Zagreb travel guide
Zagreb Tourism | Zagreb Guide
You're Going to Love Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia, with a population of some 800,000. It has a beautiful medieval city center with stunning architecture and atmospheric cobbled streets, reminiscent of cities like Vienna and Prague.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Zagreb
1. Gornji Grad and Donji Grad
Gornji Grad and Donji Grad are the upper and lower parts of the city center. It is here that you will find Zagreb Cathedral, Old Town Gate, and most of the architectural sites of interest.
2. Parks
The city has a good number of green spaces. Maksimir Park is a great place to picnic, relax, or enjoy hiking through the forest.
3. Lakes
Jarun Lake is popular for rowing and windsurfing and there are lots of fun bars around the shingle beaches.
4. Culture
Museums such as Muzej Mimara have collections dating from Neolithic times to the present day. The art collection is particularly impressive.
5. Medvednica
Medvednica is an imposing mountain of around 3,500 feet that overlooks the city. At the top of the mountain your hike is rewarded by the presence of restaurants and cafes in which to relax and enjoy some great views of Zagreb.
What to do in Zagreb
1. St. Mark's Church: A Living Piece of Croatia's History
St. Mark's Church is one of the oldest and most storied buildings in all of Zagreb, situated in the heart of the old city. Unlike many Gothic churches, St. Mark's is very colorful, with a roof pattern that adds hues of red, green, and gold to the city skyline. The construction dates back over 700 years, and signs of the original Romanesque facade are still preserved in the updated building today. Incredible stained-glass windows bring color into the nave, and intricate carvings grace the famous south portal. Art and history lovers alike will find much to appreciate in this cultural gem.
2. Zagreb Cathedral: Croatia's Tallest Building
Rarely will you find a cathedral that's also the tallest building in the entire country, but the Zagrebačka Katedrala is one such building. According to many architectural experts, it's the most monumental Gothic church to be found in southeastern Europe. As you wander through the city streets, you'll likely use the spires of this great monument as your compass: they're visible from all around the city. In front of the cathedral you'll find a huge column with the Virgin Mary sculpted in gold on top; after all, the cathedral is dedicated to her assumption. In many ways, this building is the heart of Croatian Catholicism.
3. Museum of Broken Relationships: The Museum of Broken Relationships
This may be one of the most unique museums in the world. Dedicated to breakups and broken relationships, the museum's collection consists of personal possessions left by former lovers, which are accompanied by descriptions. Originally a traveling connection of items, it now has a permanent home, in which it was awarded the Kenneth Hudson prize for Europe's most innovative museum. The museum challenges perceptions of what a museum can be and bears witness to the physical and emotional mark of broken relationships.
4. Mimara Museum: Be Inspired by Croatia's Art
If you're more into traditional museums, the Muzej Mimara is a must. This historic institution is home to Croatia's most esteemed art collection, including works by Bosch, Rubens, Goya, and Claude Lorrain. There are nearly 4,000 pieces in the museum, all taken from the private collection of Wiltrud and Ante Topic Mimara.
5. Maksimir Park: A Space to Escape the Concrete
Maksimir Park is an integral part of Zagreb's cultural heritage. Dating back to before the U.S. Constitution, this beautifully landscaped green space is one of the first in all of Europe. Within the park grounds, you'll find a variety of environments, including large meadows, creeks, lakes, ponds, and forest. The park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. While the park was once located outside of the city, it's now surrounded by many great streets filled with shops and restaurants. The Zagreb Zoo is situated in the southern corner of the park.
1. St. Mark's Church: A Living Piece of Croatia's History
St. Mark's Church is one of the oldest and most storied buildings in all of Zagreb, situated in the heart of the old city. Unlike many Gothic churches, St. Mark's is very colorful, with a roof pattern that adds hues of red, green, and gold to the city skyline. The construction dates back over 700 years, and signs of the original Romanesque facade are still preserved in the updated building today. Incredible stained-glass windows bring color into the nave, and intricate carvings grace the famous south portal. Art and history lovers alike will find much to appreciate in this cultural gem.
2. Zagreb Cathedral: Croatia's Tallest Building
Rarely will you find a cathedral that's also the tallest building in the entire country, but the Zagrebačka Katedrala is one such building. According to many architectural experts, it's the most monumental Gothic church to be found in southeastern Europe. As you wander through the city streets, you'll likely use the spires of this great monument as your compass: they're visible from all around the city. In front of the cathedral you'll find a huge column with the Virgin Mary sculpted in gold on top; after all, the cathedral is dedicated to her assumption. In many ways, this building is the heart of Croatian Catholicism.
3. Museum of Broken Relationships: The Museum of Broken Relationships
This may be one of the most unique museums in the world. Dedicated to breakups and broken relationships, the museum's collection consists of personal possessions left by former lovers, which are accompanied by descriptions. Originally a traveling connection of items, it now has a permanent home, in which it was awarded the Kenneth Hudson prize for Europe's most innovative museum. The museum challenges perceptions of what a museum can be and bears witness to the physical and emotional mark of broken relationships.
4. Mimara Museum: Be Inspired by Croatia's Art
If you're more into traditional museums, the Muzej Mimara is a must. This historic institution is home to Croatia's most esteemed art collection, including works by Bosch, Rubens, Goya, and Claude Lorrain. There are nearly 4,000 pieces in the museum, all taken from the private collection of Wiltrud and Ante Topic Mimara.
5. Maksimir Park: A Space to Escape the Concrete
Maksimir Park is an integral part of Zagreb's cultural heritage. Dating back to before the U.S. Constitution, this beautifully landscaped green space is one of the first in all of Europe. Within the park grounds, you'll find a variety of environments, including large meadows, creeks, lakes, ponds, and forest. The park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. While the park was once located outside of the city, it's now surrounded by many great streets filled with shops and restaurants. The Zagreb Zoo is situated in the southern corner of the park.
1. St. Mark's Church: A Living Piece of Croatia's History
St. Mark's Church is one of the oldest and most storied buildings in all of Zagreb, situated in the heart of the old city. Unlike many Gothic churches, St. Mark's is very colorful, with a roof pattern that adds hues of red, green, and gold to the city skyline. The construction dates back over 700 years, and signs of the original Romanesque facade are still preserved in the updated building today. Incredible stained-glass windows bring color into the nave, and intricate carvings grace the famous south portal. Art and history lovers alike will find much to appreciate in this cultural gem.
2. Zagreb Cathedral: Croatia's Tallest Building
Rarely will you find a cathedral that's also the tallest building in the entire country, but the Zagrebačka Katedrala is one such building. According to many architectural experts, it's the most monumental Gothic church to be found in southeastern Europe. As you wander through the city streets, you'll likely use the spires of this great monument as your compass: they're visible from all around the city. In front of the cathedral you'll find a huge column with the Virgin Mary sculpted in gold on top; after all, the cathedral is dedicated to her assumption. In many ways, this building is the heart of Croatian Catholicism.
Where to Eat in Zagreb
Gostionica-restoran Purger on Petrinjska ulica offers traditional Zagreb food and has a pretty terrace at the back. Le Bistro on Mihanovićeva has classic French cooking within the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel. A dish in a low-key restaurant will cost around kn45 and a main at an upscale establishment will cost from kn120.
When to visit Zagreb
Zagreb has warm to hot summers and cool winters. Summer is the peak season for visitors.
How to Get to Zagreb
Plane
Zagreb International Airport (ZAG) has extensive connections from major cities across Europe. The bus into the city center takes around 25 minutes and costs kn30. A taxi will cost upwards of kn150.
Train
Zagreb is a major rail hub with regular international services from cities across Central and Eastern Europe. The fare from Budapest, for example, is kn240.
Car
Zagreb is at the center of an extensive road network. The A2 comes in from Vienna and Slovenia, while the A4 connects Zagreb with Budapest. The A3 serves the city from Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia.
Bus
Zagreb has regular bus services from many European cities to the main bus station at Autobusni Kolodvor. The fare from Budapest is from kn170.
Airlines serving Zagreb
Where to stay in Zagreb
Donji Grad - this is the lower town and it's where you will find the modern center of Zagreb. There are beautiful parks and everyone meets at the main square.
Popular Neighborhoods in Zagreb
Gornji Grad - this is the upper town and is the historic Old Town part of the city. It has some stunning medieval architecture and lots of atmospheric places for a stroll.
Tresnjevka - this is a large neighborhood to the west of the city center. Dating from the 19th century, it is one of the most traditional parts of town.
Where to stay in popular areas of Zagreb
Most booked hotels in Zagreb
How to Get Around Zagreb
Public Transportation
Zagreb has an excellent integrated public transport system consisting of buses, trams, and trains. Fares range from kn10 for a single zone ticket valid for 1.5 hours.
Taxi
Taxis are everywhere in the city but fares can vary. Meter drop is kn10 and then the fare is kn9 per mile.
Car
Driving in Zagreb is made a little more complex by the extensive one-way system. You should also look out for the yellow tram lanes and avoid them. Car rental costs from around kn180.
The Cost of Living in Zagreb
Shopping Streets
GEA Gallery on Radiceva Street is a good place to go for handmade Croatian crafts. Oktogon Passage on Ilica Ulitsa is an upscale arcade focused on fashion.
Groceries and Other
A quart of milk in Zagreb will cost kn5.76 and a loaf of bread is kn5.83.