Discover Zagreb with this complete Zagreb Travel Guide: top sights, hidden corners, where to stay, transport tips and the best local experiences.

Zagreb blends old-world charm with a modern, creative pulse — a city of leafy promenades, coffee culture, museums, markets, and quiet corners that still feel deliciously undiscovered.
In this Zagreb Travel Guide, you’ll find everything you need to explore Croatia’s capital like a local: the must-see highlights, the neighbourhoods worth staying in, how to move around the city with ease, and the little moments that make Zagreb feel warm, intimate and endlessly inviting.

From mornings on Tkalčićeva Street filled with the smell of fresh pastries to sunset strolls up to Gornji Grad, this guide uncovers both the classics and the soft, hidden details only locals notice. Ready to wander? Let’s begin.

🌿 1. Why Visit Zagreb

Zagreb is Croatia’s quiet charmer — a city that doesn’t rush to impress you, yet wins you over with every leafy boulevard, every sunlit square, and every slow coffee enjoyed among locals who treat café culture like a lifestyle. It’s a place where Austro-Hungarian elegance blends with a modern artsy spirit, where medieval lanes climb toward viewpoints, and where markets overflow with colours, voices, and the rhythm of daily life.

Unlike many European capitals, Zagreb feels intimate and human-sized. You can wander from museums to gardens, from bakeries to wine bars, and from historic Upper Town to the lively café terraces of Lower Town — all on foot. It’s safe, relaxed, beautifully walkable, and surprisingly affordable, making it perfect for first-time visitors, solo travellers, couples, and anyone who enjoys discovering culture at their own pace.

Zagreb is also a year-round destination. Spring brings green parks and outdoor terraces, summer vibrates with festivals and open-air concerts, autumn paints the city in golden tones, and winter transforms it with Christmas lights and one of Europe’s most beloved Advent markets.

Whether you’re here for history, food, design, nightlife, or simply that soft, local rhythm that makes Zagreb feel warm and inviting — the city welcomes you with open arms and a hint of quiet magic.

🌿 2. Top Things to Do in Zagreb

Zagreb is a city made for wandering — a place where grand 19th-century squares, medieval lanes, leafy parks and a deep-rooted café culture blend into one gentle, irresistible rhythm. These are the essentials that capture its spirit.

1. Ban Jelačić Square

The beating heart of Zagreb — open, lively, and always buzzing. Trams glide past, street musicians play, and locals meet “under the clock.” From here, every street leads to a different slice of the city.

2. Dolac Market

A short climb above the main square, Dolac bursts with colour and local energy. Farmers sell cherries, figs and cheeses; flower stalls brighten the air; bakers offer fresh pastries. Come early for the true flavour of Zagreb.

3. Zagreb Cathedral

Tall, elegant, unmistakable — the city’s most iconic landmark. Step inside to admire the soaring arches and feel the cool hush of centuries-old stone. A must-visit for history and architecture lovers.

4. Gornji Grad (Upper Town)

A maze of cobblestones, lanterns and quiet corners. Upper Town is where Zagreb reveals its romantic side: narrow streets, viewpoints over red rooftops, tiny museums, and hidden courtyards that feel frozen in time.

5. St. Mark’s Church

Famous for its tiled, colourful roof, shining like a mosaic in the sun. One of the most photographed places in Croatia — and for good reason. The surrounding square is steeped in political and historical significance.

6. Stone Gate (Kamenita Vrata)

A medieval gateway turned into a small, candlelit chapel. Locals stop here to pray, light candles, and whisper wishes. It’s one of Zagreb’s most intimate and atmospheric places.

7. Lotrščak Tower & the Grič Cannon

Climb the old defensive tower for sweeping city views. At precisely noon, the Grič Cannon fires — a tradition kept for more than a century. It’s loud, joyful, and uniquely Zagreb.

8. Museum of Broken Relationships

An award-winning gem. Poignant, funny, emotional — this museum tells stories of heartbreak and healing through everyday objects. One of the most unique museums in the world.

9. Mirogoj Cemetery

Not just a cemetery — an architectural masterpiece. Ivy-covered arcades, domes, sculptures and absolute silence. Mirogoj is one of Zagreb’s most beautiful and peaceful places.

10. Zrinjevac & the Green Horseshoe

A chain of grand parks filled with fountains, trees, pavilions and soft green light. Perfect for picnics, slow walks, or simply sitting under the plane trees watching the world go by.

11. Tkalčićeva Street

Colourful, lively, and always full of life. Tkalčićeva is a ribbon of cafés, bars, and terraces — the best place to feel Zagreb’s famous café culture and its friendly, social heartbeat.

12. Art Pavilion & King Tomislav Square

A picture-perfect pair. The yellow Art Pavilion glows at sunset, framed by lawns, fountains and tram tracks. It’s one of the city’s most photogenic spots.

13. Maksimir Park

One of Europe’s oldest public parks and Zagreb’s green lung. Lakes, forest paths, meadows, and endless space for running, cycling or simply breathing in nature.

14. Jarun Lake

Zagreb’s summer escape. Swim, paddleboard, cycle the lakeside trail, or stay for nightlife on the water, where bars and clubs light up warm summer nights.

15. Zagreb 360° Observation Deck

For the best panoramic view in the city. At sunset, rooftops, towers and distant hills glow gold — a breathtaking farewell to a Zagreb day.

🌿 3. Zagreb Itinerary: 1, 2, 3 & 5 Days

Whether you have just one full day or a longer stay, Zagreb is easy to shape into a smooth, slow itinerary. The city is compact, walkable and safe, so you can follow this plan almost entirely on foot.

Zagreb in 1 Day – First Time in the City

Morning

• Start at Ban Jelačić Square and feel the city wake up.
• Walk up to Dolac Market for fresh fruit, pastries and local cheeses.
• Visit the Zagreb Cathedral and the surrounding historic quarter.

Afternoon

• Take the funicular or walk up to Gornji Grad (Upper Town).
• Wander to St. Mark’s Church, Stone Gate and the Lotrščak Tower.
• Pause at viewpoints for classic Zagreb rooftop photos.

Evening

• Stroll down to Tkalčićeva Street for cafés, wine bars and dinner.
• End the day with a relaxed drink in Zrinjevac or King Tomislav Square.

Zagreb in 2 Days – Classic Highlights & Local Vibe

Day 1 – Follow the 1-day itinerary above.

Day 2

Morning

• Head to Maksimir Park for a quiet walk among lakes and forest paths.
• Optional: visit the Zagreb Zoo if you’re travelling with kids.

Afternoon

• Explore one or two museums (for example the Museum of Broken Relationships or a classic art/museum choice in the centre).
• Coffee break on European Square or in one of the stylish cafés around Martićeva.

Evening

• Discover Zagreb’s craft beer or wine bar scene.
• Dinner in the Lower Town – think štrukli, hearty stews or modern bistro cuisine.

Zagreb in 3 Days – Slow Mornings & Hidden Corners

Day 1 & 2 – Follow the 2-day itinerary.

Day 3

Morning

• Visit Mirogoj Cemetery, one of Europe’s most beautiful cemeteries with ivy-covered arcades and domes.
• Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and views over the city and Medvednica mountain.

Afternoon

• Head to Jarun Lake for a lakeside walk, cycling or a summer swim.
• Alternatively, explore more of the Green Horseshoe parks and smaller galleries.

Evening

• If the weather is good, stay at Jarun for sunset and lakeside bars.
• Or return to the centre for a relaxed dinner and a night walk through illuminated Upper Town.

Zagreb in 5 Days – With Day Trips

With five days you can enjoy Zagreb slowly and add one or two beautiful day trips.

Days 1–3 – Follow the 3-day itinerary.

Day 4 – Nature or Fairytale Towns
Choose one of these classic trips:

• Plitvice Lakes National Park – Croatia’s most famous waterfalls and turquoise lakes.
• Samobor – a charming small town close to Zagreb, known for its kremsnita cake and baroque streets.

Day 5 – Castles, History or Wetlands

• Varaždin & Trakošćan Castle – baroque old town plus a fairytale castle above a lake.
• Or a nature-focused escape like Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, depending on your audience and future content.

All of these days can be mixed and matched — Zagreb is compact and easy to adjust to your travel rhythm.

🌿 4. Best Areas to Stay in Zagreb

Zagreb is compact, safe and wonderfully walkable, which means you can base yourself almost anywhere and still reach the main sights with ease. But each neighbourhood has its own personality — elegant, historic, modern or quietly local.

These are the best places to stay in Zagreb, depending on the type of trip you want.

1. Donji Grad (Lower Town) — Best Overall

If you want to be close to everything, choose Donji Grad.
This is the Zagreb of wide boulevards, grand 19th-century architecture, museums, cafés and parks. You’ll be steps away from Zrinjevac, King Tomislav Square, the Art Pavilion, stylish restaurants and great tram connections.

Perfect for: first-time visitors, couples, city lovers, boutique hotels
Why stay here: central, elegant, safe, walkable
Vibe: cultured, classic and beautifully photogenic

2. Gornji Grad (Upper Town) — Historic & Romantic

If you dream of quiet cobblestones and old lanterns, Upper Town is your fairytale corner. It’s home to St. Mark’s Church, medieval walls, hidden viewpoints and tiny museums.

Perfect for: romantic trips, photographers, slow travellers
Why stay here: charming, intimate, atmospheric
Vibe: quiet evenings, soft lights, city views

Stays here are fewer but often very memorable — ideal for unique or boutique hotel affiliate picks.

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3. Maksimir — Green & Family-Friendly

Bordering Zagreb’s biggest park, Maksimir is a lovely choice if you prefer nature, calm mornings and local life. You’re close to Maksimir Park, the Zoo, and leafy residential streets.

Perfect for: families, nature lovers, long stays
Why stay here: peaceful, spacious, easy access to greenery
Vibe: relaxed, suburban, comfortable

This area works well for family-friendly apartments and mid-range hotels.

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4. Martićeva & the Design District — Trendy & Creative

This neighbourhood mixes concept stores, cafés, bars and cool modern architecture. It’s a favourite among locals who love design, music and the creative side of Zagreb.

Perfect for: digital nomads, young travellers, café lovers
Why stay here: stylish cafés, cool nightlife, great food
Vibe: hip, urban, modern Zagreb energy

Ideal for boutique apartments and fashionable mid-range stays.

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5. Črnomerec — Local & Budget-Friendly

A quiet, residential area west of the centre, Črnomerec offers good prices and authentic local life without being far away. The tram lines connect you directly to the historic heart.

Perfect for: budget travellers, longer stays
Why stay here: affordable, safe, well-connected
Vibe: everyday Zagreb, supermarkets, bakeries, parks

Good for budget-friendly apartments or guesthouses.

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6. Jarun — Lakeside & Nightlife

Around Jarun Lake, you’ll find a different side of Zagreb — sporty, youthful and full of summer energy. During the day, the lake is perfect for cycling, paddleboarding or swimming; at night, the bars and clubs come alive.

Perfect for: nightlife, summer trips, active travellers
Why stay here: lakeside paths, beach clubs, relaxed vibe
Vibe: youthful, sunny, social

Great area for modern apartments and apart-hotels.

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Where to Stay in Zagreb — Quick Summary

• Best for first-timers: Donji Grad
• Most romantic: Gornji Grad
• Best for families: Maksimir
• Most stylish: Martićeva & Design District
• Best budget: Črnomerec
• Best for nightlife: Jarun