Planning a trip to Zagreb with kids? Thinking about what to do in Zagreb and what to see in Zagreb? Been there, done that. With so many best things to do in Zagreb, it undoubtedly is one of the best places to visit in Croatia with kids.
Here’s our detailed travel guide to Zagreb to help you plan a perfect Zagreb vacation. Let’s uncover Zagreb Croatia; one subtlety at a time.
Must Read: One Day in Zagreb Itinerary
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Zagreb – First Impressions
Deep red hearts embellished with white fringes caught my attention as I strolled along the streets of Zagreb.
Known as Licitars, these heart-shaped honey dough biscuits akin to Gingerbread are gifted during celebration times and are an integral part of Croatian culture.
In fact, they’ve come to become a traditional symbol of Zagreb.
Looking at those tiny red hearts, I at once grasped the idea of why Zagreb’s often invoked as “The City With a Million Hearts.”
Zagreb – Cultural and Lively Capital of Croatia
Zagreb, an inland capital of a country celebrated for its incredible sun-kissed Adriatic coastline sprinkled with idyllic islands, mystic coves, hidden sea caves, and cerulean beaches is, sadly, missed more often than not by tourists.
It’s a shame.
Add Zagreb to your Croatia Itinerary and thank me later.
The city of Zagreb was ensconced at the base of Mount Medvednica across the river Sava.
Vibrance, culture, history, nature, innovative architecture, street art, and savoir-faire are ubiquitous in Zagreb’s character that charm its visitors endlessly.
In one moment, it’s full of cosmopolitan gusto and in another, it radiates with rustic warmth – that’s the charm of Zagreb. You never know what’s around the corner!
Zagreb is divided into two halves, Zagreb Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and Zagreb Lower Town (Donji Grad).
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Zagreb Upper Town
Zagreb Old Town began in the 11th century as two medieval settlements alight on the hill – Grič (the civil settlement) known as Gradec (today the Upper Town) and Kaptol (the ecclesiastical settlement) and thus, is loaded with the stories of times gone by.
The intense past reverberates at every corner here.
Medieval buildings with red tile roofs, intriguing museums, cozy cafes, and restaurants line the narrow winding cobbled streets; Zagreb’s Upper Town exudes old-world charm.
With an easy pace and compact character, the old town is meant for walking.
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Zagreb Lower Town
Zagreb Lower Town is a new town and a commercial hub of Zagreb.
It’s all about Baroque buildings housing offices, museums, galleries, wide boulevards, spacious parks, and huge squares.
Draped in gorgeous Austro-Hungarian architecture with 20th-century façades and extensive garden squares, the Lower Town appears to be influenced by classic Viennese Art Nouveau.
Fab Things to do in Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb with its compelling blend of old and new is flourishing as a tourist destination. Locals are fueling Zagreb’s Art scene by reinventing the city’s streets with unique art projects.
We walked the length and breadth of Lower and Upper Town and used the Uber and trams to explore Novi Zagreb. I prepared a self-guided walk map that made things easy and less time-consuming.
I’ll list the Zagreb attractions and places in a way that’d help you to walk in our footsteps.
Here’s how and what you can explore in Zagreb to make the most of your trip.
Walk the Upper Town (Old Town) – Gradec and Kaptol
Ban Josip Jelacic Square
The best way to explore the Upper Town is to start from Zagreb’s Main Square, Ban Josip Jelačić Square in Lower Town dominated by the bronze statue of Ban Josip Jelačić, the 19th-century Ban (governer) of Croatia.
The square is the city’s social hub and a major tram intersection point. You’ll see it brimming with locals and tourists all the time.
The Manduševac Fountain at the square was built above a 19th-century natural spring that supplied drinking water to Zagreb.
They say that if you drop a coin in it and make a wish, it comes true. You can’t leave the fountain without this 🙂
Others say if you drink water from the fountain, it puts a magical spell on you to never forget Zagreb in your lifetime.
Did you Know How Zagreb Got its Name? Legend has it that an old Croatian war leader came near the spring while searching for water to quench his thirst and requested a girl named Manda standing near the spring to scoop some water for him. He uttered the Croatian word “Zagrabiti” which means to scoop up water in English. That’s how the spring got the name Manduševac (after the girl) and the city got the name Zagreb (after the scoop of water).
The flower stalls under huge red parasols selling colorful fresh flowers fill one side of the square.
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Kaptol Square
As you walk uphill from Trg Bana Jelačića to Kaptol Square, the sight of the Neo-Gothic Cathedral of Zagreb with its soaring twin towers gracing Zagreb’s skyline is sure to stun you.
Known as St. Stephen’s Cathedral in earlier times, it’s now called the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. However, “the cathedral” usually suffices for the name.
Did You Know? Zagreb Cathedral is one of the tallest buildings in Croatia and is depicted on Kuna (Currency of Croatia).
Kaptol Square looks arresting with Zagreb Cathedral, the cathedral’s Renaissance defensive walls with round towers, St Stephen’s Chapel inside the Archbishop’s Palace by the cathedral, Zagreb Cathedral Treasury, Virgin Mary with Angels Fountain right in front of the cathedral, Ribnjak Park, The Franciscan Church, and Prišlin’s Tower.
Dolac Market
A few meters away from the square is Dolac, fondly known as the Belly of Zagreb. It’s the most famous daily open-air farmers’ market close to the cathedral.
There can’t be a better place to experience local life.
Here’s where you can sample local dishes.
Tip: If you find yourself in Zagreb on weekends from April to October, be a part of the Changing of the Guards Ceremony wherein exactly at noon the 12 soldiers of the Cravat Regiment are followed by trumpeters, gunsmiths, drummers, flag-bearers, and their commander march from Dolac to St. Mark’s Square via Church of St. Mary, Tkalčićeva street, Bloody Bride, Radićeva street and Stone Gate. It’s your chance to get to know the rich history of Zagreb.
Tkalčićeva Street
As you walk away from Dolac towards Tkalčićeva Street, you’ll run into a three-aisled Baroque Church of St Mary’s and a Statue of Petrica Kerempuh standing in a tiny square filled with flower stalls.
Tkalčićeva Street or Tkalča, the most colorful downtown street, and the bohemian heart of Zagreb is lined with chic boutiques, traditional shops, cafes, and restaurants.
It certainly is one of the best things to see in Zagreb.
It’s built at the same place where once Medveščak Creek flowed separating the districts of Kaptol and Gradec.
You can’t help but pause at an interesting bronze Statue of Marija Juric Zagorka, the first Croatian female journalist and writer who’s known as the lady with a pungent pen.
You must stop by and take a selfie with the lady during the Zagreb sightseeing.
Now, move north of Tkalčićeva to see Glyptotheque, one of the best-preserved industrial buildings in Zagreb.
It belongs to the Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences now and showcases a collection of sculptures.
Moving a bit further, you’ll reach an alley that connects Tkalčićeva to Radićeva known as Bloody Bridge.
This place was a spot for frequent quarrels between Kaptol and Gradec communities, thus the name.
Though the bridge was demolished a long back, the street still carries the name.
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Radićeva
Radićeva is an inclined street that leads to the Zagreb Upper Town. This is one of the best places to visit in Zagreb for food and drinks.
Zagreb 80s Museum at Radićeva 34 on the first floor of an old building demonstrates life and times in 80s Yugoslavia.
Before you make your way uphill to Stone Gate, I urge you to stop and admire the statue of St George with a beautiful backdrop of a building with a living wall.
You can sit on one of the benches here and admire the surroundings while stretching your legs.
Stone Gate Chapel
The Stone Gate (Kamenita Vrata), the only preserved old town gate is the passageway to the Upper Town and one of the significant sacred and religious sites in Zagreb.
Its archway houses a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, a guardian saint of Zagreb.
As you exit the archway and look back, you’ll spot a bronze sculpture of Dora Krupić, a character from Croatia’s first real historical novel (The Goldsmith’s Gold) adorning the right wall of the gate.
Kemenita ulica (Stone Street) is also home to Zagreb’s Oldest Pharmacy functioning since 1355.
A few steps away stands a statue of Admiral Nelson’s lion and under it attached to a stone dais are two chains holding Nelson’s admiral ship “Victory” after the Battle of Trafalgar known to be the Chains from HMS Victory.
Grič Tunnel
Not far from there, running between Radiceva and Mesnička streets is the Gric tunnel that was used as a bomb shelter in World War II.
Admission to the tunnel is free and it is open from 9 am to 9 pm.
One of the six exits of the tunnel leads to Zagreb Art Park which is a nice open space to visit with kids and admire artsy surroundings.
Opatička Ulica
Opatička ulica, a quaint and charming street in Gradec is flanked by splendid Baroque and Classical palaces.
The left side (Opatička 20-22) is lined by the former Clares convent that houses the Zagreb City Museum.
Opatička 18 is a Neo-Classical People’s House that serves as an Institute for the History of Croatian Literature, Theater, and Music.
At Opatička 10, a beautiful palace with impressive wrought-iron railings holds the Croatian Institute of History today.
Hidden Zagreb: Visit the ruins of Jurjevska Street Cemetery (Jurjevsko groblje) aka The Cemetery By The Chestnut Tree for some offbeat and mystical experience.
At the junction of Opatička, Jurjevska, and Radićeva Streets is Llirski trg or Illyrian Square with a pretty chapel in the center.
The round tower known as Priest’s Tower at the northern end of Opatička houses the Zagreb Observatory.
It’s open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8 pm to 10 pm, and entry is free.
St. Mark’s Square
Now, you’ll reach the heart of the Upper Town, St Mark’s Square (Zagreb Must See) dominated by the 13th-century impressive St Mark’s Church, a colorful tiled roof three-aisled Romanesque church.
It’s one of the most photographed sites in Zagreb or I should say, one of the best Instagrammable places in Zagreb. For a reason, of course!
While you are at St. Mark’s Square, spend some time observing other attractive buildings and sculptors around St. Mark’s Church – Banski dvori (Governer’s Palace), the Croatian Sabor (Parliament), Atelijer Meštrović (Art Museum), and the Croatian History Museum.
Walk towards Ćirilometodska, a street running parallel to St. Mark’s Church, and admire the Baroque buildings on both sides.
The major attractions here are the Old City Hall and the Croatian Museum of Naive Art.
You can visit the Museum of Broken Relationships here, a unique and quirky museum that treasures the items that are remnants of love and relationships that failed each accompanied by a story, some sad, others funny.
I loved the concept behind the museum and also bought a bad memories eraser and an anti-stress pencil from the museum shop 🙂
I enjoyed visiting it more than other Zagreb tourist attractions.
Next, you’ll spot Catherine’s Square dictated by a medieval St Catherine Church that looks beautiful in all its simplicity. You can have views over Kaptol from the church’s courtyard.
Also, make sure to notice the impressive graffiti work by Etien – a blue whale painted on a deserted building and a 3D sea turtle accompanied by a fish painted on the ground.
Zagreb’s first Humanistic Secondary School dating back to 1607 is another worth-a-stop attraction here.
A little further, a teeny-weeny Jesuit Square features the Klovićevi Dvori Gallery and a plain-looking sculpture of a fisherman.
Stroll along the Strossmayer Promenade
Stretching along Gradec Hill’s southern border is Strossmayer Promenade beautifully lined with lush chestnut trees – a perfect place to spend some time during the hot summer and relish the panoramic views over Zagreb.
Take in the amazing views over Zagreb with Zagreb Cathedral as a backdrop from Strossmayer Promenade.
Head to the end of the promenade towards the love-lock-filled railing and capture the views over Zagreb from a different angle.
A silver statue of a Croatian poet, Antun Gustov Matoš sitting on a bench beside the promenade seems to be waiting for someone to give him company.
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Lotrščak Tower
Lotrščak Tower, a medieval tower with a look-out post (offers a 360° view) on the promenade is famous for its Noon Grič Cannon Shot where the cannon is fired every day over the city at noon supposedly to celebrate Zagreb’s victory over the Turks.
Ride the World’s Shortest Funicular
From here, take a ride in the shortest funicular in the world (66m) and Zagreb’s oldest means of public transportation to reach the Lower Town.
It safely connects the Lower Town (Donji grad) and the Upper Town (Gornji grad) and takes just about a minute in 4 HRK per person.
The funicular departs every 10 minutes from 6:30 am to 10 pm.
Note: This self-guided walk can be done the other way around too. Take the funicular to the Upper Town and finish at Ban Josip Jelačić Square.
Walk the Lower Town
Donji Grad or Lower Town starts at Jelacic Square with Ilica Street running along with it.
Ilica is one of the main streets through Lower Town and is known to be the shopper’s paradise.
Close to Jelacic Square, named after the Croatian Ban, Nikola Šubić Zrinski Square is one of the green squares of Zagreb with Zrinjevac (a promenade with trees, a wrought-iron bandstand, fountains, and the busts of famous personalities) in the center of the square.
Another stellar here is an ancient marble meteorological pole that shows the temperature and air pressure with a 24-hour dial.
Zagreb’s first-ever fountain called The Mushroom by locals because of its shape stands in Zrinjevac.
The square in all directions is flanked by notable buildings – the Archeological Museum housed in the Vranyczany-Hafner Palace, Hazu – The Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences, Gallery of Modern Art, and Image of War Photography Museum.
A few yards away south of Nikola Subić Zrinski Square is King Tomislav Square where the gorgeous bright yellow Art Pavilion (Art Gallery) designed using metal frame techniques steals the show.
On the opposite end of the square stands a statue of King Tomislav (Croatia’s first king).
You could see the Main Railway Station building across the road from the statue.
If you stand with the main railway station at your back, you’ll have stunning views of King Tomislav’s statue, Art Pavilion, and Zagreb Cathedral’s spires with a backdrop of Mount Medvednica’s lush slopes.
Close to the main railway station, at Mihanoviceva Street is the city’s iconic Hotel Esplanade built in the neoclassical style in 1925.
It’s expensive obviously but is one of the perfect places to stay in Zagreb owing to its strategic location close to all the attractions and means of public transport.
Walkabout a little less than a mile towards the right to reach the Marko Marulić Square loomed over by the former National and University Library, now home to the Croatian State Archives, one of the finest examples of Croatian Art Nouveau
Running parallel to the railway tracks on Mihanoviceva Street, the Botanical Gardens with its mind-boggling collection of Croatian plants form the southern part of Lenuci’s Horseshoe aka Green Horseshoe, a green belt in Zagreb.
Lenuci’s Horseshoe unites the 7 squares (Nikola Subic Zrinski, Josip Juraj Strossmayer Square, King Tomislav Square, Ante Starcevic Square, Botanical Garden, Marko Marulić Square, Mazuranić Square, and Marshal Tito Square) on 3 sides in the shape of letter U.
Mažuranićev Square
Around 700 m from Marulić Square is Mažuranićev Square which offers Zagreb’s Ethnographic Museum located in an Art Nouveau building that was the Chamber of Trade.
The Republic of Croatia Square
Formerly known as University and Theater Square, Trg Republike Hrvatske is the last in Lenuci Horshoe’s arc of 8 green squares.
The main attractions here include the Croatian National Theater, the Well of Life (water fountain in front of the theater), Zagreb University (the oldest in Croatia), the Museum of Arts and Crafts, and the St. George Statue.
The Mimara Museum on Roosevelt Square holds the art collection by Wiltrud and Ante Topić Mimara.
Masarykova
One of the fascinating streets in Zagreb, Masarykova is named after the first president of the Czechoslovak Republic, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk.
Filled with impressive 19th-century office buildings and apartment blocks, palaces, cafes, restaurants, bars, and small shops by craftsmen, this street offers an interesting walk.
The Kallina House, the Apartment of Viktor Kovačić, Zagreb’s First Skyscraper, and the Statue of Nikola Tesla at Masarykova are attractions worth a look at here.
Petar Preradović Square
The square is a popular meeting point in Zagreb. Locals call it Flower Square (Cvjetni trg). Named after Petar Preradović, the square has his statue in the center.
The square and its surrounding streets are lined with sidewalk cafes that make it a perfect place to experience the outdoor lounge culture of Zagreb.
Must-Experience: Zagreb’s coffee culture at the most celebrated coffee strip in Zagreb, Špica (the peak), the pedestrianized stretch between Ban Jelačić Square and Petar Preradović Square.
Other attractions in and around the square are the statue of Tin Ujević, Miškec’s Passage (which connects Masarykova with Varsavka), and The Oktogon (pre-world war I arcade connects the flower square with Ilica), a sculpture of Grounded Sun, and the Napredak Skyscraper.
The Skyscraper with its Zagreb 360 Observation Deck offers amazing views over Zagreb. Your visit to Zagreb is incomplete without relishing this view 🙂
Ilica
You’ll realize locals’ love for Ilica while talking to them. 6 kilometers long, Ilica has remained the main artery of Zagreb since the 15th century.
The attractions you should stop by while strolling this iconic street are – the statue of Andrija Kačić Miošić, Mesnička (which connects Ilica with upper town), Britanski trg (aka British Square or Ilica Square is famous for its farmer’s market), and the Church of Saint Blaise.
Zagreb’s first brewery lies here on Ilica.
If you happen to be in Zagreb on Sunday and are by chance also an antique lover, don’t miss some great bargains at Sunday Antique Fair on British Square.
Jurišićeva
Zagreb’s commercial street, Jurišićeva boasts a huge Post Office built in Hungarian Art-Nouveau style, a statue of Stjepan Radić Statue, the Stock Market at the Square of the Great Croatians (Trg hrvastskih velikana), HDLU (Croatian Artist’s Association Headquarters) at Victims of Fascism Square (trg zrtava fasizma), Novakova (inter-war era residential street), Vlaška (the street originally settled by Italians), and August Šenoa sculpture.
Explore Novi Zagreb (Outside the City Centre)
The suburbs of Novi Zagreb across the River Sava though not as charming as the old town, still offer a different cultural experience.
The Technical Museum
Housed in a wooden pavilion, the museum displays horse-drawn trams, space capsules, vintage road vehicles, old airplanes, and much more.
Vukovar Avenue
The avenue with its planned series of European modernist style towering buildings and state organizations. Vukovar Avenue swanks New City Hall, Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall, and National and University Library.
Did you Know? Mamutica (literally translates to She Mammoth), the largest residential building not only in Croatia but in the entire of Europe is in Novi Zagreb.
The Museum of Contemporary Art
A brand new museum in Novi Zagreb hosts a permanent exhibition showcasing Croatian and International modern art and organizes temporary exhibitions from time to time that reflect the current art trends.
The River Sava
The River Sava is one of the three longest rivers in Croatia. It starts in Slovenia and flows all the way to Serbia to meet the River Danube.
The old town is on its left bank while Novi Zagreb is developed on its right bank.
Bundek
Bundek is a haven of tranquility and nature adjacent to the River Sava on the fringes of Novi Zagreb.
It’s a great place for biking, walking, and fishing.
Jarun
Jarun, a region southwest of the city center is named after Lake Jarun aka Zagreb Sea formed by the backwaters of River Sava.
The region now has been developed into a sports and recreation center making it a great place to spend some time away from all the hullabaloo of city life.
If swimming is what you love, you’d love the lakeside pebble beaches.
Mirogoj (Zagreb Cemetery)
Gorgeous. Just. One Word.
I never thought a cemetery could be as beautiful as it is.
Its monumental arcades, pavilion chapels, domed gatehouses, aesthetically sculpted graves, living walls or vertical gardens, and lush surroundings ooze artsy charm.
Maksimir Park
Considered one of the masterpieces of garden architecture, Maksimir is one of the oldest public parks in the world.
Home to hundred-year-old oak forests, lush meadows, beautiful trails, lakes, and streams, different varieties of birds – it has all the ingredients one needs to feel how beautiful life is.
Zagreb Zoo inside the park is like the icing on the cake.
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Medvednica
Protected as a nature reserve, the capital of Croatia has Mount Medvednica at its doorstep. You can spot the hills no matter which part of the city you are in.
Medvednica apart from giving beauty to the city protects Zagreb from cold northern winds.
Sljeme, Medvednica’s summit is quite famous among hikers.
Medvedgrad, a wonderfully preserved medieval castle rests on the southern slopes of Mount Medvednica.
If you have to choose only one park in Zagreb, let it be Medvednica Nature Park.
Hrelić – Jakuševac Flea Market
Bargain lovers delight, Hrelić is authentic and the biggest flea market in Zagreb. From old books to clothes, leather products, footwear, and everything in between at dirt-cheap prices.
So, brush up on your haggling skills before you hit the market.
Soak in Zagreb’s Street Art Culture
Zagreb is slowly embracing graffiti and street art culture.
You can experience Zagreb’s graphic art at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Modern Gallery, Dolac, Branimir, Dugava, and Pierottijeva.
You’ll find quirky water pumps in Upper Town uniquely painted by local street artists under a unique project Pimp My Pump.
This is the end of our guide to the best things to do in Zagreb and the start of your adventure in Zagreb.
Which Zagreb attractions would you like to add to your Zagreb itinerary?
Please let us know in the comments section below. We love to hear from our readers 🙂
Also, if you have any questions in terms of planning a trip to Zagreb, we are here to help.
Happy Travels!
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wow! amazing article with full of details, i am impressed and wont believe i already contact with one of mentioned hotel, thanks for sharing.
Thanks! Glad you liked it 🙂