What to Do in Zagreb

Zagreb is a must-visit during your Croatia vacation. The capital and largest city, it boasts an intriguing history dating back to the Middle Ages although documents indicate settlement here during the Roman times when it was known as Andautonija. Zagreb was once two separate towns. While they were united in 1851, there are still two distinct areas, the Upper Town with its cobbled streets and the Church of St. Mark while the Lower Town is where you’ll find many parks, shops, and eateries along with neo-baroque, art deco, and secessionist buildings. Both offer nearly an overwhelming number of things to do but you can narrow down your options by including these top things to do in Zagreb on your itinerary.

In Zagreb, spend a morning wandering Dolac market before it closes at noon, then duck into one of the small espresso bars on Tkalčićeva street—that’s where you’ll actually see how the city spends its Sunday.

Start Planning

Pietro

Croatia Specialist

Explore Dolac Market

Dolac Market is Zagreb’s largest green market. Located in the heart of the city, exploring it is one of the top things to do in Zagreb. Sellers from across Croatia arrive daily to hawk their goods, with everything from fresh produce and flowers to handcrafted items. You’ll find cheese sellers, butchers, bakers, fresh pasta vendors, and a fish market. Even if you don’t buy, this is a great place to browse while experiencing authentic Croatian life. It has a bustling atmosphere, at its liveliest on Saturdays. Many of Zagreb’s residents shop for groceries here on the weekend, providing the perfect place to mingle with the locals. To relax and take in the scene, head to the terrace at Amfora next door.

Visit Zagreb's Museums

Zagreb is renowned for its museums with the most unusual being the Museum of Broken Relationships, offering the chance to overcome your failed relationship by donating a personal belonging. If you have something from your ex you’d like to contribute, now’s the time. Otherwise, just check out the items, from an axe stuck in a wall to an old toaster with a note reading: “When I moved out, and across the country, I took the toaster. That’ll show you. How are you going to toast anything now?” The City Museum provides a historical overview from Roman times to present day while the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum pays tribute to Tesla, the Archaeological Museum features nearly a half-million items historically linked to Croatia, and the Art Pavilion showcases a wide range of artwork.

Ride the Funicular Railway

Zagreb’s funicular is the world’s shortest, traveling just over 216 feet. It’s also the oldest and first means of public transport in the city, dating back to the 1890s. While it may seem there is no point to it, that’s kind of the point. Ride it to say you did while enjoying a fun way to get from the Lower Town to the Upper Town and vice versa. Other than the steam engine, which was replaced by an electrical one, the funicular has been running in its original form for more than 120 years. Before it became electric, passengers sometimes had to give it a little push as the wagons would get stuck, leading to its nickname, Zapinjaca, which translates to “Stucker.”

Embark on a Walking Tour

Zagreb offers a wide range of walking tours, providing a great way to get to know the city and perhaps gain some local insight to make the most of your time here. Most include both the Lower and Upper Towns, with a guide revealing the highlights throughout. You’ll learn more about Zagreb’s rich history and culture along the way and perhaps take a ride on the funicular too. Typically, you’ll stroll through one of the many parks, check out popular shopping and dining streets, and the Dolac Market. Marvel at monuments like the 11th-century Zagreb Cathedral, the historic Lotrscak Tower with its famous cannon, St. Mark’s Church, and the Croatian Parliament and Government Building while soaking up the city’s many charms.

Visit the Cathedral of Zagreb

Even if you don’t take a walking tour while you’re in the city, you should make a point of seeing Zagreb Cathedral. Standing proudly as a symbol of resilience, it’s the most spiritually important and tallest building in Croatia, prized for its Gothic architecture with soaring spires that can be seen from nearly everywhere in the city, even from quite a distance. The building dates to the 11th century although it was partially rebuilt after suffering damage in the 1880 earthquake, maintaining the original medieval design. This was also when the cathedral’s iconic spires were added. Be sure to visit the cathedral treasury which contains many fine works of religious art, sacred objects, garments, and sacred objects.

Discover Zagreb Botanical Garden

Originally built in 1890 as a research area for the Faculty of Botany at the University of Zagreb, the Zagreb Botanical Garden now encompasses five hectares as part of a series of parks forming the city’s “Green Horseshoe.” An oasis in the city, it’s an ideal place for a tranquil stroll, the grounds include two ponds with numerous aquatic plants, roughly 10,000 different species of plants, and an ornamental bridge. You’ll see trees, shrubs, cacti and other succulents, mountain and alpine plants, Mediterranean plants, native Croatian flora, and more. The Arboretum makes up a significant portion, styled as an English landscape garden. The western part of the botanical garden was constructed in French style, with beautifully decorative herbaceous plants and roses.

Hang Out in a Coffee Shop

While Zagreb has a rich heritage to explore, there’s also a modern side with a famous coffee culture. Coffee shops in this city are where friends meet, where some people are hired, where deals are made, and even marriages and breakups begin. When you ask someone out for coffee in Zagreb, the phrase actually means, let’s spend some time together which is why you’ll rarely see a local sitting in a coffee shop alone. Of course, it’s also about actually drinking coffee. You’ll have a myriad of options for a great cup like Johann Franck in Ban Jelacic Square. It’s one of the city’s oldest coffee shops, founded in 1892, and widely regarded as the birthplace of coffee culture in Zagreb.

Visit St. Mark’s Church

The Church of St. Mark is one of the country’s most instantly recognizable symbols. Standing proud in the Upper Town since the 13th century, although partially reconstructed while maintaining its medieval style after the damaging 1880 earthquake, it famously features a colorfully tiled roof. The iconic roof displays the medieval coat of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia along with the emblem of Zagreb. Southeastern Europe’s most valuable Gothic portal is on the southern gateway. It features 15 statues, including the Twelve Apostles, Joseph and Mary with baby Jesus, and St. Mark and the Lion that were sculpted by the famous Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic in the 14th century.

Wander Through Ban Jelacic Square

Speaking of Ban Jelacic Square, the city’s central square, not only can you immerse yourself in the coffee culture at Johann Franck, but you can experience the action in the heart of the city. There are many shops, cafes, and restaurants lining the square. It’s also where the locals and other Croatians gather for big events like concerts and major football matches while serving as a central meeting point near Dolac Market and the funicular. Established in the 17th century, it was originally called Harmcia before being renamed in 1848 after Croatian politician and military strategist Ban Josip Jelacic, 11 years before his death. You’ll see the statue of him mountain on his horse in full military gear.

Relax in Maksimir Park

The oldest public park in Zagreb, Maksimir Park forms part of the city’s cultural heritage and provides important habitat for numerous plant and animal species. It was established in the 18th century and covers 18 hectares, landscaped like an English garden with lush lawns and artificial lakes. It’s a quiet place to recharge, feeling as if it’s worlds away from the city. The five lakes feed the surrounding forest and offer an ideal backdrop for picnics, yoga practice, meditation, and tranquil strolls. There’s also a zoo with 370 different animal species, including snow leopard, red panda, chimpanzee, monkey, hippopotamus, camel, oryx, and much more. There’s lots of life outside the zoo too, from numerous bird species to turtles, foxes, and squirrels.