Top 10 Things to Do in Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb, Croatia is a city that took me by surprise. What started as a stopover, quickly turned into my  favorite city we visited in Croatia. So, of course, I had to share my favorite things to do in Zagreb with a top 10 list! Check out the unique, fun and beautiful things to see and do in Zagreb, plus a few tips for top-rated places to stay in Zagreb for any budget!

St. Mark’s Church

St. Mark’s Church sits in the heart of Upper Town in Zagreb. This beautiful tile-roofed church was built in between the 13th and 14th centuries. Its original build was drastically renovated in the mid-14th century. The tiled roof (which came about much later in the church’s life) is its major claim to fame. The design to the left is the coat of arms for Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia. Then, the design to the right is the crest of the city of Zagreb. It’s a stunning work of art. To visit the inside, you have to attend a service there.

Overlook from Zagreb’s Upper Town

If you continue exploring Zagreb’s Upper Town, you’ll come across an overlook that allows you to catch some stunning views. In addition to the Cathedral of Zagreb, you’ll also see terracotta rooftops, towers, and windows. In addition to a great spot to stand and take Zagreb in, there are also benches to sit and enjoy a morning cup of coffee or a break from walking all over the city! The most notable landmark from this view is the Cathedral of Zagreb. This brings us to our next item on our top 10 things to do in Zagreb list…

The Cathedral of Zagreb

The Cathedral of Zagreb is a beauty. It dominates the cityscape, with its massive spires that can be seen from all over the capital. In fact, it’s the tallest building in all of Croatia! This is the latest form of the Cathedral of Zagreb because many changes occurred to the structure over the years fell to war, an earthquake and even an addition of a fortification. This beauty of a cathedral was also free to visit, which is a great for the trip budget! Notable features, other than the spires, are the coffin of the Cardinal Aloysius Stepinac and the clock face hanging on the wall outside of the cathedral. This clock is significant because it was on the church when the earthquake hit. So, the clock face is stuck on the time that the earthquake in 1880 occurred. Plus, it hangs on the remnants of the fortification that was built in the 15th century to protect it from the Ottoman invasion. It’s full of history and well-worth a visit.

Visit One of the Many Amazing Museums in Zagreb

Zagreb, Croatia is full of interesting museums, which is why it definitely makes the list of the top things to do in Zagreb – there’s something for everyone! From the Museum of Broken Relationships to Technical Museum, Nichola Tesla to museums focused on art, archaeology and ethnography! We only had one full day, so we landed on the Technical Museum, Nichola Tesla museum. It had a small part about Tesla and a lot about transportation and electricity and mining. It’s an interesting museum, especially if that’s what you’re interested in. On our next visit, I have a list of other museums I want to visit.

Wander the Grič Tunnels

The Grič Tunnels may seem like a strange thing to put on a list of the best things to do in Zagreb, but aside from being handy, they have such an interesting past! These tunnels were built during WW2 to be used as a bomb shelter, and of course, it also connected two roads in different parts of town. After falling into disuse, it was used again as a bomb shelter during the Croatian War of Independence just a couple of decades ago. (Interested in learning more about the Croatian Homeland Tour? Check out this tour!) Only a few years ago, though, it was opened to the public again to serve as a promenade, and it has a public restroom, which is actually super handy while walking through Zagreb all day. It’s just such a unique piece of history.

Ride (Or Walk Up Alongside) the Zagreb Funicular

The Zagreb Funicular is a quick way to get from Upper Town to Lower Town (and vice versa). Funicular’s are fun to ride and they offer a slightly different perspective. We didn’t actually ride the funicular up. Instead, we walked up beside it. We got the same view, but saved the small fee. Plus, there is a lot of interesting street art to see up and around there. If you take this walking tour this is included!

Get Fresh Produce + More at the Dolac Market (And Other Markets Too!)

Dolac Market (first photo above with red canopies) is the most popular market in Zagreb. They setup daily and sell fresh produce, handmade goods and more at this little market. It’s just down from the Cathedral of Zagreb so it shouldn’t be missed after stopping in there! In addition to Dolac Market, there are many pop-up markets begging to be explored. We sampled cheese, sauces and more!

Then Have a Picnic at the National Theater

After shopping for produce and snacks at the market, you can carry those over to the National Theater. Their grounds were in full bloom in the heart of spring and it’s the perfect spot for a picnic. Loads of people pass by, so you can people watch and you could also go in and check out a show for later that day! Even if you don’t have time for either of those things, you should at least pop by to check out the gorgeous architecture.

Search for Beautiful Street Art

I’m a huge fan of street art, so scoping it out as much as possible is always on the list in bigger cities. Many of my favorite works of street art in Zagreb were Tesla-themed. (In case it wasn’t clear, Tesla was from Croatia.) Others were less themed and funky. Regardless of the style, the street art scene here is worth checking out.

People Watch in the Amazing City Parks

After all the walking around, you’ll definitely appreciate finding a park bench and resting. The parks are spectacular for people-watching. Also, many have beautiful landscaping! One of my favorite parks is best known for something totally different, though: the archaeological remains beneath it! You can find those at Grič Park just above the Gricč Tunnels.

WHERE TO STAY IN ZAGREB, FOR ANY BUDGET

So, now you know exactly what to do in Zagreb, but where to stay? Here are some top-rated accommodation-options in all different price ranges and traveling styles.

SHOESTRING BUDGET
Hostel All Inn – $39 for twin private room with shared bath – This is actually where we stayed in Zagreb. It was a very basic, but it was also very comfortable. They have an airport pickup for a reasonable rate and the host is readily available if you need anything. 8.7 rating on Booking.com.
Fancy Hostel – $30 for double private room with private bath – You cant beat that price. This one seems to book up quickly! 9.2 rating on Booking.com.
Hostel Chic – $16 for an 8-bed bunk with shared bath – with a 9.1 rating on Booking.com in the heart of the city, this is the perfect location for a solo-traveler.

MIDRANGE BUDGET
Apartment TESLA – $66 for an entire apartment that sleeps up to 4 people – this 9.0-rated apartment has everything from a kitchen to a view. This would be a great option for families or a couple.
ZagrebRent Apartments – $67 for an apartment that also sleeps 4 – this apartment is 9.3-rated and is super close to the main bus station if you’re looking to day trip!

LUXURY STAYS
Note Luxury Apartments – $146 for an apartment that sleeps up to 4 people – this super cozy apartment has a beautiful patio and those extra-nice touches to make them, you guessed it, luxurious. Plus, it gets a 9.3 rating on Booking.com
Hotel Capital – $150-$300 depending on room size and daily deals – Looking for luxury? This is it. It’s fancy, gorgeous building, 9.8 rating, exceptional location, a wonderful breakfast and so much more!

Did You Enjoy This Post? PIN IT So Others Can Too!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you book a room with Booking.com or a tour with GetYourGuide.com through For the Love of Wanderlust, you will help me stay on the road + keep my site running at no additional cost for you.