Circular Fountain Surrounded by Flowers in Front of a Mansion

Traditional Balkan Drummers in White and Black

Covered Arcade with Vines Growing on Columns in Zagreb Croatia

Zagreb Travel Guide

April - SeptemberCroatiaEUR

European History

Architecture

Cultural

The capital of Croatia, as well as its biggest city, Zagreb has a lot to offer. With a rich history dating back to the year 1094, the city boasts a plethora of different architectural styles and historical monuments. Often called a city of museums, Zagreb has more museums per square foot than any other city in the world— enough to keep history buffs busy for days. A simple stroll through the streets is another way to witness Zagreb's history. With buildings in the secessionist, classicist, and neo-Gothic styles around every corner, you'll be in awe at the intricate, storied detail of the city's architecture. Exuberant Zagreb has two sides: the ancient, which you'll find in Upper Town, and the more modern in Lower Town - so be sure to explore them both.

Zagreb is a vibrant city, and the center is teeming with life. The cafe culture here is unrivaled, as the locals' favorite pastime seems to be sitting in quaint coffee shops to people-watch and relax with friends. The city also offers large pedestrian zones that succeed in attracting both locals and visitors with their open cafes and street terraces. These relaxed, yet energetic environments encourage creativity and companionship as you walk along the streets, meeting people from all over the world.

You can also enjoy fine dining in Zagreb as restaurants serving local Croatian specialties are generously peppered throughout the city. At night, the city changes its tune a bit - during the day, it steps to the rhythm of its thriving businesses, while after sunset, the youthful side of the culture awakens with bars, clubs, live music, and more. While Zagreb isn't a coastal town like many of the other popular Croatian destinations, you can visit "Zagreb's Sea", which is actually Jarun Lake, where you can find even more clubs and bars by the water to cap of your night.

Must See Attractions in Zagreb

Old Town

Zagreb’s Old Town, also known as Upper Town, packs a lot of history and has the architecture to match. Situated between the two hills of Kaptol and Gradec, this part of the city was first settled in the 11th century. Nowadays, red-roofed buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries line the winding streets. Home to many of Zagreb’s historical points of interest, you have a lot to see in Upper Town. St. Mark’s Square is dominated by St. Mark’s Church. The most notable feature of the church is perhaps its colorful rooftop with the arms of the former Tripartite Kingdom and city of Zagreb proudly displayed. Upper Town also hosts the Dolac Market, the Presidential Palace, and many museums and galleries around every corner.

Pastel Colored Builidings on a Street in Zagreb

Lower Town

Lower Town is Upper Town’s modern counterpart. This area emerged in the 19th century and is home to most of the city’s classicism. The architectural influence of the Austro-Hungarian empire can easily be seen in the elegant facades of the buildings and their spacious gardens. Featuring wide streets decorated with fountains, parks, and pavilions, Lower Town is now known to be Zagreb’s center of business and art. This is where most of the city’s museums reside, as well as many classy restaurants, cafes, and shops. Lower Town is also home to the National Theater. Perhaps the most notable park you’ll want to explore is the Green Horseshoe, a complex of green areas that connect the seven squares of Lower Town in a U shape.

Arched Gateways Leading to a Cemetery in Zagreb

Mirogoj Cemetery

The Mirogoj Cemetery, established in 1876, is often referred to as the most beautiful cemetery in Europe. Perched on the slopes of the Medvednica mountain, Mirogoj feels more like an open-air museum than an ordinary cemetery. It's an elaborate maze of neo-Renaissance domes, arcades, pavilions, and tombs housed in a tranquil park setting. A walk through the grounds is a tour through a sculpture park. The detailed tombs are extravagant works of art complemented by the surrounding gardens. Mirogoj has served as a burial place for influential authors, poets, and composers, as well as for people of all religions. You can also find many historical monuments. Keep your eye out for the German military cemetery, the Wall of Pain dedicated to victims of the Croatian War of Independence.

Zagreb Christmas Market

The Zagreb Christmas Market is one of the best in Europe. What started as a modest market in the early 2000s has quickly grown into a city-wide festival full of holiday cheer. During the Christmas season, Zagreb transforms into a winter wonderland. Instead of keeping the markets clustered just around the city center, you can find stalls and activities across all of Zagreb. With colorful lights, festive decorations, and a daily entertainment line-up, the markets never fail to impress. Shoppers can browse the goods at the stalls, while listening to live music and sampling local delicacies. Don't miss the market at Ban Josip Jelačić Square, known for its giant Christmas tree, or the twinkling lights decorating the pavilion in Zrinjevac Park.

A Street Market in Zagreb with Wheels of Cheese

Dolac Market

Dolac Market is the city’s central open-air farmer’s market, and it’s been that way since its establishment in the 1930s. Vendors from all over Croatia travel to this market daily to sell fresh produce, meats, and other gastronomical goods. If you're after the real taste of Croatia, Dolac Market should be at the top of your foodie bucket list. The main part of the market is situated on an elevated square where vendors sell local fruits and vegetables, as well as artisan crafts that you can bring back as souvenirs. Explore further and you'll find freshly-caught seafood from the Adriatic, homemade dairy products, and cured and raw meats. There are also stalls selling locally-produced honey and aromatic flower bouquets.

Silver and Bronze Antique Cups and Teapots

Britanac Flea & Antique Market

Located in the British Square in Zagreb, the Britanac Flea & Antique Market has been a Sunday tradition for over 10 years now. A long way from its humble beginnings, the market is bustling with vendors from all over, selling antiques and collectibles. It's always a gamble as to what you’ll find at the Britanac Flea & Antique, but that's just part of the fun. Some vendors offer second-hand furniture, while other stalls feature antique porcelain figurines. You’ll find a hodgepodge of items, from vintage jewelry and dated currency to spare mechanical parts and glass bottles. And of course, in typical flea market fashion, the prices of the items are up for bargaining. Stroll through and you're bound to walk away with some truly unique souvenirs.

Optional Day Trips from Zagreb

A Waterfall Spilling from a Lake Down a Rocky Cliff Face

Plitvice Lakes

Located halfway between the cities of Zagreb and Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a natural wonder and one of Croatia's most popular attractions. Regularly visited by royals, such as the Habsburgs and many others throughout the centuries, it officially became a national park in 1949 and a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. The national park is made of up sixteen crystal-clear lakes that flow into each other via a network of exquisite waterfalls and majestic cascades. The rock formations were made naturally by the mineral-rich lake water making its way through the nooks and crannies of the rocks. You can explore the park using the wooden bridges and paths that carve their way around the edges of the lake and straight through the water. Plitvice Lakes is also home to many woodland species, including deer, wolves, and rare birds. If you want to explore this beautiful oasis, be sure to block a whole day off as you won't want to rush this!