TOP 10 ideas what to do in Zagreb🏰
Zagreb, Croatia’s vibrant capital, is the perfect mix of history, nature, and urban charm. Unlike the coastal cities of Croatia that attract summer beach lovers, Zagreb is a year-round destination full of culture, stunning architecture, and hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, you’ll never run out of exciting things to do. From medieval streets and quirky museums to lush parks and panoramic viewpoints, here’s our list of the top 10 ideas what to do in Zagreb.
1️⃣ Explore Upper Town (Gornji Grad) & St. Mark’s Square
If you want to experience the historic soul of Zagreb, head straight to Upper Town (Gornji Grad), the city’s medieval district. This area is full of cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and charming cafés, making it the perfect place to wander.
At the heart of Upper Town is St. Mark’s Square, home to St. Mark’s Church, one of Zagreb’s most iconic landmarks. Its colorful tiled roof features the medieval coats of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia, as well as the emblem of Zagreb.
For an immersive experience, visit on weekends, when you can witness the ceremonial changing of the guard in front of the church – a tradition that brings history to life.
📍 Location: Upper Town, Zagreb
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Free
2️⃣ Walk Through the Grič Tunnel & Strossmayer Promenade
Beneath Zagreb’s historic streets lies a hidden underground passage known as Grič Tunnel. Originally built as a World War II bomb shelter, this tunnel now serves as a pedestrian shortcut and often hosts light installations, art exhibits, and concerts.
After emerging from the tunnel, take a short walk to Strossmayer Promenade, one of the most romantic spots in Zagreb. With sweeping views of the city skyline, it’s the perfect place for an evening stroll. If you visit in the summer, you might stumble upon live music performances or the famous Summer on Stross festival, which transforms the promenade into a lively outdoor stage.
📍 Location: Upper Town
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Free
3️⃣ Relax in Maksimir Park & Visit the Zoo
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the city buzz, Maksimir Park is the place to go. As one of Europe’s oldest public parks, it’s a haven for nature lovers, joggers, and families. Enjoy a leisurely walk around its five scenic lakes, spot exotic bird species, or simply relax on a park bench with a good book.
Inside Maksimir Park, you’ll find Zagreb Zoo, home to over 400 animal species from around the world. It’s a great spot for families with kids, offering a mix of education and entertainment.
📍 Location: Maksimir, Zagreb
🎟️ Zoo Entrance Fee: 5€
4️⃣ Hike Medvednica Mountain & Sljeme
For outdoor enthusiasts, Medvednica Mountain is an absolute must-visit. Just a 30-minute drive from the city center, this green oasis offers numerous hiking trails, cycling routes, and breathtaking viewpoints.
The Zagreb Cable Car takes you up to Sljeme, the highest peak (1,033m), where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. In the winter, Sljeme transforms into a small ski resort, while summer is perfect for hiking and picnicking.
Don’t leave without visiting Medvedgrad, a 13th-century fortress nestled on the slopes of Medvednica. The castle ruins offer stunning sunset views over Zagreb.
📍 Location: North of Zagreb
🎟️ Cable Car Ticket: 10€ round trip
5️⃣ Experience the Bustling Dolac Market
Nicknamed “the belly of Zagreb,” Dolac Market is where locals go for fresh produce, local cheeses, and traditional pastries. Open every morning, this open-air farmers’ market is a sensory overload of vibrant colors, delicious smells, and friendly vendors.
Be sure to try sir i vrhnje, a classic Zagreb specialty made of cottage cheese and sour cream, and buy some homemade honey or lavender products as souvenirs.
📍 Location: Near Ban Jelačić Square
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Free
6️⃣ Visit Lotrščak Tower & Hear the Grič Cannon
Want to experience a Zagreb tradition? Every day at exactly noon, a cannon blast from Lotrščak Tower echoes through the city. This practice dates back to the 19th century, and locals have grown so used to it that they use it to set their watches!
Climb to the top of Lotrščak Tower for one of the best panoramic views of Zagreb.
📍 Location: Gornji Grad
🎟️ Entrance Fee: 3€
7️⃣ Stroll Through Zrinjevac & Lenuci’s Horseshoe
Zagreb is one of the greenest capitals in Europe, and Zrinjevac Park is its most beloved urban oasis. Lined with centuries-old plane trees, fountains, and classical statues, this park is perfect for relaxing or people-watching.
Zrinjevac is part of Lenuci’s Horseshoe, a series of interconnected parks and squares that include the Croatian National Theatre, Botanical Garden, and more.
📍 Location: City Center
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Free
8️⃣ Discover the Unique Museum of Broken Relationships
One of Zagreb’s quirkiest attractions, the Museum of Broken Relationships is filled with real-life objects donated by people from around the world, each tied to a heartfelt breakup story. Some are funny, others are heartbreaking, but all are deeply personal.
📍 Location: Upper Town
🎟️ Entrance Fee: 6€
9️⃣ Enjoy Outdoor Fun at Jarun Lake
Nicknamed “Zagreb’s Sea”, Jarun Lake is the city’s favorite spot for cycling, jogging, paddleboarding, and even swimming. With beach bars, open-air concerts, and a buzzing nightlife scene, Jarun is the place to be in the summer.
📍 Location: Southwest Zagreb
🎟️ Entrance Fee: Free
🔟 Ride the Zagreb Funicular – the Shortest Cable Car in the World
At just 66 meters long, Zagreb’s blue funicular holds the title of the shortest public transport funicular in the world. Running since 1890, this historic ride connects Ilica Street (Downtown) to Strossmayer Promenade (Upper Town) in just 64 seconds!
📍 Location: Tomićeva Street
🎟️ Ticket Price: 0.80€
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit Zagreb in 2025
Zagreb is a city that blends history, culture, and nature unlike any other. Whether you’re exploring medieval streets, hiking in the mountains, sipping coffee in historic squares, or discovering quirky museums, Zagreb has something for everyone.
So if you’re planning a trip to Croatia, don’t just pass through—spend some time and fall in love with Zagreb’s magic!
👉 Which of these spots would you visit first? Let us know in the comments!
