What to See and Do in Croatia’s Charming and Underrated Capital?
Zagreb surprised us with its charm and rich history, making it a must-visit on any trip to Croatia. Starting our journey in the capital gave us the chance to dive deeper into the country’s past, including the recent events of the 1990s war that have left a lasting mark.
When we travel, we try to go beyond sightseeing—we want to understand the “why” behind the history of the places we visit. In Zagreb, that perspective made the city’s streets, museums, and monuments come alive in a meaningful way.
Getting to Zagreb?
Zagreb is well connected to Europe and beyond, making it easy to reach whether you’re coming from nearby countries or farther afield. By plane, Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG) is just about 15–20 minutes from the city center, with regular shuttle buses, taxis, and ride-share options to get you downtown.
If you’re traveling by train or bus, Zagreb is a central hub in Croatia’s network. International trains and buses connect the city to Ljubljana, Budapest, Vienna, and other major cities, while domestic routes make it easy to pair Zagreb with trips to Plitvice Lakes, Istria, or the coast.
For those who enjoy road trips, renting a car is a great way to explore not just Zagreb, but also nearby castles, vineyards, and small towns at your own pace. Keep in mind that parking in the city center can be limited, but many hotels and public garages make it manageable.
Whether you fly, take the train, or drive, Zagreb is easy to access and makes a perfect starting point for exploring northern Croatia.
Must-Visits in Zagreb?
Museums & Art
- *Museum of Broken Relationships– A quirky, emotional museum full of personal artifacts and stories of love and loss. A truly unique Zagreb experience.
- *Museum of Contemporary Art – Modern art exhibits and an impressive building; perfect for contemporary art lovers.
- *Zagreb City Museum – Learn about the city’s rich history, from medieval times to modern day.
- Museum of Naive Art – Showcasing Croatia’s famous naive artists in a colorful and charming collection.
Markets & Neighborhoods
- Dolac Market – The bustling morning market with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and iconic red umbrellas. Best visited early for the full experience.
- Gornji Grad (Upper Town) – Cobblestone streets, historic churches, and charming squares make this the heart of Zagreb’s old city.
- Strossmayer Promenade – A scenic walkway with views of the city and perfect for sunset strolls.
Landmarks & Views
- Lotrščak Tower – Climb to the top for panoramic city views and hear the daily cannon fire at noon.
- *Zagreb 360° Tower– Sip a drink at the top-floor bar while enjoying sweeping views of the city and surrounding hills.
TRAVEL TIP: The 72 hours Zagreb card covers entry to everything with an ‘*’
Day Trip Adventures from Zagreb?
On Day 2 of our Zagreb adventure, we rented a car for one of the most scenic day trips from Zagreb and drove about an hour north toward the Slovenian border to visit Trakošćan Castle—one of the most picturesque castles in Croatia.
The drive through the Croatian countryside was rainy nearly the entire way, but just as we arrived, the clouds finally parted and sunlight illuminated the castle grounds, making the fairytale setting even more magical.
The best part? We had Trakošćan Castle completely to ourselves. We explored every room, tower, and courtyard in total peace—something that rarely happens at such a popular historic site. Experiencing this beautiful Croatian castle without the crowds made it feel incredibly special.
If you’re searching for the best day trips from Zagreb or wondering what to do near Zagreb, a visit to Trakošćan Castle is an absolute must-see in northern Croatia.
And somehow, we had the entire castle to ourselves. 🤴🏽👸🏼
Best Panoramic View Points of Zagreb?
After an incredible day exploring Trakošćan Castle, we returned to Zagreb and headed up to the Zagreb 360° Observation Deck for sunset drinks and panoramic city views.
This rooftop observation deck in Zagreb offers one of the best viewpoints in the city. Grab a cocktail at the top-floor bar and enjoy sweeping 360° views of Zagreb, from the lively Ban Jelačić Square below to the rolling hills that surround the capital.
If you’re searching for the best sunset views in Zagreb or unique things to do in Zagreb at night, the Zagreb 360° Observation Deck is an unforgettable spot to end the day.
🌤️ Croatia Weather Tips?
Zagreb experiences four distinct seasons, sometimes all in a single day, so what you pack will depend on when you visit—but layering is key year-round. During our stay, we somehow managed to experience all four seasons in one trip, which made us especially glad we packed smart.
Spring and fall are pleasant times to explore the city, with mild temperatures and cooler mornings and evenings. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket or trench, and an umbrella for occasional rain showers.
Summer can be warm and humid, particularly in July and August. Pack breathable clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for daytime sightseeing—but don’t forget a light layer for cooler evenings or air-conditioned indoor spots.
Winters are cold and can be snowy, especially from December through February, so warm layers, a heavy coat, waterproof boots, gloves, and a scarf are essential.
No matter the season, Zagreb is very walkable, so supportive shoes are a must—and if you plan to visit Dolac Market or stroll through the Upper Town early in the morning, you’ll be glad you packed that extra layer.
Where to Stay In Zagreb?
Our Airbnb entrance was located right on Ban Jelačić Square— Even better, our room faced the back of the building, giving us a direct view of Dolac Market!
With our rental views overlooking of Dolac Market, we were able to watch the iconic red umbrellas go up each morning and come down again in the evening.
It was a wonderful place to stay, and I’d highly recommend the Main Square Residences to anyone visiting Zagreb.
Link to booking in Zagreb, Croatia: http://www.booking.com/Share-ljvLHO
What is it like to walk around the Dolac Market in Zagreb, Croatia?
Take a look here:
Why I’m Glad We Visited Zagreb, Croatia?
Visiting Zagreb, Croatia was one of the highlights of our trip. Beyond its stunning architecture and lively markets, the city gave us a deeper understanding of Croatia’s history and culture. Walking through the streets, exploring museums, and reflecting on the events of the 1990s allowed us to connect with the country on a meaningful level.
From quiet corners of the Old Town to historic landmarks, Zagreb offers experiences that go beyond typical sightseeing. We left feeling inspired, having discovered a city that perfectly blends history, charm, and modern life.
For anyone planning a trip to Croatia, Zagreb is a must-visit destination that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Next stop ->Motovun, Croatia
Until Next Time!
@thetravelingcoats
I love this! Thanks for sharing!
I didn’t expect to love Zagreb so much when I visited, but it’s such an underrated city! And the Museum of Broken Relationships was one of my favourite things there, I absolutely loved it!