Zagreb Travel Guide

• Zagreb’s Grič Cannon has fired daily at noon from Lotrščak Tower since 1877, a tradition briefly paused after a 2020 earthquake due to trauma concerns.
• The city’s 66-metre funicular, operational since 1890, holds the title of the world’s shortest public transport cable railway.
• Zagreb Cathedral’s twin spires, rebuilt after an 1880 earthquake, remain Croatia’s tallest architectural structure at 108 metres.
• Buried beneath Tkalčićeva Street’s cafés flows Medveščak stream, concealed by concrete in the 19th century.
• St Mark’s Church features a colourful tiled roof displaying both Zagreb’s coat of arms and the medieval Kingdom of Croatia-Slavonia.
• The city’s Stone Gate houses a shrine to the Virgin Mary that miraculously survived a 1731 fire, becoming a pilgrimage site.
• Zagreb boasts more museums per capita than any global city, including the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships.
• Urban legend claims the city’s name originated when a medieval knight asked a girl to “scoop” (zagrabiti) water from a spring.
• Mirogoj Cemetery, ranked among Europe’s most beautiful burial grounds, features arcades designed by Hermann Bollé.
• A full-scale model of our solar system exists across Zagreb, with planets positioned proportionally from the “Grounded Sun” sculpture.

Introduction

Zagreb, the capital and largest city of Croatia, is a vibrant destination that blends historical charm with modern urban life. Located in the northwest of the country, Zagreb lies along the Sava River and at the southern slopes of Medvednica Mountain. The city?s origins date back to medieval times, with its historic core comprising two former settlements: Gradec, a fortified royal town, and Kaptol, an ecclesiastical center. These were united in the 19th century to form the modern city. Today, Zagreb is divided into three main areas: the historic Upper Town (Gornji Grad), the 19th-century Lower Town (Donji Grad), and Novi Zagreb, a post-World War II district. Known for its walkable streets, iconic landmarks such as St. Mark?s Church and Zagreb Cathedral, and a thriving cultural scene with numerous museums and galleries, Zagreb serves as Croatia's political, economic, and cultural hub. It is also well-connected to other parts of Croatia and neighboring countries, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.

Interesting Facts about Zagreb

• Zagreb’s Grič Cannon has fired daily at noon from Lotrščak Tower since 1877, a tradition briefly paused after a 2020 earthquake due to trauma concerns.
• The city’s 66-metre funicular, operational since 1890, holds the title of the world’s shortest public transport cable railway.
• Zagreb Cathedral’s twin spires, rebuilt after an 1880 earthquake, remain Croatia’s tallest architectural structure at 108 metres.
• Buried beneath Tkalčićeva Street’s cafés flows Medveščak stream, concealed by concrete in the 19th century.
• St Mark’s Church features a colourful tiled roof displaying both Zagreb’s coat of arms and the medieval Kingdom of Croatia-Slavonia.
• The city’s Stone Gate houses a shrine to the Virgin Mary that miraculously survived a 1731 fire, becoming a pilgrimage site.
• Zagreb boasts more museums per capita than any global city, including the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships.
• Urban legend claims the city’s name originated when a medieval knight asked a girl to “scoop” (zagrabiti) water from a spring.
• Mirogoj Cemetery, ranked among Europe’s most beautiful burial grounds, features arcades designed by Hermann Bollé.
• A full-scale model of our solar system exists across Zagreb, with planets positioned proportionally from the “Grounded Sun” sculpture.

History

Zagreb's history dates back to Roman times when the settlement of Andautonia existed in present-day Ščitarjevo between the 1st and 5th centuries CE. The first recorded mention of Zagreb was in 1094 when the Hungarian King Ladislaus founded a diocese. The city originally consisted of two separate settlements: Kaptol, the ecclesiastical centre with Zagreb Cathedral, and Gradec, a craftsmen's and merchants' settlement. After the Mongol invasion in 1242, Gradec became a free royal city. The two rival settlements were finally united in 1851 by Ban Josip Jelačić, after whom the main city square is named. The 19th century brought significant development: the first railway opened in 1862, gasworks in 1863, waterworks in 1878, and the first horse-drawn tram began operating in 1891. The city experienced substantial growth between 1860 and 1914, despite setbacks like the 1880 earthquake. Zagreb served as the second-largest city in Yugoslavia from 1918 to 1991, hosting notable events such as the 1987 World University Games and the 1990 Eurovision Song Contest. When Croatia declared independence in 1991, Zagreb became the nation's capital. The city's name allegedly originates from a legend involving a knight asking a girl named Manda to 'zagrabi' (grab) water from a spring, which is now commemorated by the Manduševa Fountain in Ban Jelačić Square.

Main Attractions

Upper Town (Gornji Grad)

The Upper Town, also known as Gornji Grad, is the heart of Zagreb's old historical centre. This area is a must-visit for its medieval architecture and cobblestone streets.

St. Mark's Church: This 13th-century church is famous for its colourful tiled roof featuring the coats of arms of Zagreb and Croatia. The church stands in St. Mark's Square, surrounded by important government buildings.

Lotrščak Tower: Visit this 13th-century fortified tower for panoramic views of the city. At noon each day, a cannon is fired from the tower, continuing a centuries-old tradition.

Stone Gate: This ancient city gate houses a chapel with a painting of the Virgin Mary, believed to have miraculous powers. It's a significant spiritual site for locals.

Lower Town (Donji Grad)

The Lower Town showcases Zagreb's 19th-century Austro-Hungarian heritage with its grand buildings and spacious squares.

Ban Jelačić Square: This bustling main square is the heart of Zagreb. It's a popular meeting spot and often hosts events and markets.

Zagreb Cathedral: With its twin spires dominating the skyline, the neo-Gothic cathedral is Zagreb's most prominent landmark. The interior is equally impressive with its ornate altars and stained glass windows.

Dolac Market: Known as the "belly of Zagreb", this vibrant open-air market is the place to experience local life and sample fresh produce.

Art Pavilion on King Tomislav’s Square, Zagreb.

Green Spaces

Zagreb boasts numerous parks and gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.

Zrinjevac Park: Part of Zagreb's 'Green Horseshoe', this park features beautiful fountains, a music pavilion, and tree-lined promenades.

Botanical Garden: Home to over 10,000 plant species, the botanical garden offers a tranquil escape in the city centre.

Maksimir Park: Zagreb's oldest and largest park, Maksimir is ideal for nature lovers with its lakes, meadows, and forests.

Unique Experiences

Funicular Railway: Take a ride on the world's shortest public transport funicular, connecting the Upper and Lower towns.

Tkalčićeva Street: This picturesque street is lined with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, perfect for experiencing Zagreb's cafe culture.

Mirogoj Cemetery: While it may seem unusual, this monumental cemetery is known for its beautiful arcades, pavilions, and sculptures.

Grič Tunnel: This pedestrian tunnel, built as a bomb shelter in World War II, now serves as an exhibition space and shortcut through the city.

From its historic upper town to its bustling markets and green spaces, Zagreb offers a wealth of attractions for visitors to explore. Each site provides a unique glimpse into the city's rich history and vibrant culture.

Top Museums

Museum of Broken Relationships

This unique and popular museum focuses on failed relationships, displaying personal items donated by people worldwide along with their stories. Located in the Upper Town, it offers a mix of humorous and emotional exhibits, providing a poignant reflection on the human experience.

Croatian Museum of Naïve Art

Housed in an 18th-century palace, this museum showcases paintings, sculptures, and other works by outsider Croatian artists. It's an excellent place to explore the distinctive naïve art style.

Museum of Contemporary Art

As Croatia's largest and most significant modern and contemporary art museum, it features a vast collection of works by Croatian and international artists. The museum spans three floors and includes various art forms such as paintings, sculptures, media art, and installations.

Nikola Tesla Technical Museum

This science museum, founded in 1954, houses historic equipment and an interactive Nikola Tesla exhibit. It's an excellent destination for those interested in science and technology.

Archaeological Museum

One of the oldest museums in Zagreb, it contains well-preserved archaeological remains from various periods, including Greek, Roman, Medieval, and Egyptian artifacts. Notable exhibits include the Zagreb mummy bandages and the world's longest Etruscan inscription.

Zagreb City Museum

This well-organized museum showcases the history of Zagreb from ancient to modern times. It features exhibits spanning different eras, with models and informative displays providing insight into the city's rich past.

Local Cuisine

Zagreb's culinary scene beautifully melds Central European influences with Croatian traditions, offering hearty and comforting dishes that reflect the city's rich heritage. The crown jewel of Zagreb's cuisine is štrukli, a beloved cheese-filled pastry that can be served either savoury or sweet, boiled or baked. Another local favourite is purica s mlincima, featuring roasted turkey served with traditional flatbread that soaks up the flavourful meat juices. The city's restaurants also serve distinctive specialities like zagrebački odrezak (Zagreb's take on schnitzel stuffed with ham and cheese), hearty bean soups called grah, and čušpajz, a nourishing vegetable stew. Traditional establishments throughout Zagreb proudly serve these authentic dishes alongside regional delicacies from other parts of Croatia, including Dalmatian seafood and Istrian pasta specialities, making the capital a perfect showcase of the country's diverse gastronomic heritage.

Shopping

Zagreb offers a delightful shopping experience with its blend of traditional markets, modern malls, and charming boutiques. The bustling Ilica Street, stretching nearly 6 kilometres, serves as the city's main shopping thoroughfare, featuring everything from local craftsmen to high-end retailers. The vibrant Dolac Market, open daily until early afternoon, is perfect for fresh produce, local crafts, and authentic Croatian goods. For those seeking modern retail therapy, the city boasts several shopping centres, including Arena Centar, Avenue Mall, and City Center One, whilst the historic Nama department store provides a glimpse into Zagreb's retail heritage. The Upper Town area is particularly charming for antique hunting and discovering unique Croatian souvenirs, whilst independent boutiques along Dezmanova Street showcase local designers and artisanal products.

Nature in and around Zagreb

Zagreb offers a delightful blend of urban greenery and natural wonders, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The city is embraced by the majestic Medvednica Mountain, which features numerous hiking trails and the popular Sljeme peak, perfect for outdoor activities throughout the year. Within the city limits, visitors can explore the stunning Maksimir Park, Zagreb's largest green space, complete with five lakes and the city zoo. The magnificent Botanical Garden in downtown Zagreb showcases over 10,000 plant varieties, whilst Jarun Lake, affectionately known as the 'Zagreb Sea', provides excellent opportunities for swimming, canoeing and waterfront relaxation. Just two hours from the city, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Plitvice Lakes National Park presents an awe-inspiring display of 16 interconnected lakes and cascading waterfalls, making it Croatia's most visited natural attraction. The nearby village of Rastoke, with its picturesque watermills and the confluence of two rivers, offers another charming natural escape.

Getting Around

Zagreb boasts an extensive and efficient public transport system, making it easy for visitors to navigate the Croatian capital. The city's primary mode of transport is the tram network, which consists of 15 daytime lines and 4 night lines, covering most of the urban area. Complementing the trams are 147 bus routes that extend to the outskirts and neighbouring towns. Both trams and buses are operated by ZET (Zagrebački električni tramvaj) and run from early morning until midnight, with night services available thereafter. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, ZET shops, or from drivers, with various options available including single-ride, multi-ride, and daily passes. For those venturing beyond the city centre, there's a funicular connecting the Lower and Upper Town, as well as a cable car to Mount Sljeme for panoramic views. With its affordable fares and comprehensive coverage, Zagreb's public transport system offers a convenient way for tourists to explore the city's attractions.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Zagreb is during spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild and pleasant, with fewer tourists crowding the city's attractions. Spring brings the city to life with blooming flowers and numerous festivals, whilst temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, perfect for exploring the historic Upper Town or relaxing in the city's parks. Although summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season with temperatures reaching 30°C, many locals actually leave the city in August due to the intense heat, and some shops and businesses may be closed. Winter can be quite cold with temperatures dropping below freezing, but December offers a magical atmosphere with Zagreb's award-winning Christmas markets. For the best balance of pleasant weather and minimal crowds, whilst keeping costs reasonable, spring and autumn are your best bet.