17 best things to do in Zagreb (+ our photos)

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is divided into a medieval Upper Town and a Lower Town dotted with 19th-century squares and parks. We found it to be more diverse than one might imagine: unique museums, a bustling market, rooftop viewpoints, and recreational activities along Lake Jarun.

Check out our 17 ideas for things to do in Zagreb, illustrated with photos that will make you want to go there.

This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.

Top Attractions in Zagreb: Map

Zagreb is full of attractions, parks, museums, and beautiful streets.
Here is a map showing our favorite attractions to help you find your way around:

If you only have one day, we recommend visiting the Upper Town, the Lotrscak Tower, a museum, and taking a stroll through the Lower Town to compare the different atmospheres.

1. Upper Town (Gornji Grad)

Why visit?

The Upper Town, or Gornji Grad, brings together Zagreb’s two historic centers: Gradec, the former royal city fortified in the 13th century, and Kaptol, the seat of the bishopric. We enjoyed strolling through its cobblestone streets, lined with Baroque palaces, museums, and churches, far from the hustle and bustle of the Lower Town.

Practical advice

• Duration of visit: 2 hours for a first-time visit, a full day if you go inside the museums
• Opening hours: permanently accessible
• Challenges and Access for People with Disabilities: cobblestone streets, slopes, and stairs; the renovated funicular improves accessibility between the Lower Town and the Upper Town

2. Lotrscak Tower

Why visit?

A remnant of the Gradec fortifications completed in 1266, Lotrščak Tower once guarded the city’s southern gate. Its name comes from the Latin *campana latrunculorum*, meaning “the thieves’ bell,” which rang every evening before the gates were closed.

We climbed a narrow staircase up to its panoramic terrace: the view of the rooftops of the Upper Town, as well as the Lower Town and the cathedral, is unobstructed. The views are beautiful in every direction!
And if you happen to be passing by at noon, you’ll hear the Grič cannon, which is fired every day from the tower.
See our dedicated article.

Practical advice

• Visit duration: 30min to 45min
• Directions: Strossmayerovo šetalište 9, across from the funicular’s upper station
• Hours:
  Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.,
  Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.,
  Closed on Mondays
• Challenges and Access for People with Limited Mobility: a narrow staircase leading to the terrace; not accessible to people with limited mobility
• Prices: €3 per adult, €2 for children ages 7 to 18
• Visit the official website for more info here.

3. St. Mark’s Church and its colorful roof (sv. Marka)

Why visit?

In the heart of Gradec, St. Mark’s Church is recognizable from a distance thanks to its glazed-tile roof. Installed in the 19th century, this decoration features the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia on the left and that of Zagreb on the right.

We also took the time to admire the carved Gothic portal on the south facade. The square is also home to the Croatian Parliament and the seat of government, which explains the security barriers. You can take photos of the church from the open area around it.

Practical advice

• Duration of visit: 15 to 20 minutes
• Hours: Accessible parking; the area is partially fenced off for safety reasons; the interior of the church is open primarily during Masses
• Challenges and Access for People with Disabilities: paved area, access via sloping streets

4. Zagreb Cathedral

Why visit?

Visible from much of the city, Zagreb Cathedral—dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and to Saints Stephen and Ladislaus—dominates the Kaptol district. After the 1880 earthquake, architect Herman Bollé gave it its current Neo-Gothic appearance and its two slender spires. We recommend taking a walk around the exterior and then exploring the nave.

Practical advice

• Tour duration: 30min
• Admission: Free access to the nave; donations are welcome;
• Directions: Cathedral Square (Kaptol), a 5-minute walk from Ban Jelačić Square
• Appropriate attire required: shoulders and knees must be covered

5. Dolac Market

Why visit?

Located since 1930 on a terrace above Ban Jelačić Square, Dolac Market is Zagreb’s main farmers’ market. We strolled beneath its red umbrellas—whose stripes echo a traditional regional pattern—among the stalls selling fruit, vegetables, and eggs.

The covered market on the lower level is home to butchers, cheesemongers, and fishmongers. There, you can sample “sir i vrhnje,” a combination of fresh cheese and cream that’s very popular with the locals. To the north, Petrica Kerempuha Square is home to florists.
See our dedicated article.

Practical advice

• Visit duration: 45min to 1h
• Hours:
  Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.,
  Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Many vendors pack up their stalls in the early afternoon; the fish market is closed on Mondays. We recommend coming early, when the stalls are still fully stocked.
• Challenges and Access for People with Disabilities: stairs from Ban Jelačić Square; flat area

6. Croatian Museum of Naïve Art

Why visit?

Founded in 1952, the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art is considered the world’s first museum dedicated to this artistic movement, led by self-taught painters. It is housed in the Raffay Palace, an 18th-century residence in the Upper Town. Its collection comprises 1,939 works—including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and engravings—created from the 1930s to the present day.

We particularly enjoyed the glass paintings from the Hlebine School and the paintings by Ivan Generalić and Ivan Rabuzin. What wonderful discoveries!
See our dedicated article.

Practical advice

• Tour duration: 30min to 1h
• Directions: Ćirilometodska 3, in the Upper Town, just a short walk from the upper station of the funicular
• Hours:
  Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
  Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,
  Closed on Sundays
  Last admission 30 minutes before closing;
• The museum does not have accessibility features for people with limited mobility. Visitors can only access the inner courtyard level.
• Prices: €5.50 per adult, €3 for college students and high school students
• Visit the official website for more info here.

7. Botanical Garden

Why visit?

Founded in 1889 by Professor Antun Heinz and opened to the public in 1891, the Zagreb Botanical Garden is affiliated with the university’s Faculty of Sciences. Spanning 5 hectares, it is home to more than 10,000 plant species, including approximately 1,800 exotic species.

We enjoyed its aquatic plant ponds, shaded paths, and exhibition pavilion. In fact, the painter Slava Raškaj created several of her works by the banks of these ponds. We mostly ran into locals there who had come to read or take a walk.
See our dedicated article.

Practical advice

• Tour duration: 1 to 2 hours
• Accessibility and Challenges: The garden is accessible to people with limited mobility and strollers.
• Rules: Bicycles, dogs (even small ones), and picnics are not allowed in the garden
• Opening hours: Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. (last entrance at 2.10 p.m.), Wednesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last entrance at 6.40 p.m.)
• Winter closure from January to February, as well as some public holidays
• Adult price: €2.00
• More details on the official website here

8. Monumental Squares in the Lower Town (Donji Grad)

Why visit?

Between the train station and the city center, the lower town is organized around Lenuci’s Horseshoe, a U-shaped complex of squares and gardens designed in the late 19th century by urban planner Milan Lenuci. We walked through it, from King Tomislav Square to Marulić Square, passing through Zrinjevac and Strossmayer Square. Austro-Hungarian facades, pavilions, and fountains line the route.

You can end your tour at Ban Jelačić Square, the heart of Zagreb, where the equestrian statue of Ban Josip Jelačić, a 19th-century Croatian governor, stands. We made this our daily starting point.

Practical advice

• Tour duration: 1h30 to 2h
• Opening hours: free access at all times
• Accessibility and Challenges: flat route and wide sidewalks

9. Stone Gate (Kamenita Vrata)

Why visit?

The only surviving medieval gate in Gradec, the Stone Gate (Kamenita Vrata) houses a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. According to tradition, a painting of the Virgin and Child was found intact after the great fire of 1731, which had devastated the wooden structure. Since then, the gateway has become a major place of worship for the locals.

We were struck by the tranquility that reigns there: worshippers in prayer, lit candles, and plaques of gratitude line the walls. You’ll walk through this place in just a few minutes, but we invite you to pause for a moment out of respect for those who are reflecting.

Practical advice

• Tour duration: 10min
• Hours: Open to the public at all times
• Accessibility and Challenges: paved ground and a slight slope
• Directions: Between Radićeva Street and St. Mark’s Square, a 5-minute walk from St. Mark’s Church
• Tip: Speak quietly and avoid taking photos of worshippers

10. Oktogon Passage

Why visit?

In the lower town, the Oktogon is a covered shopping arcade that connects Ilica Street to Petar Preradović Square, which locals call Flower Square. Built in the late 19th century for the First Croatian Savings Bank, this arcade owes its name to its octagonal glass dome.

We looked up at its stained-glass windows and admired the details of its interior facades. We also used it as a shortcut between two sightseeing stops. You can stop by when it’s raining, since the building houses shops and cafés.
See our dedicated article.

Practical advice

• Tour duration: 10min
• Accessibility and Challenges: Flat, barrier-free ground
• Rates: free of charge

11. Mirogoj Cemetery

Why visit?

North of the city center, on the slopes of the Medvednica Mountains, the Mirogoj Cemetery stands out for its Neo-Renaissance architecture. Architect Herman Bollé designed its long arcades, which were built beginning in 1879 and topped with domes. We walked through these galleries, which house tombs and sculptures, some of which were created by Ivan Meštrović, a leading Croatian sculptor of the 20th century.

All faiths are represented there: Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish, and Muslim graves. You’ll also find the graves of famous figures such as the basketball player Dražen Petrović. We saw it as much a park as an open-air museum.

Practical advice

• Duration of visit: 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your interests
• Hours:
  from April through September, 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.;
  from October through March, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Challenges and Access for People with Disabilities: The site is large and sloped; be sure to wear sturdy shoes.
• Rates: free of charge
• Tip: Around All Saints’ Day (November 1), families decorate graves with flowers and candles; dress and behave respectfully—the cemetery is still in use.
• Latest news on the official website here.

12. Museum of Broken Relationships

Why visit?

Housed in the Kulmer Palace, a Baroque building in the Upper Town, the Museum of Broken Relationships displays objects entrusted to it by anonymous individuals from around the world following a breakup. Each item is accompanied by a short text that tells the story of a couple, but sometimes also that of a severed family or friendship bond. We spent nearly an hour reading these stories, which were by turns funny, serious, or puzzling. The captions are written in Croatian and English, and booklets translated into French are available. You can extend your visit at the museum café, where we enjoyed the terrace.

Practical advice

• Duration of the visit: 1 hour
• Directions: Ćirilometodska 2, in the Upper Town, across from the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art
• Hours:
  from June 1 to September 30, daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.;
  from October 1 to May 31, daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Prices: €9 per adult; €7 for reduced-rate tickets
• Coffee at the museum
• Latest news on the official website here.
• Book your ticket now to save time!

13. Strossmayer Promenade (Strossmartre)

Why visit?

Built in the early 19th century along the former southern ramparts of Gradec, the Strossmayer Promenade is named after Bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer, a 19th-century Croatian patron of the arts. From this viewpoint and along the entire promenade, we enjoyed a sweeping view of the rooftops of the Lower Town. On a bench, the statue of the poet Antun Gustav Matoš faces the panorama, and we sat beside it, as many visitors do.

Practical advice

• Duration of visit: 20 to 30 minutes, longer on summer evenings or if you take the entire walk
• Challenges and Access for People with Limited Mobility: The area is flat, but there is a significant elevation change if you take the entire walk via the stairs
• Rates: free of charge

14. Zagreb City Museum

Why visit?

To learn about the history of the capital, visit the Zagreb City Museum, housed in the former Poor Clares convent, a 17th-century building in the Upper Town. Its permanent exhibition spans more than 2,000 square meters and follows a chronological order, from prehistory to the present day.

We found the presentation of the two rival medieval cities—the royal Gradec and the ecclesiastical Kaptol, which eventually merged—to be very enlightening. Archaeological remains are displayed at the sites where they were discovered, alongside sections of medieval city walls. You’ll look at the streets you’ve walked down in a whole new light.

Practical advice

• Tour duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Directions: Opatička 20, in the northeastern part of Gradec, a 10-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square
• Hours:
  Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
  Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., last admission 30 minutes before closing;
  Closed on Mondays and holidays;
• Accessibility and Access for People with Disabilities: The site is accessible to wheelchair users
• Prices: €7 per adult; €5 for schoolchildren, students, and retirees;
• Latest news on the official website here.

15. Grič Tunnel

Why visit?

Dug in 1943, during World War II, the Grič Tunnel served as a shelter for civilians during air raids, and again during the Croatian War of Independence. It is 350 meters long, runs beneath the Upper Town, and connects Mesnička Street and Radićeva Street. Reopened to the public in 2016, it now hosts exhibitions, events, and, in December, Advent installations.

We took it as a shortcut—it took about 5 minutes—and enjoyed the coolness on a hot day. You’ll recognize the entrances by the Zagreb coat of arms marking them.
See our dedicated article.

Practical advice

• Duration of visit: 10 to 15 minutes, longer during an exhibition
• Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Challenges and Accessibility for People with Disabilities: The entrance on Mesnička Street is wheelchair accessible; the others are not. This venue is not recommended for people with claustrophobia.
• Rates: free of charge

16. Jarun Lake and Beach

Why visit?

Located about 7 km southwest of downtown, Lake Jarun is Zagreb’s main recreational area. Created as a result of gravel extraction from the Sava River, this lake was developed in the 1980s. You can cycle around it on the path that runs along the shores, past the islands connected by bridges and the pebble beaches. In the summer, you can go swimming, rent a pedal boat or a canoe, and even try the water ski lift for wakeboarding.

Practical advice

• Length of visit: half a day
• Hours: Free admission;
• Challenges and Access for People with Disabilities: flat path around the lake; access to the pebble beaches is more difficult
• Prices: Free admission for pedestrians and cyclists; boat rentals for a fee
• Directions: Take tram 17 (which passes through Ban Jelačić Square) or tram 5 to the Jarun or Staglišće stops; the trip takes 20 to 30 minutes from downtown;
• Dining: bars, cafes, and restaurants around the lake

17. Zrinjevac Park

Why visit?

As the first link in the Lenuci Horseshoe, Zrinjevac Park is located on Nikola Šubić Zrinski Square, named after a 16th-century Croatian ban who defended Szigetvár against the Ottomans. We enjoyed its plane-tree-lined avenues, its wrought-iron bandstand, and its weather column, installed in the late 19th century.

The fountains designed by Herman Bollé complete the scene. In December, the park becomes one of Zagreb’s main Advent destinations. You can easily walk through it on your way from Ban Jelačić Square to the train station, and we recommend taking a break there on a bench.

Practical advice

• Visit duration: 20min to 30min
• Opening hours: free access at all times
• Accessibility and Challenges: flat park, wide paths
• Rates: free of charge

Things to Do in Zagreb: Other Ideas

Other Museums in Zagreb

If you enjoy museums, we’ve selected a few other places to visit to round out your stay in Zagreb:

• Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU) – housed in a modern building in Novi Zagreb, south of the Sava River, it showcases Croatian and international art from the second half of the 20th century to the present. We noticed the large slides by artist Carsten Höller, which turn the visit into a playful experience.
  See our dedicated article.

• Nikola Tesla Technical Museum —dedicated to the history of technology, it is named after the inventor Nikola Tesla, who was born in Croatia in 1856. Vehicles, machines, a planetarium, and electrical demonstrations make for a tour that families love.
  – save time, buy your tickets
• Archaeological Museum – located on Nikola Šubić Zrinski Square, it houses, among other things, the Zagreb mummy, wrapped in the *Liber Linteus*—the longest known text in the Etruscan language—as well as the Vučedol Dove, a prehistoric vase that has become a national symbol.
• Ethnographic Museum – its collections of costumes, jewelry, musical instruments, and everyday objects showcase the traditions of Croatia’s various regions; check the opening hours before your visit

• Pavillon des Arts —this yellow building on King Tomislav Square, whose steel structure was first exhibited in Budapest in 1896 and later reassembled in Zagreb, hosts temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.
• Chocolate Museum – it traces the history of cacao and its processing, and offers a tasting at the end of the tour. – Save time—buy your tickets
• Tie Museum —the tie owes its name to 17th-century Croatian horsemen, whose scarves, tied “the Croatian way,” captivated the French court; this small museum near Lotrščak Tower tells that story.
• Croatian Sports Museum — Save time—buy your tickets
• Museum of Illusions — Save Time—Buy Your Tickets

Other Parks in Zagreb

Zagreb has many green spaces. In addition to Zrinjevac Park and the Botanical Garden, we recommend these parks:

• Maksimir Park —the city’s oldest public park, opened in the late 18th century at the initiative of Bishop Maksimilijan Vrhovac—features forests, meadows, lakes, and pavilions. It is also home to the Zagreb Zoo, which is perfect for a family outing; it is accessible by tram from Ban Jelačić Square.
• Rokov Perivoj —a small neighborhood park west of the Upper Town, centered around the Chapel of Saint Roch, on the site of a former cemetery; a quiet spot for a short break

• Ribnjak —located behind the cathedral, at the foot of the ancient Kaptol ramparts—this park stands on the site of the bishops’ former fishpond, hence its name, which means “fish pond.”
• Bele IV Park —this small green space is named after King Béla IV, who, in 1242, granted Gradec the status of a free royal city through the Golden Bull;

Other Monuments and Attractions in Zagreb

• Street Art Cat Painting – a street art piece from Zagreb
• Zagreb Funicular – opened in 1890, it connects Tomićeva Street in the Lower Town to Strossmayer Promenade in the Upper Town. At 66 meters long, it is billed as the world’s shortest public transportation funicular; the ride takes 64 seconds. It reopened on May 19, 2026, following its first complete renovation in over 50 years, which preserved its historic appearance.

• Croatian National Theater —opened in 1895 on Republic of Croatia Square, this Neo-Baroque building, designed by the Viennese architects Fellner and Helmer, hosts opera, ballet, and theater; in front of the entrance, you’ll see Ivan Meštrović’s “Well of Life” fountain

Day Trips Around Zagreb

Zagreb is a great base from which to explore the surrounding area. We’ve organized our excursion ideas by distance, ranging from half-day trips to full-day excursions in Croatia and Slovenia.

Day Trips Near Zagreb

• Medvedgrad Castle —a 13th-century medieval fortress built on the slopes of the Medvednica Mountains following the Mongol invasion of 1242. Now restored, it houses the Altar of the Fatherland and offers a view of the entire city; access and hours to be added
  See our article.

• Samobor —located about 25 km west of Zagreb—is a small town with a Baroque town center, famous for its kremšnita, a custard-filled cake. It’s also a gateway to the Samobor Mountains
  . If you don’t want to drive, check out the guided tour options.
• Žumberak —the Žumberak–Samobor Hills Nature Park, west of the capital, features forested hills, villages, and hiking trails

Day Trips Further Afield from Zagreb

• Plitvice Lakes – about 130 km south (a 2-hour drive), Croatia’s oldest national park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, features 16 lakes connected by travertine barriers and waterfalls;
  If you don’t want to drive, check out the guided tour options
• Ljubljana and Lake Bled – just across the Slovenian border, the capital, Ljubljana, is about 140 km from Zagreb; Lake Bled, its island, and its castle perched on a cliff often round out the day
  If you don’t want to drive, check out the guided tour options

• Zagorje and its castles —north of Zagreb, this region of hills and vineyards is home to several castles, including Trakošćan, situated on the shore of a lake, and Veliki Tabo. And Varaždin —about 80 km to the north, this Baroque city was the capital of Croatia in the 18th century; its fortified castle and historic center can be explored on a day trip.
  If you don’t want to drive, check out the guided tour options

Things to Do in Zagreb with Kids

Zagreb is a great destination for a family vacation. We’ve put together these ideas for the little ones:

• Take the funicular—the shortest in the world—and then watch the noon cannon firing from Lotrščak Tower
• Explore the Grič Tunnel, especially during the Advent celebrations in December
• Explore the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum and its planetarium
• taste the specialties at the Chocolate Museum
• Spend a day at Maksimir Park and visit the zoo
• Cycling, paddle boating, or swimming at Lake Jarun in the summer
• Explore the ponds and plants at the Botanical Garden (stroller-friendly entrance; free admission for children under 7)

Things to Do in Zagreb When It Rains

Rain doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying Zagreb. Here are our suggestions for rainy days:

• Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships, then the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art, which is right across the street
• Explore the history of the capital at the Zagreb City Museum
• See the Zagreb mummy at the Archaeological Museum
• explore the Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU) and the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum
• Walk through the Grič Tunnel, which is sheltered, to reach the Upper Town
• take a break under the dome of the Oktogon
• Explore the Dolac Market’s covered market hall

Is Zagreb worth a visit?

In our opinion, yes. Zagreb is often just a quick stop on the way to the coast, but we enjoyed staying there for two or three days. Its museums are exceptional, the Upper Town is best explored on foot, and the parks in the Lower Town offer welcome breaks.
That said, don’t expect a seaside resort town: the atmosphere here is more continental, and the pace is more urban than on the coast.

Helpful Tips for Visiting Zagreb

Where is Zagreb located?

• Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is located in the northwestern part of the country, on the banks of the Sava River and at the foot of the Medvednica Mountains
• From Zagreb to Split = about 410 km, or a 4-hour drive on the highway
• From Zagreb to Ljubljana = about 140 km, or a 2-hour drive
• Here is a map to help you find your way:

How do I get to Zagreb?

• Zagreb International Airport (Pleso) is located 14 km southeast of downtown; a shuttle runs between the airport and the bus station every 30 minutes.
• If you’re traveling by train, you’ll arrive at the central station (Glavni kolodvor), across from King Tomislav Square.
• Long-distance buses stop at the bus terminal, which is connected to downtown by tram line 5.
• When traveling by car, Croatian highways have tolls, which can be paid by credit card or cash.

Parking in Zagreb

We do not recommend driving in the city center, especially during rush hour. To visit the Upper Town, the Tuškanac covered parking garage is convenient: from there, you can walk to the city center through the Grič Tunnel. Parking rates and paid parking zones: to be completed.

Getting Around in Zagreb

The center of Zagreb is easy to explore on foot. For longer trips, the ZET tram and bus network serves the entire city, and almost all tram lines pass through or near Ban Jelačić Square. We took the funicular to the Upper Town, bus 106 to Mirogoj, and trams 5 and 17 to Lake Jarun.
The Zagreb Card also offers discounts at several museums.
Zagreb also has a hop-on, hop-off tourist bus— book your ticket

Where to Eat in Zagreb

To sample local products, we always start at the Dolac Market, where you’ll find sir i vrhnje and fresh produce from the surrounding area. Around the market, cafés and bistros serve gableci—hearty, inexpensive lunches.
Zagreb also has plenty of restaurants with great atmospheres.

Visiting Zagreb in Winter

Winter in Zagreb is marked by Advent: Zrinjevac Park and the Grič Tunnel feature festive lights and installations. We recommend taking this opportunity to visit museums, which are open year-round. Please note that the Botanical Garden is closed in winter, and the Mirogoj Cemetery closes earlier—at 6 p.m.—from October through March.