Zagreb Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do, See & Eat
Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, offers a delightful mix of history and modernity with its Austro-Hungarian architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant cultural scene. Key attractions include the historic Upper Town with St. Mark's Church, the lively Dolac Market, and the enchanting Museum of Broken Relationships. Visitors can enjoy the city's cafes, green spaces, and the unique blend of Eastern and Western European influences.
With 296+ hand-picked places to explore, Zagreb rewards travellers who look beyond the obvious. Here's our complete guide to the best of the city — organised by what you're in the mood for.
Must-See Attractions in Zagreb
The icons and landmarks no first visit is complete without.
Start with Ban Josip Jelačić Statue — a significant monument that frames a day of exploration in Zagreb, reflecting the city's cultural heritage. Just as worthwhile is Trg Petra Preradovića: a lively square perfect for a pause while exploring Zagreb, especially during the bustling flower market. Trg svete Katarine completes the picture: a historic square in Zagreb's Upper Town, showcasing Baroque architecture and a tranquil setting.
Ban Josip Jelačić Statue
Zagreb • Monuments & Statues
A significant monument that frames a day of exploration in Zagreb, reflecting the city's cultural heritage.
Trg Petra Preradovića
Zagreb • Historic Squares & Plazas
A lively square perfect for a pause while exploring Zagreb, especially during the bustling flower market.
Trg svete Katarine
Zagreb • Historic Squares & Plazas
A historic square in Zagreb's Upper Town, showcasing Baroque architecture and a tranquil setting.
Zagreb Botanical Garden
Zagreb • Famous Landmarks
Over 10,000 plant species thrive in this extensive garden, a significant site for botanical research in Croatia.
Museums & Culture in Zagreb
Galleries, museums and cultural landmarks for a deeper look at the city.
Top of most lists is Zagrebačko Kazalište Lutaka: families and children can enjoy captivating puppet performances in an intimate setting away from the bustling city. Locals will also point you to Zagreb Cathedral — a visit to Zagreb Cathedral can enhance your exploration of the city's rich historical landscape. And for something different, there's Ban Jelačić Square: ideal for culture enthusiasts and history buffs, Ban Jelačić Square is a lively cultural hub in Zagreb.
Zagrebačko Kazalište Lutaka
Zagreb • Theaters
Families and children can enjoy captivating puppet performances in an intimate setting away from the bustling city.
Zagreb Cathedral
Zagreb • Historical Sites
A visit to Zagreb Cathedral can enhance your exploration of the city's rich historical landscape.
Ban Jelačić Square
Zagreb • Historical Sites
Ideal for culture enthusiasts and history buffs, Ban Jelačić Square is a lively cultural hub in Zagreb.
Croatian Museum of Naïve Art
Zagreb • Museums
The only museum in Croatia focused on the imaginative works of self-taught artists, located in the historic Upper Town.
Best Things to Do in Zagreb
Activities and experiences to fill your days.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Zagreb Adventure Park — ideal for families and groups seeking outdoor adventure and team-building activities in Zagreb. Zagreb Climbing Center earns its reputation too — located in Donje Svetice, this facility caters to climbing enthusiasts of all levels. Round out the shortlist with Adrenalin Park Podsljeme — located at the base of Medvednica Mountain, this park combines outdoor sports with natural beauty.
Zagreb Adventure Park
Zagreb • Outdoor
Ideal for families and groups seeking outdoor adventure and team-building activities in Zagreb.
Zagreb Climbing Center
Zagreb • Sports
Located in Donje Svetice, this facility caters to climbing enthusiasts of all levels.
Adrenalin Park Podsljeme
Zagreb • Sports
Located at the base of Medvednica Mountain, this park combines outdoor sports with natural beauty.
ClueGo Escape Room
Zagreb • Indoor
Immersive storytelling and high-quality set designs define this escape room experience in Zagreb.
Where to Eat in Zagreb
From local classics to standout modern kitchens.
Start with Dubravkin Put — this restaurant features a terrace overlooking the lush greenery of Tuškanac forest, creating a peaceful dining atmosphere. Just as worthwhile is El Toro Restaurant & Bar: a lively dining option to complement a day of exploring Zagreb, focusing on authentic Latin American flavors. Zrno Bio Bistro completes the picture: ideal for a nourishing lunch or dinner after exploring Zagreb's cultural sights.
Dubravkin Put
Zagreb • Fine Dining
This restaurant features a terrace overlooking the lush greenery of Tuškanac forest, creating a peaceful dining atmosphere.
El Toro Restaurant & Bar
Zagreb • Casual Dining
A lively dining option to complement a day of exploring Zagreb, focusing on authentic Latin American flavors.
Zrno Bio Bistro
Zagreb • Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants
Ideal for a nourishing lunch or dinner after exploring Zagreb's cultural sights.
Bistro Apetit
Zagreb • Fine Dining
Located on Jandrićeva ul., this fine dining spot combines local and international flavors seasonally.
Zagreb After Dark: Bars & Nightlife
Where to go once the sun sets.
Top of most lists is Noel Bar: located on Ul. Popa Dukljanina, this cocktail bar is perfect for an upscale night out in Zagreb. Locals will also point you to Lauba House — located on Prilaz baruna Filipovića, this venue merges industrial history with contemporary art experiences. And for something different, there's Sky Room Rooftop Bar: perched on Ul. Ivana Tkalčića, this rooftop bar presents panoramic views of Zagreb.
Noel Bar
Zagreb • Cocktail Bars
Located on Ul. Popa Dukljanina, this cocktail bar is perfect for an upscale night out in Zagreb.
Lauba House
Zagreb • Live Music Venues
Located on Prilaz baruna Filipovića, this venue merges industrial history with contemporary art experiences.
Sky Room Rooftop Bar
Zagreb • Rooftop Bars
Perched on Ul. Ivana Tkalčića, this rooftop bar presents panoramic views of Zagreb.
Tinel Bar & Kitchen
Zagreb • Cocktail Bars
Local ingredients shine in unique cocktails at this lively Zagreb bar, perfect for weekend nights out.
Where to Stay in Zagreb
Hand-picked hotels, hostels and B&Bs across every budget.
If you only make time for one stop, make it B&B Studio Kairos — couples and art lovers will find this cozy bed-and-breakfast appealing and conveniently located in Zagreb. Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Centre earns its reputation too — after a day exploring Zagreb, unwind in a stylish hotel that reflects local culture. Round out the shortlist with Hotel Capital Zagreb — located on Jurišićeva Street, this hotel combines Art Deco design with modern comforts in Zagreb.
B&B Studio Kairos
Zagreb • Bed & Breakfast
Couples and art lovers will find this cozy bed-and-breakfast appealing and conveniently located in Zagreb.
Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Centre
Zagreb • Spa Hotels
After a day exploring Zagreb, unwind in a stylish hotel that reflects local culture.
Hotel Capital Zagreb
Zagreb • Luxury Hotels
Located on Jurišićeva Street, this hotel combines Art Deco design with modern comforts in Zagreb.
Hotel President Pantovcak
Zagreb • Spa Hotels
Ideal for couples and those seeking a serene retreat with personalized spa experiences.
Shopping in Zagreb
Markets, boutiques and everything in between.
Start with Ulični Ormar — ideal for budget-conscious shoppers and vintage enthusiasts seeking unique finds in Zagreb. Just as worthwhile is Vintage Shop Krug: a curated collection of vintage items reflecting various eras in a cozy Zagreb setting. Importanne Galleria completes the picture: a striking blend of luxury shopping and cultural exhibitions in Zagreb's city center.
Ulični Ormar
Zagreb • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Ideal for budget-conscious shoppers and vintage enthusiasts seeking unique finds in Zagreb.
Vintage Shop Krug
Zagreb • Vintage & Thrift Shops
A curated collection of vintage items reflecting various eras in a cozy Zagreb setting.
Importanne Galleria
Zagreb • Luxury Shopping
A striking blend of luxury shopping and cultural exhibitions in Zagreb's city center.
Kredenca
Zagreb • Souvenir Shops
Located on Radićeva ul., this shop combines Croatian delicacies with traditional crafts.
Parks & Green Spaces in Zagreb
Room to breathe when you need a break from the streets.
Top of most lists is Maksimir Park: a lush green expanse in Zagreb offering a tranquil retreat from urban life. Locals will also point you to Park Maksimir — a scenic stop for relaxation and exploration during your time in Zagreb, featuring lush greenery and a zoo. And for something different, there's Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb: a historic garden showcasing over 10,000 plant species and serene landscapes in Zagreb.
Maksimir Park
Zagreb • Parks
A lush green expanse in Zagreb offering a tranquil retreat from urban life.
Park Maksimir
Zagreb • Parks
A scenic stop for relaxation and exploration during your time in Zagreb, featuring lush greenery and a zoo.
Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
Zagreb • Botanical Gardens
A historic garden showcasing over 10,000 plant species and serene landscapes in Zagreb.
Podsljeme Hiking Trail
Zagreb • Hiking Trails
Ideal for nature enthusiasts and casual hikers seeking stunning views and wildlife sightings.
82 Explorer Picks We Held Back
Every list above is our free tier. On top of it, our editors mark the roughly one-in-ten places in Zagreb that are genuinely special — standout stays, tables worth planning a day around, and rooms most visitors never find — as Explorer picks, with full write-ups reserved for members. A few currently on the Zagreb list:
- La Štruk· Secret Foodie Spots
- St. Mark's Church· Historical Sites
- Medvednica Nature Park· Outdoor
- Amelie Patisserie· Secret Foodie Spots
- Zagreb Food and Wine Tour· Guided
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