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Top 10 Things to do in Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb is the capital city of Croatia, marking an interesting intersection between Eastern and Central Europe for tourists to explore. Somehow maintaining a small-town feel and charm, even with an expansive city limits, the cobblestone streets make for a beautiful and historical Croatian paradise.

Let’s find out the best things to do in Zagreb, Croatia for your next European getaway!

Visit Kaptol…

Kaptol Zagreb – By By Suradnik13 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4706502

If get a high vantage point of Zagreb, you’ll see how the interesting architecture and layout of the city was constructed back in the mid-11th century. The two differing sides to the city are Kaptol and Gradec, with Kaptol being the oldest part of the city and housing the Zagreb Cathedral, while Gradec did not integrate into the capitol for hundreds of years afterwards. 

…And Then Walk To Gradec

Zagreb Gornji Grad – By By Suradnik13 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4951264

Gradec was the secular part of Zagreb’s medieval sector, lived in by artisans and tradesmen who had to make a living back in the ‘ancient’ times. Today, this old district is pedestrianized for exploring and wandering the cobblestone streets, gazing at the churches, squares, and last remaining town gate. 

Comparing both juxtaposing sides of the city shows you how much history this small capital really has!

Hang Out In Ban Jelacic Square

Zagreb Ban Jelacic Square – By By rom@nski photo from Rakov Potok, Hrvatska – Tramvaji, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51268501

Jelacic gives you a real sense of the bustle of Zagreb city during rush-hour times, complete with office workers, mid-day shoppers, and those who are fortunate to sit at an outdoor cafe all day long. If you are looking for a perfect place to people-watch, look no further to get a sense of the Zagreb culture.

If you are lucky enough to visit Zagreb for a Croatian soccer – or football – match, join the thousands of people who flock to the square to watch the game on big screens around the square. 

Located in Donji Grad, Zagreb, Jelacic is in the main part of town that gets the most foot traffic – making for a great place to spend a busy Saturday night. 

Stroll Down Tkalciceva Street

Tkalciceva Zagreb – By By Modzzak – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5061266

In the mood to listen to some live music, have a few drinks, eat a traditional Croatian meal, or enjoy a snack with your friends? Head to Tkalciceva and walk down the street, choosing between the various outdoor eateries for your traditional Croatian dinner.

If you walk down Tkalciceva Street during the day, you can gaze at the painted houses, beautiful scenery, hundreds of second-level balconies, brightly-colored awnings, and cafes for a nice pick-me-up cup of coffee. 

When the sun goes down, we recommend staying here – there is possibly no better place for having a nice Croatian beer – like Ozujsko – and meeting a few locals who can show you around the city. 

Walk the Hall of Mimara Museum

Museo Mimara Zagreb – By By Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32424192

The Mimara Museum is an art museum on Roosevelt Square, with over 3,700 works of art and 1,500 exhibits with permanent holdings. With displays and artifacts from dating back to the prehistoric period, famous exhibits in this museum includes paintings by Van Goyen, Libermann, Turner, Bonington, and Georges de la Tour.

The building was built in the 19th century and was opened in 1987 to the public.  Head here to admire the outside of the building and have a few drinks in the Cafe Gymnasium, a luxurious and upscale eatery in Mimara.

The Mimara Museum is open from 10am-5pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. It is also open from 10am-7pm on Thursday and 10am-2pm on Sundays from October 1 to June 30.

During the summer/tourist months, the hours are from 10am-7pm Tuesday to Friday, 10am-5pm Saturday, and 10am-2pm on Sunday. 

Explore Maksimir Park and Zagreb Zoo

Maksimir Park – By By SpeedyGonsales – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3445231

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a green space mini-vacay. Leave the noise of traffic behind you and enjoy a natural walk through parks and meadows, enjoying the sound of the flowing water of the creek. If you are a nature lover who has been living in the populous capital, this can give you a much-needed city break, while offering cultural heritage and beautiful surroundings.

The Zagreb Zoo is in Maksimir Park and is open from 8am to 4pm every working day from Monday to Friday. 

Run Around Jarun Lake

Jarun Lake Aerial View – By By Suradnik13 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4952078

Jarun Lake, often called Zagreb Sea, is a bright-blue body of water surrounded by walking trails, bike paths, and sports grounds for recreational activities on the weekends and holidays. An ideal place for sunbathing, swimming, and some pre-work or post-brunch exercise, this lake and green space is located in the southwestern portion of the city. 

Escape to Samobor

Samobor Church of Saint Anastazia – By By Robert Majetic – originally posted to Flickr as Samobor, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7479952

Want to get a quaint village feel while living in Zagreb? Head to Samobor, a small municipality located in west of Zagreb between the slopes of the Samobor hills and the Sava River Valley.

Much of the architecture in Samobor is baroque style, with the entire section of town surrounded by beautiful hills that can provide a great vantage point for the whole city. Walk up Tepec Hill to see the ruined Samobor Castle and really appreciate the historic and old side of Zagreb.

A 4-hour walk away from the central train station in Zagreb, Samobor is a full-day excursion if you enjoy walking through the suburbs of Zagreb. By taking local transport, you can take start at the bust station – Crnomerec Station. Keep an eye out for the bus that says “Samobor” on the front window, and be ready to pay the expensive bus fare – just kidding, it’s only 3 euros. 

Before your next weekend getaway to Croatia’s capital, check out our list of the top things to do in the city! With historical buildings, cultural attractions, interesting events, boutique shops, and traditional restaurants, there is no shortage of activities for your holiday in Zagreb.