The Croatian capital is a delightful city with a diverse selection of things to see and to do. From art and culture to history and nature, this city has something for everyone.
You can’t miss the iconic St Mark’s Church if you are visiting Zagreb. The colorful tiled roof is one of the most photogenic sights in the city.
The Upper Town
One of the oldest parts of Zagreb is its Upper Town, a network of cobblestone streets that stretch between Kaptol and Gradec. It is full of interesting attractions, restaurants, bars and cafes.
Take a walk along the leafy promenade that once encircled the city walls and be sure to stop at the dramatic Stone gate (Kamenita vrata) - one of four gates connecting Lower Town to Upper Town. It houses a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is a popular place for people to light candles.
The Stone Gate
The Stone Gate, or Kamenita Vrata, marks the eastern entrance to medieval Gornji Grad and is one of Zagreb's most recognizable landmarks. It's also a sacred shrine that flickers with candles lit daily by local worshippers in honor of the Virgin Mary.
As you walk through, you'll notice a number of square stone slabs engraved with prayers and thanks to the Lady Virgin. This is the place where locals come to light a candle and pray for good health, happiness, and luck.
The Cathedral
The Cathedral is a must-see for anyone who has the chance to visit Zagreb. It is the city’s oldest and most iconic landmark.
It was originally constructed in the Romanesque style, but was subsequently restored to its current Neo-Gothic appearance. The twin spires, which stand 354’ (108 m), are a stunning feature.
Inside the cathedral you’ll find some of the country’s most priceless treasures, including the Albrecht Durer triptych – an altar painting of Golgotha. The Cathedral also houses the tombs of bishops and archbishops, among others.
The Green Horseshoe
One of the best things to do in Zagreb is to take a walking tour around the Green Horseshoe. This U-shaped system of city squares is home to a variety of parks and fountains, museums and hidden gems.
You'll see plenty of impressive architecture during your walk, ranging from Gothic buildings to Baroque and Art Nouveau. We especially recommend seeking out the University of Zagreb and the Museum of Arts and Crafts.
The Archaeological Museum
Located in the Vranyczany-Hafner mansion, 19 Zrinski Square, the Archaeological Museum houses an extensive collection of archaeological artefacts and monuments from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.
It also contains collections of prehistoric finds and a numismatic section with more than 260,000 coins, medals and tokens. There are permanent exhibitions on Prehistory, Egypt, Antiquity and Middle Ages.
Maksimir Park
As the oldest public park in Zagreb, Maksimir is an oasis for anyone wanting to escape from the city buzz. It has five lakes, countless tracks and large meadows that offer a perfect backdrop for a peaceful picnic, stroll, yoga or meditation session.
Aside from being the oldest and largest public park in the country, Maksimir is also a protected habitat for many animal species. The tranquil waters of the five lakes feed the surrounding forests and provide shelter to numerous species including vjeverice, puhovi and sismisi squirrels and bats.
Dolac Market
Dolac Market is one of Zagreb’s most famous markets. It is where locals go to buy fresh produce, flowers and souvenirs.
The market consists of four distinct areas. It includes a flower market, the ground floor (dairy, meat and bakery), an open-air part with fruit/vegetables and a fish market.
You can also take a look at the local handcrafts section on the upper level. It’s a nice place to stop and have a coffee or a beer while looking at the vast variety of produce choices.
The Museum of Broken Relationships
Located near the center of Zagreb, this museum houses a collection of everyday objects that connect people to their past relationships. It is the first museum of its kind in the world, and is full of sad stories that tell you about how relationships don't always work out.
Founded by a couple of Croatian artists, Olinka Vistica and Drazen Grubisic, the museum began as a traveling exhibition. Since then, it has become one of the most visited museums in Zagreb.
Jelacic Square
Located in the heart of Zagreb, Jelacic Square is a bustling destination full of life and energy. Shops, offices and buildings line the square.
The equestrian statue of Ban Josip Jelacic, a famous Croatian general, is the central point in the square. He was credited with doing away with serfdom in Croatia, and he remains an iconic hero today.
Surrounding the square are several grandiose buildings that display various architectural styles such as Biedermeier, Art Nouveau and Postmodernism. You will also come across Ilica Street, the longest shopping avenue in Zagreb, full of international brands and small cafes.
