The capital city of Croatia is often overlooked in pursuit of the county’s fine beaches and emerald colored oceans. Which is actually why I really enjoyed my stay in Zagreb. Coming from other major capitals in central Europe, I couldn’t help but immediately notice the lack of tourists in the city. The city being largely devoid of tourists makes it really easy to blend in and feel like a local.
This travel guide will help you get the most out of your trip to Zagreb and hopefully, your hands – on some good food. Zagreb is known for having some of the best cuisine in Croatia.
Pro Tips For Zagreb
Food Fesitvals
Food festivals are an important part of the city’s culture. Be sure to ask around or check online for outdoor food/beer festivals. They are often held in Maksimir Park on weekends.
How long to stay
I recommend 2 days max in Zagreb if you want to hit all the major sites, or 3 if you want to do a day trip to Plitvice National Park.
Top 10 Things to Do
1. Admire St. Mark’s Church
As one of the most unique buildings in Zagreb, St. Mark’s Church stands out largely because of the unique mosaic adorning the roof. The tiles are laid in such a way to depict the coat of arms of Zagreb (White Castle) and the Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slovenia, which was dissolved in 1918. The church has great cultural significance and is a treasure trove of beautiful art stretching wall to wall.
2. Explore Ivana Tkalciceva Street
Ivana Tkalciceva Street was once where the rich aristocracy would spend their nights, not allowing others from the west neighboring XXX street to join. Times have changed quite a bit and now it’s home to the hippest nightlife and some of the best restaurants Zagreb has to offer. You will find all kinds of delicious foods, snacks, and deserts – for quite a good price might I add.
3. Check out Zagreb Cathedral
The history of Zagreb Cathedral goes back to the 13th century. Since then, this place has endured its fair share of bad treatment. It’s been burned down, withstood invasion, and destroyed by not one, but two earthquakes as recent as 2020. It still stands today (although under repairs) and is a work of art. Well worth a visit.
4. Day trip to Plitvice National Park
A two hour drive south of Zagreb (2.5 by bus) you will find one of the most beautiful national parks in all of the Balkan’s – Plitvice. There are eight different trails that will take you through and around the park leading you to the lake in the center where you can engage in all kinds of activities from hiking, cycling, and rowing. Remember to keep your park ticket at all times in case a ranger asks for it. The ticket is valid for the lake zone and hiking trails.
5. See the exhibitions at the Museum of Broken Relationships
Although somewhat melancholy in name, the Museum of Broken Relationship is more about healing and moving on. It was started by a Croatian couple after their relationship came to an end. The museum holds a collection of items that are gathered from people around the globe and hold a reminiscent memory of their past relationships. They have two permanent locations (Zagreb and Los Angeles), but hold exhibitions all over the globe. Admission is 50 HRK.
6. Shop like a local at Dolac Market
The market is by far the largest open air farmers market in Croatia. You can find locally grown produce, freshly harvested honey, and some of the most delicious cheeses, or pick up your favorite cuts of meat at one of the many butchers. It’s a neat place to blend in with the locals and try out some of your Croatia if you’re up for it.
7. Relax at Zrinjevac Park
Aside from being one of the most beautiful parks in Zagreb, Zrinjevac hosts most of the outdoor live music and food festivals happening in the city. You can check their website for events or just pass through on a Friday or Saturday night to see what’s happening. The park is massive too so if you want to get away from the hustle of the upper town, this place is a good spot to relax in the sun or have a picnic.
8. Check out Gric Tunnel
This place has served many purposes throughout the decades. It was used as a bomb shelter during WWII and the Croatian War of Independence. These days, if you find yourself there on a weekend, you may just happen to walk into a rave! It’s a neat place to check out, there are often musicians or locals selling craft jewelry.
9. Climb Lotrscak’s Tower
The tower has a pretty unique tradition – it fires a cannon every day at noon! The tradition comes from when the Turks were invading the city and a warning shot was fired almost hitting a high ranking Ottoman military man. The invaders decided to call back the troops after, resulting in the end of the attack. Fiction or not, the tower still sounds its canon each day in honor of the event and can be heard throughout the entire upper city. You can also pay 10 HRK to climb to the top, giving you a unique skyline view of the city.
10. Visit the coastal city of Piran
You might be surprised to learn that Slovenia has a small strip of land on the Adriatic Coast. The city of Piran sits right on the sea and is known for its medieval architecture. It’s beautiful, Tartini Square makes for a nice day basking in the sun sipping coffee at one of its many cafes. Piran is a short drive from Ljubljana and one day there is enough to explore the city.
Zagreb Nightlife
Zagreb’s nightlife scene has expanded greatly in the past few years. The upper town (Gornji Grand) is where you will find most of the hippest bars, clubs, and restaurants. It’s a mish mash of classy and gritty with more options than I had imagined.
Alcatraz Night Club: Alcatraz has strong LA dive bar vibes. It’s gritty, edgy, with a bit of a cult following in Zagreb.
Valhalla Brewery: This is the first heavy metal bar I’ve ever been to. It’s also one of the few places that stocks a good variety of local, small batch beers. They do play heavy metal all night, so if that’s not your thing then maybe just go for the beer.
Swanky Moneky Garden: A bit more upscale, Swanky Monkey Garden is loaded with good vibes and sweet cocktails. Its outdoor terrace is the perfect place if you are looking for a good place to chat with friends over a stiff drink.
Booze and Blues: A cool, relaxed rock bar that is plastered wall to wall with rock memorabilia. They have live music Thursday – Sunday playing jazz, blues, and soul.
Wine bars: There are many, many wine bars in Ljubljana serving up all the good Slovanian wines; Dvorni is one that I frequented.
Where to Stay
Hostels in Zagreb are affordable, but you will still be able to find some deals if you are flexible. Before you book your hostel, make sure you check out what amenities they offer. Often you are paying for things like a pool, onsite cafe, or things that you might not use or value. Book accordingly and save. Below are a few budget hostels I have tried:
- Swanky Mint Hostel
- Hostel Bureau
Food In Zagreb
Food in Zagreb is different from the rest of Croatia. It’s very much part of the city’s culture. I was surprised to learn that hamburgers are extremely popular here. Being from California, I do love me a good burger, and the ones here do not disappoint. You’ll find much more than that here too: from ramen and French tacos, to Italian and traditional Croatian food. You will definitely not be disappointed. Below are a few of my favorite spots I tried there:
Heritage: Heritage puts a modern flair on traditional Croatian food. You can get charcuterie boards and delicious sandwiches, as well as a cold beer to wash it down.
La Struk: This restaurant is unique because they only serve one dish – strukli! Strukli is more or less Croatia style lasagna. Layers of melted cheese with potatoes and your choice of preparation. They have sweet and savory varieties. I had the truffle strukli and highly recommend it.
Bit Burger: I had to put a burger place in here because well, this may have been the best burger I have ever had. Submarine Burger is also a close second. They are well known burger spot in Croatia and also have a location in Zadar.
Safety In Zagreb
Zagreb is a very safe city with an active emergency response team. You will still always want to take the normal precautions you would at home. Don’t leave your drink unattended or accept an open one, walk with friends at night if possible, etc.
112 is the emergency line that will connect you to the police.
Getting Around
Your best bet for getting around in Zagreb is by bus, tram, or walking. The city is a little hilly, but most places are reachable by foot. For trams or buses, you will use the ZET (Zagreb Electric Tram) system. Tickets start at 4 HRK (6 HRK if you buy on the tram) for a 30 minute ride and go up from there.
If you are leaving from Zagreb bus station, make sure you are early. It is a bit unorganized and it’s hard to know exactly which platform you’re looking at. I’ve had some unfortunate experiences at this bus station, one where my bus left 15 minutes earlier than scheduled and the officials there can do very little to help you.
Where To Buy Necessities
- Billa & DeliMart: Grocery stores/small grab and go meals.
- DM: Toiletries, feminine products, non-prescription medicines.
- PEPCO: Cheap wears like flip flops, hats, water bottles, and odds and ends.