Things to do in Zagreb & Surroundings
Just perfect. That’s what travelers from around the world say about Zagreb. Not too big, not too small — it’s easy to explore without feeling rushed, whether you’re here for a day or a week.
Every year, more visitors are drawn to its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, rich history, delicious food, and lively nightlife.
In this article, we’ll guide you through Zagreb’s must-see sights and share our top things to do and enjoy.
For more tips on adventure spots and activities in and around the city, check out Adventure Things to Do in Zagreb.
UPPER TOWN
The Upper Town is the old part of Zagreb, where the two historic neighborhoods of Gradec and Kaptol meet. It’s just a few minutes from the main street, Ilica, but it feels like stepping back in time. The streets are full of beautiful old buildings, small squares, and interesting stories — a place you don’t want to miss.
The easiest way to get up to Gradec Hill, with its amazing views over the city, is to take the Zagreb Funicular, the shortest funicular in the world.
Once you reach the Upper Town, there’s plenty to see and do:
- Lotrščak Tower – A 13th-century stone tower that once protected the city. Don’t miss the Grič cannon, which fires every day at noon.
- St. Mark’s Church – Famous for its colorful tiled roof and beautiful interior, featuring sculptures by the renowned Croatian artist Ivan Meštrović.
- Croatian Parliament & Presidential Palace – Protected by armed guards. On weekends from mid-April to mid-October, you can watch the changing of the guard at noon.
- Stone Gate – The last surviving medieval city gate. Light a candle and make a wish for health, happiness, love, or good luck.
- Grič Tunnel – A 350-meter tunnel built during World War II. Later it hosted raves and served as a shelter during the Croatian War of Independence. Today it’s open to the public and hosts cultural events.
- Zagreb Cathedral – Also called the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this Gothic masterpiece on Kaptol Hill is one of the most impressive sacral buildings in the region.
LOWER TOWN
Zagreb’s Lower Town is all about business, art, and spacious parks. Unlike the Upper Town, streets here are wide and airy, designed to create a sense of grandeur. Breaking the urban uniformity is a series of interconnected garden squares known as Lenuci’s Horseshoe — a U-shaped succession of promenades and parks, lined with galleries, museums, and theatres. Here are some of the highlights we recommend visiting:
- Croatian National Theatre – A neo-baroque masterpiece opened in 1895 by Emperor Franz Joseph. Even if you don’t catch a show, stop by to admire the building.
- Botanical Garden – Home to over 10,000 plant species.
- Zrinjevac Park – Just two minutes from the main square, this park features fountains, a music pavilion, and majestic 19th-century plane trees. In summer, it’s a lively spot to relax, and it hosts events like the Zagreb Christmas Market and Summer at Zrinjevac.
- Dolac Market – The city’s authentic food market, located between Upper and Lower Town, just steps from the main square. Open daily until at least 1 pm.
- British Square (Britanski trg) – About a 10-minute walk from the main square. Famous for its flea market, it’s perfect for finding antiques, rare items, or unique souvenirs.
WHERE TO EAT IN ZAGREB?
It’s hard to keep up with Zagreb’s growing food scene, but here are some of our favorite spots — both authentic local flavors and great international options. These are places we recommend to guests and enjoy ourselves:
TRADITIONAL FOOD
Vinodol – nice classic restaurant offering Croatian specialties with a modern twist
Purger – old school traditional restaurant where mostly locals eat
Didov san – traditional Croatian food in old Zagreb atmosphere, located in the upper town
La Struk – the first and one of a kind type of restaurant that serves only one traditional Croatian specialty – “strukli”.
FISH
Korcula – nice fish restaurant in Teslina street
Buffet Mimice – authentic budget place with long tradition that serves fried fish
VEGETARIAN/VEGAN
Zrno Bio Bistro – 100% organic, vegan, local
BioMania – plant based and organic food
Broom 44 – coffee and plant-based meals
GLUTEN FREE
Vis a vis by Vincek – 100% gluten free cake and pastry shop
KATA gluten free – 100% gluten free brunch bar
INTERNATIONAL CUISINE
Torikaya – ramen bar
PARKS AND OUTDOOR SPOTS IN ZAGREB
- Maksimir Park – One of Europe’s oldest public parks, loved by locals for its forests, lakes, and walking paths. Don’t miss the Zagreb Zoo while you’re there.
- Jarun Lake – Often called the “Zagreb Sea,” it’s perfect to escape the summer heat. You can cycle, walk, rollerblade, exercise, or just relax at one of the lakeside cafes. Local rowing and sports clubs also train here.
- Bundek Park – Located in New Zagreb, this park is ideal for a calm break by the lake. Bring some bread to feed the swans — kids will love it!
EVENTS
Cest is d’Best – Zagreb’s first street festival, held every early June since 1997. Across seven stages, artists bring the streets to life with music, performance, sports, art, and children’s programs. Street theatre and playful performances make the city vibrant and fun.
Summer on Stross -Strossmayer Promenade, or Stross, is one of the most romantic spots in Zagreb, just under Lotrščak Tower. In summer, enjoy live music, art installations, and entertainment while sipping a glass of wine or beer in the shade of chestnut trees.
INMusic Festival – Croatia’s biggest open-air music festival, held at Jarun Lake every late June. Rock, pop, world music, electronic, ska, punk — there’s something for every music lover.
For a full list of Zagreb events check out the website of Zagreb Tourist Board.
DAY TRIPS FROM ZAGREB
Sljeme
The highest peak of Mount Medvednica, Sljeme offers stunning views of Zagreb and the Zagorje region. Part of Medvednica Nature Park, it’s full of rich flora and fauna. Reach it by foot, bike, car, or public transport (about 45 min drive). Stop for a drink or a local meal at spots like Grofica, Vidikovac-Sljeme, or Zlatni Medvjed. Guided hiking or biking tours from Zagreb are also available.
Samobor
A charming town under an hour from Zagreb, Samobor is famous for its Baroque architecture and local specialties like kremsnite. Explore the castle ruins, stroll its quaint streets, and enjoy the surrounding nature in Žumberak-Samoborsko Gorje Nature Park — perfect for hiking, cycling, or paragliding. Food and wine lovers can savor Samobor chops, trout, mustarda, or visit the nearby Plešivica Wine Road.
Trakošćan Castle & Varaždin
Trakošćan Castle, built in the 13th century, features baroque furniture, weapons, and a romantic English-style garden with a lake. Nearby Varaždin, known as “Little Vienna,” is full of baroque architecture, parks, music, and cycling-friendly streets.
Marija Bistrica
About an hour from Zagreb, this is Croatia’s largest Catholic pilgrimage site, home to the miraculous statue Majka Božja Bistrička. Besides spirituality, enjoy historic sites, nature, and local gastronomy in the surrounding Zagorje region.
Plitvice Lakes
Croatia’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Plitvice is a must-see. Explore its waterfalls, lakes, and trails, or join a guided tour from Zagreb.
Mrežnica Kayaking
Just a short drive from Zagreb, the Mrežnica River is perfect for a day of kayaking. Paddle through crystal-clear waters, gentle rapids, and beautiful natural scenery. Ideal for families, friends, or anyone looking for a fun adventure in nature. Book HERE.
Adventure Activities
For more outdoor fun near Zagreb, check out our day trips and adventure activities, including hiking, biking, and river adventures like Mrežnica kayaking.
USEFUL LINKS
- Zagreb Tourist Board http://www.infozagreb.hr/&lang=en
- Zagreb Bus Station http://www.akz.hr/en
- Train Network http://www.hzpp.hr/en
- Zagreb Airport http://www.zagreb-airport.hr/
