A Fantastic 48-Hour Zagreb Itinerary

a group of people at a market

I have a very special connection with Croatia – well, Zagreb, more specifically. Yes, the girlfriend (you know as Gordana, and at times Goga) is half Croatian and half Serbian, so at the core of my connection with ex-Yugoslavia and the Balkans is, without a doubt, centred around her.

But if I wanted to get all gooey and sentimental, then Croatia & Serbia are the two countries I visited on my first-ever trip to Europe.

That year, I visited Belgrade, Zagreb and Split. I walked around with my jaw on the floor, looking up, looking down, eating food, drinking beer – different sounds, different language, different smells…I was in love with travel.

I’ve since been to Zagreb about 8 times, which I guess inevitably leads to – why did it take you eight years to do a Zagreb Itinerary?

I’m not sure, but I do know that this Zagreb 2-day itinerary was well overdue.

portrait of a brunette woman | zagreb itinerary
This article is now available as a mobile app. Go to GPSmyCity to download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the attractions featured in this article.

Zagreb is in which country again?

  • Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of Croatia. It is located in the northwest of the country, along the Sava River, at the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain.
  • Zagreb is dubbed as a city of museums because there are more museums per square metre than any other city in the world. Museums are a huge time suck when you only have two or three days in a city, but I’ve included some in this itinerary just in case you’re a history buff. This doesn’t mean that there is nothing else for you to do if history isn’t your thing.
  • One of the many things that the Zagrebcani (the locals) enjoy is sitting in one of the numerous cafes watching the world go by. Honestly, I think there are more cafes per metre than people. In the evening, you can visit one of the many restaurants, grab delicious Croatian dishes like Black Risotto, and finish the day in one of the bars or clubs. Whatever you choose to do, you are guaranteed to have a good time!
  • The necktie was invented in Croatia.
a city with red roofs and a church | city of Zagreb

Where To Stay In Zagreb

a burgundy accented bedroom with a bed and a chandelier in a Zagreb hotel

Art Hotel Like

Art Hotel Like is located in the center of Zagreb, just a few minutes from Ban Jelacic Square. It offers comfortable accommodation and unrivalled comfort.

a bedroom with striped walls and a bed in a Zagreb hotel

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel

Dating back to 1925, The Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is one of Zagreb’s most famous and gracious buildings. It’s one of the first buildings you notice when leaving the train station. It offers supreme luxury, with beautifully designed rooms blended with the delicate combination of Art Deco heritage and contemporary style.

a large white hotel building with trees and people walking around

What To Do In Zagreb

Day 1

Glavni Kolodvor (Central Train Station)

I usually start every morning with a coffee spot, but here in Zagreb, there are so many of them. Just choose one, get your fix and move on. There’s a good one outside the train station, so let’s start there…

Aside from being the main train station in Zagreb, Glavni Kolodvor is an amazing testament to neoclassical architecture. Under the supervision of Hungarian architect Ferenc Pfaff and Hungarian sculptor Vilim Marchenko, Glavni Kolodvor opened in 1892. Over the past 125 years, Zagreb’s central station has maintained its integrity as a stunning and unique train station that features newspaper and bakery kiosks and a chapel.

This train station tends to be a well-travelled hub for people travelling to other parts of Europe. If you’re passing through, be sure to spend some time exploring the city. Here is the perfect one-day itinerary for exploring Zagreb by my good friend Allison Green.

the Zagreb Central Train Station building with people walking around
a statue of a man on a horse
King Tomislav Square

Kneza Branimira (Graffiti Wall)

Back in 2010, Goga and I took a bus tour from Zagreb, Croatia, to Rome, Italy, and when we left the bus station here in Zagreb, we drove along this street with all this graffiti on the walls. I love graffiti and visit my very own Graffiti Alley here in Toronto quite often, as it’s constantly changing. You can find fantastic art pieces throughout Zagreb, but the biggest concentration is along the Knez Branimirova, known as the Branimirova Graffiti Hall of Fame. Learn more about some local artists HERE:

Ledeni Park (Ice Park)

Seeing the word Ledeni written out is funny as I just learned how to say “Iced Tea,” Ledeni Čaj. I’ve been using it every time I sit in a cafe – even if I don’t actually want Ledeni Čaj. The Ice Park is one of Europe’s largest skating rinks, with approximately two thousand square meters of ice to skate on – in the winter months, of course.

a fountain in Ledeni Park, Zagreb
the yellow Art Pavillion building in the city of Zagreb with it's dome roof

Umjetnički paviljon u Zagrebu (Art Pavillion)

Located in the Lower Town section of Zagreb, the Art Pavillion Zagreb is the oldest gallery in Southeast Europe. It was constructed in 1898 and is specifically designed to accommodate large-scale exhibitions.

Library of Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences

Founded in 1866 as the Yugoslav Academy of Sciences and Arts, The Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts is a vital academic institution in Croatia. It is accredited with having organized over one hundred scientific meetings and conferences, as well as “evaluating works of important Croats throughout history.”

Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters

Located in the Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters is a museum that boasts an impressive “fine-art collection donated to the city by Bishop Strossmayer in 1884.” The gallery hosts approximately 4,000 works, of which about 250 are kept on display.

Park Zrinjevac

Park Zrinjevac is the park I often refer to as “the Harry Potter Park” because the trees remind me of the films. Anyways, it’s a favourite part of Zagreb for locals and visitors. It’s a great location for picnics, a scenic stroll, or for attending one of the many events hosted in the park’s music pavilion, where concerts are held throughout the summertime. The park is lit up at Christmas with festive lights, holiday songs and holiday markets.

a fountain at Park Zrinjevac, Zagreb, Croatia
a fountain at Park Zrinjevac, Zagreb, Croatia

Ban Josip Jelačić Square/Trg

Ban Josip Jelačić is the central square in Zagreb and is named after Ban Josip Jelačić, a nobleman, military general, and aristocrat of Croatia. Although the square’s official name is Trg bana Jelačića, locals often call it Jelačić plac. Ban Josip Jelačić is one of Zagreb’s best places for local cafes and restaurants.

a statue of Ban Josip Jelačić on a horse in front of a building

This square is also my first official taste of what a “European Square” is like, so every time I come back, the little boy inside me gets excited – like I’m visiting Europe for the first time again.

a group of people walking in Ban Josip Jelačić Square
a group of people walking in Ban Josip Jelačić Square
a group of people walking in Ban Josip Jelačić Square

Zagreb Farmers Market (Dolac Market & Kumica Barica – Statue

The Zagreb Local Farmers Market/ Dolac Market is one of Zagreb’s most vibrant and lively spaces, which is probably why I love markets so much. Oh, and for the record – no one in Europe calls a market a Farmers Market. Goga tells me that as a child, her mother would go to the market every morning to buy what they wanted for the day. It was always fresh, always local, and what was in season.

Here in Zagreb, that tradition continues; the Local Market is always filled with colourful fruits and vegetables, whether rain or shine. The market was established in the 1930s and has been one of Croatia’s main grounds for the trading and selling of local and foreign goods.

a group of people walking around a building with a mural of a child's face at the Zagreb Farmers Market
a woman standing next to a statue at the Zagreb Farmers Market
a group of people sitting at a table with flowers at the Zagreb Farmers Market

Kitchen & Grill Plac

I love restaurants that are right around the corner from a market. I feel like it can’t get any fresher than that, right? Kitchen & Grill Plac is a small diner located just below the famous Zagreb market – Dolac.

Plac offers traditional meat delicacies served with fresh vegetables from Docal Market. Sorry if you’re vegan, but meat lovers get used to these words – cevapcici and pljeskavica, it’s ground beef like hamburger. The Plac has hamburgers and cheeseburgers made from only 100% beef from domestic breeding. Pair that with a nice selection of local wines and beers, and we are all set!

a group of people walking on a street past Kitchen & Grill Plac

Zagrebačka katedrala (Zagreb Cathedral)

The Zagreb Cathedral is a magnificent church dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, as well as both Saint Stephen and Saint Ladislaus. Like most long-standing churches, the Zagreb Cathedral was built on the site of a 12th-century cathedral that was desecrated and destroyed by the invading Tartars in 1242. The current church was constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries, and it is the tallest building in Croatia, standing at 105 meters.  

a city with red roofs and Zagreb Cathedral
a group of people outside of Zagreb Cathedral

Sveta Marija na Dolcu (St Mary at Dolac)

The Church of St. Mary on Dolce (Sveta Marija na Dolcu) dates back to the 13th century, originally a monastery but now a chapel. The church did not suffer any damage in the earthquake of 1880, so masses were held there while the cathedral was being repaired.

Today, St.Mary’s Church is surrounded by modern buildings erected after the renovation of Dolac in 1925 (when the Cistercian monastery was demolished).

front of the Church of St. Mary on Dolce, Zagreb, Croatia

Craft Room Zagreb

If you love craft beer like me, then the Craft Room pub is the place with superior beer, food, music, and entertainment. Get this: The bar has more than a hundred domestic and foreign craft beers, plus hamburgers, snacks, and several types of sandwiches.

I’m sure, at this point, you know how much I love beer. My good friend and occasional drinking buddy Yashy from Baby & Life put together a great Craft Beer Guide for Zagreb. Check it Out!

a group of people walking down a street with tents and people around through the Craft Room Zagreb
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to see all my latest videos!

Day 2

Victory Art Cafe

This coffee shop is pretty cool, and it’s out by the National Theatre, so I figure it’s a good place to start. Victory Art Cafe is an elegant Parisian-style coffee house with a cute summer garden and a great selection of coffees and cakes. The owners, who are antique collectors, have added a vintage feel and rustic touch to the furniture.

a group of people sitting at tables and chairs under umbrellas at Victory Art Cafe

Hrvatsko narodno kazalište u Zagrebu (Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb)

Believed to be a “neo-baroque” masterpiece, the Croatian National Theatre was established in 1895 to bring world-class drama, opera and ballet performances to Zagreb at an affordable price. Not only is the Croatian National Theatre a cherished institution of Zagreb, but it is also an impressive architectural feat reminiscent of the Palace of Westminster in London, England – just not as yellow.

the large Croatian National Theatre building in Zagreb with a green roof

Muzej za umjetnost i obrt (Museum of Arts and Crafts, Zagreb)

When it comes to capturing Croatia’s craftsmanship, the Museum of Arts and Crafts does so in such an amazing way. The museum exhibits furniture, textiles, metal, ceramic and glass that date back to the Middle Ages. The museum aims to preserve local, traditional craftsmanship and celebrate the culture of Croatia’s working class.

Yup, they have a lot of museums…

the large yellow Museum of Arts and Crafts building in Zagreb with a street and a streetlight

Muzej Mimara (Mimara)

Muzej Mimara is a Croatian art museum that houses the collection of art collectors, philanthropists, and husband and wife Wiltrud and Ante Topić Mimara. The museum has an impressive collection of 3,700 varied works of art, with, and I quote: “more than 1,500 exhibits constitute permanent holdings, dating from the prehistoric period up to the 20th century.”

Kamenita vrata (Stone Gate)

Located in the Upper Town (Gornj Grad) part of Zagreb, Kamenita vrata (the Stone Gates) are the remnants of the ancient city walls that once protected the old town of Gradec during the 13th century.  The Stone Gates offers the best views of old Zagreb.

a group of people walking in a tunnel in Zagreb
a Zagreb street with buildings and people walking

Crkva sv. Marka (St. Mark’s)

St. Mark’s Church in Zagreb was built during the 13th century (Romanesque Period). Since its construction, the church has only been able to preserve a window on the south wall and the foundation of the bell tower.

Architecturally speaking, the church has beautiful Gothic arches, a gorgeous shrine, and its iconic south portal (arguably one of the most stunning architectural works in Croatia). The church venerates the life and mission of St. Mark, the ascribed author of the Gospel of Mark.

the St. Mark's Church building in Zagreb with a tower and a colourful mosaic roof

Hrvatski muzej naivne umjetnosti (Croatian Museum of Naïve Art)

The Croatian Museum of Naïve Art is a fine art museum dedicated to the work of ordinary men and women of the 20th century whose artwork became widely celebrated over time. The museum holds over 1,900 local Croatian works of art, including paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints.

a large egg-shaped statue outside the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art

Museum of Broken Relationships

Yes, you heard me correctly, and yes, they really do have a lot of museums here!

Located inside the Kulmer Palace in Upper Town, this unique museum takes visitors on a one-of-a-kind emotional journey as they explore various aspects of break-ups. According to the museum’s website, “The Museum of Broken Relationships explores broken love and other human relationships – what they mean to us, what they tell us about what we share and how we can learn and grow from them.” Exhibits are composed of objects “donated anonymously by members of the public from all over the world.”

a Zagreb street with cars and buildings
front of St. Catherine's Church in Zagreb with people walking in the street
St. Catherine’s Church

Kula Lotrščak (Lotrščak Tower)

Located in the old town of Gradec (Upper Town), this fortified tower is located in Zagreb and dates back to the 13th century. Like the Stone Gates, the Lotrščak Tower was constructed to “guard the southern gate of the Gradec town wall.” The tower gets its name from the Latin phrase “campana latrunculorum,” which translates to “thieves’ bell,” referring to a bell hung in the tower to signal the closing of the town gates.

a tall building of the Lotrščak Tower with a tree next to it
a building with trees and Lotrščak Tower in the distance

Strossmayerovo šetalište (Outdoor Bar)

When it comes to enjoying the spectacular views of Zagreb, there’s almost no better choice than a stroll or jog along the Strossmayer promenade. Located underneath Lotrščak Tower, the Strossmayer promenade runs “along with the remains of Zagreb’s medieval defensive walls.”

a group of people walking down a path with trees and benches at the Outdoor Bar in Zagreb
a man walking in front of a building at the Outdoor Bar in Zagreb

Vincek slastičarnica

This family-owned dessert specialist has been up and running for 40 years! Owned and operated by the Vincek family, Slasticarnica Vincek has single-handedly “changed the cake and pastry image of Zagreb.”

Slasticarnica Vincek is famous for its custard slices served with whipped cream and quality chocolate. Slasticarnica Vincek is both locally and nationally celebrated for investing “in its production processes, shops and employees,” which has led Slasticarnica Vincek to become Croatia’s premier cake brand.

a group of people walking on a sidewalk in front of Vincek slastičarnica in Zagreb

Orthodox Cathedral Zagreb

The Zagreb Orthodox Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Lord, is a Serbian Orthodox Cathedral. Built from 1865-1866, the church was designed by Croatian architect Franjo Klein and is situated on the Petar Preradović Square in Zagreb. The church is designed in traditional Romanesque and Byzantine architecture.

a group of people walking in front of Orthodox Cathedral Zagreb

Pivnica Tomislav (Dinner)

When it comes to eating an amazing dinner at a reasonable price, Pivnica Tomislav is Croatia’s pride and joy. The restaurant serves local favourites like grilled chicken and potatoes with soup, along with a salad and dessert, at a price that’s probably ½ of what you think it would cost! Aside from serving some of Zagreb’s finest meals, Pivnica Tomislav is only a hop, skip, and jump from Ban Josip Jelačić.

overview of the city of Zagreb with many buildings and trees
a group of people standing on a roof
Goga’s best friend and her family…Live on the roof…sweet
a tie from the window of Pivnica Tomislav in Zagreb
**Croatia is also were the neck tie come from**

Day 3  

If you are considering a day trip relatively close to Zagreb, I would suggest Plitvicka Jezera National Park. It’s breathtaking. If you want to get some hiking in, then head up to Bear Mountain and Veternica Cave.

Another great destination, just under 2 hours away in the capital city of Slovenia, Ljubljana

Veternica Cave | Bear Mountain

Despite being Croatia’s sixth-largest cave, Veternica Cave is one of Zagreb’s most frequented tourist destinations! It offers visitors over seven kilometres of diverging canals and 380 meters of explorable cave space. The cave’s remote location calls for visitors to embark on a 50-minute bus ride/ hike to reach the cave; however, it’s well worth the hike!

If you are looking for remote places, how about an island that is virtually untouched and sits in Croatia’s beautiful Adriatic Sea? That island is called Vis, and here’s what you should do when you get there!!!

a woman standing on a bridge at Bear Mountain in Croatia with her arms up
a building with umbrellas and a wooden fence at Bear Mountain in Croatia
a small stream flowing through a stone tunnel at Bear Mountain in Croatia
a wooden post with a sign on it at Bear Mountain, Croatia
a map Park Prirode Medvednica on a log wall

FAQs

How Do I Get to Zagreb?

Before you can enjoy your newly created Zagreb itinerary, you will need to figure out how to get to the city. There are several different options for travelling to Zagreb.

If you’re already in Croatia, there is a good network of domestic trains to travel from one city to the next. This is one of the easiest and most affordable options. There are also long-distance buses, or you can rent a car if you prefer.

If you’re planning international travel to Zagreb, you can fly directly to Zagreb Airport (ZAG).

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Zagreb?

The good news is that there are many things to do and places to visit in Zagreb, regardless of the time of year. However, there are a few factors that could influence your travel plans.

If you plan to visit Zagreb during the holidays, the city transforms into a magical winter wonderland. The city is adorned with beautiful lights, and festive events take place throughout the city. Several Christmas markets can be found in the area, offering unique gifts and local delicacies.

For those who prefer travelling during nicer weather, the summer is incredible. However, the summer weather is peak tourist season and brings significant crowds. For those uncomfortable in big crowds, consider travelling in the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) to enjoy nice weather with fewer people.

How Many Days in Zagreb is Enough?

The city has a lot to do, but I believe the ideal Zagreb itinerary is 2 or 3 days long. This gives you enough time to explore the main sights or dive into those attractions that pique your interest without staying so long that the novelty of exploring a new city starts to wear off. Of course, this timeline will vary from person to person, depending on your interests and pace.

What is the Best Way to Get Around Zagreb?

If you have flown into the city, you can rent a car. However, if you prefer to save money, the city is very walkable. The city has a great tram system covering most of the city center for the few Zagreb attractions that are further apart. Bikes and scooters are available for rent, offering a fun way to explore the city during the warmer months. Of course, you can also call a taxi, especially if you plan to visit any locations outside the city limits.

Similar Posts

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *