We spent one day in the Croatian capital of Zagreb as part of a Balkan Road Trip. Zagreb is a pleasant city, but it’s not very big (with a population of around 767,000), so a day is probably enough to see the main sights. Here is my pick of the top 10 things to do on a visit to Zagreb.
How to get to Zagreb
As mentioned above, we drove to Zagreb as part of a road trip, arriving from Slovenia and departing the next day for Serbia. It’s an easy drive, as Zagreb is well served with motorways. If you’re not driving, Zagreb is equally well served with buses and trains from across Europe. It has its own airport, around 10 miles south east of the city. Bus No 290 runs between the airport and the city.
Getting Around Zagreb
Zagreb isn’t very big and is easily explored on foot. The city is divided into an upper and lower section, which are connected by a funicular railway.
Where to Stay in Zagreb
We stayed at 4citywindows, which is a small, centrally located B&B run by a lovely couple. It’s beautifully decorated (the owner is an illustrator and each room is unique). The owners are extremely welcoming, there is free parking on site and an excellent breakfast (we were served pancakes with home made plum jam). I can thoroughly recommend a stay here. We stayed in the Cartoon Room, which features hand drawn cartoons from war time animated films.
Zagreb: Top 10 Things to do
| 1 | Take a stroll through the park at Zrinjevac |
| 2 | Admire the architecture in Strossmayer Square |
| 3 | Visit the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary |
| 4 | Shop in Dolac Market |
| 5 | Relax in Trg Bana Jelačića |
| 6 | Take the Funicular Railway to the Upper Town |
| 7 | Admire the old buildings of the Upper Town |
| 8 | Enjoy the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships |
| 9 | Admire St Mark’s Church and its roof |
| 10 | Pass through the city’s ancient Stone Gate |
No 1 – Take a stroll through the park at Zrinjevac
Start with a wander round the gardens of Zrinjevac, a pretty park with fountains, flower beds and sculptures.
No 2 – Admire the architecture in Strossmayer Square
I can’t resist a bit of communist art and there are some interesting statues in Strossmayer Square.
No 3- Visit the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Zagreb Cathedral (or the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to give it its full name) with its twin spires dominates the city.
The cathedral is undergoing renovation. On display are new and old pieces of stonework to demonstrate the damage which has occurred over time. If pollution can cause so much damage to stone, what chance do our lungs have?
No 4 – Shop in Dolac Market
Next, cross the square to Dolac Market, vibrant with flowers and all manner of produce. We purchased some lunch from one of the stalls and had an impromptu picnic.
No 5 – Relax in Trg Bana Jelačića
Just past the market is another square: Trg Bana Jelačića with a statue in the middle. It depicts a 19th century viceroy who led Croatia into battle against Hungary. During his reign, President Tito ordered it to be taken down. But after his demise, the statue was returned to its place in the square.
No 6 – Take the Funicular Railway to the Upper Town
Take the 18th century Funicular Railway to the Upper Town. The Zagreb Funicular is the oldest means of public transportation in Zagreb. At just 66 metres long, it claims to be the shortest funicular in the world. From the top, you can look out across the Lower Town.
The funicular is open daily from 6.30 am until 10 pm operating every 10 minutes. A one way ticket costs €0.66. Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry, you can pay €3.32 for an urgent ride.
No 7 – Admire the old buildings of the Upper Town
The Upper Town is the oldest part of Zagreb. You can wander through the ancient cobbled streets admiring some of the old buildings.
No 8 – Enjoy the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships
The intriguingly named Museum of Broken Relationships (somewhat ironically in Dverce street). People donate items which remind them of the end of a relationship, together with an explanation. There’s quite a range on display from the moving (a mother’s suicide letter) to the more humorous (a Divorce Day mad dwarf thrown at an ex’s new car).
My guide book describes the museum as ‘quirky and innovative’. While some of it is interesting and poignant, there are many long-winded self-indulgent explanations of failed love affairs. However, it’s kind of a Zagreb must-see, so overall I’m glad we visited.
The Museum of Broken Relationships is open daily from 9 am until 9 pm (10 pm between June and September). Entry costs €7.
No 9 – Admire St Mark’s Church and its roof
The iconic St Mark’s Church is mostly known for its roof. Tiled in the colours of the Croatian flag, complete with coats of arms, this roof is emblematic of the city, and indeed Croatia.
No 10 – Pass through the city’s ancient Stone Gate
The imposing Stone Gate formed part of the old town’s fortifications and is the last remaining city gate.
- Trip Taken: September 2018
- Updated: March 2025
I hope you found the above information useful. For more top picks from other destinations in the 50+ countries we have visited, check out my full Top 10 Things To Do list here.
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