Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia, a relaxed Central European city of about 770,000 people where Habsburg-era streets, a medieval hilltop Upper Town, and a lively cafe culture sit side by side. It is known for the Museum of Broken Relationships, the Dolac market, the Tkalčićeva street terraces, Mirogoj cemetery, and one of Europe's best-loved Advent festivals.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Zagreb.
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1
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.
Tip: Cover shoulders and knees for entry · Services take place daily; visit outside Mass times for quiet viewing · The best photo of the facade is from the forecourt at Kaptol 31 in morning light
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2
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.
Tip: Meet locals' way: 'under the clock' (pod satom) at the Kaptol end · Cafes on the square charge a premium; step into side streets for lower prices · Free to cross at any time, with the best atmosphere from 6:00PM
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3
Dolac Market
Zagreb's main open-air farmers' market, known as the 'belly of Zagreb', famed for red umbrellas, fresh produce, cheeses and flowers.
Tip: Carry small euro notes and coins · Arrive before 10:00AM for the full selection · Sunday trading ends at 1:00PM and many stalls leave earlier
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4
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.
Tip: Plug your ears or stand away from the cannon at noon · Entrance is a few steps from the funicular top station · Climb at sunset for the most photogenic light
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5
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.
Tip: Pay on board or at the station kiosk · Check zet.hr for refurbishment closures · Walk the Stone Stairs if the funicular is closed
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6
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.
Tip: Go at golden hour for sunset · Cafes on the promenade are pricey; bring a drink from Dolac · Link with the Stone Gate and St. Mark's for a loop
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7
St. Mark's Church
The Gothic parish church of Zagreb's Upper Town, famed for its colourful tiled roof showing the coats of arms of Croatia and Zagreb.
Tip: Interior often closed to sightseers; plan for the exterior · The square in front is the best photo spot · Parliament and government buildings next door can only be viewed from outside
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8
Museum of Broken Relationships
A uniquely personal museum of objects donated by people around the world to symbolise the end of a relationship, each with a short story.
Tip: Allow about an hour · Audio guides are available in several languages · Included in the Zagreb Card
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9
Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata)
The only surviving medieval gate of Gradec, with a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary whose painting survived a 1731 fire.
Tip: Be quiet and respectful inside the passage · No photography flash · Combine with St. Mark's and the Lotrščak Tower
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10
Tkalčićeva Street
A pedestrian street of 18th- and 19th-century houses in a former stream bed, now the city's favourite cafe and bar strip.
Tip: Visit on Saturday morning to see the local custom · Prices are higher than in side streets · Evenings are lively but pickpocketing happens in crowds
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
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.
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.
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.
St. Mark's Church
The Gothic parish church of Zagreb's Upper Town, famed for its colourful tiled roof showing the coats of arms of Croatia and Zagreb.
Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata)
The only surviving medieval gate of Gradec, with a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary whose painting survived a 1731 fire.
Mirogoj Cemetery
A park-like city cemetery with a long neo-Renaissance arcade and domed entry, considered one of Europe's most beautiful cemeteries.
Museums
Museum of Broken Relationships
A uniquely personal museum of objects donated by people around the world to symbolise the end of a relationship, each with a short story.
Mimara Museum
A major art museum with some 3,700 works from antiquity to the 20th century, from the private collection of Ante Topić Mimara.
Meštrović Atelier
The former home and studio of sculptor Ivan Meštrović, displaying hundreds of his sculptures, drawings and furniture.
Archaeological Museum Zagreb
One of Croatia's oldest museums, with an Egyptian collection, the Vučedol Dove and the Zagreb Mummy with its linen book.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU)
A modern building in Novi Zagreb with a large collection of Croatian and international art from the 1950s to today.
Nikola Tesla Technical Museum
A museum of science and technology that includes a replica of Nikola Tesla's workshop, a mine replica and a planetarium.
Museum of Illusions Zagreb
An interactive museum of optical illusions, holograms and puzzles, with the Ames room and a vortex tunnel.
Croatian Museum of Naïve Art
A small museum of Croatian naïve art, including the Hlebine School, in the Upper Town.
Museum of Arts and Crafts (MUO)
A decorative-arts museum with furniture, textiles, ceramics, clocks and posters from the 14th century to today.
Museum of the City of Zagreb
The city history museum set in a former convent, covering Zagreb from Roman times to the present.
Nature
Maksimir Park and Zagreb Zoo
Zagreb's largest park, opened in 1794 as Southeast Europe's first public park, containing five lakes, pavilions and the Zagreb Zoo.
Jarun Lake
A lakeside leisure area with a 3.5 km loop path, beaches, rowing and waterfront bars, popular for swimming and nightlife in summer.
Sljeme and Medvednica Nature Park
Zagreb's 1,035 m mountain with hiking, cycling and winter skiing, reached from the city centre by a cable car.
Zagreb Botanical Garden
A 5-hectare botanical garden of the University of Zagreb, free to enter, with a pond and seasonal flowers.
Zrinjevac Park and the Green Horseshoe
A 19th-century park at the start of the 'Green Horseshoe' of Lower Town parks, with a bandstand and Art Nouveau pavilion.
Medvedgrad Fortress
A 13th-century hilltop castle on Medvednica mountain with views of Zagreb, with a memorial altar to the Fatherland.
Cultural
Dolac Market
Zagreb's main open-air farmers' market, known as the 'belly of Zagreb', famed for red umbrellas, fresh produce, cheeses and flowers.
Tkalčićeva Street
A pedestrian street of 18th- and 19th-century houses in a former stream bed, now the city's favourite cafe and bar strip.
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.
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.
Zagreb 360 Observation Deck
An indoor and outdoor viewing deck on the 16th floor above Ban Jelačić Square offering 360-degree views of Zagreb.
Grič Tunnel
A 350-metre WWII-era tunnel under the Upper Town, now used for exhibitions and cultural events.
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most museums open 10:00AM-6:00PM Tuesday to Friday with shorter weekend hours and close on Mondays; churches, squares, parks and viewpoints are open all day
- Fees
- Museums typically cost €6-10 (~$7-12); the Zoo is about €8 (~$9); parks, squares, Mirogoj and Dolac market are free; the funicular costs €0.66 (~$0.76) one way
- Best Times
- May-June and September for mild weather; December for the Advent in Zagreb festival; weekday mornings for quiet museums
- Booking
- Most attractions sell tickets at the door; check zagrebcard.com for the Zagreb Card, which bundles transit with free or discounted entry to many museums
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Most museums close on Monday, so plan outdoor sights and walks for that day
Check the Zagreb Card (zagrebcard.com) if visiting three or more museums in 24 or 72 hours
Carry some euro cash for Dolac stalls and small cafes
Take the funicular (€0.66) or the Stone Stairs to link the Lower and Upper Towns
Dial 112 for emergencies; the Tourist Information Centre at Trg bana Jelačića 11 gives free maps
Dress modestly when entering churches and Mirogoj
Frequently asked questions
How many days are needed to see Zagreb's main attractions?
Two days cover the Upper Town, Lower Town, Dolac, key museums and Mirogoj; add a third day for Maksimir, Sljeme or Medvedgrad.
Is Zagreb walkable?
Yes, the Upper and Lower Towns are compact and mostly pedestrian; trams cover Mirogoj, Maksimir, Jarun and Novi Zagreb.
When is the best season to visit Zagreb?
May-June and September offer mild weather; December has the popular Advent festival.
Which free attractions are best?
Zagreb Cathedral, Dolac Market, the Stone Gate, Strossmayer Promenade, Mirogoj and Zrinjevac Park are all free.