Zagreb is a lovely city with a lot of great things for visitors to see and do. The Croatian capital has a number of beautiful Austro-Hungarian buildings scattered about here and there while it’s delightful medieval old town is a great place to wander around. We really enjoyed discovering this city and whether it is art and culture that you are interested in or history and nature, Zagreb is sure to delight visitors with all it has to offer.
1. Funicular
Running every ten minutes, the funicular railway in Zagreb connects Ilica Street to Strossmayer Promenade and the Lower Town to the Upper Town. While it only rises 66 meters up the side of Gric hill and is the shortest funicular ride in the world, you find yourself in a completely different part of the city as you enter the medieval part of Zagreb. Despite the short journey, it is a very steep trip up the side of the hill and many locals have relied on it during the 120 years that it has been running.
2. Lotrscak Tower
Located in Zagreb’s Upper Town, Lotrscak Tower dates all the way back to the 13th century and is one of the main landmarks in the city. Distinctive to behold, the tower was constructed to help protect the southern gate of the town and it offers beautiful views over the city. Lotrscak actually means ‘thieves bell’ and stands stoically at the top of the funicular beside the entrance to Strossmayer Promenade in Gradec. For the last hundred years, a cannon shot has rung out at midday to help mark the passing of the hour and allow churches around the city to synchronize their bells. When in Zagreb, it is almost inevitable that you will pass Lotrscak Tower while making your way around the city.
3. Gric Tunnel
Located under the medieval part of the city, Gric (Gradec) Tunnel was built during the Second World War to be an air-raid shelter. Since then, it hosted Croatia’s first raves in the 90’s and is now used to host cultural events, exhibitions, and fashion shows. Spanning three hundred and fifty meters and six exits, the tunnel also serves as a tourist attraction; you can now wander along it before going out in a completely different part of the city.
4. Zagreb City Museum
Opened in 1907, Zagreb City Museum shows different aspects of life and development of Zagreb through history: from prehistoric to modern times. The museum is small and never crowded, but well laid out and with well-described items. A great place to start exploring Zagreb because it will make you understand it better.
5. Tortureum Museum
The torture museum has been recently open in Radiceva Street in Zagreb. The museum is small, yet very interesting. It exhibits a range of tools used for torture and execution throughout history.
6. Museum of Broken Relationships
If you haden’t already guessed by its name, the displays at the Broken Relationships Museum are everyday objects accompanied by stories of failed relationships. The exhibits – everything from letters to voodoo dolls to a treadmill – are items that the donors associated with their heartbreak. Some stories had me laughing really hard, while other stories simply made me want to cry. I can say that, this is a slightly bizarre place and it is definitely unlike anything you’ve ever seen before! 🙂
7. St. Mark’s Church
Dominating the square that bears the same name as it, St. Mark’s Church lies at the heart of Upper Town and is one of the most popular attractions in Zagreb. Despite numerous important governmental buildings lining St. Mark’s Square, it is the church that attracts everyone’s attention, thanks to the distinctive roof that makes it so beautiful to behold. Proudly displaying Zagreb and Croatia’s coats of arms, the checkered tiles delightfully stand out against the sparkling white building below it and the blue skies above it.
Dating all the way back to the 13th century, the church is a charming place to visit and the architecture draws from Romanesque and Gothic influences. Indeed, the southern portal of the church is Gothic in design and has some splendid little effigies above it, which display some fantastic craftsmanship. In addition to its exquisite exterior – which is the undoubted highlight of the church – the interior is also lovely to gaze upon as there are some brilliant frescoes coating the walls. So it is well worth stopping by, no visit to Zagreb is complete without a photo and a visit to St. Mark’s Church.
8. Light a Candle in the Stone Gate Chapel
The Stone Gate is the only remaining gate of Gradec, which leads from the Upper Town to the picturesque Radiceva Street. But, it’s not the historic gate itself that makes it a Zagreb must-see: it’s the open-air chapel that resides inside the gate. According to legend, there was a fire in 1731 that destroyed the (then) wooden gate. However, the fire peculiarly left a painting that was hanging inside the gate, “The Virgin and Child,”completely intact. The painting in now enshrined inside Stone Gate and people come to pray and give thanks to the Virgin Mary by lighting candles, leaving flowers and mounting engraved plaques on the walls.
9. Dolac Market
Follow the locals to Zagreb’s Dolac Market (often called the ‘Belly of Zagreb’ by locals), where Zagrebians have been shopping since 1926. In the raised outdoor market, you will find tables piled high with in-season fruits and vegetables. Shade will be provided by the iconic and colorfully striped umbrellas – a symbol of the city. Take the stairs underground to peruse the choice of meat and cheese. At the Dolac Market, you can assemble a picnic lunch – a must-do in of the amazing parcs in Zagreb!
10. Tkalciceva Street
Bustling with life, Tkalciceva Street is the place where both locals and tourists go to have a good time – it is a must-see when you are in Zagreb. The street starts just behind the main Jelacic Square and goes all the way to Kaptol Center. Named after a Croatian historian, it is a long winding street lined with charming little houses and balconies, which makes it the perfect place for a romantic stroll. With bars, cafes, restaurants, and clubs lining the streets, there is lots to see and do. You can enjoy some of the best local cuisines here before heading on to one of the nearby bars. Numerous venues offer live music and, with the best nightlife in Zagreb, Tkalciceva Street has something for everyone to enjoy.
11. Linger Over a Cup of Coffee
Coffee isn’t just a drink in Croatia – it’s part of life, and it’s not really the drink itself; it’s in the Croatian café culture. Forget coffee-on-the-go; even in the buzzing capital city, people slow down to savor coffee, conversation and people watching. A group of friends can linger at a café for hours – often switching from coffee to beer…and then back to coffee before they get up to leave. Even me, who’s not a coffee drinker, I started to drink cappuccino, cause tea didn’t feel so suitable, when all the others around had coffee. 🙂
12. Jelacic Square
At the heart of city center Zagreb is Ban Jelacic Square, named for Croatian hero Josip Jelacic. The statue of Jelacic on a horse stands in the center of the square (although during the Yugoslavia era, it was dismantled and kept in a cellar) is definitely one of the things to see in Zagreb.
The statue and nearby clock are popular meeting spots for locals and starting points for Zagreb city tours. The busy and expansive main square dates to the 17th century and today a steady stream of trams pass by the square moving people through the vibrant city.
13. Size Up the Zagreb Cathedral
Consecrated in 1217, it is fair to say that Zagreb Cathedral has undergone numerous changes and setbacks over its long and tumultuous history. Razed by the Mongols shortly after being completed, and severely damaged in an earthquake, the Zagreb’s cathedral, which stands up in the center of the city today, it is a stunning building and the architecture is simply awe-inspiring. Neo-Gothic in style, the facade of the cathedral glistens in the sun and its twin spires dominate Zagreb’s skyline.
Used as an observation tower when the country was invaded by the Ottomans, fortified walls still surround the cathedral at certain points. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, the interior of the cathedral is just as magnificent, with statues and paintings adorning its walls. With the sarcophagus of the Blessed Aloysius Stepinac lying near the main altar, it is a very holy site and is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. Situated near the main square, you’ll definitely come across the cathedral at some point on your trip to Zagreb.
14. Maksimir Park
The largest park in Zagreb, Maksimir is also its oldest; it was first opened to the public all the way back in 1794. With five artificial lakes, as well as lovely little creeks and meadows, the park is delightful to visit; nature lovers, in particular, will enjoy being in its majestic natural surroundings and there is also a forest for you to explore. As well as the wild animals and birds that reside in its meadows, forests, and lakes, the city’s Zoo is also located in the park and is a great day out for all the family. A very popular place amongst Zagreb residents; Maksimir Park is definitely worth stopping by when visiting the city.
15. Jarun Lake
Located in the Western part of Zagreb, this huge artificial lake is the perfect place to hang out and relax and it is very popular among both tourists and locals. With loads of activities to offer, you can be kayaking and swimming in the lake, cycling or running around it. Its beaches are the perfect place to catch some sun during the hot summer days. While Jarun Lake has lots of outdoor activities for you to enjoy during day, it also has some fantastic nightlife; there are a number of great bars and clubs for you to check out along the lakeside.
How Many Days in Zagreb?
Many people think one day in Zagreb is enough to see the city sights, but we think you need more time in Croatia’s capital. We recommend at least two full days – but if you are planning day trips from Zagreb, three to five days would be ideal. There are just so many places to see in Zagreb – and once you get there, you won’t want to miss out!
Tranportation in Zagreb
Best explored on foot, Zagreb also offers a good tram network, intercity buses that connect surrounding neighborhoods, towns, and villages, cheap taxis, and bicycle rentals.
We used couple of times the tram, and the ticket for a single ride costs 10 Kn, 7 Kn and 4 Kn for 90 min, 60 min, and 30 min validity; but you can also purchase a daily ticket for 30 Kn or a three-day ticket for 70 Kn.
In order to get to the city from the airport, we used the shuttle bus, which runs between Zagreb airport and Zagreb’s central bus station. The shuttle always follows the flights timetable. They run from 4 am to 10.30 pm, the majority of the time (but not always) every half an hour. You can check the full timetable following this link. The one-way ticket costs 30 Kn (approx. 4 €). If you are in transit in Zagreb and have just a couple of hours to visit the town, return daily ticket costs 40 Kn (approx. 5.5 €).
For other rides, we used Uber which is very easy and convient to acces in Zagreb.
Getting to Zagreb
Zagreb can be reached by plane, train, bus or car. Our preferred method of getting anywhere is by flying and when we do need to purchase plane tickets, we start our search for the best deals on airline tickets on Momondo.
Where to stay in Zagreb?
For our visit in Zagreb, we prefered to stay in an Airbnb apartment, close to the historic Old Town. Over the time, we have found that staying in apartments is often less expensive than hotel rooms – with the added benefit of a kitchen and, usually, more space and even a more authentical feeling of the real life.
Zagreb Facts:
- Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and is the largest city in the country with a population of about 800,000 residents.
- The language is Croatian, but many people in the city (especially the younger generations) speak English.
- The currency is the Kuna. Check the current conversion rate.
- The Zagreb Tourist Information Office is located on Jelacic Square. They provide an array of free and helpful brochures, as well as a handy Zagreb tourist map. (Offical Toursit Board Website)
What other things to do in Zagreb would you suggest adding to our list? As always, if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please leave them below. 🙂
