Zagreb combines urban energy with old-world charm as an underrated European capital filled with diverse museums, lively markets, and historic landmarks. This comprehensive guide covers the must-see Zagreb top attractions for first-time visitors to make the most of your time in this Croatian city.
A Guide to Zagreb Top Attractions for First-Time Visitors
Museum of Broken Relationships
One of Zagreb’s quirkiest and most memorable museums is the innovative Museum of Broken Relationships. Featuring personal objects and stories from failed relationships around the world, the exhibits offer an entertaining and moving experience. Ex-lovers donate an artifact representing their relationship accompanied by a textual narrative with details, memories, and emotions.
The evocative items range from mundane everyday objects to jewelry and clothing, displayed alongside handwritten stories of heartbreak, regret, liberation, and more. The innovative concept sheds light on the universal human experience of lost love and makes for an impactful, bittersweet, and reflective visit. Set aside an hour to fully take in the exhibits and read the submissions which also include same-sex, intercultural, and elderly relationships.
Mirogoj Cemetery
Just a 10-minute ride north of the city center, Mirogoj Cemetery is both an architectural marvel and solemn memorial site that deserves a spot on any Zagreb itinerary. Mirogoj opened in 1876 and features striking arcades designed in a circular layout interspersed with lush garden spaces. It houses over 350,000 burial plots adorned with elaborate headstones and sculptures designed by many of Croatia’s most talented artists.
A stroll through Mirogoj’s tranquil grounds feels worlds apart from the urban bustle of downtown Zagreb. Notable tombs include those of Marija Jurić Zagorka, a pioneering Croatian journalist, and Dražen Petrović, a Croatian basketball legend. No matter your interests, Mirogoj offers a look at Croatian history and a place to reflect on Zagreb’s most influential figures.
Lotrščak Tower
For amazing views over Zagreb’s red-tiled rooftops without the crowds of Upper Town, head to Lotrščak Tower just south of St. Mark’s Church. Originally built in the 13th century to help defend the city, Lotrščak Tower now allows visitors to climb to the top for panoramic views of downtown Zagreb and surrounds. Added bonuses include watching the firing of the noonday cannon and touring an exhibit detailing the tower’s history. timed tickets must be purchased in advance.
If you would like to plan out the details and pricing of your private car or van transfer in advance, use the Christian Transfers website to book your travel and pay the confirmed rate securely online ahead of time by credit card.
– you can book a car to get from Zagreb to Novalja Pag by clicking on this link or
– book a car to get from Zagreb to Plitvice Parc by clicking on this link.
Funicular Railway to Upper Town
Taking the funicular railway up the slope from downtown Zagreb to historic Upper Town (Gornji Grad) treats you to panoramic views across the city as you travel just over 100 meters in elevation to the medieval section known as Gradec. Emerging at the top, the cobblestone streets, Baroque architecture, and towering Zagreb Cathedral make it seem a world away.
Upper Town’s atmospheric squares, like St. Mark’s Square, harken back to a bygone era. The streets buzz with an eclectic blend of cake shops, artisan boutiques, street performers, and sidewalk cafes perfect for people watching. Descend back down aboard the funicular after exploring Upper Town’s highlights.
Dolac Market
For an authentic local experience away from touristy zones, don’t miss Zagreb’s hectic Dolac Market just above the city’s main square. This open-air market overflows with colorful displays of just-picked fruits and vegetables, fragrant flowers, cuts of meat, wheels of cheese, handmade crafts, and much more.
Wander through the market’s covered lower level before emerging beneath the iconic red umbrellas of the open-air stalls. After browsing, grab a bite from one of the small eateries serving up cheap traditional Croatian bites like ćevapčići sausages. The market runs Monday-Saturday 7am-3pm with the liveliest action in the mornings. Go early to catch locals starting their day.
Zagreb top attractions: Street Art Scene
Zagreb boasts an impressive urban art scene across many neighborhoods with sanctioned murals, graffiti tags, and more. Graffiti emerged in Croatia in the 1980s as political commentary and exploded after the Homeland War when artists began using art as an emotional outlet. Today, Zagreb celebrates its homegrown talent while attracting artists from abroad to contribute.
Walking tours like the Zagreb Street Art Tour offer the chance to spot works by artists like Lunar, Lonac, Elian, and Dino Tomic while learning about the stories and motivations behind the pieces. Tours also provide insight into the city’s subculture. For those short on time, must-see works include the giant ultraviolet turtle by Lonac along Radnička Road.
Maksimir Park and Zoological Gardens
Spend an afternoon immersed in nature without leaving Zagreb by visiting Maksimir Park and Zoo just east of downtown. The lush 18-hectare park contains placid lakes, dotted with romantic bridges and islands, meandering walking paths through the woods and gardens, and outdoor cafes.
Adjacent is the Zagreb Zoo featuring exotic animals like lions, zebras, monkeys, and more roaming landscaped enclosures. On warm weekends, locals flock to Maksimir to stroll, rent boats, enjoy concerts, and have picnics in one of the city’s greenest oases.
A Guide to Zagreb Top Attractions for First-Time Visitors
If you would like to plan out the details and pricing of your private car or van transfer in advance, use the Christian Transfers website to book your travel and pay the confirmed rate securely online ahead of time by credit card.
– you can book a car to get from Zagreb to Novalja Pag by clicking on this link or
– book a car to get from Zagreb to Plitvice Parc by clicking on this link.
Where to Stay in Zagreb
Budget travelers can find private rooms or dorm beds at hostels like Chillout Hostel Zagreb, Hostel Bureau, or Swanky Mint hostel for around 150 HRK ($22 USD) per night. The neighborhoods near the main bus station and close to the train station also offer inexpensive lodging, though they feel less centrally located for sightseeing.
Mid-range hotels like Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria or The Loop Hotel provide modern rooms in downtown locations for average rates around 650 HRK ($97 USD). Look for studios or apartments on services like Airbnb for more space and amenities if staying longer.
For ultimate luxury, Esplanade Zagreb Hotel dating to 1925 is the city’s most upscale accommodation with rooms starting from 2000 HRK ($300 USD) per night during high season. Other high-end options include hotels like Sheraton Zagreb and Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Centre.
If you need the Zagreb Airport website, here is the link.
Tips for Visiting Zagreb top attractions
– Prepare for rainy weather – pack an umbrella or rain jacket for showers
– Ride the efficient trams to get around using an Urbana card
– Spend evenings bar-hopping through alleyways off Tkalčićeva Street
– Seek out traditional Croatian cuisine like ćevapčići, ajvar, kulen, and burek
– Visit the underrated Zagreb City Museum to learn about the city’s past spanning the Roman era through today
With its welcoming vibe, vibrant culture scene, and wealth of museums and monuments, Zagreb rewards visitors with memorable experiences. Use this guide to see the must-visit Zagreb top attractions on your first visit to this Croatian capital.
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