23 Astonishing Tourist Attractions to Visit in Zagreb, Croatia

September 21, 2021 Mustafa Natalwala 2878 Views

Zagreb is the national capital city of Croatia, situated in the northwestern part of the country. The city has a special status as Croatian administrative division and is a consolidated city made up of 17 districts. The older parts of the city are of greater interest for tourist as they contain majority of the best places to visit in Zagreb.

This city has a history going back to 1st century A.D. and has been home to several civilizations and cultures over the years. The oldest town which settled in the region was Aduatonia which was a part of the Roman Empire. Many of Zagreb tourist attractions originate from the Roman Empire. It was given the name Zagreb under Kingdom of Hungary in 1134, after it was declared a free royal city under the empire in 1242.

While it lacks coastal appeal of other Croatian cities, Zagreb attractions are known for their rich history and cultural heritage. The city has some of the largest museums and art galleries in Croatia. Some of the highlights of historical Zagreb sightseeing includes Archaeological Museum, Croatian Natural History Museum, Technical Museum, Modern Gallery, Zagreb City Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Museum of Contemporary Arts, Mimara Museum and so on. There are also a few gems under unusual and cool places in Zagreb like Museum of Broken Relationships, Museum of Hangovers and Museum of Torture.

There are several top things to do in Zagreb besides exploring art and history as well. The city lives and breathes native Croatian culture. Some of the best cultural events can be experienced at Croatian National Theater. The city also hosts several events and festivals throughout the year. The city is also well known for its gastronomical culture as well, whether it is Croatian cuisine or hybrid culinary creations. It is also one of the best cities in Croatia for shopping. You can explore both traditional markets and shopping centers.

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Table of Contents

Visit The Best Tourist Places in Zagreb in 4 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata)

This is one of the most important shrines in the city dedicated to St. Virgin Mary. The gate is part medieval fortification and one of the best places to visit in Zagreb to begin journey into history of the city. You won’t need more than a few minutes for the Stone Gate.

2. St. Catherine’s Church (Crkva sv. Katarine)

The church was first built between 1620 and 1632 and the famous altar of this church dates back to 1762. This church is among the most beautiful things to see in Zagreb owing to its baroque style jesuit architecture. You would need 30 to 40 minutes for this church.

3. Lotrščak Tower (Kula Lotrščak)

This 13th century fortified tower is one of the best places to visit for Zagreb sightseeing. This tower was associated with the southern gate of old Gradec town. You would need 15 to 20 minutes to explore the tower and enjoy the views from the top story.

4. Museum of Broken Relationships (Muzej prekinutih veza)

This museum is among the quirkiest Zagreb attractions. It is a collection of items discarded after love relationships come to an end. Exploring this museum, especially with friends is one of the most fun things to do in Zagreb. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for this museum.

5. Croatian Museum of Naïve Art (Hrvatski muzej naivne umjetnosti)

This museum is dedicated to Naive artists from the 20th century. It has a collection of 1,900 such works of naive art. You will need about an hour to explore this museum when you visit Zagreb.

6. St. Mark’s Church (Crkva sv. Marka)

The church was built in the 13th century and has since become an iconic landmark of the city owing to its white tower and tiled roof. Though you won’t need more than 30 minutes form Zagreb travel for this church.

7. Zagreb City Museum (Muzej grada Zagreba)

The museum is dedicated to the city, its people, history, culture and heritage. It is one of the very first Zagreb tourist attractions you should visit to understand the places you would visit later. It will take you an hour at least to explore this museum.

8. Grič Tunnel (Tunel Grič)

This pedestrian tunnel was built as a bomb shelter during the second world war. It is named after the neighborhood under which this tunnel is situated. It is one of the unusual places to visit in Zagreb which has become a tourist attraction somehow. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for Gric Tunnel

Day 2

1. Zagreb Zoo (Zoološki vrt Grada Zagreba)

The zoo is among the top things to do in Zagreb for families. The zoo has more than 2,000 animals from 275 species situated in a variety of habitats. You will need at least an hour or so for the zoo.

2. Maksimir Park

This is the oldest park of its kind in the city and dates back to 1787. It was also the first park of its kind in southern Europe as well. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this park.

3. Cathedral of Zagreb (Zagrebačka katedrala)

The church was originally built in the 11th century and was rebuilt in the 19th century with Neo-Gothic architectural elements. It is one of the most wonderful things to see in Zagreb and the tallest structure in Croatia as well. It will take you an hour for this monument.

4. Dolac Market

This farmers market let’s you explore the local produce. There are also several locally made items like wine, syrups, and street treats which you can enjoy at this market. It is among fun things to do in Zagreb for those who like to explore food. You would need about 30 minutes for this market.

5. Ban Josip Jelačić Square (Trg Bana Jelačića)

This is the central historic square of the city with several cool places in Zagreb surrounding it. This square is also the center for several events in the city, if you trip coincides with such events, don’t miss out the incredible atmosphere. You would need about 30 minutes for this square.

6. Zagreb 360° Observation Deck

This skyscraper’s observation deck is one the best places to visit for Zagreb sightseeing. The terrace also has a nice cafe and restaurant. You would need about an hour for Zagreb 360.

7. Tortureum – Museum of Torture

The museum exhibits devices used for torture from ancient times all the way to the present. It is one of the most unusual Zagreb attractions to explore. It will require an hour of your time.

Day 3

1. Archaeological Museum (Arheološki muzej u Zagrebu)

This museum traces archaeological evidence discovered in the region from pre-historic times. It has more than 450,000 items in its collection. You will need 2 to 3 hours time from Zagreb travel to explore this museum.

2. Modern Gallery (Moderna Galerija)

This museum exhibits 19th and 20th century Croatian art and has more than 10,000 items on display. It is one of the foremost Zagreb tourist attractions to explore for those who admire or practice art. You will need about an hour to explore it.

3. Art Pavilion (Umjetnički paviljon u Zagrebu)

This is the oldest art gallery in the city, originally founded in 1898. It is also the oldest institution of its king in all of Europe as well. It will take you 2 hours to explore it.

4. Museum of Contemporary Art (Muzej suvremene umjetnosti)

This museum exhibits modern and contemporary art, especially from Croatian artists. This is the largest museum in Croatia and is renowned for its modern architecture and infrastructure. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this museum when you visit Zagreb.

Day 4

1. Ethnographic Museum (Etnografski muzej)

This museum traces the cultural history of the people of the region as well as of Croatia. It holds a collection of more than 70,000 items and is one Zagreb must see places for those who wish to delve in history. You will need 1 hour or so to explore this museum.

2. Zagreb Botanical Garden (Botanički vrt u Zagrebu)

These gardens have 10,000 species of flora collected from Croatia and also several other countries. It will take you an hour at least to explore the garden.

3. The Museum of Mimara (Muzej Mimara)

Also known as Art Collection of Ante, this museum exhibits 3,750 works of art donated by the Mimara family. The collection is large enough to warrant a couple of hours of time to explore.

4. Museum Of Illusions (Muzej iluzija)

This museum is among fun things to do in Zagreb. The museum has exhibits which are experiences of sorts to teach how our mind and senses work and often trick us. You would need 2 hours for this museum during Zagreb travel.

If you are looking for more Zagreb attractions or activities, do check out the section below.

Things to do in Zagreb

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Zagreb

Museum of Broken Relationships
St. Mark’s Church
Cathedral of Zagreb
Museum of Contemporary Art
Archeological Museum of Zagreb
Lotrscak Tower
Mimara Art Museum
Museo Croato de Arte Naif
Museum of Arts and Crafts
Museum of Illusions
Nikola Tesla Technical Museum
Zagreb Art Pavillion
Stone Gate
Zagreb City Museum
Gric Tunnel
Medvedgrad Castle
Klovicevi Dvori Gallery
The Ethnographic Museum
Modern Gallery Art Museum
Croatian History Museum
Croatian Natural History Museum
Croatian Museum of School
Atelier Mestrovic Art Gallery
Tortereum – Museum of Torture
Glyptotheque Museum of Croatian Sculptures
King Tomislav Statue
Zagreb 80s Museum
The Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters
Typhlological Museum
Luznica Manor
Ban Josip Jelacic Statue
Museum of Peasant Revolts
Croatian Railway Museum
Novi Dvori Castle
Police Museum
Church of St. Catherine
Mushroom Museum
Museum of Hangovers
War Photography Museum
Zagreb Chocolate Museum
Well of Life Sculpture
Mandusevac Fountain
Hrvatski Museum of Architecture
Matija Skurjeni Museum
Nikola Tesla Monument
Susedgrad Castle Ruins
Rudnik Zrinksi Mines
Monument of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Dotrscina Memorial
Zagreb Central Mosque

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Zagreb

Medvednica Forest
Jarun Lake
Sljeme
Medvednica Nature Park
Veternica Cave
Plitvicka Jezera
Slap Sopot Forest
Cice Lake
Rakitje Jazira
Krapina River

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Zagreb

Maksimir Park
Zagreb Zoo
Botanical Gardens of Zagreb
Croatian Society of Fine Artisans
Lauba Art Gallery
Zagreb Art Park
Aquapark Adamovec
Bundek City Park
Sljeme Skii Resort
Ribnjak Park
Bornstein Winery
Hotel Grand Casino Admiral
Park Zrinjevac
Diamond Palace Casino
Flora Art Garden

Shopping in Zagreb

Mesnica NENO Dolac
Arena Center
Ilica Street
Avenue Mall
Dolac Market
City Center One East
British Square
City Center One West
Hrelic Flea Market

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Zagreb

Skiing
Hiking
Mountain Climbing
Mountain Bike Tours
Trekking
Backo Mini Express Tour

Sightseeing in Zagreb

Ban Josip Jelacic Square
Zagreb 360 Observation Deck
Zrinjevac Park
Ilica Street
Ban Jelacic Square
Strossmayer Promenade
Saint Mark’s Square
Kaptol Area
King Tomislav Square
British Square
Oktogon Passage

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Zagreb

Bacchus Jazz Bar
RougeMarin
SOI Fusion Bar
Dubravkin Put
Mali Bar
Trilogija
Time
Elixir
Man O2
Bistro Apetit
Nav
Ivica & Marica
Pod Zidom
Sofra
Kut
Baltazar
Soi
Croatian Food Heritage
Carpaccio
La Struk
Lari & Penati
Craft Room
The Atrium

Where to Stay in Zagreb?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Zagreb. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Zagreb.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Zagreb

How to Reach Zagreb?

By Air

The fastest option for Zagreb travel is the city’s international airport. You can get direct flights from several cities in Europe, Asia, Middle East and North America like Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Athens, Barcelona, Istanbul, Dusseldorf, Madrid, Copenhagen, Rome, London, Munich, Paris, Vienna, Tel Aviv, Zurich, Split, Dubrovnik, Dubai, Seoul, Doha, Toronto, Berlin, Prague, Moscow, Stockholm and more.

You have the options of bus, shuttle bus and cabs to reach all of various Zagreb attractions from the airport. There are also tour buses and tour taxis which you can hire for entire trip. These come with a guide, but are quite expensive.

By Road

The central train station of Zagreb receives visitors from several cities in Croatia as well as surrounding nations. You can get direct train from Budapest, Sarajevo, Zurich, Salzburg, Munich, Belgrade, Split, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Ljubljana, Vienna, Innsbruck and more. The bus network for Zagreb travel is quite widespread. There are several local, national and international buses which connect to the Croatian capital. There are even tour busses with itinerary of best places to visit in Zagreb in a span of a day.

If you plan to travel by road, routes E59, E65, E70 and A11 are suitable to reach Zagreb.

By Water

Being a landlocked city, there are no direct water routes to reach the Croatian capital.

Image Reference

Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata) – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
St. Catherine’s Church (Crkva sv. Katarine) – Fred Romero / Flickr
Lotrščak Tower (Kula Lotrščak) – Fred Romero / Flickr
Museum of Broken Relationships (Muzej prekinutih veza) – Mitch Altman / Flickr
Croatian Museum of Naïve Art (Hrvatski muzej naivne umjetnosti) – leiris202 / Flickr
St. Mark’s Church (Crkva sv. Marka) – Arvid Olson / PixaBay
Zagreb City Museum (Muzej grada Zagreba) – Andrew Nash / Flickr
Grič Tunnel (Tunel Grič) – PxFuel
Zagreb Zoo (Zoološki vrt Grada Zagreba) – Vojtěch Dočkal / Wikimedia Commons
Maksimir Park – Tihomir Gržinčić / Wikimedia Commons
Cathedral of Zagreb (Zagrebačka katedrala) – Marko Tomic / PixaBay
Dolac Market – Jorge Franganillo / Flickr
Ban Josip Jelačić Square (Trg Bana Jelačića) – Sei F / Flickr
Zagreb 360° Observation Deck – strgars / PixaBay
Tortureum – Museum of Torture – August Dominus / Wikimedia Commons
Archaeological Museum (Arheološki muzej u Zagrebu) – Fred Romero / Flickr
Modern Gallery (Moderna Galerija) – Fred Romero / Flickr
Art Pavilion (Umjetnički paviljon u Zagrebu) – Fred Romero / Flickr
Museum of Contemporary Art (Muzej suvremene umjetnosti) – Fred Romero / Flickr
Ethnographic Museum (Etnografski muzej) – Suradnik13 / Wikimedia Commons
Zagreb Botanical Garden (Botanički vrt u Zagrebu) – Silvia R. Galindo / Flickr
The Museum of Mimara (Muzej Mimara) – Filip Filipović / PixaBay
Museum Of Illusions (Muzej iluzija) – Mitch Altman / Flickr