Things to do in  Zagreb

With its emerald-green lakes, rocky caves, and cascading waterfalls—all framed by soaring limestone cliffs, ancient woodlands, and fields of wild orchids—Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s most postcard-worthy natural playgrounds. The UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises more than 73,000 acres (20,500 hectares) of unspoiled landscapes and boasts a chain of 16 lakes and 90 waterfalls, all linked by a network of hiking and biking trails.

At Zagreb’s beloved indoor-outdoor Dolac Market, all kinds of foods and products from the fertile farming regions of Croatia are displayed in stalls. The capital city’s premier market has been bustling for 80-plus years and attracts a crowd of grocery-shopping locals and hungry visitors. It's also an excellent people-watching spot.

The social and geographic center of Zagreb, Ban Jelačić Square (Trg Bana Jelacica is a lively gathering place where locals and visitors alike gather to shop, dine, and enjoy seasonal markets. Free from traffic, it's a popular place to stroll among historic monuments against the backdrop of elegant and arcaded Baroque buildings.

With its towering spires and magnificent neo-Gothic design, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (or simply Zagreb Cathedral) is one of the Croatian capital’s must-see attractions. The imposing twin spires are 354 feet (108 meters) high, making the cathedral the tallest building in Croatia.

One of Zagreb’s oldest and most renowned landmarks, the Stone Gate (Kamenita Vrata) dates to the 13th century. The atmospheric entryway leads to the medieval Upper Town and hosts a shrine to the Virgin Mary. In addition to tourists, the landmark attracts religious devotees, who come to pray and light candles.

Standing sentinel over Zagreb’s historic Gornji Grad (Upper Town, Lotrščak Tower dates back to the 13th century and has been used as a defense tower, prison, warehouse, fire station, and even a billiards club over the years. Today, most visitors scale the tower’s spiral staircase for 360-degree views over St. Mark’s Church and the red roofs of Zagreb.

Dotted with landscaped gardens, century-old trees, and lovely fountains, Zrinjevac Park (also known as Nikola Subic Zrinski Square) is a popular relaxation spot for Zagreb locals. Take a break from exploring the city and stroll along the tree-lined paths or simply rest on a park bench, watch the fountains, and enjoy the aroma of fresh flowers.

With narrow cobblestone streets, red tiled roofs, and gorgeous medieval squares, Upper Town (Gornji Grad) is Zagreb’s historic district and most picturesque part. Many of the city’s most visited tourist attractions are here, including the Stone Gate, Zagreb Cathedral, and the Bloody Bridge.

A brightly patterned tiled roof makes this Catholic church one of the most distinctive buildings in Zagreb. Fires and an 1880 earthquake destroyed most of the church’s original 13th-century construction, though an ornate Gothic doorway remains. Devotional sculptures and frescoes by leading Croatian artists adorn the interior.

Commissioned by Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1895, the Croatian National Theatre (HNK Zagreb is the elegant hub of Zagreb’s performing arts scene. In addition to hosting ballet, symphony, opera, and theater, the daffodil-yellow building is equally revered for its impressive neo-baroque architecture.

Croatia’s capital city, Zagreb, is divided into two parts,Lower Town (Donji Grad) and Upper Town (Gornji Grad). The modern center of Zagreb, Lower Town is home to several museums, gardens, and historic buildings. Among the highlights is Lenuci’s Horseshoe, a series of seven interconnected parks that encircle the district’s top sights.

Set against a backdrop of hillside vineyards and lush woodlands, Trakoscan Castle is Croatia's best preserved and most visited medieval castle. White-trimmed crenelations, a dramatic drawbridge, and red-roofed towers add a fairy tale element, while the sprawling grounds feature a romantic landscape of English-style gardens and a lake with hiking trails.

One of Zagreb’s most popular public parks, King Tomislav Square (Trg Kralja Tomislava), is named after the first king of Croatia and features an enormous equestrian statue of the ruler. Flanked on one side by the Central Station (Glavni Kolodvor) and on the other by the Art Pavilion (Umjetnicki Paviljon), it offers neoclassical beauty and a scenic place to unwind.

One of Zagreb’s most tranquil and atmospheric walkways, the Strossmayer Promenade (Strossmayerovo Setaliste) is both a popular sightseeing destination among tourists and a relaxed hangout spot frequented by locals. The steep and winding route connects the Upper and Lower towns, offering some of the most panoramic views of the city.

This quirky museum zeros in on heartbreak and failed relationships, both romantic and platonic. Relics of relationships past, from photographs to unusual mementos such as an ax, are displayed alongside explanations of their significance, sending visitors on an emotional roller coaster—at times comical and at other points heartrending.