Scroll down for more Filled with vibrant markets, innovative museums, and easy access to stunning nature, Zagreb offers a perfect mix of culture and local life for a weekend getaway.
Welcome to the Capital of Croatia
Zagreb is a city shaped by its position, both geographically and historically. Located where the Central European and Mediterranean worlds meet, the Croatian capital developed as a strategic crossroads for trade, governance, and culture. Its core was formed on two medieval hills, Kaptol and Gradec, once rival settlements that merged in the 19th century to become the unified city we know today. Over the years, influences from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Yugoslav era, and modern European integration have each left a clear mark on its streets, institutions, and daily life.
Today, Zagreb offers visitors a distinct experience, one that blends Central European architecture with a Mediterranean pace of life. It’s a city where historical landmarks sit alongside contemporary art galleries, where green parks and open markets remain central to local life, and where culture isn’t curated for tourists, but lived every day.
Wandering Through Time: What to See
Zagreb is best explored on foot, district by district. Start in the Upper Town (Gornji Grad), the city’s oldest part. Here you’ll find the 13th-century Stone Gate, now a small shrine, and St. Mark’s Church, easily identified by its tiled roof featuring the coats of arms of Zagreb and the former Kingdom of Croatia. The Lotrščak Tower, dating from the 13th century, still marks noon with a daily cannon shot, a ritual that has become part of the city’s rhythm.
From there, take the short funicular ride to the Lower Town (Donji Grad). Built during the 19th century, this area reflects the influence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, with wide boulevards, orderly parks, and grand public buildings. Highlights include the Croatian National Theatre, the Art Pavilion, and Zrinjevac Park, all within walking distance of each other.
No visit is complete without time at Mirogoj Cemetery. Designed by architect Hermann Bollé in the 1870s, the cemetery features arcaded walkways and a domed central complex, surrounded by ivy-covered walls and monuments in multiple languages, a quiet reflection of Zagreb’s multicultural history.
What to Do
Zagreb’s cultural scene is full of surprises, thanks in large part to a growing number of unusual and creative museums. A fantastic way to explore these hidden gems is through the platform Museums, maybe, which brings together some of the city’s most unique and innovative museums, making it easier to plan a visit off the beaten path.
Among the standout spots is the internationally acclaimed Museum of Broken Relationships, where deeply personal objects from past relationships tell stories of love, loss, and human connection. Equally captivating is the Museum of Illusions, which opened in 2015 as the first of its kind worldwide. This museum invites visitors to challenge their perceptions through interactive optical illusions, holograms, and mind-bending exhibits that engage both children and adults alike. It’s an immersive experience that blends science, art, and entertainment, offering a fresh, playful way to experience culture in Zagreb.
For a more grounded experience of local life, head to Dolac Market, Zagreb’s vibrant open-air market located just behind the Ban Jelačić Square. It’s where locals shop daily for fresh vegetables, cheeses, meats, and fish. Many cooking classes begin here with a guided tour, teaching visitors how to prepare traditional Croatian dishes like štrukli (cheese-filled pastries) or pašticada (a slow-cooked beef stew with Dalmatian roots), offering a delicious insight into the country’s rich culinary heritage.
If you want a different perspective of the city, consider taking a panoramic flight from Lučko airfield just outside Zagreb. These short tours offer stunning bird’s-eye views of the capital, framed by Mount Medvednica to the north and the Sava River to the south.
For nature lovers, a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must. About two hours from Zagreb, the park features 16 interconnected lakes and a network of wooden trails winding through breathtaking waterfalls and lush forest. It’s one of Croatia’s most visited natural treasures, and travel agencies like Unlimited Croatia can organize private guided tours, including transfers and entrance fees, for a hassle-free adventure.
Where to Stay
Centrally located near Zrinjevac Park, art’otel Zagreb combines restored 19th-century architecture with contemporary design and rotating art exhibitions. It’s well-suited to travelers looking for both comfort and proximity to key cultural sites.
A short distance away, Canopy by Hilton Zagreb offers a modern stay in a former industrial building. The design features local artwork and nods to the neighborhood’s past as a textile hub. With easy access to restaurants, shops, and concert venues, it’s a practical base for exploring both the city and its emerging creative scene.
When to Go & How to Get There
Zagreb wears well every season. Spring arrives with cherry blossoms and café terraces buzzing with conversation. Autumn cloaks the city in golden leaves, especially in parks like Maksimir or Tuškanac Forest, ideal for slow walks and city breaks. In summer, the pace softens, as locals head to the Adriatic, leaving behind a quiet capital ideal for unhurried exploration. And winter? It transforms Zagreb into a festive wonderland, with its Advent market often ranked among Europe’s finest, a swirl of mulled wine, candlelight, and alpine nostalgia.
The city is compact, walkable, and well-connected. Direct flights arrive from most major European cities, and once you land, trams and taxis can get you almost anywhere in minutes. For those seeking a deeper connection, whether through food, heritage, or creative subcultures, Equilibri Travel designs bespoke itineraries that go beyond the usual routes.
