General information about Zagreb
| TEMPERATURE | Average (°C) |
|---|---|
| Spring | 13°C (55.4°F) |
| Summer | 22°C (71.6°F) |
| Fall | 13°C (55.4°F) |
| Winter | 1°C (33.8°F) |
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia. It is a metropolis with 800,000 inhabitants, one of the larger cities in the region. Zagreb is visited by about a million tourists annually, mostly from Germany, the USA, the UK, and other countries. Situated at the crossroads of East and West, Zagreb offers an excellent blend of Central European culture and Mediterranean charm.
On this website, I will introduce you to the most attractive places, activities, and amenities. I will also provide you with service and other information that will help you during your visit to Zagreb.
Zagreb has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It was founded in the 11th century as a fortress for defense against attacks by the Hungarians and Tatars. The city was modernized in the 19th century when Croatia became a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Many significant buildings and parks were constructed during that time.
Map of Zagreb
Interactive map of Zagreb with landmarks
Location
Zagreb lies at the junction where Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and Southeastern Europe. Zagreb is located in the northwestern part of Croatia. The distance to major cities in Croatia and neighboring countries are:
Best Time and Reasons to visit Zagreb
The best time to visit Zagreb is during the spring and fall. The weather is pleasant for walks and other outdoor activities during these seasons. Summer can be humid, but there are many outdoor events and interesting festivals. Winter in Zagreb can be quite cold, but it's great for holiday markets, especially the Christmas market. Zagreb is often declared the best city for Christmas markets.
- Positive experience of previous tourists
- Many parks and green areas
- Friendly locals
- Lots of great free content
- Most of the city's landmarks can be explored on foot
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Best things to see and do in Zagreb
Significant places - Museums - Parks
Significant places
Ban Jelačić Square
The central place in Zagreb is Ban Jelačić Square. It is always a lively place, full of people, regardless of the season, and it is where most people arrange to meet. The square is named after Ban Jelačić, a governor from the 19th century who led Croatian troops in a battle against Hungary, with the goal of achieving greater autonomy for Croatia. The square also features a monument to Ban Jelačić, dating back to 1866.
This is a great place for people watching, as you can observe them walking, meeting each other, or waiting for others or the tram. If you sit in one of the cafes on Ban Jelačić Square, you will certainly enjoy the vibrant movement. Additionally, this place is often the location of various events.
Dolac Market
Dolac is an interesting and characteristic market that is worth visiting. It is located in the city center, just a few minutes' walk from Ban Jelačić Square. This is a great place to meet the locals and buy fresh domestic produce. You can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat, and fish.
Old Upper Town
The old town is an essential destination for all tourists visiting Zagreb. To reach the upper town, there is a legendary funicular from Ilica (near Ban Jelačić Square).
From the Lotrščak Tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Zagreb. Here, there is also the Grič cannon, which has been firing precisely at noon since 1977. In recent years, this firing has been postponed due to the recent earthquake in Zagreb.
In the upper town, you can also find the Church of St. Mark, which is one of the oldest buildings in Zagreb. The tiles of this church depict the coat of arms of the city of Zagreb and the Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia, and Dalmatia.
After a walk through the upper town, you can return via the Stone Gate.
Zagreb Cathedral
The Zagreb Cathedral is one of the main landmarks of the city and one of the largest sacral buildings. It is located a few minutes' walk from the main Zagreb square - Ban Jelačić Square, and is easily visible from any part of the city due to its size. It was built in the Gothic style. Entrance to the Zagreb Cathedral is free of charge.
Visit one of the museums
The museum of Broken Relationships
This is a unique museum, perhaps even in the world. It is also located in the Upper Old Town. The idea is to exhibit objects from broken relationships. At the beginning, this was a traveling exhibition, but since 2011, it has become a permanent museum location.
Croatian Museum of Naïve Art
Museum with paintings, sculptures & other works by outsider Croatian artists in a historic palace., Ćirilometodska ul. 3, 10000, Zagreb
Croatian Sports Museum
Praška ul. 2, 10000, Zagreb
Zagreb City Museum
Opatička ul. 20, 10000, Zagreb
Look for all the museums on our Map of Zagreb
Take a break in one of Zagreb's parks
Art Park Zagreb
Colorful hillside park with outdoor artworks & a kids' playground, plus a cafe & summer events.
Address: Strossmayerovo šetalište, 10000, Zagreb
Park Ribnjak
English-style, 19th century gardens, home to Art Park Zagreb & host to summer concerts. Address: Park Ribnjak, 10000 Zagreb
Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
The Botanical Garden in Zagreb was founded in 1889 and is located in the very center of the city, between the main city streets. This garden is designed as an English landscape, and the most significant part of the garden is the arboretum. Walking through the garden's maze-like pathways, visitors forget they are in the middle of the city. The Zagreb Botanical Garden has a large collection of plants from different parts of the world, and an especially impressive collection of medicinal plants. The garden hosts numerous exhibitions and events, with the most popular being the flower festival and autumn exhibition. The garden is open from April to November, and admission is free for all visitors. Additionally, the garden is a popular tourist attraction in Zagreb and a favorite destination for locals who enjoy the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
Address: Trg Marka Marulića 9A, 10000, Zagreb
Park Bundek
Park Bundek pokriva površinu od oko 545.000 četvornih metara i uključuje dva jezera, dječje igralište, brojne pješačke i biciklističke staze, sportska igrališta i prostor za piknik.
Park je posebno popularan u ljetnim mjesecima kada ljudi dolaze plivati, sunčati se i opuštati uz jezera. Također postoje i nekoliko kafića i restorana u parku gdje posjetitelji mogu uživati u obroku ili piću dok uživaju u prekrasnom pogledu.
Mirogoj Cemetery
This is a frequent tourist destination, interesting for its arcades, pavilions, and tombs that are true architectural masterpieces.
Mirogoj Cemetery is not just a burial place but also a beautiful park. Intertwined with lush vegetation, its pavilions and tombs are monuments to famous people from the rich history. The cemetery has beautiful paths, sculptures, and artfully designed crypts.
Maksimir park
Maksimir Park dates back to 1794 and contains centuries-old oak forests, lakes, and streams. The park is designed in the English style and features 5 lakes and sculptures from various periods of the park's history. There is also a children's playground, a zoo, and a café in the park.
Address: Maksimirski perivoj 1, 10000, Zagreb
Medvednica Nature Park
Medvednica je šumovita planina idealna za planinarenje. Postoji više od 150 staza, od staza za šetnju s klupama, do staza za brdski biciklizam. Zimi je moguće skijanje i sankanje. Šume su prekrivene stablima hrasta, bukve, lipe i tise.
U parku prirode se nalazi srednjovjekovni dvorac Medvedgrad. S vrha planine se pruža izvrstan pogled na Zagreb i Sloveniju.
Zrinjevac Park
Park Zrinjevac is a place for rest and relaxation located in the very center of the city. Surrounded by magnificent plane trees, the park is bustling with strollers all year round. Zrinjevac Park is home to a 19th-century music pavilion that is often an open-air music stage. There is also a 130-year-old meteorological station and several monuments in the park. Concerts or other interesting events are often organized in this park.
Look for all the parkss on our Map of Zagreb
Zagreb nightlife
Walking down Tklačićeva Street
Walking down Tkalčićeva Street, full of people, cafes, and restaurants, is a unique experience. Have dinner, sit in one of the cafes for a beer, or visit one of the rock clubs.
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Zagreb events
The city of Zagreb is rich in various events throughout the year, whether they are concerts or other types of events.
Come to Špica on Saturday morning
Having coffee in the city center on Saturday morning in Zagreb is a tradition of the locals. This event is called Špica by the locals. Then, residents from various parts of the city come to one of the cafes, mostly in Bogovićeva Street, although you won't miss if you sit in any café in the city center.
Antiques fair on Sunday at the British Square
On this square, an antiques fair takes place on Sundays. You can browse various stands and buy different antiques. The British Square is located in the city center, about 15 minutes of easy walking distance from the main city square, Josip Jelačić Square. On other days, you can buy fruits and vegetables on this square.
Summer on Stross
The "Summer on Stross" event is organized in the upper town during the summer. There are various performances for children and a rich music program for adults. You can enjoy outdoor concerts of different types of music. Also, the free "Gradec Summer Cinema" is organized at Katarinin Square.
Advent in Zagreb
Accomodation in Zagreb
Zagreb offers a wide range of accommodation options for every budget. You can choose from luxury hotels, hostels, and private apartment rentals. There are also plenty of accommodations available in the city center, including many Airbnb listings. However, during larger events like the Advent in Zagreb, it may be difficult to find available accommodation and prices may increase accordingly.
Cafes
Zagreb is also known for its distinctive cafes. The coffee-drinking ritual has influences from the east, where coffee is savored for hours and an invitation for coffee means an invitation to socialize. Cafes are scattered throughout the city and generally offer a variety of teas, beers, and other alcoholic beverages.
Some of the significant cafes
- Johann Franck, Trg bana Josipa Jelačića 9, 10000, Zagreb
- Petit Cafe, Petrićev pro., 10000, Zagreb
Best restaurants in Zagreb
and traditional Zagreb food
.Zagreb is known for several characteristic dishes specific to this area:
- Zagreb steak (Zagrebački odrezak) - breaded pork or chicken schnitzel stuffed with ham and cheese, served with rice, fries, or vegetables.
- Zagreb Strudel (Štrukli) - a traditional dish made of pastry dough usually filled with cheese and sour cream, which can be served savory or sweet.
- Turkey with mlinci (Purica s mlincima) - roasted turkey served with mlinci, a traditional specifically prepared pasta.
- Cheese and cream (sir i vrhnje) - a typical Zagreb breakfast consisting of fresh cheese and sour cream.
- Kremšnita or krempita, is a cake made up of two layers of puff pastry crust, between which is a sweet cream made of whipped cream and custard. The top layer of crust is usually dusted with powdered sugar.
- Orahnjača is a traditional cake made of yeast dough filled with ground walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, and other spices, often served for Christmas or Easter.
There is also a great selection of various international cuisines available in Zagreb.
Some of the restaurants in Zagreb
- Melt - Gelato & Brunch Bar, The breakfast experience was excellent and very tasty. Address: Radićeva ul. 3A, 10000, Zagreb
- Wok by Matija, A casual and convenient restaurant with wok food, Address: Ul. Ivana Tkalčića 12, 10000, Zagreb
Best restaurants in Zagreb
and traditional Zagreb food
.Zagreb is known for several characteristic dishes specific to this area:
- Zagreb steak (Zagrebački odrezak) - breaded pork or chicken schnitzel stuffed with ham and cheese, served with rice, fries, or vegetables.
- Zagreb Strudel (Štrukli) - a traditional dish made of pastry dough usually filled with cheese and sour cream, which can be served savory or sweet.
- Turkey with mlinci (Purica s mlincima) - roasted turkey served with mlinci, a traditional specifically prepared pasta.
- Cheese and cream (sir i vrhnje) - a typical Zagreb breakfast consisting of fresh cheese and sour cream.
- Kremšnita or krempita, is a cake made up of two layers of puff pastry crust, between which is a sweet cream made of whipped cream and custard. The top layer of crust is usually dusted with powdered sugar.
- Orahnjača is a traditional cake made of yeast dough filled with ground walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, and other spices, often served for Christmas or Easter.
There is also a great selection of various international cuisines available in Zagreb.
Traveling to Zagreb and Public Transport
Traveling to Zagreb
By plane
Zagreb Airport "Dr. Franjo Tuđman" connects the country with almost all major European cities. It is located 12 kilometers from the center of Zagreb. To get to the city from the airport, you can take a taxi or the airport transport to the main bus station, from which you can take tram number 6 and arrive at the city center (Ban Jelačić Square) after 5 tram stops. The taxi price is around €20, and the bus ticket costs €6.
By Train
Zagreb je connected with neighboring countries and other cities in Croatia by train. There are also train connections from Zagreb to Split and Osijek within the country. However, trains in Croatia are the slowest transportation option with frequent delays and long journeys, so this is an option for tourists who want to see the country this way.
By bus
Many international cities are connected to Zagreb by bus. The main bus station is located 5 tram stops away from the city center (by tram number 6).
By cars
Zagreb is connected to neighboring countries and places by the following roads:
- A3 highway Bregana - Zagreb - Lipovac connecting Zagreb to Northern Europe
- A6 highway connects Rijeka to Zagreb
- A4 highway connects Zagreb to Hungary
There are several parking lots in Zagreb, and the price of parking varies depending on the zone and time of parking. In the city center, there are also zones where parking is free, but a fee for entering the zone is usually required at those locations.
Note: Strict penalties apply in Croatia for driving under the influence of alcohol, and speeds are limited on highways and other roads. Be careful and respect traffic rules.
Public transport
Zagreb is easy to explore on foot, by public transportation, or by bike. If you plan to spend most of your time in the city center, you can easily visit all the attractions on foot. If you need to travel further, you can use public transportation or a taxi. For the more adventurous, it is also possible to rent a bike.
Car rental
In general, you don't need a car to get around the city as parking can be problematic. If you want to explore the surrounding areas, renting a car can be a good option. All major international car rental companies such as Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt are available. There are also domestic companies with offices at the airport and various locations throughout the city.
Car rental prices in Zagreb are affordable, especially outside the tourist season. Prices are more favorable for multi-day rentals. Online reservation is simple. It is important to note that in Croatia, driving is on the right-hand side, and most cars have a manual gearbox. If you want an automatic gearbox car, be sure to specify that when ordering a car. Cars with automatic gearboxes may be more expensive to rent.
Shoping in Zagreb
Local currency, payments, cards, and ATMs.
In Zagreb, as well as throughout Croatia, the local currency is the euro. If you come to Zagreb with a different currency, you can exchange money at banks, exchange offices, or at the receptions of larger hotels.
Credit cards can be used almost everywhere, except in cafes where it is not customary. In any case, ask the staff before using the service. ATMs are available everywhere and have options in multiple languages. When paying with cards or withdrawing money from ATMs, you may have the option to pay in the local currency or in your own country's currency. Be sure to choose the local currency because you may have to pay a higher commission.
Access to the internet
In Zagreb, there are many options for accessing the internet. All hotels, hostels, and other accommodation options generally offer free internet access. The same is true for cafes and restaurants. Often, you just need to ask for the password to access the internet if it's not already included on your receipt. In the city center, the city of Zagreb also provides access to the internet in public spaces.
If you want a more secure and independent internet access, you can also purchase a prepaid SIM card from mobile operators and use the data.
Slike:
- Zagreb city center by night, Photo by Frane Medić on Unsplash
- Zrinjevac, Photo by Kristijan Arsov on Unsplash
- Upper town, Photo by Sara P. on Unsplash
- Umjetnički paviljon, Photo by Aleksandar Vučin on Unsplash
- Upper town, Photo by David Boca on Unsplash
- Sljeme, Photo by Matija Sundalic on Unsplash
- Maksimir, Photo by Acy Varlan on Unsplash
- Tram, Photo by Anthony Rosset on Unsplash
- Oktogon, Photo by Josipa Humski on Unsplash
- Theatar, Photo by Tomislav Dodig on Unsplash
- Uspinjača, Photo by Antoine Schibler on Unsplash
- Advent, Photo by Omar Tursić on Unsplash
- Upper town, detail, Photo by Caz Hayek on Unsplash