Zagreb
Visited in April 2017
At a glance
- Country
- Croatia
- Region
- Croatia
- Population
- 767,131
- Best time to go
- April to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Zagreb Franjo Tuđman (ZAG)
- Coordinates
- 45.81°N, 15.98°E
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Overview
Croatia's capital is often skipped on the way to the coast, which is a mistake. Zagreb is an easy, likeable city of Austro-Hungarian squares, leafy parks and long café terraces, split between the hilltop Upper Town and the grid of the Lower Town below.
Life here happens outdoors: morning coffee that stretches to lunch, the produce market under red umbrellas and evening strolls along Tkalčićeva. It's compact enough to see in two days and makes a good launch pad for Plitvice.
Things to see
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Photo: Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 2.0 St Mark's Church
The tiled roof shows the coats of arms of Zagreb and the old Kingdom of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia.
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Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0 Zagreb Cathedral
Twin neo-Gothic spires rise over Kaptol, the old church town facing the Upper Town across a former stream.
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Photo: Waerfelu, CC BY 3.0 Museum of Broken Relationships
Ordinary objects donated by people after break-ups, each with its story; funny, sad and oddly moving.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Rilegator, CC BY-SA 4.0 Dolac Market
The city's main market, with farmers selling fruit, cheese and cream under red parasols above the main square.
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Photo: Fred Romero from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0 Mirogoj Cemetery
A peaceful cemetery framed by long ivy-covered arcades and domes, more like a park than a graveyard.
Things to do
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Photo: Suradnik13, CC BY-SA 3.0 Ride the funicular
One of the world's shortest funiculars hauls you up to the Upper Town and the Lotrščak Tower.
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Photo: Zysko serhii, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to Plitvice Lakes
Turquoise lakes linked by waterfalls and wooden boardwalks, about two hours away by bus.
Find tours -
Photo: Branko Radovanović, CC BY-SA 4.0 Advent in Zagreb
In December the squares and parks fill with lights, stalls, mulled wine and sausages.
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Photo: Aldenita, CC BY-SA 4.0 Walk in Maksimir Park
A large, old English-style park of woods and lakes east of the centre, home to the city zoo.
Where to stay
Lower Town (Donji Grad)
Central, flat and full of hotels and apartments, close to the station and the main square.
Hotels in Lower Town (Donji Grad)Upper Town (Gornji Grad)
Quiet, historic streets for those who want atmosphere over nightlife.
Hotels in Upper Town (Gornji Grad)Around Tkalčićeva
Lively bar and restaurant street below Kaptol, good for evenings out.
Hotels in Around Tkalčićeva
Getting around
The centre is walkable, and the blue trams cover the rest of the city frequently. Buy tickets at kiosks or on board.
Airport shuttle buses run to the main bus station in about 30 minutes, and a taxi takes around 20.
When to go
Late spring and early autumn are warm and pleasant for wandering. Summers are hot and some locals head to the coast, while December's Advent market makes winter a good time to visit despite the cold.
Plan your trip to Zagreb
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.