Zagreb Cathedral
Croatia's tallest building and the spiritual centre of Zagreb, a Neo-Gothic cathedral with two 105-metre spires dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and Sts Stephen and Ladislas.
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About Zagreb
Zagreb sits on the Sava river between the wooded Medvednica mountain to the north and flat plains to the south. The city has two historic halves: Gornji grad (Upper Town), the medieval core around St. Mark's Church, the Lotrščak Tower and the Stone Gate, and Donji grad (Lower Town), the 19th-century grid of squares, parks and museums known as the Green Horseshoe. The two are linked by the short Zagreb funicular and by Tkalčićeva street. The Cathedral of the Assumption, the Dolac market, Ban Jelačić Square, Mirogoj cemetery and Maksimir park anchor most visits. Locals spend afternoons on cafe terraces, weekends at Jarun lake or on the trails of Medvednica, and December at the Advent in Zagreb markets. The compact centre is walkable, trams run through it, and the Zagreb Card bundles transport with museum discounts. Plitvice Lakes, Samobor, Varaždin and the Zagorje castles are easy day trips.
- Capital
- Zagreb
- Largest city
- Zagreb
- Population
- ~770,000 (city), ~1.1 million (metro area)
- Languages
- Croatian
- Currency
- Euro
- Time zone
- CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2), Europe/Zagreb
Explore Zagreb by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Zagreb
The 28 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Ban Jelačić Square
The main square of Zagreb and the meeting point of the Upper and Lower Towns, centred on an 1866 equestrian statue of Ban Josip Jelačić.
Dolac Market
Zagreb's main open-air farmers' market, known as the 'belly of Zagreb', famed for red umbrellas, fresh produce, cheeses and flowers.
Lotrščak Tower
A 13th-century defensive tower in the Upper Town whose top gallery gives a panoramic view of Zagreb, and from which a cannon is fired every day at noon.
Zagreb Funicular
One of the shortest public funicular lines in the world, a 66-metre ride connecting the Lower Town and Upper Town since 1890.
Strossmayer Promenade
A tree-lined terrace on the edge of the Upper Town with a view over the Lower Town rooftops, lined with cafes and the Strossmayer statue.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Zagreb Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Zagreb, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Zagreb
- Days 1-2Zagreb city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Zagreb
- Days 1-3Zagreb comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Zagreb, departure
Where to stay in Zagreb
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget €65 (~$75)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range €140 (~$161)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury €350+ (~$403+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
Opened in 1925 for Orient Express passengers, this Art Deco landmark beside the main railway station is Zagreb's grande dame. It has marble-and-brass interiors, the Zinfandel's restaurant and a spa, and sits a five-minute walk from Zrinjevac park.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Westin Zagreb
Five-star business and leisure hotel on Ulica Isidora Kršnjavoga, beside the Mimara Museum and a short walk from Trg bana Jelačića. It has the Heavenly Spa, an indoor pool and large modern rooms.
Check rates on Booking.comSheraton Zagreb Hotel
Large five-star hotel in the Lower Town east, close to Zagreb Main Station and the Botanical Garden. Rooms are modern, and it has a fitness area, restaurants and meeting facilities.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Dubrovnik
Zagreb's best-known central address, on Gajeva ulica directly beside Trg bana Jelačića. Its Café Dubrovnik terrace overlooks the main square, and the Dolac market and Upper Town funicular are within five minutes' walk.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Zagreb
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Noel
Michelin-starred restaurant of chef Mate Jankovic in the Upper Town area, serving seasonal tasting menus built on Croatian produce. Considered the benchmark for fine dining in Zagreb. Typical meal EUR 120-200 (approx USD 138-230).
Dubravkin Put
Michelin-starred restaurant in the Tuskanac woodland above the centre, cooking over open fire in a quiet villa setting. Holds Zagreb's first Michelin star, awarded in the 2025 guide. Typical meal EUR 90-170 (approx USD 103-195).
Pod Zidom Bistro & Wine Bar
Bistro tucked beside the Upper Town walls with a Michelin Plate (2026). The kitchen mixes Croatian classics with modern touches and a strong local wine list. Typical meal EUR 30-55 (approx USD 34-63).
Le Bistro Esplanade
Casual bistro of the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel known for the Esplanade strukli, a baked cheese strukli on the menu since 1951. Convenient beside the main railway station. Typical meal EUR 22-40 (approx USD 25-46).
Zinfandel's
Elegant restaurant in the Esplanade Hotel serving refined Croatian-European cuisine in an Art Deco room. A traditional choice for celebration dinners. Typical meal EUR 60-110 (approx USD 69-126).
La Struk
Casual Upper Town spot dedicated entirely to strukli, the cheese pastry of the Zagorje region, served baked or boiled and in sweet and savoury versions. Popular lunch stop near the Stone Gate. Typical meal EUR 7-14 (approx USD 8-16).
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Getting around Zagreb
Zagreb is a compact capital where the historic core can be walked and the rest is served by the ZET tram and bus network, the Uspinjaca funicular and cheap ride-hailing. The airport (ZAG) is 17 km south-east of the centre, linked by Pleso Prijevoz coaches and ZET bus 290. The main railway station (Glavni kolodvor) and the main bus station (Autobusni kolodvor) are on the edge of the Lower Town and are the hubs for onward travel to Ljubljana, Vienna, Budapest, Split, Rijeka and Plitvice. A car is unnecessary inside the city.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €25 (~$29) | €75 (~$86) | €200 (~$230) |
| Food (per day) | €22 (~$25) | €40 (~$46) | €100 (~$115) |
| Transportation | €6 (~$7) | €10 (~$12) | €25 (~$29) |
| Activities | €12 (~$14) | €15 (~$17) | €25 (~$29) |
| Daily total | €65 (~$75) | €140 (~$161) | €350+ (~$403+) |
Best time to visit Zagreb
Weather through the year in Zagreb
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Zagreb.
Zagreb has a continental climate with warm summers, cold damp winters and distinct seasons. Spring and early autumn bring the most comfortable sightseeing weather, while December adds the Advent in Zagreb markets.
Advent in Zagreb runs from about 29 November to 7 January with stalls on Zrinjevac, Strossmayer Square and Upper Town. Many museums close on Mondays. Spring and autumn rain is common, so carry a light waterproof.
Essential travel tips
- Buy the Zagreb Card if visiting three or more museums or riding trams often; it pays for itself quickly
- Dolac market is busiest and freshest before noon, and the stalls close early on Sundays
- Most museums close on Mondays, so plan Upper Town walking and Dolac for that day
- Locals do the Saturday morning coffee 'špica' on Bogovićeva and Tkalčićeva streets; sit down for a coffee at any terrace
- Try štrukli (baked cheese pastry) and Zagorje cooking at a traditional restaurant
- The Grič Cannon fires at noon every day from Lotrščak Tower, so do not be startled
- Tipping of about 10% is customary in restaurants; round up the bill in cafes and taxis
Safety information
Zagreb is one of Europe's safest capitals; the main risks are pickpocketing on crowded trams and in markets such as Dolac
Keep valuables in zipped inside pockets, particularly around Ban Jelacic Square, Glavni kolodvor and Tkalciceva street
Use Uber, Bolt, Cammeo or Eko Taxi and confirm the fare or meter before starting a ride
Emergency number is 112 (works from any phone); police 192, ambulance 194, fire 193, road assistance (HAK) 1987
Zagreb sits in a seismic zone and had a damaging earthquake in March 2020; know the exits in any building
Tap water is safe to drink; pharmacies (ljekarna) display a green cross
Sljeme trails are marked but can be icy in winter and have ticks in summer; carry water and a charged phone
Landmines remain only in remote rural areas of Croatia and are not a risk in Zagreb or its day-trip destinations
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Zagreb?
Croatia is in the EU and the Schengen Area. EU citizens need only a national ID card or passport. Visitors from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries may stay up to 90 days in any 180 days without a visa, while other nationalities need a Schengen visa. Requirements vary, so check the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs website (mvep.gov.hr) before travelling.
How many days do you need in Zagreb?
Two days cover the main sights: Upper Town, the Cathedral, Dolac market, Tkalčićeva street and a museum or two. A third day allows Mirogoj, Maksimir or a Medvednica hike, and a fourth lets you add a day trip to Samobor, Varaždin or Plitvice Lakes.
Is the Zagreb Card worth it?
The Zagreb Card includes free ZET tram and bus rides, free or discounted entry to many museums and discounts at selected restaurants and shops. It usually pays for itself if you visit three or more museums or ride trams frequently. It is sold at the Tourist Information Centre on Trg bana Jelačića 11 and at the airport.
When is Advent in Zagreb?
Advent in Zagreb usually runs from about 29 November to 7 January, with stalls, food and concerts on Zrinjevac park, Strossmayer Square, Upper Town and Ban Jelačić Square. It has been voted among Europe's best Christmas markets, so book hotels early.
What are the top attractions in Zagreb?
The top attractions in Zagreb include Upper Town, Zagreb Cathedral, Dolac market, the Museum of Broken Relationships, Mirogoj Cemetery, Maksimir Park and Medvednica Nature Park. Most are within walking distance of Ban Jelačić Square.
Explore Zagreb by city
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.