardens and music pavilion. If you continue through the parks, stately buildings, museums and the beautiful art pavilion appear along the way. The pace feels different here than in the narrow streets of Gornji Grad.

We like those parts of a city where you don't really need to have a destination. Buy a coffee, sit on a bench or just continue through the next park. Sometimes it's only when you stop chasing sights that you have time to discover the city you've actually traveled to.

14. Join a walking tour of Zagreb

We usually like to go on a walking tour when we come to a city we want to understand a little better. In Zagreb we did just that, and suddenly the buildings and places around us became something more than just pretty subjects for the camera.

During the walk we heard about the dramatic history of Zagreb and Croatia – about the time in Yugoslavia, Tito, the Balkan Wars and the road to today's Croatia. Our guide mixed the big story with stories about life in the city, and it's often the little details that you remember afterwards.

A good guide can also tell you things you would have walked right past without reacting. We like to discover on our own, but sometimes you actually need someone to say: ”Stop! Look up there.” Otherwise, we probably would have continued walking with the camera pointed in the completely wrong direction.

15. Discover Mirogoj – Zagreb’s beautiful cemetery

A cemetery might not be at the top of your list when planning a weekend in Zagreb, but Mirogoj is something out of the ordinary. Behind the long wall, greenery, monumental tombs and beautiful arcades await, making the place as much an architectural attraction as a cemetery.

Mirogoj was founded in the 19th century and is the resting place of many important figures from Croatian history. What is special is that people from different religions are buried in the same cemetery – there are Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish and Muslim graves here, among others.

Take your time to walk slowly through the area. Mirogoj is still a working cemetery, so be respectful and allow your visit to take its time.

16. Try Croatian food

Of course, we can't visit Zagreb without eating our way through a small part of the city. Croatian food varies greatly between different parts of the country, and Zagreb combines influences from both Central Europe and the Balkans. Here you can find everything from slow-cooked and grilled meats to fresh cheeses, pastries and much more modern restaurants.

One specialty to look out for is Zagorski štrukli, dough filled with cream cheese and which can be boiled or baked in the oven. We tried Zagreb-štrukli as a starter at the Vinodol restaurant and then continued with veal cooked under the peak – slow cooked meat under a heavy lid along with potatoes and vegetables, among other things. The meat was incredibly tender and delicious. We were also incredibly full afterwards.

On another visit, we ate at Agava on Tkalčićeva, where we had swordfish carpaccio and perfectly cooked tuna while people watched outside. It's actually a pretty good summary of how we like to eat in Zagreb: good food, an outdoor terrace and something interesting to look at between bites.

And don't forget the beer. Croatia has both classic lagers and a growing scene of smaller breweries and craft beers. After a full day of walking in Zagreb, a cold Croatian beer on Tkalčićeva can be just the attraction you need.

READ MORE: Croatian Food – 25 Classic Dishes to Try

17. Visit some of Zagreb's exciting museums

Zagreb has a surprising number of museums, and there's much more than just traditional art and historical collections. We've already mentioned the Museum of Broken Relationships, but if you're a museum buff, there are plenty of other options.

Mimara Museum has long been one of Zagreb's major art museums. After extensive renovations following the 2020 earthquake, the museum is expected to reopen in October 2026 with a new permanent exhibition. Zagreb City Museum tells the story of the city and the people who lived here, while those who prefer modern art can visit Museum of Contemporary Art in New Zagreb.

Then there's the slightly more playful side of Zagreb. In recent years, museums and experiences have popped up here, focusing on everything from illusions to the 1980s and chocolate. In other words, a museum visit in Zagreb doesn't have to mean walking around for three hours with your hands behind your back trying to look cultured.

18. Experience Zagreb's Christmas Market

We have visited Zagreb both in summer and winter, but during Advent something happens to the city. The Christmas lights are switched on, parks and streets are filled with Christmas stalls and the outdoor cafes continue to liven up despite the cold. When we were here, even the trams had been given Santa hats and the bicycle taxi drivers were driving around dressed as Santas. Zagreb simply rises to the task.

The Christmas market, Advent Zagreb, spreads over large parts of the city center. At first we thought we had seen all the glory as we walked across the large squares and through the city center. Wrong. It continued through the parks and further up towards Gornji Grad. Zagreb had apparently decided to decorate the entire city for Christmas and not stop until someone took away the Christmas tree lights.

Among the stalls are crafts, Christmas decorations and of course lots of food and drink. We tried, among other things fry, small deep-fried Croatian pastries, and warmed us up with mulled wine. And that was needed – Zagreb is certainly warmer than Sweden, but it is definitely not a tropical Christmas market.

Zagreb's Christmas market was voted the best in Europe two years in a row, in 2016 and 2017. We understand why. What we remember most is not a single square or Christmas stall, but the fact that all of Zagreb felt like one big Christmas market.

READ MORE: Christmas Market in Zagreb – Experience Advent Zagreb

19. Relax in Maksimir Park

If you need a break from the center of Zagreb, head to Maksimir Park, a large green oasis a few kilometers east of the city center. The park opened in the late 18th century and is considered one of the oldest public parks in this part of Europe.

Here you will find large green areas, forest areas, walking paths and lakes where the pace is considerably slower than in the city centre. The park also houses Zagreb Zoo, which can make Maksimir a good excursion destination for those travelling with children.

And sometimes you don't even need a sight at all. Buy something to eat, find a bench or a patch of grass and do absolutely nothing for a while. Zagreb will be there when you're done resting.

20. Discover Zagreb by campervan – camping and pitches

Zagreb works well even if you come by camper. We have stayed at Camp Zagreb, which is located a bit outside the city center by Lake Rakitje. We parked the camper here and used the campsite as a base when we were going to discover the Croatian capital.

When we stayed here, Camp Zagreb was an unusually modern and fresh campsite with large pitches, a restaurant, wellness and activities around the lake. The restaurant was also a positive surprise. A warm evening with some music and the moon reflecting in the water made it feel more like a holiday than a practical overnight stay outside a big city.

Our tips: Feel free to leave your camper at the campsite when you go into central Zagreb. Check the connections when you visit the city and take public transport or a taxi in instead. It's much more comfortable than trying to maneuver your camper around the city center and wondering what the hell to do with it.

Best areas to stay in Zagreb

Zagreb is a fairly compact capital city and if you stay centrally you can reach many of the sights on foot. Here are four areas that suit slightly different types of travel.

Ban Jelačić and central Zagreb – best for a first visit

If you want to stay right in the heart of the action, the area around Ban Jelačić Square is an easy choice. From here, you're within walking distance of Dolac, Tkalčićeva, Gornji Grad, and many of Zagreb's major attractions.

We have stayed at Hotel Dubrovnik right on the square and especially appreciated the location. It is nice to be able to step out the door and already be in the middle of Zagreb.

Gornji Grad – best for history and atmosphere

In and around the upper town you will find cobblestone streets, old buildings and a much more historic feel. Here you will be close to St. Mark's Basilica, the Stone Gate, Lotrščaktornet and the Strossmayer Promenade.

The range of accommodation is smaller than in the city center, but for those who prioritize charm over having everything right around the corner, the area is hard to beat.

Donji Grad – best for restaurants, parks and city life

Donji Grad, the lower town, is suitable for those who want to live centrally but at the same time be close to parks, restaurants, shopping and public transport. It is also home to large parts of Lenuci's Green Horseshoe and several of Zagreb's museums.

It's a good choice if you want to be able to walk to most things but still get a little away from the touristy streets of Gornji Grad.

Tkalčićeva – best for restaurants and nightlife

If you want Zagreb's cafes, restaurants and outdoor seating on your doorstep, look no further than the area around Tkalčićeva. This is one of our favourite parts of the city and it's bustling long after the day's sightseeing is over.

Just keep in mind that a room above a popular bar street may mean that even Zagreb wants to join you in the night. If you are sensitive to noise, a few blocks away may be a smarter choice.

More to see and do in Croatia

Of course, there is much more to see and experience around Croatia. Here you will find tips and inspiration.

• Things to do in Split
• Things to do in Dubrovnik
• Things to do in Opatija
• Plitvice Lakes
• Facts about Croatia