Zagreb, Croatia’s lively capital, seamlessly blends old-world history with a youthful, creative spirit. Known for its elegant Austro-Hungarian architecture, leafy parks, and bustling squares, Zagreb is a city where tradition meets modern energy. Its compact center makes it highly walkable, inviting visitors to amble along picturesque streets, linger in bustling markets, and soak up the local café culture that defines daily life here.
The city's main attractions range from the grand Zagreb Cathedral and the atmospheric St. Mark’s Church in the Upper Town, to the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships and the colorful Dolac Market. Take the funicular up to Gornji Grad for panoramic views and wander through winding medieval lanes lined with galleries and artisan boutiques. Don’t miss a stroll down Tkalčićeva Street, famous for its lively bars, restaurants, and street performers, especially on warm evenings when the city comes alive.
Beyond the sights, Zagreb’s atmosphere feels both cosmopolitan and deeply local. Locals love their leisurely coffee breaks at outdoor terraces, and the city’s year-round calendar is packed with festivals—be it art installations, live music, or Christmas markets if you visit in winter. Neighborhoods like lower Donji Grad and vibrant Martićeva Street pulse with contemporary art, indie music, and a burgeoning foodie scene showcasing both traditional Croatian fare and inventive fusion kitchens.
Getting around is easy thanks to the efficient tram network and reasonable taxi fares. Accommodation options range from chic boutique hotels in historic buildings to cozy guesthouses in quieter residential areas. Dining out can be as simple as grabbing fresh pastries at a bakery or savoring a multi-course meal at a modern bistro. English is widely spoken, and visitors tend to find Zagreb locals friendly and happy to offer tips or directions.
Late spring and early autumn offer the best weather, with fewer tourists and plenty of outdoor events. Summers are lively but can get hot, while December transforms the city with festive lights and markets. A handy insider tip: many museums are free or discounted on the first Sunday of the month, and street art lovers should keep their eyes peeled for murals around the city center.
The city's main attractions range from the grand Zagreb Cathedral and the atmospheric St. Mark’s Church in the Upper Town, to the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships and the colorful Dolac Market. Take the funicular up to Gornji Grad for panoramic views and wander through winding medieval lanes lined with galleries and artisan boutiques. Don’t miss a stroll down Tkalčićeva Street, famous for its lively bars, restaurants, and street performers, especially on warm evenings when the city comes alive.
Beyond the sights, Zagreb’s atmosphere feels both cosmopolitan and deeply local. Locals love their leisurely coffee breaks at outdoor terraces, and the city’s year-round calendar is packed with festivals—be it art installations, live music, or Christmas markets if you visit in winter. Neighborhoods like lower Donji Grad and vibrant Martićeva Street pulse with contemporary art, indie music, and a burgeoning foodie scene showcasing both traditional Croatian fare and inventive fusion kitchens.
Getting around is easy thanks to the efficient tram network and reasonable taxi fares. Accommodation options range from chic boutique hotels in historic buildings to cozy guesthouses in quieter residential areas. Dining out can be as simple as grabbing fresh pastries at a bakery or savoring a multi-course meal at a modern bistro. English is widely spoken, and visitors tend to find Zagreb locals friendly and happy to offer tips or directions.
Late spring and early autumn offer the best weather, with fewer tourists and plenty of outdoor events. Summers are lively but can get hot, while December transforms the city with festive lights and markets. A handy insider tip: many museums are free or discounted on the first Sunday of the month, and street art lovers should keep their eyes peeled for murals around the city center.
Expected Weekly Budget
$900–$1300 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Explore the medieval streets of Upper Town (Gornji Grad)
- Browse fresh produce at Dolac Market
- Enjoy coffee and people-watching on a café terrace
- Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships
- Stroll through Maksimir Park
- Take in city views from Lotrščak Tower
- Experience the nightlife on Tkalčićeva Street
- Tour the stunning Zagreb Cathedral
Notable Sites
- Zagreb Cathedral
- St. Mark’s Church
- Dolac Market
- Museum of Broken Relationships
- Ban Jelačić Square
- Maksimir Park
- Lotrščak Tower
- Art Pavilion
General Advice
Zagreb is a visitor-friendly city with a relaxed pace, ideal for exploring on foot or by tram. Most major sights are concentrated in the center, making quick day trips easy, but don’t hesitate to venture into neighboring districts for more authentic local experiences. English is widely spoken, especially among younger residents and in the hospitality industry, so communication is rarely an issue. Currency is the euro (€), and major credit cards are generally accepted, though it’s handy to carry some cash for markets or smaller cafes.
Security & Safety
Zagreb is considered one of Europe’s safer capitals, with low levels of serious crime. Still, as with any city, keep an eye on valuables in crowded areas and while using public transit, as pickpocketing can occasionally occur, especially in tourist hotspots and during busy events. Walking around at night is generally safe in central areas. It’s always a good idea to keep your belongings close and be cautious of your surroundings, particularly in nightlife districts.
Travel Tips
- Purchase a Zagreb Card for discounts on attractions and free public transport.
- The city center is very walkable, but trams are a convenient way to get around.
- Try local specialties like štrukli and fresh produce at Dolac Market.
- Most museums close on Mondays – plan accordingly.
- Tipping in restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory; 5–10% is common.
- Pack layers, as weather can change quickly, especially in spring and fall.
- Tap water is safe and drinkable throughout the city.
- Carry some euros for smaller shops and markets that may not take cards.
Similar Destinations
Photo Gallery
Loading photos...
Traveler Comments
Visited in May 2024
Zagreb really surprised me! It was easy to get around, and the old town had such a relaxed vibe. I especially loved the Museum of Broken Relationships—definitely something different. If you’re into café culture, this is heaven.
Stayed in September 2023
The city is packed with history, but what stood out for me was how friendly everyone was. We enjoyed walking through Maksimir Park and sampling street food at Dolac Market every morning. Can’t wait to come back.
Traveled here in December 2023
Zagreb in winter is so charming with its Christmas markets, but it does get cold. Still, the lights and local mulled wine made up for it. Bring a warm jacket if visiting in December!
Visited in April 2024
Great city for art lovers—so many galleries and murals everywhere. Tkalčićeva Street was buzzing at night. Only wish trams ran a bit later, as we ended up walking home after midnight.
Stayed in June 2024
I traveled solo and felt safe the whole time, even at night around the main square. The food scene is underrated—štrukli was delicious! It rained one day, but the museums were great for escaping the weather.
Traveled here in October 2023
Took my family for a week and our kids loved the city parks, especially Maksimir. The local trams made moving around a breeze. The only issue was a bit of a language barrier outside the tourist spots, but everyone tried to help.
Visited in August 2023
I enjoyed the city’s mix of old and new, with lively festivals going on even late in summer. However, it was a little hot during the day so we stuck to museums and cafes until evening. Great for people-watching!
Traveled here in March 2024
Really liked Lotrščak Tower—the view was worth the climb. Ate some fantastic pastries at a bakery off the main street. Would love to see more vegetarian options in restaurants though.
Visited in July 2023
Perfect stop on our Croatia trip! The architecture and market stalls were awesome for photos. Everything’s easy to reach, and our boutique hotel had a great breakfast. Zagreb feels lively without being overwhelming.
Stayed in February 2024
The city was interesting, but it was quite quiet at this time of year. Some shops and restaurants were closed in the evenings. That said, the museums were all open and I enjoyed the snow in the streets.
Traveled here in November 2023
Loved the autumn colors in the parks and casual vibe everywhere. My friend and I went to a jazz club recommended by locals—total highlight! Some sights have steep steps, so comfy shoes are a must.
Visited in June 2024
We came for the INmusic Festival, and Zagreb surpassed our expectations. The tram lines were super convenient and the Upper Town’s historical spots impressed us. Would love to stay longer next time.
Traveled here in April 2023
Good mix of sightseeing and relaxation. Ban Jelačić Square gets busy, so we escaped to some quiet gardens. Food prices were reasonable compared to other European capitals.
Visited in July 2024
Had a great time photographing the city, especially at sunset from the tower. The layout is easy to navigate, and everyone was willing to share recommendations. Some museums were crowded, but nothing unbearable.
Stayed in September 2023
I was here for work and wound up staying an extra two days because there was so much to see! The Dolac Market is fantastic for fresh fruit and local cheeses. Could have spent a week just exploring the different neighborhoods.
Traveled here in January 2024
Winter was quieter but magical with all the lights. Some sights had shorter opening hours than usual, so plan ahead. Still had a wonderful time trying pastries and wandering the streets.
Visited in May 2024
The Zagreb Card was great for saving money as we visited a ton of museums. Enjoyed the laid-back scene in Martićeva for dinner and drinks. Watch your wallet around crowded trams is my only tip!
Stayed in October 2023
Our kids (ages 7 and 10) enjoyed Maksimir Park and seeing the city by tram. Zagreb feels very safe, even at night. Restaurants were happy to cater to families.
Visited in March 2024
Lots to keep busy here—cool museums, outdoor cafes, and live street music. We found the nightlife scene more chill compared to bigger capitals, but that was a plus for us. Bring coins for the trams!
Traveled here in August 2023
Spent a few days as a solo traveler and always felt comfortable. The street art and small galleries were highlights. Wish more places were open late on Sundays, but otherwise everything was great!
Share Your Experience
Sign in to leave a review and share your travel photos.