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There are so many cool issues to do in Zagreb, Croatia. The capital of Croatia is a medium-sized metropolis with a giant character — but it typically results in the shadow of the islands, seashores, and waterfalls that outline what number of vacationers see Croatia.
But Zagreb is likely one of the finest locations to go to within the nation. Here you may have an exquisite strolling metropolis — components with candy-colored buildings and conventional cobblestone alleyways, components which are gleaming and fashionable, and a superb assortment of parks. The cafe scene right here is fabulous, and right here you’ll discover the perfect eating places within the nation.
Zagreb can be residence to my favourite museum on this planet (sure, the WORLD) — the Museum of Broken Relationships, which can transfer you many times with its bite-sized tales of affection misplaced.
Some come to Zagreb for the start of your Croatia highway journey. Come to Zagreb for a metropolis getaway weekend when the climate is heat. Come to Zagreb for the perfect Christmas markets you’ve by no means heard of.
Zagreb is right here and ready for you.
This publish was printed in April 2023.
Things to Do in Zagreb Croatia
I like to recommend spending one or two days within the metropolis of Zagreb to get probably the most out of the town earlier than heading on to additional locations in Croatia.
One of the perfect issues to do with youngsters in Zagreb is visiting the parks — and don’t miss the Botanical Garden!
Like most European capitals, you’ll be able to go to Zagreb year-round, due to there being numerous outside and indoor issues to do in Zagreb. Spring and fall have the nicest climate, however summer season brings pageant season and December is all about Christmas markets!
Zagreb has quite a lot of cool issues to do for every kind of vacationers. At the very least, I like to recommend taking a Zagreb strolling tour. This guided tour will introduce you correctly to the town, together with numerous vacationer points of interest, and train you numerous attention-grabbing tidbits you by no means would have recognized in any other case.
All proper, let’s get began. Here are a few of the finest issues to do in Zagreb, Croatia!
Upper Town
The oldest a part of Zagreb is the Upper Town, also referred to as Gornji Grad, and was first settled within the eleventh century. The solely method into Upper Town is thru a medieval stone gate and on the heart you’ll discover St. Mark’s Square, residence to St. Mark’s Church, a Thirteenth-century church with a tiled and colourful roof.
Zagreb’s Upper Town is positioned excessive on a hill above the town and has slim cobbled streets and exquisite buildings. It’s a lot quieter than the Lower Town and a historic place nice for pictures.
To get to Upper Town, you’ll be able to both stroll up the steps or take the shortest funicular experience on this planet. It prices 0.66 EUR (lower than $1) to experience the funicular railway to Upper Town, making it a enjoyable a part of the expertise.
Lower Town
Lower Town is the place you’ll discover Zagreb’s metropolis heart. It’s the busiest space within the metropolis and residential to high-end outlets, road distributors, eating places, bars, and parks. This is the cease for concert events, festivals, cultural occasions, and extra.
Lower Town, additionally known as Donji Grad, is thought for its number of museums and its superb structure, the place fashionable structure meets crenellated pastel buildings.
You can spend time right here simply strolling the totally different streets within the heart of Zagreb, popping into cafes that look inviting.
Tkalčićeva Street
Located in Lower Town, Tkalčićeva Street (locals name it Tkalča) extends from Ban Jelačić Square, the central sq. of Zagreb. The road was as soon as a river that separated the 2 early districts of Zagreb — Gradec and Kaptol — till the tip of the nineteenth century. After contamination and air pollution from all of the outlets, the river was crammed and was a road.
Once a widely known brothel road (spicy!), immediately it’s well-known for its bars, eating places, cafes, and outlets. The buildings are very colourful, making it one of the vital photographed locations within the metropolis.
It’s of the preferred locations to go to in Zagreb and the proper place to seize a chunk to eat, or people-watch, and revel in Zagreb. I like to recommend stopping for a morning espresso and a night beer.
Dolac Market
Dolac Market is an open-air farmer’s market in Zagreb that has been working every day since 1930. It’s positioned very near Ban Jelačić Square and has each an open space and a coated market.
Farmers from surrounding area promote their recent produce and selfmade items. You’ll discover bakery gadgets, flowers, souvenirs, butcheries, recent pasta distributors, and a fish market. You can really discover all of it at Dolac Market! (Even a Dolac Market meals tour — extra on that under.)
Definitely pop in right here, even should you don’t plan on cooking throughout your Zagreb go to. Pick up some outstandingly recent fruit to snack on.
Museum of Broken Relationships
The Museum of Broken Relationships is my favourite museum on this planet. Seriously. I like it greater than any museum I’ve visited in New York, Paris, Rome, you title it. This museum is a set of artifacts that individuals submit from their previous relationships, together with a narrative.
This museum! There is a lot vulnerability that individuals share, and with only a few paragraphs you hear the entire story. The cork from a bottle of a champagne a lady popped to have fun her leaving the person who cheated on her. A online game from an ex who didn’t take note of her. An Oktoberfest gingerbread cookie from a long-distance relationship that couldn’t make it.
You will need to learn each single story on this museum. They’re so humorous, and unhappy, and uplifting. Sometimes they even make you reevaluate your life.
The museum is positioned within the Kulmer Palace within the Upper Town. Admission is is 7 EUR ($8) per grownup. And should you’re touring the world, you’ll typically see pop-up exhibitions of the museum. I as soon as went to at least one in New York!
Looking for extra quirky museums in Zagreb? Don’t miss the Croatian Museum of Naive Art (no, that’s not a typo), the Zagreb Ethnographic Museum, the Museum of Illusions, the Mimara Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Visit Cool Cafes
I like searching for out cool cafes on my travels, and at all times want a caffeinated afternoon pick-me-up! (Here’s a tip — seek for “flat white” on Google Maps and also you’ll discover the good espresso spots.) Zagreb is residence to a implausible espresso scene with quite a few third wave espresso outlets, together with some that roast their beans in-house.
Elliscaffe is an absolute MUST for hardcore espresso snobs. Here you’ll be able to have espresso ready in a wide range of scientific methods with outrageously good beans from everywhere in the world.
Botaničar is positioned close to the Zagreb Botanical Gardens and it’s each a restaurant and bar. The institution is stuffed with greenery with a retro vibe, impressed by the close by gardens. The menu has a wide range of drinks together with espresso, tea, craft beer, and wine. It additionally doubles as an artwork gallery.
Finjak has one of the vital ostentatious interiors in Zagreb, with heavy gold image frames and chandeliers hovering above the tables. It’s fairly a cultured espresso store with its luxurious and timeless decor. You’ll discover French teas, espresso, juice, and beer.
Quahwa earns rave critiques from coffee-loving Zagreb residents, that includes connoisseur roasted beans and a sleek-yet-cozy inside.
If you’re a cat lover, visiting the Cat Caffe is a should! Cats roam freely by way of the cafe so you’ll be able to pet and cuddle all of them you need. You can take pleasure in a cup of espresso in a calming and loving atmosphere. Especially good should you’re lacking your fur infants at residence.
Zagreb Botanical Garden
Located in Lower Town Zagreb, Zagreb Botanical Garden was based in 1889 as a part of the University of Zagreb. Today, there are over 10,000 species of vegetation within the backyard, together with 1,800 unique vegetation.
With intensive grounds overlaying 12 acres of land, it’s an awesome place to discover, loosen up, and benefit from the greenery and blooming flowers. There are additionally ponds for the water vegetation.
The Botanical Garden is open at 9:00 AM every day and closes at 2:30 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays and at 7:00 PM the remainder of the week. Adult tickets are 2 EUR ($2 USD). The gardens are closed in the course of the winter months.
If you’re seeking to go to extra parks in Zagreb, don’t miss Maksimir Park, the most important park in Zagreb, in addition to Zrinjevac Park.
Mirogoj Cemetery
The Mirogoj Cemetery was inbuilt 1876 and designed by the identical architect who labored on the Zagreb Cathedral and St. Mark’s Church. You is perhaps shocked to see how beautiful the structure is right here, with ivy-covered porticoes stretching alongside the size of the monument.
There are over 300,000 folks buried at Mirogoj Cemetery, together with many rich and well-known Croats chances are you’ll acknowledge. Even should you don’t know anybody, the graves are sometimes artworks. It’s one of the vital lovely cemeteries in Europe.
It’s free to go to the cemetery and among the best issues to do in Zagreb while you want recent air and nature. It’s open from daybreak to nightfall.
Explore Zagreb on a Bike Tour
Do you wish to take pleasure in new cities by bicycle? It’s not my factor, however should you take pleasure in that, GOOD FOR YOU! Seriously! You can get some train in and simply see quite a lot of landmarks in a a lot shorter period of time than on foot.
On this 2.5-hour guided bike tour, you’ll begin within the metropolis heart, discover Lower Town, take a fast espresso break, and head to Upper Town, earlier than ending again up in the principle sq.. The bike rental, espresso, and water are included.
Keep in thoughts that Zagreb has some hills. If that makes you excited, go forward!
Go on a Zagreb Food Tour
Going on a meals tour is certainly one of my favourite issues to do once I arrive in a brand new metropolis or particularly a brand new nation, and Zagreb isn’t any exception. Right away you’ll study what the native meals are, a few of the finest spots for getting them, and also you’ll be having fun with them the remainder of your journey!
When it involves guided meals excursions, you may have a number of choices. If you’re considering meals and historical past, strive this three-hour meals tour, which incorporates meals at three totally different Zagreb eating places.
You may also take a 3.5 hour foodie tour of Dolac Market to take pleasure in the perfect of Zagreb’s native produce, from burek to štrukli pastry to prosciutto and cheese.
Wine Tasting
Croatia is an underrated wine vacation spot. Because the producers are usually small, Croatian wine is hard to search out within the US (I bear in mind almost rejoicing when Croatian wine was on the menu at The Purple Pig in Chicago!), so take benefit whilst you’re in Zagreb. Why not head out on a wine tour within the metropolis?
On this 1.5-hour Zagreb wine tasting tour, you’ll find out about Croatia’s numerous wine areas and style 4 totally different Croatian wines. In addition to the wines, you’ll be capable to snack on Croatian treats like prosciutto, cheese, and extra. Plus you’ll get a lesson on the wine secrets and techniques of Croatia. This tour lasts 1.5 hours and could be booked right here.
For these searching for a extra in-depth wine tasting, this two-hour Zagreb wine tasting tour contains seven wines from everywhere in the nation. this tour. It lasts 2 hours and in addition incorporates a platter of Croatian snacks like prosciutto, cheese, bread, olives, and pumpkin seed oil.
Croatian Cooking Class
Learning to prepare dinner a brand new dish for family members at house is the last word memento, which is why it’s superior to take a cooking class whereas touring! Croatian meals doesn’t get as a lot consideration as a few of its neighboring cuisines, however there’s a lot to take pleasure in.
This Zagreb cooking class first takes you on a stroll by way of Dolac Market together with your information exhibiting you ways to decide on the proper native components.
You’ll study to make three dishes together with an appetizer, a most important course, and a dessert, all of which you get to take pleasure in with a glass of Croatian wine.
Learn Flameworking and Make Glass Art
For a really distinctive expertise in Zagreb, you’ll be able to strive glass sculpting! This is a good way to study a brand new craft and take residence a singular memento.
You’ll go to a glassmaking studio within the coronary heart of Zagreb, the place you’ll be working with small handheld torches moderately than blowing glass into the large glory holes you see on Blown Away.
You’ll use your torch to sculpt a glass-blown vase or pendant of your individual. After one week, your merchandise will likely be obtainable for pickup or cargo. You can guide this tour right here.
Learn Falconry Outside the City
Looking for one of the vital uncommon issues to do in Zagreb? Consider a falconry tour! You’ll go to Medvedgrad Castle on Mt. Medvednica, which has superb views of the town, and also you’ll get to see a falconry demonstration firsthand.
This tour contains round-trip transportation from Zagreb. First, you’ll spend two hours on the fortress the place you’ll be able to discover it and find out about its historical past. You’ll then go for the falconry demonstration and watch extremely educated birds of prey and their reference to an individual.
Book a Professional Photo Shoot in Zagreb
I like reserving picture shoots in several cities I go to by way of Airbnb Experiences. This method, you’ll find yourself with top quality pictures of your self in a phenomenal location — oh, and also you received’t must ask strangers to take your picture or follow selfies.
This photographer focuses on portraits, the varieties that look costly, and takes you round probably the most lovely neighborhoods in Zagreb.
This photographer gives you a 50-shot package deal with pictures taken all through the town. You’ll additionally obtain a information to their favourite locations in Zagreb, together with eating places and low outlets.
Visit Slovenia
I do know, I fully perceive — Croatia is nice, however it’s exhausting NOT to go to one other nation while you’re SO CLOSE! Zagreb is positioned very near the Slovenian border. If you may have the time, contemplate taking a visit to the close by nation.
I like to recommend visiting the enchanting small metropolis of Ljubljana, which is an hour and 45 minutes from Zagreb by bus (90 minutes by automobile). If you’re prepared to go additional, the spectacular lakeside city of Bled is a two-hour drive from Zagreb, which I solely suggest doing by automobile.
Want to affix a bunch tour? This day journey from Zagreb contains each Ljubljana and Bled! You’ll go to Ljubljana’s previous metropolis heart, the Ljubljana River’s Triple Bridge, Bled Castle, and Lake Bled, the place you’ll go on a picket boat experience.
This full day tour lasts roughly 13 hours, so simply know that this one is an extended one.
Read More: Scenes from a Slovenia Road Trip
Visit the Plitvice Lakes
So many individuals I do know who visited Croatia did so as a result of they noticed an image of Plitvice Lakes National Park. This space is stuffed with cascading waterfalls and appears straight out of Fern Gully. It’s additionally certainly one of Croatia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
This is certainly one of my favourite locations to take pleasure in nature in Croatia, however have in mind it will get very busy in the course of the summer season months, particularly across the common Lower Lakes.
If you’re road-tripping by way of Croatia, I like to recommend visiting the Plitvice Lakes on the best way to the Dalmatian Coast, spending two nights within the space so you may have one full day on the nationwide park earlier than persevering with your journey.
But should you’re solely visiting Zagreb and never road-tripping, you may want doing an organized day journey from Zagreb, which is a couple of two-hour drive every method.
This Plitvice Lakes tour departs from Zagreb, visits the lakes and surrounding space, and returns 10 hours later.. It contains spherical journey transportation, admission charges to the National Park, and a tour information throughout your journey.
Day Trip to Varaždin and Trakošćan Castle
Varazdin is a phenomenal Baroque city about an hour’s drive from Zagreb, and it makes a worthwhile day journey from Zagreb. You can add on to your day by visiting Trakošćan Castle, which is perched on a hill on a river and appears straight out of a fairy story.
You can go to each Varaždin and Trakošćan Castle on this organized day journey from Zagreb, which helps you to sit again and benefit from the surroundings with the experience of a tour information.
You may also simply go to these spots by yourself you probably have a rental automobile.
Celebrate Advent in Zagreb
Croatia might not be what first involves thoughts for Christmas markets in Europe — however I promise you, they’re ESPECIALLY good right here. Christmas here’s a pageant known as Advent in Zagreb, which takes place from the final week in November into early January.
Advent is a merry time of yr in Zagreb, and the town is stuffed with Christmas lights, themed streets, and an out of doors skating rink. It additionally continues to develop bigger each vacation season.
If you’re visiting Zagreb throughout Christmas time, count on festive huts promoting souvenirs and meals, Christmas lights in beautiful shows all over the place, and smiling locals having fun with the vacation spirit.
Where to Stay in Zagreb
I like to recommend staying in or near the Old Town of Zagreb to maximise your time in Croatia’s capital. You’ll be capable to discover the town on foot — at all times an enormous plus — and have all the things at your fingertips.
Here are the top-rated accommodations in Zagreb:
- Top-Rated Luxury Hotel in Zagreb: Hotel Le Premier is beautiful, stylish, and conveniently within the coronary heart of the Lower Town.
- Top-Rated Mid-Range Hotel in Zagreb: Manda Heritage Hotel provides rooms with a contemporary aptitude and the workers earns raves.
- Top-Rated Budget Hotel in Zagreb: National Plus is in a good location with easy, clear rooms.
Find offers on Zagreb accommodations right here.
How Much Time to Spend in Zagreb
I believe a day or two is sufficient time to sink your tooth into Zagreb and get to know the town — although you probably have greater than two days, you’ll be able to at all times discover extra deeply, or take a day journey or two!
At minimal, I like to recommend you may have one full day in Zagreb. Spend it exploring each the Lower and Upper Towns, and don’t overlook the Museum of Broken Relationships.
How to Get To Zagreb
If you’re arriving in Croatia by air, you’ll in all probability fly into Zagreb Airport. You can discover connections all through Europe, each on Croatian airways and numerous different airways. If you’re coming from the US, you may fly by way of Frankfurt or London or Milan. Check flight pricing on Skyscanner right here.
Zagreb can be related by prepare, with direct journeys to Ljubljana, Vienna, Belgrade, Split, and extra. Keep in thoughts that trains don’t run to Dubrovnik. There can be a powerful bus community in Croatia and I like to recommend evaluating bus and prepare occasions and costs, as a result of on this nation the bus is usually higher than the prepare.
And I completely love exploring Croatia by automobile, and extremely suggest it. Roads are in nice situation, drivers are first rate, so many locations are simply accessed by highway, and it’s a very simple to journey by highway journey.
As for getting round Zagreb, you’ll be able to stroll round fairly a little bit of the town, whereas supplementing your journeys with trams and buses. Uber exists in Zagreb, too.
Best Time to Visit Zagreb
If you’re searching for a pleasing local weather with out too many vacationers, the perfect time to go to Zagreb is in the course of the spring and fall. Think April by way of June, and late September by way of October.
Croatia could be very busy in the course of the summer season months, with many individuals coming for the islands and seashores, however deciding to go to the Croatian capital as properly. This could be a crowded and costly time of yr, however Zagreb’s crowds are by no means on the extent of, say, Dubrovnik’s.
In phrases of festivals, like most European cities, Zagreb places on quite a few enjoyable festivals in the summertime months. Advent in Zagreb makes the town significantly festive and joyous between late November and early January.
That stated, Zagreb is a metropolis stuffed with museums, cafes, and eating places, and meaning you’ll be able to have a good time right here year-round. Yes, even within the winter. I wouldn’t be against visiting Zagreb within the winter. Just ensure you convey a pleasant winter jacket and a few gloves!
Read More: Best Time to Visit Croatia
Travel Insurance for Zagreb
Lots of people don’t suppose it’s essential to get journey insurance coverage for Croatia — in spite of everything, it’s a protected nation with first rate healthcare. But you want it, even in Zagreb. If you get sick or injured in your journey, should you get robbed, or even when you must be flown residence, journey insurance coverage will defend you from monetary wreck. I’ve used World Nomads for journeys to Croatia.
I’ve fortunately by no means wanted to name my journey insurance coverage for assist whereas in Croatia — however I do have a good friend who needed to go to the hospital after being stung by a wasp in Split, one who sprained her ankle after falling down the steps in Dubrovnik, and one who received her pockets stolen and wanted to go to the police station.
While Croatia’s hospital costs aren’t wherever close to what the US would cost you, you would find yourself paying some huge cash for a severe medical situation. But journey insurance coverage protects you and refunds you on your prices. It’s the form of factor you don’t know you want till you want it. See if World Nomads is best for you right here.
Is Zagreb Worth it?
Yes, visiting Zagreb is unquestionably value visiting, even should you’re planning on visiting islands and seashores for the remainder of your Croatia journey! Visiting Zagreb gives you a a lot higher perception into what Croatia is immediately — and that’s earlier than you embrace the outlets, coffeeshops and museums.
Enjoy your time in Zagreb — then I hope you head on to certainly one of my many favourite locations in Croatia!
Planning a Trip to Croatia:
Croatian Islands and the Dalmatian Coast:
Istria and the North:
Have you been to Zagreb? What’s your favourite factor to do? Share away!