-Europe.Croatia.Zagreb-
Zagreb as the capital of Croatia is often overlooked by the country’s more popular coastal destinations. However if you have a day or even a few hours here, you might want to take the time to explore this very walkable city. Did you know that it also was bestowed the honour of being named “Best Christmas Market” by Europe Best Destinations 3 years in a row ?
So if you are here in December, maybe it is worth to pencil in Zagreb to check it out. Below are some of the highlights of the city center. We spent only a few hours here but came prepared with a checklist of things to see.
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Table of Contents
What to visit in Zagreb city center
I visited Zagreb a few years ago : completely unprepared of what to see and do , we were only at a nearby spa and thermal retreat and had some time in the afternoon. Then in December of 2024 , I decided to combine an overnight trip in Zagreb as the start of my semi-Balkan tour 2024 and to check out the famed Christmas market at the same time.
For resources how to get to and around Zagreb check out this post
Zagreb Lower Town (Donji grad)
Ban Josip Jelačić Square
Let’s start at the main square – you can’t miss it. It is definitively very happening with tram lines stop right in front and a statue of Ban Josip Jelačić standing stately in the middle.
As visitors, this is the most obvious meeting point by the statue. The area is car free making it even more lively with pedestrians strolling the square dotted with cafes and restaurants ; a perfect spot for people watching.
If you look around, the square is surrounded by buildings which bear similarities to the ones in Vienna, this is of course due to the Austro-Hungarian empire rule in the past.
King Tomislav Square
The square is located to the south of the Ban Josip Jelačić Square and is located between the main train station and the Art Pavilion (the grand yellow building in the picture) . In the different seasons , the square is transformed with flowers in spring and with an ice skating rink come winter.
We walked through it amidst Christmas markets when we arrived by train in Zagreb.
Dolac Market
Behind the Ban Josip Jelačić Square, up a flight of stairs you will find a big market place active in the morning from 7am till 3pm except on Sundays till 1pm. This Farmer’s market has been established since the 1930s and is the biggest one in Croatia. The most common recognition is the slew of uniform red parasols. We browsed through the market and is a good place to get some souvenirs from Croatia.
*Tip: Best to go before 1pm if you want to check out the market at its busiest.
*Note: For people with strollers or have an issue with stairs, there is an elevator as well.
Oktogon Zagreb
If you are in the vicinity, you might want to check out the Oktogon. It is not that easy to find via Google Maps somehow even though it connects two passageways. In the middle of it is the oktogon atrium roof. Fans of architecture can appreciate the finer details.
The Oktogon is a few steps away from the main square.
Grič Tunnel
The tunnel was built during World War II for civilian shelter during bombings. Today it is a tourist attraction and used for events. To me it felt more like a magical place that is somehow able to connect back to the city in 5 minutes even though it seemed to be nowhere close.
Zagreb Upper Town (Gornji grad)
Don’t be surprised if you come across a lot of staircases and uphill walks and then down again in Zagreb, as the city is divided into the Upper town which is the older part of Zagreb and the lower town which I have been describing in the section above. Dolac market according to people seem to be the border between the upper and lower town. Having been there I am still confused. I just know that there are lots of stairs!
Zagreb Funicular
The Zagreb Funicular connects the Lower Town with the Upper Town. If you are already fed up with all that stairs, then you won’t mind in the least to pay the Euro 0.66 cents for the one-way ticket.
It is a cheap way to experience the world’s shortest funicular. The ride takes about a minute and runs every 10 minutes from 06:30 – 22:00 daily.
Tickets can be bought from the ticket desk or the automated machines nearby.
Lotrščak Tower and Grič cannon
How do Zagreb-ians tell time ? Well , wait for the cannon to fire at noon of course. The cannon I am referring to is the Grič cannon atop the Lotrščak Tower in the upper town next to the Funicular station.
An artilleryman is tasked with firing the cannon at precisely noon daily. What a fitting way to announce lunch time in my opinion.
The Lotrščak Tower is very well-preserved and is named after the bell within which rang in the evenings to signal the closing of the city gates.
St. Mark's Church
The church is immediately recognizable by its colourful tiled-roof with the medieval coat of arms of Croatia and Zagreb. The church is only open for Mass , so attending is the only way to see the inside.
Tip: The changing of the guard event happens at noon on weekends in April – October at St Mark’s square.
Stone Gate
Legend has it that a great fire in 1731 burnt down everything except for the painting of the Virgin and Child leading to the belief that the painting possess powers. Today it is made into a shrine – at the Stone Gate which is the last remaining medieval gate in Zagreb.
Zagreb Cathedral
With its two Gothic spires raising high above , the Zagreb Cathedral is easily seen from anywhere in Zagreb. In fact it is the second tallest building in the whole of Croatia!
Note: temporarily closed for re-construction due to damage from the earthquake.
Zagreb Panoramic Viewpoint
Walk along the scenic Strossmayer Promenade from Lotrščak Tower to a view of Zagreb Cathedral in the skyline. No entrance fee , just awesome views
Zagreb - Quirky Museums
Zagreb sure has many museums for a not-so-big city. Here you find a list of the museums.
There are some quirky ones that has a unique theme like the “Museum of Broken Relationships” housing personal objects and mementos. Not surprisingly this is one of the most popular museum here. I have not been inside but I have been to the “Museum of Illusions” and had fun there.
What we ate in Zagreb
If you read my other posts, I am always on the lookout for Asian restaurants especially when I am in a city. Cause and effect of living in a small city in Austria, with not so many good options.
We came across a Korean restaurant as we were walking around – and just decided to go for it.
Cro.K Restaurant Zagreb
This Korean restaurant did not get extremely high ratings – however I really liked my Chicken Bulgogi. I thought the sauce was really good! My friends had the spicy version and it was spicy!
It is located very close to the Dolac market behind the main square. Check out the menu and prices here.
My Verdict: Recommended: I would definitely go back for another meal.
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On our first visits to Croatia we were only in port cities. But we really want to visit Zagreb one day. Great to read that this is a lovely city to visit for Christmas markets. We would certainly wander from square to square and enjoy the great architecture. And we love to visit the local markets in any city we visit. I love the idea of taking the funicular up for a panoramic view from above.
I do think a combined trip to experience the Christmas market would be very nice!
Zagreb seems like a great place to visit, especially that it’s not yet crowded with tourists. As a foodie, I’ll definitely like to visit the farmer’s market, knowing it’s the biggest in the country. I would definitely end up with a few fruits and vegetables from there. The bunker looks like an interesting place to see as well – I wonder how an event taking place there would look like.
Zagreb is often overlooked also by me , until I finally made it here . They had installations like art with lighting in the tunnel when I was there
Croatia is very much in our bucket list. Zagreb has so many varied things to do. My favorite would be to visit the Gric tunnel. Taking the funicular for views from the top would be so awesome. I am bookmarking your post for future reference. 😊
Ah that is good to hear , a short stop here is nice , in my opinion
When I was small, my best friend was Croatian and moved back home to Croatia for years (she was from Zagreb). We wrote each other letters while she lived there and I always wanted to go and visit; so many of the places she mentioned, you also mentioned here! I still need to go and see this beautiful city one day soon. 🙂
Definitely do it , Croatia has constantly amazed me as I live only less than 3 hours away
I have heard many beautiful things about Zagreb, and I am happy to know that there is so much to see and do in this beautiful place. I am particularly interested in seeing the Stone Gate and the Cathedral (I am so sad to hear that they were damaged by the earthquake), and the quirky museums look so fun.
Zagreb in Croatia is such a lovely place in Europe to visit and lot of tourist attractions in the offing. It’s great to know it has one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe.The grandeur of King Tomislav square, the spookiness of Gric tunnel making its way into the city, the elegant architecture of St. Mark’s church, Zagreb cathedral with the magical powers of Stone gate culminates my interest to explore this beautiful city. And what better way to behold its beauty than taking the ride up via the funicular.
Zagreb would definitely be on my wishlist for a trip to Croatia. I think it is more down to earth than the touristy coastal towns. I liked reading about your trip to Zagreb – it gives me some ideas what there is too see and do. Thanks!