In 60 seconds
Croatia's capital is a relaxed, walkable Central European metropolis built in two distinct tiers: the cobblestoned medieval heights of Gornji Grad (Upper Town) with gas lanterns lit by hand each twilight, and the grand 19th-century Austro-Hungarian boulevards of Donji Grad (Lower Town) arranged around a green horseshoe of parks. Between open-air Dolac farmers' market, world-class café terraces and the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships, Zagreb charms effortlessly year-round.
Best for
Known for
Skip if
You are exclusively looking for coastal beaches and turquoise sea swims; Zagreb is a landlocked inland capital with rich urban cultural life.
Your match
Choose a few travel interests and we will show how well Zagreb fits them. Choose interests
See
The things that would make the trip incomplete without them.
Medieval hilltop quarter · Colourful tiled heraldic roof & parliament square
Admire the 1880 multicoloured tiled roof depicting the medieval coats of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia on St. Mark's Square.
13th-century cannon tower · 66-metre historic funicular railway
Ride the blue 1890 funicular up to the Upper Town and cover your ears at noon when the Grič cannon fires its daily salute.
Internationally acclaimed concept museum showcasing donated mementos of past romances
A deeply moving and humorous exhibition in a baroque palace displaying personal objects and poignant anonymous stories from across the globe.
Open-air market known as 'the belly of Zagreb' beneath sea of red umbrellas
Browse fresh cheeses from local kumice grandmothers, seasonal berries and fresh flowers on the elevated terrace just above the main square.
Sprawling central pedestrian hub, yellow trams & Austro-Hungarian Lenuzzi Horseshoe
Watch Zagreb's iconic blue trams criss-cross the main square and stroll through Zrinjevac park pavilions along the green boulevard ring.
Monumental ivy-covered neo-Renaissance cemetery arcades designed by Hermann Bollé
Take bus #106 north to explore one of Europe's most beautiful cemeteries, featuring cupolas, tiled domes and sculptures by Ivan Meštrović.
18th-century English landscape park with oak forests, five lakes & Swiss chalet
Escape the city centre in Southeast Europe's oldest public park, enjoying peaceful wooden footbridges and serene lake views.
Eat
A short list, kept short on purpose. Each entry answers one question: when is this the right choice?
Where to eat the food this city is actually known for.
Institution of traditional continental and Dalmatian gastronomy with vaulted brick courtyard
A bustling, reliable downtown classic for Zagorski štrukli (baked cheese pastry), slow-roasted veal under the peka and handmade pasta.
Historic Kaptol tavern known for premium charcoal grills and Zagreb classics
A long-time meeting ground for local politicians and writers enjoying Zagrebački odrezak (veal schnitzel stuffed with ham and cheese).
Mornings, and the slow hour between things.
Boutique specialty roastery tucked down a leafy courtyard on Varšavska
The birthplace of Croatia's modern specialty coffee movement, roasting pristine single-origin coffees with outdoor picnic benches.
Croatia's first specialty coffee bar on Ilica, founded by barista champion Nik Orosi
A minimalist haven strictly focused on the craft of espresso without smoking, syrup or distractions.
Oldest café in Zagreb operating since 1847 on quiet Ilirski trg
Sit beneath chestnut trees on the peaceful northern square of Gornji Grad for traditional Turkish coffee or a glass of Pelinkovac.
Too few picks yet for their own heading, so they share this list.
Charming second-floor courtyard bistro by chef Ana Ugarković
Tucked down a quiet courtyard off Vlaška, serving creative, ever-changing Mediterranean-continental small plates with warm hospitality.
Zagreb's celebrated Michelin-starred fine dining destination on Popa Dukljanina
Sophisticated culinary innovation marrying contemporary Croatian produce with precise European technique and top-flight wine pairings.
Beyond the obvious
Less obvious, rarely queued for, and usually the part people remember.
World War II pedestrian tunnel running straight through the bedrock below the Upper Town
Walk through this 350-metre illuminated historic bomb shelter linking Mesnička and Radićeva streets away from street traffic.
After dark
Croatia's first private wine shop in a 200-year-old vaulted brick cellar on Kaptol
Descend into brick vaults beneath the cathedral to taste rare vintage bottles and curated flights from all wine regions of Croatia.
Multi-tap craft beer bar with balcony overlooking bustling Opatovina street
A craft beer hotspot with 12 rotating draft taps highlighting independent Croatian microbreweries like Zmajska, Nova Runda and Varionica.
Industrial-chic outdoor courtyard cocktail terrace with plunge pool
A leafy, multi-level terrace tucked inside a converted 19th-century dry cleaners off Ilica, popular for weekend cocktails and guest DJs.
Orientation
How the city is actually divided, and what each part is for.
The historic medieval twin hills overlooking the modern metropolis
Atmospheric, quiet and romantic with cobblestone lanes, gas lamps, government palaces and panoramic viewing terraces.
19th-century Austro-Hungarian grid with museums, grand cafes and parks
Vibrant and elegant, packed with bustling shopping avenues, open-air café terraces on Bogovićeva and manicured park promenades.
Stay
Areas rather than hotels — pick the right one and the rest follows.
Boutique heritage apartments tucked in historic cobblestone alleys
Ideal for romantic weekend getaways and quiet nights, steps away from the funicular and St. Mark's Square.
Central grand hotels and stylish modern apartments near Ban Jelačić Square
The most convenient base for first-time visitors, placing restaurants, tram lines and museums right on your doorstep.
Practical
Plan this trip — useful links
Context
Enough to make what you are looking at legible.
King Ladislaus of Hungary founds the diocese of Zagreb on the hill of Kaptol, while neighbouring Gradec develops into a fortified artisan town.
King Béla IV issues the Golden Bull declaring Gradec a free royal town following devastating Mongol invasions.
Gradec, Kaptol and surrounding settlements officially merge under the first mayor Janko Kamauf to create the unified modern city of Zagreb.
Further out
Worth a day if you have one to spare.
Idyllic market town famous for cream cakes (kremšnite) and castle ruins
Wander along the Graduate stream to the town square to indulge in warm, fluffy vanilla Samoborske kremšnite at Kavana Livadić.
1,033-metre forested mountain rising behind the city with modern cable car
Ride the Sljeme cable car to the summit to hike dense beech forests and dine on hearty bean stew with sausage at mountain lodges.
