Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, stands as one of the must-see destinations in the country. In this article, you’ll discover the best things to do in Zagreb during your next trip to Croatia.
While Croatia is renowned for its unique natural parks like Plitvice National Park and the famous city of Dubrovnik, Zagreb offers a distinct charm worth exploring. Often underrated, this city holds hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered.
Zagreb welcomes visitors with its cleanliness, warmth, and captivating architecture, along with intriguing religious landmarks. The city’s vibrant colors and lively atmosphere swiftly immerse you in vacation mode.
Are you planning a trip to Croatia?
Before we get into exploring the list of the best Croatia coastal cities, I would like to help you out more in designing the perfect Croatia travel itinerary. If you want to learn more, please check out the articles:
- Things you will love about Croatia
- Best things to do in Croatia – top attractions
- 12 Popular Instagram Locations in Croatia
- Two-week Slovenia – Croatia travel itinerary
- Krka National Park: The Ultimate Travel Guide
- Plitvice Lakes: The Ultimate Travel Guide
- How to visit Dubrovnik on a budget
- The best things to do and see in Dubrovnik
- Best things to do in Split, Croatia
- Top things to visit in Zagreb
Looking for the best way to get around and explore most of Croatia’s beauty? Then, check out rental rates for Croatia now!
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Best things to do in Zagreb
Many of the attractions listed can be explored within a few days without the need for a car. Zagreb is a wonderfully walkable city, and its public transportation is both convenient and affordable.
However, if you’re short on time and eager to uncover all of Zagreb’s gems, consider booking this guided tour. What’s fantastic about this option is its flexibility— you can reserve your spot now and cancel up to 24 hours before your trip. With this tour, you’ll effortlessly visit Zagreb’s most popular locations without the hassle of planning or research. Plus, it’s suitable for families, ensuring an enjoyable experience for travelers of all ages.
Spent time near Zagreb Cathedral
This church is really impressive, and it’s formally known as the Cathedral of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This cathedral is the tallest building in Croatia with 46 meters wide and 108 meters high and was badly damaged in 1880 by an earthquake but was restored.
You can find this amazing cathedral in Kaptol Square, which is a perfect spot to take some amazing photos because you will catch some beautiful architectural details in the background. You can spend time near a fountain that is in front of the church, take pictures, and admire the impressive view.
Take your time and enjoy the view, spending time near Zagreb Cathedral is one of the best things to do in Zagreb.
Visit St Mark’s Church Zagreb
St Mark’s Church is another religious landmark and it is one of the most interesting things to do in Zagreb.
This unique and amazing church is in the center of Saint Mark’s square and is one of the oldest buildings in Zagreb, dating from the 13th century. The colorful tiled roof was constructed in 1880 and has the medieval coat of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia on the left side and the emblem of Zagreb on the right.
The square housing St. Mark’s Church is a prime spot for capturing Instagram-worthy photos in Zagreb. With its charming backdrop, the church provides the ideal setting for picturesque shots that will surely enhance your feed.
Roam the streets of the Old Town
Gradec and Kaptol: in Kaptol you will find Zagreb Cathedral and in Gradec you will find the beautiful St.Mark’s Church.
Wandering through the streets of Zagreb is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience the city’s charm. However, exploring the Old Town is an absolute must. Stepping into the Old Town immerses you in its distinctive energy, where vibrant colors, quaint cafes, and lush green spaces surround you, infusing the ancient structures with a romantic allure.
Go shopping at Dolac Market
Shopping at Dolac Market is one of the best things to do in Zagreb, if you love having snacks during your explorations.
If you are a fruit lover just like me, or if you want a fresh snack to have while walking the streets, follow the locals to the Dolac Market. Everything there looks delicious and really fresh. If you spend your days roaming the streets and eat on the go, I highly recommend you stack on fruits and other fresh products from this market. It’s easily accessible from Jelacic square and you can get there on foot.
Visit Jelacic Statue and Jelacic Square
If you are wondering what other instagrammable places are there in this city, then adding Jelacic Square on the list with things to do in Zagreb is necessary.
This spot has so much color and life. The buildings are beautiful, designed with eye-picking and vibrant colors. Prepare your camera to take some amazing shots. Keep in mind that this square is pretty famous, so there will be a lot of tourists roaming the square. This square is close to Zagreb Cathedral.
Stroll through Tkalciceva Street
If narrow and picturesque streets are your gem, then strolling through Tkalciceva Street is one for the best things to do in Zagreb.
This pedestrian avenue is a beloved hotspot for both locals and tourists, making it an absolute must-see. Along Tkalciceva Street, you’ll discover a plethora of charming cafes, quaint boutiques, traditional shops, and inviting restaurants and bars where you can savor a delicious meal. Known as a bustling meeting point, Tkalciceva Street is considered the heart of Zagreb’s vibrant life. Conveniently accessible on foot from Zagreb’s Jelacic Square, it’s a destination not to be missed during your visit.
Visit interesting museums
If museums are your thing, or you are looking for other things to do in Zagreb, then you should consider going to one of the most interesting cultures places that this city has to offer:
- The Museum of Broken Relationships
- Museum of Illusions
- Nikola Tesla Technical Museum
Delight yourself with great food
If food is a highlight of your travels, or if you’re a fellow foodie like myself, then dining experiences must be on your list of things to do in Zagreb. You can easily find the best places by using Google Maps (my personal go-to app for restaurant searches and reviews) or Tripadvisor.
If you’re eager to delve deeper into Croatian cuisine and sample a variety of traditional dishes, then consider joining this guided tour.
What’s fantastic about this tour is that, in addition to exploring local food culture, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a range of restaurants and taste an array of traditional recipes. The tour also includes a visit to Zagreb’s largest green market, where you’ll discover local ingredients and gain insight into Croatian food traditions.
By the end of the tour, you’ll find yourself pleasantly full and ready to unwind with a glass of wine or beer. Isn’t this one of the best things to do in Zagreb? Learn more about the Taste Zagreb Food Tour.
Embark on a delightful journey on the Zagreb tram or the funicular
While Zagreb is indeed a wonderfully walkable city, experiencing it from the tram or funicular offers a unique perspective and is undeniably one of the best things to do in Zagreb. Whether you have a penchant for trams or simply enjoy leisurely city views, opting for this mode of public transport is a fantastic choice.
Not only is it enjoyable, but you’ll also be treated to numerous picturesque vistas as you relax and give your legs a break. Plus, it’s the most budget-friendly way to explore Zagreb, aside from walking, of course. So, why not hop on board and discover the city in a whole new light?
Visit Mirogoj Cemetery
You might think it’s an unusual suggestion, but there’s something truly captivating about Mirogoj Cemetery that warrants a visit.
Renowned as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe, Mirogoj Cemetery holds a special allure with its serene atmosphere and lush green surroundings. It serves as the final resting place for many notable and influential individuals, adding to its historical and cultural significance.
Despite its somber purpose, a visit to Mirogoj Cemetery offers a unique opportunity for reflection and appreciation of its tranquil beauty.
Go Beyond Zagreb with Guided One-Day Trips
If you have more time on your hands or simply want to explore popular destinations beyond Zagreb, consider booking one-day trips to other notable locations in Croatia. Here are two tours you might be interested in:
Plitvice National Park is a must-see destination in Croatia, known for its stunning natural beauty. If you are interested in learning more about this park, things like how to visit, when, where to stay and much more useful information, then check out my Plitvice National Park Travel Guide.
Back to my recommendation, by booking this tour, you’ll maximize your time in Zagreb and create unforgettable memories. With a licensed English-speaking guide, you’ll receive a guided tour of the park along with additional perks such as snacks and bottled water.
The itinerary also includes a visit to Rastoke, a picturesque village renowned for its watermills and cheese, where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience at a family farm.
This tour allows you to check off one of the best things to do in Zagreb from your travel bucket list, even though the destination isn’t located within the city or its immediate vicinity.
Plus, you won’t need to worry about renting a car or planning logistics, as everything is taken care of for you. It’s a hassle-free way to explore beyond Zagreb and discover the beauty of Croatia’s countryside.
Visiting Samobor is one of the loveliest excursions you can take from Zagreb. Consider it your charming city escape, leading you on a delightful journey to explore the scenic road to Samobor Castle. This private tour is exclusively for you and your group, offering perks such as coffee, tea, and traditional cake from Samobor to savor along the way. Don’t forget to bring your camera, as the route is dotted with numerous picturesque vistas perfect for photo shoots.
I hope this article showcasing the best things to do in Zagreb has sparked excitement for your upcoming trip.
Croatia truly is a gem of a country, boasting numerous fantastic destinations that are sure to enchant you and capture your heart with their beauty.
If you’re eager to discover more about Croatia, be sure to check out my article highlighting the Best Things to Do in Croatia for further inspiration.
Happy travels!