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There are such a lot of cool issues to do in Zagreb, Croatia. The capital of Croatia is a medium-sized metropolis with a giant persona — but it usually leads to the shadow of the islands, seashores, and waterfalls that outline what number of vacationers see Croatia.
However Zagreb is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to within the nation. Right here you might have an exquisite strolling metropolis — elements with candy-colored buildings and conventional cobblestone alleyways, elements which might be gleaming and fashionable, and a wonderful assortment of parks. The cafe scene right here is fabulous, and right here you’ll discover the perfect eating places within the nation.
Zagreb can also be house to my favourite museum on the planet (sure, the WORLD) — the Museum of Damaged Relationships, which can transfer you many times with its bite-sized tales of affection misplaced.
Some come to Zagreb for the start of your Croatia highway journey. Come to Zagreb for a metropolis getaway weekend when the climate is heat. Come to Zagreb for the perfect Christmas markets you’ve by no means heard of.
Zagreb is right here and ready for you.
This put up was revealed in April 2023.
Issues to Do in Zagreb Croatia
I like to recommend spending one or two days within the metropolis of Zagreb to get probably the most out of town earlier than heading on to additional locations in Croatia.
The most effective issues to do with children in Zagreb is visiting the parks — and don’t miss the Botanical Backyard!
Like most European capitals, you may go to Zagreb year-round, due to there being a number of out of doors and indoor issues to do in Zagreb. Spring and fall have the nicest climate, however summer season brings competition season and December is all about Christmas markets!
Zagreb has a whole lot of cool issues to do for all types of vacationers. On the very least, I like to recommend taking a Zagreb strolling tour. This guided tour will introduce you correctly to town, together with a number of vacationer points of interest, and train you a number of fascinating tidbits you by no means would have recognized in any other case.
All proper, let’s get began. Listed below are among the greatest issues to do in Zagreb, Croatia!
Higher City
The oldest a part of Zagreb is the Higher City, also called Gornji Grad, and was first settled within the eleventh century. The one manner into Higher City is thru a medieval stone gate and on the middle you’ll discover St. Mark’s Sq., house to St. Mark’s Church, a Thirteenth-century church with a tiled and colourful roof.
Zagreb’s Higher City is positioned excessive on a hill above town and has slim cobbled streets and exquisite buildings. It’s a lot quieter than the Decrease City and a historic place nice for images.
To get to Higher City, you may both stroll up the steps or take the shortest funicular journey on the planet. It prices 0.66 EUR (lower than $1) to journey the funicular railway to Higher City, making it a enjoyable a part of the expertise.
Decrease City
Decrease City is the place you’ll discover Zagreb’s metropolis middle. It’s the busiest space within the metropolis and residential to high-end outlets, avenue distributors, eating places, bars, and parks. That is the cease for concert events, festivals, cultural occasions, and extra.
Decrease City, additionally referred to as Donji Grad, is thought for its number of museums and its wonderful structure, the place fashionable structure meets crenellated pastel buildings.
You may spend time right here simply strolling the totally different streets within the middle of Zagreb, popping into cafes that look inviting.
Tkalčićeva Avenue
Situated in Decrease City, Tkalčićeva Avenue (locals name it Tkalča) extends from Ban Jelačić Sq., the central sq. of Zagreb. The road was as soon as a river that separated the 2 early districts of Zagreb — Gradec and Kaptol — till the top of the nineteenth century. After contamination and air pollution from all of the outlets, the river was crammed and was a avenue.
As soon as a widely known brothel avenue (spicy!), at present it’s well-known for its bars, eating places, cafes, and outlets. The buildings are very colourful, making it some of the photographed locations within the metropolis.
It’s of the preferred locations to go to in Zagreb and the right place to seize a chunk to eat, or people-watch, and luxuriate in Zagreb. I like to recommend stopping for a morning espresso and a night beer.
Dolac Market
Dolac Market is an open-air farmer’s market in Zagreb that has been working every day since 1930. It’s positioned very near Ban Jelačić Sq. and has each an open space and a coated market.
Farmers from surrounding area promote their contemporary produce and home made items. You’ll discover bakery gadgets, flowers, souvenirs, butcheries, contemporary pasta distributors, and a fish market. You may really discover all of it at Dolac Market! (Even a Dolac Market meals tour — extra on that under.)
Positively pop in right here, even should you don’t plan on cooking throughout your Zagreb go to. Choose up some outstandingly contemporary fruit to snack on.
Museum of Damaged Relationships
The Museum of Damaged Relationships is my favourite museum on the planet. Critically. I like it greater than any museum I’ve visited in New York, Paris, Rome, you title it. This museum is a set of artifacts that folks submit from their previous relationships, together with a narrative.
This museum! There’s a lot vulnerability that folks share, and with only a few paragraphs you hear the entire story. The cork from a bottle of a champagne a girl popped to have fun her leaving the person who cheated on her. A online game from an ex who didn’t take note of her. An Oktoberfest gingerbread cookie from a long-distance relationship that couldn’t make it.
It would be best to learn each single story on this museum. They’re so humorous, and unhappy, and uplifting. Typically they even make you reevaluate your life.
The museum is positioned within the Kulmer Palace within the Higher City. Admission is is 7 EUR ($8) per grownup. And should you’re touring the world, you’ll usually see pop-up exhibitions of the museum. I as soon as went to 1 in New York!
On the lookout for extra quirky museums in Zagreb? Don’t miss the Croatian Museum of Naive Artwork (no, that’s not a typo), the Zagreb Ethnographic Museum, the Museum of Illusions, the Mimara Museum, and the Museum of Up to date Artwork.
Go to Cool Cafes
I like searching for out cool cafes on my travels, and all the time want a caffeinated afternoon pick-me-up! (Right here’s a tip — seek for “flat white” on Google Maps and also you’ll discover the good espresso spots.) Zagreb is house to a improbable espresso scene with quite a few third wave espresso outlets, together with some that roast their beans in-house.
Elliscaffe is an absolute MUST for hardcore espresso snobs. Right here you may have espresso ready in a wide range of scientific methods with outrageously good beans from everywhere in the world.
Botaničar is positioned close to the Zagreb Botanical Gardens and it’s each a restaurant and bar. The institution is stuffed with greenery with a retro vibe, impressed by the close by gardens. The menu has a wide range of drinks together with espresso, tea, craft beer, and wine. It additionally doubles as an artwork gallery.
Finjak has some of the ostentatious interiors in Zagreb, with heavy gold image frames and chandeliers hovering above the tables. It’s fairly a cultured espresso store with its luxurious and timeless decor. You’ll discover French teas, espresso, juice, and beer.
Quahwa earns rave evaluations from coffee-loving Zagreb residents, that includes connoisseur roasted beans and a sleek-yet-cozy inside.
Should you’re a cat lover, visiting the Cat Caffe is a should! Cats roam freely by way of the cafe so you may pet and cuddle all of them you need. You may get pleasure from a cup of espresso in a soothing and loving setting. Particularly good should you’re lacking your fur infants at house.
Zagreb Botanical Backyard
Situated in Decrease City Zagreb, Zagreb Botanical Backyard was based in 1889 as a part of the College of Zagreb. In the present day, there are over 10,000 species of vegetation within the backyard, together with 1,800 unique vegetation.
With intensive grounds masking 12 acres of land, it’s an ideal place to discover, chill out, and benefit from the greenery and blooming flowers. There are additionally ponds for the water vegetation.
The Botanical Backyard is open at 9:00 AM every day and closes at 2:30 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays and at 7:00 PM the remainder of the week. Grownup tickets are 2 EUR ($2 USD). The gardens are closed through the winter months.
Should you’re seeking to go to extra parks in Zagreb, don’t miss Maksimir Park, the biggest park in Zagreb, in addition to Zrinjevac Park.
Mirogoj Cemetery
The Mirogoj Cemetery was inbuilt 1876 and designed by the identical architect who labored on the Zagreb Cathedral and St. Mark’s Church. You is perhaps shocked to see how beautiful the structure is right here, with ivy-covered porticoes stretching alongside the size of the monument.
There are over 300,000 folks buried at Mirogoj Cemetery, together with many rich and well-known Croats you might acknowledge. Even should you don’t know anybody, the graves are sometimes artistic endeavors. It’s some of the stunning cemeteries in Europe.
It’s free to go to the cemetery and top-of-the-line issues to do in Zagreb if you want contemporary air and nature. It’s open from daybreak to nightfall.
Discover Zagreb on a Bike Tour
Do you wish to get pleasure from new cities by bicycle? It’s not my factor, however should you get pleasure from that, GOOD FOR YOU! Critically! You will get some train in and simply see a whole lot of landmarks in a a lot shorter period of time than on foot.
On this 2.5-hour guided bike tour, you’ll begin within the metropolis middle, discover Decrease City, take a fast espresso break, and head to Higher City, earlier than ending again up in the principle sq.. The bike rental, espresso, and water are included.
Understand that Zagreb has some hills. If that makes you excited, go forward!
Go on a Zagreb Meals Tour
Happening a meals tour is certainly one of my favourite issues to do after I arrive in a brand new metropolis or particularly a brand new nation, and Zagreb isn’t any exception. Straight away you’ll be taught what the native meals are, among the greatest spots for getting them, and also you’ll be having fun with them the remainder of your journey!
With regards to guided meals excursions, you might have a couple of choices. Should you’re fascinated with meals and historical past, attempt this three-hour meals tour, which incorporates meals at three totally different Zagreb eating places.
It’s also possible to take a 3.5 hour foodie tour of Dolac Market to get pleasure from the perfect of Zagreb’s native produce, from burek to štrukli pastry to prosciutto and cheese.
Wine Tasting
Croatia is an underrated wine vacation spot. As a result of the producers are typically small, Croatian wine is hard to seek out within the US (I keep in mind almost rejoicing when Croatian wine was on the menu at The Purple Pig in Chicago!), so take benefit whilst you’re in Zagreb. Why not head out on a wine tour within the metropolis?
On this 1.5-hour Zagreb wine tasting tour, you’ll find out about Croatia’s numerous wine areas and style 4 totally different Croatian wines. Along with the wines, you’ll be capable of snack on Croatian treats like prosciutto, cheese, and extra. Plus you’ll get a lesson on the wine secrets and techniques of Croatia. This tour lasts 1.5 hours and could be booked right here.
For these in search of a extra in-depth wine tasting, this two-hour Zagreb wine tasting tour contains seven wines from everywhere in the nation. this tour. It lasts 2 hours and in addition encompasses a platter of Croatian snacks like prosciutto, cheese, bread, olives, and pumpkin seed oil.
Croatian Cooking Class
Studying to prepare dinner a brand new dish for family members at house is the final word memento, which is why it’s superior to take a cooking class whereas touring! Croatian meals doesn’t get as a lot consideration as a few of its neighboring cuisines, however there may be a lot to get pleasure from.
This Zagreb cooking class first takes you on a stroll by way of Dolac Market together with your information exhibiting you ways to decide on the right native components.
You’ll be taught to make three dishes together with an appetizer, a principal course, and a dessert, all of which you get to get pleasure from with a glass of Croatian wine.
Study Flameworking and Make Glass Artwork
For a really distinctive expertise in Zagreb, you may attempt glass sculpting! It is a nice option to be taught a brand new craft and take house a singular memento.
You’ll go to a glassmaking studio within the coronary heart of Zagreb, the place you’ll be working with small handheld torches slightly than blowing glass into the large glory holes you see on Blown Away.
You’ll use your torch to sculpt a glass-blown vase or pendant of your personal. After one week, your merchandise might be out there for pickup or cargo. You may guide this tour right here.
Study Falconry Outdoors the Metropolis
On the lookout for some of the uncommon issues to do in Zagreb? Take into account a falconry tour! You’ll go to Medvedgrad Fortress on Mt. Medvednica, which has wonderful views of town, and also you’ll get to see a falconry demonstration firsthand.
This tour contains round-trip transportation from Zagreb. First, you’ll spend two hours on the citadel the place you may discover it and find out about its historical past. You’ll then go for the falconry demonstration and watch extremely educated birds of prey and their reference to an individual.
E-book a Skilled Photograph Shoot in Zagreb
I like reserving photograph shoots in several cities I go to by way of Airbnb Experiences. This manner, you’ll find yourself with top quality images of your self in a ravishing location — oh, and also you received’t must ask strangers to take your photograph or follow selfies.
This photographer focuses on portraits, the varieties that look costly, and takes you round probably the most stunning neighborhoods in Zagreb.
This photographer will provide you with a 50-shot package deal with pictures taken all through town. You’ll additionally obtain a information to their favourite locations in Zagreb, together with eating places and occasional outlets.
Go to Slovenia
I do know, I utterly perceive — Croatia is nice, however it’s onerous NOT to go to one other nation if you’re SO CLOSE! Zagreb is positioned very near the Slovenian border. When you’ve got the time, think about taking a visit to the close by nation.
I like to recommend visiting the enchanting small metropolis of Ljubljana, which is an hour and 45 minutes from Zagreb by bus (90 minutes by automotive). Should you’re prepared to go additional, the spectacular lakeside city of Bled is a two-hour drive from Zagreb, which I solely suggest doing by automotive.
Need to be part of a gaggle tour? At the present time journey from Zagreb contains each Ljubljana and Bled! You’ll go to Ljubljana’s previous metropolis middle, the Ljubljana River’s Triple Bridge, Bled Fortress, and Lake Bled, the place you’ll go on a picket boat journey.
This full day tour lasts roughly 13 hours, so simply know that this one is an extended one.
Learn Extra: Scenes from a Slovenia Highway Journey
Go to the Plitvice Lakes
So many individuals I do know who visited Croatia did so as a result of they noticed an image of Plitvice Lakes Nationwide Park. This space is crammed with cascading waterfalls and appears straight out of Fern Gully. It’s additionally certainly one of Croatia’s UNESCO World Heritage Websites.
That is certainly one of my favourite locations to get pleasure from nature in Croatia, however bear in mind it will get very busy through the summer season months, particularly across the widespread Decrease Lakes.
Should you’re road-tripping by way of Croatia, I like to recommend visiting the Plitvice Lakes on the way in which to the Dalmatian Coast, spending two nights within the space so you might have one full day on the nationwide park earlier than persevering with your journey.
However should you’re solely visiting Zagreb and never road-tripping, you would possibly favor doing an organized day journey from Zagreb, which is a few two-hour drive every manner.
This Plitvice Lakes tour departs from Zagreb, visits the lakes and surrounding space, and returns 10 hours later.. It contains spherical journey transportation, admission charges to the Nationwide Park, and a tour information throughout your journey.
Day Journey to Varaždin and Trakošćan Fortress
Varazdin is a ravishing Baroque city about an hour’s drive from Zagreb, and it makes a worthwhile day journey from Zagreb. You may add on to your day by visiting Trakošćan Fortress, which is perched on a hill on a river and appears straight out of a fairy story.
You may go to each Varaždin and Trakošćan Fortress on this organized day journey from Zagreb, which helps you to sit again and benefit from the surroundings with the experience of a tour information.
It’s also possible to simply go to these spots by yourself in case you have a rental automotive.
Have fun Creation in Zagreb
Croatia might not be what first involves thoughts for Christmas markets in Europe — however I promise you, they’re ESPECIALLY good right here. Christmas here’s a competition referred to as Creation in Zagreb, which takes place from the final week in November into early January.
Creation is a merry time of yr in Zagreb, and town is stuffed with Christmas lights, themed streets, and an out of doors skating rink. It additionally continues to develop bigger each vacation season.
Should you’re visiting Zagreb throughout Christmas time, anticipate festive huts promoting souvenirs and meals, Christmas lights in beautiful shows in every single place, and smiling locals having fun with the vacation spirit.
The place to Keep in Zagreb
I like to recommend staying in or near the Previous City of Zagreb to maximise your time in Croatia’s capital. You’ll be capable of discover town on foot — all the time an enormous plus — and have all the pieces at your fingertips.
Listed below are the top-rated resorts in Zagreb:
- High-Rated Luxurious Lodge in Zagreb: Lodge Le Premier is beautiful, stylish, and conveniently within the coronary heart of the Decrease City.
- High-Rated Mid-Vary Lodge in Zagreb: Manda Heritage Lodge affords rooms with a contemporary aptitude and the employees earns raves.
- High-Rated Finances Lodge in Zagreb: Nationwide Plus is in an honest location with easy, clear rooms.
Discover offers on Zagreb resorts right here.
How A lot Time to Spend in Zagreb
I feel a day or two is sufficient time to sink your enamel into Zagreb and get to know town — although in case you have greater than two days, you may all the time discover extra deeply, or take a day journey or two!
At minimal, I like to recommend you might have one full day in Zagreb. Spend it exploring each the Decrease and Higher Cities, and don’t overlook the Museum of Damaged Relationships.
The best way to Get To Zagreb
Should you’re arriving in Croatia by air, you’ll in all probability fly into Zagreb Airport. You’ll find connections all through Europe, each on Croatian airways and numerous different airways. Should you’re coming from the US, you would possibly fly through Frankfurt or London or Milan. Verify flight pricing on Skyscanner right here.
Zagreb can also be related by prepare, with direct journeys to Ljubljana, Vienna, Belgrade, Cut up, and extra. Understand that trains don’t run to Dubrovnik. There’s additionally a powerful bus community in Croatia and I like to recommend evaluating bus and prepare instances and costs, as a result of on this nation the bus is commonly higher than the prepare.
And I completely love exploring Croatia by automotive, and extremely suggest it. Roads are in nice situation, drivers are respectable, so many locations are simply accessed by highway, and it’s a very simple to journey by highway journey.
As for getting round Zagreb, you may stroll round fairly a little bit of town, whereas supplementing your journeys with trams and buses. Uber exists in Zagreb, too.
Greatest Time to Go to Zagreb
Should you’re in search of a pleasing local weather with out too many vacationers, the perfect time to go to Zagreb is through the spring and fall. Suppose April by way of June, and late September by way of October.
Croatia could be very busy through the summer season months, with many individuals coming for the islands and seashores, however deciding to go to the Croatian capital as properly. This could be a crowded and costly time of yr, however Zagreb’s crowds are by no means on the extent of, say, Dubrovnik’s.
When it comes to festivals, like most European cities, Zagreb places on plenty of enjoyable festivals in the summertime months. Creation in Zagreb makes town notably festive and joyous between late November and early January.
That mentioned, Zagreb is a metropolis stuffed with museums, cafes, and eating places, and which means you may have a good time right here year-round. Sure, even within the winter. I wouldn’t be against visiting Zagreb within the winter. Simply be sure to deliver a pleasant winter jacket and a few gloves!
Learn Extra: Greatest Time to Go to Croatia
Journey Insurance coverage for Zagreb
Lots of people don’t suppose it’s essential to get journey insurance coverage for Croatia — in spite of everything, it’s a protected nation with respectable healthcare. However you want it, even in Zagreb. Should you get sick or injured in your journey, should you get robbed, or even when you must be flown house, journey insurance coverage will defend you from monetary destroy. I’ve used World Nomads for journeys to Croatia.
I’ve fortunately by no means wanted to name my journey insurance coverage for assist whereas in Croatia — however I do have a pal who needed to go to the hospital after being stung by a wasp in Cut up, one who sprained her ankle after falling down the steps in Dubrovnik, and one who obtained her pockets stolen and wanted to go to the police station.
Whereas Croatia’s hospital costs aren’t wherever close to what the US would cost you, you might find yourself paying some huge cash for a critical medical problem. However journey insurance coverage protects you and refunds you in your prices. It’s the sort of factor you don’t know you want till you want it. See if World Nomads is best for you right here.
Is Zagreb Price it?
Sure, visiting Zagreb is certainly value visiting, even should you’re planning on visiting islands and seashores for the remainder of your Croatia journey! Visiting Zagreb will provide you with a a lot better perception into what Croatia is at present — and that’s earlier than you embody the outlets, coffeeshops and museums.
Get pleasure from your time in Zagreb — then I hope you head on to certainly one of my many favourite locations in Croatia!
Planning a Journey to Croatia:
Croatian Islands and the Dalmatian Coast:
Istria and the North:
Have you ever been to Zagreb? What’s your favourite factor to do? Share away!
