Zagreb is a beautiful city with a tonne of exciting attractions, and it’s no wonder that tourism there is on the rise. The ancient heart of the Croatian capital is charming, and there are several stunning Austro-Hungarian structures dotted around the city.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Zagreb
It’s typical to see people enjoying coffee and people-watching on the terraces of local cafes. Zagreb has a lot to offer tourists, whether they’re into art and culture, history, or the great outdoors.
1. St. Mark’s Church
St. Mark’s Church, one of Zagreb’s most visited landmarks, is located in the centre of Upper Town, on the square of the same name. St. Mark’s Square is surrounded by various significant government buildings, but it is the church that draws the most attention because of its striking roof.
The checkered tiles, which prominently feature the coats of arms of Zagreb and Croatia, are a pleasant contrast to the gleaming white edifice under it and the blue skies above.
The church, which dates back to the 13th century and features Romanesque and Gothic architecture, is a lovely location to worship and explore. Indeed, the church’s southern portal is Gothic in style and features some superbly crafted miniature effigies.
The interior of the church is as beautiful, thanks to the stunning frescoes that adorn its walls and complement the exquisite facade. St. Mark’s Church is an important part of Zagreb’s history and culture and should be seen by anybody who visits the city.
2. Zagreb Cathedral
Zagreb Cathedral, which was consecrated in 1217, has had a long and difficult history, marked by many modifications and defeats.
Despite having been destroyed by the Mongols and badly damaged by an earthquake, the cathedral that remains before us today is a gorgeous building with breathtaking architecture. The twin spires of the cathedral, built in the Neo-Gothic style, can be seen from all throughout Zagreb.
The cathedral is still surrounded by the fortified walls that were formerly used as an observation tower during the Ottoman invasion. The interior of the cathedral, already one of the most stunning structures in the city, is even more breathtaking because to the many priceless works of art that adorn its walls.
It is a particularly sacred site, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, with the sarcophagus of the Blessed Aloysius Stepinac resting beside the main altar. The cathedral can’t be missed, as it’s located close to Zagreb’s central plaza.
3. Tkalciceva Street
Tkalciceva Street is a must-see when in Zagreb because it is where both locals and visitors go to have fun. A long, meandering lane with attractive tiny buildings and balconies, this area is named after a Croatian historian and is ideal for a romantic stroll.
Many places to eat, drink, and be entertained can be found along the sidewalks and streets. After you’ve had your fill of the best of the local fare, proceed to one of the many bars in the area. Tkalciceva Street features some of the best nightlife in Zagreb and is home to numerous establishments hosting live music performances.
4. Mirogoj Cemetery
Several of Croatia’s most illustrious former inhabitants are laid to rest in what is arguably the country’s most significant cemetery. Several notable politicians, artists, singers, and writers, as well as members of all faiths, are buried here, and their graves are marked by imposing monuments and statues.
It’s a tranquil and lovely place to stroll through a cemetery. The main entrance to Mirogoj Cemetery was created by the architect Hermann Bolle, and its spectacular architecture, which includes a dome, arches, and arcades, undoubtedly conveys the feeling that you are in a grand and dignified location.
5. Zrinjevac
Located in the heart of Zagreb, Nikola Subic Zrinski Plaza (or simply Zrinjevac) is a great area to people-watch and take in the city’s atmosphere. Its stunning architecture, tree-lined boulevards, and historic landmarks draw visitors from all over the world.
If you’re looking for a place to unwind in nature, look no farther than this sculpted landscape, which serves as both a park and a plaza and features attractive fountains and busts of notable figures.
The city’s fantastic archaeological museum and the country’s Supreme Court are just two of the many prominent buildings that line Zrinjevac. This park is a beautiful synthesis of art, architecture, history, and nature.
6. Museum of Broken Relationships
The Museum of Broken Relationships is an entertaining and unusual museum, as you can assume from the name. The museum, located in Zagreb’s Upper Town, appears to house an eclectic assortment of artefacts.
All of them were given to charity after a difficult breakup, so in a sense, yes. Display panels accompany each object, describing its significance and how it came to represent or characterise the end of the relationship. The Museum of Broken Relationships is unlike any other museum you have ever visited.
7. Funicular Railway
Zagreb’s funicular railway runs from the Lower Town to the Upper Town, connecting Ilica Street and Strossmayer Promenade every 10 minutes. Despite being the world’s smallest funicular ride (just 66 metres), it transports riders to a completely different portion of Zagreb (the city’s mediaeval quarter) after they reach the top of Gric hill.
Despite the small distance, many villagers have relied on it during the course of its 120 years of operation since it goes up a very steep side of the hill.
8. Jelacic Square
Jelacic Square, at the very centre of the city, is a vibrant, active hub. As such, it is a must-see if you find yourself in Zagreb. Jelacic Square is surrounded by the city’s commercial core, so you’ll find plenty of places to buy and eat.
People-watching is fantastic here because of the steady stream of passers-by. The square was given the name “Count Josip Jelacic” in honour of the man who commissioned the statue that now stands tall in the middle of the area.
9. Archaeological Museum
Because of its convenient location, Croatia has been ruled by and home to many diverse cultures over the centuries. As a result, the historical items discovered are fascinating. Whether you’re interested in gazing at a ritual jar from 2500 B.C. or shields and swords from the Middle Ages, the Archaeology Museum has something for you.
The museum houses nearly 450,000 objects, including beautiful examples of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian culture.
10. Lotrscak Tower
The Lotrscak Tower in Zagreb’s Upper Town has been a prominent landmark since the 13th century. The tower is a notable landmark that was built to guard the city’s southern entrance and provides spectacular vistas of the surrounding area.
Lotrscak, which literally translates as “thieves bell,” towers over the adjacent funicular train. To help churches in the city keep their bell schedules in sync, a cannon has been fired at noon for the past century. Almost everyone who visits Zagreb will walk by the iconic Lotrscak Tower at some point.
