Things to do in Zagreb

Ban Jelačić Square

The city's vibrant main square and natural meeting point, framed by trams and cafés.

St. Mark's Church

The Upper Town landmark with its famous colourful tiled roof — Zagreb's most photographed sight.

Zagreb Cathedral

The twin-spired neo-Gothic cathedral, the tallest building in Croatia.

Lotrščak Tower & Funicular

Ride the world's shortest funicular up to the Upper Town; hear the noon cannon fire from the tower.

Local tip: Climb the tower for the best rooftop view over the red roofs.

Tkalčićeva Street

A pedestrian street lined wall-to-wall with cafés, bars and restaurants — buzzing day and night.

Mirogoj

One of Europe's most beautiful cemeteries — monumental ivy-clad arcades and domes, a short ride north.

Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata)

A peaceful medieval gate and shrine in the heart of the Upper Town.

Strossmayer Promenade

A leafy Upper Town walk with the best sunset view over the city — live music in summer.

Museum of Broken Relationships

A quirky, moving museum of donated mementos from lost loves — one of Zagreb's most loved.

Mimara Museum

A sweeping art collection — Old Masters to antiquities — in a grand neo-Renaissance palace.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU)

Croatia's biggest modern-art museum across the river — don't miss the indoor slide.

Local tip: Take tram 14 across the Sava to Novi Zagreb.

Museum of Illusions

The original, born right here in Zagreb — mind-bending rooms the whole family will love.

Technical Museum Nikola Tesla

Trains, planes, a planetarium and a live Tesla demo — great on a rainy day.

Croatian National Theatre (HNK)

Opera, ballet and drama in a gorgeous 19th-century theatre on its own square.

Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall

Zagreb's premier concert hall — classical, jazz and big-name touring acts.

Kino Europa

A beautifully restored 1920s cinema for art-house films and festivals, with a buzzing café.

Vinodol

Beloved Croatian restaurant for grilled meats and local classics on a leafy courtyard.

Pod Zidom Bistro

A market-to-table favourite tucked behind Dolac — small plates, natural wine, great buzz.

Lari & Penati

Tiny bistro with a daily-changing chalkboard menu — a local favourite for lunch.

Submarine Burger

Zagreb's go-to for proper burgers, right in the centre.

Cogito Coffee

Croatia's leading specialty roaster — grab an espresso in the tucked-away courtyard off Varšavska.

Eliscaffe

Award-winning specialty coffee, a short walk from the Botanical Garden.

Saturday špica

Join the locals for the Saturday-morning coffee ritual around Bogovićeva and Cvjetni trg.

Local tip: Dress up — špica is as much about people-watching as the coffee.

Zrinjevac

Elegant tree-lined park with a music pavilion — the prettiest of the 'Green Horseshoe' squares.

Lake Jarun

'Zagreb's sea' — swimming, cycling, rowing and pebble beaches by day, lakeside bars by night.

Local tip: Rent a bike or just walk the 8 km loop around the lake.

Bundek

A relaxed lakeside park near the river — playgrounds, paths and summer concerts.

Maksimir Park

A vast English-style park with lakes and the city zoo, a short tram ride east.

Botanical Garden

A peaceful 19th-century garden near the train station — a leafy escape from the bustle.

Dolac Market

Zagreb's iconic open-air market — fresh produce, cheese and flowers, right above the main square.

Local tip: Go before noon, when it's liveliest.

Hrelić Flea Market

Zagreb's legendary open-air flea market by the Sava — antiques, vinyl and bargains galore.

Local tip: Sundays only, and go early for the best finds.

British Square (Britanac)

Sunday antiques and flea market on Britanski trg — treasure-hunting at its best.

Ilica

Zagreb's longest shopping street, running west from the main square.

Plitvice Lakes

Croatia's breathtaking lakes-and-waterfalls national park, about 2 hours by car.

Samobor

A charming nearby town famous for its custard cream cake (kremšnita), ~30 minutes away.

Sljeme (Medvednica)

The city mountain — hiking, fresh air and views, just north of town.