Zagreb is not usually the main reason people plan a trip to Croatia. It wasn’t high on our list at the beginning either, till we visited.
Most travellers dream of Dubrovnik, Split, the islands, turquoise water and beautiful national parks. And I get it. Croatia’s coastline is stunning. But when we started planning our Croatia road trip, we realised that flying into Zagreb was actually very convenient, especially as there are regular flights from London. So Zagreb became our starting point.
And I am glad it did, because the city feels very different from the Croatia most people imagine. There are no beaches here, no dramatic cliffs dropping into the Adriatic, and no island-hopping. Instead, you get colourful streets, café culture, food markets, museums, Austro-Hungarian buildings, trams and a much more local city feel. This is the kind of place where you can actually slow down and see how locals live. I personally loved people-watching in Zagreb.
It is not the most exciting capital in Europe, and I don’t want to pretend it is. But it is easy, interesting and underrated. If you are starting your Croatia road trip here, I think Zagreb is worth one or two days before heading to Plitvice Lakes or the coast.
In this travel guide, I’ll share what to do in Zagreb, where to eat, where to stay, the best tours to book and a few things I think you should know before visiting.
I also created a free Croatia packing checklist, which you can download before your trip.
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Quick Zagreb Travel Tips
If you are short on time, here are my quick recommendations:
Best area to stay: Lower Town or near Ban Jelačić Square
Best luxury hotel: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
Best boutique hotel: Met Boutique Hotel
Best central hotel: Hotel Dubrovnik
Best stylish hotel: Amadria Park Hotel Capital
Best first-time tour: City and WWII Tunnels Walking Tour
Best history tour: Communism and Croatian Homeland War Tour
Internet in Croatia: I used Simify during our Croatia road trip for unlimited data, and the coverage was good.
How long to stay: One or two days
Do you need a car in Zagreb? Not for the city, but yes if you are continuing your Croatia road trip
Is Zagreb Worth Visiting?
The short answer is yes, Zagreb is worth visiting, but I wouldn’t say it is worth travelling to Croatia only to visit Zagreb.
If you can add it to your Croatia itinerary, you definitely should, especially if you are flying into Zagreb, starting a road trip here, or want to see a different side of the country. I think it is worth spending at least one full day or two nights in the city.
Zagreb is not a big city, and of course, it doesn’t get as much attention as places like Dubrovnik, Split or other historic towns in Croatia. But it has its own unique vibe and atmosphere. This is where you can slow down a bit and see how locals live.
What I liked about Zagreb is that it doesn’t feel like it is trying too hard. You can walk around, visit a local market, stop for coffee, explore the old town and learn a bit about Croatia’s more recent history.
How Many Days Do You Need in Zagreb?
You can see the main highlights of Zagreb in one day. We spent a full day in the city and managed to visit both sides of Zagreb, the Lower Town and the Upper Town, without feeling too rushed.
The city centre is compact and walkable, so if you plan your route well, you can visit the main square, Dolac Market, Zagreb Cathedral, the Upper Town, St Mark’s Church, the Museum of Broken Relationships and the Grič Tunnel in a day.
But if you enjoy museums, food, cafés and slow travel, two days would be better. That gives you time to do a walking tour, visit a few museums and enjoy the city without rushing.
If you are doing a Croatia road trip, I think one night or two nights in Zagreb is enough for most travellers.
Best Things to Do in Zagreb
You don’t need to have a huge list of things to do in Zagreb, and that is actually what I liked about it. We just walked around and explored at our own pace, but if you are looking for ideas, here are some of the top things to do and tours you can take in Zagreb.
Start at Ban Jelačić Square
Ban Jelačić Square is the main square in Zagreb and a good place to start your visit. It is right in the centre of the city and surrounded by shops, cafés, trams and historic buildings.
We stayed at Hotel Dubrovnik, which was just a short walk from Ban Jelačić Square, and that made exploring Zagreb really easy. You will probably pass through this square more than once because it connects many of the main areas in the city.
From here, you can walk to Dolac Market, Zagreb Cathedral, Tkalčićeva Street and the Upper Town.
It is not a place where you need to spend a long time, but it helps you understand the layout of the city.
Visit Dolac Market
Dolac Market was one of my favourite places in Zagreb. It is the city’s main open-air market, just above Ban Jelačić Square, and it is known for its red umbrellas.
This is where locals come to buy fruit, vegetables, cheese, flowers, honey and other products. Go in the morning when the market is at its best. Even if you don’t buy anything, it is a lovely place to walk around and see a more everyday side of Zagreb.
See Zagreb Cathedral
Zagreb Cathedral is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city. Its twin spires can be seen from different parts of the centre, although depending on when you visit, you might see some restoration work because the cathedral has been damaged by earthquakes over the years.
Even if you only see it from the outside, it is worth stopping by, especially because it is so close to Dolac Market.
Walk Around the Upper Town
The Upper Town, or Gornji Grad, is the oldest and most atmospheric part of Zagreb. This is where you will find cobbled streets, old buildings, viewpoints, small museums and some of the city’s most famous sights.
We went there in the evening, and it felt like one of the liveliest parts of the city. I loved the atmosphere, with people sitting outside cafés and restaurants, and the streets had a really nice energy without feeling too overwhelming.
This is the part of Zagreb I think you should explore slowly. Don’t just rush from one attraction to another. Walk around, look at the details, turn into small streets and enjoy the vibe.
Some of the main places to see in the Upper Town are St Mark’s Church, Stone Gate, Lotrščak Tower and the Museum of Broken Relationships.
See St Mark’s Church
St Mark’s Church is probably one of the most photographed buildings in Zagreb because of its colourful tiled roof. The roof shows the coat of arms of Zagreb and the historic coat of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia.
You don’t need a lot of time here, but it is one of those places you should definitely include in your walk through the Upper Town.
Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships
The Museum of Broken Relationships is one of the most unique museums in Zagreb. It displays personal objects donated by people from around the world, each connected to a story of love, heartbreak, separation or loss.
It sounds sad, and some parts are emotional, but it is also funny, strange and very human. It is not a huge museum, so it is easy to visit even if you only have one day in Zagreb. If you are visiting during a busy time or you don’t want to wait, it is a good idea to buy your ticket online in advance to skip the queue.
Walk Through the Grič Tunnel
The Grič Tunnel is an underground tunnel in central Zagreb. It was built during the Second World War and later used for different purposes, including as a shelter.
Today, it is open to the public and sometimes used for events and exhibitions. It is not the most dramatic attraction in the city, but it is interesting.
If you want more context, you can also book the Zagreb City and WWII Tunnels Walking Tour, which includes the tunnel and helps you understand more about the city’s past while exploring with a guide.
Explore Tkalčićeva Street
Tkalčićeva Street was probably my favourite place in Zagreb. It is one of the liveliest streets in the city, full of cafés, bars and restaurants, and it is a great place to stop for a drink, dinner or just people-watch.
I could honestly sit here for ages watching the world go by. There are all types of restaurants along the street, so whether you want something casual, traditional or just a place to sit outside with a drink, this is a good area to come to. It can get busy, especially in the evening.
Stroll Through the Lower Town
The Lower Town shows a more elegant side of Zagreb, with wide streets, parks, museums, theatres and Austro-Hungarian architecture.
A nice way to explore this area is to walk through some of the green spaces, especially around Zrinjevac Park. This part of the city feels relaxed and is a good place to take a break from sightseeing.
One Day in Zagreb Itinerary
If you only have one day in Zagreb, I would plan it like this:
Start your morning at Ban Jelačić Square, then walk to Dolac Market while it is still lively. After that, visit Zagreb Cathedral and continue towards the Upper Town.
Spend the late morning exploring St Mark’s Church, Stone Gate and the small streets of the Upper Town. If you enjoy quirky museums, visit the Museum of Broken Relationships before lunch.
For lunch, try štrukli or eat near Dolac Market. In the afternoon, walk through the Grič Tunnel and then explore the Lower Town, including Zrinjevac Park.
In the evening, head to Tkalčićeva Street for dinner or drinks.
If you prefer to understand the city with a local guide, I would book a walking tour for your first morning in Zagreb and then explore more by yourself afterwards.
Where to Eat in Zagreb
Zagreb has a good mix of traditional Croatian food, bakeries, casual restaurants and more modern places.
One dish I think you should try in Zagreb is štrukli. It is a traditional dish made with dough and cheese, and it can be baked or boiled. It is simple, comforting and very local. La Štruk is a popular place to try different versions of it.
The area around Dolac Market is also good for food. You will find casual places, bakeries and restaurants using local ingredients.
If you want something more traditional, look for places serving Zagreb-style or northern Croatian dishes. Stari Fijaker is often recommended for classic local food.
If you want a more special dinner, Zagreb also has a few higher-end restaurants and modern bistros. Pod Zidom Bistro, near Dolac Market, is a good option if you want something more seasonal and a bit more elevated.
Where to Stay in Zagreb
If it is your first time in Zagreb, I recommend staying in or close to the city centre. Zagreb is very walkable, and if you only have one or two days, you don’t want to waste time travelling in and out of the centre.
The best areas to stay are the Lower Town, around Ban Jelačić Square, or close to Zrinjevac Park. From these areas, you can walk to Dolac Market, Zagreb Cathedral, the Upper Town, Tkalčićeva Street, museums, restaurants and cafés.
If you are renting a car for your Croatia road trip, make sure your hotel has parking, or at least check where the nearest car park is before you arrive. Finding parking in the centre of Zagreb can be a bit of a headache, and you really don’t need a car to explore the city itself.
Here are a few good hotel options to consider:
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel: If you want a classic luxury stay, Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is one of the most iconic hotels in the city. It has that old-world, elegant feel and is a good choice if you want somewhere special for your stay in Zagreb.
It is also close to the train station and within walking distance of the Lower Town. This is a good option for couples, special trips, or anyone who wants a more luxurious city break
Amadria Park Hotel Capital: Hotel Capital is a stylish central hotel and a good option if you want comfort, design and a convenient location.
It is close to many of Zagreb’s main sights, including Ban Jelačić Square, Zagreb Cathedral, Zrinjevac Park and the Upper Town. This would be my pick for travellers who want something elegant but still practical for sightseeing.
Hotel Jägerhorn: Hotel Jägerhorn is a good boutique-style option in central Zagreb. It is smaller and more charming than a big hotel, and it works well if you prefer character over a standard chain hotel.
It is a good choice if you want to stay somewhere central, cosy and easy to walk around the old part of the city.
Hotel Dubrovnik: Hotel Dubrovnik is one of the most convenient places to stay in Zagreb because it is right by the main square.
This is where we stayed during our visit, and the location made exploring the city really easy. It might not feel as boutique or luxurious as some other options, but for convenience, it is hard to beat.
Another big plus for us was the free car park. We were doing a Croatia road trip, so we parked our car there during our stay and explored Zagreb on foot.
Do You Need an eSIM or SIM Card in Zagreb?
If you are travelling from the UK or outside the EU, it is worth checking your roaming charges before you arrive in Croatia. I used Simify during our Croatia road trip, and it made travelling much easier because we could use Google Maps, check restaurant reviews, book tickets and stay connected on the road.
You can find Wi-Fi in many hotels, cafés and restaurants in Zagreb, but I still prefer having mobile data when I travel, especially on a road trip. It saves you from worrying about directions, parking, tickets or last-minute changes.
Day Trip to Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb
If you are not doing a full Croatia road trip, Zagreb is also a common starting point for a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Plitvice is one of the most visited places in Croatia, and many people consider it one of the most beautiful national parks in Europe. We actually stayed two nights near Plitvice, which gave us more time to explore and arrive early before the big crowds.
I personally think Plitvice is better with your own car if you are on a road trip, but if you don’t want to rent a car or stay overnight, booking a day tour from Zagreb can be a practical option.