Planning a Zagreb city break? Our locals share their favourite hangouts in Zagreb, Croatia, from reminiscing about former lovers and riding the shortest funicular in the world to cooling off in Jarun Lake or even indulging in a spot of skiing.
Enjoy the Croatian capital's many parks and quirky museums on a Zagreb city break.
Zagreb City Break - Day 1
Morning: Exploring the Historic Upper Town
8:00 AM - Start at Ban Jelačić Square
Begin your Zagreb city break in the heart of the capital, Ban Jelačić Square. Surrounded by shops, cafes, and historic landmarks, it's the perfect starting point for your mini adventure. This area used to be a market where vendors would have to pay 30% of their income in tax to sell there! The first buildings appeared here in the 17th century and soon after it became a strategic gathering spot between the Upper Town and the newer Lower Town. The square is still a popular meeting point for locals - you'll probably spot people lingering near the statue of 19th century national hero Count Josip Jelacic (the man on the horse) waiting for their friends, family, and lovers.
Grab breakfast from Dolac Market, a truly authentic thing to do in Zagreb.
8:30 AM - Stroll through Dolac Market
Head to Dolac Market, just a short walk from the square. This bustling open-air market has been providing locals with seasonal produce for over 80 years. Grab a quick breakfast of homemade cornbread and fresh fruit from one of the market stalls for an authentic Zagreb experience.
View from inside the Zagreb funicular.
9:00 AM - World's Shortest Funicular
Save your legs and make your way up to Zagreb's Old Town, the historic Upper Town or Gornji Grad, using the world's shortest funicular. The ride only goes 66 metres, but it costs just €0.66!
9:30 AM - Zagreb city views & Lotrščak Tower
At the top of the funicular you'll find a small park offering great views over the Lower Town. For €3 you can also climb the 13th century Lotrščak Tower for panoramic views of Zagreb. Every day at 12:00 the cannon here is fired to commemorate the legendary cannon shot fired at the Turks in the 15th century. This mythical shot supposedly hit a rooster, a bad omen which convinced the Turks not to attack the city.
St Mark's is one of the iconic Zagreb places to visit in the historic Upper Town.
10:00 AM - Visit St. Mark's Church
Wander the streets of the Upper Town and find the 13th century St. Mark's Church (Crkva sv. Marko) which is one of the oldest buildings in Zagreb. Admire its iconic tiled roof, depicting the medieval coat of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia.
Discover Croatian artists at the Croatian Museum of Naive Art.
10:30 AM - Croatian Museum of Naïve Art
Delve into the world of "peasant" art at the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art. This unique museum showcases over 1,900 works by self-taught artists, providing a captivating perspective on creativity.
Don't miss the Museum of Broken Relationships, a quirky and unique thing to do in Zagreb!
11:30 AM - Museum of Broken Relationships
Before leaving the Upper Town, reminisce about former lovers at the unique Museum of Broken Relationships. This emotionally-charged museum displays items from former lovers, each with its own poignant story. It's one of our favourite quirky and unique things to do in Zagreb!
Afternoon: Museums and Cultural Delights
Have lunch on lively Tkalciceva Street.
12:30 PM - Lunch on Tkalciceva Street
Explore Tkalciceva Street, a lively area on the edge of the Upper Town filled with cafes, bars, and restaurants that used to be Europe's first red light district in the first half of the 20th century. Refuel at a local eatery like the upmarket Pod Zidom, fine dining heavyweight Torero Restaurant, or Batak where you can try traditional-style cevapi (grilled minced meat sausages) or a classic Zagreb chicken schnitzel stuffed with cheese and ham.
2:00 PM - Zagreb City Museum
A short stroll from Tkalciceva Street is the Zagreb City Museum which was founded by the Brethren of the Croatian Dragon Society in 1907. Gain insights into the city's history through some 75,000 artifacts, completing your journey through Zagreb's rich cultural tapestry.
Step back in time at Zagreb's 80's Museum.
4:00 PM - Zagreb 80's Museum
For a more light-hearted take on Zagreb's past, don't miss the Zagreb 80's Museum. Visitors can step back in time to life in the former Yugoslavia, reading vintage cookbooks, riding in an ancient yellow Zastava car, and playing Atari and Commodore 64 computer games.
Evening: Refuel & Relax
7:30 PM - Dinner at Stari Fijaker 900
After some well-earned rest, head out to sample more traditional Croatian cuisine at Stari Fijaker 900, a local favourite close to Ban Jelačić Square. This homely restaurant specialises in classic local dishes at fair prices, like Sarma (stuffed cabbage leaves), Slavonian shepherd’s stew, and Pašticada (a rich beef stew served with gnocchi which hails the Dalmatian coast).
9:00 PM - Live music & drinks
End the night with some live music in the cozy outdoor courtyard at Bacchus Jazz Bar. Another popular local option is Rakhia Bar which is dedicated to Croatia's favourite spirit, rakjia.
Day 2
Morning: Outdoor Activities in Zagreb
Go for a row or take a dip in Jarun Lake, Zagreb.
SUMMER: 9:00 AM - Jarun Lake
Escape the urban hustle by heading to Jarun Lake. This recreational area offers a scenic retreat with opportunities for outdoor activities. Rent a bike, take a jog, or simply enjoy the lakeside ambiance. The cafes and restaurants along the lake provide a perfect spot for breakfast.
Skiing at Sljeme is a popular local pastime in winter.
WINTER: 9:00 AM - Skiing at Sljeme
For outdoor enthusiasts and winter sports lovers, nearby Sljeme offers an opportunity for skiing. The Medvednica mountain range, where Sljeme is located, boasts several ski slopes suitable for various skill levels. Enjoy the crisp mountain air and breathtaking views as you glide down the slopes. The resort is around a 30-40 minute drive from Zagreb city or you can take tram number 15 from the city center to the last station, Dolje. From Dolje, you can transfer to the bus line 140, which goes to Sljeme.
Afternoon: Science & Botany
The Technical Museum Nikola Tesla is a great thing to do in Zagreb with kids.
2:00 PM - Technical Museum Nikola Tesla
For a touch of science and history, visit the Technical Museum Nikola Tesla. Explore interactive exhibits, vintage cars, and the legacy of the famed inventor Nikola Tesla. Kids will enjoy exploring the many cars, trams, aircraft, and other vehicles on display, while adults can ponder Tesla's many wild and wacky inventions.
Zagreb's Botanical Garden is a pleasant retreat from the city.
4:00 PM - Botanical Garden
A short stroll away from the Tesla museum is Zagreb's Botanical Gardens. Grab a takeaway coffee and enjoy an hour or two wandering amongst the greenery.
Evening: Fine Dining & Farewell
End your Zagreb city break in style at Vinodol.
7:30 PM - Dine in style at Vinodol
End your Zagreb city break on a high at Vinodol, a refined restaurant with vaulted ceilings and gorgeous dishes right next to Zagreb's Archaeological Museum. Highlights include their homemade pasta with truffles, roast veal, and melt-in-the-mouth beef tenderloin.
Discover even more things to do in Zagreb here: Zagreb Beyond the Guidebook: 10 quirky things to do in Zagreb, Croatia.