The Complete List Of 25 Things To Do In Zagreb, Croatia

Despite being one of the oldest capitals in the region, Zagreb may have the fewest inhabitants. For most of its history, Zagreb was actually two distinct communities rather than one city: merchants and craftspeople lived in the expansive Gradec to the west, while clerics typically occupied Kaptol in the east. The unification of Zagreb did not occur until 1851.

Today's Zagreb still has two separate 'halves'. The Lower Town is renowned for its retail districts and cosmopolitan cafes, while the Upper Town has a more historical air. Both towns have their monuments and sites of interest.

Being one of the tallest and most recognizable structures in the city, the soaring spires and Gothic embellishments of this Catholic cathedral are a fittingly spectacular place to start.

As stunning and imposing as it was when it was initially built by the Hungarian kings who governed the region about a millennium ago, it looms above the city.

Its inside is similarly remarkable, with a treasury filled with antiquated literature, holy relics, and several other historical objects.

Traditionally, these adorable tiny vehicles are designed to navigate steep streets or even steeper slopes, but the Zagreb vehicle has two special features.

In addition to being the capital's oldest public transportation system, it provides one of the fastest rides in the world; the entire trip will take an exhilarating 64 seconds.

As visitors have been doing since 1890, you may zip between the Lower and Upper Town neighborhoods with ease, so it's all part of the pleasure.

The vibe of Zagreb's antique market, which lies in between a legitimate antique market and a flea market, is not to be missed. Every Sunday morning, sellers set up booths and people stroll around Britanski trg (British Square), which is home to a more sedate farmer's market than the bustling Dolac there during the week.

Enjoy a coffee at one of the numerous outdoor cafes that border the plaza and observe the passing scenery after you've explored the market, maybe grabbing a little item that will fit in your carry-on. It's a Sunday morning dream.

A trip to the Museum of Broken Relationships is perhaps one of the most well-liked activities in Zagreb because everyone has had some horrific dating blunders.

By preserving the small nuances that would otherwise be lost to time, this area masterfully transforms the tangible remnants of past love relationships into potent and occasionally moving antiques.

You never know what you'll discover here, photos, drawings, toys, clothes, and every item that is donated has a personal story that serves as a reminder to us all of the effects that love and grief can have on even the most basic things. These tales, which range from the tragic to the humorous and all points in between, are sure to captivate.

This straightforward yet commanding structure was constructed around 800 years ago to protect the city; although it hasn't done so in centuries, there are still many traces of its heyday.

Naturally, there are tall, sturdy walls that are intended to fend off hordes of soldiers from neighboring countries. And even if there are some more modern structures at the top, you'll enjoy the same perspective that the armed troops had.

You may experience Zagreb like never before with the aid of bike tours that take you from the main thoroughfares to the more obscure streets. With all of the hills and twisting roads that contribute to the city's allure, they're also perfect for covering a lot of ground.

For a fantastic overview of the city, take a comprehensive tour. Alternatively, concentrate on more specialized areas, including the numerous landmarks that remain from the communist era.

Navigate past cathedrals and through public squares before seeing some of the more unusual locations, such as the Gric Tunnel, a remnant of World War II.

In continental Europe, The Garden Brewery is perhaps the greatest craft brewery. In recent years, Garden Brewery's beers have become quite popular. They're offered at trendy pubs around Europe, so if you enjoy beer, you've undoubtedly heard of them. However, you must try them right out of their Zagreb home brewery.

It's a beautiful brewery. The large old warehouse outside of the city center, filled with houseplants and two full-size trees that reach the high ceiling, truly lives up to the name's garden motif. It takes place in a little garden that is filled with fairy lights and lots of outdoor seats.

Just check for the enormous Croatian symbol on the roof to know that this is not one of the town's many other stunning religious structures. The town has been anchored by this vibrantly colored beauty since the 1200s, and its inside is equally as magnificent as its outside, including paintings that highlight the many art forms over the years.

It has also remained firmly rooted in the city throughout all of its repairs and alterations; if you examine the external wall attentively, you will notice that the city's earliest coat of arms, which dates back to 1499, is meticulously engraved into the masonry.

The best brunch spot in Zagreb is Balance Brunch and Bakery. Although it's in a hip residential neighborhood and a little out of the center, it's only a short walk or bus ride away. On the way, make sure to stop by Miragoj Cemetery.

Get a table outdoors on a nice day and start with the avocado toast, if you can bring yourself not to eat at the amazing pastry counter. Although it's tasty, it just serves as a prelude to something sweet. You must first get some vegetation under control. You may then go to the sugar.

One of Zagreb's most significant historical and architectural sites is Croatia's national pantheon, Mirogoj Cemetery, which is situated on the city's northern outskirts. One of the most unusual things to do in Croatia is to spend a day in this ghostly wonderland.

It's interesting to note that burial has always been allowed here for people of all religions. As a result, Mirogoj has seen the interment of some of Croatia's most notable politicians, scientists, and artists over the years, who are honored with ornate sculptures and headstones.

If you look at a map of Zagreb, you'll see that the Lower Town has a series of parks arranged in a U form. With eight parks, fountains, and gardens, Zagreb's Green Horseshoe is perhaps the city's most picturesque strolling path.

Walk counterclockwise around the Botanical Garden, Marulic Place, and Marshal Tito Place, beginning at Zrinjevac, seldom touching the pavement. You'll pass by some of the city's most significant structures along the route, such as the Esplanade Hotel and the Croatian National Theatre.

The greatest way to enjoy the cool winter air and see downtown Zagreb is to walk the Green Horseshoe.

Go underground for cover if it's freezing outside. The Gric Tunnel (Tunel Gric), an underground WWII bomb bunker that runs beneath the city, is one of Zagreb's most unique attractions.

It was the site of one of Croatia's earliest raves in the 1990s. Like other of the former bunkers in Tirana and the tunnels in Berat, the tunnel has been transformed into an art gallery and a venue for public events, and it remains a symbol of subculture today.

There are many entrances, including one on Stjepan Radic Street and another on Mesnicka Street. Street paintings in various colors adorn several of the entrances. Keep an eye out for the vintage signage that remains on parts of the walls as you traverse the 350-meter tunnel. Eventually, you will reach the center hall, a large, cathedral-like area used for exhibitions.

The greatest architectural designs in the Balkans are found in Kallina House (Kuca Kallina), which is both aesthetically pleasing and subterranean rough.

The apartment structure, which was constructed in 1904, is a stunning example of Secessionist architecture, including intricate iron balconies and a ceramic tile front adorned with lovely Art Nouveau flower motifs.

Kallina House is located at the intersection of Masarykova and Gunduliceva streets.

Zagreb's primary farmers' market is the Dolac Market, located in the city's old Upper Town. Every day, a plethora of products from all across Croatia is served at tables arranged throughout the piazza beneath bright red umbrellas. There will be an abundance of root vegetables, apples, and nuts throughout the winter.

In any case, make sure to visit the market's lower indoor area where cured meats and cheese are offered.

At the top of the steps stands a bronze figure standing stoically among the chaos of the Dolac. The most adored statue in Zagreb is Kumica Barica, often known as the Little Godmother.

There is a lot of Dalmatian and Istrian cuisine to be found when visiting Croatia. Zagreb also serves these cuisines in large quantities. However, be sure to sample some of the regional cuisine as well.

For example, Orehnjaca is a delicious walnut cake that is wrapped into a log form. Because it's customary at Christmas, you may buy it if you travel to Zagreb during the winter months when the Christmas markets are open.

Similarly, Sir i vrhnje is a concoction of sour cream and cottage cheese. typically consumed with bread. Another is Strukli, which is just a pastry version of Sir I Vrhnje. It might be salty or sweet. La Struk, a particular restaurant in Zagreb, offers Strukli exclusively.

Everyone enjoys a nice neo-classical passageway, especially when it allows you to spend some time in a cozy retail arcade. The magnificent glass octagonal atrium of the Zagreb Oktogon is connected to Petar Preradovic Square and Ilica Street by two covered passages.

Constructed in 1900, the Oktogon was a component of the First Croatian Savings Bank building, which was created by renowned architect Josip Vancas, whose other works are located in Sarajevo and Ljubljana.

Come for the picture ops, stay for the street musicians, adorable shops, and most importantly, the knodels (potato dumplings) that are served in the little cafe inside.

The top theater, opera, and ballet performers in Croatia may be found at the National Theatre, also referred to as HNK Zagreb in the local dialect. Originally founded in 1860, it later relocated to Republic Square, where it now stands in a charming canary-yellow edifice.

Since then, the theater has been a mainstay of Zagreb, presenting a year-round schedule of ballet, drama, and opera. Acts have resumed after a brief hiatus in 2020/21.

Don't pass up the opportunity to see the opulent theater interior, with its crimson velvet curtains and intricate balconies, if you're fortunate enough to be in town when a performance is taking place. The cost of the ticket alone is worth it.

The 200 gas lights that light up the cobblestone streets are the best illustration of this. The world's only city where gas lights are still manually lighted each evening is Zagreb. This crucial duty is assigned to a group of "Lantern Lighters," who often roam the area in uniform.

Try to identify a lantern lighter with its long staff as the winter sun begins to set. You may try to trace their path because each lantern has a little plaque with its number on it. They begin at Number 1 near the cathedral and work your way down from there.

The Museum of Hangovers, another one-of-a-kind tribute to a common experience, is brimming with some of the most bizarre and hilarious objects you'll ever see, many of which have something to do with some crazy nights out.

Similar to the Museum of Broken Relationships, this area showcases artifacts, anecdotes, and photographs from people's wildest nighttime parties or, more specifically, the morning's aftermath.

Hangovers might make for some really interesting stories and some amazing exhibits for interested guests, even though they might not be enjoyable to experience in person.

The Zoo Zagreb is the place to go if you enjoy going to zoos and seeing different kinds of animals. From the rainforest to the plains and all points in between, you can get up close and personal with creatures from all over the world at this wildlife palace.

Spend time with lions, insects, lemurs, and red pandas, to mention a few. Because of the strong emphasis on education, you'll always leave with a little bit more. You may take the safari to observe who is walking around and doing regular activities, which will give you the ideal zoo experience.

The variety of Medvednica is unbeatable, as you may see stunning falcons, woodlands, and freewheeling jeeps. This amazing natural area provides a variety of experiences to try out and displays the forests around Mount Medvednica.

Wander the paths and keep an eye out for deer, or take in a breathtaking falconry show, in which people and birds work together as one.

Additionally, don't forget to take advantage of some of the Medvednica Jeep trips departing from Zagreb, which will take you on an exhilarating off-road adventure past fortifications, trout ponds, and rough mountain roads.

Nikola Tesla is perhaps one of the most well-known native sons of the nation. His legacy is still widely known around the world, and you can learn more about his ideas and initiatives at the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum.

Along with other technological achievements and scientific oddities, such as models of mines to the oldest steam engine in the region, you may view some of his original works.

Explore the planetarium, follow the development of energy sources across time, and discover more about the many achievements and challenges of Croatian scientists, including more about Nikola Tesla.

One of the greatest things to do in Zagreb if you want to have a better understanding of daily life here is to visit this quaint public space, which sits at the intersection of the past and the present. You can still see his stone figure observing the scene.

The location was called for the first king of Croatia, who famously brought various tribes together to fend against invading Hungarians for the first time.

With the Art Pavilion at the edge and the stunning silhouette of Mount Medvednica farther out, the plaza serves as both a terrific social hub in and of itself and the ideal backdrop for some of the greatest local treasures.

Fun and relaxation are added on at Jarun Lake, which offers a variety of activities in a lovely setting. Swimming, kayaking, cycling, and the lake are all so popular that they are frequently mentioned first when people are suggesting things to do in Croatia Zagreb.

Jarun Lake, which is covered in vegetation and has cafes scattered around, is a perfect place to unwind or take part in all the available outdoor activities. The Lake offers a flexible retreat from Zagreb's natural splendor, whether you're looking for a quiet day on the shore or a busier day in the water.