Full Zagreb guide from a local 🇭🇷
About Zagreb:
Zagreb, the vibrant capital and largest city of Croatia, is a beautiful blend of historical charm and modern city life. Nestled in the northern part of the country along the Sava River and the slopes of Medvednica Mountain, Zagreb offers an intriguing mix of old-world architecture, bustling marketplaces, and lush parks. With a population of over 767,000 (as of the 2021 census), and over 1.2 million in its metropolitan area, Zagreb serves as the political, cultural, and economic heart of Croatia.
The city's location near the Croatian-Slovenian border makes it an important hub, not only for Croatia but also for connecting Central Europe with the Mediterranean and Southeast Europe. Its rich history, diverse geography, and evolving high-tech industries have solidified Zagreb's place as a city of global significance.
A Brief History of Zagreb
Zagreb's origins can be traced back to Roman times, with the ancient settlement of Andautonia located near today's Šćitarjevo. The name "Zagreb" first appeared in 1134, referencing the founding of the Kaptol settlement in 1094. Throughout the centuries, Zagreb grew into two separate communities—Kaptol, home to clergy, and Gradec, inhabited by merchants and craftsmen. In 1242, Gradec was granted the status of a free royal city by King Béla IV. The two settlements merged in 1851, forming the modern city of Zagreb.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Zagreb flourished as a cultural and political center, playing a key role in the Croatian National Revival. It became the capital of Croatia after the country declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. Today, Zagreb is known for its historic architecture, rich cultural scene, and its role as the economic powerhouse of Croatia.
Upper Town (Gradec) and Lower Town of Zagreb
Upper Town (Gradec) is Zagreb's historic medieval core, known for landmarks like St. Mark’s Church and the Lotrščak Tower. Once a free royal city, it contrasts with Lower Town (Donji grad), a 19th-century development featuring wide boulevards, Austro-Hungarian architecture, and green spaces, forming Zagreb's cultural and commercial center.
🧳BEST TIME TO VISIT?
For me personally, Zagreb is at its most vibrant from early October to November. December and January are marked by Advent, when the city is beautifully decorated for Christmas, but it gets quite cold.
Things quiet down after that until March, when the first rays of sun bring life back to the city. From March to June-July is the best time to visit. The city is bustling with people, and there’s always something going on. During the summer, many locals head to the coast, so Zagreb becomes quieter and hotter.
If you want to experience Zagreb in full, March to June is ideal—especially May, when the city hosts the most events and activities!
Public Transport:
🔺Public transport in Zagreb consists of trams and buses. It’s well-connected. Download the app called "Moj ZET" (ZET is the tram company). You can buy tickets on the app—tickets for half an hour cost 0.53 euros and are valid for both buses and trams.
🔺For out-of-city travel, the main bus companies are Flixbus and Arriva. You can check buses from Zagreb here:
https://www.akz.hr/
🔺The app for trains is called HŽPP. Trains are cheaper than in Italy but also slower, so ask me if you want advice on train/bus travel. For example, a bus to Rijeka takes 2 hours, but a train takes 8 hours.
What to See?
Ban Jelačić Square (Trg bana Jelačića): Zrinjevac and Tomislavac
Grič Tunnel
Upper Town (Gornji Grad):
Go see Grički top at 12 pm when it goes "BOOM".
Zrinjevac Park
Trg kralja Tomislava
Botanical Garden
Check the time and tickets here:
Hrvatsko narodno kazalište (HNK)
The Croatian National Theatre is truly beautiful, and it hosts numerous performances throughout the year. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance, as some shows sell out quickly. You can find more information and purchase tickets through the official link:
St. Mark's Church (Crkva sv. Marka):
Located in the Upper Town
Croatian Natural History Museum:
Located in upperntown, newly opened after an earthquake in 2020.
Cathedral of Zagreb (Katedrala Marijina Uznesenja):
Currently under construction because of the earthquake, but you can still go inside.
Dolac Market:
Cheap fresh fruit, vegetables, and homemade cheeses.
Tkalčićeva Street:
Jarun Lake:
Perfect for walking or running. Go during the day. There are cafés to chill and watch the lake. You can take bread to feed the swans and ducks.
PRO TIP: IN MUSIC festival is held there in June so best is to come to Zagreb then :) (LINK BELOW)
Maksimir Park + Zagreb Zoo:
The zoo is newly renovated and very cute (open 9-15 hours in winter). You need 3-4 hours for the zoo, so I suggest visiting in the morning and then heading to Maksimir Park later.
Mirogoj Cemetery:
If you are morbid, you'll love this one. Mirogoj is one of the biggest and most beautiful cemeteries in Croatia, so if you have time, it's totally worth it.
Ribnjak Park:
Located behind the cathedral.
This is the link to official Zagreb tourist board and if you have any questions, they are always happy to help.
Museums:
Contemporary Art Museum (Muzej suvremene umjetnosti)
Museum of Broken Relationships
Chocolate Museum
Hangover Museum
Museum of Illusions
80s Museum
Nikola Tesla Museum
(many more… these are the most interesting ones we visited)
Where to Eat?
La Štruk (MANDATORY):
It’s a little pricey, but everyone goes there—it’s one of the best places in Zagreb to try štrukle.
Pizzeria Viva:
I know you are traveling on a budget, so this place is a little out of the city center, but it has a great price/quality/portion size ratio.
Mrs. Fogg
Public Pizza
Pizzeria Park
Pizza Re
Bakeries:
We don’t often eat at restaurants in Zagreb. Croatian people are always moving or going for a coffee, so try bakeries. We have a lot of bakeries. If you want to find one, ask for PEKARA. Dubravica is a famous chain, but you’ll find many others like Feniks, Mlinar, and Pan-pek.
Where to Have Coffee?
One thing Croatians know how to do is drink coffee for 3-4 hours (minimum). Here are some of my favorite cafés:
Cat Cafe
Ritam grada:
View of the main square.
Mr. Fogg:
Order tea here… just trust me.
Potter:
For Harry Potter fans (near Maksimir).
Quahva
Melt:
Great for brunch.
Bar 45:
Nargila bar.
Cogito Cafe
Botaničar:
Near the Botanical Garden.
Korica:
Fancy bakery with coffee.
Monocycle Speciality Coffee
Hendrick’s Gin Garden:
near student dorm "Stjepan Radić" and Savski most tram stop (trams 4, 7, 14).
Out Rooftop:
In the city centre, also a club.
Rooftop 215:
Billar and food :)
Elite:
On Črnomerec tram and bus stop with great cocktails.
Shopping Centers:
In case of bad weather, here are some shopping centers to visit (Zagreb has A LOT MORE, these are just one ascessiable by public transport)
Z Centar and City Center West:
15-minute walking distance from Prečko (trams 5 and 17,last stop)
Arena Centar:
The most famous one, where everyone goes. It’s next to Arena Theatre, where concerts are held. You can get there from Savski most by almost any bus, just follw Google maps directions.
Avenue Mall:
In the New Zagreb part of town, you can get there from the city centre by bus or by tram 7 and 6.
Importanne Centar:
In town.
Where to go out?
Zagreb is a lively student city with plenty of spots for young crowds to hang out. If you don't have a plan, a great starting point is Rakhia Bar (rakija is our traditional drink) on Tkalčićeva Street (known locally as Tkalča). In the city centre, popular places include Praćka (a karaoke bar with a mix of music), OUT Rooftop Club, and Ritam Grada. For a different vibe, take a tram to Katran, a favorite among ERASMUS students for its English music and themed nights.
One of the most popular student clubs in Zagreb is Club Roko, located right across from the largest student dorm, Stjepan Radić. Roko is known for its Croatian music, so if you want an authentic local experience, this is the place to be. Right next to Roko is Žabac, which also plays Croatian music but attracts a slightly older crowd, mostly people in their 20s and 30s. I personally love Žabac because it’s a great spot to enjoy the vibe without the teenage crowd.
One-Day Trips:
Samobor:
A cute little town near Zagreb. You can get there with the bus called Samoborček from Črnomerec terminal. Samobor is known for the dessert called samoborska kremšnita—try it at the café U prolazu. There’s also a castle with a nice little hike. It’s usually colder and snowier than Zagreb, so dress warmly.
Medvednica + Medvedgrad:
Medvednica is our local “mountain.” You can get there by public transport or cable car. At the top, there are restaurants, a great view, and the HRT tower (our local television station). Medvedgrad is a castle that was renovated and opened last year. It’s beautiful and has a museum inside.
Varaždin:
The former capital of Croatia, a baroque city full of mysteries and a great one-day trip to see the region called Podravina. It has a castle, beautiful parks, and buildings. Next to Varaždin is Čakovec, part of the region Međimurje, a small and cute town you can reach by train.
Rijeka:
A coastal town with more of an industrial feel but still beautiful. Visit the old town and the castle on the hill. From Rijeka, you can take a bus to Krk, the only island in Croatia connected by bridge (about a 1.5-hour ride to the town of Krk).
Plitvička Jezera (Plitvice Lakes):
A must-see in Croatia. Plitvice is breathtaking no matter the weather.
Plitvice is a system of lakes separated by tufa barriers, formed after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), and now one of Croatia’s main attractions. The tickets are expensive but totally worth it. You’ll need a whole day to explore the park—it’s very big, and I’ve been there twice but still haven’t seen everything.
With its rich history, vibrant culture, and laid-back vibe, Zagreb is the perfect destination for travelers looking to experience the best of Croatia’s capital. Enjoy your visit!
If you rent a car, here are few more possibilities from Zagreb:
You can also go and explore Slovenia from Zagreb:
Or even Bosnia!
Thank you, and if you found this guide helpful, feel free to leave a tip! :) If you need anything or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me on Instagram (@petra.hus) – I’ll be happy to help!
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