Zagreb Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do in Croatia's Capital!

Continuing our travels in Croatia, our next stop after a week on the Istrian Peninsula was Zagreb for a change of scenery. As far as capital cities go, Zagreb was quite small and walkable, which made it perfect for a short city break.
The attractions were all clustered together in the Upper Town or Lower Town, and there was also a wonderful selection of restaurants - one where we feasted on all things truffle! - so even though I was sad to be leaving the coast, we still had a good time.
Here's a little recap of our time in the capital with a few travel tips and suggestions for your own trip:
What to Do, See, Eat, Drink & Experience in Zagreb, Croatia

Go on a walk around the Lower Town
Since we were staying in the Lower Town, this is an area that we got to know pretty well. Ban Jelačić Square is the central square in the Lower Town and the area was full of markets, so this was a very lively place almost every minute of the day.
We passed through here a lot and especially enjoyed the artisanal market where you could buy things like pastries, deli meats, honey, jams, and all sorts of artisanal products.
However, this wasn’t the only outdoor market in the city. Just around the corner from the main square, we had the Flower Market filled with the most colourful blooms, and steps from there we had the Central Market, which had stands overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables - a fun place to buy your groceries if you’re in town for a few days!

Ride up Zagreb 360 for city views
Another spot we visited in the Lower Town was Zagreb 360.
The building itself may be a bit of an eyesore, but if you ride the elevator up to the 16th floor, you are greeted with views of the whole city.
The terrace is barred to keep visitors safe, so don’t think you’ll be getting any amazing selfies up there, but you can fit your camera in between the bars to get some nice scenic shots.

We went up Zagreb 360 for about 10-15 minutes to snap some photos and get a lay of the land, but they do have a bar and cafe if you feel like lingering there a bit longer.
Tip: If you want to photograph the Upper Town, you'll get your best shots in the afternoon.
Step inside Zagreb Cathedral
Zagreb Cathedral is one the city’s main landmarks. This is said to be the largest sacral building in the Gothic style southeast of the Alps, and it’s pretty easy to spot the spires wherever you are in the city.
Inside the cathedral, you can also find the tomb of Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac, which draws many pilgrims.

When we were exiting the cathedral we noticed a round medieval tower to our right so we decided to have a quick look.
It turns out they had an exhibition called “Golden Threads” showcasing religious tapestries and garments.
The exhibition was small but they had some interesting items, so it's worth popping in if you're already in the area.
Plus admission was free of charge, though donations were welcome.

Then walk to the Upper Town
After visiting the Lower Town, we slowly made our way to the Upper Town.
We found it a relatively easy walk, with lots of little courtyards and side streets to peruse, so it's not strenuous by any means despite what the name may lead you to believe.

The first landmark we reached as we reached at the start of the Upper Town was the Stone Gate, which used to be the eastern gate into the medieval settlement.
The gate may not look like much from the outside, but once you enter, you'll see that it houses a small chapel.
The story goes that the fire of 1731 destroyed the gate, but when the fire and smoke subsided, it appeared that the one thing had survived: a painting of Virgin Mary with Jesus. This was seen as a miracle, so a chapel was built within the gate complete with pews.
As you enter the Upper Town, you'll likely come across people who are here to pray, light candles, and offer thanks for answered prayers - the walls of the chapel are covered in messages of gratitude.

There are plenty of attractions once you reach the Upper Town, which I will cover shortly, but firstly I'll mention that there are some really nice views of the Lower Town when you reach the treelined promenade, which also happens to make for a lovely walk.

Tip: If you want to save your legs, there's a funicular that connects the Lower Town to the Upper Town. If you take the funicular up, consider walking down so that you don't miss the Stone Gate.
Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships
And now let's talk about one of the most unusual and memorable museums I have ever visited.
Located in the Upper Town, the Museum of Broken Relationships chronicles broken relationships from around the world with objects that held a special meaning for the two parties involved.
The objects range from a champagne bottle cap and red heels to playing cards and an axe.
Alone, these objects may not say much, but each of them is accompanied by a note that chronicles the object’s relevance and how the relationship ended.
Some pieces are merely a couple of lines, while others are essays - some are humorous, some are hopeful, and others are downright tragic.

If you only have time for one museum in Zagreb, or even if you never visit museums, this one is worth the visit.
The Museum of Broken Relationships also accepts to submissions, so if you have a story to share and a unique object that goes with it, you can do so on their website.
Address: Ćirilometodska ulica 2
Marvel at the colourful roof of St. Mark's
Once you're in the Upper Town, it won't take you too long to find St. Mark's Church. It's super easy to identify as it has the most colourful roof in the city!
Though the church dates back to the 13th-century, it's tiled roof was constructed in 1880 and it bears two emblems: on the left side, you have the medieval coat of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia, and on the right side, you have the emblem of Zagreb.

We managed to reach the church when it was closed (I later found out that the church is only open for Mass), but the main doors were open meaning you could have a peek at the interior from the anteroom.
Tip: If you happen to visit St. Mark's Church between late April and October, you can catch the guard-changing ceremony right outside the church every Saturday and Sunday at noon.
Eat all the truffle dishes at Fotić
Moving on to food, Sam and I had one unforgettable meal in Zagreb and that was at Fotić.
This restaurant specializes in Croatian dishes with a small but changing menu, and on this particular day, there were 4 main dishes on offer featuring prosciutto and black truffles. That was all the convincing I needed!
We sat down at the table, where I ordered the polenta with black truffles and it was one of my favourite meals in Croatia!
The polenta looked like it had been baked and then sliced into semi-circles, and then in between each slice of polenta, I had 3 pieces of chopped purple cabbage that had been grilled and drizzled with truffle oil.
Once I had my meal in front of me, the waiter then took a black truffle in hand a grated it over the meal.
Sam ordered the risotto with prosciutto, pine nuts, and black truffles.
Once his dish was ready, the waiter came to the table with the pot of risotto in hand and plated the dish right in front of Sam. He then asked Sam if he’d like some cheese and grated some on his plate as we watched it slowly melt over the risotto.
But that was not all; then he took a truffle just like he’d done with mine, and freshly sliced it over the dish. It was amazing! The risotto was rich and creamy, and the flavours were only enhanced by the prosciutto and the truffles.
Truffles are a bit of a luxury item, so I couldn’t believe how generous they were with it. It was a fantastic meal, made all the better by two glasses of red wine to go along with it!
Address: Gajeva ulica 25
Go restaurant hopping on Tkalciceva Street
And speaking of food, another place you can hit up for all your food and beverage needs is Tkalciceva Street.
This pedestrian street has the highest concentration of bars and cafes in all of Croatia, with plenty of outdoor seating.
We visited in late October, and even though the weather was decidedly cool, people were still flocking to the outdoor cafes for some people watching with a drink in hand.

Walk the Green Horseshoe
Lastly, we also walked the Green Horseshoe, sometimes referred to as the Lenuci's Horseshoe.
This park was named after Milan Lenuci who came up with the idea of creating connected green spaces right in Zagreb's downtown.
The horseshoe is home to several museums, galleries, archives, fountains and even the Botanical Gardens so it also makes for a fun way to explore the city on foot.
Zagreb is a fun city to explore as part of a bigger Croatia trip; here are a few different Croatia travel itineraries to consider depending on what you're after!

Where we stayed in Zagreb
We rented an apartment in the Lower Town just a few blocks from the main square, but there are also plenty of hotels and hostels to choose from depending on your budget.
Luxury: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, The Westin Zagreb
Mid-range: Hotel Jagerhorn, Garden Hotel, ZigZag Zagreb
Budget: Chillout Hostel, Hostel Shappy, Main Square Hostel
Our Zagreb Video Guide
Now for a video of our time in Zagreb to really bring this city to life!

More Essential Zagreb Experiences & Practical Travel Tips

Get Active: Parks, Outdoors & Day Trips

Jarun Lake:Known as Zagreb’s “Sea,” Jarun is a sprawling recreational area in the southwest of the city, easily reached by tram. Come here for swimming, kayaking, cycling, or just lazing on the grassy banks. In summer, open-air bars and clubs transform the lakefront into a buzzing nightlife spot.

Maksimir Park & Zagreb Zoo:If you need a green escape close to downtown, head to this 18th-century park, which is all leafy paths, romantic bridges, and winding ponds. The zoo is small but makes for a relaxing afternoon if you’re travelling with family.

Day Trip to Samobor:Just 30 minutes from Zagreb, the fairy-tale town of Samobor is famous for its charming old streets and the custard-filled kremšnita cake. Hike up to the ruined castle, visit the town museum, or just stroll along the river and soak up the laid-back vibe.

Medvednica Nature Park & Sljeme Peak:Fancy some hiking or winter sports? Medvednica Mountain is right on Zagreb’s doorstep. Hop a bus to the trailhead and choose from dozens of forested trails. In winter, Sljeme is a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding.

Quick-Fire Day-Trips Table

DestinationTravel Time (one-way)Why GoTransportBudgetPlitvice Lakes2 h 15 mTurquoise cascades, 16 lakesArriva bus (€ 14)€ 34 park + busVaraždin1 h 20 mHabsburg baroque, angel statuesTrain (€ 5)€ 20 totalSamobor40 mPastel main square, famous kremšnitaSamoborček bus (€ 3)€ 15 incl. cakeMedvednica (Sljeme)30 m to cable car baseForest hike, fortress ruinsTram 15 + cable (€ 8 rtn)€ 12Karlovac Beer Days (Sept)55 mCroatian Oktoberfest vibeTrain (€ 4)€ 25 with beers

Five Hidden-Gem Museums (Rain-Day Ready)

MuseumWhat’s InsideAllowTicketCroatian Naïve Art MuseumVivid village scenes on glass45 min€ 4Mushroom Museum1,500 fungi species in jars30 min€ 3Nikola Tesla Tech MuseumOld trams, planetarium, Tesla coils1.5 hrs€ 580’s MuseumRetro Yugoslav apartment you can touch40 min€ 6Museum of IllusionsWhacky photo rooms & brain teasers1 hr€ 10

Zagreb Through the Seasons

Spring: Zagreb bursts into bloom. The Floraart Flower Show fills Bundek Park with colour, and outdoor café season returns in full force.

Summer: Outdoor concerts, film screenings, and street festivals take over the city. The INmusic Festival on Jarun Lake draws music lovers from across Europe.

Autumn: Crisp air and golden leaves make park strolls magical. The city’s food festivals focus on truffles, chestnuts, and new wine.

Winter: Zagreb’s Christmas Market is consistently ranked as one of Europe’s best, with fairy lights, mulled wine, ice skating, and festive stalls taking over the main squares.

Festival & Event Calendar

MonthEventLocationVibeFebruaryZagreb Coffee BreakBoćarski domSpecialty roasts, latte-art battlesLate AprilAnimafestMultiple cinemasSecond-oldest animation film fest worldwideJuneCest is d’BestStreets city-wideBuskers, chalk art, free concertsJulyINmusicLake Jarun IslandArctic Monkeys to The Cure, camp on siteAugSummer on StrossStrossmayer PromenadeAlfresco jazz + free film nightsAdvent (Dec)Christmas MarketBan Jelačić Square + parksMulled wine, skating rink, light tunnels

Getting Around Zagreb

Zagreb is extremely walkable, but if your feet get tired, the city’s blue trams are a breeze to use. Tickets are cheap and can be bought at kiosks or on board (just remember to validate when you hop on!). There’s also a handy bike-share system if you want to pedal like a local.

If you’re planning to visit multiple museums or stay for a few days, consider the Zagreb Card for unlimited public transport and discounted entry to attractions.

Public Transport Pocket Guide

ModeTicketCostWhere To Buy / ValidatePro TipTram & Bus30 min€ 0.53Kiosks (Tisak) or contactless on boardTap again when transferring.60 min€ 0.8024-hr€ 3.45ZET ticket machinesPays off after 5 rides.FunicularSingle€ 0.70Bottom/top booth07:00-22:00, every 10 min.Airport Bus30 min ride€ 6.00Platform outside arrivalsLeaves every 30 min 06:00-22:30.Bolt/UberApp fare€ 4-7 inner cityCashlessCheaper than city taxis after 22:00.

What to Eat & Drink: Beyond Truffles

Štrukli: Baked pastry filled with cottage cheese—comfort food at its finest.

Purica s mlincima: Roast turkey with baked noodles—a festive dish that’s great for Sunday lunch.

Cobanac: A hearty meat stew, perfect after a chilly day exploring.

Fritule: Tiny doughnuts dusted with powdered sugar—often found at street stalls in winter.

◻ Štrukli (baked cottage-cheese parcels)◻ Zagrebački odrezak (ham-&-cheese-stuffed schnitzel)◻ Ćevapi with ajvar◻ Kremšnita (custard slice)◻ Burek sa sirom breakfast◻ Medvedgrad brewery lager

Zagreb-at-a-Glance: Musts vs Maybes

Stay LengthAbsolute MustsNice-to-HavesOnly If Time Allows24 hrsUpper-Town loop, Cathedral & Stone Gate, Tkalčićeva dinnerZagreb 360°, Museum of Broken RelationshipsLakeside coffee at Jarun2-3 daysAdd Mirogoj Cemetery, Green Horseshoe stroll, truffle feast at FotićContemporary Art Museum (south bank), craft-beer crawlMaksimir Park rowboat4 days+Day trip to Plitvice or Varaždin, Dolac market cooking classMedvednica hike + medieval Medvedgrad fortressSamobor cream-slice pilgrimage

Day-Planner “Ideal 10 Hours”

TimeWhat & WhereWhy / Little Hack08:00Flat white at Cogito Coffee (Varšavska)Third-wave fuel, courtyard seating.08:45Dolac Market produce strollGrab warm burek + fresh figs for later.10:00Ride Funicular (64 seconds!) to Upper TownCheapest thrill in Croatia (EUR 0.70).10:15Lotrščak Tower cannon & viewDaily boom at noon—cover ears.11:00Museum of Broken RelationshipsAllow 45 min; tissues at exit.12:15Photo stop at St. Mark’s mosaic roofColour splash, guards change Sat/Sun @ 12:00.13:00Fotić truffle lunch on GajevaAsk for “polenta & šampinjoni with extra tartufi”.14:30Art walk through Green Horseshoe parksBenches, fountains, free Wi-Fi “GradZagreb”.16:00Espresso + kremšnita at Orijent patisserie90-year-old cake temple.17:00Golden-hour shots from Zagreb 360° deckUse lens slots in bars; drink optional.19:00Craft beer at Mali Medo (Tkalčićeva)Order Grička vještica (6.2 % red ale) & people-watch.

Zagreb Travel Guide — 12-Question FAQ (Best Sights, Food, Transport & Day Trips)

1) What are Zagreb’s can’t-miss sights for a short city break?

Start in Lower Town (Ban Jelačić Square, Dolac/Central/Flower Markets), ride Zagreb 360° for views, then wander Upper Town for the Stone Gate, St. Mark’s Church, and the Museum of Broken Relationships. Finish with a stroll through the Green Horseshoe parks.

2) Lower Town vs Upper Town—what’s the difference?

Lower Town = squares, markets, grand avenues, and most lodging.Upper Town = medieval lanes, city views, St. Mark’s mosaic roof, and niche museums. They’re a pleasant walk apart (or a 64-second funicular hop).

3) How do I get the best city views?

Head to Zagreb 360° (16th floor) for a full panorama—afternoon light flatters Upper Town photos. Also try Lotrščak Tower (great at golden hour) and the leafy Strossmayer Promenade.

4) Is Zagreb Cathedral worth going inside?

Yes—Croatia’s foremost Gothic church with soaring interiors and the tomb of Cardinal Stepinac. Look for side exhibits (like “Golden Threads” textiles) that sometimes run beside the cathedral.

5) What’s special about the Stone Gate?

A former city gate turned tiny chapel after a 1731 fire spared an icon of the Virgin Mary. Locals light candles and leave plaques of thanks—step quietly through.

6) How do I ride the famous funicular?

It links Tomićeva Street (Lower) to Strossmayer Promenade (Upper). Buy a cheap single at the booth; ride up, then walk down to catch the Stone Gate and side streets.

7) What makes the Museum of Broken Relationships a must?

Everyday objects paired with raw, funny, or heartbreaking breakup stories from around the world—short, memorable, and uniquely Zagreb. Allow 45–60 minutes.

8) When can I see inside St. Mark’s Church?

The church is generally open for Mass only, but doors often sit ajar so you can peek from the anteroom. Visit Sat/Sun at noon (late Apr–Oct) for the guard-changing ceremony outside.

9) Where should I eat (truffles, markets, café life)?

Book Fotić for generous black truffle dishes (polenta or risotto). Graze at Dolac/Central/Flower markets, and go restaurant-hopping on Tkalčićeva Street—Croatia’s densest café strip.

10) What’s the Green Horseshoe and why walk it?

A string of manicured 19th-century parks (Lenuci’s plan) circling museums, galleries, fountains, and the Botanical Garden—a perfect, low-effort loop between sights.

11) How easy is transport—and do I need passes?

Zagreb is very walkable. Trams/buses are cheap (buy at kiosks or on board; validate). Consider a 24-hour ticket if you’ll hop around, and the airport bus for quick city access.

12) Best day trips from Zagreb?

Samobor (custard kremšnita, pastel squares, castle ruins—40 min)

Medvednica/Sljeme (forest hikes; winter skiing—30–45 min)

Plitvice Lakes (turquoise cascades—2+ hours; start early)

Have you been to Zagreb?What are your favourite places in the city?

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About Audrey Bergner: Founder of That Backpacker

I’m Audrey, the Founder and Travel Writer behind That Backpacker. Over the past 15 years, I’ve travelled through 75+ countries, chasing the kind of trips that revolve around great food, unique stays, and one-of-a-kind experiences worth seeking out. If you want destination guides that are warm, realistic, and actually useful (with a side of culinary curiosity), you’re in the right place.

Chasing unique experiences for 15+ years: Exploring the remote magic of Rapa Nui (Easter Island).

The "By the Numbers" Counter

15+ Years of professional publishing and travel writing

75+ Countries visited and many multiple times

800k+ Subscribers across our YouTube channels

250 Million+ Views across our media network

2 Home Bases between the Sierras of Córdoba in Argentina and the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada.

1 Boutique Hotel currently under restoration in Argentina.

Audrey boarding the historic 1922 steam-powered La Trochita in Esquel. Navigating the logistics of the Old Patagonian Express is a highlight for any traveler exploring the rugged interiors of Chubut province.

What you’ll find on That Backpacker

This site is built for travellers who want their adventures to feel exciting, doable, and well-planned.

Here you’ll find:

Practical destination guides with the logistics people always forget to mention

Itineraries that help you plan your days without planning your personality out of the trip

Budget tips (and “worth it” splurges) so you can spend where it matters to you

Travel know-how on transportation, accommodation, timing, mistakes to avoid, and what I’d do differently next time

The kind of advice you’d want from a friend who’s already figured it out the hard way

If you’re the type who likes to know what to pack, how to get there, what it costs, and whether something is actually worth your time…you’re in the right place.

Finding a moment of stillness at Estancia Arroyo Verde. Staying at an authentic Argentine estancia offers more than luxury; it provides a direct connection to the pioneer history and landscape of the Traful River region.

Where else can you find me?

I run Che Argentina Travel, where you can expect a deep dive into all things related to travel in Argentina. I cover things like estancia stays, boutique hotels and Patagonian adventures. I grew up in Argentina, have travelled the length of the country multiple times as an adult, and I also call the Sierras of Cordoba home for half the year. That means I'm able to bring you an insider perspective and share real-life advice that has been tried and tested.

You might also see me make an appearance on Nomadic Samuel, where my husband covers our adventures around the globe, travelling with our daughter. And when he's not writing about travel, Samuel runs Picture Perfect Portfolios, an investing site focused on systematic asset allocation and capital efficiency.

Together, we run multiple YouTube channels, including Samuel and Audrey (English) & Samuel y Audrey (Spanish), where we've been documenting our travels and sharing practical advice for well over a decade. Meanwhile, on Building a Life in Argentina, we are chronicling the renovation of a mountain hotel, rural living and sharing our insights about everyday life in Argentina.

Our travel work has earned us global recognition, including being named a two-time World Travel Awards winner. We've been featured in National Geographic, Rode, Peru.com, JR Pass, Vía País, Cholila Online and the Huffington Post. Over the past 15+ years, we’ve reached more than 250 million views and grown a community of 800,000+ subscribers across our platforms.

We’ve also been invited to speak and share insights at leading industry events like the White House Travel Blogger Summit, the Social Travel Summit, and Traverse, participating as panelists and thought leaders. Along the way, we’ve collaborated with major brands such as Lenovo, Google, TripAdvisor, and Viator, and partnered on multiple destination campaigns with professional organizations like Visit Britain, the German National Tourism Board, and Tourism Nova Scotia.


Travel Gear

So what do I travel with?
I get a lot of emails from readers asking me what backpack I use, what camera I take pictures with, and how I stay organized, so I decided it was high time I just share all that info in one place. Below is a look at a few of my favourite things from luggage to camera gear, so have a read and hopefully you'll find something that is just right for you.

Luggage
Osprey Sojourn 80L
I'm currently using the Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Luggage 80L (full review here!), which falls in both the backpack and wheeled luggage categories. To me, this new model is perfect because you have the option of rolling it through airports and streets, but then you can also carry it on your back if you have to go up stairs or walk through a crowded market. It's the best of both worlds! I found that my back was really sore when I had to carry my backpack for long periods of time, so this new crossover is ideal.
Heys carry on luggage
For shorter trips, I prefer using a wheeled suitcase. I have been using Heys rolling luggage since they first came out with the sleek polycarbonate model. I find their luggage incredibly light yet sturdy. Whenever I'm going on a weekend trip or perhaps a short week-long getaway, this is the suitcase I grab. I have the original red model, but they've come out with some really fun designs since I first got mine so be sure to check those out.

Dry bag
I'm a big fan of these dry bags which help keep your valuables and electronics dry while you're out on the water. These are particularly useful if you're planning a day of kayaking, canoeing, or doing anything water related! The bags are waterproof, they float (we wouldn't want your camera dropping to the bottom of a lake!), and they come with a handy strap that you can swing across your body.

Rain cover
I also use a rain cover on my backpack. I find that these serve 2 purposes: (1) they help keep things dry (we all know how quickly it can start pouring rain in Southeast Asia), and (2) they help protect my backpack from the wear and tear that comes with it being tossed on buses, planes, trains, and all kinds of conveyor belts. The rain covers pretty much fit any backpack, you just have to pull on the drawstring and tighten it around your bag.

Packing cubes
Packing cubes have been a lifesaver, and I can't understand why anyone would travel without these. First of all, they prevent your backpack or suitcase from looking like an absolute mess (which tends to happen on day 1 of any trip), and secondly, they help you sort things so that you don't have to be rummaging through your bag every morning. You can have one cube for all your pants and shorts, another cube for your t-shirts and sweaters, one more for your socks and underwear, and perhaps a fourth for your laundry. Another alternative is using laundry bags; these lack the structure of stackable packing cubes.

Electronics
Kindle
I used to be the girl who would pack 3-4 paperbacks whenever I went on a trip. I still don't know how I managed with all those added kilos to my pack, but these days I prefer having my featherlight Kindle, which can hold hundreds of books - more than I would every need on a single trip. I still prefer holding a real book whenever I'm reading at home, but the Kindle has been a life saver on my travels.

4 in 1 world adapter
If you're going to be travelling around the world, you're going to need an adapter. This one by Flight 001 is about as compact as they come and I like their colour coding system. The 4 in 1 adapter comes with a colour coded map which tells you which adapter you'll need in each destination. It's fun and functional!